APPLE Awards
The College of Education Student Association's (COESA) Winter Festival introduced the Morgridge College of Education's "Appreciation for Leaders within Education" (APPLE) Awards, which honor "a faculty or staff member who has made a difference in [a student's] life," according to COESA representatives, who devised the awards.
The first recipients were well-deserving of this special tribute. The exceptional contributions of Dr. Edith King, Linda McCarthy, Dr. Gloria Miller, Dr. Maria Riva, Jodi Smith, and Dr. Frank Tuitt were enthusiastically documented by the students who nominated them.
Dr. Edith King, a Professor in the Curriculum and Instruction Program, has been with the University of Denversince 1966 and is admired for the interest she takes in her students, both in and outside of class. One student notes her open-mindedness and ability to "[expose] students' eyes to a world much larger than themselves."
Linda McCarthy, Gloria Miller, Frank Tuitt, Jodi Smith, and Maria Riva
In her position as the college's Graduate Admissions Coordinator, Linda McCarthy sees her share of stressed-out students. She somehow manages to maintain and inspire calm and is described as a "continual source of encouragement and kindness to countless students during their graduate experience at the University of Denver."
COESA's faculty advisor and a Professor in the Child, Family, and School Psychology program, Dr. Gloria Miller is well-respected for the attention and care she pays to her students' needs. "Dr. Miller is a wonderful teacher and an even better person," says one of her fans.
Counseling Psychology Professor and Program Chair, Dr. Maria Riva, is appreciated for her challenging, inspiring classroom skills. "I think her teaching style is amazing," one of her students writes. "When you are in one of her classes, participation is not an option, instead everyone participates and everyone learns."
Jodi Smith, recently promoted to Assistant Director of Admissions and Enrollment, inspires both staff and students with her drive and seemingly boundless energy. "She is intelligent, selfless, collaborative, talented, and always willing to help," one student writes of Jodi. "The Morgridge College of Education is undoubtedly a better place to be because of [her]."
Dr. Frank Tuitt is an Assistant Professor and Program Chair of the Higher Education Program whose impact is underscored by the multiple APPLE nominations he received. Compassionate and supportive, he is described by one student as "an inspiring educational leader and a change agent."
The APPLE Awards are an exciting, fitting addition to the MCE's efforts to celebrate outstanding talent. COESA, as well as the rest of the student body, look forward to making them a tradition in the years to come. For more information about COESA, visit their website at COESA Portfolio.
