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University of Michigan-Dearborn Names Judyth Piazza "Mentor of the Year"

"I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed." -Booker T. Washington

Vero Beach, FL - When it comes to success it seems Judyth Piazza has struck pay dirt once again. Judyth's map to achievement may not follow traditional roads but once again she finds her way to the finish line ahead of the pack.

Judyth Piazza, host of The American Perspective Radio Program and Founder of The Student Operated Press, has been chosen by The University of Michigan-Dearborn as their "Mentor of the Year Spring/Summer 2011" for her work in the field of experimental education.

Based on Judyth's excellent guidance, experience and faith she has given our interns over the past 6 years we felt that it was time that she received recognition for her unselfish and tireless approach to the field of experimental education and information dissemination," said Judy McDonald, Coordinator Humanities/History Internship Program.

In a recent interview with a University of Michigan-Dearborn student and former SOP intern, Michael Weidenhamer, Judyth was asked, Who are some of your mentors?" A lot of my mentors happen to be people I work with on a regular basis. One of them is Djelloul Marbrook. We like to call him Del. He's been in the journalism world for over 50 years and the author of several books. Marbrook is also the recipient of the 2007 Kent State University's Stan and Tom Wick First Book Prize in poetry."

According to Djelloul Marbrook, "Judyth Piazza is one of those imaginative people of boundless energy who change the world one day at a time. She has given young journalists around the world immeasurable help as they launch their careers in a period of great change in the entire communications industry. I have spent my entire life as a reporter, editor and news executive, and I think I speak authoritatively when I say the profession needs people like her to design and execute the new operational and business models needed in the 21st Century."

One of the first things that I noticed when I met Judyth was even with all of her success she still lives in a one bedroom condominium and drives a 20 year old Mazda Miata. I asked her, "Where is all of your stuff? You are definitely not living the lifestyles of the rich and famous." Judyth smiled and said, "Well, I do live in paradise, right down the street from the beach and my car is 20 years old but it is a convertible and a sweet ride." Then she looked at me with a slightly more serious face and said, "Remember wisdom and success come not from age but rather it comes from knowledge and that's what The SOP is, a collection point for knowledge."

Judyth funds operations using Google Adsense, the sale of banner ads and advertising on her radio program.

Judyth and The SOP are always looking for new writers and broadcasters of all ages from around the world. If you are interested, you can email her at judy@thesop.org.

To find out more about Judyth Piazza, The American Perspective and The Student Operated Press, visit www.thesop.org.

To find out more about University of Michigan-Dearborn, visit http://www.umd.umich.edu/