Gateway Announces Student Choice Award Winners

Nancy Ritzenthaler, an assistant professor in the Nursing Department; Monica Yihad, a part-time employee; and Caitlin Shanor, a campus assistant, have been chosen the recipients of the annual Student Choice Awards at Gateway Community & Technical College. The awards were announced Wednesday and the colleges commencement exercises.

The Student Choice Award was developed a few years ago by our student body and is annually given to those employees that students believe come closest to exhibiting the qualities the award honors, said Dr. Laura Urban, Gateway provost and vice president of academic affairs. Those qualities include demonstrating respect and genuine concern for students, displaying a positive image of Gateway, creating an atmosphere where students can participate in their learning experience, and going above and beyond the normal expectations of students.

Ritzenthaler, who lives in Fort Mitchell, received the faculty award was praised by students as the most warm, supportive and caring instructor. She is always willing to help any student, and her office door is always open.

Yihad, a resident of Cincinnati, received the adjunct faculty award for the care she exhibits in the Introduction to College classes that she teaches. Student comments on her nomination form included, She lifts my spirits every time I see her. She helps me so much. She teaches me a lot and makes the class interesting to learn.

Shanor, of Erlanger, works the front desk at the colleges Center for Advanced Manufacturing at the Boone Campus and, in a first for the Student Choice Award winners, also was a member of the class of 2013. Students who nominated her said, Caitlin's knowledge of the different departments makes her the person to turn to if you're a new student at Gateway.

Gateway students manage the confidential selection process each year.

Ritzenthaler, Yihad and Shanor are indicative of the care and attention our faculty and staff try to provide every student to ensure their success, said Dr. Ed Hughes, Gateway president and CEO. Its gratifying to see these efforts recognized by our students.