Faculty members were honored for their achievements at the annual Awards of Distinction Ceremony, which took place last night in the Student Union Memorial Center Grand Ballroom.

“”It’s important to take a night off to recognize the excellence and celebrate the accomplishments of the UA faculty,”” said Eugene Sander, executive vice president and provost and master of ceremonies.

The introduction of the ceremony featured recognition of former UA President Henry Koffler and his wife, Phyllis, who were in attendance, and a short speech by UA President Robert Shelton.

Three Henry and Phyllis Koffler Prizes were awarded throughout the evening. Each recipient was awarded $10,000, a medallion and a certificate for their achievement in their award category.

The Public Service/Outreach Koffler Prize went to professor John Marchello of the Department of Animal Sciences. Marchello, the founder of the UA Rodeo Club back in 1967, was lauded for numerous contributions in the areas of food safety and youth and public education throughout his 42-year career as a member of the UA faculty.

The Koffler Prize for Teaching went to Carrol McLaughlin, a professor in the School of Music. She won for her innovation in developing Harp Fusion, a UA harp ensemble that combines elements of classical, jazz, new age and folk music and has toured internationally.

The Koffler Prize for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity went to Albrecht Classen of the Department of German Studies. Classen is regarded as one of the leading experts on medieval women writers, having written five books on the subject.

“”It’s very humbling,”” Classen said on receiving the award. “”I’ve gained a lot from my students, and they gain from me in turn. The passion carries over.””

Colleges also recognized faculty selected for contributions within their individual departments.

Awards included the presentation of a trophy or certificate, the listing of the faculty accomplishments throughout the year and the awarding of a cash prize up to a few thousand dollars, depending on the department.

The Distinguished Professor Awards were presented to Paul Wilson, a professor of agriculture and resource economics, and Carrol McLaughlin of the School of Music.

In addition to being granted the prestigious title of Distinguished Professor, the award carries a $5,000 increase in base salary.

“”It’s a wonderful honor,”” Wilson said. “”I’m part of a great department with a lot of outstanding teachers.””

The Department of Psychology was awarded the Meritorious Departmental Achievement in Undergraduate Instruction, which grants the winning department an extra $25,000 per year for three years to be used for the betterment of the department.

The department was awarded for its peer mentoring programs, department internships and expanded advising services.