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Three Montcalm Community College instructors were recognized during the Centurion Awards Banquet on June 23 on the college’s Greenville campus.

MCC Vice President for Academic Affairs Kevin Wagenmaker recognized the award recipients, including two full-time and one part-time faculty member in recognition of their achievements and service at MCC.

“It is an honor to recognize these three outstanding individuals for their unwavering dedication, excellence in education, and profound impact on student success,” Wagenmaker said. “These individuals represent the very best of what MCC stands for — passion, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to nurturing learning and growth.”

The Leslie K. Morford Faculty Recognition Award, named for MCC emeritus instructor Morford, was presented to Chemistry Instructor Sara Rittersdorf.

Rittersdorf’s journey at MCC began as a dual-enrolled student. Today, she serves as a chemistry instructor, co-advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, chair of the Curriculum Committee, and a key contributor to the college’s strategic initiatives.

“Sara is a leader whose impact extends far beyond the classroom,” Wagenmaker said.

In nominating Rittersdorf, her students express their gratitude for the impacts she has had on their educational journey.

One student wrote, “Not only is Sara compassionate, kind, and trustworthy, but she is an excellent instructor. Chemistry is the best class I’ve taken throughout my entire college career, primarily because she was my instructor.”

Another student shared, “Professor Rittersdorf is one of the most patient and accommodating professors I have ever had. She frequently goes the extra mile to ensure every student feels supported and understood, regardless of the difficulty of the material.”

“I was so afraid of taking Chemistry, and she has supported me every step of the way. I have never experienced an instructor care so much about me and my degree. You can feel her passion for science,” another student wrote.

“Those comments speak to what makes Sara special,” Wagenmaker said. “She has a remarkable ability to make challenging concepts accessible while creating an environment where students feel supported, valued, and capable of success - while still maintaining expectations of rigor and preparation for the next level. 

“Sara’s impact also comes from her willingness to continuously innovate and improve her teaching,” Wagenmaker said, noting that she is working to integrate AI into her teaching and learning practices.

“What impressed me most wasn’t the technology itself – it was her focus on how those tools could create a better learning experience and stronger outcomes for her students. Sara is always looking for new ways to meet students where they are and help them succeed,” Wagenmaker said.

Adjunct Instructor David Pyle, of Six Lakes, received the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award. 

David is a proud MCC alumni who went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Ferris State University. Throughout his time at MCC, he has taught chemistry, physics, anatomy, and physical science through both the Early College and credit programs.

“This year marked the conclusion of MCC’s Early College program after a 10-year run. During that time, David played an important role in the program’s success, helping countless students experience college-level learning while still in high school. While the Early College chapter has come to a close, we’re fortunate that David will continue serving MCC as an adjunct instructor, continuing to make a positive impact on our students and our institution,” Wagenmaker said. 

“Before entering education, David served as a fire lieutenant with the City of Grand Rapids, and while he may have left the fire service, he certainly hasn’t lost the fire. He brings a passion, energy, and enthusiasm to teaching that students recognize immediately,” Wagenmaker said.

In nominating Pyle for this award, his students cited examples of how his impact extends far beyond the classroom.

One student wrote, “Mr. Pyle is always going above and beyond to make everyone’s day better. He is always the first to put a smile on my face.”

Another student shared, “Attending Mr. Pyle’s class makes me believe I can be more successful and take on challenges I thought were too hard.”

Perhaps one of the most telling comments came from a student who said, “He is the greatest mentor I could ask for, and I appreciate all he has done for me, especially because I am not one of his students.”

“David is someone who continually challenges the status quo of education,” Wagenmaker said. “Hebelieves learning should be active, engaging, and memorable. Whether through vaporizing pumpkins, creative demonstrations (launching things), real-world applications, or what I might call a little bit of ‘learning by fire,’ David pushes students beyond simply memorizing content and encourages them to truly experience learning.

“His impact can be seen all across campus. From supporting our trail system, or coaching students, to hiding small figurines that brighten students’ days, David invests his time, energy, and creativity into making MCC a better place,” Wagenmaker said. “What I appreciate most about David is his unwavering investment in both his students and this institution. He consistently gives more than what is asked because he genuinely cares about the success of others and about the community we are building together.”

Nursing Instructor Nicole Morris, of Cedar Springs, was recognized for achieving tenure during the 2025-2026 academic year.

“Tenure is a high honor.” Wagenmaker said. “Achieving it after three years is both a recognition of achievement and an expression of confidence in the future. It reflects the institution’s belief that an individual has demonstrated excellence in teaching, service, and professional commitment, while also possessing the potential to make a lasting impact for years to come.”

Morris joined MCC with more than 14 years of nursing experience and quickly established herself as an outstanding educator, mentor, and colleague. She earned degrees from Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, and Michigan State University, where she completed her Master of Science in Nursing as a Clinical Nurse Specialist with an education emphasis.

“Since joining our nursing faculty, Nicole has been a tremendous addition to the program,” Wagenmaker said. “She consistently receives glowing feedback from students who appreciate not only her expertise, but also the care and compassion she brings to the classroom every day.”

One student wrote, “Nicole teaches with empathy and kindness no matter what. She has the biggest heart, and I’ve never seen an instructor care for her students more.”

Another student shared, “She goes above and beyond for her students’ learning. She breaks down the material so you not only understand what you’re learning but can apply it.”

“Those comments capture what makes Nicole so effective as an educator. She has a remarkable ability to make complex concepts understandable while helping students build the confidence and critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in the nursing profession,” Wagenmaker said.

Morris also remains active in the healthcare field through her work in interventional radiology with Corewell Health.

“Her continued clinical practice ensures that what students learn in the classroom is current, relevant, and connected to the realities of today’s healthcare environment,” Wagenmaker said. “What I appreciate most about Nicole is her commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. She is always looking for ways to enhance the student experience, strengthen learning outcomes, and ensure our nursing program remains relevant to the evolving needs of the profession. In a relatively short period of time, she has helped elevate the educational experience for our nursing students and strengthened an already outstanding program.”