Dr. Jacques Benninga (Curriculum and Instruction, professor emeritus/chair emeritus) was chosen as the 2018 Honoree at the Week of the Young Child (WOYC) reception hosted by the Central California Chapter of the California Association for the Education of Young Children. The event celebrates early learning, young children, their teachers, and families. Kendra Mull, WOYC chair, stated that Dr. Benninga has had an incredible impact upon countless students and teachers. She said he was selected because of "unwavering devotion to the field of early education" and "continued drive to pursue the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity and civic and social responsibility."