ISU COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY HONORS COMMUNITY MEMBERS, FACULTY AND STAFF
The Idaho State University College of Technology recognized staff, faculty and community honorees during the annual recognition luncheon held on Wednesday, May 7, 2008.
Award recipients are:
- Rodney Jacobson, CEO, Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Outstanding Community Partner Award
- Stephanie Palagi, Executive Director, Old Town Pocatello, Inc. Professional Achievement Award
- Rajendra Bajracharya and Marie Campbell Outstanding Faculty Achievement Awards
- Francie Haney and Debbie Ronneburg Staff Excellence Award
The Outstanding Community Partner Award, developed to recognize people in the community that give unselfishly of their time and energy to support programs at the College of Technology was awarded to Rodney Jacobson, CEO at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital. Jacobson was instrumental in the development of the first distance-based Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) program at the College of Technology. Dr. Linda Smith, ADN program coordinator explained, “Rod knew that he was asking for that which had never been done in Idaho or the United States. To all the nay sayers he responded, “why not? We can do it and ISU and the College of Technology have the facilities and educational expertise to make it happen.” By February 2005, the Idaho Board of Nursing allowed program entry for the first students. Rod was elected to serve as the first ADRN Advisory Board Chair. With Jacobson’s oversight, Bear Lake County residents complete clinical course objectives while being precepted by qualified Bear Lake Hospital nurses. Rod also guides the development and implementation of nursing scholarships for current and future College of Technology students. He has implemented numerous programs for high school students that encourage them to learn more about and therefore choose ISU College of Technology health careers. Rod is commended for his involvement in the many aspects of healthcare development.
The Professional Achievement Award recognizes alumni who distinguish themselves by demonstrating values and traditions. Stephanie Palagi, executive director of Old Town Pocatello, Inc., is the 2008 College of Technology recipient. Palagi graduated from the ISU College of Technology in 1988, receiving an associate degree in marketing and management. She continued her education and in 2002, graduated from the College of Technology Department of Human Resource Training and Development with a Bachelor of Science degree; double major in corporate training and vocational teacher education. For 15 years she managed the marketing department for Idaho Central Credit Union. Her many civic duties have included being on the Leadership Pocatello Board of Directors and a Board of Directors member of the Family Services Alliance, to name only a few. She has been chair of the Marketing and Management Occupations Program Advisory Committee for over five years and is an adjunct instructor in the program.
Outstanding Faculty Achievement Awards were presented to Marie Campbell and Rajendra Bajracharya. The recipients of this year’s awards were nominated by their peers for their outstanding efforts as instructors, student advocates, professionals, and colleagues. They each play a vital role in the development and positive image of professional technical education. Campbell is a Master Instructor in the Business and Service Department, teaching in the Business Information program. Deb Larson commented in Marie’s nomination letter, “Teaching excellence encompasses many things-knowledge of subject matter, hard work, dedication, hard work, caring, and more hard work. In addition, there are those rare few who also possess a genuine gift for teaching that is readily recognized by all whom they teach. Marie Campbell is one of those rare few who daily demonstrated her talents as a teacher and works tirelessly on behalf of her students and the Business Information program.”
Dr. Rajendra Bajracharya is an Associate Professor in the Geomatics Technology program. Nominated by Maher Wissa, Dr. Bajracharya was recognized for the time he spends, beyond his office hours, tutoring and helping program students succeed. “Raj is continuously working on upgrading the curriculum, incorporating the newest technology. He is a dedicated teacher, always eager to help the students in gaining practical experience that would help them succeed in the work place.”
The Staff Excellence Award was developed to recognize classified and non-classified staff members for their quality of work, proficiency and initiative, skills in dealing with people, dependability and creativity, as well as the ability to relate to others in a manner that reflects well upon the College of Technology. The 2008 recipients are Francie Haney and Debbie Ronneburg.
Haney is an Instruction Assistant in the Cosmetology program and has worked at the College of Technology for 21 years. She was nominated by co-worker, Esther Stapleton. Esther’s nomination comments included, “Five days a week, eight hours a day, Francie has demonstrated her finely manicured skills in working with clients, students, faculty, and staff. If there is a task or job, there is no need to call on Francie; her hand is raised before the question mark is put at the end of the sentence.”
Debbie Ronneburg has served as the Director of Student Services for 7 years. Nominated by co-worker, Pam Edwards, Ronneburg was honored for the direction, support and example she provides to her staff. Pam stated, “Even in stressful, adverse situations, she maintains a positive attitude. Debbie is devoted to her staff and never hesitates to acknowledge good performance from her employees. There are times when all of us feel overwhelmed, but Debbie approaches tasks with a very positive attitude. She is always interested in being part of the solution to problems.”
To conclude the awards presentations years of service awards were presented to faculty and staff:
5 years
Steve Clay, Computerized Machining Technology
Rick Fuger, Cosmetology
Kathy Hayes, Workforce Training
10 years
Toni Davis, Marketing & Management
Cal Edwards, Law Enforcement
Weldon Hill, Computer/Business Equipment
Sandy Jackson, Cosmetology
Donna Johnston, Student Services
Tim Lammers, Computer Support
Karen Swallow, Student Services
15 years
Frank Prickett, Aircraft Maintenance
Maher Wissa, Geomatics
20 years
Debra Larson, Business Information
Paul Naas, Computer Software Development
Dave Treasure, Trade and Industrial Department Chair
JoAnn Wren, Workforce Training
25 years
John Fitzen, Electronics