GSU honors Krum and Hahnenberg
By ANDREW THAGARD
Assistant News Editor
The Graduate Student Union recognized graduate students Carly Krum and Edward Hahnenberg for their teaching abilities. The organization awarded Krum Outstan-ding Graduate Teaching Assistant and Hahnen-berg Outstanding Graduate Instructor of 2001.
"It's so shocking. I've never taught before," said Krum after receiving the designation. "I told my class right away. Teaching them is such a joy and any recognition [beyond that] is just icing on the cake."
"It's a wonderful recognition," echoed Hahnenberg. "I think I had such great students – that helped for sure. Their questions and insights really made it a great experience."
The two received their designations after an intense selection process, according to Stephanie Arnett, chairperson of the GSU Academic Affairs Committee. GSU received 13 nominations from graduate students and faculty members. The committee reviewed TCEs and additional information submitted by the applicants including letters from students and the course syllabus.
"People included different things," Arnett said. "It made it interesting, but it also made judging more difficult."
Hahnenberg and Krum stood out, according to Arnett, because of the difference they made in undergraduate education.
"I really saw that these people were having a big impact on undergraduates," Arnett said. "A lot of times graduate students are removed by research. It's really a great experience for the graduate students to get to know the students and share their experiences."
Both Hahnenberg and Krum are Notre Dame alums. Hahnenberg is a fifth year graduate student of Theology. Krum is working toward a Masters in French literature through the Department of Romance Languages and Literature.
Krum, who helped teach "Beginning Intensive French," and Hahnenberg, who independently taught two classes of Foundations of Theology in the fall semester, both attributed their awards to their passion for the subject matter and an ability to relate to undergraduates.
Krum, in fact, referred to undergraduate staples like Boat Club and SYRs to teach her students about imperfect verb forms. She also has had her class over for dinner.
Hahnenberg, whose classes studied the Bible, had his students watch movies and analyze how Jesus was portrayed in artwork, including Notre Dame's "Touchdown Jesus." But, he also tried to emphasize the importance of being a proactive student.
"The goal is not to give answers but to get students to ask big questions," he said.
Hahnenberg will continue teaching next year, joining the department of Theology as a visiting assistant professor. Although Krum plans to work at Sotheby's, an art auction house, after she graduates, she didn't rule out the possibility of returning to education.
"I think later on in life I'll go back to teaching," she said. "It's so fun, it's the highlight of my day."
Both award winners received a $100 gift from GSU and will be formally presented with their designations at the Graduate Student Awards Dinner on May 17.
All News Stories for Friday, April 26, 2002
