February 22, 2011
TORRINGTON, WY –
Eastern Wyoming College would like to announce the recognition of the individuals who were nominated by their peers for the Wyoming Association of Community College Trustees Awards. The nominations were for exemplary student, faculty member, classified employee, professional employee, board of trustees’ member and posthumous nomination for foundation volunteer award. Nomination packets included examples of how the nominee has had a positive impact on their community college and how they have been involved in the community.
The EWC nominee for student of the year was Amy Gibbs from Lingle, Wyoming. Gibbs serves on the student senate as the GEAR-UP Representative. Amy is a former Wyoming State Champion Air Rifle target Shooter which spurred her on to help other students create the Shooting Sports Club. This club was added to the official list of EWC Clubs and organizations in the fall of 2009. In her nomination packet, she was recognized as an excellent role model with outstanding grades, personal attitude, and desire to serve others.
Patti Sue Peterson, Vet Tech Instructor and Science Division Chair, was the EWC nominee for faculty member of the year and has taught at the college for 33 years. One student shared their experience with Peterson as an instructor, “She helps us any way she can both in and out of class. She is always available for any need we may have.”
The EWC Professional Employee was Dr. Dee Ludwig. Ludwig is Vice President for Learning and has worked for EWC since 1988. Serving in many different roles during her tenure at EWC, she has consistently been recognized as always putting students first. She was tasked with the position of Self-Study Coordinator for the Higher Learning Commission accreditation visit and led campus groups to a very successful visit and ten year accreditation.
Jamie Sullivan, Administrative Specialist at Eastern Wyoming College, Douglas Campus was the nominee for Classified Employee. She is frequently a student’s first point of contact and a reliable source of support and information, helping students navigate both personal and educational challenges. Jamie goes beyond her responsibilities to help each and every student.
Trustee James (Jim) Davis was nominated for Board of Trustees member of the year. Davis has served on the EWC board for twelve years and has been the treasurer for nine of those years. A fellow trustee recognized Davis as “being the trustee who always remembers that our College exists to serve students.”
Mary Lou Atkins was the posthumous nomination for Foundation Volunteer Award. Mary Lou passed away in January 2010. Her visible legacy to Eastern Wyoming College can be clearly seen in the transformation of landscaping that took place on the campus. Her support of EWC students who needed a lot of help, or just a little, was evidence of her commitment to what a community college can do when a person of any age wanted to try and change their lives.
Nominees were recently recognized at the WACCT Community College Conference and legislative reception held in Cheyenne.