It was with great pleasure that the Ross Medical Education Center campus in New Baltimore, Michigan got to announce their Regional Faculty Member of the Year during their quarterly faculty meeting that took place recently. Terry LeBending, an instructor in the Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration program in New Baltimore, has made an everlasting impact on the students who have been fortunate enough to have her as their instructor. Here is the letter that was submitted with her nomination back in May 2016.
“It is with total confidence and great pride that I compose this letter to recommend Ms. Terry Lebendig as a candidate for Ross Medical Education Center’s Outstanding Faculty of the Year. Ms. Lebendig is a problem-solver, an innovator, and a dynamic member of our Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration team. Her enthusiasm, love, and passion for teaching, and her students, is made evident on a daily basis. Whether it is when she is making “brain” cupcakes, “vegetable” skeletons or taking her students on a “sensory walk” to check heart rates, she definitely takes learning to new levels with her classes and ensures a fun and interactive learning environment.
“Terry began her most recent journey with Ross in September 2007, and she still strives to inspire and impact all those she comes in contact with each day. She has mastered the elusive art of being firm but fair, having rules yet maintaining relationships, and has maintained a close relationship with many of her past students.
“While ensuring that she covers some of the most challenging curriculum, she can still reach a troubled or struggling student with simple, yet profound instincts and empathy coupled with complete professionalism. Likewise, she can accelerate and challenge her brightest of students because of professional development experiences and innovations she has pursued and mastered within the medical community. There have been many days that Terry will be counseling a student in the hall and reminding them why they chose to attend classes here. Her constant encouragement, compassion, and medical experiences has made her one the greatest assets of the New Baltimore campus.
“Terry has a calling on her life, and that calling is teaching. She teaches her students to strive for excellence, to love medicine, and to respect each other. Also, she teaches all of us, as her peers, to give our best for our students, to wear a smile, to have faith, and to remember that the storms of life can often produce beautiful rainbows and new growth.”
The New Baltimore campus is so thankful for Mrs. LeBendig and all that she offers to her students and to Ross. They are very proud of her hard work and accomplishments.