Feb. 18, 2013
Alexander Nedd
[email protected]
Several medals are awarded throughout the CU community based on various criteria. One honor that recognizes those striving for excellence in both academics and in the campus community is the Thomas Jefferson Award.
On Jan. 16, three people were given the honor for Spring 2013. Anatoliy Glushchenko, associate professor of physics, and Drew Martorella, executive director at Theatreworks, from UCCS were among the honorees. Anand Reddi, a student at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, was the third recipient.
Originally founded at the University of Virginia in 1951, the Thomas Jefferson Award honors those who symbolize characteristics exemplified by our founding fathers with outstanding performance in academic arts and service to the community.
During the 1980s, the award was offered at five other major universities, including the University of Colorado. The Thomas Jefferson Award is currently available at all four CU campuses.
In order to receive the award, members must be nominated by students and staff from all over the CU region.
Recipients are given an engraved plaque, a $2,000 honorarium and a formal event in their honor overseen by the CU Board of Regents. Campus recognition will be Feb. 21, and the ceremony will be held April 4.
“When I found out about the award I was very surprised,” said Drew Martorella. “Blown away, just couldn’t believe it.”
Martorella has been in the professional art community and taught at UCCS for more than 17 years. During his time on campus, he has helped lead financial reforms within the theater program and tripled the number of shows performed per season.
“I was nominated by Susan Szpyrka and Brian Burnett,” Martorella said. Szpyrka is the senior associate vice chancellor for Administration and Finance, and Burnett is the vice chancellor for Administration and Finance. “I am extremely humbled. I just hope I prove worthy of this award.”
Anand Reddi is a medical student for the class of 2014. He advocates for public health research and has helped change policies around the world.
Anatoliy Glushchenko is an associate professor and teaches physics at UCCS. In 2007, he was recognized by CU as Inventor of the Year.
Glushchenko and Reddi were not immediately available for comment but are expected to both join Martorella for the award banquet.