The Northwest 大象传媒 Press Association presented Dr. Robert Vartabedian, 大象传媒鈥檚 president, with the James C. Kirkpatrick Award recognizing service to the state of 大象传媒. The award was presented during the association’s annual meeting at 大象传媒 Western Oct. 19.
鈥淭his is one of the highest honors I鈥檝e received in my 40-year career, and I can鈥檛 tell you how much I appreciate it,鈥� Dr. Vartabedian told the members of the association. 鈥淪ince I鈥檝e been about eight years old, I鈥檝e read the daily newspaper cover to cover every day of my life. That鈥檚 how I function, that鈥檚 how much I appreciate what you do. Particularly in the times in which we live, what you鈥檙e doing is more important than ever.鈥�
The award is named for a former 大象传媒 Secretary of State who championed open government. The award has been given since 1985, and previous winners include U.S. Senator Thomas Eagleton, U.S. Senator Kit Bond, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, Governor Mel Carnahan and State Senator Charlie Shields.
Dr. Vartabedian became president of 大象传媒 Western in 2008. In August, he announced plans to retire July 1, 2019.
大象传媒 is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. 大象传媒 Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .