Proulx took a class in plant breeding and genetics in fall 2008 from Associate Professor Jochum Weirsma, Ph.D.
professors,” Proulx reflects. “The instructors I came in contact with wanted to work with you and were willing to stop what they were doing and answer your questions. That attention makes a difference.” Currently, Proulx is working as a lab services coordinator for the agronomy program at the U of M,
Crookston, a job he secured before he graduated. So, today, you will still find Eric Proulx thriving in the classroom – a place where he feels right at home and where he can continue to share his passion and inspire others.
Making (more than) the Grade Assistant Professor of Communication Kevin Thompson, Ph.D., offered the students in his business and professional speaking class an opportunity to get more than a grade fall semester. For their final presentation, students were required to deliver a persuasive presentation regarding a non-profit organization or charity. After the presentations, the class voted for the speaker they felt was most persuasive, giving consideration to content, organization, and delivery. Class members had the opportunity to voluntarily donate $5, and the organization of the presenter deemed best was the recipient of the money collected by the class. What did the class think about the project? Several students shared their feelings: “A lot of the reason we enjoyed
this project wasn’t what we did ourselves. It was learning about everyone else. The project really raised our awareness.” —Junior Brent Swanson, Mason City, Iowa “Everyone spoke from the heart, and we knew that we were working for something much bigger than just a grade. That was what made it so worthwhile.” — Senior Terrence Hopkins, Long Beach, Calif. “It was a great experience and it enhanced the assignment. It added so much to what we were doing individually and as a class.” — Senior Rebecca Langlois, Crookston, Minn. The winning presenter was Junior Jill Zelinsky, Brooklyn Park, Minn. Her presentation focused on the difficult challenges of the family of Sophomore Jenna Dolence, Moorhead, Minn., and her
Members of the business and professional speaking class: Seated (l to r): Jessina Seibel, Deborah Halstad, Spencer Dobson, Max Saarinen, Brent Swanson, Rebecca Langlois. Standing: Terrence Hopkins, Tiffany Benning, Kevin Thompson, Ph.D.
father, Dave, who is fighting colon cancer. “Through the information Jill shared about colon cancer and the personal struggles of one family, students were able to understand the significance of the disease and its real impact in human terms, explains Thompson. “It was a true learning experience for my students.”
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