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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University launched its 2008-09 academic year on Thursday (Sept. 18) with its annual University Day celebration.

Keynote speaker for the event was Carol Geary Schneider, president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities, which recently launched a 10-year advocacy and action plan designed to transform student education. Schneider presented research results suggesting there is a disconnect between what employers are seeking in today's graduates and what students think is important.

She urged the OSU community to work with students to "find their compass" beyond their field of study and improve their communication skills, global awareness, and ability to be self-directed.

OSU President Ed Ray noted the many accomplishments the university had achieved during the past year, highlighted by the Campaign for OSU, the university's first comprehensive fundraising campaign. The campaign, which is guided by OSU's strategic plan, is seeking $625 million. With three years remaining, approximately $442 million has been committed.

Ray also noted the university's enrollment growth, record research funding, and achievements by several university faculty and staff members. He presented his annual Beaver Champions awards to Kevin Ahern and Indira Rajagopol, both senior instructors in biochemistry and biophysics, for their extraordinary efforts to encourage and assist students in pre-medicine and health sciences programs, including videotaping classes, providing streaming video and I-pod content, and using many forms of technology to engage today's students.

The university also honored numerous faculty and staff with awards, including:

• Kate Hunter-Zaworski, a professor of civil and construction engineering in the College of Engineering, the OSU Alumni Association Distinguished Professor Award, for professional achievement through teaching and scholarship, service to the university and community, and professional leadership;

• Tom Dick, professor and director of mathematics in the College of Science, the Elizabeth P. Ritchie Distinguished Professor Award, for undergraduate teaching; research, particularly related to improvement of instruction; and professional leadership.

• Corinne Manogue, a professor of physics in the College of Science, the Richard M. Bressler Senior Faculty Teaching Award given to an individual with longtime service to OSU who has demonstrated a commitment to undergraduate instruction.

• Becky Warner, a professor of sociology in the College of Liberal Arts, the D. Curtis Mumford Faculty Service Award, which recognizes individuals for ongoing and unselfish concern for and service to OSU faculty.

• Megan McClelland, an associate professor of human development and family science in the College of Health and Human Sciences, the OSU Faculty Teaching Excellence Award, which honors achievement in teaching and scholarship.

• Mary Cluskey, an associate professor of nutrition and exercise sciences in the College of Health and Human Sciences, the Dar Reese Excellence in Advising Award, which recognizes outstanding advising of undergraduate students as well as demonstrated success in teaching, research and service.

• Liz Gray, assistant dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, the International Service Award, which recognizes ongoing contributions to the internationalization of the university.

• Melody Johnson, a faculty research assistant for environmental and molecular toxicology in the College of Agricultural Sciences, the University Professional Development Award, recognizes for support of and participation in professional and educational development.

• Eda Davis-Lowe, director of the Science and Math Investigative Learning Experience (SMILE) program, the Karel J. H. Murphy Professional Faculty Leadership and Service Award, which honors a professional faculty member for leadership and service.

• Liz Etherington, program manager in biotechnology and forest science in the College of Forestry, and Philip Rogers of the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center, the OSU Exemplary Employee Award, which honors one professional faculty member and one classified staff member for outstanding performance.

• Cindy Jenkins, an analyst in the Department of Human Resources, the OSU Award for Service to Persons with Disabilities, for significant contributions to assisting persons with disabilities.

• Jennifer Jabson, a graduate student in public health in the College of Health and Human Sciences, the Herbert F. Frolander Award, which recognizes graduate students who have excelled as teaching assistants.

• Don Heer, a faculty research assistant in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the Outstanding Faculty Research Assistant Award, for scholarly achievement and innovation.

• Chere Pereira, academic adviser in the College of Science, the OSU Academic Advising Award, which recognizes undergraduate academic advising.

• Anna Harding, a professor of public health in the College of Health and Human Sciences, the Excellence in Graduate Mentoring Award, for excellence in mentoring graduate students.

• Monica Banyi, Amy Bourne, Carol Brown, Larry Brown, Dennis Caplan, Roger C. Graham, Byron Marshall and Jared Moore - all accounting faculty members in the College of Business - the Student Learning and Success Teamwork Award, which recognizes departments or interdisciplinary groups that have demonstrated exceptional teamwork in an exemplary teaching and learning environment.

• Bernadine Strik, a horticulture specialist in the OSU Extension Service, the OSU Extended Education Faculty Achievement Award, which recognizes achievement that enhances the effectiveness of extended education.

• Tara Bevandich, an administrative assistant for zoology in the College of Science, the OSU Professional Faculty Excellence Award, which recognizes service to the university community by professional faculty members.

More information on University Day is available at: http://oregonstate.edu/events/universityday/