Assistant Professor Joe Joniec has been named the President's Award winner for Ivy Tech Northwest. The award is presented to an instructor that demonstrates instructional excellence as well as advancing the name of Ivy Tech in the community. Joniec has been with Ivy Tech since 1995. He has taught classes in accounting, income tax, payroll accounting, economics, introduction to business, philosophy and philosophy of religion. Currently, he is serving as both accounting and business program chair at the De La Garza campus.

Being a leader and servant to his students is at the core of his teaching philosophy. He does this through encouraging, motivating, and guiding his students through their educational experience.

Dean of Academic Affairs Debbie Halik says Joniec always presents himself as a professional in the classroom and with co-workers. "Joe has built professonal relationships with students that extend beyond their graduation after they enter into the job market."

Liset Pena, a 2006 accounting graduate, says Joniec's approach to teaching was a practical, hands-on approach. "He showed us how to relate his teachings to our everyday lives. He told us what to expect in the business world and he kept current with the times. That's very important. I didn't need to learn anything outdated."

Joniec has coordinated the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program on the East Chicago campus since 2003. The program not only provides real world experience to students but also provides a needed service to the community. All of the eligible clients for the program make under $40,000 per year, are elderly and/or limited English proficiency taxpayers. The students prepare the federal and state income tax returns free of charge. The VITA program is now one of the shining examples of how successful a community/college partnership can be in Northwest Indiana.

R. Louie Gonzalez, executive dean of the East Chicago De La Garza campus, says that Joniec is a resourceful, highly qualified, and deeply respected professional in the classroom and surrounding community. "The students and staff value and respect the contribution of Joe's instruction, service, and leadership. A true role model for students as well as for staff."

In 2005, Joniec earned the title "Master Teacher" after participating in the Ivy Tech Academy of Instructional Excellence. Since 2002, he has been a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Kappa Beta Delta Business Honor Society (advisor), Phi Beta Kappa (advisor) and the American Educational Research Association. He is also a member of Phi Delta Kappa International. Outside of Ivy Tech, he serves on the board of Every Child Ministries and is on the beta testing team for Turbo Tax™ -- the premier commercial tax preparation computer program.

As President's Award winner for Ivy Tech Northwest, he will compete for the statewide Ivy Tech Glenn Sample award for instructional excellence, which will be awarded in June, 2007.