APASA Director Earns Outstanding Staff Award
In a surprise presentation, Marc Johnston was honored with a University of Arizona Asian American Faculty, Staff and Alumni award.
Johnston, director of The University of Arizona's Asian Pacific American Student Affairs, received the UA organization's Outstanding Staff Award.
The award is typically handed out during the UA organization's annual awards and scholarship celebration, which will be held Nov. 14 this year.
Johnston is credited with enhancing the diversity and cultural awareness within the UA's Asian Pacific American community through programs and services.
During his directorship, Johnston helped coordinate numerous films, workshops, performances and other events to connect the community from within and across the community.
Because Johnston is leaving the UA next month to begin a doctoral program at the University of California, Los Angeles, the organization opted to give him the award during a surprise ceremony.
"AAFSAA Board wanted to acknowledge Marc's contributions of exemplary leadership and passionate leadership service to the mission of APASA and in the interests of students at The University of Arizona," said Theodore Tong, associate dean for the UA College of Pharmacy.
"I know many of his colleagues in particular those
associated with student affairs and the cultural centers will miss his presence and influence," Tong said, who is also the AAFSAA president.
Tong nominateed Johnston for the award, stating that his leadership at the cultural center "has been exemplary and meritorious."
During his directorship, Johnston workeld to raise awarness of issues related to race, ethnicity and diversity within the University, Tong noted in his letter. Tong also noted that it was Johnston's goal to create both an inclusive and supportive environment for students through various organizations and activities.
"He has successfully provided oversight and tireless direction to APASA and to ensure the center’s continuing growth and relevance to the interests of Asian Pacific American students," Tong wrote.
He noted that Johnston helped organize a month-long UA celebration during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and was also part of a group that developed the UA's first Asian American studies course.
In a nomination letter for Johnston, Cheryl Tomoeda, associate director of development for the UA College of Science, acknowledged Johnston's contributions to the student center.
"I have observed Marc to be genuinely gracious, remarkably insightful, forward thinking, and thoughtful," Tomoeda wrote. "Marc is a strong leader who demonstrates extraordinary collaborative skills. These are important traits for students to observe and emulate."