Three Kansas University faculty members had their first-day classes interrupted Thursday morning to receive Kemper Awards for teaching excellence.

Receiving the $5,000 awards were Stephen Benedict, associate professor of molecular biosciences; Mark Joslyn, assistant professor of political science and government; and Paul Lim, professor of English.

The awards are funded by the William T. Kemper Foundation. Other KU professors will receive awards later today. In all, 20 will be presented today and Wednesday.