2023 Learning Communities Awards

Each year, we acknowledge the outstanding work of our Learning Community coordinators, faculty, staff, and campus partners.

On behalf of the Learning Community Advisory Committee, we are happy to announce awards for the 2023 advocate, champion, early achievement in LC coordination, equity, faculty engagement, and outstanding innovations awards.

Learning Communities Advocate Award
Diane Rupp, Office of the Registrar
The Advocate award recognizes an Iowa State faculty or staff member who has made significant contributions to the success of our students and learning communities. This award is given in honor of founding Learning Community Co-Directors, Corly Blahnik and Doug Gruenewald for their outstanding leadership and advocacy of learning communities.

Learning Communities Champion Award
Stephanie Hamilton, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
The Champion award honors an individual who has significantly contributed to the advancement of learning communities at Iowa State University.

Early Achievement in Learning Community Coordination
Heidi Ackerman, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
Rhaechel Ohge Fritz, Ivy College of Business
Jacque Parker, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
The Early Achievement in LC Coordination award recognizes an individual ISU faculty or staff who has demonstrated outstanding performance in learning community coordination early in their professional careers.

Learning Communities Equity Award
Carmen Flagge, College of Human Sciences
The Equity award honors members of the Iowa State community who have made significant strides to advance and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within learning communities.

Learning Communities Faculty Engagement Award
Anne Clem, Ivy College of Business
Cath Engstrom, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Kendall Lamkey, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
The Faculty Engagement award honors an individual faculty member who has significantly engaged with a learning community at Iowa State University.

Learning Communities Outstanding Innovations Award
Amy Brandau, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
Joanna Schroeder, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Eric Underbakke, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
The Outstanding Innovation award honors members of the Iowa State community who have made new and creative contributions to learning communities. The primary criterion for the award is innovation; i.e., the introduction of new developments that have extended the horizons of learning communities at Iowa State and enhanced learning for our students.