Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Dr. Christine Swiridoff, Professor of English at Cerro Coso Community College, is a recipient of the 2012 John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award by the League for Innovation in the Community College. The prestigious award celebrates outstanding contributions and leadership by community college faculty and staff across the nation.
We're recognizing Dr. Swiridoff's incredible hard work, her dedication, and her spirit of commitment to our top performing students," said President Jill Board who nominated her for the award. "She has invested herself in serving our honors students who are interested in extending their studies in disciplines of high interest, and founded the college's Phi Theta Kappa student organization."
Dr. Swiridoff provides an array of special opportunities beyond the classroom that enable Cerro Coso's honor students to be highly competitive in pursuing their academic dreams at top universities. "Seeing students succeed, especially after struggling with a new and challenging skill, gives me a thrill," said Dr. Swiridoff. "I enjoy their 'light bulb' moments as they pass from frustration to awareness to mastery."
Studies show that when students engage in activities outside of the classroom they have a greater chance of completing their educational goals. That is what Phi Theta Kappa does for those students who qualify.
The Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa support retention, completion, and success at Cerro Coso Community College. Students earn the privilege to join Phi Theta Kappa based on their academic excellence, earning at least a 3.5 grade point average in degree- and transfer-level courses, making them the top 10% of Cerro Coso students. By joining they become life-long members of the world's largest honors society, have access to over $36 million in scholarships, and join an outstanding fellowship of scholars.
"Dr. Swiridoff's extraordinary and exemplary work enriches the lives of our students and inspires us all," concluded President Board.
Dr. Swiridoff received her award during the Leagues Innovations Conference closing ceremony on Wednesday March 13, 2013.