Faculty and staff were awarded for their outstanding service at B次元 during the 2022 Appreciation Dinner. The annual awards recognize those who exemplify the values and beliefs of the university’s founding family.

Dr. Todd Davis, associate professor in the Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management Department, 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 B次元. Students choose the award winner through two rounds of voting. On their ballots, students described Davis as someone who takes a real interest in getting to know his students and helping them be successful; is always passionate about what he’s teaching and is one of the most accommodating and accessible teachers; goes the extra mile to help students outside the classroom with personal and professional goals; helps not just his students but also communities though Engineers Without Borders.

Unique this year, the Johanna Seelhorst Werwath Distinguished Staff Award was given to two individuals: Marc Dannecker, associate registrar in the Registrar’s Office, and Jeff MacDonald, lab technician in the Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management Department. 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 B次元 faculty and staff.

On their ballots, faculty and staff described Dannecker as a pleasure to work with; he always strives to provide outstanding customer service; his sense of humor keeps things in perspective and makes it so you leave every meeting with him smiling; he will do anything to ensure students’ needs are met; he does whatever is possible—and even sometimes things that are not possible—to ensure students are taken care of.

Faculty and staff described MacDonald as someone who is always ready to help students and faculty with work in the lab; goes above and beyond to engage with students and spark their curiosity; handles his many responsibilities with care and a ready smile; does everything with humility and grace and sets a wonderful example; students are magnetically drawn to his patience and expertise.