2012 Alumni Award Recipients

The Columbia College Alumni Association (CCAA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2012 Alumni Awards:

Sandy Adams '00 - Distinguished Alumni Award

Sandy Adams’ rise to the U.S. House of Representatives has been a journey fueled by a commitment to her country—a journey that began at age 17 when she joined the United States Air Force.

After leaving the military to raise her daughter, Sandy worked two and three jobs, earned a GED, and eventually attended the police academy at night.  Sandy served for seventeen years as a deputy sheriff in the Orange County Sheriff’s Office before she earned her bachelor of arts degree from Columbia College - Orlando in 2000.  Her election to the Florida House of Representatives in 2002 and subsequent re-elections led to her joining the U.S. House of Representatives in 2011.

Sandy has received numerous awards over the course of her career, including the Pace Legislative Leadership Award, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Legislative Appreciation Award, and the Legislative Session Outstanding Service Award.

Victoria Bishop Ryan '00 - Professional Achievement Award

Victoria Bishop Ryan emanates leadership in all she does.  Her role as the Director of Learning and Organizational Effectiveness for HD Supply, Inc., demands it; her position as adjunct faculty for Columbia College in management and leadership requires she imparts her skills.

In 2010, Victoria received the Chief Learning Officer Bronze Award for learning leadership.  In 2008, Chief Learning Officer recognized the Learning Team with the GOLD Award of Excellence for Learning Partnership.

In addition to her many responsibilities, Victoria is a researcher for the American Cancer Society, an active supporter for Habitat for Humanity, and a retired long-time Girl Scout Leader.

Victoria earned a bachelor of arts degree from the Columbia College - Lake County campus in 1999.

Shanta Barton-Stubbs '05 - Community Service Award

While Shanta Barton-Stubbs was earning a bachelor of arts degree from Columbia College – Orlando Florida, her non-for-profit New Image Youth Center had already opened its doors in Orlando, Florida.  Founded in 2004, New Image was born of Shanta’s realization that the children in poverty-stricken Parramore Neighborhood needed somewhere to go.  Shanta emptied her savings account to buy games and supplies for the children, and the investment paid off—in eight years, Shanta has gone from serving eight children to fifty children in need.

At New Image, Shanta works over forty hours a week without pay.  Thanks to the help of outside funding, she can focus entirely on keeping the doors of New Image open.

In 2011, Shanta was nominated for the L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth and received the Leader of the Year Award from Iota Phi Theta University of Central Florida chapter.  She won the title of Ms. Corporate America 2009, the 2008 Magic Maker Award, and the Bank of America Local Hero Award in 2007.

James M. Pasley '87 - Columbia College Service Award

Like many Columbia College students, James entered into his collegiate career as a nontraditional student.  A thirty-year-old construction worker, James enrolled at CC and earned a bachelor of arts degree from Columbia College – Jefferson City campus in 1987.  He wouldn’t stay away for long.

After earning his master’s degree, James returned to Columbia College to teach history, first at the Jefferson City campus, and then at the Lake Ozark campus in 1992.  Now in his twenty-first year of teaching, James has exuded passion into the study of history, teaching, and the well-being of his students.

James and his wife Karen, also a graduate of Columbia College,  have served as co-chairs of the Columbia College – Lake Ozark Advisory Committee since 2009, and is a sought-after expert on history, regularly speaking on radio stations, at schools, and in the community.

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This year's recipients will be honored at Reunion Weekend 2012. The Alumni Awards Banquet and Presentation will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Dulany Banquet Room.

For a full schedule of events and to register to attend the awards banquet, visit www.columbiacollegealumni.org/reunion. For further information about Reunion Weekend, call the Alumni Relations office on (573) 875-ALUM (2586)