GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Valley State University’s College of
Education will honor two area educators during its convocation
ceremonies scheduled for Thursday, April 26, at 7 p.m. in the Grand
Ballroom of DeVos Place on Monroe St., downtown Grand Rapids.
About 700 graduates are expected to participate. The ceremony is a
precursor to Grand Valley’s commencement scheduled for April 28 at Van
Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.
OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR
During convocation, Richard Collett will receive the Outstanding
Educator Award. Collett earned a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley in
1975. He worked in the Northwest Community Schools from 1976 to 2001. In
1993, he became chief astronomer for the Jackson County Intermediate
School District Observatory that he was instrumental in founding. He was
selected to participate in the Support Program for Instructional
Competency in Astronomy (SPICA) program at Harvard University’s Center
for Astrophysics.
Collett was selected as the Michigan Outstanding Earth Science Teacher
of 1987, a finalist for the National Geology Teacher of the Year in
1987, and a candidate for the NASA Teacher in Space Program.
Since his retirement from teaching in 2001, Richard has continued to be
involved in education in Jackson County.
OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATOR
James Nielsen will receive the award for Outstanding Administrator.
Nielson earned his bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley in 1987. He
taught elementary and middle school for eight years before becoming the
first dean of students at Orchard View Middle School.
Nielson also served as the district’s athletic director and assistant
principal at the high school. In 2002 he was promoted to principal of
Orchard View Middle School.
Nielson secured funding for Self-Contained Guided Academics (an in-house
alternative program) for struggling students. He also added individual
sections of Guided Academics for students who need only an hour a day of
additional support. He has mentored many young teachers entering
administration and many have taken the opportunity to work as lead
teacher under his supervision and encouragement.
For more information, contact GVSU News and Information at (616) 331-2221.
Grand Valley's College of Education Convocation set
Apr 19, 2007
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