AVONDALE, Arizona – The Administration of Justice Studies (AJS) program at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), one of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges, is “taking no prisoners” this fall semester. Students and faculty are being recognized for their exceptional academic performance with scholarly awards and rewards.
Two EMCC students enrolled in the AJS program were awarded with scholarships to assist them in their academic and career pursuits. Janine Zenon received a $1,000 scholarship from the Arizona Black Law Enforcement Association (ABLE), and Elena Bujanda was the recipient of two $500 scholarships by way of the Arizona Justice Educators Association (AJEA) and the F.B.I. National Academy.
These students are the result of the excellent AJS program at EMCC as evidenced by the recent recognition by the Arizona Justice Educators Association (AJEA). EMCC AJS faculty Eddie W. Zuleger was announced as the association’s 2013 Educator of the Year in recognition of his outstanding achievements, contributions and dedication to students in criminal justice education. In addition, Maricopa Community College District awarded him with the honored distinction of Professor Emeritus status.
Zuleger has been teaching AJS since for EMCC since 1990, plus serving as the AJS Program Director. He retired from teaching full-time in May 2013 but decided to serve as adjunct faculty to continue being a part of the “mind stimulation” process and helping students seeking careers in criminal justice. Many of his former students have now achieved successful careers in various criminal justice fields, including high-ranking police officers and lawyers.
Prior to his second career of teaching, Zuleger retired from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in 1990 after 21 years of service, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. Subsequently, he became a Captain with the Arizona Department of Corrections as an Investigations Manager and Manager of the Internal Affairs Unit. He holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Administration of Justice from Golden Gate University. Originally from Rhode Island, Zuleger is proud to be lifetime, “die-hard” Boston Red Sox fan.
Jim Cerven, current AJS Program Director at EMCC, has worked hard to create an academic environment of excellence and believes in allowing his faculty and students to think outside the classroom.
“Eddie’s ongoing efforts on behalf of the students at Estrella Mountain Community college truly represent the work of a professional, conscientious and dedicated educator,” said Cerven.
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