Three central San Joaquin Valley educators and a Fresno couple who are California State University, Fresno alumni will be honored for their contributions to education by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development Alumni chapter at a dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 3.
The honorees are:
Misty Her, the principal at Southeast Elementary School in the Fresno Unified School District is the recipient of the Noted Alumni Award. Born in a remote POW camp in the mountains of Laos, Her overcame many challenges life to become an elementary teacher in Fresno Unified and then a principal at Burroughs Elementary School before her current assignment. Her has been recognized by the Hmong community as a “role model” for children and young women.
Dr. Berta González, associate vice-president of Fresno State’s Division of Continuing & Global Education, is the Professional Alumni Service Award winner. Under her leadership, partnerships have been established abroad, and her division promotes student and faculty study and exchanges. González also manages development of special courses, conferences and professional training and has 41 years of experience at various public schools, colleges and international settings.
Elaine Sotiropulos, the AVID regional consultant/coordinator for the Fresno County Office of Education, and her husband Kopi Sotiropulos, co-anchor of “Great Day” on KMPH, Fox-26, share the Friend of Education Alumni Award. Elaine Sotiropulos serves 120 schools in a six-county reason through the Fresno-based AVID Program (Advancementvia Individual Determination). Kopi Sotiropulos worked in television and movies in Hollywood before returning to Fresno, where he joined KMPH as a weathercaster who has made hundreds of excursions to schools and other venues throughout the region.
Jim Vidak, the Tulare County superintendent of schools, is the 2011 recipient of the Kremen Noted Alumni Special Recognition Award. He has been an educator for 45 years after serving at all levels of public education. Vidak, who is in his sixth term as superintendent, is active in civic, community and statewide organizations including a term as president of the California County Superintendent Educational Services Association. He has received the Top Dog Alumni Award in Education from Fresno State, the Association of California School Administrators Superintendent of the Year Award and installed in Hispanic Roundtable of Hall of Fame.
“We selected five outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of education,” said Susan Schlievert, president of the Kremen Alumni chapter. “Each honoree clearly deserves recognition for enhancing the quality of education in our Valley.”
The banquet honoring this year’s awardees is scheduled in the East Room of the Residence Dining Facility at Fresno State. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $40 and are available in Kremen Building, room 205 (associate dean’s office). For more information and to make reservations, call 559.278.0249.
