Awards Honor Faculty and Staff

Melissa Brand, Senior Staff Writer

 

Excited faculty, staff and students filled Alumni Hall on April 1, 2013 for the first annual Student Choice Awards. According to Kelly Webb, President of the Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) Honors Society, there were more than 1,000 students who participated in the voting. The awards were sponsored and hosted by the Honors Society with co-sponsorship provided by more than 20 other student clubs.

The ceremony opened with remarks by Webb, followed by Ashley Beyer, President of Alpha Chi National Honors Society who spoke to the nominees and Samuel Aguirre, Vice-President of Alpha Chi who led the presentation of the awards. During opening remarks, Ashley Beyer who is also the former NEIU Honors Society President said, “I am so pleased to be a part of this evening as we take time out of our busy lives to acknowledge the various professors and staff members who have influenced the collegiate experience of students at Northeastern.”

By department, Mathematics received the most votes, followed by Communications, Media & Theatre and then Social Work. Dr. John Boyle, Assistant Professor in Linguistics received the most votes individually.

While everyone there was voted as a favorite, there were a couple honorees that received the loudest applause including Haydee Hernandez from Financial Aid, and Dr. Boyle. Hernandez and several other nominees were teary eyed at the honor. Webb said, “All of us who put this event together were moved by the turnout.”

The ceremony was followed by group pictures, refreshments and two cakes to honor the winners. All winners received an NEIU swag bag and personalized award. “This event was long overdue,” said Webb. “A great number of faculty and staff have put so much effort into helping us achieve success in our futures. We need to make sure this event happens every year.”