Students, Faculty Honored at Senior Awards Dinner
Several Alma College seniors received honors for academic and campus leadership achievement during the College's Senior Dinner. In addition, seniors announced the 2011 recipients of the Outstanding Faculty Awards.
Alissa Coldwell with parents James and Angella Coldwell.
Alissa Coldwell of Shepherd received the 2011 Outstanding Senior Leadership Award. Students are nominated for the award by campus organizations, and a committee selects finalists. The winner is chosen by a vote from the senior class.
Coldwell, a graduate of Shepherd High School, is the daughter of James and Angella Coldwell. The Alma Leadership Alliance, a student organization committed to bridging the transition between student and alumni status, sponsors the award.
From left: Emily Plackowski, Andrew Adan, Melissa Gilstad and President Jeff Abernathy. Missing is Ryan Spitler.
Andrew Adan of Midland, Marcy Gilstad of Midland, Emily Plackowski of Alma and Ryan Spitler of Grand Rapids received Outstanding Senior Awards, given annually to the graduating seniors with the highest grade point averages.
Faculty Receive Recognition at Honors Day
Alma College seniors recognized Dave Zerbe, Ron Lemmon and Sonya Sheffert with Outstanding Faculty Awards. The awards are chosen by a vote of the senior class, with one recognized in each of the College’s academic divisions.
Dave Zerbe
Zerbe, assistant professor of music, was the recipient for the humanities division. He was recognized for his roles as director of bands and the Alma College Percussion Ensemble.
“Whether on the marching field, on the stage or traveling the country showcasing Alma’s talent, [Dave Zerbe] has led many of us to a higher level of musical enlightenment,” said senior class president Eleanor King. “His love of teaching is undying, and his dedication to the music department has driven it to where it is today.”
Left: Ron Lemmon
Lemmon, assistant professor of business administration, was the recipient for the social sciences division. He was recognized for his work as advisor for Students in Free Enterprise.
“[Ron Lemmon] is a mentor who has guided hundreds of students successfully into the ‘real-world’ with his vast reserve of business wisdom,” said King. “Whether pushing the SIFE team to win 10 consecutive regional championships or discouraging students from marrying anyone without knowing their credit score, it is easy to see that he takes a long-standing interest in his students.”
Husband Larry Sheffert and daughter Emma accept Sonya Sheffert's faculty award.
Sheffert, an assistant professor of psychology who died in January, was the recipient for the natural sciences division. She was honored posthumously for her impact on student learning.
“Her enthusiasm for teaching allowed none who passed through her classroom to leave empty-handed,” said King. “Whether she gave someone a smile or a new idea, it was well-known that Dr. Sheffert was a generous soul, and we were fortunate to have had such a great mind among us.”
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Posted: Mon, April 11th, 2011 at 1:20PM
