FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV) – A physics professor at Marian University is being recognized for his creative teaching methods—including launching water balloons and stuffed animals with a giant catapult.
Dr. Michael Garvey, who teaches General Physics and Physical Chemistry, was awarded the James Underkofler Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, presented by the Alliant Energy Foundation in partnership with the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU).
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The award recognizes educators who go beyond the classroom to inspire and support students. Colleagues described Garvey as a dedicated mentor who is a regular presence at move-in day, sporting events, and graduation, often offering one-on-one help to students and alumni.
Garvey joined Marian in 2016 and previously worked as a research specialist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from UW-Milwaukee and holds a bachelor’s degree from UW-Oshkosh.
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Also honored during the ceremony was Marian senior Brandon Moore, recipient of the 2025 Erroll B. Davis, Jr. Achievement Award. The award recognizes minority students in engineering or business who excel academically and contribute to their communities.
Moore, a Sport and Recreation Management major and captain of the Marian baseball team, has played a central role in student leadership efforts and recently delivered a speech at the university’s Soul Food Dinner, inspired by the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
