The Parents Association Professor of the Year Award recognizes excellence in teaching and learning excellence at ASU. The award is one of the most prestigious offered at the university. This committee sets the guidelines for applications and, in conjunction with a selection committee of Parent Association volunteers, faculty and students, reviews all nominee applications and selects the Professor of the Year.

Professor Jane Maienschein, 2000 Professor of the Year shares some thoughts:

When I was at my first Professor of the Year awards ceremony in 2000, I was impressed by the wonderful assembly of people I know were great faculty members. Then when I heard my name called as the winner, I was so shocked that I couldn't think of anything sensible to say except what just jumped into my head. "Thanks to all the parents for making this wonderful award. I'm so grateful to my own parents for their infinite support that it's very special to be connected to parents. Thanks so much." Something like that, which doesn't sound very profound. But I still feel that way: parents are such important parts of every student's life, and through the ASU Parents Association parents have also become leaders in recognizing outstanding teaching-scholars. Most importantly, over time the Professors of the Year have learned to work together in promoting excellence in teaching and learning. We wouldn't have found each other without this recognition.

click here to visit the Professor of the Year website»

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Through the generous support of ASU parents, the Parents Association has established a fund to make multiple awards of $4,000 ($2,000 per semester) each academic year.

Awards are based on:

• financial need based on the FAFSA report
• demonstrated evidence of strong commitment to academic success (minimum 3.0 GPA)
• demonstrated record of community service and/or university involvement
• achievement of personal and educational goals

In and out-of-state undergraduate students are eligible to apply.

scholarship successes

	Najat Omer's Story » Growing up, I didn't know anyone who had applied to college. Although I was very involved in high school, I thought that attending community college was as far as I could go. It was what my family could afford. I was almost a victim of limiting myself.
	Brittany Adams' Story » I'm so pleased with my decision to attend ASU. I work with the most caring and supportive professors who really want to see me graduate. I can't say enough about them.
	A Thank You from Catrina Boppart » Everything I've been able to experience — and everything I will become — has been made possible through the generous contributions of parents, like you, to the ASU Parents Fund.
	ASUPA Scholars Benefitting the World » I specifically hope to help men and women become better parents to their children. Parents have a huge impact and influence on their children's future. I want to teach that to parents and give them the tools to improve their skills.

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Grants to the ASU Parents Fund help sustain programs and resources that directly impact students and their families, provide critical academic services and promote teaching and learning excellence, including:

• Emergency Crisis Fund
• Student Services/Tutoring
• Hayden Library
• University Bridge
• Off-Campus and Commuter Student Services Thanksgiving Dinner Program
• ASU Libraries E-book Collection

The ASU Parents Fund is a discretionary fund that offers a unique opportunity to support programs that make a difference in every Sun Devil's future. As national recognition for the high quality of an ASU education, a New American University education, continues to grow, so too will the value of your student's degree.

With a gift of any size to the ASU Parents Fund, you will be joining us in our continued commitment to fostering and sustaining a university community that truly epitomizes teaching and learning excellence.

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