Introducing the Hook Award

Rosa Lee Harkrader/The Captain's Log

A few weeks ago, The Captain’s Log received a mysterious email with the subject line “Announcing the Hook Award.” Thus, another one of CNU’s secret societies revealed its existence to the masses.

The email was sent by the Society of the Severed Hand, a group that was created in 1978 and “is composed of members who have a demonstrated intellectual thirst and a mischievous wit.”

For the first time in the history of the society, they have presented The Hook Award, which “is meant to recognize a faculty member’s intelligence, passion for teaching and contribution to the intellectual development of students of CNU.”

Dr. Lori Underwood, associate professor of philosophy, is the inaugural recipient of the award.

“I went into my classroom one day and there was something very odd sitting in my classroom and I thought, well I’ve found a lot of things when I’ve gone into classrooms before but that’s the first time I’ve ever found a hook and this letter was with it,” Underwood said.

The letter informed her of what the Hook award was and why she won it.

“I felt very honored. What I love most and the kind of recognition that means the most to me is recognition from students.”

An official statement from the Society of the Severed Hand said, “One of the goals of our organization is to help create a culture at CNU that appreciates the processes of learning and teaching. In the spirit of leading by example, we decided to directly show our appreciation to the professors of this institution. It is the professors who drive the true purpose of higher education, and it is each professor’s knowledge, experience and passion that has the potential to change a young individual’s future. Dr. Underwood immediately came to mind when it came time to choose the first recipient.”

Underwood embodies the qualities mentioned by the Society. Her favorite aspect of teaching is seeing students succeed. She described that moment where the light bulb goes off and the students finally have a hold on what they’ve been learning about as the most rewarding moment for a professor.

“You never know where the class is going to go from there,” she said. In talking to her, one understands that teaching is truly her passion in life.

Junior Jen Asselin was in the classroom the day Underwood found her reward and said she could not think of a more deserving professor.

“She is really dedicated to her students,” Asselin said. “She truly takes the time to make sure that everyone has the tools to succeed. Her classes are never easy, but they are always rewarding.”
Asselin said the entire class was curious as to why a Hook was sitting on the teacher’s podium. Underwood opened the letter and told the class the Hook was an award for being an outstanding professor.

“I loved seeing how happy she was about it because she absolutely deserves it for all that she does,” Asselin said.

When asked about her opinion of the award, Underwood said “I think it’s so much fun. I really do. It’s what I love about college—that you get to express yourself in these new and unique ways and secret societies are so much fun.”

She didn’t know any more about the society than what was said in her letter. “I would love to give you some information but I also love the fact that I can’t.”

The Hook Award will remain in the possession of Underwood until the Society decides that another professor is worthy of the honor. At that time, Underwood will be given directions on how to pass on the award. The award could remain in her possession for weeks, months or even years.

“Although the time will come for her to pass the Hook Award on to the next recipient,” the Society of the Severed Hand said, “the award is meant to be remembered by each professor as a recognition from the student body of the qualities that make them the excellent mentors, friends and people that they are.”

This emphasis on the award as recognition from students it what makes it so special to Underwood.

“It means the world to me,” she said. “It’s wonderful and it’s touching. Those who teach do it because they love it and it’s important and it’s their contribution; it’s what they’re doing to make a difference.”

Asselin said she feels that passion every time she attends Underwood’s class and agrees with the Society’s decision. “If I had to present an award to a faculty member, she would be my first choice too.”

Posted by Rebekah Bremer on Nov 9 2011. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.