Director of Environmental Studies, John Hausdoerffer Named Teacher of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce
Oct. 27, 2009 -- The Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce honored Western State College Professor John Hausdoerffer as the 2009 "People's Choice" Teacher of the Year.
John Hausdoerffer in front of the newly remodeled and environmentally certified Kelley Hall.
He was honored not only for his role in the building of the school’s environmental studies program and the renovation of the campus’ first LEED-Gold certified building, but for countless hours he dedicates to working individually with his students.
Hausdoerffer is an alumnus of WSC who returned to Gunnison after receiving his M.A. from St. John’s College and his Ph.D. from Washington State University. He serves as the director of environmental studies as well as a professor of philosophy. He has helped grow the environmental studies program to more than 140 students currently. Hausdoerffer provided countless hours of planning to the recent makeover of Kelley Hall, including engaging students in the environmentally friendly renovation and design process. Chamber Director Tammy Scott also noted the “countless hours” Hausdoerffer dedicates to personal interaction with students.
“This most basic but time consuming activity ... is one of the foundations of the personal education experience that is Western State College,” Scott said.
Each year, the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce surveys the community to vote for the "People's Choice" Awards. Categories inclucde Business of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Citizen of the Year, among others.
Portions of this story reproduced with permission from the Gunnison Country Times
