Campus News
May 18th, 2024
GC names Deniker Professor Emerita
Faculty Senate co-chair heavily influenced STEM Center design
Photo by: Hannah Sickles
Carolyn Deniker, center, receives a plaque commemorating the awarding of Professor Emerita status from Garrett College Board of Trustees Chair Don Morin, right, as Garrett College President Dr. Richard Midcap summarizes Professor Emerita Deniker’s achievements during Saturday’s 52nd commencement exercises.
Carolyn Deniker – a biology professor who played a key role in the design of the Offutt STEM Center – was awarded Professor Emerita status during Saturday's commencement exercises at Garrett College.
"Professor Deniker's achievements over a 32-year career covered a broad range of initiatives, but they all had a single focus," said Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College's president. "Carolyn was all about her students, and ensuring they had every possible chance to succeed."
"I'm just very honored, and very appreciative," Deniker said of the recognition.
Midcap said Deniker's commitment to student success included guaranteeing the Offutt STEM Center was developed with students in mind.
"Carolyn, as an experienced STEM faculty member, was an influential voice when the College was designing the Offutt STEM Center," said Midcap. "The Offutt Center is a state-of-the-art STEM facility – and Carolyn played a very important role in ensuring that was the case."
GC Dean of Academic Affairs Christa Bowser – who previously served with Deniker on the STEM faculty – said her "dedication to excellence extended beyond the classroom."
"She was the cornerstone of our STEM department," said Bowser, noting Deniker's legacy includes "kindness, empathy, and genuine care for students that truly sets her apart."
"Her door was always open to any student, and she was an amazing mentor to many faculty, including myself," added Bowser. "Her impact on Garrett College and on all of us will continue for many years to come."
Natural Resources & Wildlife Technology Professor Kevin Dodge said Deniker, who started at Garrett College as an adjunct professor in the 1990s, "became an institution at Garrett."
"Carolyn was a tough instructor with super-high standards. Her students respected her for that," said Dodge. "But Carolyn was also wonderfully supportive of her students – and they loved her for that!"
Dodge also lauded Deniker's service as Faculty Senate co-chair.
"She represented the viewpoints of her peers with unwavering passion to the College administration and Board of Trustees," said Dodge.
Deniker is very active in retirement, including continuing service to Garrett College. She is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Garrett College Foundation.
"Carolyn is a tremendous asset to the Foundation Board," said Cherie Krug, executive director of the Garrett College Foundation. "Her academic background and faculty experience brings a wonderful perspective to the Board, and she has an impressive community spirit."
Deniker and her husband, Roy, have three children and five grandchildren.
