CAHSS Excellence Awards 2023

About

Mya currently serves as the President of our EWU PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) student organization. In this role, Mya has made an instrumental impact helping other students learn valuable professional development skills to help them find jobs and internships and success after graduation.

Mya is currently in the process of organizing EWU PRSSA’s annual “Pro-Tour” and has helped lead the organization in securing valuable networking opportunities for our students with leading employers including Disney, The Coeur d’Alene Resort and many others.

In terms of academic ability and performance, we would place Mya in the top 1% of all students in our program. In class, Mya demonstrates many qualities that set her apart from most of her peers. She is an exceptional leader, consistently exceeds expectations on class assignments and is a great writer and scholar. Mya is a caring and conscientious person who goes out of her way to help students needing more help as a classroom note-taker for students with accommodations.

In addition to being a scholar in the classroom, Mya has also shown a commitment to contributing to Eastern Washington University in the many roles she serves on campus. Mya currently works as a public relations assistant for the College of Professional Programs where she helps create content for the College’s social media pages, promotes outstanding alumni and student opportunities. Mya also serves as an outdoor guide for EPIC where she leads and organizes outdoor adventure trips to help students find community and reduce stress.

Mya is an inspiration to her peers and colleagues and is very deserving of the prestigious Jeffers Chertok Memorial Scholarship.

Thank you for your consideration of Mya and her contributions.

Sincerely,
Jessica Boyer & Peter Shields

About

Dear Jeffers Chertok Scholarship Award Committee:

I am writing on behalf of the GWSS program to nominate tommyboiZ Cyphers for the Jeffers Chertok Memorial Scholarship. tommyboiZ is just the kind of exceptional student this award is set up to recognize. They are an outstanding student in breadth of courses taken, grades, research projects and academic and community activities. tommyboiZ is a double major in Gender, Women’s & Sexuality Studies (GWSS) and Philosophy. They are also a McNair Scholar, an officer in the Transcendental Apathetic (Philosophy club), and a member of the Scary Feminists (before the club advisor left EWU). Their intellectual curiosity led them to take both the GWSS and Philosophy capstone (even though they are only required to take one and they still have a year at Eastern to explore other interests and complete their language and Philosophy requirements.

tommyboiZ is an exceptionally thoughtful and inquisitive scholar. They have a remarkable gift for understanding and synthesizing challenging theoretical texts, as well as the passion to apply this knowledge as they engage with others. They consistently contribute in substantive ways to collective growth and community learning. They exhibit leadership skills both in terms of independent research and peer guided discussions. Their ability to craft insightful questions that push the boundaries of traditional thinking is remarkable.

A good example of this is their research project for the Spring 2023 Research & Creative Works Symposium entitled “Epistemic Injustice and the Elimination of Bias in K-12 education.” The project “identified instances of epistemic injustice, especially testimonial injustice, in the public education system,” and then examined what “the state of  Washington has done to prevent further injustices from occurring through elimination of bias laws.” They continue to develop this research.

tommyboiZ is a nontraditional student in several ways (transfer, first gen, gender nonconforming), and this has had a tremendous impact on their orientation to gender studies in general, and our GWSS program in particular. As a non-traditional student, they bring voice and perspectives that address intersectional inequity and strategies for moving forward. They make direct connections between the value of life-long learning and the potential for scholarship to foundationally inform social transformation. We appreciate tommyboiZ’s insightful and often unexpected perspective, and we believe they are an excellent candidate for this award. They have also had a significant impact in the Philosophy department. Dr. Chris Kirby has had tommyboiZ in classes and served last summer as their McNair mentor.

Dr. Kirby shared the following:

I’ve had the pleasure of working with them as an instructor in several other upper division courses and as an advisor to their research for EWU’s McNair Scholars program, which supports undergraduates who plan to pursue PhD degrees after graduation. Mx. Cyphers has distinguished themself in every case.

I have been particularly impressed with Mx. Cyphers’s creative, interdisciplinary approach to research, combining their interests in gender studies and education with various philosophical topics. Last spring, in my Philosophy Senior Capstone course—for which I encouraged Mx. Cyphers to enroll despite their Junior class standing—they produced an argument that was both practical and insightful in the way it employed John Dewey’s philosophy of inquiry and Jane Addams’ social ethics to advocate for drawing a stronger connection between social activism and doing philosophy publicly. Over the summer of 2022, I served as Mx. Cyphers’s research advisor on their McNair scholarship thesis—an extended critique of bias within public education through the lens of Miranda Fricker’s work on epistemic injustice. Again, the work they completed there was both scholarly and perceptive as it navigated a difficult topic for the future of public education. These examples underscore what I consider to be two of Mx. Cyphers best academic virtues, viz. their philosophical creativity and their ethical commitment to others.

tommyboiZ offered this statement about their development:

During my time in the GWSS program I have developed a plethora of skills that have aided my experience in seeing myself as a scholar and has contributed to my involvement in the EWU community… My time in GWSS coupled with my experience in the McNair scholars program has prepared me for taking the next steps in my scholarship by providing me an environment full of warm demandingness, which has contributed greatly to my current and future successes in my academic endeavors.

