2008 Professors And Staff Member Of The Year
posted on: May 1, 2008
Two faculty members and a staff member have been honored by St. Ambrose University’s student body for their distinguished work during the past academic year.
The Student Alumni Association awarded professor of the year honors to Dr. Barbara Pitz, professor of English; and staff member of the year honors to Heather Venema, Bechtel Hall director. Graduate professor of the year honors went to Dr. Michael Puthoff, as chosen by the Graduate Student Government Association (GSGA).
Pitz is described as going above and beyond for her students in any way she can to help make them successful students and citizens.
"She is a wonderful professor who challenges her students to do their best and helps them by setting an example of excellence in her classroom preparation and knowledge of the subject matter.... She is also readily available for any student who is looking for help outside of class on a paper or project and will continue to meet with the student until she feels that the student understands the project and has created their best work," read one student's nomination.
Pitz also is the Fulbright Program advisor at St. Ambrose. She has taught at the university since 1986.
Venema has served as the Bechtel Hall director for two years and is the Staff Assembly president-elect. Diligence and devotion to her job and to St. Ambrose were common descriptions students used in nominating Venema for staff member of the year.
"She represents being a hall director, as well as herself, in the most mannerly, respectable, and friendly fashion,” wrote one student.
"Not a day goes by that I’m not thankful for having the opportunity to work with such an outstanding person," wrote a co-worker. "She is passionate about making Ambrose reach perfection. She spends countless hours both during and outside of the workday taking the time to talk with residents, support her staff, and brainstorm ways to make campus better, and she always does this with others in mind."
Dr. Puthoff is in his fourth year as a faculty member in the Physical Therapy Department and conducts his clinical work in nursing homes and in outpatient care focusing on older adults with chronic health conditions. 
One of the students who nominated Puthoff said that "beyond Mike’s professionalism and teaching abilities, there is still more that puts him above all of the rest as a teacher and therapist. His ability to keep the students at the edge of their seats and interested in the most lengthy of subjects is phenomenal. His humor and charisma have been known to bring students to tears with laughter, and he always makes learning fun. His passion for the field of physical therapy and for making a difference in the lives of his students and patients is remarkable."
Another student wrote: "Mike has helped me to grow as both an individual and professional to gain a strong base for a future in the health care field. He's also inspired me to realize that compassion for others is the basis of patient-focused care."