What makes this prize so special?
The UC Davis Prize for Undergraduate Teaching and Scholarly Achievement, a $40,000 award for both teaching and research excellence, is believed to be the largest prize of its kind in the United States.
Prizewinners are leaders in their academic fields nationally and internationally, as well as strong university teachers with a passion for undergraduate education.
"Research universities can be wonderful places where faculty bring their path-breaking research into the classroom and inspire students," says Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef. "UC Davis is justifiably proud of its accomplishments in preparing the next generation while simultaneously creating new knowledge for society."
Winners are chosen each year based on the recommendations of faculty members, deans, students and research peers. The first prize was awarded to UC Davis history professor Roy Willis in 1987.
The prize was established in 1986. UC Davis alumnus and foundation trustee Alan Hoefer wanted to do something to raise awareness about UC Davis among its peer institutions and to reward the faculty for their outstanding dedication to undergraduate teaching and research.
Recalling how UC Davis teachers had made such a difference in his own life, Hoefer established the award with a $50,000 gift, which was matched by the UC Davis Foundation.
Several years of contributions by the Chancellor's Fellows — members of the Davis Chancellor's Club who annually contribute $5,000 — have since fully funded a $650,000 endowment to support the prize in perpetuity.
Originally set at $25,000, the prize amount was increased to $30,000 in 1996, to $35,000 for 2007 and now stands at $40,000.
Each year, the prize is a celebrated flagship undertaking for the UC Davis Foundation, which is the philanthropic advisory board to the campus.
The teaching prize shines a light on the connection between philanthropic giving and academic scholarship.
"The UC Davis Foundation takes special pride in supporting this annual award," says foundation chair Meg Stallard.
"Recognizing and appreciating teaching excellence and research is fundamental to the foundation's role in supporting the mission of UC Davis."
— Susanne Rockwell