This kind of self-reflection and dedication is exceptional, and reflective of the characteristics Jeffers Chertok modeled for students and the larger community. We strongly recommend tommyboiZ Cyphers for this award.

Thank you,

Dr. Judy Rohrer

About

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is to highly recommend Kelly Parke for the 2023-2024 Jeffers Chertok Memorial Scholarship. Kelly is currently an Anthropology major with a minor in Disability Studies.

An extremely bright student, Kelly is highly engaged and thoughtful in her studies; her classroom presence has benefited the classes she has attended and the university more broadly. She is an excellent Chertok candidate.

In terms of her analytical skills and written communication, she is an outstanding student and in the top 5% of our majors from 2006. Kelly has the Jeffers Chertok “first-rate intelligence” and “keen emotional sensitivity.”

A transfer student from the University of Washington, she has grown intellectually at EWU and has interests in applied anthropology and disabled communities. She is the rare student that clearly understands the relationship between theory and practice in the social sciences. Dedicated to continuing her studies in graduate school, Kelly hopes to study disability laws and policies through an anthropological perspective. Her eventual goal is to apply a public anthropology framework to changing those laws and policies in collaboration with affected disabled individuals and communities. Thus, she excels at both theoretical and practical aspects of the social sciences.

Kelly has also volunteered with community organizations such as Sacred Heart and with the Anthropology program for events such as our Highland Park Community Sukiyaki Preparation Event and Admitted Students Day. She is very dependable, and her assistance in the anthropology program has been highly valued.

Sincerely,
Michael L. Zukosky

About

I am extremely pleased to nominate Tim Harrington (00970446), a rising Senior double-majoring in History and Political Science, for the Jeffers Chertok Memorial Scholarship.

Tim declared the History major as an incoming transfer student from Spokane Falls Community College in 2021, with the hope of continuing for an advanced degree in order to teach at the college level. Though we have persuaded him not to set his hopes on that career, there is no question that Tim would make an excellent teacher. In addition to his strong analytical skills and voracious appetite for every historical subject, Tim is extremely well spoken, personable, has a wonderful sense of humor and strong organizational skills.

In the two courses he has taken with me – Hist. 290 and Hist. 332, 20th century Germany – Tim stood out for his fluent writing style and fascination for non-traditional topics. His final paper for Hist 332 focused on Rock ‘n Roll in 1950s-70s West Germany, in particular, the band Kraftwerk. Tim reworked that paper and presented it at the Phi Alpha Theta Regional Conference in Ellensburg earlier this Spring. Tim is also extremely collegial and generous with fellow students. Indeed, I can’t recall another student in more than 30 years at EWU who shows such empathy for and interest in others in his classes. He does not dominate class conversations. On the contrary, he is a very good listener. But when he speaks, the other students take note.

Tim is a non-traditional student, who worked many years in food service and retail prior to coming to college. As is often the case with older students, Tim has a heightened appreciation for learning and for the opportunities he is being offered at university. He does not let any opportunity pass by, either academic or extra-curricular.

During his first year at EWU, he became involved with our History Club, which was on shaky legs following the pandemic. He was one of the few undergraduates who regularly attended the meetings, and he recognized that the club needed a lot of new ideas if it was going to survive. By the end of the academic year, he was president-elect of History Club and our Phi Alpha Theta history honor society chapter. Tim’s leadership has transformed the organization.

Naturally gregarious, he promotes membership in every class he takes, even the non-history classes. Since now the club is strictly for undergraduates, Tim has organized “hang-outs” and study sessions open to anyone interested, whether a major or not. 10 EWU undergraduates, one of the largest cohorts ever, presented at the Ellensburg conference in April. Tim also spearheaded 2 on-campus movie showings with the EWU film society and “Queer Jeopardy” with EWU Pride. Next year, he will continue as president and will be instrumental in preparing for EWU to host the regional conference in Spring 2024.

In addition to leading Phi Alpha Theta, Tim is working as an intern processing the Frontier Justice records, a collection held at the State Archives branch on our campus. He is also working with me and several other students, writing short articles on the history of Richland and the Hanford plutonium works. These articles will be published on the website of the National Park Service, Manhattan project historic park. Attached is an advanced draft of one article that Tim and another student wrote for the NPS site.

In sum, Tim Harrington is an accomplished student, emerging historian, and EWU community member. Please give his nomination your careful attention. Thank you.

About

It is my distinct pleasure to nominate Social Studies Secondary Education major Lillian Brooks for the Jeffers Chertok Memorial Scholarship. Ms. Brooks exemplifies the best qualities of an outstanding student and demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence and service unmatched by her peers.

Within the same Quarter of transferring to EWU, during her first year of college, Ms. Brooks was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and had to undergo immediate and intensive medical treatment.i Brooks was forced to step out of school for over a year, yet at this time (and during COVID) she continued academic advising and created reading lists to help her succeed when she was able to return. Since resuming coursework, and while continuing treatment, Ms. Brooks has maintained a 3.87 GPA as well as holding a full-time job with United Airlines. Next year, Ms. Brooks is scheduled to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a Social Studies Secondary Education major and minors in both Special Education and Geography.

