Six Wayne State University faculty members recently received the President's Award for Excellence in Teaching for their outstanding contributions to teaching. Since 1977, 150 WSU faculty have been recognized with the award.

Associate Professor Ellen Barton of Royal Oak is an outstanding scholar who confesses to loving her job in the English department. Through her patience, support, guided learning and skill she succeeds in challenging the brightest students while helping weaker students learn essential skills. She has a willingness to model high standards; unstinting devotion to her profession and her students; and an outstanding ability to inspire and challenge her students.

History Professor John Bukowczyk of Royal Oak teaches students that history is important not because it is a study of a static past, but because it provides insight into the processes of social change. He instills in his students a strong awareness of their "civic culture." He has the outstanding ability to make the study of history exciting and relevant and abroad commitment to instructing us all in our common multicultural and diverse national heritage.

Associate Professor Melissa Kaplan-Estrin of Huntington Woods is an exceptional teacher. An expert in the area of early childhood development in the department of psychology, she teaches a number of classes at the undergraduate and graduate level that focus on early childhood and infant assessment. Kaplan-Estrin has made significant and lasting contributions to the professional growth of hundreds of students and they feel a personal, professional and inspirational connection to her.

Associate Professor Daphne Williams Ntiri of Troy is acknowledgeable, sensitive and enthusiastic teacher whose broad experience in international and cultural affairs allows her to consistently provide fresh perspectives to her teaching. Students in her interdisciplinary studies courses comment that her classes are exciting and enlightening and that Ntiriis an excellent teacher and role model.

Associate Professor James M. Raymo of Hamtramck is an outstanding teacher in the department of art and art history, where he teaches courses in photography ranging from elementary undergraduate courses to advanced graduate courses. An unusually patient and attentive teacher, Raymo is particularly gifted in helping students to find, develop and celebrate their talents. He inspires creativity in his students.

Professor James Rigby's students cite the research proposal requirement in his Chemistry 8290 class as one of the most important experiences they have had during their formative years in the chemistry department. With his guidance and support, students are given the opportunity to develop an idea from conception to written proposal and finally to defend their proposal before the class. Rigby is a resident of Farmington Hills.