WCC honors distinguished chairs
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on September 21, 2014 1:50 AM
pmoore@newsargus.com
It's a challenge recognizing outstanding educators when they won't leave class long enough to receive an award.
Dr. Kay Albertson, president of Wayne Community College, apologized for having to "fudge the truth a bit" to coax four recipients to Moffatt Auditorium on Wednesday afternoon for the 3 o'clock recognition.
Maureen Loomer, biology instructor, was so dedicated to her students that she told them she'd be back by 3:15. She thought she was there to support another member of her department, she said.
Even after the surprise announcement that she was one of two recipients of the Bell Distinguished Chair award, she tried to slip out to update her students.
Another staffer stepped in and offered to cover her class, allowing her to stay for the assembly and photos afterwards.
Two instructors received the prestigious recognition, which included a travel stipend of $5,500 each and a crystal globe. The annual award is presented to full-time curriculum or continuing education faculty members with at least five years of service at the college.
Mrs. Loomer began her career as an adjunct professor, Mrs. Albertson said, becoming full-time lead instructor for the biology department in 2005.
"A dedicated teacher, strict but fair," she was credited with being an outstanding anatomy and physiology instructor.
The other Distinguished Chair award went to Chad Pate, welding instructor.
Full-time since 2007, prior to that he had been an adjunct instructor.
He has demonstrated a commitment to student success, both inside and outside of the classroom, Mrs. Albertson said.
"One of the classes had low enrollment and they were unable to offer it. He personally called students and talked to them about other courses," she said, adding, "I don't think I have ever seen him without a smile on his face."
The Clyde Erwin Travel Award, a tribute to the college's second president, was also a travel stipend, in the amount of $1,750.
Awarded to full-time faculty members, it affords them the opportunity travel and share their experience with students and faculty.
Recipient was Beth Hooks, division chair of business and computer technologies, recognized by her peers as an outstanding leader who is "student focused, employee focused," Mrs. Albertson said.
The Alice Lancaster Professional Development Award, honoring a former WCC instructor and the wife of Martin Lancaster, past president of the state's community college system, is a $600 award allowing a staff member to participate in a professional development offering of his or her choice.
The honor went to Maria Cerra, chairperson of the cultural diversity committee and pre-curriculum math instructor.
The assembly also marked the kick-off of the annual campus fund drive for the WCC Foundation. In addition to providing faculty and staff awards and mini grants, a hefty portion of the contributions go toward student scholarships.
"The campus and the supporters of the campus, faculty and teachers have always been wonderful at supporting the Foundation," said Bill Hunter, chairman of the Foundation's board of directors. "Last year, our annual goal was met with $525,000 that went directly into scholarships for the kids, the students at this college.
"We're going to do even better this year."
The internal goal for this year's campus drive is $29,000, he said, or 18 percent of the $525,000 goal. Last year's effort provided scholarships for 368 students, he added.
After an internally produced video, featuring faculty, staff and students espousing the benefits of supporting the Foundation efforts, Mrs. Albertson challenged those in the audience to continue contributing to the cause.
"We are the Foundation," she said, reiterating the tagline used in the taped piece, "and those students that we work with every single day are deserving of being the Foundation."