Students peered over the railings four floors above the Lyle E. Lightfoot Forum in the College of Design Building to catch a glimpse of the culmination of many people’s hard work at the College of Design’s annual Awards Day.

Mark Engelbrecht, dean of the College of Design, made opening and closing remarks for the ceremony, which honored the hard work of faculty, students and staff.

“This ceremony, once again, is embedded in Veishea. It is a chance to honor excellence in our staff, faculty and students,” Engelbrecht said.

Roger Baer, associate professor of art and design, described the Janice Peterson Anderson Award as “the most prestigious award for art and design seniors.” Students receiving the award were presented with a certificate and a $500 monetary award.

Nicole Peterson, senior in interior design, won both the Janice Peterson Anderson Award and the Undergraduate Award for Extraordinary Performance. Peterson said she tries to keep her style “fresh by combining architectural detailing with graphic design and fine arts.”

Professors and Peterson’s husband have been her support throughout her undergraduate studies.

“My husband has been one of the most influential people in my life. He was helped me to discover new ways to combine my enthusiasm for interiors with the arts,” Peterson said.

After graduation she plans to work for Gould Evans, a full-service design firm in Kansas City, Mo., but wants to continue her education in the future because of her interest in teaching interior design at the college level.

In addition to student awards, outstanding faculty and staff members were also honored.

The Polster Teaching Award, named after associate professor emerita Nancy Polster and in honor of her parents, was presented to Francis Owusu, assistant professor of community and regional planning.

“I feel very honored that my colleagues have recognized my teaching,” Owusu said.

Dana Reed, academic adviser for art and design, was awarded with the Academic Advising Award for significant contributions to advising undergraduate art and design students. Engelbrecht said students find Reed approachable and easy to talk to.

Engelbrecht also surprised a teary-eyed Virgene Monthei, administration specialist, with a bouquet a flowers. Monthei recently had a loved one deployed to Iraq and Engelbrecht asked everyone to keep her family in their thoughts.

Twelve faculty and staff members were recognized for their extraordinary performance, as well as nine graduate assistants and four undergraduate students.

Engelbrecht closed the ceremony by reminding everyone of important people the college has lost over the past year, especially Lyle E. Lightfoot, for whom the forum in which the ceremony was held has been named.

“This is Lyle’s place,” Engelbrecht said, adding that he hoped everyone will call it the Lyle E. Lightfoot Forum instead of the atrium.

A brief breakfast was held in the forum before the ceremony for award recipients and their guests.

Several departments separately presented additional awards to their students after the main award ceremony.