Meiko Fujiura never felt more challenged, and a “good job” was never more fulfilling than in her four semesters under Janet Marquardt’s instruction.

Marquardt is the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Faculty Award, a prestigious honor that is presented to one faculty member each year who excels in teaching, research, creative activity and service.

Joy Russell, a member of the distinguished faculty award committee and department chair of early childhood, elementary and middle level education, said Marquardt stood out from the other eight nominees this year.

“I think each nominee certainly demonstrated quality teaching, research and service,” Russell said. “Janet stood out because of her longevity here at the university and her ability and devotion to her work.”

Nominees for the award must be tenured or tenure-tracked faculty and must have been at Eastern for at least four years. Any Eastern administrator, faculty or staff member, alumni or student can make nominations.

“We were very amazed at how Janet stood out, and we came to the consensus that she was the one who was most deserving of the award this year,” Russell said.

Since Marquardt came to Eastern in 1986, she has taken her teaching, service and research seriously and said she is honored to receive this award.

“Like past winners, we do not do this for the awards, but for the satisfaction of knowing one has put together the best course lectures, worked with our students to see them grow, contributed on committees toward building a better university, and spending most of our free time doing research and writing successful publications,” Marquardt said.

Marquardt developed the first tele-course, an online course, “Art in Past Cultures,” in 1990.

In 1996, Marquardt developed the very first study abroad program to Paris. She created the Women in Art course, standard for both the women’s studies and art departments.

Marquardt is a faculty adviser to undergraduates, served as the graduate coordinator in her department, is a member of the Eastern National Student Exchange Committee and was a career mentor at the College Art Association’s annual conferences for several years.

Jonelle DePetro, chair of the philosophy department, delved deep into the meaning of the word “distinguished” in her nomination letter to prove the point that Marquardt is most deserving of the award.

“She is a genuine presence in our educational community, doing what she can to support students, faculty and administrators as they work to achieve their goals,” DePetro said. “I cannot imagine anyone who has put more of herself or left more of a legacy to date on Eastern.”

Marquardt has three published books, many published articles and is an invited lecturer for national and international events.

The award selection committee is made up of four faculty members, two students and one alumnus; they met and individually reviewed each of the nominations, including their resume and letters of support. Each nominee must have three letters of support to be considered.

Jeffrey Lynch, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, felt Marquardt was most deserving of this honor in his letter of nomination.

“To her students, Dr. Marquardt is a model of life-long learning, curiosity, inclusiveness and giving back to one’s community,” Lynch said.

While teaching a full course load each semester in the art department, Marquardt was an integral figure in creating and furthering the women’s studies academic minor; she is also active in services that move the mission of the university community forward, Lynch said.

Winners of the award are presented a monetary award, as well as a plaque, at the spring commencement ceremony.

Fujiura, a former art history student of Marquardt’s, said in her nomination letter she became more confident in her studies because of Marquardt’s instruction.

“She deserves the award because of the quality of instruction she provides, the amount of work she puts toward her students and because she is an excellent example of an intelligent and accomplished professional to those around her,” Fujiura said.

Marquardt puts a lot of energy and care toward her classroom and field, Fujiura said.

“It is contagious; seeing her inspires me to dedicate myself more toward my studies,” Fujiura said.

Ashley Holstrom can be reached at 581-7942 or alholstrom@eiu.edu.