Ms. Brooks has received accolades from her professors in the Social Studies Program as well as from the School of Education that speak not only to Brooks’ exceptional academic career but also the numerous ways in which she demonstrates leadership skills within the classroom and beyond. Professor James Rosenzweig, who worked with Ms. Brooks in his SOST 390: Social Studies Methods course expressed that “Lillian’s work in SOST 390 was of an excellent quality: she surpassed her classmates in our graded discussions from the beginning, displaying both command of the readings and an excellent sense of timing in knowing when to speak and when to leave room for others…Her final lesson plan design was truly outstanding – one I would happily show other students who needed an example of the level of depth and detail necessary for success…she’s one of the most impressive students I’ve worked with here, and someone more than deserving of your scholarship support.” A formal letter from Professor Rosenzweig in support of Ms. Brooks can be found as an attached supplemental document.

Dr. Joseph Lenti eagerly shared his experience with Ms. Brooks noting, “I have had the pleasure of teaching Lilly on two occasions, first when she enrolled in my Latin American History course, and more recently, in my History of Spain class. She distinguished herself in both settings, but particularly in the Spain course…There Lilly engaged the material deeply and effectively.” Dr. Lenti also noted that “Aside from the academic success necessary for this scholarship, Lilly possesses an intellectual stimulation that separates her from other students. This becomes evident in her written work, which is always comprehensive, fact-driven, and eloquently presented. She is an excellent reader, researcher, and essay writer, and I look forward to seeing how she applies these skills in her career as an educator.” I have also had the pleasure of working with Ms. Brooks in the research-intensive course HIST 444: History of the Pacific Northwest where she investigated how Bracero workers’ exclusion from the Labor Act of 1935 impacted migrant and immigrant laborers in the Pacific Northwest following World War II. Ms. Brooks approached her evaluation of marginalized and often victimized laborers with a profound balance of professionalism and compassion.

Over the course of the class, she consistently advanced conversations with critical and carefully considered questions, and her research skills exceeded expectations. More importantly, she always pushed herself to do better and is driven by personal goals for intellectual growth and for a greater understanding of our world that she can share with others. This has been demonstrated, in part, by her decision to take additional courses in both Africana Studies and Chicano Studies.

Ms. Brooks is uncommonly kind, and despite working full-time as a student has generously given her spare moments to help the EWU community at large. Brooks’ classmates and Social Studies cohort members describe her as their “rock,” as someone they can go to whenever they need assistance with a class, and as a dependable source of support. Ms. Brooks’ academic excellence and community leadership is well known to her peers as well as to faculty and staff, as Brooks has been sought out for services roles, and she is always willing to help at university events. In just this last year, Brooks volunteered for both Civics Day and Eastern Washington Regional History Day as well as assisted MARCOM with promotional materials on becoming a teacher at EWU. While already above and beyond what is asked of students, Ms. Brooks has expressed a desire to do more, noting “I am working to find other volunteer opportunities that I can work into my class and work schedule.” Not only are we lucky to have Brooks at EWU, but her future school district will also undoubtably gain a community resource.

The difficulty of coming back to school should not be underestimated, and the extraordinary circumstances and outstanding performance of Ms. Brooks over the course of her academic career here at EWU deserves to be recognized. When asked about her future career, Brooks explained, “I want to teach Social Studies so I can help prepare students to be contributing members of our society. So, they have the skills to investigate and question the things they hear and see…we cannot expect students to improve our society unless we give them the skills to do so.”

Considering all the factors described above, I (in addition to Dr. Lenti and Professor Rosenzweig) highly recommend you grant Lillian Brooks a Jeffers Chertok Memorial scholarship. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you wish to discuss Ms. Brooks’ merits further.

Jacki Hedlund Tyler

To the Scholarship Committee:

Greetings to you all. I am writing to you on behalf of Lillian Brooks, whom I first met in Spring Quarter 2022 when she enrolled in SOST 390, a course I teach to social studies education students. Lillian was one of my best students – engaged, thoughtful, and an excellent member of the classroom community. Since her time in that class, we’ve remained in touch, and I’ve had the chance to see her enthusiasm and her commitment to education on display when working with young people at an event hosted at EWU. In short, she’s one of the most impressive students I’ve worked with here, and someone more than deserving of your scholarship support.

Lillian’s work in SOST 390 was of an excellent quality: she surpassed her classmates in our graded discussions from the beginning, displaying both command of the readings and an excellent sense of timing in knowing when to speak and when to leave room for others. The course’s one timed objective exam was a struggle for many of her classmates, but Lillian demonstrated unusual success in that work also. When, later in the course, she faced some challenges in certain elements of lesson plan design, she proactively scheduled meetings with me so that she could get a good understanding of the work, and I immediately saw meaningful improvement. Her final lesson plan design was truly outstanding – one I would happily show other students who needed an example of the level of depth and detail necessary for success.

