Derrick Miller
DUNCAN — It seemed a community affair when residents of Duncan and Lawton came together to honor the latest Hackler Teaching Excellence Award recipient recently at Cameron-University Duncan.
David Fennema was recognized with the award named for Duncan residents Harold and Elizabeth Hackler, both of whom graduated from Cameron University. Fennema is a professor of theater arts at the university.
Every year, teachers are nominated for the award, which rewards outstanding educators. From there, at least one professor is chosen to receive the award. Fennema is the 19th recipient. He was nominated by his students Cynthia Reynolds and Francesca Rios.
“There are three loves of my life: The theater, my wife and teaching,” Fennema said.
The program brought together an assortment of people, from Duncan Mayor Gene Brown to Cameron University professors to CU students. Many of Fennema’s students and colleagues gathered in the reception room to listen to him speak.
It was Justin Walton, assistant professor, and Thelonious Smith, CU student, who spoke first to give the audience a idea of what kind of man Fennema is.
Walton said Fennema is known by most of his students and fellow professors as “Doc.” Walton described Fennema as a model of dignity and individual it is hard to describe with words.
“He has a willingness to invest time in others, a willingness to continue learning about the outside world,” Walton said.
Smith had similar thoughts on Fennema. Smith has not only been a student of Fennema, but also has taught a class alongside the professor.
“He grants students what they need to succeed,” Smith said. “His appetite for knowledge has not diminished.”
Before long, it came time for Fennema to accept his award from CU President Cindy Ross. He gave a short speech once the plaque, listing all the names of past recipients, was unveiled with Fennema’s name added.
“Cameron has given me opportunities,” Fennema said. “I cannot beginning to express my gratitude. I’m very, very honored.
“I’m very honored that you did select me.”
He said he was thankful to the Hacklers for instituting the award with a donation to the university, to his colleagues and the administration, and to his students.
“I need to thank my students,” Fennema said. “They’re very, very wonderful people.
“I thank you all for giving me the career I always dreamed of having.”
