Anya Ivanova
In Motion Staff Writer
Lance Rothwell/In Motion
Daytona State College honored its most exceptional students on April 9 in the Lemerand Center. More than 175 students were recognized for their outstanding performance in different nominations.
The Awards Convocation gathered faculty, students and their friends and families. Faculty members were dressed in gowns and all the awards recipients looked their best. Along with the faculty, alumni and some of the retired staff, the ceremony was also attended by one of the Board of Trustees members, Bob Davis. The Convocation was accompanied by music from the Daytona State College Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. Doug Peterson.
The ceremony started with a speech from Dr. Carol Eaton, Daytona State College President.
Eaton said, “I’ve certainly been to my share of these ceremonies and it never ceases to amaze me seeing new generations of students rise to the top. But of course, their steps won’t stop here today. I’m confident that many of today’s award recipients will make even greater accomplishments as they continue their education and move into their perspective careers.”
Dr. Eaton congratulated everyone for excellence in their fields and expressed her pride in each and every one of the recipients.
Richard Vollaro, President of the Faculty Senate, also greeted everyone and expressed his gratitude for everything the students do for the college.
Richard Vollaro, President of the Faculty Senate, also greeted everyone and expressed his gratitude for everything the students do for the college.
“Thank you for inspiring your professors to greatness in the classroom. It is well known that the greatest professors are defined by the greatness of their students. Thank you for taking pride in your academic achievements. These achievements bring prestige to the community as well as to our institution,” said Vollaro.
Students were honored with awards in many categories. Athletics, co-curricular activities, tutoring and academic excellence are just a few of them.
Who’s Who is a national award for students who are destined to become tomorrow’s leaders. The criteria are very high. Students not only have to achieve academic excellence, but also have to bring significant contribution to their college and the community. Forty Daytona State College students received this award this year. Each of them received a personalized certificate and will be featured in 2013 issue of Who’s Who biographical volume.
The most prestigious award received was a position in the Hall of Fame. To be nominated you have to be the best in your academic career, co-curricular activities and community service. Each recipient received a silver key. 13 people received this honor.
The ceremony also recognized faculty for their performance.
“Today is indeed a wonderful day to celebrate not only the accomplishments of our students and our alumni but also to recognize the key roles that our faculty and staff play in making all of this happen. Behind each successful student there is an underlying support system of faculty and staff,” said Eaton.
Presidential Sterling Awards are always a surprise for the faculty. The recipients are chosen by their contribution to the college.
This year’s recipient of the Presidential Sterling Award for Teaching Excellence, Charlene Latimer, has been working for DSC for over 20 years and has always shown her commitment to her work. She is part of many committees, chair of Academic Department and always there to help her fellow faculty, according to Dr. Eaton.
Vicki Harn has received a Presidential Sterling Award for Professional Excellence for Career Employees. She has been working for the college as an administrative assistant in the Academic Affairs office for over 25 years and she is always there to make sure that all the work is done and done the best way.
The recipient of the Presidential Sterling Award for Professional Excellence for Administrative Employees, Larry Lowe, joined the college fairly recently, in 2009, but he has already shown his passion for his job. He has constructed and overseen the master control department at WDSC. He worked a lot to update and upgrade TV station, channel 15.
There were also two awards given to alumni of the college. First, the Crumley Award for Distinguished Achievement in Science, was given to George Kastroulis whose outstanding work with cancer societies and survivor groups distinguished him from the others.
Another brand new award for alumni who is currently working or worked at DSC, the Distinguished Faculty and Staff award was given to Frank Lombardo. He retired from DSC in 2011, where he started as a math professor and finished as a president of the college. He worked hard to make his faculty the best, providing tutoring and help for them as well as for the students.
The second award presented for the first time this year is the Distinguished Service Award. It was named after its first recipient, Dr. T. K. Wetherell, who showed an extraordinary level of enthusiasm, leadership and service in his position as a Vice President of DSC.
The Award Convocation showed how many outstanding people are going to and work for the college.
Vollaro said, “One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching at Daytona State College is the diversity of our student population. One thing that unites us all is the motivation and ambition to do the best we can and to be the best we can.”