Patterson Court Houses Name Wessner Top Faculty Adviser

During the annual Patterson Court Awards Banquet held recently, Professor of Biology Dave Wessner received the Outstanding Patterson Court Adviser Award.

Presenter Obai Kamara '17 hailed Wessner's steadfast commitment to the members of Warner Hall Eating House.

"He regularly attends organization events, and spends recreational time building genuine relationships with members," Kamara said.

Wessner also was appreciated for helping the house with its philanthropic efforts. The house's primary event, the Red and Black Ball, raises funds to fight HIV/AIDS.

Wessner, whose primary research interest involves HIV/AIDS outreach and education, has helped the house establish a travel grant that allows recipients to accompany him to attend the semi-annual International AIDS Conference. Three students accompanied him to the conference in Australia two years ago, and three more will travel with him to the 2016 conference in South Africa in July.

Wessner earned his doctorate from Harvard University, and joined the Davidson faculty in 1998. In addition to courses on HIV/AIDS, he teaches introductory biology and upper level courses in microbiology.