News and Information
GSA Faculty Awards Announced for Winter 2021 Semester
April 19, 2021
Each year the Graduate Student Association (GSA) asks graduate
students to nominate faculty members that have made an impact upon
them in a variety of ways. For the Winter 2021 semester, faculty
members were nominated for each of the three awards: the GSA Faculty
Mentor Award, GSA Outstanding Teaching Award and the Kimboko Inclusion
Award. Each nominee exemplified leadership and teaching qualities that
set them apart through the eyes of graduate students, therefore, they
deserve to be recognized and appreciated for their hard work and
caring attitudes.
KIMBOKO INCLUSION AWARD
College of Health Professions
Dr. Kristen Vu, Department of Diagnostic and Treatment
Sciences
Nominated by: Yvonne Tran, Medical Dosimetry
Dr. Vu believes in her students and gave them the confidence needed to be successful in the degree program. She is so innovative in her teaching lectures, challenges her students to become the best dosimetrist. She is single-handedly an admissions advisor, research advisor, technical support, director, professor, and a person to count on for absolutely anything.
GSA FACULTY MENTOR AWARD
College of Health Professions
Dr. Jennifer Fortuna, Department of Occupational Science and
Therapy
Nominated by: Erin Attard, Occupational Therapy
As a research mentor, Dr. Fortuna has instilled the skills necessary to conduct formal research as well as pursue a topic that directly applies to needs of those receiving health care services. Her dedication to her students as well as the profession of occupational therapy is truly inspiring. She is an advocate for not only the field of occupational therapy, but also the accessibility of health information to patients.
Dr. Sarah Nechuta, Department of Public Health
Nominated by: Danielle Uribe, Public Health
Danielle writes: “Dr. Nechuta has been my advisor and professor, as well as the mentor for my master’s project. I am incredibly grateful for the impact Dr. Nechuta has had on my time at Grand Valley, and how her influence has shaped my career path as I prepare to graduate. I’m so thankful to have had a mentor who believed in me."
GSA OUTSTANDING TEACHING AWARD
Seidman College of Business
Professor Rita Grant, School of Accounting
Nominated by: Kevin Armistead, Accounting
Professor Grant is of the highest degree in terms of caring for students, and consistently goes above and beyond to further the education, and career of her students. There have been numerous times students have turned to her for post-college career advice, including guidance for the CPA exam. Professor Grant is consistently willing to go above and beyond the call of a typical professor in order to ensure the success of her students.
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dr. Patrick Thorpe, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology
Nominated by: Christian Nafso, Cell and Molecular Biology
Dr. Thorpe has been a professor for quite some time now, yet it’s
clear he thrives to always be a better teacher and mentor. He taught a
lot of the everyday skills & abilities that goes into any
workplace or institution. On numerous occasions, Dr. Thorpe was able
to lead class discussion where everyone more than wanted to
participate. Additionally, he used GVSU as examples for policies,
systems, and regulations in lessons and material. He really is a Laker
and proud!
Dr. Melba Vélez Ortiz, School of Communications
Nominated by: Patrick Anderson, Communications
Dr. Vélez Ortiz engages students in dynamic and inclusive learning experiences. As a communication ethicist, she uses creative listening labs to show students that listening is even more important than talking. Dr. Vélez Ortiz requires students to slow down their thinking and to consider questions and solutions from new perspectives. Dr. Vélez Ortiz also promotes academic rigor by pushing her students publish or present their work beyond the classroom.