Screams, laughter, applause and cheers filled the fourth floor of Angell Hall when English Senior Lecturer John Rubadeau was notified that he was this year’s recipient of the Golden Apple Award yesterday.

“What the hell is this? Did you guys know about this?” Rubadeau asked his students when three members of Students Honoring Outstanding University Teachers surprised Rubadeau, entering his class with the award and an assortment of balloons.

For 15 years, SHOUT has presented the Golden Apple Award to teachers who have made an impact on their students, said David Ravvin, an LSA senior and SHOUT committee chair.

“Winners of the Golden Apple Award are chosen on the basis of nominations and the content of their nominations,” Ravvin said. “It’s a way for students to recognize teachers who inspire them,” he added.

Students who sent in nominations for Rubadeau said his teaching style was inspirational and that he facilitated student involvement in and outside of the classroom, Ravvin said.

“Students said that he made the material come alive,” Ravvin added.

Rubadeau has taught for more than 18 years at the University. Eight years ago he instructed English 125 sessions and argumentative writing 225 courses. He currently teaches upper level essay writing courses in the English department.

Engineering senior Corey Hyllested said he wanted to take courses that he would enjoy in his senior year.

“My advisor recommended this class to me because so many students liked it,” Hyllested said.

“He is very animated and makes class fun,” Hyllested said. “He doesn’t suck the life out of class.”

Colleagues also expressed their admiration for Rubadeau. English Lecturer Hilary Thompson said Rubadeau excels in more areas than just English.

His enormous enthusiasm, lack of fear in expressing his opinions and a fair dose of insanity make him deserving of this award, said Thompson, a former student of Rubadeau.

Rubadeau said the award was an unexpected surprise.

“I was really stunned and delighted and totally surprised — although I cannot think of anyone who is more deserving than me,” he said.

Rubadeau added that teaching is not hard at all — if it is your passion.

“I love what I do. I love coming in to school every day and teaching,” he said. “If I could tell students one thing to keep in mind, there are only three words — “quid pro quo” — you get out of it what you put in to it.”

The creation of the Golden Apple Award was inspired by the teachings of Rabbi Eliezer ben Hurkanos, who taught 1,900 years ago. In his work, he expressed the importance of getting your life in order one day before you die. 

The Golden Apple Award honors teachers who teach each lecture as if it were their last, Ravvin said. At the Golden Apple Awards ceremony, Rubadeau will be able to perform his ideal final lecture.

The “last lecture” gives teachers freedom to venture outside their curriculum and address students directly, Ravvin said.

Students can hear Rubadeau give his “last lecture” on April 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theater in the Michigan League.