April 12, 2006
SIUC to recognize Clare Mitchell, Jeri Novara
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale will honor staff members Clare H. Mitchell, assistant dean of student affairs in the College of Mass Communication and Media Arts, and Jeri L. Novara, office systems specialist III in the College of Business and Administration's School of Accountancy, for superior achievement in this year's "Excellence Through Commitment Awards Program." Each will receive $3,000.
These prizes reward ongoing contributions by tenured and term faculty, staff and graduate assistants throughout the University and reflect the University's aim of encouraging outstanding work, one of the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.
SIUC Chancellor Walter V. Wendler will host a dinner to honor all award recipients Thursday, April 27.
Mitchell's association with SIUC began in 1983 when she worked as a graduate assistant at the Student Recreation Center. After finishing her master's degree in 1987, she taught as a lecturer in what was then the Department of Recreation, remaining there until 1998 when she moved to her current position.
As assistant dean, Mitchell works with students, faculty and staff. She serves as the college's chief academic adviser, oversees its recruitment and retention efforts and coordinates special events. Her responsibilities include the college's peer adviser and ambassador programs.
Mitchell earned her undergraduate degree in 1979 at Michigan State University.
Novara began working at SIUC in 1980 and has seen the School of Accountancy through its transition from a department. She helped establish a professional Board of Advisors and serves as recording secretary for that group. She also helped set up The Accounting Circle, whose annual gifts fund scholarships, support faculty research and travel for both faculty and students, and underwrite special projects, such as renovations.
Her duties include administrative, academic, alumni and budgeting activities. Novara provides assistance for students at all levels, works with three student organizations and helps with fund-raising, recruiting and event scheduling. Her college cited her for outstanding service last year.
Novara is a two-degree SIUC graduate, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in education in 1985 and 1989. She completed both degrees while working full time, taking classes during lunch and evening hours and doing her student teaching over two semesters in night courses at John A. Logan College.
Jeri Novara
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Clare Mitchell
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