2008 Woodie Awards
Bruehl brings life to ASC
Jeff Lavery
Issue date: 3/1/05 Section: News Stories
- Page 1 of 1
While time waits for no man, it can't take his spirit.
According to Allen Bruehl, age will never change who he is.
"I'm probably less of this now then 15 years ago, but I consider myself a free spirit," said Bruehl.
Bruehl embodies an attitude that's used to getting things done - an important aspect for the role he plays at Assumption.
Bruehl is the director of the Academic Support Center, the tutoring center serving the Assumption College community. During his time with ASC, the center has grown from 15 peer tutors to over 40, with all major disciplines represented.
The center opened in August of 1992, and to Bruehl's surprise, it didn't match the marginalized demographic he expected.
"We are a player in the academic fabric of Assumption," said Bruehl. "Higher education consists of the different threads."
English Professor Becky DiBiasio agrees, noting that Bruehl's involvement throughout the campus has proved to be hugely beneficial, especially at meetings.
"Allen brings organizational ability, terrific negotiating skills, terrific listening skills - and often food - to meetings," said DiBiasio. "Allen is a volunteer - and when he offers to do something he comes through with the goods, every time."
The Academic Support Center started in the Media Center on Assumption's campus. With one room, the immediate popularity of the Center eventually lead to holding tutorials in the hallways of the Media Center.
"We became so busy that we needed more space," said Bruehl. "The then-director of the library offered me space in the library, and the more we talked about it, the more it seemed ideal. Although I had asked for an entire building, I decided it couldn't hurt to try."
It is this passion which gets noted by head tutor Katie Burke, a senior who tutors in History.
"I admire his passion for his career, and his ability to work well with all sorts of people," said Burke.
The Academic Support Center and all of its tutors are certified by the College Reading and Learning Association, a group that provides certification to meet two major criteria. According to their official website, "The purpose of this program is twofold. First, it provides recognition and positive reinforcement for tutors' successful work from an international organization, CRLA. Second, its certification process sets a standard of skills and training for tutors." These certifications are available once certain requirements have been met, such as ten hours of training and 25 hours of experience. Further, these requirements must be met for each level of certification - regular, advanced, and master.
Beyond this, Bruehl and his co-workers also appreciate the basics - a smile, for example. Writing tutor Senior Shelly Bryan always knows what Allen will be willing to do.
"Whenever I walk into the ASC, whether it was to tutor or just to visit, Allen always greets me with a smile," said Bryan. "He always has a funny anecdote to share, and no matter how my day was going, his laughter always cheers me up."
While Bruehl understands that he is still very much a free spirit in his own mind, his life has changed. However, he knows one thing will never change.
"I consider myself a teacher," said Bruehl. "I don't want to limit myself in terms of possibilities, and I love teaching. Whether it is to other students or to Noah, my son, I love teaching.
"The whole thing is a teaching endeavor, and helping people to become better teachers - well, that's really gratifying."
Senior
English
According to Allen Bruehl, age will never change who he is.
"I'm probably less of this now then 15 years ago, but I consider myself a free spirit," said Bruehl.
Bruehl embodies an attitude that's used to getting things done - an important aspect for the role he plays at Assumption.
Bruehl is the director of the Academic Support Center, the tutoring center serving the Assumption College community. During his time with ASC, the center has grown from 15 peer tutors to over 40, with all major disciplines represented.
The center opened in August of 1992, and to Bruehl's surprise, it didn't match the marginalized demographic he expected.
"We are a player in the academic fabric of Assumption," said Bruehl. "Higher education consists of the different threads."
English Professor Becky DiBiasio agrees, noting that Bruehl's involvement throughout the campus has proved to be hugely beneficial, especially at meetings.
"Allen brings organizational ability, terrific negotiating skills, terrific listening skills - and often food - to meetings," said DiBiasio. "Allen is a volunteer - and when he offers to do something he comes through with the goods, every time."
The Academic Support Center started in the Media Center on Assumption's campus. With one room, the immediate popularity of the Center eventually lead to holding tutorials in the hallways of the Media Center.
"We became so busy that we needed more space," said Bruehl. "The then-director of the library offered me space in the library, and the more we talked about it, the more it seemed ideal. Although I had asked for an entire building, I decided it couldn't hurt to try."
It is this passion which gets noted by head tutor Katie Burke, a senior who tutors in History.
"I admire his passion for his career, and his ability to work well with all sorts of people," said Burke.
The Academic Support Center and all of its tutors are certified by the College Reading and Learning Association, a group that provides certification to meet two major criteria. According to their official website, "The purpose of this program is twofold. First, it provides recognition and positive reinforcement for tutors' successful work from an international organization, CRLA. Second, its certification process sets a standard of skills and training for tutors." These certifications are available once certain requirements have been met, such as ten hours of training and 25 hours of experience. Further, these requirements must be met for each level of certification - regular, advanced, and master.
Beyond this, Bruehl and his co-workers also appreciate the basics - a smile, for example. Writing tutor Senior Shelly Bryan always knows what Allen will be willing to do.
"Whenever I walk into the ASC, whether it was to tutor or just to visit, Allen always greets me with a smile," said Bryan. "He always has a funny anecdote to share, and no matter how my day was going, his laughter always cheers me up."
While Bruehl understands that he is still very much a free spirit in his own mind, his life has changed. However, he knows one thing will never change.
"I consider myself a teacher," said Bruehl. "I don't want to limit myself in terms of possibilities, and I love teaching. Whether it is to other students or to Noah, my son, I love teaching.
"The whole thing is a teaching endeavor, and helping people to become better teachers - well, that's really gratifying."
Senior
English