Class of '10 selects Heiser Award winners

  • Published
  • By Dr. Kevin Davis
  • Department of Management
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Kenneth Siegenthaler from the Department of Astronautics and Col. Neal Rappaport from the Department of Economics and Geosciences won the Academy's 2010 Heiser Awards May 6.

First-class cadets selected the two instructors from more than 160 eligible senior professors based on contributions to cadets' personal and intellectual development and their demonstration of the Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.

Senior cadets lauded Dr. Siegenthaler for placing his students first and imparting life lessons that transcend the daunting and complex course material and added that he consistently teaches with a smile. Dr. Siegenthaler earned a doctorate in laser physics from the Air Force Institute of Technology. His research interests include lasers, remote sensing and small satellites.

Cadets highlighted Colonel Rappaport's passion in challenging them to excel as well as inspiring and motivating them to become leaders. They also praised his example of selfless service: Colonel Rappaport was the air attaché in both Kosovo and Macedonia and has served numerous operational assignments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Colonel Rappaport earned a doctorate in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research efforts have ranged from economic development in Baghdad to work on the destabilizing impact of food shortages in North Korea. His analytical skills were recognized by the Central Intelligence Agency director with the award of the National Intelligence Certificate of Distinction.

The Heiser Award, named after Professor Emeritus Dr. William H. Heiser, is the only award selected by the graduating class. Dr. Heiser was recently elected as a 2010 honorary fellow for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics alongside former Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Sheila Widnall.