Marinus Smith Awards

Award Criteria

The nominee must advance the quality of education or the student experience at CU Boulder.

The nominee should model the integrity and ethical conduct that we expect of our CU Boulder students.

The nominee should demonstrate a high degree of respect for the contribution of every member of the CU Boulder community.

The nominee's actions should benefit the CU Boulder community by demonstrating excellence in their service and fostering a campus environment of inclusion, collaboration and personal responsibility.

History of the Award

The award is named after Marinus Smith, a 19th century Boulder resident who made significant contributions of land and money to support the establishment of the University of Colorado Boulder. Marinus G. Smith is a Colorado pioneer who made significant financial and land donations that made it possible for the university to locate in Boulder at the base of the Flatirons. In 1872, Marinus G. Smith, Anthony Arnett, and George and Mary Andrews donated 52 acres on the barren bluff south of town.

Two years later, the territorial legislature appropriated $15,000 for a building if the people of Boulder could match it. When Marinus G. Smith was asked by Professor J. Raymond Brackett if he would live to see the tree he was planting bear fruit, Smith replied , “Old men plant trees; young men can’t wait.” Smith, whom everyone called “Marine,” donated part of his University Hill acreage to the University of Colorado. Marine Street has been named in his honor.

View Past Recipients

Marinus SMith

2020 Marinus Smith Winners

Leslie Blood

"Leslie shows that she cares about every person in the room, and she makes space for everyone to share their experiences. Often this kind of sharing involves some level of vulnerability."

Garrett Bredeson

"I have not met a professor who cared more about their students success than Garrett. His classes hold a kind of excitement that is infectious to all his students, and this effect can be felt from 1000-4000 level classes. Personally, I feel honored to have been his student, and there is no candidate who I believe would be more deserving of having their dedication and passion for teaching recognized in an official capacity."

Janet Casagrand

"Dr. Casagrand is an extraordinary professor for so many reasons. First and foremost, she is invested in the success of her students. Aside from being invested in her students and generous with her time, she designed her class in a way that was not only interesting and engaging, but in a way that helped her students understand exactly what they were expected to know. Most of all, Dr. Casagrand stays up to date on education research and uses evidence-based approaches to teach her classes."

Alison Cool

"Dr. Cool makes the choice every day to invest in and support the success of her students, and this investment makes me want to be my very best self, academically and beyond. "

Scot Douglass

"Scot consistently goes above and beyond for EHP students, designing a curriculum and a community that challenges, inspires, and supports students. His Critical Encounters classes are beloved and referenced by all who take it, and his legendary presence is outmatched only by his true genius and kindness."

Iskra Nikolova Fileva

"I cannot express in words the influence and aid Iskra has had on not only my academic career but my personal life as well."

Ioana Fleming

" Dr. Fleming told us after our first midterm that the most important thing in college is learning new things and trying new things and making mistakes, and that to focus on grades was to be here for the wrong reasons. Her classes are hard, and you may not get an A, and this is a good thing, because you will get even more out of them. I know I did."

Rahil Gandotra

"Rahil is a great example of “going above and beyond” to help students succeed. I know he has helped some of my peers prepare for interviews which has nothing to do with his TA responsibilities, and he genuinely wants people to excel in our industry."

Leland Giovannelli

"She brought in Valentine’s to share with all of her classes, as well as the anybody in the Engineering Lobby. Even a symbol that small represents Dr. G’s impact on her students and community."

Diane Hirschhorn

"It was her attitude towards each individual's success that blew me away and influenced me to work harder. She is so genuine and considers every suggestion so seriously I wanted to let her know how thankful I am to have had a teacher and a mentor like her."

William Kuskin

"Dr. Kuskin is the most dedicated and passionate professor I’ve had the privilege to be taught by at CU. He doesn’t shy away from challenging conversation, promotes a collaborative and close knit learning environment where everyone gets to know each other, and makes classes interactive and fun with field trips, guest speakers and lively discussions."

Matthew Pike

"He was one of the most effective teachers I’ve ever had, he was able to introduce the class to simple logical proofs, analytic argument construction, and critical thinking."

Kristina Spaeth

"Kristina has continued to help me every step along the way. She has been the most helpful advisor I have spoken to, and meeting with her each time it is obvious that she truly cares for my success."

Matthias Steup

"Matthias is somehow both humble and uncommonly kind. I am a better student and a better person for having Matthias in my life."

Jennifer Sullivan

"Not only does Jennifer strive in everything she does, she makes herself available no matter how many things she is juggling. "

Ajume Wingo

"Ajume has made me into the scholar I am to today with the faith he has in me and the faith he inspires me to have in myself."

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