I’ve spoken to Lillian occasionally since the end of SOST 390 last Spring: our most significant interaction was in connection with an annual event held at EWU called “Civic Thinkers”. This one-day civics-themed event, held on a Friday in Winter Quarter, allows our campus to host visiting leadership students from elementary, middle, and high schools in the West Valley School District.

They hear a keynote from WVSD alumna Justice Debra Stephens, they participate in workshops and learning activities led by EWU faculty, and they tour campus as part of an opportunity to consider becoming Eagles someday when it’s time for them to attend college. The event can only succeed with the support of volunteers, and Lillian was 2023’s star volunteer – she showed up early and stayed late, and in-between was constantly active in support of the programming and the WVSD student experience. She was just as at ease speaking with a State Supreme Court Justice as she was chatting with an excited 5th grader, and it was clear that she was making an outstanding impression on teachers and administrators at WVSD (one of whom asked me afterwards when she’d be ready for a student teaching placement).

Lillian was a wonderful ambassador for EWU on a day when a lot of bright and impressionable young people were on our campus to have a thoughtful encounter with social studies concepts: I was and am so grateful for her volunteered time, and her deep respect for that work. Lillian Brooks is a remarkable young woman, and I know from my experience she will be a gifted educator – someone who inspires young people to an interest in all the disciplines within the social studies. I hope that you can find an opportunity to extend scholarship support to her, so that her pathway to that meaningful work is made just a little smoother: thank you so much for considering my letter.

James W. Rosenzweig

About

Ivan Cibrian for the Chertok Dean’s Honor Award. Ivan will graduate with a 3.96 GPA, earning his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Africana Studies.

He has served as the president of MeCha and the president of Sigma Lambda Beta. He actively gives back to his community in service through HBPA and demonstrates a quiet, sincere leadership style that elicits the trust of those around him.

About

The Economics Department nominates Camille Rogers for this award. Ms. Rogers will graduate with a 3.90 GPA in her Economics B.S major. Between 2014 and 2017, Ms. Rogers was the recipient of the Presidential Scholarship, has been on the Dean’s List 11 out of the 14 quarters at Eastern, and will graduate Magna Cum Laude. She will present at this year’s Creative Work Symposium her research on the correlation between unemployment status and participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

This award requires not only high academic achievement, but also significant leadership, service to the university, or service to the community. The service and community activities of Ms. Rogers have been varied during her time at Eastern Washington University.

When in high school, Ms. Rogers began volunteering at local nursing home in Colville, WA, serving Thanksgiving dinner and daily lunch. Since moving to Spokane, she has been working with home-bound elderly women providing connection, crafting, cooking, and hair maintenance. These experiences have led her to an 8-year career in Caregiving. In 2014, she volunteered with Cheney Food Bank providing a dining experience to low-income individuals and families in the Cheney community.

Most recently, she has been working with the Spokane Riverkeeper, Charlie Birdhat, and Flow Adventures to promote paddle events intended to foster cultural connections within the community, encourage water safety, and address environmental health. Since 2022, Ms. Rogers has been volunteering at the Four Seasons Herbal Guild, assisting in the production of the annual Herbal Faire as well as making salves and trade goods for the Big Water Salmon Jump, a 379-mile community canoe paddle taking place this summer.

In conclusion, the Economics Department believes that Camille Rogers should receive this award because of her extensive and varied service and community activities and her outstanding academic accomplishments.

About

After transferring to EWU two years ago, Conner Hansen quickly realized his aptitude for thinking, reading, writing, and editing. Whether it was grappling with challenging new material in his World Literatures class or editing his friends’ papers when they realized his skills or preparing a professional resume and cover letter in Writing for the Professions, Conner has risen to the challenge and demonstrated patience diligence, and attention to detail.

During entire time at EWU, he’s worked at a paid internship writing manuals for a manufacturing company. This real-world experience has given him a more mature perspective than many students. He has a true interest in English grammar and rhetoric and in his advanced classes, he’s lead group projects with a calm and professional attitude. Just this year, he’s worked on revising and redesigning a manual for Japanese students and instructions for integrating new technology into English 201 courses.

The best part is that he does all of this with a smile that lets you know that he likes learning the ins and outs of English. I look forward to seeing what he’ll do in the future.

About

Jorge was my student in a senior-level Chaucer seminar, a rhetoric seminar, and a seminar in imaginative literature, so I have gotten to know him well. I have been impressed with the superior quality of his written work but also with his substantial contributions to the class in discussion and in presentations.

Jorge has demonstrated an ability to look deeply into a text and consider cultural context in creating an interpretation. In the Chaucer class, he dove bravely into the difficult readings in Middle English and piloted his small group in their two stunningly beautiful presentations on historical topics. His comments in class often made surprising new connections for other students and generated deeper discussion. In the rhetoric class, he demonstrated his willingness to turn the accepted facts of history upside down to reveal new perspectives. His written work showed a level of metatextual reflection that led me to suggest to him that he should consider graduate school in English. He may or may not do this – he is going to be busy just now getting a master’s degree in education.

