The February 6 SOE Alumni Homecoming event included tributes, laughter, and stories — from sagas of undergrad escapades to news of recent honors in the wide world of education.
To outstanding alumni from various education programs, awards were presented for dedication to children, exceptional professionalism, and impact on the educational enterprise:
- Dr. Jeremy Delamarter, SPU BA ’05, MAT ’07, EdD ’11. Dean Rick Eigenbrood noted in Dr. Delamarter’s introduction that he “has the characteristics of a lifelong learner who strives to understand and support others.” A collaborative researcher and writer, Dr. Delamarter is currently assistant professor in the College of Education at Northwest University.
- Jon Holmen, SPU BA ’98 and Educational Leadership MEd ’04. Formerly a special education area supervisor and school area coordinator, Holmen is currently the associate superintendent for Lake Washington School District, with planned completion of SPU’s EdD in Educational Leadership in the summer of 2015. A person of character and competence, he is always willing to return to SPU and share his experience and expertise with aspiring educational leaders.
- Erik Skoor, SPU School Counseling MEd ’07. Since graduating, Skoor has been working with Native American students, and is currently a counselor at Quil Ceda Tulalip Elementary School in the Marysville School District. Innovative, caring, and sensitive to the population, he is welcomed and respected in the Tulalip community.
- Mike Wierusz, SPU MAT ’07. Wierusz formed a consulting firm dealing with environmental and energy education for such clients as Puget Sound Energy and the Department of Education’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and is currently a teacher of engineering and design and STEM coordinator at Northshore School District. He was named the 2011 EEAW outstanding Environmental Educator and was one of only seven who received the 2013 Paul Allen Distinguished Educator award.
The evening served as a time for School of Education alumni, faculty, and staff to reconnect, appreciate individual achievements, and look toward the future together as a community united in their dedication to all learners.