CGCC recognized with leadership and educator of the year

The Si Se Puede Foundation honored Chandler-Gilbert Community College President Linda Lujan with its Leadership Award at their annual Educator of the Year Cesar Chavez Dinner on April 4. The award was given to Lujan for her outstanding leadership in promoting equality, equity, diversity and higher education within the Chandler/Gilbert communities, according to Alberto L. Esparza, president and CEO of the Si Se Puede Foundation (SSPF). Lujan also was recognized with the Educator of the Year Award in 2012.

The foundation also recognized mathematics faculty Pamela Woodbury as a Cesar Chavez Educator of the Year Honoree. Woodbury incorporates a service-learning component into her course each semester that benefits both CGCC and SSPF students. CGCC students design games based on mathematical principles, problem solving and vocabulary, which create a fun way for game participants to learn and apply math.

“Many students have a perception that math is hard or boring or difficult. By having them create games, they begin to realize that math can be fun,” said Woodbury. “By watching the students at Si Se Puede play these games, our students get to see that math really is fun. This award reinforces that this work really does make a difference. I can see it in my students and in the classroom afterward, and it’s good to know that it’s making a difference for Si Se Puede students as well.”  

CGCC students lead Si Se Puede students in
Battleship Math.