West campus news Releases Archive

Multicultural events at ASU's West campus earn Best of the West award

Oct. 28, 2005

Professor cited for teaching contributions to West Valley

The public events multicultural series at Arizona State University’s West campus recently was recognized by a coalition of community, business and civic organizations for serving the diverse needs of Arizona and the West Valley since 1984. ASU received the Celebrating Cultural Awareness honor at Westmarc’s 13^th annual Best of the West awards Oct. 27.

Honored for meeting the region’s cultural needs, ASU hosts more than 10 annual events at the West campus annually, including the Veterans Day Weekend Traditional Pow Wow, Dίa de Los Muertos and the Pioneer Award dinner during Black History Month. These multicultural events bring families and people of all ages and backgrounds together to enjoy life’s beauty in art, music and literature, according to April Edwards, director of Public Events. The events are designed to provide experiences that are inclusive of all cultures and celebrate the richness of Arizona and American history.

Additionally, Westmarc honored Alice Christie, an associate professor in the College of Teacher Education and Leadership, for her remarkable contributions in teaching and the use of technology in education. Among other things, Christie received an honorable mention for integrating her service, research and teaching in such a way that valley and state communities, K-12 school districts, and ASU undergraduate and graduate students have benefited.

Another Westmarc award also had an ASU connection. An honorable mention went to “The West Valley Community Scan, a report on the state of human services in the West Valley with the intended goal of improving the quality of life.” The ASU Partnership for Community Development at the West campus worked with the Valley of the Sun United Way and Stardust Foundation to create the report. College of Human Services faculty members Richard Knopf, who is director of the Partnership, and John Burk, a lecturer in communication studies compiled the report.

Westmarc, an acronym for Western Maricopa Coalition, was founded in 1990 and promotes public policies leading to growth, quality of life, strong community development and a favorable public image. The awards were presented to organizations, programs and individuals for their varied contributions to the West Valley.

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