Jeremy Thomas describes himself as someone "who always enters competitions and never wins anything."

Thomas, 24, of Norristown, proved himself wrong recently when the 2018 Montgomery County Community College graduate was chosen to receive the Dr. Martin Gelman Excellence in Psychology Award. The award is named for Montco’s first chairperson of the Social Sciences, who taught at Montco from 1964 until his retirement in 2011.

It makes me feel that there’s nothing that I can’t accomplish within the discipline

The fact that only one student receives the award every graduating semester means a great deal to Thomas.

"This means that I have a lot of grit," Thomas said. "It means that I can achieve what I set out to achieve. It makes me feel that there’s nothing that I can’t accomplish within the discipline."

Thomas, who holds a law degree from the University of London, said he plans to continue his psychology studies at Penn State University Abington in the fall. He hopes to one day offer marriage counseling services or become involved in a psychology business.

As a London transplant who began his studies at Montco soon after to moving to the United States, Thomas credits Psychology Assistant Professor Dr. Marla Sturm with not only introducing him to the field, but also helping him become acquainted with American culture.

"She always made me feel welcome," Thomas said. "She tried to bridge that communication gap. In my country things are a lot different."

When Dr. Sturm spearheaded a lunch and learn session that morphed into the creation of a Psychology Club, Thomas served as an officer in the club. He said he enjoyed research and "giving back to the community" through the club’s philanthropic efforts. Dr. Sturm also nominated him for the Excellence in Psychology Award.

During his time at Montco, Thomas maintained a good academic standing. When he was not busy in class or studying, he assisted fellow students with registering for classes.

"Your accomplishments would have filled Dr. Gelman’s heart with joy," said Psychology Assistant Professor Dr. Steven Baron. "You have an unbelievable work ethic, and you go above and beyond."

"Professor Gelman was adored by the faculty," said Dean of Social Sciences Dr. Aaron Shatzman. "This award was not instituted by the College but conceived by the faculty in his honor."

Dr. Gelman served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and was a lead navigator in Italy in the 15th Air Force, 450th Bombardment Group. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, among other medals and honors, and he flew 50 combat missions.

Upon his return, he worked full-time and earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at night at LaSalle University. He later earned two doctoral degrees - one in Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania and the other in Psychology from Temple University. He was among the first professors hired at Montco in 1964. In 1999, he received the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award. He also served as Mace Bearer at commencement for many years. In 2017, Gelman passed away at the age of 96.