CPCC Graduate Receives North Carolina William D. Weston Co-op Student of the Year Award
last modified
Nov 11, 2008 09:11 AM
Steven McIllwain, a 2008 graduate of Central Piedmont Community College’s (CPCC) Developmental Disabilities, Human Services Technology Associate Degree Program, was named the co-recipient of the North Carolina William D. Weston Co-op Student of the Year award on November 6.
Sponsored by the N.C. Co-op Education Association, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievements and contributions during their cooperative education experience. McIllwain works at ARC of Mecklenburg County, a local organization that seeks to create opportunities for people with cognitive impairments and their families, and helped many of the organization’s clubs and support groups achieve success.
“Since the beginning of his internship, Steve has been as asset to the ARC,” said Lauren Mullis, executive director for ARC of Mecklenburg County and McIllwain’s on-site supervisor. “His level of dedication to the agency and its clients is truly remarkable. We are all fortunate that he has chosen this career path. He has much to give.”
During his co-op with ARC of Mecklenburg County, McIllwain was instrumental in assisting with the organization’s Aktion Club, a self advocacy group for adults with disabilities; facilitating SibShops for children 5-12 years of age who have siblings with disabilities; and organizing monthly dinners with speakers for family members with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Presbyterian Hospital.
In addition to these accomplishments, he helped raise funding for ARC through the annual Operation Santa Claus Project and participated in the development of the upcoming Safe Fest, an event that will provide families of children with special needs an opportunity to learn how to stay safe at home, at school and in the community.
Because of his stellar performance, positive attitude and fierce dedication to individuals with disabilities, McIllwain was hired as a full-time ARC employee prior to the completion of his internship. Adds Mullis, “Steve’s caring spirit and connectedness to these folks are traits that aren’t always easy to find. The ARC is extremely lucky to have him as an employee.”
McIllwain received the 2008 Central Piedmont Community College Co-op Student of the Year Award earlier this year. The state recognition qualifies him to compete for the National Co-op Student of the Year Award later this year.
McIllwain received the 2008 Central Piedmont Community College Co-op Student of the Year Award earlier this year. The state recognition qualifies him to compete for the National Co-op Student of the Year Award later this year.
As the North Carolina William D. Weston Co-op Student of the Year, McIllwain earned a $100 cash award and CPCC’s Co-Op Program – as the nominating school – received a $100 matching award.
About Cooperative Education at CPCC
CPCC’s Co-op Education Program is an effort between employers and the College to provide valuable, paid, career-related jobs in the students' chosen career field. Students benefit from the opportunities gained by building a career-oriented work record, thus increasing the students' marketability and value to employers upon graduation. Co-ops are open to students in the technical, vocational, and college transfer areas.To learn more, visit. http://www.cpcc.edu/cooperative_education/student-information.
CPCC’s Co-op Education Program is an effort between employers and the College to provide valuable, paid, career-related jobs in the students' chosen career field. Students benefit from the opportunities gained by building a career-oriented work record, thus increasing the students' marketability and value to employers upon graduation. Co-ops are open to students in the technical, vocational, and college transfer areas.To learn more, visit. http://www.cpcc.edu/cooperative_education/student-information.
Central Piedmont Community College is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering 100 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.
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This release prepared by Mallory Benz, 704.330.6613. An archive of CPCC news releases is at http://www.cpcc.edu/college-news.
