Walsh University seniors Theresa Cherveny and Jan Almasy were honored on Sunday, April 8, with the top awards the University bestows its graduates -- the Outstanding Student Award and Tower of Excellence Award. Walsh recognized the academic and personal achievements of its 2018 senior class, faculty and staff members during two special events on campus, the Annual Honors Convocation and the Servant Leadership Banquet.
The Outstanding Student Award, Walsh's most prestigious academic honor, is awarded to a graduating senior with a high cumulative grade point average, a record meeting rigorous challenges, and demonstrated ability to apply intellectual mastery. This year's honoree Theresa Cherveny will graduate in April with her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
The Tower of Excellence Award is Walsh University's most prestigious and longstanding honor that a Walsh student can attain for work and service beyond the classroom. This year's recipient, United States Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Jan Almasy will graduate on April 30 with his degree in Nursing. During his time at Walsh, Jan has consistently shown the leadership and service characteristics of a Tower of Excellence recipient.
2018 Senior Class Honors: Outstanding Educator and Mentor of the Year
In addition, the Walsh University senior class of 2018 honored Associate Professor of History Will Cooley, Ph.D., with the Joseph Ezzie Outstanding Educator of the Year Award. Sponsored by Walsh University Student Government (WUSG), the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award is voted on by the Walsh students and given annually to a professor who is a prime example of a true, all-around educator. The annual Outstanding Educator of the Year Award was renamed in 2018 for Professor Joe Ezzie, Walsh alumnus Class of 1965, and business faculty member since 1971, in recognition of his 49 years of dedication to Walsh students.
Director of Liturgical Services Pedro Chavez was named the Terrance Portis Mentor of the Year. In 2012, Walsh University dedicated the Mentor of the Year Award in memory of past recipient Terrance Portis '08, who passed away on January 25, 2012, at the age of 27. Known for his outreach to all students, Terrance was nominated as the 2011 Mentor of the Year. The recipient of the Mentor of the Year award is nominated by the Walsh senior class for their outstanding guidance, education outside the classroom and significant contributions to their college experience.