Surprise!

When Professor Mike Smith and his doctoral student Maria Brunette enter the student lounge, everyone starts clapping. Smith steps to the side of the room and starts clapping too, for he thinks the applause is for Maria. But as the crowd gazes at Smith, he mouths under the noise, "What is this?"

The surprise is finally out: Smith is not there to attend an award ceremony for Brunette, as she had told him, but to attend one in his honor!

Last fall, Brunette, who had just completed her doctorate degree, was telling her peers how grateful she felt to have had Smith as her advisor. "He respects you as an equal and gives you the freedom to explore your interests, challenge his ideas and talk to other professors. His door is always open," says Brunette. "He always says, 'Match your heart with what you do.'"

Brunette's listeners had similar stories, and they all wanted to recognize Smith for his excellence as both an educator and a person. "I first thought we'd have a small, informal party," says Brunette. "But as more people wanted to be involved, the magnitude of the event grew." Some 20 graduate students contributed to the cause and many of Smith's colleagues also offered support.

What started as a small gathering evolved into an award ceremony, complete with banners, catered food, special guests and a framed certificate signed by Professor and Chair Harold Steudel, College of Engineering Dean Paul Peercy and Chancellor John Wiley.

And Smith received the one-time honor of "Excellence in Holistic Education," an award established entirely by students, some of whom he's advised. According to the students, the award recognizes Smith for his distinction as a researcher, teacher and human being.

Patrick Farrell, engineering associate dean of academic affairs, describes Smith's teaching style as "affecting students one at a time." He says Smith has an ability to help them move from where they are to where they want to be. But, as Farrell admits, professors like Smith who influence students individually often are overlooked for teaching awards.

At the end of the ceremony, graduate student Farheen Khan, also indebted to Smith for his support over the years, hands him a card on behalf of nearly everyone in the room. She says, "Take good care of yourself — we all love you!"