This past month LM Robotics (DAWGMA) faculty sponsor Rich Kressly returned from the Regional FIRST Robotics Competition with an award of his own. Kressly was honored with the Regional Woodie Flowers Award. DAWGMA members nominated Kressly for this award to show their appreciation for his dedication to the program.
Sivahn Barsade Class of 2010
“To have students take the time to nominate me truly means a lot,” said Kressly. “This experience was one of the top five moments in my 15 years of teaching.”
Once DAWGMA members chose to nominate Kressly, the actual decision was up to previous winners of the Woodie Flowers Award. The past honorees created a panel which picked Kressly from among fifteen other nominees for the Regional Woodie Flowers Award. Members of the panel included some very accomplished professors and mentors in the FIRST community.
“It is something very special that the people who selected me are truly tremendous role models who are able to help the Robotics community on a grand scale,” said Kressly. “To be thought of in the same sentence as these role models is an amazing honor.
Kressly had previously worked with the FIRST organization and before coming to LM. When he arrived five years ago Kressly started the robotics program as part of the Technology and Engineering Club. He views his role as a club teacher in three parts: to teach new technology, to teach hard work and collaboration, and to teach how to use technology in the right way.
“Helping others is a very important in DAWGMA,” said Kressly. “I try to create a balance between fun and hard work why teaching skills to make the world a better place.
Sivahn Barsade
Class of 2010
