The good news just keeps coming for PRISM! Our very own founder and advisor Donna Wertalik has been named Virginia Tech’s 2021 Faculty Advisor of the Year by the Student Organization Leadership (SOL) awards for her leadership and dedication to PRISM.
“As the founder and advisor of PRISM, I am over the moon!” Wertalik said in response to the announcement. “[I’m] honored to work with the best of the best and have a truly rewarding career.”
The SOL awards, which were broadcast live on February, April 23, described the award as the following:
“The Advisor of the Year award was created to recognize the advisor of a student organization who has made outstanding contributions through support, energy, and resources. This advisor dedicates time and talents to support the efforts of the student organization, provides resources and advice that contributes to the success of students and/or the organization, and challenges students to think critically and develop leadership skills.”
Clearly that definition describes exactly what Professor Wertalik has been doing for PRISM since founding the organization back in 2010.
The person who nominated Wertalik said:
“Donna Wertalik consistently makes nothing but positive impacts on anyone she interacts with, and PRISM is no exception. Donna has been a consistent source of support and inspiration to PRISM members since the beginning of the organization. She is an available resource to members whenever they need assistance and she takes time to make sure every single member knows that she is there as a resource in every way possible: an advisor, mentor, sounding board, or someone to talk to. She constantly pushes all members of PRISM to put their best foot forward and be a source of constant positivity to all.”
We are so grateful to have such an inspiring mentor leading this organization and can think of no one more deserving of the Faculty Advisor of the Year award.
Congratulations, Donna!
A recording of the full SOL Awards ceremony can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLwN5XlbzjQ