NISD Recognizes UIW at Outstanding Partner of the Year Awards

San Antonio – UIW Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness Director of Assessment Dr. Glenn James and UIW’s Rosenberg School of Optometry and Eye Clinic were recognized by Northside Independent School District (NISD) at the 2014 Outstanding Partner of the Year Awards Reception.  This NISD annual event recognizes NISD’s best business and community partners.

James was recognized as the 2014 Outstanding Individual at the high school level. This category recognizes an outstanding mentor or individual who works directly with students, teachers, and/or schools in a manner positively impacting student achievement. James has served on the John Jay High School Science and Engineering Academy’s Advisory Board for seven years and has promoted a positive image of the Academy at UIW and throughout the community.  In addition, James has been instrumental in securing more than $1 million in scholarships for Jay students in addition to the seven awarded by UIW totaling $40,000 each year for outstanding projects presented at the Jay Science and Engineering Fair. “James’ impact on the John Jay Science and Engineering Academy has gone far beyond his substantial personal contributions. His inspiration has caused a ripple effect that continues to mobilize other community members to support and promote student success at the Science and Engineering Academy,” said Jay Sumpter, Academy principal.

The UIW Rosenberg School of Optometry (UIWRSO) represented by Dr. James Chapman and the Essilor Vision Foundation represented by Patrick Esquerre were recognized as Outstanding Business and Community Organization Partners of the Year.  This category recognizes a business or community group working directly with students, teachers, schools on a one-time or ongoing basis. In 2013, NISD’s Student, Family, and Community Services Department partnered with UIW and the Essilor Vision Foundation to provide more than 420 students in elementary and middle school with free eye exams and free glasses. NISD students were transported to UIWRSO on Datapoint where optometry students, supervised by their professors, learned the intricacies of conducting eye exams on young children. After their eye exam the students were able to choose their glasses provided by the Essilor Vision Foundation. Pablo an elementary age student quoted Maya Angelou in his thank you note, “‘They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel.’ Thank you for the glasses, from Pablo.”

CONTACT:    Margaret Garcia, associate director public relations, (210) 829-6001,mlgarci2@uiwtx.edu