NCCC faculty members receive Dr. Carol Jamieson Award

Faculty members Dr. Matthew Clarcq and Carolyn Stanko recently accepted the Dr. Carol Jamieson Award at Niagara County Community College. This honor recognizes faculty members who exemplify the traits of the late Dr. Jamieson, who was best described as “A veteran academician with in-depth historical perspective and acute foresight, a can-do attitude, ever-present resilience, and willingness to serve as a mentor to many.”

Clarcq has been a faculty member since 2004. He is a professor who teaches history, coordinates the liberal arts and sciences: humanities and social science program, and serves as the vice president of the NCCC faculty senate. Clarcq received the State University Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in 2011-12.

NCCC said, “His teaching inspires students in and out of the classroom. He cultivates many opportunities for students to shine, including the development of the annual ‘Student Showcase.’ For many years, he led the instructional resource committee (IRC) awarding grants, supporting robust lessons, projects and research, directly benefiting the student experience. He has been featured as the keynote for many series across campus, and created the faculty lecture series, ‘Building a Bridge to the Liberal Arts.’ ”

Stanko, the coordinator for the horticulture program and co-coordinator of the biology program, has been with the college since 2007.

NCCC said, “Known for her hospitable, communicative, and quality relationships with adjunct faculty members, Carolyn was also recognized for her forward-thinking towards cannabis education. She created a new curriculum before its legalization in New York state, and had an action plan ready when the plant was written into legislation. She is in constant contact with leaders in the local horticulture community, connecting students to internships and learning the latest and greatest lessons in the field to teach her classes.

“Ms. Stanko has increased enrollment within the horticulture program despite the nationwide trend of dwindling college applications. Students within this program gain classroom as well as hands-on experience in the campus’ greenhouse, design arrangements for the college’s annual gala, and participate in the annual WNY Plantasia Garden and Landscape Show.”

NCCC President Dr. William Murabito described the two recipients as “A joy to work with,” and said, “They add quality and professionalism to our staff.”