Awards and Recognition
League of Excellence
The League of Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding contributions and leadership by community college faculty and staff. Recipients are nominated by COTC President John M. Berry, PhD. They are also recognized by the League for Innovation in the Community College, an international nonprofit focused on fostering innovation in the community college environment.
Recipients:
- Ralph Giles, MA, program director, computer information technology
- Michael Leedale, administrative assistant, facilities and support services
- Charlene Ross, academic advisor/military and veteran resource coordinator, Gateway
- René White, MS, web management specialist, marketing and public relations
Legends of Loyalty Award
COTC President John M. Berry, PhD, presented four Legends of Loyalty awards at the annual Legacy and Leadership Dinner on Sept. 19. The Office of the President established the Legends of Loyalty award in 2011 to identify and recognize individuals who have, over the years, made a significant impact on the history of the college and have gone above and beyond their required duties and proven unselfish allegiance.
Recipients:
Jacqueline Parrill, EdD
As the vice president of COTC and chief of staff of both COTC and The Ohio State University at Newark, Parrill personifies the special cost-shared relationship between the two institutions. She has been a key member of each one’s leadership team for more than 20 years, overseeing strategic initiatives and organizational leadership. This certified institutional planner is also active in the community, currently serving on the Board of Directors for Licking Memorial Health Systems. Parrill has displayed a profound work ethic through her commitment to both institutions’ students and this community.
Andrea Tozzi and the Young Project
Since 2009, Tozzi has been COTC’s perfect partner in bringing the Italian Immersion Program to life. By designing the summer program that sends COTC students to Italy and brings Italian students to Newark, Tozzi has helped create a deeply engaging and enriching experience for both sides. He helped establish a nonprofit called the Young Project, which facilitates the experience for students during their two-week trip to Italy. Tozzi’s daughter Matilde now leads the Young Project, and with their passion and dedication, they have helped turn the Italian Immersion Program into a point of pride for the college.
Sandra Y. Walker, EJD
Walker showed a relentless commitment to student success through two decades in COTC’s nursing program. This compassionate leader climbed the ladder from part-time faculty member to dean of technical studies. In 2020, Walker received the Bobbie Anderson Leadership Award, a national award given annually to an educator or nursing program administrator who has demonstrated exceptional leadership within his or her institution and community. Walker’s legacy at COTC is one of building bridges, helping the college’s nursing program become her students’ gateway to great careers.
Newark Campus Development Fund
The Newark Campus Development Fund (NCDF) has continued the good work of legendary community benefactors Howard LeFevre and J. Gilbert Reese, who established the organization more than 40 years ago. Its efforts enhance the campus community and make higher education more accessible. To date, NCDF has disbursed more than $46 million to the campus, including more than $1 million in annual scholarships and grants. By providing access to financial awards and state-of-the-art facilities, NCDF helps turn COTC students into job-ready graduates — exemplifying the core mission of the college.
1971 Legacy Society
The 1971 Legacy Society recognizes alumni, faculty, staff, retirees and other friends who have named COTC as the beneficiary of a planned gift.
Members:
- Anonymous (3)
- Robert A. Barnes, PhD, and Betty A. Barnes*
- Kevin L. Carver
- Clarissa Ann Howard*
- Douglas B. Marston
- Jane C.* and William T.* McConnell
- Herbert J. Murphy*
- Magdaline Rieser*
- Barry M. Riley
- Robert* and Joan* Robinson
- Nina Roslovic
- Cheryl L. and Charles D. Snyder
- Robert M. Thomas*
- Donald G. Tritt, PhD*, in memory of Marilyn C. Tritt*
- Gordon and Fran Yance
*deceased
Alumni Awards
Outstanding Alumni Award
Recipient: Amanda Vozzella, Human Services, 2007
Since earning an associate degree from COTC, Vozzella received her bachelor’s degree and became a licensed social worker. She has devoted her career to Newark’s nonprofit sector and served as the founding director of the Boys & Girls Club of Newark. It was established in late 2019, and Vozzella’s leadership proved crucial in continuing the club’s mission throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization now serves more than 100 students per day during the summer and promotes programming that emphasizes academics, healthy lifestyle, character, leadership and mental health. Vozzella volunteers regularly with the Salvation Army. She is a member of the COTC Alumni Council and, in 2021, was named one of the college’s 50 most notable alumni in a publication celebrating its 50th anniversary.
John C. “Jay” Barker Community Service Alumni Award
Recipient: John Jordan, Human Services, 2014
Jordan joined the Licking County Alcoholism Prevention Program (LAPP) during his final year at COTC. He continued at LAPP as a counselor for the next eight years until earning the Program Director role in 2022. Just two years later, he became the full-time Executive Director, and he has overseen the nonprofit’s operations ever since. Before his stint at COTC, Jordan served in the Army National Guard as a combat medical sergeant for 14 years until his medical retirement for service-related injuries in 2012. In addition to alcoholism prevention, Jordan works closely with organizations focused on drug treatment, corrections planning and LGBTQI+ activism.
Transitions Alumni Award
Recipient: Natasha Ford, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Technology, 2016
Ford made an immediate impact on her alma mater after graduating from the DMS program. She started as a beloved COTC clinical instructor — receiving multiple Clinical Excellence Awards — before transitioning to a teaching role in 2018. Upon becoming a DMS assistant professor, Ford became certified as a breast sonographer and cross-trained in adult cardiac echocardiography. She is also the program’s lab coordinator, maintaining its high standards and reputation for producing prepared graduates. In addition to her duties at COTC, Ford serves as a board member for both the Licking County Women’s Shelter and Lakewood Schools Athletics and as a big sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Licking and Perry Counties.
