FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 29, 2000 CONTACT: Forrest Meyer, (515) 271-2017 WOODWARD RECEIVES HONORS PROGRAM AWARD AT DRAKE Robert D. Woodward, the Ellis and Nelle Levitt distinguished professor of journalism and mass communication at Drake University, is the first Drake faculty member to receive the Honors Program Distinguished Professor of the Year Award. The award, which will be given annually, was created by the Honors Program Student Council in consultation with Honors Program Director Steven Faux and Assistant Director Charlene Skidmore. Sam Brooke, president of the Honors Program Student Council, presented the award at ceremony attended by graduating seniors and their families and faculty mentors. "Professor Woodward is the perfect first recipient of this award acknowledging his unending dedication, loyalty and inspiration to the Honors Program," Brooke said. Brooke gave Woodward a bright blue and gold plaque, which is now displayed in Woodward's office along with his other honors. Woodward is the only faculty member to hold both Drake's top award for teaching and the University's highest award for mentoring. He received the University Outstanding Teaching Award in 1983 and the Madelyn M. Levitt Mentor of the Year Award in 1996. He also was one of 10 journalism professors to be presented with the National Teaching Award by the American Society of Newspaper Editors and the Poynter Institute for Media Studies in 1983. Woodward has taught more than 30 sections of Honors Program courses and advised students on 25 Honors Program senior theses. He is so devoted to the program that he continued to teach Honors courses and advise students on their theses while he was on sabbatical leave. His Honors courses include Creativity, The Presidency and the Media, Looking for America as well as Beyond 2000.