Caine College of the Arts Recognizes Students, Faculty, Friends with Awards

The Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University honored students, faculty and friends of the arts for their accomplishments and service over the 2011-12 academic year at its annual awards ceremony.

“In the two short years since we were established, our college is prospering on both the national and international levels,” said Craig Jessop, dean of the Caine College of the Arts. “This is only possible with the hard work, dedication and perseverance of our great students, faculty and staff.”

Sixteen students from the college received A-Pins, one of the oldest awards at Utah State given for earning straight A’s for two consecutive semesters. In addition, each department recognized students from their programs who represent exceptional achievement in their majors. The college also acknowledged faculty and student scholars for their research and teaching.

Holland Larsen, graduating in painting and drawing, received the Legacy of Utah State Award for art and design. Larsen was the president of the USU Art Guild this year and also found time to work with both Aggie Radio and College Democrats.

Vocalist Kevin Diehl was named the college’s Scholar of the Year. He is a music major, specializing in choral education. Diehl is a recipient of the Howard Choral Scholarship and the Presser Award. He has been an undergraduate teaching fellow and is currently a writing fellow. As a tenor, he has performed with the USU Chamber Singers and Utah Festival Opera. Diehl is preparing for a teaching position at the newly created Aristotle Academy in American Fork, Utah.

“I have cherished my experience here at USU and will miss being involved,” said Diehl.

Associate Professor of Art Robert Winward received the college’s Teacher of the Year Award. He has devoted much of his career to teaching as well as developing opportunities for his students. Winward is the founder and director of the Annual USU Summer Art + Design Program in Switzerland.

“During his time at USU, Robert Winward has had a dynamic and positive impact on the students,” said Laura Gelfand, department head of Art and Design. “His dedication to his students in and out of the classroom has been truly exceptional.”

Shawn Fisher, an associate professor of theater as well as the graduate program coordinator, was named the college’s Scholar/Creative Artist of the Year. Fisher founded and led the Fusion Theatre Project, which provides a learning opportunity for young theater artists interested in the development of original works.  

“By directly involving our students as research and creative collaborators, Shawn Fisher has enhanced the educational program and cultivated a respect for both artistic and academic excellence,” said Kenneth Risch, department head of Theatre Arts.

Senior Machaela Burt received the Undergraduate Researcher of the Year Award for her work with theater education. Burt has collaborated with other students to receive external funding for the Living Literature Project, a new program designed to teach high school English using theater and dramatic strategies. She also served as dramaturge for the play Two Headed and developed an original one-person show that documents the history of the show’s time period.

The Loyal Patron and Supporter Award this year went to Dr. David Coppin, long-time advocate of the arts. Coppin has generously supported the Caine Lyric Theatre, Wasserman Festival and other college programs for many years. He is currently serving as chair of the CCA Advancement Council.

A complete list of awards:

A-Pin Recipients

Corinne Chadwick, Maria Belen Moyano, Andrea Decker, Amy Pace, Kevin Diehl, Alyssa Packard, Leslie Frandsen, Taylor Packard, Ben Harrison, Shaundra Secrist Cragun, Catherine Hatch, Elizabeth Tait, Kyle McKenna, David Unruh, Andrew Hayes, Thomas Pratt

Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Fellow

Katherine Park

Undergraduate Researcher of the Year

Machaela Burt

Legacy of Utah State Award

Holland Larsen

Valedictorian

Sally Bigelow Rydalch

Scholar of the Year

Kevin Diehl

Outstanding Employee of the Year (Professional)

Timothy North

Outstanding Employee of the Year (Classified)

Janis Dautrick

Graduate Instructor of the Year

Abraham McCowan

Graduate Researcher of the Year

Megan Mitchell

Undergraduate Faculty Advisor of the Year

Maureen Hearns

Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year

Christopher Scheer

Scholar/Creative Artist of the Year

Shawn Fisher

Teacher of the Year

Robert Winward

Teaching Coaches

Adrianne Moore—Theatre Arts; Dennis Hassan—Theatre Arts; Shawn Fisher—Theatre Arts; Darrin Brooks—Art and Design; Cindy Dewey—Music

Staff Scholarships

Janis Dautrick, Adrienne Larson, Benjamin Scott, Marianne Sidwell

Student Senator

Mary Jacobson-Whyte

Student Ambassadors

Ally Spjut, Emily Youngberg, Kaylee White, Nicholas Manning, Paige Gardner, Joshua Wright, Kristopher King, Sydnee Fullmer, Caroline Kennedy

Outstanding Seniors

Megan Evans, Whiteney Mensink, Kevin Diehl, Andrew Hayes, Aubrey Moeller, Jessica Jackson, Madison Jensen, Caroline Kennedy, Rufus ZaeJoDaeus

Loyal Patron and Supporter Award

Dr. David Coppin

Writer: Kara Rindlisbacher, 435-797-9203, kara.rindlisbacher@usu.edu

Contact: Denise Albiston, 435-797-1500, denise.albiston@usu.edu