Recognition / Faculty Awards
The Wigs for 2008

Each year, juniors and seniors elect the winners of the Wig Distinguished Professor Awards. Established by Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Wig in 1955, the awards recognize exceptional teaching, concern for students and service to the College and community. Here is a list of the 2008 winners, with comments from student ballots:

Deborah M. Burke, the W.M. Keck Distinguished Service Professor and professor of linguistics & cognitive science and psychology
• “Professor Burke’s knowledge and expertise in her field is amazing, and I was always impressed in class with how approachably she presented topics. As an advisor, she has been extremely helpful.”
• “Witty, great attitude, not afraid to get in a heated debate!”

Karl G. Johnson, the Sarah Rempel and Herbert S. Rempel Professor of Neuroscience and assistant professor of biology
• “Professor Johnson is one of the best lecturers I have ever met. Even with difficult subjects, he is able to make the material accessible and keeps the class lively and entertaining.”
• “A role model, both as a colleague and as a friend. The sense of humor doesn’t hurt either.”

Fernando A. Lozano, assistant professor of economics
• “Professor Lozano has done more than anyone I know to get people excited about the field of economics.”
• “Very engaging. Makes 8 a.m. Microeconomics class worth waking up for. Extremely helpful outside of class. He is passionate about making sure that students learn.”

Daniel J. O'Leary, professor of chemistry
• “Professor O’Leary kept Organic Chemistry intelligible and even entertaining at 8 a.m.—quite a feat!” • “Professor O’Leary is an amazing teacher, mentor and person! He bettered my Pomona experience in priceless ways.”

Shahriar Shahriari, professor of mathematics
• “Professor Shahriari has mastered the art of teaching. I’m not exactly sure how he does it, but he waves his hands around in the air, and then the student understands complex material that he never forgets.”
• “His Honors Topics in Calculus II course is amazing, simply because it manages to provide an introductory math course that truly exposes the fledgling math student to some of the truly interesting topics in math.”

Michael D. Steinberger, assistant professor of economics.
• “Macro Theory was the hardest class I’ve ever taken, and the most rewarding. …He made me work harder than I ever thought I could. He forced us to really work with the models and really learn them, not just how to use them. This was truly a class that changed my life.”
• “One of the best teachers and role models I have ever had. He challenges and engages students.”

Helena Wall, the Warren Finney Day Professor of History and director of the Hart Institute for American History
• “Professor Wall combines true passion and a sharp wit with a staggering grasp of the subject matter. Her classes force her students to fully engage the material on every level. Outside of the classroom, she offers accessible and friendly guidance to her students.”
• “Professors like Professor Wall are the reason why I came to Pomona: she reinforces my fascination with history and enjoyment of learning.”