Class of 2025 Nominates Stephen Benedict Most Impactful Professor Award Winners

Three winners for the Stephen Benedict Most Impactful Professor Award were announced on Saturday, May 17, 2025 during the Undergraduate Biology Program Recognition Ceremony.

Laiba Ashraf, president of Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society, had the honor of announcing the three awarded faculty. This Year's Stephen Benedict Most Impactful Professors award went to Dr. Rich Glor, Dr. Eileen Hotze, and Dr. Robin Orozco.

Students wrote of Dr. Glor:

 “Dr. Glor was a unique teacher with a particular emphasis on providing an effective learning experience for the students who attended his lectures. Even without attending his lectures, you can tell that he loves the concept of learning simply from the inquisitive nature he holds in conversation.”

Another student wrote: “Absolutely amazing professor who provided a wonderful environment in which I looked forward to attending class. He was attentive and willing to answer even some of my more obscure questions.”

Dr. Glor attended the Undergraduate Biology Recognition Ceremony and gave a speech about never giving up on the lifelong love of learning. you can watch the speech on the YouTube livestream timestamp: 37:37.

 Dr. Hotze and Dr. Orozco were out of the country and unable to attend. Laiba helped convey their gratitude and appreciation for this award.

Their student comments are below, followed by their note of thanks.

 For Dr. Hotze:

 One student wrote: “Dr. Eileen Hotze! I cannot stress this enough. I took Microbiology with her during my junior year, right in the midst of educational burnout. Her enthusiasm and genuine passion for the material pulled me out of that slump. Even in a lecture hall of over 200 students, she made each of us feel heard. Her impact on me was so profound that I even became a teaching assistant for that very Microbiology class, eager to share the same excitement and support that she had given me.”

Another student wrote: “Dr. Hotze was my very first professor in my very first class during my first year at the University of Kansas. I’ll always remember walking into Budig 120 and feeling like a small fish in a big pond. Yet, despite the large lecture hall, Dr. Hotze had a way of making the class feel more personal, calling on students and having TAs circulate to offer help. I didn’t have Dr. Hotze again until the spring of my junior year in microbiology, where we were required to give a presentation in front of the class. As someone with a fear of public speaking (like many others), I was incredibly nervous. But that challenge became an opportunity for growth. So, thank you, Dr. Hotze, for welcoming me to KU and giving me the confidence to speak in front of others.”

Dr. Hotze shared the following sentiment upon learning that she had received this award:

"I hope you all are having a wonderful day celebrating everything you’ve accomplished over the past several years. I am so thrilled and proud to have been part of your journey. Watching you grow—not just as students, but as thoughtful, curious, and resilient people—has been one of the greatest joys of my career.

I’m deeply honored to be recognized by the Class of 2025. Though I’m across the world in Spain, my heart is very much with you today. You’ve worked hard, overcome challenges, and supported one another in ways that truly inspire me.

Congratulations on all that you’ve achieved. I can’t wait to see where your paths lead next—you’re ready for whatever comes next, and the world is lucky to have you. Know we are here cheering you on wherever you path leads!

Rock Chalk!"

Now for some comments from Dr. Orozco’s nominations.

 “Dr. Robin Orozco is an amazing professor! I loved how interactive she made her immunology lectures. I have been to a few of her office hours and always enjoyed our conversations! She has accomplished so much in her career and I think that's really inspiring. It helps me keep my motivation to continue my dream career of becoming a doctor.”

“I took two classes with Dr. Robin Orozco. One, my immunology undergraduate course, taught me so much about the basics of immunology and how cells work. That class and her teachings were fundamental in my understanding of immunology. It was a class I was excited to go to every day, and shaped my career trajectory. I also took her graduate immunology course BIOL 811. This class was instrumental in preparing me for graduate studies and exponentially increased my confidence speaking about science and immunology. Dr. Robin Orozco is an incredible professor and besides classes has also been an incredible mentor, guiding me through research and the graduate school application process. I could not have been as successful in my career without her.”

 Dr. Orozco shared the following upon learning that she had received this award.

“Thank you all for this immense honor and recognition. As an early career professor, you all are some of the first students I have taught, mentored, and interacted with. Whether I met you in class, via a research lab, an undergraduate biology event, or just chatting in the Haworth Hall elevators- you have had a profound and positive impact on me. I am proud of you all for the hard work you have put into your academic career, your resilience, and your creativity. So, thank you again for selecting me for this award and more importantly, Congratulations! Rock Chalk!”

From the Biology Class of 2025 … THANK YOU, Dr. Glor, Dr. Hotze, and Dr. Orozco!