English professor Jami Hemmenway receives Eureka College teaching award

Award presented at EC Graduation

Jami Hemmenway of Eureka, a Eureka College assistant professor of English since 2002, was named the 2009 recipient of the Helen Cleaver Distinguished Teaching Award at the college’s graduation May 9.

The award recognizes excellence, creativity and innovation in teaching. It includes a financial stipend, and the award-winner is the speaker at the college’s fall opening convocation. Nominations are made by faculty, staff and students, and the winner is chosen by a selection committee. The award is named for a 1928 Eureka College alumna who had a long and successful teaching career.        

“Jami Hemmenway’s rigorous expectations challenge students to think analytically and creatively,” said Provost and Dean of the College Irene Burgess, who presented the award. “One student called Mrs. Hemmenway a cheerleader for students, and the support that students feel from her emerges in activities outside the classroom as well, where students are encouraged to develop their capabilities in understanding civic engagement and social justice,” Burgess said.

Hemmenway teaches appreciation of literature, professional writing, composition sequence, freshman seminar and senior seminar. She is chairwoman of the Writing Across the Curriculum Committee and director of the Writing Center. She was faculty advisor to the college’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity for two years.

Hemmenway received a bachelor’s degree in English from Eureka College and a master’s degree in literature from Bradley University, Peoria.

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Contact:

Michele Lehman

Media Relations Coordinator

mlehman@eureka.edu

(309) 467-6318