Herkimer College’s Center for Global Learning and Professor Bill Pelz Recognized by the Genesis Group

Herkimer County Community College‘s Center for Global Learning and Professor Bill Pelz were recently recognized at the Geneses Group’s Celebration of Education held at Hart’s Hill Inn on November 17.

The Center for Global Learning was honored as an exemplary program. Serving approximately 100 international students from more than 20 different countries each term, the Center for Global Learning provides support for international students throughout their college experience, from their first inquiry through graduation. This year, the Center for Global Learning, working with China partner, The Whitestone Academy, organized three six-month paid internships for deserving Herkimer College graduates. Each intern is currently serving as a Foreign Teacher of English and US History in Tangshan and Yantai, China until January 2017. These internships represent the College’s first outward bound travel program helping prepare all students to become productive citizens engaged in a global society.

Professor Bill Pelz, also an instructional designer for online learning, was recognized as an outstanding educator demonstrating exceptional professional qualities. Pelz began his career at Herkimer College 48 years ago. One of his most noteworthy accomplishments has been the creation and implementation of the College’s Internet Academy, which now offers 19 degree and three certification programs, as well as student support services, entirely online. Professor Pelz has received many awards in recognition of his achievements and leadership in the field of online education, and has been invited by universities in Chile and South Africa to visit their campuses and advise them on development of their online programs. Pelz continues to contribute his passion and expertise to cutting-edge advancements in pedagogy, including initiatives like Open Educational Resources (OER). He has served as a mentor to many Herkimer College faculty and academic administrators and has trained faculty throughout the SUNY system on online teaching.

The Genesis Group is a civic organization that unites business and community leaders working to advance regional economic, social and cultural interests, and to foster unity and cooperation in the Mohawk Valley region. Held annually for the past 11 years, the Celebration of Education honors educators and programs that are making a positive impact with students.