Concordia honored at Greater Irvine Chamber Distinguished Educators Event

Concordia honored at Greater Irvine Chamber Distinguished Educators Event

Irvine, CA., Sep. 20, 2022 – The Greater Irvine Chamber hosted its Distinguished Educators event at the Irvine Hilton on September 15, 2022. Concordia University Irvine was the Presenting Sponsor, and Concordia’s president, Dr. Michael A. Thomas, opened the ceremony with a short address including Concordia’s new recruitment video.

Distinguished Educators Kenney Award: Concordia’s Dr. John Kenney, professor of physics, was honored as 2022 Educator of the Year by the Irvine Chamber for his life-long work in the sciences, undergraduate research, grant writing, and mentorship.

This year, Concordia’s Dr. John Kenney, professor of physics, was honored as Educator of the Year for his life-long work in the sciences, undergraduate research, grant writing, and mentorship. Additionally, Concordia’s Nursing Program was named the Outstanding Science Program of the Year for its continued work in preparing nurses of exceptional ability and character. In 2021, the Concordia Mathematics Department won the Distinguished Educators Award at the same event, demonstrating Concordia’s consistent excellence across disciplines.

Distinguished Educators Nursing Award: Concordia’s Nursing Program was named the 2022 Outstanding Science Program of the Year by the Irvine Chamber for its continued work in preparing nurses of exceptional ability and character. Dr. Cheryl Smythe-Padgam, director of nursing, and Jennifer Dahl, assistant director of nursing, accepted the award on behalf of the nursing faculty.

The Greater Irvine Chamber recognizes exemplary Irvine educators and programs who enhance Irvine’s world-class educational offerings. Concordia congratulates all the recipients and thanks the Lord for His gifts through them to our students and the Irvine community.

About Concordia University Irvine

Concordia University Irvine, part of the Concordia University System, is a private, nonprofit Christian university that is proud to be one of the founding institutions of higher education in Irvine, California. For nearly 50 years, we have prepared students for lives of learning, service, and leadership through distinctive Lutheran education. Today, we educate nearly 4,000 students on campus and online, and our alumni network has grown to over 25,000 worldwide. We’re recognized as a top-ranked university for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report and a fierce NCAA Division II PacWest competitor. Learn more about our mission, community, and heritage.

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