Big Night at the ExCEL Awards

Nominees: G. Matthews, K. Rathburn, M. McConnel, Geoff Pallay

Last night, The College of Charleston recognized the outstanding achievements of its students, alumni, faculty, staff and members of the community at the Multicultural ExCEL Awards.  These awards recognized the dedicated efforts of our friends and family to diversify and enhance the College of Charleston Campus.

This was the third year College of Charleston’s Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services hosted the ExCEL Awards, and this was the first time graduate students and faculty were recognized for their efforts.  Four new categories were added, including the Most Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year, and the Most Outstanding Graduate Faculty of the Year.  Many nominations were submitted, and it was a joy to read each proposal.

Tiffany Dixon, a graduate student in the Master of Education for Languages program was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year award, and Amanda Ruth McSwain was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Faculty of the Year award.  Both women are an integral part of The Graduate School and the College of Charleston community, and we couldn’t be more proud of them.

Kolo Rathburn

While the Student Ambassadors won the Outstanding Student Organization of the Year, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) was also nominated.  The GSA, formed only two years ago, supports the academic and social aspects of education at the master’s level.  It has fostered the development of at least five graduate student program associations, policy changes in parking for GAs and TAs, participated in numerous fundraisers like Dance Marthon, and hosted several networking opportunities with the Charleston School of Law and The Citadel’s Graduate Student Association.

Founding member and presiding President of the GSA and soon-to-be graduate of the Master of Science in Marine Biology, Kolo Rathburn was awarded the Leo I. Higdon, Jr. Presidential Legacy Award for Outstanding Leadership.  Kolo is an incredible student with a strong dedication to The College.  There are no words to describe the gratitude we have for his passion for making College of Charleston a better place for Graduate Students.

Dr. Gladys Matthews

Gladys Matthews was awarded the Outstanding Faculty of the Year for the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs.  She recently joined the College of Charleston family from Indiana to lead our three programs in Bilingual Interpreting.  Since Dr. Matthews’ arrival, our Master’s in Bilingual Interpreting and graduate certificate programs in Medical and Legal Interpreting have grown incredibly.  She is a joy to work with, and we can’t wait to see what she does with the programs.

Congratulations to all nominees.  The work you have done has made College of Charletson a better institution.  I couldn’t be more proud to work with all of you!