DAVENPORT — A faculty member and an adult learner have been honored by the St. Ambrose University ACCEL adult learner program.
An ACCEL instructor for close to 15 years, Paul Greufe received the 2013 ACCEL Excellence in Teaching award for his skill in “encouraging and challenging students to reach their maximum performance, ability to make learning relevant and meaningful, and capacity to engage students through innovative classroom techniques,” according to the award criteria.
Greufe, who teaches managerial studies courses, earned his bachelor’s degree from Drake University in Des Moines and his MBA from St. Ambrose. He owns his own consulting firm, P.J. Greufe and Associates, and is the director of the annual ACCEL scholarship fundraiser, the Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament.
“Paul always goes the extra mile to help anyone out,” said one ACCEL student. “Best teacher I have ever had … he was able to make learning fun, which can be hard to do,” added another student.
Student John Fury received the Debra M. Livingston Outstanding Adult Student Award for “contributions to the university and the community; successful balancing of work, family and school; and for overcoming difficult circumstances in pursuit of education.” The award was named for Debra Livingston, an adult learner who passed away shortly after completing her degree through the ACCEL program.
Fury, who served in the U.S. Marines, is completing his third year as a student in the ACCEL program. He is a member of VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) and is a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for the Scott County Sheriff’s Department. His educational and career goals include completing his bachelor of arts in accounting and becoming a Certified Public Accountant.
Bonnie Sparks-Gray, the instructor who nominated Fury, described him as openly faithful to God and his family. “John is also poised, professional, personal, pleasant and patient.”
