The Sister M. Irenaeus Chekouras Outstanding Graduate Student Award recognizes a graduate student of high academic achievement, service to education, and outstanding contribution to scholarship, based on excellence in writing as evidenced by a research project or other scholarly paper.
Joseph Rizzo has been named the Chekouras Award winner for 2009.
Mr. Rizzo completed his undergraduate degree in English Education at Saint Xavier University in 2004. He will complete the graduate program in Curriculum and Instruction in Spring 2009, and has begun coursework leading to a General Administrative Certificate (Type 75).
In addition to his work in the graduate program, Mr. Rizzo is a teacher who has been involved in a wide range of activities in his school and community. He sponsors the Parent Booster Club and school newspaper, serves on the Building Leadership Team, coaches volleyball and track, and helped to develop a program to promote a sense of community within the school. His research proposal for EDUG 513, Educational Research, Design, and Development, is focused on the effects of parental involvement on student achievement, in particular at the middle school level. There is limited research on this issue at the middle and high school level, so Mr. Rizzo's research will be a valuable contribution to the field. Mr. Rizzo is described as "a dedicated teacher, a thoughtful individual and a hardworking student who demonstrates leadership characteristics inherent in effective teaching."
The School of Education is proud to recognize Joseph Rizzo as an outstanding students and example of the SOE conceptual framework: Preparing scholars, lifelong learners, leaders, and reflective professionals who are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence.
Dean Gulley and the School of Education faculty and staff join in congratulating Mr. Rizzo, who was honored at the University Awards Ceremony on April 15, 2009.
