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WIU alumnus Michael Cooper, right, is pictured with Emerson Executive Vice President Patrick J. Sly.
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WIU Alum Honored as Excellent St. Louis-Area Teacher

December 17, 2015

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MACOMB, IL – A Western Illinois University alumnus was honored as one of 102 St. Louis-area teachers to receive the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award.

Michael Cooper, a 2005 graduate of Western, with a degree in history, is a teacher in the Alton School District. He teaches seventh grade social studies.

Recipients were selected by their schools' administration to celebrate their achievements and dedication to teaching. The ceremony and reception, where recipients received Tiffany & Co. crystal apples, were held at the Ritz-Carlton Nov. 22.

"Emerson is proud to showcase the St. Louis-area's most dedicated educators for continuing to strengthen local students' love for learning and desire to succeed," said Patrick J. Sly, Emerson executive vice president. "It is truly our honor to support these outstanding professionals whose passion for teaching inspires and motivates their students to achieve bright futures."

Award recipients will have the opportunity to apply for a Gold Star Grant from Emerson, to be presented in spring 2016. Honorees from this year and the past five years are eligible to apply for the competitive grants, which are designed to fund educational projects. Since 2006, Emerson has awarded $440,000 to area teachers and schools through the program.

Under its Charitable Trust, Emerson gave $10.3 million to more than 640 educational organizations and institutions globally for the year ending September 2015.

Emerson, based in St. Louis (MO), works to bring technology and engineering together for customers in the industrial, commercial and consumer markets around the world.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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