EMCC sophomore Matthew Addy, left, and Information Systems Technology instructor Andrew B. Sesser, right, were named EMCC’s 2015-16 HEADWAE (Higher Education Appreciation Day, Working for Academic Excellence) Award recipients at a luncheon in Jackson.

    JACKSON – An East Mississippi Community College student and teacher were recognized among the best in higher education in the state at an awards luncheon at the Mississippi State Capitol.

    Sophomore Matthew Addy of College Station, Texas, and Information Systems Technology instructor Andrew B. Sesser were named EMCC’s 2015-16 HEADWAE (Higher Education Appreciation Day, Working for Academic Excellence) Award recipients at a luncheon that took place Feb. 2. At the banquet, a student and teacher from each community college and university in Mississippi were recognized for their outstanding work.

    “The represented EMCC quite well at the banquet,” EMCC President Dr. Thomas Huebner said.

    The Appreciation Day is the Legislature’s way of saying “thank you” to these students and faculty for their commitment to the future of Mississippi. Each year, honorees are invited to the state capitol where they are welcomed by the lieutenant governor and recognized in each chamber of the Legislature. A luncheon follows during which each student and faculty honoree is recognized in front of their guests, institution leaders, corporate sponsors, and legislators.

    Addy, the son of Noel and Shelley Addy, is the student chapter president of the Association of Information Technology Professionals at EMCC. He is majoring in computer networking technology.

    “I chose this path because it is ever-growing,” Addy said. “The job possibilities are all the way across the board: from PC repair, to network security, to systems administration, or a combination of all of them. The career field has enough options to explore, and become proficient at, that learning is always a must.”

    “Matthew is a hard worker and he always is willing to help others to brush up on their skills,” Sesser said of Addy, who is one of Sesser’s students.

    Sesser earned an associate’s in applied science degree from EMCC in 2005. He was awarded professional certifications in A+, Network+ and Security+.

    Sesser, who has worked for EMCC nine years, lives in Starkville with his wife, Amy. They have a son, Rain, and daughter, Maisy.

    Sesser, the co-sponsor for EMCC’s Association of Information Technology Professionals, credits his mother, who was a teacher, for influencing his career path.

    “I wanted to make a difference in education by being someone who is passionate and fun to learn with, and from,” Sesser said. “If money was my only goal in life, I would have chosen a different profession.”

    Sesser said helping students grasp new concepts is one of the things he most likes about teaching.

    “I also love the fact that in my field staying current is a must, so I am always learning new things about equipment, students and myself,” Sesser said. “I love what I do so much it is not a job. It is a time for me to work with more technology.”