2022 Marinus Smith Award Winners

Dr. Abby Hickcox

Dept: College of Arts and Sciences
Nominators: Cat Simmons, Dan Taslitz, Katie Faith Leonard, Gabrielle Eastwood, Geneva Todd,
Lauren Nelson, Mike Tran
“She gave me the ability to truly think critically. She gave me confidence in myself and my knowledge. She empowered me to use my knowledge. Because of Dr. Hickcox, I truly feel like I have the ability to lead our generation in a positive direction.”

Arielle Blum

Dept: College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Nominators: Carol Anne White, family member of William R. White
“Out of all of his professors, he often speaks about how much he appreciates the way Ms. Blum teaches, and how she encourages and works with students to help them succeed in their studies. As a parent I am grateful, because having such a supportive influence at this point in his education is important in inspiring my son to clarify and move towards his own dreams.”

Dr. Braden Balentine

Dept: Department of Mathematics
Nominator: Blake DeHaas
“Dr. Balentine goes above and beyond in each class to explain a very difficult topic to understand, Calculus 2, in a way that is easy to grasp. He gives detailed and easy to follow notes that walk through the entire process of an idea of a problem. He creates an environment in the classroom that is focused, but also open to asking questions and collaborating.”

Dr. Catherine Kunce

Dept: College of Arts and Sciences
Nominator: Grace Rojas
“Dr. Kunce was the only person who didn’t give up on me when everyone else did. Not only did she mentor and help shape me as a writer, she gave me life advice. Even now, two years post grad, she checks in on me. I owe my current career as a writer to her.”

Chris Koehler

Dept: College of Engineering and Applied Science
Nominator: Didrik K. Bacher
“He is super passionate about his field of expertise and by introducing many different leaders within the industry, it allows students to be exposed to various areas of study and career opportunities. His requirement for community service is mindful and shows commitment to providing a well rounded experience for the students while helping others in the community.”

Dr. Daria Bottan

Dept: College of Arts and Sciences
Nominators: Donna Funke-Otting, family member of Kyle Otting
“Ms. Daria Bottan’s dedication, wisdom and passion helps Boulder students become better human beings. We are thankful that she guides classes towards scholastic achievement and success; academically, she is creating Buff super stars.”

Debbie Yeh

Dept: College of Engineering and Applied Science
Nominator: Dario Garcia
“She helps set the path for countless of students, but allows for flexibility. In the fog that can be the ME degree, Debbie is the strong light that guides students, myself included, from our first day in a CU lecture hall, to walking across the stage in our Graduation Regalia.”

Dr. Andreas Becker

Dept: College of Arts and Sciences
Nominator: Karen Planalp, family member of Donald Rex Planalp Jr.
"Dr. Becker has provided guidance for Rex to excel, and when my personal knowledge stops at Quarks; it is a reassurance that my son has
the best in his professors at CU; specifically... Dr. Andreas Becker.”

Dr. Anne Dougherty

Dept: College of Arts and Sciences
Nominators: Tod and Robin Nasser, family members of Jay Nasser
“From their first interaction, it was clear that Anne made him feel important and not only answered all of his questions, but went further to help him understand all of the possible paths he could take over his college career. She worked with him to craft solutions that would ensure he was given the opportunity to learn the subjects that were most important to him.”

Dr. Mahmoud Hussein

Dept: College of Engineering and Applied Science
Nominator: Sian M. Miletich
“A genius in his field, he is nonetheless extraordinarily humble and was understanding and empathetic throughout. His positivity and passion for engineering is boundless. Thank you, Dr. Hussein, for your lasting positive impact on Rhiannon and for your genuine desire and commitment to do your best to help all your students be successful, to Be Boulder.”

Dylan West

Dept: Program in Environmental Design
Nominators: Pamela Douglas and Halley Douglas
“Dylan’s support for students goes above and beyond academic advising. He not only helps student navigate their path through the ENVD program, but also helps them develop as leaders and as future professionals in their field. Dylan is always responsive to the needs of ENVD students, whether it is providing valuable career insight or a shoulder to cry on.”

