The Nakama Award
In 1995, Eileen Coughlin, Vice President for Student Affairs and Academic Support Services, introduced a new tradition of acknowledging staff members and their contributions with a Nakama award. Each year, division members have an opportunity to nominate a colleague who has fostered the division’s traditions by excelling in any of the following areas:
 Congratulations Sally Abbott and John Fuchs, NAKAMA's 2011 award recipients.
The nomination for Nakama Award winner Sally Abbott stated that "every word that is written on the WWU mission statement has Sally's name written on it." Sally has worked as a custodian at Western for 28 years, in many residence halls, and is currently working in Mathes Hall. Sally's nomination noted how deeply she cares for our students. She would give time out of a busy work day to talk to a student regarding school, home or any other related problems. When parents come to the opening day of school, Sally is there to meet them, to reassure them that their son or daughter will be okay. In meetings she always asks a lot of questions as well as answering them. Sally has a vast knowledge of what is required of her and is well thought of by her colleagues. Her laughter is contagious. Our second Nakama Award winner is our women's rowing coach, John "Fuzzy" Fuchs. John's commitment to supporting student success and attending to the development of these students as scholars, athletes and successful adults will be the largest component of his legacy. One of the nominations received stated that John exemplifies what the Nakama Award is all about. He's committed to the development and support of the women on his team, and to promoting their success. He is "the ultimate motivator, teacher, and winner." John has been an outstanding ambassador for Western and the division, garnering national attention for his team and the institution. In his 14th year as head coach of the women's rowing team, he has directed the Vikings to seven straight NCAA Division II National Team Championships – a feat unmatched by any coach or team in any NCAA division. He has also coached 20 Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) All-Americans, and been named CRCA Division II National Coach of the Year three times. Congratulations to both of our award recipients!The following individuals have received Nakama awards:
Their names have been added to a plaque that resides in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Academic Support Services. |
Page Updated
09.28.2011
