by Andreas Hahn
Staff Writer
A total of 77 people were awarded Wednesday morning for their services and commitment to the University of La Verne in 12 different categories.
The annual ceremony in La Fetra Auditorium was attended by approximately 200 to 250 awardees and visitors.
Awards were given out in the categories of five to 25 years commitment to the University, tenures, promotions, degrees, excellence in teaching and employees of the year.
Awardees were members of faculty, as well as students, administrative personnel and workers of supporting services.
Dr. Peggy Redman, director of teacher education, led the program. The educational and personal background of most recipients were introduced in short speeches by various faculty members, including President Stephen Morgan, Academic Vice President Alfred Clark and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences John Gingrich.
Some awardees were absent because of other duties, overseas employment or illness.
“I’m pleased with what we do,” said Dr. Carol Sawyer, associate professor of public administration, who was recognized for her five years of commitment, about her work at ULV. “This University gives its people place for growth.”
Dr. Sawyer considers her award to be a “mile-stone” during her time at ULV.
In his introductory speech, Dr. Clark called Dr. Ray Johnson, associate dean of the School of Continuing Education, a “dedicated professor, always ready to pitch in.”
Dr. Johnson, who was honored for 20 years’ commitment to the University, said after the ceremony that he had a couple of outstanding experiences.
“Working for an educational institution is always a positive experience,” said Dr. Johnson.
Within the first five years of his engagement at ULV, Dr. Johnson was the first director of the overseas programs in Athens and Naples.
“The Athens program is a tremendous success, I only laid the foundation,” said Dr. Johnson.
The service award program was organized by Dr. Mary Gibson, who has been charge of the ceremony since 1992.
“Nobody fell down the steps,” said Dr. Gibson, who was more afraid to misspell one of the awardee’s names.
Promotion to full professor were announced for Paul Alvarez, Dan Campana, Roger Russell and Ann Wichman.
Deborah Burris-Kitchen, Janice Pilgreen, John Roseman and Farah Sogo were promoted to associate professors.
S. Alene Harrison, Joanne Ashcroft and Steve Lesniak were honored as the classified professional and administrative employees of the year, respectively.
The Excellence in Teaching Awards were given to Jean Laub, Roy Goines, Rita Thakur and Tom McGuire.
Lois Keating, who is going to retire, was awarded with a special recognition.
Tenures were given to Joan Branin, Julie Kline, Peggy Redman, Jonathan Reed, Russell and Wendy Zwissler.
Dr. Morgan recognized Dorothy Hayden and Dr. Sheridan Merritt for 30 years commitment to the university and honored James Manolis for 25 years service at ULV.
Awards for 20 years of loyalty to the University were given to Dr. Johnson, George Keeler, Lonnie Scutella and Craig Sexson.
Sheila DeGraw, Cathy Henley-Erickson, Ingborg Maranto, Henry Negrette and Seta Whitby were awarded for their 15 years of commitment.
Melissa Bodin, Kevin Holland, Roy Kintz, Al Lalane, Lillian Lenz, Harvel Lewis, Mark Nelson, Loretta Rahmani, Lynn Stanton-Riggs, Patricia Taylor, Melinda Tipton Acosta, Ruth Trotter, Adalyn Watts and Dorena Wright were honored for 10 years of service.
Andreas Hahn
