Individual student awards and scholarships will be presented and a 2008 graduate of the program honored at the 35th annual Educational Development Program awards ceremony at the Williams Center Multipurpose Room on Thursday, March 23, beginning at 4 p.m.
“Celebrating our students’ accomplishments in this public forum and acknowledging their academic successes encourages them to remember their power to excel and sets the perfect example for other students to believe in themselves and understand that hard work matters,” said David M. White, EDP director.
“This event also provides the opportunity for our program to thank the campus and community for their support and assistance in serving EDP students,” Mr. White added.
Allen Thomas, a New York State certified teacher, will receive the 2017 EDP Distinguished Alumni Award. The honor recognizes EDP graduates who have accomplished personal and professional goals and demonstrated a commitment to leadership and academic excellence.
Born and raised in Dunkirk, Mr. Thomas graduated from Fredonia in 2008 with dual degrees in Childhood Education and History. Upon graduating, Thomas immediately began teaching for the Jamestown (N.Y.) Public School District and continues in that district today. During his nine-year span, he has taught at Washington Middle School and C.C. Ring Elementary School. In addition to his instructional responsibilities, Thomas is involved in student extracurricular activities and development including coaching, tutoring, mentoring, student council, fifth grade dance team supervisor, art and drama instructor, and with various other after-school clubs. In addition to his teaching and student involvement in Jamestown, Allen has also held several positions at Fredonia. Thomas has facilitated the English Writing workshop during EDP’s JEWEL summer program and taught multiple courses for Fredonia's Upward Bound Summer Educational Program.
Thomas is also scheduled to participate in the EDP Alumni Speaker Series on Wednesday, March 22, at 4 p.m. in Williams Center Room S204. The series, held during EDP’s general meeting, serves as a platform for EDP graduates to motivate and inspire students from a program and campus that have had a significant impact on shaping their lives. It also provides a forum for current EDP students and other members of the campus community a chance to interact with EDP alumni, while highlighting the important work and success stories of EDP alumni in a variety of professions.
Awards to be presented at the March 23 ceremony include:
Outstanding EDP Tutor of the Year awards: Bonnie Binggeli of Gananda, a senior Political Science major; Kayla Newland of Arcade, a senior dual major in Business Management and Public Relations; and Charlotte Passero, of Rochester, a senior Accounting and Business Administration major.
The Arthur O. Eve Scholarship will be presented to seniors Jonathan Batres of Jamaica, N.Y., Jennifer Garcia, of Brooklyn; and Maimouna Sylla of Bronx, all majoring in Social Work.
The Director’s Award will be given to Roy Roman Garcia of New York City, a junior Communication-Public Relations major.
The Gregory Antonio Memorial Award will be given to Natselyne Peralta, of New York City, a senior majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology; and Eduvijez Sanchez, of Buffalo, a senior International Studies major.
The Exemplary Service Award will be given to Dr. Bruce Tomlinson of the Department of Biology.
In addition, EDP students having a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher while completing 12 or more credits in Fall 2016 semester will receive academic certificates. Community Service certificates will be presented to students for serving at blood drives, the Fall Sweep, Boys and Girls Club and EOP Advocacy Day.
Also at the awards program, 38 new inductees of the Alpha Mu chapter of Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society will receive pins. The students include EDP and Full Opportunity Program students who achieved a 3.0 or higher GPA for two consecutive semesters and are enrolled full-time.
Contributions to the EDP Scholarship and Community Service Fund are greatly appreciated and allow EDP to reward academic achievement and community service and assist its most needy students. Checks can be made payable to the Fredonia College Foundation; donations can also be submitted online.
