Having passion for what you do, staying current and having respect for your students are some of the qualities Rick Ridnour said he thinks a good teacher should have.

Ridnour has been teaching full time in the NIU marketing department since 1990 and was one of three professors to receive the 2004 Presidential Teaching Professorship Award.

In his teaching, Ridnour said, he continues to be passionate about the potential of students, not only for their professional career but also for the contributions they will make to society.

“He has a unique ability to make students set high goals for themselves and make them want to be a better person,” assistant marketing professor Carol DeMoranville said. “He connects so well with every single student.”

Ridnour also stands out because of his enthusiasm for his work.

“You can’t be around him and not get excited,” DeMoranville said. “In the nine years I’ve known him, I’ve never seen him have a bad day. What he presents to the world is always very positive.”

Ridnour also makes an effort to work with students outside of the classroom just as much as he does inside the classroom, he said.

“Students are in his office all the time talking to him about internships and their careers,” DeMoranville said.

To aid students in future endeavors, Ridnour maintains contact with alumni, which later assists in getting current students internships and jobs, he said.

Ridnour said NIU fits his values.

“I thoroughly love what I do, and every semester, I’m more motivated to do what I’m doing,” he said. “I’m very fortunate, and I feel like I’m learning every day.”

Ridnour was inducted in the Northern Star Hall of Fame in 2003.

There will be a reception to honor Ridnour from noon to 2 p.m. today at Barsema Hall’s Dean’s Conference Room.