NY National Guard recognizes Riverdale residents

Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, adjutant general with the New York Guard, says two of his soldiers hailing from the greater Riverdale area will serve the community, state and nation as part of the state military forces: Lt. Col. Sean Gardner and Sgt. Luis Thomas.

Gardner, who serves with the New York Guard headquarters at Camp Smith in Westchester County, achieved the NYG Achievement Award. Thomas, who serves with the 56th Area Command, achieved the New York Guard Good Conduct Medal.

Both were awarded the New York Pandemic Response Service Ribbon during unit training events between last December and February.

These members train in a volunteer rank and as a volunteer. They are paid only while on state duty during a crisis. Some of the emergencies include the impact of Covid-19.

They also supported flood control efforts along the Lake Ontario shoreline in 2019 and 2020.

The New York Guard has 500 members and is authorized to recruit some 1,000 volunteers across the state. Nearly half of its volunteers are former members of active-duty military or National Guard, who bring their knowledge and experience to the table to help the other half who have never served in the military.

Western Governors University awards local students

Three greater Riverdale residents. Four colleges. One award of excellence at Western Governors University. They were recognized for their superior level of effort within their coursework.

• Jaylene Marte, from the university’s school of education
• Chike Ozuzu, from the university’s school of business
• Tabitha Santiago, from the university’s teachers college

The nonprofit online university was established in 1997 by governors of 19 western states. It boasts more than 138,000 students nationwide, with more than 300,000 alumni.

DePauw University dean’s list

Sydney Greene of greater Riverdale was among students at DePauw University who achieved a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher, and earned a place on the school’s dean’s list.

Founded in 1837, the private liberal arts institution is located in Greencastle, Indiana, about an hour west of Indianapolis.