Elmer Ramos

Dept: Leeds School of Business
Nominator: Whitley E.A. Williams
“Mr. Ramos is passionate about connecting young professionals with potential employers and providing us with tools to excel in our future endeavors. The
tools helped me specifically to identify, reach, motivate and satisfy my customers.”

Dr. Hannah Glick

Dept: College of Arts and Sciences
Nominators: Sierra Morrow, Mckenna Wisch, Emily Shively, Brooke Leonard, Lauren Chung, Natalie Raden
“Dr. Glick goes above and beyond to make sure that each and every student feels welcomed and supported in the Audiology program, and I am sure in every other class she teaches. Additionally, she is a genuine, kind person that cares about each and every one of her students.”

Jana L. Jones

Dept: College of Arts and Sciences
Nominator: Sarah Brown, Damon Roberts, Sinan Nadarevic, Pavel Bacovsky, Ken Stallman, Alberto M. Burgos-Rivera, Komal Preet Kaur, Kimberlee Chang, Kathryn Schauer, Chris Jackson
“Jana is the glue that holds the political science department together. A common sentiment amongst graduate students in the department is that Jana is kind, supportive and is always incredibly helpful with coordinating all of the important graduate program milestones.”

Dr. Jihye Park

Dept: College of Arts and Sciences
Nominator: Christian Wagner
“Dr. Jihye Park is a talented chemist who epitomizes the strive for achievement. She is strong-willed, motivated, and determined to focus on
specific tasks and complete them immediately. She is also present to help answer any question with nuclear force, whether it be online or face-to-face.”

Dr. Noah Finkelstein

Dept: College of Arts and Sciences
Nominator: Ed Nebens, family member of Brady Nebens
“Dr. Finkelstein's kindness and understanding as well as his many offers to assist Brady with Physics and any other area as a mentor, even though my son is not a science major, really impressed me. Occasionally professors can focus more on rules and procedures versus Dr. Finkelstein who focused on growth and learning.”

Orville Jennings III

Dept: CU Athletics
Nominator: Hailey Schalk
“Orville has shown a ton of care and concern for our players. He has listened and invited our communication
and concerns. He has made us as women feel welcomed, appreciated, and respected.”

Dr. Patrick Kociolek

Dept: Research and Innovation Office
Nominator: Alison Hicks Greifenstein, family member of Jeremy Greifensten
“Dr. Kociolek has been a mentor and has opened a world of opportunities to my son Jeremy. He has been generous with his time and sharing of his own professional journey. He has been a trusted source to turn to for guidance in the profession.”

Rachel Lee Lavine

Dept: Program in Environmental Design
Nominator: Bailey Freeman
“Not only did she inspire and excite the class about the topics, but she also brought a positive and kind attitude to class every single day. As a person, I felt seen and heard - which was a big deal, especially because I was still adjusting to college and was actively in search of friends or someone who acknowledged my presence.”

Ross Taylor

Dept: College of Media, Communication and Information
Nominator: Jordan Longley
“Every week I go to Ross’s lectures—and every week I leave feeling inspired to work that much harder towards my goals. I felt fortunate when I was accepted to CU Boulder to pursue my dream of being a photojournalist—I feel even more fortunate for having Ross Taylor as my professor this semester.”

Sara Abdulla

Dept: Alumni Association
Nominator: Julianne Marsh
“She pushes me, she supports me, and I know that she will always be in my corner. Sara is always someone I will look up to, and
I will probably always be inspired by her leadership. She makes me want to be a better person and strive for bigger things.”

Dr. Shilo Brooks

Dept: College of Engineering and Applied Science
Nominator: Nico Madrid
“Professor Brooks consistently displayed enthusiasm and he was energetic and spent his time getting to know the students in our
classroom. For me, he made a big college environment in a new state feel personal.”

Vanessa Napier

Dept: Leeds School of Business
Nominator: Donna Funke-Otting, family member of Kyle Otting
“Recently, there has been dialogue about the current career path chosen by Kyle, and if business is the right degree for him. This is what college is all about: exploring, engaging and renegotiating different career options that are unexpected. Ms. Napier has been involved in the whole process, and our son has been on the receiving end of an unexpected counselor ‘gift’.”

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