2008 Woodie Awards
The best of the best for tuition dollars
Compiled by Nicole Perry
Spring term is slowly dwindling away, and it is time once again to cast our lots for fall term and register for classes. But what’s a student to do without a little guidance from friends and peers? Here is a sampling of what your fellow students feel are the best classes for your tuition dollar; hopefully their good class experiences and consequent advice on worthwhile classes can help you pick a better schedule. Also, if you are stuck with deciding between two unknown teachers, students have also voiced their favorite educators and why they are worth listening to. Sometimes you just need someone else to let you know what you are in for, so here you go, and happy registering!!!
Tanja Tlusty, Sophomore, Early Childhood Education: “PE 170. It gave me a taste of what being a teacher would be like, and I got to work with lesson plans and got hands on experience with children in the class, too. We had home-schooled children from the area come in and we taught them our lesson.”
Heather Maxwell, Senior, Anthropology: “Women in Music taught by Diane Baxter. She made learning about that male-dominated aspect of society fun, as well as liberating to know women have done a great part in contributing to the history of music.”
Karin Kameko, Senior, Psychology: “I liked my aerobics class so much; it kept me in shape, plus dancing was fun. Also the developmental psych class taught by Dr. Tamina Toray was really, really fun.”
Cara Miller, Freshman, Law Enforcement: “My favorite class so far was Dance Aerobics with Jan. She just makes every day fun, always trying to inspire her students to be the best they can be! I also liked Dr. Evans’ Speech 111 class; he pushed us hard, and he didn’t take crap. He also expected a lot from us at 8 a.m., but it was the only 8 a.m. class that I’ve had, and I went to almost every one!”
Eric Engensser, Senior, Speech communication: “My favorite professor is Dr. Braa for Sociology because he tells it like it is! Dr. Braa makes a boring type of class very interesting.”
Alyson Barnet, Junior, Pre-elementary Ed: “I really liked Ted Dechalet’s intro to theatre class. Ted just made it very interesting, and his teaching style was very current and up-to-date. He treated us like adults, but also knew that a lot of us weren’t taking it as theatre majors.”
Shelly Simons, Sophomore, ASL/English Interpreting: “I am ecstatic that Oregon is one of, if not the only, state that recognizes ASL as a foreign language. The BEST beginning teacher for ASL is Fred Farrior. He is charming, witty, funny and does a wonderful job at making all the students relax and feel comfortable. They end up wanting to come to class.”
Andrea Downard, Junior, Education: “My favorite class taken at Western was Writing 135 with Katherine Schmidt. It was a longer class and was right in the middle of the late afternoon, but Dr. Schmidt was so fun; I would recommend her as a wonderful professor to anyone!”
Yendi Martinez de Castro, Sophomore, Political Science: “I took international relations from Mary Pettenger. She is an awesome teacher who does not let her political views and personal opinion get mixed in with the class. She did an amazing job of mediating in class discussion on heavy subjects, such as the presidential election, the war in Iraq and others. I learned a lot in her class.”
JuliAnn Olson, Senior, ECE/Elementry Education: “My favorite class at Western was PE 433 with Dr. Cardinal! I loved this class because we got to play; plus Marita is so sweet!”
Stephanie Nolan, senior, health education: “My favorite class at Western was HE 434 (Diseases) with Dr. Jessica Henderson. You learn something new and relevant everyday; besides, she knows how to make you laugh at 8 in the morning! I have taken all three classes offered by Jessica Henderson, and every single class is interesting; she is by far my favorite professor!”
Caitlin Redelsperger, Junior, Social Science: “I took a study of drugs and alcohol with Warren Allen last year and it was one of the most informative and entertaining classes I have ever taken. Also Warren Allen told us stories to help us understand what it was that people went through when they were addicted or just trying drugs and alcohol.”
Racheal Ramage, Senior, Social Science: “My favorite class was Juvenile issues, a criminal justice class with Teresa Carlo. It was a great class that dealt with issues of juveniles in the criminal justice system and Carlo makes it fun and lively. She is also my favorite teacher; I love her New York accent”
James Wolfe, Freshman, Elementary Education: “My favorite classes have been Math 211, 212 and 213 with Dr. Burton. I had no idea what to expect, and my first impression from Dr. Burton was terrifying; then as the terms have gone on and the times I have spent in her office (not to mention the pieces of candy she is always handing out), I had the opportunity to meet a very important professor at Western. She will always be a professor I will remember.”
Veronica Whitmore, Junior, English: “My favorite class at Western has been Writing 321, business and technical writing, taught by Dr. Peter Eddy. It was a very challenging course, and a very challenging professor, but everything we learned was relatable to real life.”
And finally, some praise for the students and staff at Western:
“Western is the best, and every class I have taken has been fantastic. I can’t pick a favorite professor either, because I love them all and think they are all exceptional. And the students here are the most friendly and caring I have ever seen. I transferred here from PSU, where it was every person for themselves. Coming here was the best decision I’ve ever made!”