UMSL alumni receiving 2017 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards include (top row, from left) Erin Graves, Joseph Howe, Katherine Glass, Kathie Eckelkamp and (bottom row, from left) Steve Taff, Kim Gutchewsky and Steve Hutson. Jana Loftis (not pictured) is the eighth recipient. (Photos courtesy of Emerson)
The University of Missouri–St. Louis continues to boast numerous alumni recipients each year of the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. Eight alumni received the award for 2017.
“We’re in the business of graduating superb field experts and educators, so it’s no surprise to have multiple alumni among the recipients each year,” Chancellor Tom George said. “And this year’s cohort is as excellent as ever.”
Selected by their school’s administration, each accomplished honoree has been recognized for steadfast dedication to the teaching profession. Emerson, a global technology and engineering leader headquartered in St. Louis, presents the award annually to educators from kindergarten teachers to college professors.
“Emerson is proud to recognize educators in the St. Louis area who show an unwavering commitment to the successful futures of their students,” said Emerson Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility David J. Rabe in a statement. “We are delighted to celebrate the vital role of our community’s inspiring educators in this annual awards program.”
Overall, 109 local educators were honored with 2017 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards at a ceremony and reception held Nov. 12 at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton, Missouri.
Award recipients will have the opportunity to apply for a Gold Star Grant from Emerson to be presented in spring 2018. The grant program funds projects in the classroom that otherwise might not happen without the grant money.
The UMSL alumni recipients are as follows:
Kathie Eckelkamp, BSEd 1997, Armstrong Elementary School
Katherine Glass, MEd 2011, Bayless Junior High
Erin Graves, BSEd 2013 and MEd 2016, Lafayette High School
Kim Gutchewsky, MA 2002, Ladue Horton Watkins High School
Joseph Howe, BS 1989 and MA 1991, St. Charles Community College
Steve Hutson, BSEd 2003, Clayton High School
Jana Loftis, BSEd 2005 and BA 2005, Jennings Educational Training School
Steve Taff, PhD 2005, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
