Kenneth Sufka, professor of psychology, and John Winkle, professor of political science, received the 2005-06 Frist Student Service Awards.
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Chancellor Robert Khayat (right) congratulates 2005-06 Frist Award winners John Winkle (left) and Kenneth Sufka (center). |
The Frist Awards were established in the early 1990s with a gift from the late Dr. Thomas F. Frist of Nashville, a 1930 UM graduate. Each spring, the Office of the Chancellor invites students, alumni, friends, faculty and staff to submit nominations. Recipients are awarded $1,000 and a plaque, and are recognized during commencement.
“In 16 years of formal education I have never met a teacher more dedicated and passionate about what he does,” wrote one student in nominating Sufka, who is also a research professor at the National Center for Natural Products Research and the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. “His reputation precedes him. Through his love for teaching and willingness to go the extra mile, he has forever impacted the students of our beloved university.”
It is the kind of impact Sufka has sought throughout his 13 years at UM. “I’m certainly humbled by my students’ nomination letters,” he said. “I’m just trying to be the very best teacher, mentor and friend that I can be.”
Several of the nominations for Winkle pointed out his commitment to the department’s mock trial program, for which the professor volunteers his time.
“Last year, we earned our first bid to the national tournament, thus bringing important visibility to Ole Miss and its students,” said Winkle, who has taught constitutional law courses in the political science department for more than 30 years. “We want to continue our success and expand undergraduate participation in our program.”
In nominating Winkle, one student wrote, “The greatest act of philanthropy a teacher can do for a student is to give of his time, and Dr. Winkle gives of himself and his time constantly.”
To Winkle, such remarks are the highest honor.
“I’m humbled by this honor, especially since it came from student nominations,” he said. “I respect my students and work to help them succeed inside and outside the classroom.”