Since 1960, the teaching award has been the highest recognition Wittenberg bestows on its faculty, recognizing the superior classroom teaching of senior, full-time faculty members. A stipend of $2,000 accompanies the award. Nominations are gathered each year from alumni, current students, faculty and staff.
A member of Wittenberg's faculty since 1974, Maurer teaches courses in cost accounting, managerial accounting and advanced accounting. He also conducts research and writing in not-for-profit management reporting and accounting, as well as accounting history. His professional lectures have focused on personal income tax, cash management, ethics and accounting programs at liberal arts colleges.
His students say he not only knows his material, but he presents it with plenty of well-placed humor.
"This professor does for his subject matter what Bacon Bits do for a salad: he takes something that is otherwise drab and unappealing and turns it into something so delightful, you almost ask for seconds," one student wrote to nominate Maurer.
Another student described his teaching style.
"No class would be complete without his quirky trademark sound or constant references to Father Luca doing acrobatics from the grave," the student noted. "And I think that Father Luca would agree that there is no more deserving recipient of the 2001 Distinguished Teaching Award."
Maurer, who was presented the award by Alumni Board President John Marr, is a graduate of Wright State University, where he obtained bachelor's and master's degrees. Maurer will also serve as Grand Marshal for Commencement this year.