Jorge is committed to being a teacher, and he has a vision for what he can offer as a teacher. He understands the powerful effect he can have on young Latinx students in this state as a mentor. He feels joy in the possibility of sharing the culture of his ancestors with a new generation. He energizes his classmates and colleagues with his enthusiasm for learning. He has shown that he values not only education, but also family, culture, and authenticity.

I am very happy to be his teacher for this last year of his work as an English major, and I am very proud to speak for him today.

About

As the Chertok Professorship at EWU focuses on the foundations of social and behavioral sciences theory, the Philosophy program believes it is entirely appropriate to award the Chertok Dean’s Honor Award to Shen Tsao.

Shen’s impressive GPA is rivalled only by the interdisciplinary breadth of her studies in the history of philosophy, abnormal psychology, compassion-focused therapy, intercultural communication, existentialism, Shakespeare, and biomedical ethics.

She has served as a lab assistant to Psychology’s Dr. Russell Kolts as well as for the Washington State University Sleep and Performance Research Center. For the past two and a half years, she has served at the charity Love for Spokane by coordinating fundraising, media outreach, procurement, and distribution of care packages for houseless individuals. Shen is a model student in her reliability, work ethic and thoughtful competence.

About

Lourdes Melendez has demonstrated academic excellence as well as impressive scholarship in her years at EWU. As an EWU art student Lourdes accepted every challenge that was presented with an exceptional work ethic. Her works have always been polished, well thought out, and poignant.

She is highly skilled in both traditional and digital media, combining these two practices to complete the first chapter of a graphic novel for her BFA project. This work represents meticulous research and practice in its illustrated form, as well as a powerful narrative told from a unique perspective.

Lourdes is truly a voice of her generation and does not shy away from the dark truths that complicate our current experiences. Lourdes is one of two BFA students recently selected as an EWU Emerging Artist and will be participating in a 6-month artist in residency at the Hive, a residency program at The Spokane Public Library. I look forward to her future artistic contributions to our community and beyond.

About

Ian exemplifies the qualities that the Jeffers Chertok Dean’s Honor Award celebrates and honors. He has a near-perfect GPA, is an active contributor to the life of the Film Program, and is an essential contributor to the learning communities of his Film classes.

Ian is both a scholar and an artist, and his academic interests feed his creative passions. As one of the highest achievers in the Film program, Ian excels in all three aspects of the Film and Digital Media major: film production, screenwriting, and film analysis.

Ian is also a veteran, and he brings this life experience to his art and his scholarly work, sharing his perspectives and enriching every class of which he is a part. Ian is a consistent presence in the film building, and I often hear his voice in the hallways discussing projects with his classmates, talking about his love of movies, and developing plans to assist with his colleagues’ film shoots.

Filmmaking is a collaborative endeavor, and Ian is a consummate teammate. He is just as comfortable taking the lead as he is with supporting a classmate’s vision. Ian also accompanied a select group of students on the Film Program’s trip to Universal Studios in Los Angeles, where we met with a number of industry figures and executives. His decorum and comportment during this trip was exemplary, and he represented EWU and the Film Program with the highest level of professionalism.

Ian was extremely well-prepared to meet with our presenters, and he had taken extensive notes on the biographies of everyone we met. This level of diligence and preparedness defines Ian, and this is evidenced by the high quality of his work.

In sum, Ian is a vital contributor to the Film Program and truly embodies the values of the Chertok Award.

About

Payton Ritchy demonstrates a natural affinity for leadership and academic success and meets every criteria for the prestigious Chertok Dean’s Honor Award. She is completing her Bachelor of Arts in Music, and continuing on to pursue her MIT following graduation.

Her dream job is to teach music in a middle or high school setting. She believes that all students deserve the chance to participate in expressive arts while growing up, as it fosters a positive development and encompasses important learning tools such as collaboration, listening and working together for a shared goal. She shows an exceptional aptitude for learning and service, and due to her passion for fostering great music Payton was awarded the coveted Drum Major position for the EWU Marching Band in Fall 2022.

Prior to that she was the President of our NAfME student chapter, (National Association for Music Education) and in that role she facilitated activities, fundraisers, and travels for our Music Education students, involving students across campus. She has a kindness and maturity that her peers are drawn to, and many times I have witnessed Payton encouraging other students with her welcoming spirit and her belief that music holds a place for everyone to shine and find their voice.

The Music faculty consider Payton to be a leader in Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and she is also the voice area intern this year, and serving as an intern for MusicFest Northwest. Her outreach has been a hallmark of her work here at EWU, and her leadership acumen and enthusiasm for the arts will carry her far in the field as a sought-after educator and performer. Payton will indeed be a significant contributor to our culture and community as a champion for the arts, and an advocate for all to have a safe space for expression and creativity.

About

Melissa is a phenomenal collaborator and strong advocate for building and strengthening interdisciplinary relationships across campus. She is a shining example of a student tirelessly dedicated to using the arts as a vehicle for social change, and improved community relations.

