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2003-2004 AWARD RECIPIENTS
Reverand Amy Fallon
The Reverand Amy Fallon has been the University Vicar at the St. Mark’s Chapel since 2001. She has taught the University Learning Skills class for the past four semesters, volunteering to teach two each semester! Kemston Bowman, her undergraduate mentor and former student writes: “Amy goes way beyond helping make the first year experience smooth – the personal connection and relationship she forms with the students is truly amazing. Amy is one of the most genuine and caring persons I have encountered in my life thus far.” Amy received her Bachelor of Arts in classical and Near Eastern Archaeology from Bryn Mawr and a Master of Divinty from Weston School of Theology. She is an avid runner having completed nine marathons and will be competing in an iron-man this summer.
Kimeta Straker
Kimeta Straker has been an Academic Advisor for the past four years in the Academic Center for Entering Students (ACES). She has taught FYE classes since her very first semester at UConn in 1999. Kimeta has developed a very popular FYE class, "Talking About Relationships" and also a seminar entitled "Searching for a Major." In addition, she is asked to be a guest speaker in many other FYE classes here in Storrs and at the Regional Campuses regarding the process of choosing a major. Kimeta brings a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and energy to all her classes and presentations. Steve Jarvi, the Director of ACES, says "Kimeta's level of participation in FYE is strong by any measure but what really makes her special is her thorough approach to planning her classes and her ability to fully engage students. Kimeta is highly organized and she brings her planning skills to bear in her FYE classes. Her syllabus is always well developed and she takes advantage of all the resources at her disposal." Of teaching an FYE, Kimeta says “I approach each class with LOTS of enthusiasm and energy and hope that students will think of college as being fun, as they maneuver through the drudgery of class work. My goal is that they will have success both inside and outside of the classroom. So I hope that they will learn skills that will assist in areas, ranging from note taking and study skills to decision making and conflict resolution, and of course overcoming procrastination--the number one reason for poor time management.” Kimeta’s bachelor’s degree is in Exercise Physiology/Athletic Training from Long Island University (Brooklyn, New York) and her Masters is in College Student Personnel Administration from Canisius College (Buffalo, New York).
Kate Heintz
Kate Heintz, a fourth semester Education student, worked as the undergraduate student mentor for Tania Pantoja’s FYE course in Fall 2003. Recently, she was accepted into the Neag School of Education with a concentration in English. Kate’s 3.93 GPA exemplifies her commitment to excellence in the classroom. She quickly learned course design in WebCT and posted information for students in her class. She also kept students informed through posting discussions and emailing students. Tania Pantoja writes in her nomination: “Kate displayed qualities I found to be essential in creating an environment conducive to the success of our students’ transition to the University. She was open and honest, willing to share her experiences – both successes and failures. She offered the students countless opportunities to become involved on campus and served as a role model by doing so herself.”
Emily McCoy
Emily McCoy, a fourth semester Special Education major, was an undergraduate mentor for Kevin Fahey’s Fall 2003 FYE course. Like Kate, Emily has a 3.93 GPA. Emily is very involved on campus and is a spirited advocate for UCONN. Kevin describes Emily as energetic and enthusiastic. He says her goal is a sincere desire to help others. Emily’s desire and dedication extends beyond the FYE classroom. She is also involved in the ACES Pals program (peer advisor), and last summer volunteered to come back early to help new students and parents through the Husky WoW. Emily also works 10 hours a week. |
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