|
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 1, 2004) — Dr. Virginia L. Martin, a highly regarded professor of biology at Queens University of Charlotte for 38 years, has been recognized for her outstanding teaching abilities as the 2004 recipient of the Hunter Hamilton Love of Teaching Award. President Pamela Lewis presented the award as part of the undergraduate commencement ceremonies in Dana Auditorium on May 1, 2004.
The Hunter-Hamilton Award seeks out and honors teachers whose way of life uniquely inspires the full potential of each student. The award is given to a Queens faculty member judged by his or her peers to display an exemplary love of teaching.
Lewis noted that Dr. Martin’s career "exemplifies a love of the living world that has inspired her students." Through the nomination process, one student wrote that Dr. Martin "was a huge influence in making me aware of the world around me and teaching me to treat our world with the same respect and dignity with which she treated us."
Other students wrote that "she is a fabulous educator and individual" who "works overtime and comes in on the weekends to prepare for her students." Another student commented that she clarified "complex biology matters so as to make us feel we had figured it out on our own; she made us feel individually important." One business major highlighted her creativity, sharing that he began "to thrive in her class and take away a lifelong appreciation of zoology."
Martin’s career not only includes teaching biology on the Queens campus, but also in Nigeria and on expeditions to Pawley’s Island and the Galapagos Islands. Many students commented on her attention to them long after they have graduated. One shared that "every year she has sent me a Christmas card….I know hundreds of students have come under her magical inspirational spell, and to think that she still takes the time to send me a personalized card many years later!" | 
