CEI Director Claudia Luke Honored as SSU Educator of the Year!
CEI Director Claudia Luke has been named Educator of the Year by Sonoma State Administration. The award is part of the Rotary Club of Rohnert Park–Cotati’s annual Community Service Awards.
These awards honor educators, first responders, community volunteers, and others who embody the Rotary’s principle of service above self.
Luke said she was honored by the award, but that it represents the work she does with her team at CEI. “I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the CEI team, and to have the chance to do this work with such creative, thoughtful, and dedicated people,” said Luke.
“While the award has my name on it, it really reflects the incredible work of everyone at CEI,” she said. “From creating transformative learning experiences to building strong partnerships in the community, everything we do is a team effort – and it’s that collective impact that’s being recognized here.”
Luke and other honorees were honored at a Rotary event on Friday, May 23 at Sally Tomatoes. In introducing Luke for the award SSU Interim President Dr. Emily Cutrer said, “Dr. Luke bridges science and public service in powerful ways, and she's inspired all of us to think bigger, act bolder, and care more deeply.”
"Dr. Luke has redefined what community engagement in higher education looks like, (because) her work goes beyond programs and numbers. It’s about partnerships,” Cutrer said. “She leads with purpose, and lives out the Rotary motto of service above self. Her commitment to environmental resilience, access to education, and inclusive problem solving makes her a stand out, not just in our region, but across the state.”
Luke’s stewardship of CEI has led to CEI becoming more integral to SSU’s identity and has facilitated increased partnerships among faculty, researchers, community, and organizational partners seeking real-world solutions to the region’s environmental challenges.