Dr. Eric Durant ’98, professor and computer engineering program director, received the Oscar Werwath Distinguished Teacher Award. The award was established by the university in 1967 to recognize excellence in teaching. All nominees for this award must have a minimum of seven years of full-time service to MSOE. Students choose the award winner through two rounds of voting. On their ballots, students described Durant as a passionate teacher who clearly wishes for students’ success; extremely dedicated to being the best educator and mentor he can be; incredibly nice and humble; helpful to students, even those he hasn’t met before; by far the most caring professor I have ever had; and he always makes times to answer questions outside of class.

Kathy Griesmaier, Bookstore assistant manager, was awarded the Johanna Seelhorst Werwath Distinguished Staff Award. This award is given annually to the employee who is considered to possess those attributes of excellence of character, outstanding ability, a high order of integrity, loyalty and dedication to duty and a sincere willingness to cooperate with others in maintaining the highest standards of staff performance and service to students, Regents, faculty, other staff members, and the public. All nominees must have seven or more years of full-time service as a staff member. Officers of the university are not eligible for this award nor are previous award winners. The award recipient is voted on by MSOE faculty and staff, who described Griesmaier as friendly and professional; incredibly helpful; embodies the spirit of customer service; a joy to work with; treasured colleague; and truly committed and passionate.