Each year the Education Alumni Association (EAA) selects a bachelor's, master's/advanced certificate, and doctoral student to receive the Outstanding Student Medal, which is presented annually at the College of Education Convocation. EAA and the Office of Advancement in the College of Education are pleased to announce the three 2019-2020 recipients of this prestigious award.
Andrei Popa, Curriculum & Instruction, is this year's Bachelor’s Degree Outstanding Student Medallion recipient. Andrei is graduating with his bachelor's degree in Middle Grades Education. Dr. Gloriana Gonzalez commended Andrei's innovative ways for supporting students to reach their full potential, and said "he has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion" in her nomination. Andrei has these words for his fellow teacher graduates: "As we take the first steps into our professional teaching journeys, please know that you are enough and you are ready. Whether in-person or online, kids are waiting for us. And we will be there for them."
Mia Chudzik, Special Education, is the Master's Degree/Advanced Certificate Outstanding Student Medallion recipient for 2019-2020. Mia has earned her master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education. As her faculty nominator, Dr. Catherine Corr applauded Mia's initiative, saying, "she stands out as a passionate advocate for young children with disabilities and their families." Other faculty members' praise for Mia ranged from "we are so lucky to work with this graduate student," to "Mia is really a rockstar student."
Kristina Rios, Special Education, is the recipient of the Doctoral Degree Outstanding Student Medallion award. Prior to earning her PhD, Kristina was a special education teacher for three years. Kristina received her bachelor's degree in liberal studies and master of arts degree in special education from California State University, Bakersfield. Kristina's current research interests include parent advocacy for individuals with significant disabilities. In her nomination letter, Dr. Amy Santos praised Kristina's growth as a researcher and impressive record of publications, along with her scholarly accomplishments. "Given her skills and drive, Kristina will far exceed any of our expectations," said Santos.
These three honorees will deliver video remarks on behalf of their represented class as part of the College of Education's 2020 Virtual Convocation on Saturday, May 16.
Congratulations to Andrei, Mia, and Kristina on their well-deserved awards.
