Vince Roig and Paul J. Luna Honored with University of South Florida President's Fellow Medallion Award

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Dec 12, 2014, 05:03 ET

TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Helios Education Foundation Founding Chairman, Mr. Vince Roig and Foundation President and CEO, Mr. Paul J. Luna, will each be honored December 13, 2014 by Dr. Judy Genshaft with the University of South Florida President's Fellow Medallion Award.

The President's Fellow Medallion award, established in 1988 and conferred at the discretion of Dr. Judy Genshaft, is the university's highest award for distinguished public service.

The award recognizes Helios Education Foundation's innovative STEM Middle School Residency program which addresses the call to prepare effective teachers for the 21st century classroom by engaging them in extensive clinical experience supported by skilled practitioners. The program aims to produce, support and enhance the retention of mathematics and science teachers who enter the field ready to teach the rigorous content standards, understand the unique needs of adolescent learners and are prepared to teach diverse student populations, including those in high-need environments.

"Under your leadership, Helios [Education] Foundation and USF have built a rich history of collaboration that has benefited many in our community, region and state," wrote Dr. Genshaft in a letter to Mr. Paul J. Luna.

"We are honored to be recognized by the University of South Florida with this award. One of the fundamental beliefs of Helios Education Foundation is that we cannot do this work alone. It takes valuable partners, like the University of South Florida, who are as committed to student success as we are, to ensure our students are globally competitive and prepared for the 21^st century workforce, "said Mr. Vince Roig, Founding Chairman of Helios Education Foundation.

About Helios Education Foundation
Helios Education Foundation is focused on creating opportunities for individuals to succeed in postsecondary education by advancing the academic preparedness of all students and fostering a high-expectation, college-going culture in Arizona and Florida. The Foundation focuses its investments across the education continuum in three key impact areas: Early Grade Success, College and Career Readiness and Postsecondary Completion.

As an engaged foundation, embedded in communities across both states, the Foundation is contributing its leadership, expertise and financial resources to better prepare students for college and career and to compete successfully in a globally-competitive economy. Since 2006, Helios has invested over $155 million in education-related programs and initiatives in Arizona and Florida. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.helios.org.

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SOURCE Helios Education Foundation