The 2020-21 Polanowski Prize for Excellence in Faculty-Student Advising and Mentorship recipient is Hossein Varamini, Turnbull-Jamieson Chair and Professor of Finance and International Business. The award is presented to an Elizabethtown College faculty member to commend and celebrate excellence in advising and mentoring students toward successful graduate school placement and/or careers.
“I am grateful to be the recipient of the Polanowski Prize this year. I knew Frank (Polanowski), who was a caring and engaging faculty member here at Etown, and it is an honor to receive this award in his recognition. I am also grateful to my colleagues, students and alumni for nominating me for this award and to the Committee for selecting me.”
– Hossein Varamini, Professor of Finance and International Business
Congratulatory Statement from the 2020-21 Polanowski Prize Selection Committee:
The selection committee noted that Dr. Varamini’s positive impact on Elizabethtown College students through his mentoring and advising deserves recognition and celebration. Nomination letters emphasized how supportive and encouraging he is and that students could depend on him whenever they needed sound academic or career advice. He tirelessly works to help his students find high-quality internships, navigate the study abroad process, gain industry exposure, and establish a professional network. Repeatedly, former students mentioned how he helped them prioritize and align their goals with their values. Numerous students and alumni also described how they leaned upon him when they were second-guessing their academic path or facing career challenges. He not only listened but worked with them to adjust their curriculum, change their major, or find their purposeful life work.
Dr. Varamini’s profound impact is palpable. Two alumni quotes capture the essence of what his mentorship means to his current and former students.
“Because of him, I know more than just business and markets: I know language, culture, world issues, the importance of service, and the joy of learning.”
“Aside from my parents, no one has done more to influence my career than Dr. Varamini.”
Congratulations, Dr. Varamini, for recognition and celebration of your advising and mentoring!
About the Polanowski Prize for Excellence:
The Polanowski Prize for Excellence, which has been made possible through the generosity of Dr. Mary E. Schmidt ’79 and Dr. Russell Libby, honors Dr. Frank P. Polanowski, Associate Professor of Biology Emeritus, for his inspirational service to countless students at Elizabethtown College.
The Faculty Professional Development Committee and a representative group of current students chose the recipient of the Polanowski Prize from the list of faculty members who were nominated by at least three of the following constituencies: alumni, current students, faculty, and administrators/staff.