RANGELY | On April 16, Elided “Eli” Silva was named the first recipient of the Becky Dubbert Memorial Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship. This scholarship rewards a student involved in the Rangely campus Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society, who will be returning for a second year with plans to have a leadership role. The scholarship of $1,500 can be used for tuition, books and/or fees.
Silva, a first-year dental hygiene student, came to CNCC from Glenwood Springs in 2015 to complete her prerequisite classes for the dental hygiene program. She fought through her fear and introversion and joined PTK, becoming an active member and a key recruiter of new students. Silva’s drive to be a voice for CNCC students grew with this experience.
For the 2018-19 academic year, Silva was voted in as secretary of PTK. In addition, she served as secretary of student government, was a resident assistant, and as a work study in the library. She will continue to serve as PTK secretary in the coming year, even with the high demands of second-year dental hygiene studies.
“My plans are to get my dental hygiene degree and then study at a university while working part-time as a hygienist,” said Silva. “I plan to get a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry with the intention of becoming a dentist one day.”
Rebecca May Hodge Dubbert was born on Feb. 7, 1965, in Mexico, Missouri. She attended the University of Missouri and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Mesa State College. She worked for many years at CNCC, serving as executive assistant to the president, public information officer, and special events coordinator. While at CNCC, Becky was active with the Beta Epsilon Tau Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.
“I am honored to receive this scholarship,” said Silva. “I feel a responsibility to represent her memory well. PTK is defined by its service and learning experience—for giving back without expecting anything in return. I want to have that set of mind throughout my career as she did.”
Special to the Herald Times
