2020
2020 Ver Steeg Awards
Named for Clarence Ver Steeg, PhD, former Northwestern University Professor in History and Dean of The Graduate School from 1975 to 1986, this award recognizes one outstanding graduate faculty member and one non-faculty staff member for excellence in working with students of The Graduate School.
Shirin Vossoughi, PhD | Assistant Professor, Learning Sciences
Faculty Award
"I can't think of anyone more deserving than Shirin. I often say that I would've dropped out if it wasn't for her because she never made me feel inadequate in a place that is individualistic and competitive. As a first-generation Black woman, there are many things about grad school that are invisible to me. Shirin knows this and provides intimate support that is rarely found. She has gone out of her way to make sure that I know that I am enough—an invaluable feeling we all deserve as grad students."
Bud Robinson | Graduate Program Assistant, Physics and Astronomy
Staff Award
"Bud seriously goes above and beyond and is a passionate person. No one is ever just another graduate student or a bother. He truly cares about individuals and the department. He is always thinking of ways to improve the experience of graduate school, improve the department culture, and make people feel welcome. He is always the first to jump in and lend a hand."