Orr Receives Distinguished Service Award
by Laura Walikainen
Associate Professor Blair Orr
(SFWP) is the recipient of the 2002 Faculty Distinguished Service Award.
Orr was nominated for this award largely for his creation and improvement
of the Loret Miller Ruppe Peace Corps
Master's International Program in Forestry at the University. This
program allows students to combine Peace Corps service with a graduate
education in forestry. Orr, who began the program in 1996, sees benefits
for both the students in the program and for the University as a whole. "This allows students
who felt they needed to choose between Peace Corps service and graduate
school to be able to accomplish both," Orr said. "Students are
also more prepared for Peace Corps service and are better supported while
they are overseas than the typical Peace Corps volunteer. And the University
gains the advantage of bringing in more bright, motivated graduate students." Orr's students feel that his
work has led to a more diverse group of students and viewpoints at Michigan
Tech. "Through his efforts,
he has brought a greater perspective to this University in the form of
students who actively participate in their world and share that perspective
with others," wrote Kate Povel, a master's international student
who nominated Orr for this award. "All of a sudden they
view the world and life differently," said Orr of students' experiences
in the Peace Corps. "The program makes them more prepared and, therefore,
able to use their experience more effectively than the average Peace Corps
volunteer." Marjorie Ely, another student
in the program who nominated Orr, believes that "Dr. Orr's services
go above and beyond a 'normal' work week, and he regularly surpasses the
amount of time and effort comparable to his compensation for his position."
She goes on to say that as the program's coordinator, "he is a constant
source of inspiration, knowledge and insight, and his dedication to his
students and his work is apparent as he continually evaluates and works
to improve the program." "It's fun and interesting
for me because, as I sit here, I'm literally connected to the world through
these students," said Orr of his position as coordinator. Another of his graduate students,
Daniella Zanin, wrote that Orr, who juggles a family and a career, "has
his priorities straight." She added that "he is a wonderful
father, which is his number one priority, yet he always has time to answer
questions even if he is busy." And what is the secret to having
time for everything in his life? "I don't sleep enough," Orr
said with a smile. It is apparent to his students
that Orr's commitment to the program has allowed it to succeed and prosper. "Blair became famous among
all the master's international students, from various universities, for
being the most involved and dedicated advisor around," said Matthew
Cohen, one of Orr's graduate students who also nominated him. "It feels really good,"
said Orr of winning this award, "especially after I was told that
the students had nominated me. They really make the difference." Members of the Faculty Distinguished
Service Award Committee included Carl Anderson (ME-EM), Patricia Heiden
(Chemistry), Dennis Lewandowski (Mathematical Sciences), Susan Martin
(Social Sciences) and Ted Soldan (Fine Arts). Orr will receive $2,500 and
will be honored at the President's Convocation on Sept. 18.
