Marian University Professor and Student win Alliant Energy’s Underkofler and Erroll B. Davis Awards

 If you see a giant catapult on wheels, rolled out on to the Marian University campus, you will find Professor Michael Garvey at its base.  The experiment involves water balloons, an adorable stuffed animal, and a few other items.  It’s a unique lesson in physics.  Creative approaches like this, led to Dr. Garvey earning the James Underkofler Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award from the Alliant Energy Foundation, in conjunction with the Wisconsin Association of Private Colleges and Universities (WAICU).

The award was presented during a Student Recognition Dinner on campus by Kimberly Miller, Alliant Energy Senior Key Account Manager; Jennifer deHart, Chief Operating Officer of WAICU; and Alan Johnson, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Marian University.  The Underkofler Award, established in 1990 in honor of former Alliant Energy Chairman James Underkofler, celebrates educators whose impact goes well beyond the classroom—teachers who inspire, support, and challenge students to reach their full potential.

Whether teaching students in the sciences, guiding general education learners, or prepping graduates for the next step, Dr. Michael Garvey has left an impression on just about everyone who has stepped into his indoor or outdoor classroom.  The nomination included this: “Dr. Garvey truly cares about all students in and out of the classroom.  He is very active in the Marian community by serving students through his work on committees and volunteer opportunities.  Every Move-in Day, you will find him right there with the students helping. You’ll see him at graduation, sporting events, club activities, and more.  He is an amazing mentor to students and an amazing colleague to work with.”
               Dr. Garvey joined Marian in 2016.  He regularly teaches courses in General Physics and Physical Chemistry and is known for his ability to break down complex material.  He’s recognized for his patience, compassion, and commitment to student success—often holding extra office hours and even working one-on-one with alumni preparing for graduate exams.  Because of faculty like Dr. Garvey, Marian University has become a successful launch pad for students who go to medical school, veterinary school, optometry school and other professional health programs.
               Dr. Garvey earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and his B.S. in Chemistry and Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Prior to joining the Marian community, he was a Research Specialist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
               Also recognized was Marian University senior Brandon Moore, who received the 2025 Erroll B. Davis, Jr. Achievement Award.  This Alliant Energy Foundation award honors minority students pursuing degrees in engineering or business administration, who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and community engagement.
               “Brandon, a Sport and Recreation Management major and captain of the Marian Baseball Team, has grown into exactly the kind of student every professor hopes for,” said Professor James Gray, Professor of Sport and Recreation Management at Marian. “Someone who not only absorbs knowledge but actively embraces the challenges of learning in order to become a lifelong learner.”
               Moore played a key role in organizing the 2024-2025 Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Student Leadership Development Opportunity and delivered his personal “Mission Statement” earlier this year at the university’s Soul Food Dinner, inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s “fierce urgency of now.” As a team captain, Moore helped guide Marian’s Baseball Leadership Group, demonstrating thoughtful, hands-on leadership that inspired teammates and reflected his commitment to excellence both on and off the field.