Dermot Hayes, professor of economics and finance, and Pioneer Chair in Agribusiness at ISU, was recently awarded the Learning Community Champion Award. The award honors an individual who has significantly contributed to the advancement of learning communities at Iowa State University. Hayes was one of three to receive the award. 
                                                                            
Hayes has been at the forefront of promoting learning communities through teaching the Econ 101 class, facilitating common reading discussions and through his generous financial support of the Agricultural Business learning community. Every fall, he sponsors a dinner for each of the four Ag Business freshmen learning communities. Hayes gives each learning team the responsibility of planning the event and inviting several of their current professors. Additionally, his support for the program is made known by the enthusiasm he shows when teaching his 101 class. He cares about students and their continued success at Iowa State. His interactions with students support retention efforts and he is commended for his dedication to the success of students.

For the 12th consecutive year, the Learning Communities Awards Committee honored individuals for their extraordinary contributions to learning communities at Iowa State University. The honors were presented at the 14th Annual Learning Communities Institute on Monday, May 7, 2012.