On Thursday April 30, the Teacher Recognition and Effectiveness Committee (TREC) hosted the annual faculty and staff awards ceremony and luncheon.
The event took place at 11 a.m. in the JPAC and seated several Wilkes faculty, staff and alumni who were eager to witness this year’s ceremony.
The Wilkes website states that TREC is responsible for monitoring and recommending changes in procedures for gathering information on teaching effectiveness and other parts of evaluating faculty. They also coordinate and recommend procedures for the selection of the annual awards ceremony, evaluate and nominate the candidates.
The ceremony began with an opening statement with the committee’s co-chair, Nelson Anaya giving a humorous and informative introduction to the audience.
“If you receive an award, you’re welcome to give a brief speech. Feel free to thank your mentors, your students, your friends, your family, your parents, you can even thank your morning coffee.” Anaya stated.
After the introduction, the Wilkes Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, David Ward gave a following opening statement that commended the work of not just the award recipients but to all Wilkes faculty and staff.
“Our faculty loves our students, they really do. They push our students, work hard and are dedicated to our students’ success. I’m 100% convinced of that.” Ward said.
Additionally, he highlighted the honor of being recognized and rewarded for being a part of the Wilkes faculty and the hard work it takes. In this statement he also mentions the upcoming Wilkes spring commencement ceremony.
“The achievement to be recognized by your colleagues is an accomplishment that has no equal. Today we sit here because without the success, the work, dedication, and innovation that you brought, our students wouldn’t get to where they are going to be in two weeks.” Ward stated.
After Dr. Ward’s words the awards were given out starting with the outstanding new faculty award which was given to Monique Woodard, assistant professor of game and emergent technology.
The winner of the alumni mentoring award went to Melissa Gaydos. The following winners are Shealyn Marino, who received the academic support award, Scott Skammer for the adjunct faculty award, Megan Youmans for the innovative and non-traditional teaching award, Chris Kovats-Bernat for the multiculturalism award, Vicki Jones for the outstanding advisor award, Matthew Jennings for the outstanding scholarship award, Marianne Rexer for the lifetime achievement award and Prahlad Murthy for the carpenter award.
The ceremony ended as TREC co-chair Jane Blanken-Webb gave a concluding speech thanking the attendees and Wilkes faculty and staff for their continuous hard work and dedication.