Melissa’s academic and artistic accomplishments are vast and admirable. She contributed spectacularly to the EWU Theatre program as a performer in seven shows (She Kills Monsters, Rent, Pride and Prejudice, Ordinary Days, 26 Pebbles, Twelfth Night the Musical and Tick Tick Boom). She also performed in numerous EWU choir concerts and professionally for the Spokane Valley Summer Theatre.

Additionally, she dedicated two summers to volunteer service. Melissa radiates as much light, warmth, and personal integrity offstage as she does onstage. Melissa’s daily presence and contribution to EWU Theatre will be greatly missed by students and faculty alike (I simply love being in the same room as her) but we look forward to cheering her on in future endeavors. We are fortunate that she chose us as her theatre family.

About

GWSS is proud to nominate Whitney Longie for a Chertok Dean’s Honor Award. Whitney excels as a scholar and student leader. Unlike many of us, rather than shy away from difficult topics or areas where she has limited experience or knowledge, Whitney bravely dives in, asking for correction if she senses she’s made a mistake, and always seeking greater knowledge. And, once she’s developed understanding or a skill, she generously volunteers to help others.

As an example, in 2022 Whitney developed a fantastic Spring Research Symposium paper and presentation on the banning of transgender athletes. And, this spring she is enthusiastically mentoring another student as they prepare for the symposium.

As Dr. Mimi Marinucci states, “Whitney is an excellent student. She puts forth the effort required to understand even the most challenging concepts. In addition, she draws meaningful connections and offers insightful contributions to class discussions.”

Dr. Jessi Willis writes the following about Whitney: “In winter, 2023, I had the great pleasure of working with Whitney Longie in GWSS-101. Whitney approached me in fall quarter 2022 with a detailed proposal for enrollment in GWSS-101 as an Honors enhancement course. It was clear upon our first meeting that Whitney is an exceptionally self-directed and motivated scholar. Throughout GWSS-101, Whitney went beyond the scope of the required coursework to conduct independent research on sexual violence prevention strategies. Additionally, she worked collaboratively with two students interning with the FUTURES without Violence program. As an integral member of this student led team, Whitney participated in classroom visits and outreach across EWU campus to address and raise awareness related to sexual assault prevention practices. In her academic course work, Whitney made direct connections between our reading and her community activism.”

About

Caroline Foster has navigated many aspects of the non-traditional college student life including juggling school, working full time in healthcare, parenthood, and health problems. She started at EWU in 2007 and took a needed break in 2013. In that time, her advisor retired, then passed away, and Caroline moved on with life. But then something changed.

In 2022, she decided that she had to come back to finish her degree. She was a fine student before she left. But since she came back, she’s been on fire, earning a 3.9 average since her return. She’s been an exemplary student who’s woven together her lived experience and academics to bring important perspectives into our classroom in anthropology.

She said that with anthropology she’s found “her people” and that she plans to use anthropology in her work for the rest of her life. Her work combines theoretical sophistication with a pragmatic approach to the real world. She’s managing school success along with full time work and parenthood because, as she said, “I had to show my kids that I can do this.”

Next on her list is relocating and thinking about her work future with degree in hand. For all those of us who work to manage life, family, and education, Caroline’s commitment to come back and give it her all is an inspiration.

About

We are delighted to name Samuel Holman as the History Program’s Chertok Dean’s Honor Student for 2022-2023. Samuel will graduate with a History Major. His cumulative G.P.A of 4.0 is the highest in his graduating cohort. Samuel hopes to go on to a career in sports journalism or a related field.

Bill Youngs writes that Samuel “is a well-rounded student, excellent in all regards. His work ethic is admirable – he has completed 32 assignments for me during the past two quarters, all very good, all on time. His classes with me — on early America in the winter and currently a capstone seminar – both require imaginative research and substantial interaction with fellow students. Here is a passage from the comment I wrote on his term paper for the early American class: ‘Samuel this is quite excellent: very well written, great use of sources, admirable organization — you have really ‘taken ownership’ of these materials, including studying work by fellow students.’”

Youngs continues, “Samuel is currently working on a capstone paper on the Battle of Vimy Ridge during World War I. Although we are only three weeks into the quarter Samuel is already very knowledgeable on the relevant resources – including secondary sources and personal narratives – and writing excellent preliminary drafts. On top of doing his own work well, he is a class leader in writing thoughtful critiques of work by his fellow students – one of the activities I require in the class.”

Ann Le Bar, Samuel’s major advisor, writes on behalf of other colleagues who have taught Samuel Holman. “All of his instructors agree that Samuel Holman does consistently outstanding work on every academic task put before him. He models good organization, timely completion of work, and really outstanding writing abilities. Samuel also participates with a calm demeanor, authority, and respectfulness in class discussions.”

On behalf of our History colleagues, we nominate Samuel Holman with pride and confidence.

About

Ellie Gear will be graduating from EWU with a Bachelor of Spanish Secondary Education and English as a Second Language. Ms. Gear’s genuine interest in the international community and her service to the community is ever apparent.

As a transferred student, she was Vice President of the Associated Students of Wenatchee Valley College (ASWVC), where she had experience running meetings as chair of student clubs and as a student representative on a tenure committee. In addition, she was the Director of Student Advocacy of the Associated Students. This position allowed her to have experience planning school events and being a student representative on the Student Services and Activities Budget Committee.

