“Academic convocation recognizes individuals who embody GGC’s four core values of scholarship, leadership, service and creativity,” said Dr. Lois C. Richardson, interim senior vice president of Academic and Student Affairs and provost. “The ceremony also celebrates GGC’s mission and vision.”
The ceremony featured remarks by Dr. Dovile Budryte, professor of political science and recipient of the 2014 USG Board of Regents’ Teaching Excellence Award, in addition to GGC’s Outstanding Teaching Award. Speaking on behalf of students was Chase Goodwin, president of the Student Government Association.
The convocation ceremony also includes presentations of faculty professorships. A posthumous professor award was presented to Dr. Barry Biddlecomb, dean of the School of Transitional Studies, who passed away recently after a battle with cancer. His wife, Dr. Marty Carr, accepted the award on his behalf.
Above Right: Grace Hicks, center, of Buford receives the Georgia Gwinnett College 2014 Outstanding Student – School of Liberal Arts Award from Chase Goodwin, Student Government Association president and Dr. Stas Preczewski, GGC president. Hicks was one of nine students among the faculty, students and staff recognized at GGC’s 2014 academic convocation ceremony.
Above Left: Christian Blas, center, of Cumming receives the Georgia Gwinnett College 2014 Outstanding Student – School of Transitional Studies Award from Chase Goodwin, Student Government Association president and Dr. Stas Preczewski, GGC president. Blas was one of nine students among the faculty, students and staff recognized at GGC’s 2014 academic convocation ceremony
Award winners included:
Faculty awards
Outstanding Teaching Award – Dr. Dovile Budryte, professor of political science
Outstanding Scholarship and Creative Activities – Dr. Peter Meso, associate professor of information technology
Outstanding Faculty Service – Dr. Kamal Kakish, assistant professor of information technology and assistant dean, School of Science and Technology
Outstanding Part-time Faculty Teaching – Maria “Maribel” Fernandez, instructor of biology
Outstanding Student Engagement – Dr. Nannette Napier, associate professor of management information systems and decision sciences
Staff awards
Outstanding Staff – Betty Wood, administrative assistant, School of Science and Technology
Outstanding Staff – Rod Reilly, photographer/videographer, Office of Public Affairs
Student awards
Outstanding Student, Service – Chris Lacroix, Lawrenceville
Outstanding Student, Leadership – Cindy Valenzuela, Suwanee
Outstanding First-Year Student – Joshua Bledsoe, Dacula
Outstanding Student, School of Transitional Studies – Christian Blas, Cumming
Outstanding Student, School of Liberal Arts – Grace Hicks, Buford
Outstanding Student, School of Business – Matthew Darrow, Lilburn
Outstanding Student, School of Education – Robin Frick, Lilburn
Outstanding Student, School of Science and Technology – Jessie Ashworth, Buford
Outstanding Student Employee – Gao Chia Vang, Lawrenceville
Georgia Gwinnett College is a four-year, accredited liberal arts college that provides access to targeted baccalaureate level degrees that meet the economic development needs of the growing and diverse population of Gwinnett County and the northeast Atlanta metropolitan region. GGC opened its doors in August 2006 as the nation’s first four-year public college founded in the 21st century, and the first four-year public college founded in Georgia in more than 100 years. Georgia Gwinnett produces contributing citizens and future leaders for Georgia and the nation. Its graduates are inspired to contribute to their local, state, national and international communities and are prepared to anticipate and respond effectively to an uncertain and changing world. Visit Georgia Gwinnett College’s Web site at http://www.ggc.edu.