Laura Ahumada, Brookhaven senior academic advisor, was named a Texas A&M University Very Important Counselor. She also earned the V.I.C. recognition in 2018. The award includes a $1,000 TAMU scholarship for a student of her choosing.
Ahumada was selected "for going above and beyond the call" by TAMU Regional Advisor, Gretchen Ruiz.
Plans to honor awardees with an afternoon of "food and celebration" had to be abandoned due to COVID-19 personal distancing restrictions. Instead, recipients will be treated to a curbside to-go luncheon at an Arlington restaurant on April 21.
The current challenges, however, do not dampen the spirit the V.I.C. award represents. It remains a testament to the dedication of individuals committed to their mission of supporting students.
Oscar Lopez, vice president of student services at Brookhaven, extended his congratulations in an email commending Ahumada's efforts as an exemplification "of our college core values of Learning, Service, Diversity and Excellence."
The Very Important Counselor program was established in 2005 to recognize counselors who demonstrate leadership, commitment and excellence in their profession and in their support of student access to higher education, according to the Texas A&M website.