LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ -- Dr. Michael S. Benner, associate professor of biology at Rider University, and Dr. Richard W. Burgh, professor of philosophy and philosophy department chairperson, have been named the two recipients of the Rider University Award for Distinguished Teaching for 1998.

The award, formerly called the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, has been presented annually since 1961 to two outstanding Rider instructors in recognition of teaching excellence. It was presented at Rider's 133rd Commencement on May 15.

After receiving his B.S. in biology from Shippensburg University and his M.S. and Ph.D. in plant genetics from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Benner (left) was a post-doctoral fellow at the Waksman Institute of Rutgers University. He spent three years at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science prior to coming to Rider in 1993.

"Teaching is the very core of what we do at Rider, so this recognition means more to me than any other honor," said Dr. Benner, a resident of Yardley, PA.

"I'd like to ask a favor of you," he added in addressing 911 Rider graduates. "I'd like to ask each and every one of you to be a teacher. I don't necessarily mean by profession, but rather by attitude. Be patient, be accessible, and be willing to help.

"The point is, you don't need an elegant robe to be a teacher. In fact, I think it's ironic that the only people in this audience today without academic regalia are, in truth, the greatest teachers -- our families."

Dr. Benner's research interest focuses on improving the nutritional quality of corn, and he has received funding for his work from the New Jersey Commission of Science and Technology.

However, his crowning accomplishment at the University has been the success of his innovative Program for Regional Outreach and Biology Education (PROBE), a series of biotechnology workshops that has brought more than 300 students and 20 teachers from regional secondary schools to the Rider campus over the past three years to conduct college-level experiments. The program has drawn rave reviews and has received tens of thousands of dollars in corporate support.

Dr. Benner has also rekindled a relationship with American Cyanamid to study the genetics behind herbicide resistance to improve crops and to study molecular landmarks to assist plant breeders.

But his outstanding classroom demeanor and relationship with students is what most distinguishes Dr. Benner among his peers and students alike.

"Dr. Benner has been described by his colleagues as a master teacher -- one whose patience, constant availability, and meticulous preparation contribute to his significant effectiveness in the classroom," said Dr. J. Barton Luedeke, president of Rider University. "In addition to the impact he has had on students, he is committed to building important bridges between educational communities."

This is the second major faculty award presented to Dr. Benner since his arrival at Rider. In 1996, he received the Dominick Iorio Award for Faculty Excellence in Scientific Research. In addition to his research activities and teaching duties, he has served the Rider community as faculty advisor to Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and is the executive secretary of Rider's Science Advisory Board.

Dr. Burgh (left) is a true Rider man, earning his B.A. from the University in 1968 before receiving his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin in 1972 and 1975, respectively. He was appointed to the Rider faculty in 1975.

"This is quite extraordinary," said Dr. Burgh, a resident of Morristown, NJ. "In addition to getting paid for doing what I love, I'm also getting an award.

"I want you to know how privileged I am," he added in addressing 911 Rider graduates. "Each year I love teaching more, and it is to the students that I owe this. When I go into a class, my goal is to have you experience the love and excitement that I feel for philosophy. Winning this award lets me know that I have been successful."

Dr. Burgh's research interests are in the areas of philosophy of law, social philosophy, ethics, and logic and language. He has published numerous articles and presented papers on law and philosophy at several international conferences.

He is also very active in the Rider community, having been appointed chair of the philosophy department last years and serving on the University Academic Policy Committee, the Judicial Appeals Committee, and the Honorary Degrees Committee. In addition, he has taken a strong interest in helping pre-law students prepare for entrance examinations and assisting with the application process for law school.

However, Dr. Burgh is perhaps best known for the stimulating atmosphere he creates in the classroom as he initiates dialogue to discuss important issues facing society today, including capital punishment, abortion, euthanasia, and affirmative action.

"Dr. Burgh has been a valued member of the philosophy department for more than 20 years," said Dr. J. Barton Luedeke, president of Rider University. "He is a superb classroom teacher who challenges his students by using primary sources to help them develop their analytical skills as they prepare for a lifetime of learning."

Rider University is an independent, coeducational, nonsectarian institution with a 353-acre main campus in Lawrenceville, New Jersey and a 23-acre campus in Princeton, New Jersey. The University offers 58 undergraduate programs and 17 graduate programs in the Colleges of Business Administration; Liberal Arts, Education, and Sciences; Continuing Studies; and Westminster Choir College. Ninety-three percent of the faculty hold doctoral or other appropriate advanced degrees. U.S. News and World Report has again ranked Rider in the top tier of northern universities based on the quality of its programs.