This year's eight award recipients received a surprise visit from administrators — including members of the Office of the Provost and on a few occasions, President Karl Scholz — who shared the news and gifted them with a crystal or Myrtlewood apple.  

Every year, the Distinguished Teaching Awards Committee reviews nomination submissions from all the schools and colleges to pick the winners. When making their selections, the committee takes into account significant contributions to teaching at the university and the ways in which the individual enacts professional, inclusive, engaged and research-informed practices in their teaching. 

This year’s Ersted Award for Distinguished Teaching, which recognizes early career excellence, went to Lopesi, an assistant professor of Indigenous, Race and Ethnic Studies. Since joining the university in 2022, Lopesi has created five courses and developed the department’s first study abroad class, strengthening Pacific Islander Studies at the UO. 

Amos, Clayton R. Hess professor of law and CSWS Advisory Board member, received the Herman Faculty Achievement Award, which honors long-standing excellence in teaching and is the university’s highest teaching honor. With recent changes to the legal landscape at a national level, nominators said Amos has expertly adapted to meet the moment and prepare students for the future. Students called Amos “a superstar” and “truly an amazing professor.” 

Bayerl and Wojick received a Herman Award for Specialized Pedagogy, which recognizes significant expertise in a particular area of teaching. 

Bayerl, a senior instructor in the Clark Honors College, has been with the university since 2012. She has taught at every level of the honors college, from helping new students through their first college course to mentoring seniors working to complete their thesis. Students have shared their deep appreciation for Bayerl’s detailed and constructive feedback. 

Since joining the College of Design in 2001, professor Wojick has made significant contributions to the university both inside and outside the classroom. In her art classes, Wojick highlights artists with diverse backgrounds and styles and includes thoughtful projects and course materials. Students said that she pushes them to get closer to their creative intuition.  

The best part of the awards process is seeing the reaction on students’ faces when the award is announced in their classroom, reports Renee Irvin, vice provost for academic affairs. 

“The room erupts into happy applause from the students,” she said. “Often faculty colleagues, tipped off ahead of time, come to join in the recognition. And this year, Professor Wojick’s family members brought the family dog to campus for the surprise announcement.” 

Go to Oregon News for the full story by Chelsea Hunt, Office of the Provost Communications.