Linda Absher, Eileen Brennan, Grants Farr, and Dee Thompson will receive the University's top awards for excellence at Spring Commencement June 14 at 10 a.m. in the Rose Garden Arena. Richard Pimentel, motivational speaker and disability rights activist, will give the main address and receive an honorary degree.

Absher, assistant professor and humanities reference librarian, will receive the Butler Award for Library Faculty Service. She is being honored for her commitment to collaboration with colleagues in the library, on campus, and around the nation. Brennan is receiving the Branford Price Millar Award for Faculty Excellence. Brennan, associate dean for academic and community affairs in the School of Social Work, is highly regarded for her administrative work and her research on issues involving children with mental health disorders.

The Hoffmann Award for Faculty Excellence is going to Farr, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and professor of sociology. Valued for his leadership skills, Farr is also one of the country's top experts on Afghanistan. Thompson is receiving the Cumpston Award for Service to Students. As director of the Career Center and a longtime career counselor, Thompson has positively affected the lives of countless students.