2007 ODK Teaching Award: Patrick J. Sellers

Associate Professor Pat Sellers talks with Hannah Rogers-Ganter '08 after winning the ODK Teaching Award.

The Omicron Delta Kappa teaching award is presented to a faculty member who best exemplifies dedication and commitment to teaching both inside and outside the classroom. This year’s candidate is well known for his enthusiasm, for bringing classroom material to life. His dedication and commitment to teaching extends well beyond the classroom and into the daily lives of his students. Thus, Omicron Delta Kappa recognizes Dr. Pat Sellers as this year’s recipient of the ODK Teaching Award.

Dr. Sellers’ enthusiasm for American politics, as one student writes, “is only surpassed by his passion, empathy, and love for his students.” For example, while Dr. Sellers sets ‘official’ office hours, as a student observes, “anyone in his class quickly realizes, he can’t help but keep his office door open while he’s grading or writing at his desk. Fundamentally, I think he feels extremely guilty at the thought that a student who needs his help would be deterred or discouraged by a closed door. This attitude drives his approach to his job—‘my work can wait if a student needs me.’ ” Thus, ODK honors Dr. Sellers’ achievements by recognizing him as the recipient of the 2007 ODK Teaching Award.

2007 ODK Staff Awards
Edward “Ed” Michael Rutkowski 
Adelia “Dee” S. Phillips

Ed Rutkowski and Dee Phillips were awarded for their efforts and care in dining services and in establishing the new Outpost cafe on Patterson Court.

The Omicron Delta Kappa Society recognizes annually a staff member who has excelled in his or her services to the Davidson community. This year, Omicron Delta Kappa would like to acknowledge two individuals who have contributed immensely to student life and have gone beyond their duties to make the Davidson experience better for all.

Thus, Omicron Delta Kappa wishes to present the 2007 ODK Staff Award to Dee Philips and Ed Rutkowski. Dee and Ed have both gotten to know many of the students on this campus through their efforts in Vail Commons and the Union Café, respectively. A student writes: “This year, though, they have gone above and beyond their responsibilities by taking on the job of making the Outpost a reality. Both were instrumental throughout the planning process, as they took the venture as a new challenge and a new way to reach students. Ed and Dee have also made sure the Outpost got off the ground successfully. Ed has been there almost every night until closing, making sure his staff and students are happy and taken care of, and Dee has typically been right alongside him.” For their contributions to the Outpost and for their efforts in maintaining the smooth operations of the Commons and the Union Café, ODK thanks Dee Philips and Ed Rutkowski for their efforts and contributions. 

2007 ODK Community Award: Ruth Anne Maxwell Vagt

Ruth Anne Vagt was awarded for her tireless service to Davidson over the past decade.

The Omicron Delta Kappa Community Award is given annually to an individual who has significantly impacted the greater Davidson community. This year’s recipient has contributed to the Davidson experience for nearly a decade and is intimately connected with the College. Her commitment to Davidson is reflected in her involvement in all things Davidson. Thus, Omicron Delta Kappa recognizes Ruth Anne Vagt as this year’s recipient of the ODK Community Member Award. A mother of two Davidson graduates, Ruth Anne has supported the Davidson community to the point where a colleague observes, “Davidson is her life.” Her deep understanding and connection to Davidson is reflected in her involvement with students, faculty, staff, and trustees. She regularly opens her home to the Davidson community, hosting numerous events throughout the year. Another colleague observes, “Ruth Anne is gracious and welcoming--she is the calm amidst the storm that is Bobby.” And according to President Vagt, she is “a full half of all that has happened.” Thus, Omicron Delta Kappa wishes to thank Ruth Anne for her dedication to Davidson by presenting her with the 2007 ODK Community Member Award.

Student Government Association Faculty Award: Durwin Striplin

(l-r) SGA President Chris Burton '08 congratulates Associate Professor of Chemistry Durwin Striplin with the SGA Faculty Award.

The Student Government Association Faculty Award is given annually to a member of the faculty who has proven to be an asset in the classroom, and who has also displayed a strong interest in the lives of students outside the classroom. This year’s recipient is a beacon of enthusiasm, whose charisma and dedication to teaching inspire all of those around him. On behalf of the student body of Davidson College, the SGA presents the 2006-07 SGA Faculty Award to Dr. Durwin Striplin.

One student wrote, “Dr. Striplin is a great character, and he kept me so engaged learning about chemistry. He has a brilliant way to take boring topics and make them so interesting and applicable. He is very willing to meet with you at any time. He has performed in theater and is invested in the Davidson community. He gives the students energy.” Another wrote, “The research opportunity that students have with him is actually incredible. I observed him as he was giving out awards, and the passion with which he shook the students’ hands was amazing.” The SGA wishes to thank Dr. Durwin Striplin for his tireless commitment and dedication to the lives of Davidson students by presenting him with the 2006-07 SGA Faculty Award.