Gateway instructors recognized for service

Gateway Community & Technical College instructors, Keith Lanser and Dr. Tom Sproat are not only leaders in the classroom; they are also leaders in the community and were recognized for their service.

Dr. Tom Sproat, Gateway biology instructor, was recognized by the Robert Cooper Audubon Society on Nov. 16, as the recipient of the Clyde Hibbs Conservation Education Award for excellence educating children, youth and/or adults on conservation issues and practices and inspiring future generations to know and appreciate the natural world, stated Sara R. McKillip, Robert Cooper Audubon Society President.

"I am flattered to be recognized for the work BIOSE has performed. But the work of our organization is the result of a group of wonderful volunteers. Since 2009 we have presented education programs to over 35,000 people and look forward to even greater events in the future," said Dr. Sproat.

Dr. Sproat is also the executive director of the nonprofit organization BIOSE (Biology Integration and Outreach for Science Education) which provides life science education for k-12 students and research opportunities and professional development for teachers, www.biose.org.

Keith Lanser, Gateway service learning instructor, was recognized by the Center for Great Neighborhoods in Covington on Nov. 18, as the recipient of the Heart of the Community Award for the leadership and energy exhibited through Renaissance Covington and his long-term commitment to getting Gateway students involved in the life of the Covington Community, said Dan Petronio, Associate Director, Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington.

Im proud of my students for what they have been able to accomplish. These experiences show students that learning can be fun, rigorous, engaging and purposeful, all at the same time, said Lanser.
In addition to his work with Gateway students on service learning projects, Lanser also serves as Coordinator of Service Learning at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati.