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FOUR VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE ‘SPIRIT OF PREUSS’ 
AWARDS FOR WORK ON BEHALF OF STUDENTS

Two community representatives and two University of California, San Diego staff members are the recipients of “Spirit of Preuss” awards given recently by The Preuss School, a charter middle/high school located on the UCSD campus.

The honorees include Kate Callen, Senior Public Information Representative, UCSD; Rozeanne Steckler, director of education at the San Diego Supercomputer, UCSD; Andy Acterkirchen, retired engineer and resident of Del Mar, and George Hellmann, an engineer with Hughes Network Systems.

According to Preuss School Principal Doris Alvarez, the Spirit of Preuss award is given to community members who embody and exemplify the ideals of the Preuss School. These ideals are: 1) demonstrating dedication to the mission of the Preuss School, 2) serving as a role model and 3) demonstrating strong character and values. Previous recipients have included UCSD Chancellor Robert C. Dynes, Preuss School benefactors Peter and Peggy Preuss and Thurgood Marshall College Provost Cecil Lytle.

Callen was cited as an active supporter of the school both as a tutor and mentor. Alvarez noted that “she has worked tirelessly and faithfully as a writing coach in the school’s journalism class where she has helped to build Preuss’ ambitious young writers into fine journalists and helped with publication of the school newspaper. In addition, she serves as a mentor to Preuss School 10th grader Jorge Zarte. Kate has brought to Preuss her knowledge, her talent and her love of the written word and is influencing our writers today.”

Steckler was recognized for setting up a system of remote monitoring of student teachers, supplying teachers from the Supercomputer Center for a multimedia class, and bringing science and technology educational modules developed at the Supercomputer into the Preuss curriculum. “As a female scientist, Rozeanne is a wonderful role model for girls and boys alike,” Alvarez said. “Her strong character and values come through loud and clear, whether she is teaching teachers, teaching students, or organizing modular science and technology lessons. She has provided so much in terms of equipment and expertise, and has been a great resource in bringing UCSD faculty and staff into school programs.”      

“When we think of how many students have been helped by Andy in mathematics, we can’t even begin to count them,” Alvarez said. “He has been a faithful guide to our students, coming both during the week as well as on Saturdays for the past three years to help students with math. Our students have grown to rely on his wonderful explanations and his devotion to helping them succeed.” The former TRW engineer also serves as a mentor for Preuss School 10th grade student Ahn Pham and volunteers at the Malcolm X Library and SAW (Social Advocates for Youth).

Hellmann, a longtime volunteer with the Saturday Enrichment Academy at Preuss School, was cited for his contributions of “enthusiasm, energy and knowledge.”

Noted Alvarez: “George has not only been a faithful tutor to our students, but his ability to speak Spanish has helped when students have need translations. In addition to giving of himself, George has recruited other tutors and has even managed to have electronic equipment donated to the school. His unbridled energy and commitment are unequaled.”

The Preuss School is dedicated to providing an intensive college prep education for motivated low-income students who will become the first in their families to graduate from college. Using a high degree of personal attention and parental involvement, the school prepares these students to succeed at the University of California and other selective colleges.