Four faculty members in veterinary microbiology, mathematics, computer science and political science were honored today for their outstanding teaching by their colleagues at the University of California, Davis. Receiving the Distinguished Teaching Award from the campus division of the Academic Senate were Dwight C. Hirsh, a professor of veterinary microbiology; G. Thomas Sallee, a professor of mathematics; Richard F. Walters, a professor of computer science; and Geoffrey A. Wandesforde-Smith, a professor of political science and environmental studies. Established in 1973, the awards are given annually during the spring quarter to as many as four faculty members. Hirsh was recognized for his ability to convey the clinical significance of classroom work and for his pioneering use and development of a computer-assisted instructional program. Students have described him as a demanding instructor with a talent for generating student involvement and an appreciation for both the fundamental and practical aspects of veterinary medicine. He has twice received the Norden Distinguished Teaching Award. "Dr. Hirsh's most outstanding quality is his concern and compassion for his students," said one of his students. "He extends himself in every way possible to ensure that his students learn the concepts of bacteriology." Sallee, who has taught mathematics at UC Davis for nearly three decades, was praised for his devotion to the "art of teaching." In addition to teaching literally thousands of students at the Davis campus, he also has co-written a series of books dealing with high school algebra and geometry and a book aimed at simplifying mathematics in grades five through seven. He has participated in a campuswide program aimed at encouraging minority undergraduate students in mathematics and the physical sciences, and is active in mathematics education programs at the state and national levels. "It had not dawned on me before that many of my good traits were traits I had mimicked from Tom Sallee," said one former student who is now a math professor. "He had been responsible for characteristics in my teaching that I prized and was proud of." Walters has earned a reputation as an innovator in bringing new computer technology into the classroom, both in his own teaching and by helping other members of the academic community. He began teaching computer technology in the School of Medicine in 1967 and now holds joint appointments in engineering's computer science department and in the medical school's family practice department. He has developed a general education course on computer literacy, a graduate-level course dealing with the teaching of computer science and a course on computers especially designed for first-year students. He also developed a special course on the use of computers by physicians. In addition to his primary duties in the medical school and engineering, Walters also has developed various programs elsewhere on the campus, helping colleagues incorporate computer technology in their teaching activities. "He has helped me find the courage to venture into teaching territory that is not just at the edge of the map, but is on a new map and one for which Dick is the principal surveyor," commented one professor in political science. Wandesforde-Smith was honored for promoting the use of electronic mail and computer networks in teaching students to think, write, and become self-reliant and productive. His students praise him for his superb lectures and for his concern for the success of his students. Electronic mail provided an ideal tool for communicating with Wandesforde-Smith's typically large classes. During one recent year he taught 700 students. Regardless of the number of students in his charge, he was committed to encouraging his students to develop as researchers and writers. One former student reflected: "Although it has been 13 years since I was a student at UC Davis, no one has had a more direct impact on my career than Geoffrey Wandesforde-Smith. It is rare that a student comes across a professor who helps them believe they can accomplish more than they ever thought possible, a professor who genuinely cares enough to go the 'extra mile'."