Ronald Luteran of Cazenovia, N.Y., pushed all of his students to reach their potential and helped to foster a love for math. Luteran is one of three recipients of this year’s Clarkson University Inspirational Educator Awards.

The retired mathematics teacher at Cazenovia High School in Cazenovia, N.Y., was nominated by former student Patrick Karmis of Cazenovia, a senior mechanical engineering and applied mathematics & statistics major at Clarkson. The award will be presented during Clarkson’s commencement weekend activities.

Each year, Clarkson asks its seniors to nominate the educators who have significantly affected their lives and helped guide their higher education and career decisions. The award recognizes these educators for their lasting impact on their students and in their fields of education.

Early in the spring term, graduating seniors submit their reasons for choosing their nominees, how they influenced them and actual situations in which they showed themselves to be outstanding educators.

“Mr. Luteran pushed me to reach my potential in all classes,” said Karmis in nominating Luteran. “After taking his class, I realized that hard work and a lot of studying is required to succeed in college and life. Further, I have always taken his study approach by trying to make the material fun. I now make mnemonics of theory and the basics, which has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding in more classes.

“Mr. Luteran is the reason I am even a mathematics major. He fostered my love and interest in mathematics at a young age, and it has affected my career path as I move into the next stage of life.

“Mr. Luteran, thank you for all you have done to foster the love of mathematics in every student you have taught. You have had a positive effect on and shaped so many young minds in all your years of teaching. I know you have changed my life for the better, and I cannot thank you more. You’ve been such a great role model.”