MOC receives Patriot's Award
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on February 24, 2008 2:09 AM
From staff reports
MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive College has received the highest state-level award given to a civilian employer by the U.S. Department of Defense.
The N.C. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve committee recently presented the college with the Pro Patria Award for 2007.
The college was nominated by Capt. Ted Janicki, assistant professor of computer science, who has been in the Air Force Reserves for 15 years. He was called to active duty in May 2006 and served a year in Afghanistan as a communication officer. While there, he remained on the MOC faculty teaching online courses, plus taught a public speaking course to five airmen working to complete their Community College of the Air Force associate degrees.
MOC supported the effort by supplying textbooks and administrative assistance. Students, staff and faculty also sent care packages to the troops and Afghanistan children.
Accepting the award, Dr. Ellen Jordan, vice president for academic affairs, said, "It was such a humbling honor to be highlighted as a patriot while in the midst of our service men and women. Mount Olive College is proud of our relationship with the guard and reserve.
"I feel there is so much more we can do to promote this dedication to our country."
MOC was one of three employers in the state to receive the award, which translated means "For the Country." The college now has the honor of being eligible for the National level Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The nomination will be reviewed and selection will take place in the spring. If chosen representatives from the college will be invited to the White House for ceremonies in September.