By Ashley bradley/ne news editor
Students, faculty, staff and surrounding friends and family are invited to celebrate NE Campus students’ achievements at the Awards and Recognition Ceremony April 20.
A president’s reception and honoree registration will begin at 6 p.m. in NSTU Center Corner.
Students who are nominated for awards should check in at this time so event officials will know they are present to be recognized.
During this portion of the evening, Diane Enger and Strings Plus will provide musical entertainment.
At 7 p.m., Dr. Larry Darlage, campus president, will provide a welcome introduction before the awards are named. Philippe Baugh and the NE jazz band will perform throughout the night.
Radio and television broadcasting assistant professor Jerry Zumwalt, host for the event, said he is excited about the jokes he will tell.
“I will be trying to de-motivate people this year,” he said with a loud laugh. “No one ever knows what I’m going to say. It’s both exciting and embarrassing, mostly for me.”
He said the event is always full of joy and energy because the event is about recognizing students.
“It’s nice that parents get to come and see them be recognized,” he said.
Throughout the night, different award winners will be recognized.
Administrators who will recognize students for their achievements include teaching and learning services vice president Jane Harper, student development services vice president Magdalena de la Teja, student development services director Paula Vastine, library services director Steven Hagstrom, business and social sciences division dean Linda Wright, humanities division dean Antonio Howell, science and technology division dean Gary Smith and Darlage.
De la Teja went to the ceremony for the first time last year and said she had a great time.
“It’s a huge time to celebrate,” she said. “I, for one, get really excited for the students, and the program is always beautiful for everyone.”
Each year, the TCC jazz ensemble plays music throughout the ceremony.
“We usually have remarkable music during the ceremonies, and that makes it special because they are good,” Harper said.
She said it’s the highlight of the year for NE Campus because parents, children and spouses can sit close enough to see and take pictures of their loved ones being recognized, unlike graduation because it’s a much larger event.
“This is the evening for students!” she said.
