2008 ODK Teaching Award: Dr. David William Martin

Omicron Delta Kappa would like to present this year’s teaching award to a professor known for outstanding dedication to his students. It is clear, as one of his students notes, that he “is one of the most generous, most community-minded people on this campus.” This year’s recipient of the Omicron Delta Kappa teaching award is Dr. David William Martin.

When you hear of his wide-ranging commitment to students, you begin to understand his strong addiction to coffee. Last year four students approached Dr. Martin to teach an independent study in advanced econometrics, which he agreed to do despite already being scheduled to teach a full course load. This was a notable sacrifice, but there is a catch: there was no textbook for the course. As one of his students explains, in order to teach the class, “Dr. Martin wrote a chapter of a book: a ten-page paper three times a week as a blue print for what would eventually become a textbook.” Dr. Martin is also known to regularly e-mail students at 1 am with homework tips and will bring fresh coffee to students working late into the night. Outside of academics, Dr. Martin is known as the professor who attends all of his students’ sporting events, even standing for their duration when seats are not available. And as if that weren’t enough, Dr. Martin led the 2006 Semester in India program. Students remember regularly seeing him work late into the night helping with academic schedules and organizing group trips.

In honor of his undeniable dedication to students as individuals, both in and out of the classroom, Omicron Delta Kappa recognizes Dr. David Martin with this year’s teaching award.

2008 ODK Staff Award: Wendy Mayer Roberts

Each year Omicron Delta Kappa recognizes one college staff member whose devotion to the school epitomizes the Davidson spirit and ideals. President Ross has been known to say of this year’s recipient, “She really runs the college.” Thus, Omicron Delta Kappa is thrilled to recognize Ms. Wendy Mayer Roberts as the recipient of this year’s Omicron Delta Kappa staff award.

As Administrative Assistant to the President, Ms. Roberts demonstrates selfless dedication to the entire college community. As a former president of Davidson College explains, “There was no Herculean feat she would not happily perform - literally, joyfully - regardless of time consumed or personal cost, if the prize were some benefit to a student, some comfort to a parent, or some act that burnished the image of Davidson College in the eyes of a visitor.”

This year Ms. Roberts faced the Herculean task of coordinating the logistics behind the trustees’ efforts to send Davidson students to Detroit for the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight basketball games. As a coworker notes, “No one was more devoted to this project than Wendy Roberts. When two buses cancelled at the last minute on Thursday, Wendy stayed in the office calling charter companies until she replaced them at 12:15 a.m. on Friday. She was back on campus at 4:00 a.m. that morning to help load the buses. A similar thing happened on Saturday night when she was here until after 10:00 p.m. only to return at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning to meet students and load buses. One of the riders on the Friday bus was surprised to learn that it was snowing in Detroit. When Wendy heard her say, “Oh no! I didn't even bring a coat," she took off her own coat and gave it to the rider.”

Thus, it is my honor, on behalf of the Davidson circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, to present this year’s staff award to Ms. Wendy Mayer Roberts. 

2008 ODK Community Award: Tanya “Diane” Means

The Omicron Delta Kappa community award is presented annually to an individual who regularly makes a meaningful and significant impact on the greater Davidson community. This year’s recipient has affected the lives of not only Davidson students, but countless families and children throughout Davidson and Cornelius. Thus, Omicron Delta Kappa recognizes Ms. Tanya “Diane” Means with this year’s community award.

Ms. Means is the Director of the After School Tutoring and Enrichment Program at the Ada Jenkins Center. She is responsible for staff and over 70 volunteers who work with at-risk elementary school students at the program. As one Ada Jenkins board member explains, Ms. Means’ “unwavering commitment to children and consistent professionalism set the tone for this exemplary program, which has established itself as a model for others to follow. Because of her approach, children in the program feel a sense of belonging and connection to Diane and her staff that forms a solid foundation for academic growth and development. In summary, I would describe Diane's approach to leadership this way: she expects nothing but the best from students, their families, staff, and volunteers, and gives them nothing but her best in return.”

Thus, Omicron Delta Kappa presents Ms. Tanya “Diane” Means with this year’s community award.

Student Government Association Faculty Award: Russell Crandall 

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 has demonstrated consistent support for the intellectual pursuits of his students, partnering with several students in various research projects. In addition, this faculty member invested significant time and energy in the creation of the Davidson in Peru Program. On behalf of the student body of Davidson College, the SGA presents the 2007-08 SGA Faculty Award to Dr. Russell Crandall.

One student wrote of Dr. Crandall, “Dr. Crandall could be nominated for this award based on his teaching style alone - he pushes students to love what they learn.” A student from the Peru program added, “His passion for learning was contagious, as he took the classroom from ports on the Pacific to Machu Picchu. And whether sliding head-first down a sand-dune or jumping from a rope swing in the jungle, he was always up for a good time.”

The SGA wishes to thank Dr. Russell Crandall for his tireless commitment and dedication to the lives of Davidson students by presenting him with the 2007-08 SGA Faculty Award.

Student Government Association Special Recognition: Hilton Kelly

 I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize a professor who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in showing an interest in the lives of Davidson students. While only a first-year professor, this faculty member received enormous support from the student-body because of his willingness to mentor students - his own and many who have never had a class with him. In addition, this professor has demonstrated an interest in supporting the work of the Student Government Association, attending numerous Academic Policy Forums. On behalf of the student body of Davidson College, the SGA would like to recognize Dr. Hilton Kelly.

One student wrote of Dr. Kelly, “While I had never considered teaching as an option, Dr. Kelly's class and conversations with him outside of an academic setting have encouraged me to try to work in the education field in the non-profit sector.” This student continues, “Dr. Kelly also took an interest in organizations on campus: coming to events after hours, helping me in my effort to get speakers to campus, my job recommendation letters, and in general caring for the well-being of his students.”

For his valuable contributions to the lives of students outside the classroom and the work of the Student Government, we recognize Dr. Hilton Kelly.