Ms. Gear was a Translator for Asylum Application Workshop at the Catholic Charities Immigration Clinic. In addition, she participated as a classroom volunteer at Lewis and Clark Elementary School, in Wenatchee, WA. Furthermore, Ellie Gear has had experience with childcare and tutoring kindergarten children and elementary kids in Math and English. Ellie Gear has been a Spanish Tutor for Program Leading to University Success (PLUS) at Eastern Washington University, where she has achieved experience tutoring students in SPAN 101, 102, 201, and 202.

In short, and in addition to her dedication as a Spanish student, Ms. Gear is an extremely good-natured student. Ellie Gear has shown a willingness to go beyond her class time to improve her Spanish knowledge. The Spanish Program is very proud of her helpfulness and maturity with the rest of her peers, and we are confident that she will bring passion and success to any future institution where she will teach.

About

Alex Bagley demonstrates dedication to academic excellence and exceptionally inspiring collegiality. Bagley received the Joseph Seipp Social Studies Scholarship, and this Spring will earn a BAE in Social Studies Secondary Education having maintained a 3.93 GPA.

Bagley excelled at degree requirements and took additional classes to help, as he explained, him prepare future students “to act within the modern systems…and how to be involved and make changes for the better.” Bagley deeply contemplates information and thoughtfully considers people’s reactions before acting. Dr. Conlin noted “He was the quiet student in the back that set the standard for the class,” and that Bagley successfully “synthesized large amounts of material and made interesting interpretations of his own.” With his Senior Capstone, Dr. Tyler remarked that “Bagley routinely created innovative methods to interpret complex and sensitive information while being mindful of skillfully meeting learning objectives.”

As a teacher Bagley hopes to provide students “a safe/comfortable place” where “they desire to be in every day…Because [Bagley explains] I remember times when I had no such class that brought any interest or comfort to me, and how hard that made it to come to school.” Ms. Brown at Salk Middle School expressed that as a Student Teacher, Bagley “has brought new and exciting ideas to the classroom that encourages students to grow in their love and excitement for social studies” and serves as “a compassionate and caring advocate for students needs and individual strengths.”

During Student Teaching, Bagley also volunteered as judge at Eastern Washington Regional History Day and as both a librarian and afterschool tutor at Salk Middle School. In having masterfully prepared for his teaching career, Ms. Brown additionally noted, “Alex Bagley is an exemplary student. The passion he brings into the field is something every school dreams of having on their team.”

About

I am pleased to recommend Lili Mackin for the Chertok Dean’s Honor Award. In my capacity as Lili’s Professor, advisor, and mentor, I have observed Lili’s outstanding leadership qualities in organizing and actively participating in various campus, college, and department events. Worthy of note is her intense commitment to helping her peers to achieve academic excellence. On many occasions, I have observed her tutoring her peers as intensely as she has pursued her double degree majors. Worthy of note was an occasion when I saw her taking extensive class notes for one of her peers who happened to be visually impaired.

Consistent with her leadership qualities, Lili acted as the Vice Chair of the EWU Services & Activities Fee Committee during her time at Eastern. As the Vice Chair, she was instrumental in making important decisions to enrich the quality of the services for students on campus.

As a self-supporting, first-generation student, Lili has worked as a legal assistant in a well-respected law firm while maintaining an outstanding GPA.

Being committed to international human rights issues, Lili has strategically chosen her current job in addition to majoring in Prelaw and International Affairs degrees. Meanwhile, she has tried, and to a large extent succeeded in, learning German and French Languages.

Demonstrating her academic excellence, Lili received the EWU Symposium for Student Research & Creative Works Award. After graduation, as during her time at Eastern, Lili has dedicated herself to public service by, among other things, volunteering her time to Non-Profit Organization for human rights.

Given her work ethic, her deep involvement with global human rights issues, and her academic research agenda, I am confident that Lili will play an important leadership role in the future.

Therefore, considering Lili’s leadership, academic, and humanist qualities, I recommend her for the Award.

Sincerely,
Majid Sharifi, Ph.D.
Director | Professor
International Affairs Program
Department of Political Science

About

Randy is an outstanding person and student! The Political Science faculty unanimously selected Randy as the winner of the Chertok award for this academic year. Randy’s transformation and, growth, and success as a student in Political Science is noteworthy and inspiring. We are confident that Randy will succeed in any future endeavor.

Randle Kinswa has been unanimously selected for the Chertok Award by the department of Political Science and International Affairs for a number of reasons, not least of which is his outstanding academic performance during his time as a political science major. Randle has routinely distinguished himself through his hard work, his intellectual curiosity, and his dedication to learning. He consistently rises to the challenge of the most difficult school-related tasks and often makes it look easy. His engaging personality enlivens classroom discussions and enhances the learning experience for all. Randle has also made valuable contributions to the intellectual vitality of the department. He is constantly engaged in conversation with faculty members and with other students on a range of subjects and has assisted with the organization of teach-ins and other events on campus.

