Inspiring teaching honored

At the Merrill Presidential Scholars Convocation May 20, Risa L. Lieberwitz, right, associate professor of collective bargaining in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, speaks with graduating seniors Frances M. Nicastro and Derek B. Dorn, both of whom selected her as a faculty member who had a strong influence on their academic careers. Also honored were 35 secondary school teachers from as far away as Poland and Venezuela chosen as inspiring teachers by Merrill Scholars, who represent the top 5 percent of Cornell's 1998 graduating class. The Merrill Scholars program is made possible by funding from Philip Merrill, Class of 1955. The STAR (Special Teachers Are Recognized) Program, which sponsors the teachers' awards, began in 1989 with support from Donald and Margi Berens, both in the Class of 1947, the William Know Holt Foundation and the Cornell Alumni Association of Central New York. Jon Reis/Photolink