The High Pi for Epsilon-Eta, Roger Grice ’87G – ThU 426, received the 2010 Rensselaer Alumni Association (RAA) Teaching Award on Friday, October 15 during the RAA Award Dinner. The RAA Teaching Award was created in 1994 by the Rensselaer Alumni Association Board of Trustees to recognize current members of the Rensselaer faculty for their outstanding teaching techniques, contributions to the campus experience and commitment to students.

Roger is an outstanding High Pi and brother of Lambda Chi Alpha and we are lucky to share him with the brothers of Theta Upsilon of Lambda Chi Alpha. Roger’s citation read during the RAA Awards Ceremony highlights his great value to us and to Rensselaer.

“Rensselaer is fortunate to count Roger Grice, who has been described by his students as “the quintessential professor,” as a member of our distinguished faculty since 1984. Roger is clinical professor of technical communication and information technology in the Department of Language, Literature and Communication.

The Department of Language, Literature, and Communication at Rensselaer is an internationally recognized center for interdisciplinary education, research, and theory development, whose programs prepare students to understand traditional and emerging communication technologies from a variety of perspectives. Roger’s unique teaching style encourages personal growth and student engagement, while keeping the learning fun and exciting. His popular courses on interface design and technical communications form the cornerstone of Rensselaer’s master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction Studies. He is known for classes that incorporate everything from animation and games, to light shows and a smoke machine – really!

Roger’s commitment to students extends far beyond class hours. Students have high praise for his willingness to work with them on his own time, commending his “robust office hours,” and his availability on Instant Messenger anytime, day or night. The word “mentor” comes up time and time again as former students describe their relationship with Dr. Grice. His commitment to student life includes his involvement in the Greek community, as a long-time advisor to Lambda Chi Alpha, as current president of the Alumni Inter-Greek Council, and as a Rensselaer Alumni Association committee member. He is a regular visitor to the Advising and Learning Assistance Center, guiding students who have academic challenges. He is visible on campus nearly everywhere, from faculty meetings, to student activities, to sporting events.

In Roger, the RAA has found the perfect embodiment of innovative teaching and a singular dedication to students that merit this year’s outstanding teaching award.”

Congratulations Roger!!