The Observer, April 27, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 26
Jackson Award honors two outstanding mentors
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Last week, Dan Akerib and Creg Jantz were announced as the winners of the 2007 J. Bruce Jackson, M.D. Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Mentoring.
The two were chosen out of a field of 22 faculty and staff recognized as great mentors.
Akerib is a professor of physics and current chair of the department. According to his nomination, "Professor Akerib has a way of listening to your questions and ideas and making you see what makes sense in them, and once the idea is a good one he will go the extra mile to make that idea a reality."
He joined the department in 1996 as a researcher and professor. He was nominated for the award last year, and was thrilled to receive it this year.
"It's nice when students appreciate what you're doing," said Akerib.
As a professor, Akerib enjoys spending time with students in classes and research.
"I think I'm pretty accessible," he said. "I'm always happy and ready to share my own experiences with students."
Akerib likes the atmosphere of Case as a research university, allowing him to work with students as well as work on his research, giving benefits to students.
"Students have access to professors working in areas they find interesting," said Akerib.
He hopes that his teaching and mentoring have an effect on those he works with. "I see former students from classes and research groups succeeding at grad school," he said. "If I've contributed, that's great."
Akerib also enjoys seeing students excited about the work he does. "It's reaffirming when you're surrounded by students who want your job."
Jantz is the Sports Information Director in the physical education and athletics department. Part of his nomination read, "I feel like I can tell Creg just about anything, or talk to him about anything. I consider him a mentor and a friend. If I need advice, I know I can go to him... I'm always highly motivated to do a good job for him because I know he would do the same for me."
To Jantz, the award is a great honor. "Forty-plus years later Dr. Jackson speaks very passionately about how his mentor [Dr. Wittke] was a major influence in his life. I am humbled by the fact I am thought of in the same context. To me it means I made a positive impact on a young life. I don't know if there is a better feeling than that."
He considers mentoring to be a shared experience.
"I wouldn't say I strive to be an excellent mentor. I would say I strive to help others like I have been helped in the past. It's also important to note that you can't do it alone. In this case, there were others willing to go the extra mile," said Jantz.
Jantz didn't think he had a chance to win the award. "I personally know some of the other people who where nominated and I'm honored to be included in that group."
