Michael Tessmer, professor of chemistry, was named recipient of the Charles H. and Verda R. Kopke Award for Distinguished Teaching during Southwestern College Commencement exercises Sunday, May 10. The Kopkes established the award in order to honor outstanding faculty members. 

Tessmer earned his bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Minnesota State University in Mankato and his Ph. D in medicinal chemistry from the University of Minnesota.

“While at Southwestern, Dr. Tessmer has gratefully taken on many administrative roles, but his greatest impact has been through teaching and outreach,” says Southwestern College President Elizabeth Frombgen.  “His teaching experiences range from Builder Bound middle school camp to a semester teaching in China. Over the years, his students have ranged from ages 5 to 70, yet his focus has always remained the same: delivering content in creative, engaging, and original ways.”

After earning his bachelors degree, Tessmer spent several years working and traveling.  After completing his Ph. D., he and his wife, Joy, moved to Winfield.  Tessmer has taught at SC for 28 years. 

“Michael’s dedication to students and teaching have made our institution stronger in countless ways – as he has impacted the lives of learners, challenging them, and encouraging them to think bigger – and sometimes much much smaller, like, as in electrons,” Frombgen says.

Tessmer says that Southwestern has been a great place to teach.

“I am very grateful for the selection and could not ask for better colleagues and students to work with in what has been an incredible time at Southwestern,” Tessmer says.  “The support and opportunities the college provides allows for a transformative learning experience for students.”

The Tessmer’s live in Winfield.  Their two daughters, Aideen and Madeline, are also chemistry majors.