Established in 2006 in memory of Dr. Lorrie Ryan by her family and friends, this award is used to recognize CMU Excellence in Teaching Award recipients who particularly embody the characteristics in Dr. Ryan's teaching practice. Dr. Ryan was an Associate Professor in Human Environmental Studies and an awardee of the 2002 Excellence in Teaching Award. She was passionate about knowing her students; always seeking to build community, respect, and rapport in her classes in order to establish a positive foundation for learning.