AC professor is “EXCELent”

A spirit of celebration and appreciation echoed around the Academic Services office last Wednesday at the Fall Openhouse. Academic Services holds the openhouse to celebrate and show gratitude to staff and faculty for all their hard work during the school year.

“It’s great that professors and faculty get together and appreciate the other faculty’s achievements and congratulate them formally,” said junior Misha Murashov.

Some believe the Academic Services Fall openhouse is held for more than just staff and faculty appreciation.

“I like it simply because it lets teachers know that they are productive. It’s positive reinforcement,” said sophomore Chynia Robinson, “It brings the community together, especially for EXCEL students.”
Staff, faculty, and students enjoyed treats and conversation before and after the presentation of the EXCELent Instructor of the Year Award.

The EXCELent Award branches off of the Excel program, a program that assists students that are low-income, have documented disabilities, or are first-generation college students. This program is funded by a grant from the United States Department of Education, and supports 160 students every year.

Recipients of the EXCELent Instructor of the Year award are chosen by students who are in the EXCEL program. Students vote at the end of the year for the professor who  has assisted them the most.
Danielle Ward, who is Disabilities Specialist in Academic Services, said, “We had many, many nominations, but this year was Matthew Zeckner’s year.”

Zeckner graduated from University of Kentucky with a PhD, and has been teaching at Adrian for one year. He contributes to the EXCEL program by delivering and picking up quizzes and tests for those who require extended time, and assisting students with their studies.

“I’m willing to help any student that comes by,” Zeckner said.

One of the most striking qualities about Zeckner is his humility.

“I don’t feel that I deserve it, because there are so many other great teachers.”

Sophomore Gabrielle Osborn presented Zeckner with the award.