Fedorchak Honored for Diversity Contributions

2 March 2005—Bob Fedorchak, coordinator of undergraduate academic support services in the Academic Advising Center of the Penn State Eberly College of Science, was selected to receive the Multicultural Resource Center's 2004 Faculty/Staff Diversity Recognition Award for his efforts to foster diversity at the University. The award honors those who consistently have promoted multiculturalism and have demonstrated concern for, and sensitivity to, the needs of students of color in ways above and beyond their normal job responsibilities.

"Bob made a conscious decision, early in his career, to do as much as he could to support students from underrepresented groups, students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and other special student populations," said Kim Cook, professor of music, in nominating Fedorchak for the award. "When he made decisions about the types of activities he would support, beyond his formal job responsibilities, these were the ones he always chose. This significant and sustained work has contributed greatly to the University's diversity mission." Michael Phillips, assistant director of Minority Admissions and Community Affairs, says "Bob's presentations on 'How to Succeed at Penn State' have provided a valuable foundation to minority students. This foundation is crucial to the retention of students of color in any field of human endeavor."

Michael Blanco, senior diversity planning analyst, says "Bob notices students who have the ability to succeed but who may not have the preparation they need. He tries to tap into their potential to help them prepare for success." Brian Clark, director of the Office of Veteran's Programs, adds "There are many ways to demonstrate a commitment to diversity, but I can think of no better way than to provide tangible assistance to a diverse student population. Any student who had even an hour of Bob's time dramatically improved his or her chances of succeeding. This hands-on approach is the best thing a counselor can do to support diversity."

Fedorchak recently celebrated twenty-five years of service to Penn State. For the past sixteen years, he has worked in the Eberly College of Science, where he is responsible for providing guidance and support on all matters that relate to the undergraduate student population. He also has nine years of experience in developmental education, having worked as a counselor in the Office of Veteran's Programs at the beginning of his career. His knowledge and expertise in the areas of student success and retention have been widely recognized, and he is nationally renowned for the development of a model for academic success. In addition to assisting faculty, staff, and students in the Eberly College of Science, he has worked closely with, and conducted programs for, other colleges and administrative offices across the University. He has served on numerous Penn State committees, has made presentations and conducted workshops at regional and national conferences, and has been an invited speaker at a number of other educational institutions.

In 1993, Fedorchak was recognized with the Eberly College of Science Student Council Award of Excellence. In 1995, he was the first professional advisor to receive the Penn State Excellence in Advising Award. In 1997, he received a Distinguished Service Award from the Eberly College of Science Alumni Society. In 2001, he received the Eberly College of Science Staff Excellence Award and was recognized by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) with a "Best of Region" award for a presentation concerning his model for academic success.

Fedorchak became coordinator of the Division of Undergraduate Studies Programs for the Eberly College of Science in 1988 and was promoted to coordinator of undergraduate academic support services when the college's undergraduate Academic Advising Center was expanded in 1991. He works closely with the Dean's Office and with faculty and staff in each of the college's departments and programs on matters related to enrollment management, academic advising, curricular planning, course offerings, orientation activities, and a wide range of other functions. He also assists in the administration of the Science major, conducts research related to the undergraduate student population, and devotes a significant amount of time to assisting individual students. He says, "I derive an enormous amount of satisfaction from helping students realize the maximum possible benefit from the opportunities available to them in higher education."

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