Foothill College student Michael N. Sullivan of Palo Alto has been named one of only two recipients of the national Terry O'Banion Student Technology Champion Award sponsored by the Microsoft Corporation and the League for Innovation in the Community College. Sullivan was selected from a field of nominations from League for Innovation institutions, of which Foothill College is a member. The award includes a $5,000 scholarship and a variety of Microsoft software products. Microsoft sponsors the awards in honor of Terry O'Banion, president emeriti of the League.

Sullivan was chosen for the award based on his talent and interest in a technology career, and a need for financial assistance in meeting his career goal. "Michael's outstanding record of personal achievement and his passion for technology, and dedication to his goal of becoming a self-supporting computer systems specialist are inspirational," said Microsoft's Diana Carew, Workforce Development/Community College Relations manager.

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Sullivan is completing an Associate in Science Degree in Data Communications & Network Management at Foothill. He intends to transfer to the University of California at Santa Cruz to complete a bachelor's degree in management information systems. While at Foothill, he has maintained a 3.0 grade point average and is an active member of the college's Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society and Circle K Club.

In addition to Sullivan, the award was also presented to Todd Eberhardt, a student at St. Louis Community College-Meramac in Missouri.

A long-time member of the League for Innovation in the Community College, Foothill College is recognized throughout the country for its commitment to student success and academic excellence. The League is the only major international association specifically committed to improving community colleges through innovation, experimentation and institutional transformation. CEOs from some of the most influential, resourceful and dynamic community colleges in the world comprise the League's board of directors. These community colleges are joined by more than 700 institutions that are members of the League's Alliance.