Students had the opportunity to chose three N.C. State professors to give a “distinguished” lecture.

Student Government sponsored the first annual Distinguished Professor Award Lecture Series in Stewart Theater Tuesday where the three chosen professors spoke about their personal experiences.

The following professors were nominated: David Washington, a teaching associate professor in the department of management, innovation and entrepreneurship; Philip Dail, the director of advising and admission in the College of Textiles; and Rupert Nacoste, professor of psychology.

Taylor Hiott, chair of the commission on academics and sophomore in economics and entrepreneurship, was the principal organizer. Hiott said the motivation behind the event was to spotlight these educators in a different kind of light.

“The goal was to create an event where professors could be recognized in a different kind of way, outside of their professional experience,” Hiott said. “In reality, what students think about them is what matters the most.”

Students voted in an online forum during the first two weeks of January for their favorite professor. The forum consisted of 12 questions, and student government received over 230 responses about approximately 70 different professors. A committee comprised of members from Student Government and Student Council narrowed the selection down to the top three based on the content of the nominations, according to Hiott.

“They’re here because of what they embody,” Hiott said. “They’re here because of their impact on students’ lives.”

Dail said he and the other professors were surprised to be chosen for the award.

“We each received an email one day from Student Government saying ‘Congratulations,’ and I had no idea what to expect,” said Dail. “All three of us were scratching our heads, trying to figure out what we had done to be congratulated for.”

Each professor spoke about life lessons and their experiences though their lectures concerned a variety of topics.

Dail, who is recovering from Guillain-Barre syndrome, focused on lessons in credibility, compassion, relationships and humility.

Washington spoke about growing up in poverty and the importance of displaying a positive attitude, effort and courage in achieving success.

“Take charge and be passionate. That’s how you win,” Washington said. “Keep moving forward. Courage is very important.”

Nacoste also spoke about modest upbringing in the Louisiana bayou and his later experiences with race riots in the U.S. Navy during the 1970’s. He said this is what sparked his interest in social psychology and led to a study of ‘neo-diversity.’

Towards the end of his lecture, Nacoste also said he wanted to emphasize the importance of speaking for one’s self.

“It bothers me to be at a university where students walk around with opinions based on nothing,” Nacoste said. ”If you’re going to have an opinion, you need to do some research.”

Washington, Nacoste and Dail said they were very grateful and appreciated the distinction.

“Students are the important people in our professional life and also in our personal life. I know I can speak for all three of us when I say that we are very honored,” Dail said. ”Students speak volumes when we take the time to listen.”