2012 Distinguished Achievement Award    

Physical education instructor honored with 2012 Distinguished Achievement Award

(GALVESTON—Texas--April 16, 2012)  Deborah Maceo, physical education facility lecturer at Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) has been selected as one of 24 outstanding members of the university’s faculty and staff to receive The Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award. Maceo received this award for Student Relations.

First presented in 1955, The university-level Distinguished Achievement Awards have been awarded to 930 professionals who exhibit the highest standards of excellence at Texas A&M.

The 2012 Distinguished Achievement Awards will be formally presented at 1:30 pm, April 25 (Wednesday), during ceremonies in Rudder Theater on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station. Maceo will receive $4,000, an engraved watch and commemorative plaque in recognition of her achievements.

TAMUG Physical Education Facility Director Jan Baldwin commended Maceo on receiving the award.

“We’re so proud of her, and we all feel lucky to work with her,” Baldwin said.  “To see how she interacts with the students is an inspiration to us all. She treats students as individuals and respects them. When you teach around someone who has that much insight and compassion, it can’t help but rub off.”

Maceo says Jan Baldwin “is a huge part of her success.”

“Jan has given me my wings,” Maceo said. “She encourages me to do what I love to do the best.”

In addition to being grateful to Baldwin, Maceo says she is grateful for the Association of Former Students acknowledgement of her efforts.

“A&M is thanking me for giving them good work,” she said. “This is my niche. It’s what I love to do.”

“When I make dancers, I try to make nice people,” Maceo said. “I have wonderful kids who walk into this office every day and allow me to help them make it. They reward me in so many ways for teaching them to keep moving and become the best of what they can be.”

And, her students would agree. Alyssa Adams, a native of Austin who is a junior majoring in Ocean and Coastal Resources applauds Maceo’s efforts.

“She’s my role model,” Adams says. “She brings sunlight to students. She’s a great teacher. Because of her, I want to be a better person. I knew I’d have to be physically active to meet the demands of my classes. And, the training in ballet and yoga she provided has helped me face the challenges of my academic schedule.

Simba Richardson, a native of Arlington who is a sophomore majoring in Ocean and Coastal Resources says Maceo “cares.”

“When I have a conversation with Deb, I know she cares, Richardson said. “I can talk with her about anything. I’m carrying 17 hours, which is a full load, and it helps to take Deb’s yoga class and have someone I can confide in. That’s very reassuring.”

Maceo received her bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education at Lamar University in 1975 and her master’s degree in Education (with a dance concentration) from University of Houston in 1995. Maceo has teacher certifications in health, physical education and dance as well as yoga. She also is certified as a First Responder.

Maceo has been a TAMUG lecturer in the Physical Education Program from 1994 to present. Her accolades, awards and activities are numerous. She was recipient of the Neches-Gulf Marine Most Effective Teacher Award in 1996 and 1997. She was Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2004 and 2005 and TAMUG Advisor of the Year in 2005. She previously received The Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award in the fall of 2006.

Before working at TAMUG, Maceo was employed at Texas City High School from 1979 to 1994 as a dance instructor, dance team director and health and physical education instructor. She was also a physical education instructor at St. Patrick’s Catholic School in Galveston, where she created the Private Elementary School Basketball League.

While working as an educator, Maceo was also involved in Galveston dance and theatre productions. From 1990 to 2001, she was an assistant instructor/choreographer at Carolyn Ehman’s Dance Academy in Galveston.

From 2000 to 2008, Maceo directed and/or choreographed stage productions in Galveston theatres including the Strand Theatre and the East End Theatre. She has directed or choreographed numerous Galveston stage productions and performances, won sweepstakes and choreography awards.

From wellness committee member to interpersonal communications teacher; from staff advisory committee member to University Women’s club Vice-President Maceo has influenced the TAMUG community. She has also influenced the Galveston community.

Maceo has been an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church serving as Eucharistic Minister in church services as well as a yoga teacher at the Newman Center. She has served as a member of various Galveston organizations or productions including the Galveston Independent School District Fine Arts Advisory Committee, the Ball High School Tornette Spring Show and the Galveston Academic Excellence Booster Club, 1997.