Criminal Justice Student Honored at National Conference

Wednesday, June 06, 2012

PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND (June 6, 2012) Clinton Community College student, Tanner Hooker of Rouses Point is being honored nationally at the Northeastern Association of Criminal Justice Sciences (NEACJS) Conference.

Hooker, a criminal justice major, is the winner of the Patrick J. Ryan Community College Student Scholarship.The scholarship is presented in honor of Patrick J. Ryan to recognize his many contributions to the field of criminal justice higher education. As a non-traditional student and life- long learner, Dr. Ryan was a role model for all students to emulate. This NEACJS Scholarship is awarded annually to a student pursing a lower division two-year degree in Criminal Justice or Criminology. The scholarship award includes a one-year student membership to NEACJS and a $750 cash award.

Assistant Professor Diana Wardell nominated Tanner saying in part, “Mr. Hooker brings great enthusiasm, diligence, and a wonderful perspective to every class. He is thoughtful and respectful of his classmates, and helps to facilitate discussion in class. Mr. Hooker is a combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the recipient of a Purple Heart.”

In addition, Criminal Justice Department Chair, Professor John A. Mockry and Criminal Justice Assistant Professor, Diana Wardell are also attending the conference. Professor Mockry plays an active role in the conference each year serving as the Chairperson of the “Student Papers Contest” and moderator. Professor Mockry is currently the 2^nd Vice President but will be promoted to Vice President and the 2013 Conference Program Chair.

Clinton Community College Alumnus, Carlton Hall was the Patrick J. Ryan Scholarship winner for 2011. This year’s conference runs from June 6-9^th in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.