November 13, 2003

Carnegie Foundation Names Boise State's Garza Professor Of The Year

Boise State University Spanish professor Alicia Garza has been named the 2003 Idaho Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The daughter of migrant workers who first learned English as a child by watching television, Garza has taught at Boise State since 1996. Winners from 43 states were selected from about 400 faculty members nominated by colleges and universities from throughout the country. Garza and other winning professors will be honored today in Washington, D.C. at an awards luncheon at the National Press Club and at an evening reception on Capitol Hill. “I’m speechless. I can’t believe it. This is the highlight of my career,” said Garza after being notified she had won the statewide award. The public is invited to a reception for Garza at 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 2 in the Lookout Room at the Student Union Building. Boise State President Bob Kustra and other dignitaries will officially present Garza with the teaching award. An expert on Latin American and Chicano literature, Garza has developed new university courses, made presentations about Latino issues and culture to community groups in the Treasure Valley, and through her teaching and outreach served as a role model on what can be accomplished through hard work and determination. “She shows genuine respect and consideration for all her students, whatever their linguistic capacity, whatever their opinion,” wrote Teresa Boucher, chair of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, in her nomination letter. Garza has the ability to deal with sensitive issues such as gender, race and unequal social status that are part of her course literature in a way that never belittles students, according to a letter from a former student, Iris Rocha. “Her mastery of the subject matter and constant enthusiasm has [encouraged] many students to get involved in the community,” Rocha wrote. “Alicia has a spirit that touches your heart, mind and soul. She brings life to the word ‘culture’ and passion to the past as she proudly honors her parents that led the way,” wrote Janie Archuleta, a Boise State student. “I know I can count on Alicia to give me the guidance I seek to succeed.” Garza is “soul food” for Chicanos and Chicanas because “she shares her experiences and they are similar to those of her students,” wrote one student in a course evaluation. Added another, “Regardless of the background of her students, she is loved by all.” Garza earned a Ph.D. in Hispanic Literature from the University of Arizona. She credits her parents, who emigrated from Mexico and became U.S. citizens, with instilling in her the importance of an education and encouraging her dreams. Garza received the 2002 Distinguished Teaching Award from the College of Arts and Sciences at Boise State and the 1998 Outstanding Faculty Award from the Associated Students of Boise State. Garza’s selection marks the sixth straight year that has a Boise State professor has received the prestigious Professor of the Year Award and the 10th win overall for Boise State. Past recipients include Todd Shallat, history; John Freemuth, political science; Russell Centanni, biology; Pam Gehrke, nursing; Stephanie Witt, political science; Greg Raymond, political science; and Tom Trusky, English, who won three times. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching was founded in 1905 by Andrew Carnegie “to do and perform all things necessary to encourage, uphold and dignify the profession of teaching.” The foundation conducts research and policy studies on teaching and learning. The Professors of the Year program is administered by The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the largest international association of institutions, serving more than 3,200 universities, colleges, schools and related organizations in 46 countries. CASE is the leading resource for professional development, information and standards in the fields of education fund raising, communications and alumni relations. -end- Contact Alicia Garza Spanish 208 426-1049 agarza@boisestate.edu Media contact Janelle Brown communications and marketing 208 426-1790 jbrown2@boisestate.edu