University Professor Peter F. Orazem has been selected to receive the 2022 Faculty/Staff Inspiration Award. He is among five individuals to be honored with the award this year.
The Alumni Association established this award in 2011 as a way for former ISU students to recognize current or former ISU faculty or staff members who had a significant influence in their lives as students at ISU. Orazem was nominated by former student Deepak Premkumar.
Orazem first started his career at Iowa State University in 1982 and has since made a lasting impact on the lives of many through his work. He is now a University Professor of Economics for ISU and a highly renowned economist, having published numerous papers, presentations, and projects. His research focuses on labor economics and economic development.
“An indefatigable researcher and professor of economics. This is what you can expect from Peter Orazem when you walk into his classroom."
He gives his students the tools to pursue their professional goals through research and application. Research mentorships between Orazem and students have produced economic change that has reached the state legislature and also impacted communities throughout the state of Iowa.
Orazem is a prolific academic writer, authoring and co-authoring countless publications and serving on editorial boards for multiple respected publications in the field of economics. Outside of the classroom, Orazem connects with students through smiles and laughs. He is the adviser for the Stand Up Comedy Club on campus and guides them through their shows. Orazem is also a teaching assistant for the Comedy College at ISU. When he isn’t serving at Iowa State, he is an active member of the Ames community.
“Using him as a model, I strive to be a nurturing and patient mentor to those whom I manage,” one nominator wrote. “I truly cannot think of a candidate more deserving for the Faculty-Staff Inspiration Award than him.”
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As part of this recognition, Orazem will be featured in VISIONS magazine. Orazem will also be honored and recognized at the ISU Alumni Association Board of Director’s annual meeting and reception held on the evening of Friday, May 20 in the ISU Alumni Center. He will have the opportunity to meet the other Faculty/Staff Inspiration award recipients, the alumni board of directors and members of the ISU Alumni Association staff.