Students, faculty, staff, and donors of the College of Fine and Applied Arts gathered to celebrate academic success on April 19 in the Solarium of Plemmons Student Union on the campus of Appalachian State University.

 

Dean Glenda Treadaway welcomed the group by applauding everyone in attendance for their commitment to hard work and academic success. Students, she said, should take pride in the hard work that earned them scholarship support. To the donors who fund scholarships, Dean Treadaway explained that scholarship support is vital to many students and such gifts often make a difference in whether or not a student could pursue their dreams. Treadaway speaks from experience, as she was able to pursue her own higher education goals only with the help of scholarships.

 

Faculty where applauded for their support of student learning and their commitment to their own growth through life-long learning, teaching, and service. Three faculty members were honored during the event with the presentation of the 2011-2012 faculty awards. Dr. Chad Everhart, of the Department of Technology and Environmental Design was awarded the Outstanding Teaching Award. Dr. Kern Maass, also of the Department of Technology and Environmental Design, was awarded the Outstanding Service Award. Mr. Scott Ludwig, of the Department of Art, was awarded the Outstanding Scholarship/Creative Activity Award. (Read more about these faculty members and their award-winning activities here)

 

Dr. Lori Gonzales, Provost, was a special guest for the event and commented that she is proud of the accomplishments of the College’s students and faculty as if they were her own. “You’ve done great things and I expect we’ll see more,” she said to the group.

 

Interior Design student and scholarship recipient Stephanie DeContreras was also a guest speaker who explained the importance of scholarship support to students. Receiving support from two different scholarships “motived me to be as involved in my department as possible,” she said. DeContreras is actively involved in student organizations and projects and, thanks to the financial support from scholarships, was able to attend a study abroad in Costa Rica which she described as “one of the most influential experiences” in her life. She also praised her faculty, who help students learn about and apply for scholarships that are available to them.

 

Students, faculty, and donors enjoyed light refreshments and time to socialize at the close of the evening’s program. This event offers the opportunity for scholarship donors and recipients to meet and get to know each other better and for the entire college to pause and celebrate the hard work that leads to academic success.

 

The College of Fine and Applied Arts congratulates all student scholarship recipients and the faculty award recipients for their success this academic year.