We are fortunate to have had Randle as a student and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Congratulations Randle!

About

Ms. Trimble found herself at EWU. She then found a major, and then a profession; a profession in which she has already started to become distinguished. She graduates Spring 2023 Cum Laude and was a part of EWU’s National Society of Leadership and Success. She was also active in EWU’s Association of Student Planners where she served an elected term as Treasurer. Outside of EWU, she has volunteered her time with the Spokane Food Policy Council, helping the organization to implement a plan it released last year. She has also helped with local community garden initiatives.

In September 2021 she started an internship at Ardurra Engineers. The continually increasing quality of Ms. Trimble’s work showed her employers that she was applying what she learned in the classroom to her internship. Her work also demonstrated that was a quick study and someone who can take both feedback and initiative to learn on her own.

In January 2023, she was promoted from intern to a full-time position as an Urban Planning Technician in Ardurra’s Transportation Department where she is currently working on the West Plains Connection project, two transportation master plans for rural towns, and assisting in various transportation planning efforts for Airway Heights.

About

The Criminal Justice faculty and I whole-heartedly nominate Ruben Blanco Espinoza for the Jeffers Chertok Dean’s Honor Award for Criminal Justice. Ruben took multiple classes with me, and my first impression was his dedication to his degree. In fact, I went back through my grade sheets and noted that Ruben NEVER ONCE missed a class – perfect attendance in each class he took with me. Also, he was usually one of the first in the classroom each period before anyone else arrived.

This dedication is tied to his upbringing. Ruben is a first-generation college student from Wenatchee, WA. He has spent his summer working in boxing, sizing, and sorting fruit. Certainly this is a more difficult job than most people realize. He also has volunteered as a College Assistance Migrant Program mentor (CAMP) for first-generation students in Wenatchee. Mentors are there to help other first-generation students realize the possibility of enrolling in a four-year university and becoming a college graduate. I could not think of a better mentor for CAMP.

Ruben will be graduating Summa Cum Laude with a BA in Criminal Justice and Minors in Sociology and Spanish. He aspires to remain in Washington State and become a law enforcement officer. Any law enforcement agency would be lucky to have Ruben and the community would greatly benefit as well. As a department, we congratulate Ruben on all his hard work, and in the words of my doctorate advisor: Be proud! You have accomplished so much and are making a difference in this world.

About

I am pleased to recommend Ms. Tracie Delgado as a candidate for the Jeffers W. Chertok Award. I have worked with Ms. Delgado over the past two years as her advisor in the criminal justice major and as a student in my upper level sociology and criminology classes, including in a senior level, reading and writing intensive criminological theory class. She is an excellent student in all regards.

As impressive as Ms. Delgado’s Ms. Delgado’s academic performance is, perhaps most impressive is her commitment to her community and motivation to give back. In her internship with Kids Hope, an advocacy center that provides children believed to be victims of neglect, physical abuse and/or sexual abuse a safe place to be interviewed by specially trained forensic interviewers, she performed a wide range of duties on behalf of victimized children. In doing so she worked with case managers, detectives and juvenile probation officers in helping children with everything from clothes and food assistance to facilitating family visitation sessions and collaborating in the design of intervention plans. Her work was very highly evaluated by her supervisors.

In addition to her internship, Ms. Delgado volunteers weekly in her present neighborhood by helping pick up litter and keeping it clean. In her hometown she regularly volunteered at her local food bank handing out food to people and engaging them in conversation and helping them feel valued and welcome.

She is fluent in Spanish and has been a member of the Hispanic Business Professional Association for three years. She represents the best of EWU as a university of opportunity and upward mobility for under privileged and minority students.

She is richly deserving of the Chertok award and I am very confident in saying that Jeffers would be proud that an award named after him was given to Ms. Delgado.

About

My Sociology colleagues and I agree: Whitney Longie excels academically as a Sociology major. In all of my courses, Whitney not only demonstrates command of the material, but even more, the ability to apply original ideas.

During class discussions, Whitney actively participates with relevant and thought provoking contributions which are vital to creating a stimulating intellectual environment. Indeed, Whitney is a student that I rely on to inspire classmates.

Whitney’s writing is likewise stellar and exemplary. I’m always struck by the clarity, erudition, and overall sophistication. In two decades at EWU, there haven’t been many students that I’ve taken the initiative to recommend graduate school with the ultimate purpose of becoming a sociology professor. Sure, I’ve had many fine students. But, it’s a special kind of scholarly excellence which bodes well for an academic career. Plus, I’m not one to impose my career interests on students. However, given Whitney’s talents, I owe it to her, not to mention the discipline of sociology, to recruit such a promising scholar.

It’s worth mentioning that Whitney always seems genuinely surprised and grateful for my unsolicited compliments and career advice. So, let me close by adding that, in addition to being outstanding academically, it’s particularly heartwarming to witness Whitney’s humility and poise. I have little doubt Whitney will succeed in any future endeavor. As a former colleague of the late Jeffers Chertok, I truly believe Whitney is precisely the kind of student most deserving of this award in his honor.