Levy C. Hiers-Perez Wins Blazer Creed Award at VSU

Levy C. Hiers-Perez from the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services is the recipient of Valdosta State University’s 2024 Blazer Creed Award for Civility. He joined the VSU faculty in 2016. He currently serves as coordinator for the Department of Teacher Education’s American Sign Language/English Interpreting Program, where he also teaches courses in ASL, interpreting, and Deaf education. He is pictured with Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, president of VSU.

VALDOSTA — Levy C. Hiers-Perez from the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services is the recipient of Valdosta State University’s 2024 Blazer Creed Award for Civility.

As the Blazer Creed states, VSU is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect, in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The university is dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice the following:

Civility — A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.

Integrity — Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.

Citizenship — Every Blazer has an interest in the wellbeing of the community and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.

 “The Blazer Creed Award is such an honor,” Hiers-Perez said. “I look forward to working with students and colleagues and being a part of the Blazer Nation!”

Hiers-Perez joined the VSU faculty in 2016. He currently serves as coordinator for the Department of Teacher Education’s American Sign Language/English Interpreting Program, where he also teaches courses in ASL, interpreting, and Deaf education.  

He said the best part about his job is “guiding students to pursue their goal of becoming an ASL interpreter or teacher of the Deaf and hard of hearing.”