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Media Relations
Kansas State University
9 Anderson Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-6415
media@k-state.edu

Information provided by K-State Media Relations, K-State's news service, may be reproduced without permission. The marks and names of Kansas State University are protected trademarks and may not be used in any commercial or private endeavor without the approval of the university.

Source: Carla Jones, 785-532-6432, cjones@k-state.edu
Pronouncer: Saucier is Sahs-ee-UR
Photos available. Contact media@k-state.edu or 785-532-6415.
News release prepared by: Andy Badeker, 785-532-6415, abadeker@k-state.edu

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

PUTTING STUDENTS FIRST EARNS TWO K-STATERS HONORS

MANHATTAN -- An assistant professor of psychology and the associate director for apartment living at Kansas State University have been rewarded for their nurturing attitude toward students.

Donald Saucier and Stephanie Bannister are this year's winners of the Putting Students First awards.

Saucier challenges undergraduate and graduate students to do their best possible work. As one student wrote in nominating him, "Dr. Saucier pushes his students because he honestly cares that we learn this material so that we can go on to become better psychologists and researchers."

Saucier joined K-State in 2004. He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Kentucky and his master's in psychology and classical civilization at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. His doctorate is from the University of Vermont in Burlington.

Bannister has instituted a vibrant model of servant leadership at the Jardine Apartment Complex, a part of K-State housing and dining services.

"The No. 1 goal we have is to serve our residents and the student staff at the complex by leading them in such a way that they would be quick to turn around and serve others," Bannister said. "The result is that students can walk into our office either as staff members or customers and find the tools they need to be successful."

This is the third year for K-State's Putting Students First awards. They recognize one faculty member and one member of K-State's institutional advancement staff who over their last two years of service have had a major effect on the lives of K-State students. All nominees receive a certificate, a plaque and a $300 stipend.

"We are so happy that faculty and staff find many ways to show they care about students, from advising groups and teams to enthusiastic teaching to sincere interest in student success," said Carla Jones, assistant vice president and senior associate dean of student life.

The award committee takes into consideration such characteristics as an engaging teaching style, a commitment to the well-being of students, a particular concern for fairness, and service to students that goes beyond the call of duty.

Other faculty nominees for this year's award were Bruce Babin, assistant professor of mechanical and nuclear engineering; Stefan Bossmann, professor of chemistry; Scott Hendrix, instructor in finance; and Karen Myers-Bowman, associate professor of family studies and human services.

Staff nominees included Camilla Jones, residence life coordinator; Steve Martini, director of recreational services; Larry Moeder, assistant vice president of student financial assistance; and Rick Rudnick, residence life coordinator.