Two Black Hawk College employees recently received the Golden Apple Award from the college’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter at the Quad-Cities Campus.
During the honor society’s Fall 2024 Induction Ceremony, the Golden Apple Award was presented to:
- Rachel Duffy, assistant professor of nursing – nominated by Herbert Berko of Moline and Jennifer Nkutiah of East Moline
- Melette Pearce, professor of speech – nominated by Allyson Malm of Moline
Each fall and spring semester, PTK students at the Quad-Cities Campus are asked to recommend faculty or staff members for the Golden Apple Award.
“We think Rachel Duffy and Melette Pearce are great examples of Black Hawk’s exceptional employees, and we are proud to honor them as recipients of our Golden Apple Award,” chapter officer Maggie Kernan said.
Also nominated was Dr. Irene Leites, assistant professor of music and a past honoree who was nominated by Andrew Endress.
About the recipients
Rachel Duffy
Rachel Duffy’s teaching style “made lectures remarkably easy to understand, and she consistently went the extra mile to equip us with knowledge critical for both our nursing careers and success on the NCLEX-RN Exam,” Herbert Berko wrote in his nomination.
“Even after I completed her class, she continues to follow up on my educational progress, demonstrating her genuine commitment to my success,” Berko wrote.
“Mrs. Duffy consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her students feel supported and valued,” Jennifer Nkutiah wrote in her nomination.
“She always prioritizes the well-being and success of her students, finding time to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide encouragement, no matter how busy her schedule is,” Nkutiah wrote.
Melette Pearce
“Professor Pearce deserves recognition for her dedication, empathy, and her commitment to creating a positive and inclusive learning experience in such a subject that students dread having to take,” Allyson Malm wrote in her nomination.
Malm said Pearce supported her in her academic endeavors “by providing personalized feedback and encouragement to help me improve my public speaking skills and build confidence.”