UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS NAMES ITS 1999 OUTSTANDING TEACHER

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. —"A true passion for teaching". Few words ring more true as a description of this year’s recipient of the University’s top teaching award -- the 1999 Baum Faculty Teaching Award for Teaching Excellence goes to Dr. Ro Di Brezzo, kinesiology.

"I think it would be difficult for the University of Arkansas to identify a faculty member who has made a more distinguished contribution to teaching on this campus over the past several years than Dr. Di Brezzo," said Sharon Hunt, head of the department of Health, Kinesiology, Recreation and Dance.

"Dr. Di Brezzo has a special gift that she shares with students - she helps them to believe in themselves," Hunt said. "She truly has a passion for teaching, and it is evident to all those fortunate enough to be enrolled in one of her classes."

Di Brezzo’s commitment to excellence in teaching is substantiated by a lengthy list of her activities and achievements since coming to the University in 1983. A short list of her accomplishments includes being named as her college’s outstanding teacher in 1997-98. She played a lead role in developing the University’s Freshman Scholar Program. She served as a member of the Arkansas Teaching Academy and was one of the original Co-Directors of the Teaching and Faculty Support Center.

"Dr. Di Brezzo has made a distinguished contribution to teaching on the University of Arkansas campus, not only in the classroom teaching undergraduates and graduates, but also in designing and developing better teaching and retention techniques," said Charles Stegman, dean for the College of Education and Health Professions. "It is evident that Dr. Di Brezzo truly has a passion for teaching."

Being selected for such an honor by one’s peers is a true testament of accomplishment, but it may be the testimonials by her students, such as the following, that keep Di Brezzo inspired.

"Dr. Di Brezzo views her position not as a job, but rather a mission. She understands how important her role is in the education of each student in her class and her teaching style is one of adaptation and challenge."

"Dr. Ro Di Brezzo is an incredible teacher - few are. She cares that we learn; she comes prepared every day. Her energy is super and contagious. She is the kind of teacher you just want to hang with because the experience is challenging, enriching and intellectual. She is a scholar of the highest standard."

Di Brezzo admittedly may have a few unorthodox teaching methods, as she’s been known to come to class dressed as Groucho Marx and occasionally tosses candy out to her students as a form of fun interaction.

"One of the things I think is important is to have a sense of humor as well as clarity about what we’re trying to accomplish," Di Brezzo said. "Part of my philosophy is that hard work and commitment toward learning shouldn’t be painful. I always try to find something to laugh about . some days it’s me."

Having been teaching for close to 30 years, Di Brezzo said she’s learned to refine her craft over the years. "I think of teaching as a craft, and as with any other craft it takes discipline. You have to learn the tricks of the trade. I’d like to think I haven’t yet taught my best class."

Di Brezzo is the University’s third recipient of the Baum Award - a $5,000 tribute to the University’s outstanding teacher of the year. The award was established through a gift from the Charles and Nadine Baum estate.

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