Five Hotchkiss faculty members were selected by the University of Chicago for this year’s Outstanding Educator award. Former math instructor Charlie Bell, History instructor Thomas Drake, English instructor Charles Frankenbach P’12,’16, Dean of Community Life and English instructor Stephen McKibben P’22, and French instructor Sarinda Parsons Wilson P’14,’17 were all recipients of the 2020 award. 

This distinguished university award has existed for more than three decades. Students accepted into the University of Chicago Class of 2024 were asked to nominate an educator whose guidance has helped them along the path toward intellectual growth. Responses were received from thousands of students in recognition of educators who have positively impacted their lives. 

A virtual event celebrating this year’s winners will be held on Wednesday, October 21 at 7 p.m. CDT, featuring the following special guest speakers from UChicago: President Robert Zimmer, Provost Ka Yee C. Lee, and Trustee Greg Wendt. The presentation will be conducted using Zoom, an online webinar and video chat platform. Please click here to register. You will not need your own Zoom account in order to join.

According to the university website, an Outstanding Educator shapes young minds in meaningful ways—thoughtfully approaching instruction, sharing an infectious love for learning, and caring for students both inside and outside of the classroom. Each year, newly admitted UChicago students have the opportunity to reflect on their time in school and nominate an educator who played a significant role in their education, made a positive impact in their lives, and whose influence has brought them to where they are today. 

All award winners receive a commemorative award, certificate, and letter that includes details from the student who nominated them. More information regarding the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator can be found at the following link: https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/counselorseducators/outstanding-educator-awards.