November 21, 2005

CONTACT: Adela de la Torre
(202) 994-6424; adelita@gwu.edu

GW'S  MATTHEW O'GARA NAMED "PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR" FOR DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA BY COUNCIL FOR ADVANCEMENT AND SUPPORT OF EDUCATION AND CARNEGIE FOUNDATION

 WASHINGTON - Matthew O'Gara, adjunct associate professor in honors and associate professorial lecturer in international affairs, was named the "2005 District of Columbia Professor of the Year" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).  O'Gara was selected from among nearly 400 top professors in the United States. He received his award Nov. 17 at the CASE conference in Washington, DC.

 "I'm truly honored to receive this award because it serves as a reminder that quality teaching is important and appreciated," said O'Gara.  "I'm also extremely grateful to GW for giving me the opportunity to realize my potential in this regard, and for cultivating an academic environment conducive to excellent teaching."

 Both colleagues and students agree that O'Gara's love of teaching is exceptional. "I think Professor O'Gara's love of teaching undergraduates, his participation in honors co-curricular, community-building activities, and his dedication to individual students both in and outside of the classroom are what make him a model and someone most deserving of this recognition,' said Donald Lehman, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.

 Both the U.S. and State Professors of the Year programs, which began in 1981, were designed to recognize the most outstanding professors in the country.  The nominees are judged based their on dedication to undergraduate teaching, contribution to undergraduate education in the institution, community, and profession, and support from colleagues and current and former undergraduate students.  The State Professors of the Year Award Program selects outstanding educators in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Four U.S. professors of the year are also selected.  
 
 The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching was founded in 1905, and is the only advanced-study center for teachers in the world.  The Council for Advancement and Support of Education is the largest international association of educational institutions, with more than 3,200 colleges, universities, and independent elementary and secondary schools in nearly 50 countries.  Both organizations are dedicated to the advancement of teaching and the recognition of outstanding teachers. 

 The University Honors Program at The George Washington University serves over 800 select students enrolled in the University.  The program features small, seminar-style classes where students learn to challenge themselves and each other under the mentorship of dedicated faculty.

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