A Special Award for a Special Teacher

By Elizabeth Rodriguez
Edited by Ms. Tortora

 

If you are member of either of Plaza College's honor societies, then it is highly likely that you were in attendance at the induction ceremony. If you were in attendance at the induction ceremony, then you can understand how much care, attention to detail, and tireless effort went into putting together such a fabulous event. And if you've ever stepped over the threshold of Plaza College, you know that this could be no other than Professor Jonathan Howle's work.

There are very few students at Plaza who haven’t had the fortune to cross Professor Howle's path, if any. Both students and faculty alike are keenly aware of his positive influence on our community. At this past honor society induction ceremony, several students came together to present an award to Professor Howle, to thank him for all of his efforts and show how much his contributions in their lives truly meant to them. 

One of Professor Howle's most admirable qualities has always been that he knows just about every student by his or her first name. His concern and kindness is genuine. He puts the needs of his students first, and goes far beyond to encourage and motivate not only his students,  but all students at Plaza. He wants to showcase their achievements so as to foster pride amongst them. He truly believes that each student is unique and special and has something to offer the world. I have seen how hard he works for the students at Plaza and how he gives of his time without hesitation. He is one of the reasons I have decided to go into the adult learning field.  Professor Howle is an example for many teachers. I felt that this could not go unnoticed, and that a "thank-you" just wasn't enough. We needed to show Professor Howle how much we appreciate all he has done for us - it was time to showcase his achievements!

Professor Howle receives a special award from (r. to l.) Elizabeth Rodriguez, Richard Melara, and Professor Hartley.

As president of Sigma Kappa Delta, I brought the idea to the attention of the society's members, and received unanimous support. When Dean Dolla was approached, she agreed without hesitation. Professor Hartley wrote the speech and the inscription for the award. He did an incredible job on the speech and inscription, and the piece itself was amazing! Professor Hartley summed it all up in a way I could never have done. To quote him:

"I doubt very much if there is a single person at Plaza who has not been touched in some way by Professor Howle’s enthusiasm and dedication, his willingness to put the needs of his students above all other considerations. To colleagues, Professor Howle is a friend and mentor; to students, he is a source of endless inspiration. Years from now, when our students look back over their lives and consider all the success they have earned for themselves, it is Professor Howle perhaps more than any other teacher whom they will thank for setting them on the right path and making sure that they stayed there" 

Not only the honor society members, but the student body in general believed Professor Howle should be recognized. The students became more excited about giving him the award than actually being inducted into the honor society! The idea of the book came about after hearing stories from the students about the first time they met Professor Howle, how he has touched their lives, and how they felt about him. All these beautiful memories had to be preserved on paper, and what better way than a book, containing the students' own words? We felt that he needed to fully understand how he had changed so many lives. The students were great! They rallied together to make this the most memorable gift that Professor Howle would ever receive. I also searched Facebook for his very first students at Plaza. Everyone I approached was more than willing to participate, and overjoyed that Professor Howle was getting such an award. As Professor Howle organized the honor society award dinner, I organized his special presentation. This was no easy task; there were many moments that he'd just show up while I was working on his book, and I had to scramble to hide everything!  It is beyond me how we managed to pull this off without his finding out.

All the work was worth it. The night of the honor society dinner was magical. The love the students have for Profesor Howle was truly demonstrated that night. Throughout the entire night students were coming up to me to ask me when he'd be getting his award. I was so proud of my Plaza family. Professor Howle has always outdone himself in organizing events for us. He has always been the ultimate host, never at a loss for words. On this night, the tables were turned, and for the first time our Professor Howle was speechless! The look on his face was priceless. I, my fellow students, and without a doubt Professor Howle will never forget this night.

A Personal Thank You from Professor Howle:

Never in my wildest dreams could I have ever anticipated that something like that was happening behind my back, and even sometimes, from what I hear, in front of my eyes.

As Dean Dolla was describing the recipient of the award, I kind of had an out-of-body experience. I thought to myself, ‘that sounds like me,” but I thought there was no way. No way!

To this day, I still cannot properly express my gratitude for the award. So much effort from so many people, most of all, Elizabeth Rodriguez, went into that. The trophy is incredibly beautiful. But the book is just the most amazing gift I have ever gotten. It contains the words, poems, and reflections of so many students who have made me a better person, students whom I admire so tremendously.

It is a book for all occasions. Every time I am feeling discouraged, I will read the book. Every time I need to be reminded why I love my job, I will read it. Every time I need to be inspired, I will read it.

I read it the night before my first day of classes this semester, and it really started my semester on such a high note. I will read it the night before my first day of every semester to come.

After the ceremony, I called my parents to tell them about it. They were asleep, but they were so glad I called. They could hardly get back to sleep!

On Facebook, I am actually friends with my third grade teacher. She read all the comments on my profile and saw the pictures – and she told me how proud she was of me. I felt like an 8-year-old again, making my teacher proud. That was wonderful.

The award was an amazing tribute to all the wonderful things that have happened during my time at Plaza so far. However, I also see it as a challenge. I always want to be a better, more disciplined, more concerned professor, administrator, and person. The award really makes me want to continue growing and not lower my standards. I appreciate it more than anyone will ever know.