Pierce College's All-Washington Academic Team includes New Century Scholar
Sally Perkins, marketing manager
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Matthew Roberson, a Pierce College student who scored highest in the state on the All-USA Academic Team application, and three other Pierce College District students are among members of the All-Washington Academic Team who were honored at a recognition ceremony March 22 in Olympia.
This year, 62 students from community and technical colleges around the state were recognized for their academic achievement and contributions to their college and community during the ceremony at South Puget Sound Community College. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society sponsors the state and national academic team competition.
As the top scorer in the state competition, Roberson, president of the Associated Student Body at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, has been named a 2007 New Century Scholar. Roberson will receive a $2,000 scholarship and will represent Washington state at the AACC’s annual convention April 12-14 in Miami, Fla. The New Century program is sponsored by the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation, the Coca Cola Foundation, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and PTK.
Besides Roberson, other Pierce College District All-Washington Academic Team members are Nicole Webster, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom; and Haley Lindsey and Joel Kady, Pierce College Puyallup. Each All-Washington Academic Team member will receive a $500 scholarship from Key Bank, a $250 scholarship from the Northwest Education Loan Association (NELA) and medallions which will be presented by their college presidents at the ceremony. During the event, Gov. Christine Gregoire will presented the awards; recipients were photographed with her, legislators from their respective districts and representatives of their colleges.
Two students from the state team will be selected for the All-USA Academic Team which will be announced in USA Today on April 16.
Heather Johnson, director of scholarship programs for PTK’s Center for Excellence in Jackson, MS, said that Roberson’s award is “an amazing accomplishment and speaks to the quality of education at Pierce College.”
Commenting on the students’ accomplishments, Michele L. Johnson, Ph.D., chancellor of the Pierce College District, said, “All of the All-Washington Academic Team members from Pierce College have drawn on their academic and personal strengths to contribute to not only the college community but also to the communities in which they live.”
She added, “We are especially proud of Matt for his recognition as a New Century Scholar.”
Background Information
All-Washington Academic Team members from the Pierce College District
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
Student Name: Matthew Roberson
Age: 21
GPA: 3.56
Major: Political Science
Roberson decided to attend Pierce College to “do something with my life.” As ASB president, he led a successful lobbying effort to gain support for state legislation requiring bookstores to sell “unbundled” versions of textbooks normally sold with compact disks and other supplementary materials. A campus and community leader and volunteer, Matthew’s goals include becoming a U.S. Army officer, obtaining a doctorate in political science and, perhaps, entering politics. Matthew was named a New Century Scholar as the highest scoring student from the State of Washington in the 2007 All Washington Scholar competition sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.
Student Name: Nicole Webster
Age: 30
GPA: 3.91
Major: Pre-law
In 2005, Nicole Webster received the second highest award the U.S. Army can bestow on a civilian for her volunteer contributions to military families and children. The mother of three also is a scholarship recipient and a leader in campus groups and organizations which she serves as a special events coordinator. Nicole hopes to further her education to become an attorney and, eventually, a judge.
Pierce College Puyallup
Student Name: Haley Lindsey
Age: 19
GPA: 3.9
Major: Biology
Described by her instructors as a “highly intelligent natural leader and scholar,” Haley Lindsey has served as president of the Pierce College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa academic honorary. She also is a volunteer tutor who considers herself as a “resource” for fellow students struggling with assignments and test preparations. Passionate about science and learning, Haley’s goal is to obtain a doctorate in evolutionary biology.
Student Name: Joel Kady
Age: 19
GPA: 3.9
Major: Business
Combining academic success with creativity, Running Start student Joel Kady serves on the editorial board of Pierce College’s Student Literary and Arts Magazine (SLAM). A guitarist, Joel also dedicates a great deal of time and energy to a band, The Jury. In addition, Joel writes original music and lyrics for the band and serves as its promoter. Also a guitar teacher, Joel plans to complement his skills as a professional musician with a degree in international business.
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posted on March 27, 2007 @ 10:43 am
Michael Koetje, director of child development centers for the Pierce College District, second from right, recently helped move items into the new Milgard Child Development Center at the college’s Fort Steilacoom campus. The center will be dedicated in public ceremonies at 2 p.m. March 8. Others pictured who assisted with the move in, from left, are Genki Otaki, a graduate of the Early Childhood Education Program at Pierce; Patty Nelson, director of student development at the Puyallup campus; and Mark Turpin who is working on the center’s outdoor classrooms.