Tudela and Merfalen lead NMC awardees

A sophomore Business student and an instructor for three years topped this year’s outstanding awardees of the Northern Marianas College, receiving the prestigious 2009 Student and Faculty of the Year awards.

During the 28th Charter Day celebration on Friday, Jose C. Tudela was named recipient of the NMC Student of the Year honor and was awarded a plaque, a $300 cash prize, and a designated parking space for a year in the college campus.

Named Faculty of the Year was Bobbie Merfalen, who also received a plaque of appreciation from the Board of Regents and management as well as $300 cash gift and her own designated parking spot for the year.

Eighteen-year-old Tudela admitted being surprised when his name was called.

“I didn’t know about the award and I was not even aware that I was nominated. I was really surprised…but I am thankful for this recognition!” Tudela told Saipan Tribune, hopeful that he will inspire his campus peers.

Tudela is taking a double major at the college—General Business and Business Management. A graduate of Saipan Southern High School, he was very involved in numerous student activities, including serving as a member of the Associated Students of the NMC.

To qualify for the student award, a candidate must be a full-time student and has maintained a 2.5 grade point average.

Tudela said he was just happy to maintain both his academic and extra-curricular focus while in college.

The committee that selected Tudela cited his ability to earn the respect of students and faculty for his knowledge, his loyalty, and his ability to make people laugh.

Merfalen, who has been with NMC for about three years, was adjudged the best faculty member after she played a pivotal role in the college’s accreditation efforts by leading some program review activities.

She is currently teaching in the college’s School of Education and had exceeded the criteria for the Faculty of the Year award.

NMC said Merfalen never hesitates to share her knowledge, is constantly willing to assist in other areas where the college needs help with, and conducted accreditation workshops that helped other employees understand what is sometimes a daunting process.

Saipan Tribune learned that many School of Education students have experienced Merfalen’s willingness to go beyond the call of duty in meeting their academic needs.

Meantime, the Supervisor of the Year honor was awarded to Leo Pangelinan who was currently on official off-island business in Honolulu.

Pangelinan is the college counseling director for two years. He topped the candidates for the category after demonstrating his ability to accomplish monumental tasks by exercising exemplary leadership skills.

Saipan Tribune learned that Pangelinan was able to successfully lead the planning for the Start Smart Seminar, an event that involved all high school seniors on Saipan. He is also an active community volunteer.

NMC management described Pangelinan as innovative, proactive, and takes risks where necessary.

The 2009 Staff of the Year honor went to Gregorio Sablan, who has been with NMC since February 1993. Sablan works for the Library Programs and Services.

The award stated that Sablan has demonstrated an outstanding ability to promote NMC with his talent, is an active participant in the college’s fundraisers, and had demonstrated an outstanding working relationship with fellow workers, faculty, and students.

Sablan handles all kinds of library work, from processing purchase orders, cataloging books, magazines and other audio-visual materials, to doing other clerical works.

Pangelinan and Sablan each received plaques of appreciation, $300 cash prizes, and the privilege to own a parking slot throughout the year.

Cash prices to the awardees were gifts from the NMC Foundation.