A few faculty and staff were honored recently at National Society of Leadership & Success Induction ceremony.
The society is the nation’s largest leadership honor society and students are selected for membership based on either academic standing or leadership potential. Candidacy is a nationally recognized achievement of honorable distinction. The NSLS officers recognized a few employees who embody the Society’s mission and demonstrate leadership qualities in a personal or professional capacity. This Honorary Membership Award gives full membership privileges and benefits.
Dr. Don Lucas, professor of psychology – Dr. Lucas is more than just a professor he is a friend, counselor and mentor to his students. He not only keeps them intrigued and engaged in class with lectures, but out of class as well. For years he has been including his students in research which allows them real world experience not usually available to community college students. Dr. Lucas has made a significant impact on the lives of our students. His service to NVC and dedication to students is praiseworthy.
David Casanova, professor of chemistry – Mr. Casanova is one of the most talked about professors on campus. His humorous approach in class will make it easier to retain the material. He is caring and compassionate with his students. Mr. Casanova is willing to help other students regardless of what chemistry class they are in. He truly cares about his students’ future.
Omar Chavira, Degree Completion Advisor – Mr. Chavira is very compassionate with his students and goes above and beyond to make sure they always know where they stand. He has created and implemented a organization at Northwest Vista called the League of Extraordinary Graduates. This program helps students prepare for graduation and beyond. There is no doubt he is committed to student success and is an asset to Northwest Vista College.
Excellence in Service Award
The NSLS officers also recognized members of the NVC community that have gone above and beyond to help our chapter by awarding them the Excellence in Service to students award
Bianca Ramirez, Student Life Advisor – Ms. Ramirez is always there to help the society whenever she is needed. She is always willing to step in with a moment’s notice. She has a beautiful kind heart and her positivity and compassion are admirable.
Nathalie Mai Kraft, Student Life Advisor – As our co-advisor Mrs. Kraft has really stepped up to help lead our organization. She has put in countless hours to make sure all of our events and community service endeavors have gone smoothly. She makes sure everyone is having fun and gets the most out of our events. Thank you Nathalie for being there for us!
Rey Cardenas, Auditorium Manager and Technical Director – Mr. Cardenas always makes sure our induction ceremonies go smoothly. His expertise in running large-scale events is phenomenal. He has really helped the society handle last minute issues with our induction ceremony.
Excellence in Teaching – Starfish Award
A great teacher is a great artist; his medium is not canvas, but the human mind and soul. The last special award we would like to give out is one where our members submitted nominations for a faculty member who demonstrated an Excellence in Teaching.
Adam Agurrie, professor of anthropology – Mr. Agurrie is a professor that was able to open my mind beyond what I felt possible. He has a unique teaching style that really gets you involved with his class. His lectures are amazing and captivating
He cares about his students and if you put forth the effort he definitely is there to help his students succeed. He goes above and beyond for his students and is only an email away.
Kelli Bradshaw, professor of mathematics – Ms. Bradshaw takes a practical approach to her teachings. The way she connects math to her particular theory of learning is one reason why I’ve gotten so far in this subject. Her students are the focus of her teaching and she is persistent that every student understands the lesson. She engages the class in ways that make the material understandable and feasible. Moreover, she gives each student every opportunity to succeed. Since taking her class, math has never seemed so easy; she is undeniably one of the best professors I have had.
