  So this is what I pulled together out of the evening. I need (maybe) to edit it somewhat. Send me your red ink, ok? This is what I wrote for my fav prof, to nominate her for the Harry E. Brakebill Distinguished Professor Award. 'cause I dig her. I'm going to leave her name in here... with hesitency - i don't want a name search on her to bring up my site. Bad politics being associated with me, I think. ____________________________________ It is not everyday that we students feel an electrified connection to the coursework and classes we take. Those classes that send us home at night in rapture as we mull over the experience frame by frame. But when we find that connection, it makes an impression. My classes with Professor Dawn Formo granted me that experience, and it is with pleasure that I share it with you, the committee of the Harry E. Brakebill Distinguished Professor Award.
I was first introduced to Professor Formo in the spring of 2000. The course was LTWR336, Womens Literature into Film. This was my first semester at Cal State San Marcos, and I was so excited to be taking a class that combined film studies, literature, and feminism.
Even more exciting was realizing what an impassioned professor we had to facilitate the class. It was clear from the beginning that the course was carefully put together, involving distributed material to cover the basics as well as the opportunity for each of us to push further into our studies to take as much from the class as we were capable. Not every class allows for this room to excel, but Dr. Formo creates space for us to challenge ourselves; a challenge I took to heart. Professor Formos energy during a lecture is contagious. She brings to the table all the passion we need as students to develop momentum in a discussion. She knows so well how to ask questions so that we are encouraged to dig deeper into our minds and ourselves. Rather than come at an issue with a preconceived agenda, she is able to open it up and let the discussion take on its own shape that we collectively give to it. Never do the sessions feel static or contrived. Dr. Formo creates a classroom environment that feels as if all of us together are breathing a whole new life into the topics we cover. Dr. Formos exceptional nature extends beyond the classroom. Always open to schedule meetings outside of class, she puts in the time to listen to the concerns of her students.
She treats matters, both academic and personal, with a professionalism I admire. With a confluence of charisma and a gentle spirit, she dispels the myths surrounding one-on-one conferences with professors. I trust her; and more than that, I look up to her. I feel blessed for having met Dr. Formo. And for the opportunity of taking another class with her this semester, LTWR504.
All my impressions of her from four years ago were confirmed again through the course of the term. When I leave the university after graduation, I will miss her joyful engagement and her challenging course work. But I will bring along with me the feather in my cap of having been exposed to such an innovative mind and a wonderful woman. I hereby nominate Professor Dawn Formo for the Harry E. Brakebill Distinguished Professor Award. Sincerely, Charlotte Conrad CSUSM Literature and Writing Undergraduate 
