Otterbein’s 2024 Model Citizen Award was givento Education Professor Paul Wendel in May.
Wendel is known for setting an example for others through his sustainable living practices. He is a favorite among his students for his approachable teaching style using classroom experiments to help explain physics in fun and informative ways.
This year on April 8, he made Memorial Stadium his classroom with the planning and implementation of a memorable solar eclipse viewing party for the whole campus. Wendel worked collaboratively with his students to create demonstrations to show the science of the eclipse to the campus community, while the Center for Student Engagement offered eclipse-themed treats and giveaways. It was a once-in-a-lifetime event, led by a Model Citizen of the Otterbein community.