Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Special Education major receives international award

Michael Fuchs Photo Credit: Photo Provided HI-RES | WEB RELATED VIDEO:  RELATED AUDIO:  Contact for more information: Michael Fuchs, a special education major at USI, has been awarded the Council for Exceptional Children's 2011 Outstanding Undergraduate Student Member of the Year Award. The award is given to one undergraduate student who has made outstanding contributions to the council and exceptional children. The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, advocates for individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice. Fuchs was nominated for the award by Dr. Julie Green, assistant professor in the Bower-Suhrheinrich College of Education and Human Services. "Michael is extremely responsible and has devoted his life to working with students with disabilities," Green said. "He will be an exceptional special education teacher, and will make a difference in many students' lives." Fuchs has been involved with the CEC for two years and currently serves as vice president of the USI chapter of CEC. He has coordinated numerous projects with other special education majors in the Department of Teacher Education, including establishing the Best Buddy Student Organization at USI, which provides opportunities for college students to interact with members of the community that have disabilities. He currently serves as president of the Best Buddy chapter at USI. "Working with exceptional children has always been a passion for me," he said. "Organizations like the Council for Exceptional Children provide vital resources for professionals in the special education field and it is an honor to be recognized by a group I respect so deeply." As the recipient of the award, Fuchs will receive a plaque during the Awards Ceremony at the CEC Convention and Expo in National Harbor, Maryland. He also will receive an invitation to the CEC President's Reception and be recognized during the CEC Student Forum held at the convention, along with recognition at the CEC headquarters and on the CEC website.

USI Home | Academics | Calendar | Athletics | Visitors | Events and News | Administration

8600 University Boulevard - Evansville, IN 47712-3596 - 812/464-8600

Copyright © 2013 University of Southern Indiana. All rights reserved.