The 2023 recipient of the Excellence in Educating Award at Lake Region State College is Peace Officer Training Program Director Lt. John Maritato.
As the Director of the Peace Officer Training Program for the past 12 years, John is training his 47th academy class this fall.
The award, presented by the Community College Foundation, was established in 1983. Any full-time benefitted faculty member, after their fifth year of service, who has not been presented the award within the previous 10 years, is eligible for this award.
The selection process is managed by the Faculty Senate and requires written letters of nomination from faculty, staff, and/or students Maritato received nominations from both staff and students.
One of the nominating students submitted that “Lt. Maritato is an excellent choice for this award. He takes on a large role in our community and in the state. The LRSC academy is as successful as any in the country, and it is because of John’s willingness to connect with his students. I am honored to submit this nomination for John; he has made an everlasting impact on my life, my family’s life, and so many more.”
As a member of LRSC’s Police Department, John has launched an effort to formalize and equip the police department so that we are able to respond to a crime in progress should one happen on our campus. In addition, in the past 18 months, working with TrainND, John has provided over 20 Active Shooter Training sessions to 14 different school districts and colleges in the northeast region of ND.
Another nominator stated, “John holds students to the highest standard both in and out of the classroom. John is available to students and the school after hours and on weekends. His endless hours devoted to the students and their education make him worthy of this recognition.”
John was recognized by his Devils Lake area law enforcement peers when he was awarded the Lake Region Peace Officers Association Member of the Year in 2022.
For the excellence in educating recognition, Maritato was presented with an office chair engraved with the seal of the college. A nameplate also in placed on the chair inscribed with Maritato’s name and the year of the award. In addition to the award provided by the Community College Foundation, the institution will provide the recipient of the Excellence in Education Award with $2,000 for travel to an approved conference, workshop or other professional development activity to be used within the next two academic years.
