Melissa Baker, a Duquesne University student, has received special recognition for her work with special needs students.

Baker was honored with the second annual Dick Williamson Work-Study Award, which is given in memory of the late director of human resources at Duquesne University. Williamson was instrumental in encouraging Duquesne University work-study students to serve as job coaches and mentors for students enrolled in the St. Anthony School Secondary Program at Duquesne University.

Baker was chosen for the award because of her dedication and commitment to the program, serving as a job coach and mentor for three years.

A resident of Forest Hill, Md., Baker is enrolled as a fifth-year speech-language pathology student in the Rangos School of Health Sciences at Duquesne.

The award was presented by Linda Williamson of Cranberry Township, Dick Williamson’s widow.

Duquesne University
Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic research universities for its award-winning faculty and tradition of academic excellence. The University is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review for its rich academic programs in 10 schools of study for 10,000-plus graduate and undergraduate students, and by the Washington Monthly for service and contributing to students’ social mobility. Duquesne is a member of the U.S. President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for its contributions to Pittsburgh and communities around the globe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges acknowledge Duquesne’s commitment to sustainability.

This release was posted on Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 at 11:11 am and is filed under Appointments & Awards, Student & Alumni Achievements.