Dr. Thomas Obremski a professor in statistics and operations technology was presented with the Faculty of the Year Award.

Obremski was nominated by two of his students, graduate student John Bales and junior Holly Bau, who expressed gratitude for Obremski’s work in the nomination they filled out for him.

In their nomination, they stated that Obremski commits to helping his students and is willing to sacrifice his time in order to help them.

Obremski would also sometimes use Sundays to aid students.

Bales and Bau also talked about a time when Obremski required immediate heart surgery and was rushed to the hospital and then returned to teaching his classes two days later.

“This shows that Dr. Obremski really cares about teaching and always places his students above himself,” they wrote. “No matter the day, no matter the circumstance, even if he is having heart surgery, Dr. Obremski will be their making an incredible difference in students’ lives.”

Obremski has been affiliated with the University of Denver since 1981 and is currently the chair of the Statistics Department. During his time at DU, Obremski served on hundreds of committees, served as the director of the Women’s College, and has been the associate Dean for the College of Business.

Bau and Bales feel that he is a “humble professor with a love for teaching and a desire to help students. His humility is obvious when he gauges his lectures by making sure ach student understands the material, even when it forces him to re-explain concepts that are very simplistic to him. He seeks to build students up, even if it means poking fun of himself.”

Whenever one of Obremski’s students makes a mistake, he has been known to say “I would probably do the same thing” to make the student feel comfortable.

His accomplishments include four degrees including a Ph.D in Mathematical Statistics, as well as writing numerous books, journals and publications.

Obremski was selected by nominations from Mortar Board, Golden Key, AUSA Senate and DUPB.

According to AUSA Senator Victoria Villisca’s Obremski was selected because “of all the applicants he appeared to be the most committed to helping students and accommodating their needs.”

Dr. Obremski received the award at Friday’s hockey game.