Back to newspaper home page

"This skilled, innovative pioneer captures the attention and respect of those with whom he comes in contact," said Emily Vescogni, director of learning technologies, one of two staff members who nominated Rambo for the award.

She continued: "His reach stretches beyond the boundaries of our college. He leaves us all with a desire to learn and to share. He is a teacher in the fullest essence, taking full advantage of instructional technology to enhance teaching and learning. And he's humble."

After being notified of his selection, Rambo said, "I thank everyone involved for the recognition while being fully aware of all of the outstanding instructors here at IVCC."

He continued: "We are often too busy moving ahead to pause and reflect on what we have accomplished. Being recognized for this award has given me a chance to reflect with much satisfaction on my career here at IVCC and on the great students, staff, and faculty who make teaching at IVCC a pleasure."

In 1999, Rambo created the first online class for IVCC. Since that time he has taught two sections of English composition online each semester.

For the past three years he has been teaching a Faculty Summer Institute to help instructors work with new learning technologies. Last summer, he was invited to demonstrate his online course as an exemplary one at Illinois Online Network's institute.

Nursing instructor Kim Abel, who also nominated Rambo for the award, credits Rambo for helping her and other nursing instructors learn the test pilot program.

"Randy has had a big impact on the nursing students," she said, explaining that becoming comfortable with computer testing is necessary for the students to do well on the board exams.

"I think Randy's major contribution to the college is leading the way into new ways of teaching," Abel said. "It is a lot of work to be the trailblazer and then to be the person people turn to when they follow his path and have questions and problems."

Vescogni noted that Rambo "truly believes in the Internet as a sharing tool -- as it was originally intended."

Rambo, who has been teaching at IVCC for ten years, organizes IVCCs Annual High School Writing Competition and serves on the college's Technology Team and Teaching and Learning Technology Roundtable.

He has an A.A from Lincoln Land Community College, and a B.A. and M.A., both in English, from SIU.

Rambo will be presented with his award at the Annual State Recognition Event May 3. He will receive $500 and also be honored at the National Institute for State and Organizational Development Conference at the University of Texas in Austin.

The process for selecting this year's winner began with nominations from faculty, staff and students. The steering committee for the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Assessment reviewed the nominations and recommended three candidates as finalists. Full time faculty and counselors ranked the three.