Washington State University Vancouver on Monday announced its 2017 awards for research, student achievement and teaching.
Candice Goucher, professor of history, will receive the Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence, according to a WSU Vancouver news release. The award is given to a faculty member performing “exemplary research.
Goucher’s research focuses on African history and culture, and has been recognized for her writing and film about African foodways, metallurgy and culture. She is also a founder of the Center for Social and Environmental Justice at WSU Vancouver.
Goucher’s work has been recognized by the World History Association, the Society for Visual Anthropology, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Huntington Library. Her 2014 book “Congotay! Congotay!” won the National and World Gourmand Awards for best book on Caribbean food.
Goucher has a master’s degree in art history and archaeology from Columbia University, and a doctorate in African history from the University of California Los Angeles.
Julian Rivas, who will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences with a concentration in human resources and a certificate in case management, will receive the Chancellor’s Award for Student Achievement. The award recognizes a student’s “love of learning,” especially in the face of barriers.
Rivas was a “troubled youth” who will now graduate summa cum laude, according to the school. He earned his associate’s degree at Lower Columbia College while working full time. At WSU Vancouver, he has interned with the Student Financial Services and Admissions office and was a technical research assistant in the human development department.
He is active in the Latino Student Association, Latino Outreach Committee and Human Resources Society. He also volunteers with organizations that support low-income families.
Enrique Brouwer, instructor of psychology and of foreign languages and cultures, will receive the Students’ Award for Teaching and Excellence. Students nominate professors for the award based on their dedication to students.
Brouwer joined WSU Vancouver in 2011 after working as an executive coach. He’s taught personnel psychology, human resources administration and cross cultural communications. Students called him “motivational and inspirational,” and an asset to helping students launch their own careers.
Brouwer has a master’s degree in human services administration from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vt.
The awards will be presented at this year’s commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. May 6 at the Sunlight Supply Amphitheater at 17200 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield. The ceremony is free and open to the public.
