By Susan Peterson

Gazette Staff

Three instructors in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences received Joseph R. Levenson Awards for teaching excellence this week.

This year's honorees are Alan E. Heimert, Powell M. Cabot Professor of American Literature; Robb Moss, senior preceptor in visual and environmental studies; and Matthew Lieberman, a Cabot House resident tutor and teaching fellow in psychology.

The winners' names were kept secret until the awards dinner at Eliot House Tuesday night.

"I'm thrilled and shocked," said Moss, looking at his Levenson plaque. He was escorted to the dinner by two of his students who had nominated him.

The Levenson prizes, which honor the late history professor, recognize one full professor, one assistant or associate professor, and one teaching fellow who are skilled and dedicated teachers of undergraduates. Winners are selected by the Student Affairs Committee of the Undergraduate Council, based on nominations by students.

The Committee received more than 170 nominations for 81 teachers this year, the highest number of nominations since the award began in1982.