| |
University of Hawai'i |
(808) 956-8856 Telephone |
For Immediate Release: |
October 4, 1999 |
Contact: Jim Manke, University Relations Office, phone 956-6106; fax 956-9701 manke@hawaii.edu
|
| UHM researcher receives 1999 Presidential Award for Excellence
in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring |
Researcher Richard Radtke is one of 10 individuals from universities across the country to receive the 1999 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. The award, funded by the National Science Foundation, recognizes individuals and institutions that are exceptional in the encouragement of minorities, women and people with disabilities in the pursuit of careers in science, engineering and technology.
Radtke is a researcher in UH Manoa's Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology. He balances his time between his research and contributious to various community projects. Restricted to a wheelchair by multiple sclerosis, Radtke serves as an exceptional role model, especially to the 80 youths with physical disabilities he has mentored. Radtke has encouraged blind youths to paddle canoes and inspired deaf students to express their observations through sign languages. He has also participated in numerous presentations to the public, school visits and public television programs. In 1996 Radtke was the recipient of the university' s Robert W. Clopton Award for Service to the Community.
President Clinton says the recipients of these awards " serve as examples to their colleagues and will be leaders in the national effort to train the next century of scientists, mathematicians and engineers."
NSF director Rita Colwell says: "No personal influence is as powerful, long-lasting and positive as that of a superlative mentor. The mentors receiving this award today are a true national resource who play a key role in defining the quality of our nation's future human resources in science, mathematics, technology and engineering."
The ten national honorees were selected from among 36 nominated for
the individual awards. The award includes a $10,000 grant and a commemorative
presidential certificate.
