Bellevue College has conferred the first of five biennial Lockwood Distinguished Faculty Awards, with a prize of $10,000, on Ron Radvilas of Kingston.

Radvilas developed and now leads the college’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree program in Radiation and Imaging Sciences, in addition to chairing BC’s Radiologic Technology associate degree program.

Lee Kraft, outgoing Chairman of the Bellevue College Board of Trustees and a Trustee of the Lockwood Foundation, made the presentation at the June 17 Bellevue College Board of Trustees meeting.

Radvilas joined the BC faculty in 1980. Since then he has earned a reputation as an exceptional educator and innovator, according to Kraft.

“The list of Ron’s contributions is lengthy, but at the top has to be his vision and leadership in creating our first baccalaureate degree program,” said Jean Floten, president of Bellevue College. “This program contributes to the well-being of the entire region by addressing a severe shortage of medical professionals in the field of Radiation and Imaging,” she said.

Bellevue College’s first class of seniors in Radiation and Imaging Sciences, totaling 19 students, graduated June 18.

Radvilas also was honored for his success over the years in developing BC’s Radiologic Technology associate degree program.

According to Floten, he has made room for more students, strengthened alliances with clinical sites and established collaborative relationships such as that with Columbia Basin College in Pasco, which brings the benefits of a degree program in radiologic technology to students and medical consumers east of the Cascade Mountains.

She said Radvilas also is widely acknowledged as an extraordinary educator, known especially for his skill in engaging students through individual encouragement and his ability to build in them a commitment to professionalism, compassionate patient care and lifelong learning.