Published:
Four Black Hawk College faculty members recently received the Golden Apple Award from the college’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter at the Quad-Cities Campus.
During the honor society’s Spring 2025 Induction Ceremony, the Golden Apple Award was presented to:
- Krisann Bergo, associate professor of sociology – nominated by Anna Lance of Geneseo
- James Larrabee, professor of history – nominated by Chanelth Acuna Quinonez of East Moline
- Karen Marks, assistant professor of biology – nominated by Allyson Malm of Rock Island
- Annie Oldenburg, assistant professor of art – nominated by Madisson Willard of East Moline
Each fall and spring semester, PTK students at the Quad-Cities Campus are asked to recommend faculty or staff members for the Golden Apple Award.
About the recipients
Krisann Bergo
“This professor inspired me to study sociology,” Anna Lance wrote in her nomination. Bergo is a “great professor and a great person.” She added that “even though I’ve only taken her online classes, she is so involved at activities on campus,” and she “is very supportive and involved with her students.”
Anna Lance & Krisann Bergo
James Larrabee
“Professor Larrabee does a great job helping students engage in the classroom,” Chanelth Acuna Quinonez wrote in her nomination. He has “a positive attitude,” “is very understanding” and he wants his students to “succeed in anything we do,” she wrote.
Karen Marks, James Larrabee & Krisann Bergo
Karen Marks
Marks has “been an invaluable support in my academic journey,” Allyson Malm wrote in her nomination. Malm added that Marks made “complex topic more accessible and interesting” and stressed that she is “always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide additional resources” to students.
Annie Oldenburg
Oldenburg has “such a bright personality” and she “loves teaching about her passion,” Madisson Willard wrote in her nomination. Oldenburg is so “amazing and has created an environment where everyone feels safe,” and she has “made me love school again.”
Annie Oldenburg & Madisson Willard
Also nominated
Dr. Emily Lehman (past honoree), biology professor – nominated by Sierra Krueger of Geneseo