Kansas University has announced the eight finalists for the 2005 H.O.P.E. Award, given to an outstanding progressive educator.

The finalists are:

¢ Cynthia Akagi, assistant professor, health, sport and exercise sciences

¢ Kerry Benson, lecturer, journalism

¢ Jonathan Earle, associate professor, history

¢ Mark Haug, lecturer, business

¢ Charles “Chuck” Marsh, associate professor, journalism

¢ Edward McBride, lecturer, civil, environmental and architectural engineering

¢ James Orr, professor and chair, biological sciences

¢ Tim Shaftel, the Jordan Haines distinguished professor of business

The H.O.P.E. award winner, an acronym for Honor for an Outstanding Progressive Educator, is selected by ballot and interviews, receives a monetary award and recognition on a permanent plaque displayed in the Kansas Union.

The winner will be announced during ceremonies between the first and second quarters of the KU-Nebraska football game in Memorial Stadium set for Saturday.