These prestigious awards are presented to individuals who display extraordinary excellence in one of three categories representing the Land, Sea and Space Grant mission of the University of Alaska Fairbanks - teaching, research and public service. Individuals receiving an Emil Usibelli Award are being recognized for their exemplary contributions to the discovery, communication and use of knowledge.

These awards have been presented to individuals whose accomplishments are extraordinary. We will share with you a few of the reasons these award-winners were chosen.

Teaching

Dr. Yelena Matusevich
Whereas Dr. Yelena Matusevich has served the University of Alaska Fairbanks with distinction since 1990; and has been the driving force behind the revitalization and subsequent growth of the University’s French language program; and

WHEREAS Dr. Matusevich has created and maintained a classroom environment wherein she uncovers and promotes the development of students’ talents and abilities; and encourages in them a spirit of critical inquiry and exploration; and

WHEREAS Dr. Matusevich has gone beyond the traditional confines of the classroom to incorporate outside influences and learning opportunities for students and community members alike, through her participation in and development of language and cultural activities with local native French speakers, thereby strengthening the ties between the University and the community;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the University of Alaska Fairbanks takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Yelena Matusevich; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in teaching demonstrated by Dr. Yelena Matusevich, bestows upon her the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award on this day of May 7, 2007.

Dr. A. David McGuire
WHEREAS Dr. A. David McGuire has served the University of Alaska Fairbanks with distinction since 1995; and has brought prestige to the University through research that has improved understanding of the role of terrestrial biological processes in global climate systems, particularly as they relate to high latitudes; and

WHEREAS Dr. McGuire has maintained a vigorous research program that actively seeks the participation of undergraduate and graduate students, availing students of the opportunity to work on innovative research as part of their educational development; and

WHEREAS Dr. McGuire has won international acclaim for his prolific and wide-ranging research; and has been awarded numerous grants, awards and honors; and has established a body of work that will continue to influence the science of global warming for generations to come;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the University of Alaska Fairbanks takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. A. David McGuire; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in research demonstrated by Dr. A. David McGuire, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Research Award on this day of May 7, 2007.

Service

Dr. Shirish L. Patil
WHEREAS Dr. Shirish L. Patil has served the University of Alaska Fairbanks with distinction since 1983; and has distinguished himself as a volunteer of seemingly limitless energy and enthusiasm; and

WHEREAS Dr. Patil has contributed many hours in service to the University at all levels, in positions as diverse as faculty advisor, Faculty Senate member and department leadership roles; and has represented the University with great aplomb through his work with dozens of local, national and international organizations, committees and boards; and

WHEREAS Dr. Patil has greatly enhanced the University’s efforts to recruit a talented and diverse student body through the development of a sister-city relationship with Pune, India, thereby encouraging the enrollment of students from that region at the University;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the University of Alaska Fairbanks takes great pride in the achievements and contributions of its faculty and extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Shirish L. Patil; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University, in recognizing the extraordinary excellence in service demonstrated by Dr. Shirish L. Patil, bestows upon him the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Service Award on this day of May 7, 2007.

UAF photos by Todd Paris