Sociology professor awarded faculty recognition award

Much like the covenant awards given to students every year, the faculty recognition award honors a member of the Augustana teaching community for their dedication.

This year, four professors were nominated for their devotion to the core values, positive interactions with students both in and out of the classroom and confidence in students' futures.

Although all professors at Augustana are concerned with the well being of their students, sociology professor and department chair Bill Swart was awarded the faculty recognition award winner this year for his exceptional commitment to students.

Freshman class representative Crystal Ortbahn is a member of the ASA committee responsible for selection of the award. Although she acknowledges that all nominees were deserving, she felt Swart's was the most exceptional.

"We felt it was genuine as to why Dr. Swart is especially deserving of the award," she said.

Casey Ortbahn, junior class senator, agreed with the quality and authenticity of the nomination.

"The student nomination we received for Dr. Swart was phenomenal," he said. "Dr. Swart embodies Augustana's core values, and despite his hectic schedule, he makes time for his students, who are his priority."

Swart's nominee requested anonymity, but shared thoughts on his teaching abilities.

"His interactive teaching methods and ability to relate to students highlight him as an outstanding professor whose investments on students will continue their effects far after students graduate," the nominee said. "Dr. Swart's attention to detail, his disciplinary field and his students, is unparalleled."

Beyond Swart's excellence in the classroom, the nominee cited his welcoming personality as a comfort for students.

"His personality is not contained whether he is in or out of the classroom," the nominee said. "I appreciate his openness to listen to students' point of views, whether or not he feels them to be misinformed."

The nominee, about to graduate from Augustana, said Swart has made college an unforgettable experience.

"He defied me in my talents, but he also invested in me – he knew I could do it all along," the nominee said. "You cannot buy that sort of confidence from anyone."

The qualities Swart exhibits are what made the process of choosing so enjoyable for committee member Casey Ortbahn.

"Reading through all of the nominations made me feel good about choosing Augustana as the place to continue my studies," he said. "We truly have outstanding professors here."

Swart will present the "Final Lecture" at the Senior Celebration this year. Other nominees were professors David O'Hara, Susan Schrader and Mark Larson.