The Outstanding Teacher Award has been endowed and formally named by alumni H. Lee Cooper III ’88 and Ann S. Cooper ’59 and will support the university’s commitment to its faculty.
The Lee and Ann Cooper Outstanding Teacher award has been endowed at the University of Evansville by H. Lee Cooper III ’88 and Ann S. Cooper ’59. The annual award will be presented at each Spring Commencement ceremony as a means of recognizing the instructors who inspire confidence within their students, are passionate about their fields, and lead boldly.
According to an article on the University of Evansville's website, Mary Kessler, who serves as the university’s Acting Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, was quoted as saying of the endowment, “Our faculty are mentors, challengers, and partners in discovery. This award recognizes our gifted faculty who provide opportunities for our students and shows students how their ideas can make a real impact. The Coopers’ generosity ensures that inspired teaching continues to thrive at the University.”
The Lee and Ann Cooper Outstanding Teacher Award is given to teachers who demonstrate leadership, help students become their best selves, and interact with the university in meaningful ways through service. In addition to the honor, the award also gives a financial prize to the winning faculty members, providing them with the means to continue their own growth and development.
The Coopers believe in the transformative power of education and the ability for University of Evansville’s faculty to provide students with the type of education and mentoring that will last a lifetime.
Ann Cooper graduated from Evansville College in 1959 with a degree in secondary education, which she used throughout her career in supporting adult students returning to college and undertaking new academic pursuits. Lee Cooper served on the university’s Board of Trustees from 1984 to 2008, was named a Life Trustee in 2008, and became an Emeritus Trustee beginning in 2023. He also received a Samuel Orr Honorary Alumnus Award in 1988. Together, the Coopers have had an immense impact on the University of Evansville community, both in their philanthropy and in their dedication to the university, faculty, and students.
Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, university president, said, “This gift from Lee and Ann Cooper honors the faculty who stand at the center of the mission of the UE experience. Their generosity celebrates the educators who see potential in every student and helps them realize it. Because of the Coopers, generations of Aces will learn from faculty who teach with both purpose and passion.”
For more information about the University of Evansville, visit the school’s website.