Nine AACC Students, Faculty Honored for Service

The following release was sent to Patch by Debbie McDaniel-Shaughney, the public relations manager at Anne Arundel Community College.

The  (AACC) Student Association has honored nine students, faculty and staff members with its 2012 Distinguished Service Award for exceptional contributions and significant changes affecting the college community. Those awarded the association’s highest honor at a recent ceremony are:

• Fatima Bhatti, of Crofton (student), an active member of the student Campus Activities Board for three years, serving as publicity chair in 2010-11 and chair in 2011-12. She was described as “amazing” and a “shining star,” a team player with a “warm personality” and exemplary leadership skills.

• Dan Chesley, of Arnold, professor of mathematics, who has served AACC students for 43 years and led its Mathematics Department for about 10 years. Chesley has served on numerous college committees during his tenure, including chairing the Academic Forum where he was always an advocate for students. His colleagues and students described him in the nomination as an honest leader, excellent educator and thinker, exemplary citizen and community member.

• Susan Cohen, Ph.D., of Pasadena, professor of English, for her work promoting creative writing, which includes coordinating the Writers Readings at AACC series each academic year and the 10 writing competitions for students that include the Marjorie Flack Creative Writing Award, the AACC metrical Poetry Award, the League for Innovation in the Community College literary competition and contests sponsored by Amaranth, the college literary magazine.

• Anne Hahn, of Annapolis (student), new president of the American Society of Interior Designers student chapter at AACC, who was instrumental in completion of AACC’s first Washington Design Center student show house design and who exhibits a strong work ethic, positive attitude, exemplary attention to detail and teamwork.

• Abdul Khan, of Arnold (student), president of the Student Association and a member for two years, for his leadership abilities and prowess and his superb representation of students on college committees including the Academic Council and the Strategic Planning Council. He spearheaded an event, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and is involved in the newly revived Muslim Student Association.

• D’Ann Krieger, of Arnold (student), a vice president of the student Human Services Club for her stellar leadership in overseeing projects such as a toy drive, holiday card drive, baby supplies drive and organizing events such as an April human trafficking awareness event. She also is a mentor for students in the Student Achievement and Success Program, represented the college at a professional Human Services conference and completed three internships at area agencies.

• Kip Kunsman, of Perry Hall, director of the CyberCenter, for his distinguished leadership and his work brokering partnerships with companies to train their workers in cybersecurity and network security and upgrade their skills. Through his efforts, the CyberCenter teamed with major government contractors and the Department of Defense to develop and delivery cybersecurity training to hundreds of workers.

• Racheal LaBonte, of Arnold (student), who is involved in several charities, is a single mom and military widow, a volunteer who works with veterans and member of the AACC Dance Company.

• Beth Mays, R.N., of Annapolis, coordinator of health services, for her apt management and continual improvement and expansion of wellness programs for students, faculty and staff. These include a stress-less room, smoking cessation program and community health fair.

All AACC students registered in credit and noncredit classes are members of the AACC Student Association, which offers training in leadership and organizational management.

For information, call 410-777-2219 or visit www.aacc.edu/studentlife.