On March 10^th, Women Studies faculty member Dr. Rebecca Aanerud learned from Provost Phyllis Wise that she will be this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award for Lecturers!  Each year, the University of Washington honors a few members of the faculty as Distinguished Teachers. Awardees are chosen based on a variety of criteria, including mastery of the subject matter; enthusiasm and innovation in the learning/teaching process; ability to engage students both within and outside the classroom; ability to inspire independent and original thinking in students and to stimulate students to do creative work; and innovations in course and curriculum design.  The breadth and depth of the candidate’s achievement weighs heavily in the decision process. The Distinguished Teaching Award may be awarded to a faculty member only once in his/her lifetime and are inducted into the Teaching Academy.

David Allen, Chair of Women Studies said “It’s an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime award and a real honor and credit to Dr. Aanerud and the challenging teaching she does for us.”  

Two brief passages from the many letters supporting her nomination convey the admiration and affection with which students and colleagues regard Becky:  A graduate student who was a Teaching Assistant with Becky wrote: “Her long experience in teaching Women Studies, her personal commitment to feminist politics, and her pedagogical creativity led me to new insights and understandings of how to teach well in my discipline, and how to turn challenges into opportunities for guiding students to new insights of their own..”  A professor echoed these sentiments: “Becky’s teaching focuses on one of the most difficult and compelling experiences human beings face.  Our success as an institution in dealing with diversity, equity, race, power, and privilege crucially depends on the skill, heart, and courage of teachers like Rebecca Aanerud.  I can think of no more deserving candidate for our community’s recognition—and gratitude.  “  

• Awarded University of Washington Distinguished Teaching Award 2007/2008
• Key Note Speaker for Women Studies Graduation, 2001
• Doman Award for Excellence in Teaching, 1997
• Robert R. and Mary Waltz Graduate Fellowship
• Nominee, Alvord Humanities Dissertation Fellowship for 1995-1996
• Phi Beta Kappa, University of Washington, 1990
• Magna Cum Laude, University of Washington, 1990