City University of Seattle instructor Lauriel Elsa-Gordon was recognized by Joint Base Lewis-McChord with the Distinguished Faculty Award at their annual graduation ceremony. The award recognizes recipients for their outstanding contributions in providing high quality education to service members and families of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

“I feel proud that my efforts have been recognized,” Elsa-Gordon said. “I work hard to make my lessons engaging, and to meet the students’ needs. Teaching, connecting with students and making the material work for them is what I do well. I know that it just affirms my hard work.”

Elsa-Gordon teaches courses in CityU’s Bachelor of Arts in Human Services program. She has more than 20 years of experience working in social services.

“I enjoy working with the students and I’m passionate about what I teach,” Elsa-Gordon said. “When I was doing my bachelor’s degree years ago, having a teacher stand up there and lecture didn’t help me. So I try to find videos, examples, and questions and help connect the material to what students will be doing in their jobs.”

She says she particularly enjoys working with adult learners, and especially the students at JBLM.

“I love teaching at JBLM because it’s a different character of student,” Elsa-Gordon said. “They have a military background, so they’re very focused, disciplined and communicate well with each other.”

City University of Seattle offers on-site classes at JBLM for the bachelor’s in human services, as well as bachelor’s and master’s in healthcare administration. The university also offers special military tuition rates, and services for military members and their families. Learn more on the CityU website, or by requesting more information.