by Marian Chavez
Daily Lobo
After 35 years of teaching at UNM, professor Anne Taylor has been rewarded for her efforts as an educator.
On Thursday, during a ceremony at Zimmerman Library, Taylor was presented with the Faculty Acknowledgment Award.
She was notified of her selection about three weeks ago.
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"I was totally surprised," she said. "I grew up in a family of educators, so I always had a natural passion for education."
Taylor was awarded for her achievements in education in her field and her support of research, which allowed more than $1 million to be raised for the School of Architecture and Planning at UNM.
Dina Ma'ayan, development coordinator of University Libraries, said the department has sponsored the award for several years.
"We do so in partnership with each of the colleges on campus, and we work closely with the dean of each college, because it is their responsibility to select the honoree," Ma'ayan said. "The award is given to exceptional faculty who have produced scholarly work, and have helped to enhance the scholarship of the academy."
About 80 students and colleagues attended the presentation to honor Taylor's achievement.
Holly Spellman, a UNM architecture student, said Taylor has given her the desire to become successful.
"She is very deserving of this award," Spellman said. "She has such a passion for architecture, and I want to be just as passionate."
Along with the Faculty Acknowledgment Award, Taylor has received other awards, including the Governor's Award for Woman of the Year and the Architects Institute of Japan Award for Cultural Appreciation.
Taylor said children are her inspiration.
"Much of my inspiration comes as a gift from children," she said.
Taylor's former students also came out to support her latest achievement.
Laine Sparks, a UNM graduate, said Taylor helped her flourish.
"I took two classes with her, and I know she has helped me to achieve success," Sparks said. "She is very passionate about what she does."
Taylor's first book, The Knowing Eye: Linking Architecture and Education through the Learning Environment, will be published in 2007.
She has advice for students contemplating a career in architecture, she said.
"You don't make much money," she said, laughing. "But get your degree and become a superintendent of a school."
