LIMA, Ohio, September 2, 2020 – As the Rhodes State College community prepared to launch its Fall semester, the employees at the College gathered virtually to honor their colleagues for distinguished and outstanding accomplishments and service.
Eight awards which highlight the engagement of the Rhodes State mission and vision were presented during the ceremony, and the work employees put in to make the 2019-2020 academic year, which was marked by the Coronavirus, one of quality and excellence was recognized.
“We have pushed the boundaries of what is possible,” Dr. Cynthia Spiers, President of Rhodes State said in a letter to employees. “Together we stabilized the College, are ready to start another academic year, and will continue to evolve to serve the community. Through it all you have shown strength and a spirit of pride and excellence in your work. For that, I am grateful!”
The following individuals were recognized:
Dr. Eric Mason (Lima, OH), Dean of Academic Affairs, was the winner of the Rhode State Leadership Award. The Rhodes State Leadership Award was established by Dr. Earl and Nancy Keese, and presented by Dr. Keese during the ceremony. Dr. Earl Keese was President of Rhodes State College from 2000-2005. When the award was established, its intention was to recognize “the true leader in all of us who have given exemplary service and shown outstanding leadership to further the mission of Rhodes State College. The purpose of the award is to pay homage to the individual and publicly acknowledge unique personal contributions to the College.”
Andrea Faber (Celina, OH), Chair and Professor of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, was awarded the Compass Presidential Award for exceptional accomplishments in career and for the College by President Spiers.
Dr. John Fallon (Lima, OH), Professor of Humanities, was given an Honorary Award by President Spiers recognizing his exemplary career and service to Rhodes State College as well as the Ohio Association of Two-Year Colleges.
Laurin Wolf, (Lima, OH), Instructor of Humanities, was presented the John Fallon Early Teaching Award by the award’s namesake, Dr. John Fallon, for excellence in teaching early in her career.
Jill Hay, (Spencerville, OH), Clinical Coordinator and Professor of Dental Hygiene, was awarded the Outstanding Faculty Leadership Award for innovative approaches to teaching, work with students, civic and community activities, continuing education, and leadership and service in professional continuing education and organizations.
Jodi Pierstorff, (Celina, OH), Adjunct Instructor, was awarded the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award for innovation, student engagement, service in community, and leadership and service in professional organizations.
Scott States, (Lima, OH), Learning Management System Coordinator for Distance & Innovative Learning, was awarded the Outstanding Professional or Administrative Leadership Award for demonstrating positive communication, “out-of-the-box” thinking and consensus-building while meeting challenges head-on and adding overall value to the College culture.
Mary Rex-Maley, (Lima, OH), Office Assistant for Technology and Liberal Studies, received the Outstanding Support Staff Award for excellence in interpersonal communication, extraordinary initiative and technical skills, as well as commitment to the College’s core values.
Each recipient was given a crystal award to display, and the winners of the Rhodes State Leadership award were presented with a monetary stipend, which was endowed by Dr. Earl and Nancy Keese. The ceremony was attended by Rhodes State staff, faculty and administration and served as a rallying point of celebration for the past year and for good things being planned for the year ahead.
“Together we stand stronger as an institution that changes lives, build futures and improves communities,” concluded Dr. Spiers.
