ICC Faculty & Staff Honors

ICC chemistry instructor Gordy Savela has been selected as Education Minnesota's nominee for the National Education Association Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence. As Minnesota's nominee, he represents the 70,000 educational professionals that make up Education Minnesota and will attend the Foundation's annual "Salute to Excellence in Education" gala scheduled for February 2009 in Washington, D.C.

ICC staff members Loralie Young, director of residential life, and Noel Olander, CLA in charge of the engineering concept lab, were honored in May for their accomplishments as participants in the True North Leadership Academy. Joining them at the celebration were Dr. Joe Sertich, NHED president (l), and Dr. Mike Johnson, ICC provost.

ICC English instructor Patrick Mathias (center) was honored April 16 at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees "Celebrating Excellence" award ceremony in St. Paul as the Northeast Higher Education District (NHED)-ICC Outstanding Educator for 2008. He is pictured with (l-r) Dr. Joe Sertich, NHED president, Dr. Barbara McDonald, ICC dean of academic affairs, and Dr. Mike Johnson, ICC provost.

This year, Itasca's Alumnus of the Year honor was shared by siblings and ICC employees Trika Guyer Smith (front left), computer science instructor, and Cricket Guyer (front right), administrative assistant. The recognition took place during ICC graduation ceremonies in May. Smith was a member of the Class of '76, and Guyer, the Classes of '79 and '90. Pictured with them are (back, l-r) Beth Anderson, ICC Alumni director, Mary Richie, ICC Development director, and Dr. Mike Johnson, ICC provost.