Allan Hancock College, on May 20, honored the dedication and service of 16 retiring faculty and staff members during a heartfelt ceremony that celebrated decades of contributions to student success.
Allan Hancock College’s retiring faculty and staff members were honored for their decades of contributions to student success. (Courtesy photo)
This year’s retirees, who contributed a combined 323 years of service to the college, include full and part-time faculty members, classified staff and other employees from the college’s many programs and departments.
“Our retiring employees have devoted years of talent, care and hard work to supporting our students and strengthening this college community,” said President Kevin G. Walthers, Hancock superintendent.
“Their influence can be seen not only in the programs they helped build, but in the countless lives they impacted along the way,” he said.
Among this year’s retirees were Hancock faculty members Jody Derry and Derek Jon Mitchem, both recognized for their 30-year careers educating students.
Derry, a business professor, was recognized for her dedication to student success, mentorship of faculty, and unwavering support for students pursuing career opportunities.
Mitchem, a professor of mathematical sciences, was honored for his leadership, commitment to accessible learning, and commitment to his students.
“I will miss the welcoming, friendly vibe at AHC,” Mitchem said. “I remember that from Day One, back in 1996.
“After years of feeling taken for granted and even looked down on as a part-timer at multiple other colleges, I was surprised to realize that everyone was so nice at Hancock.”
Non-faculty honorees included longtime Hancock staff such as MESA/STEM academic specialist Dorine Mathieu and administrative coordinator Espie Valenzuela, who retired after serving the college for 22 years and 25 years respectively.
Valenzuela worked across several college departments, including Financial Aid, Counseling, Student Services, and Finance and Administration, and was widely admired for her professionalism, attention to detail and warm personality.
Mathieu played a key role in supporting the college’s growing MESA/STEM program, and helped create a welcoming academic home for hundreds of STEM students, while providing mentorship, resources and encouragement along the way.
Another staff member, Pam Storie, university transfer specialist, retired after nearly two decades of service at Hancock’s University Transfer Center, where she became a trusted guide and advocate for countless transfer students, the school said.
Known for her warmth and unwavering commitment to student success, Storie helped coordinate major transfer events; organized university tours; and worked to ensure students felt supported and empowered throughout their educational journeys.
“I’m going to miss the students and all my friends and colleagues at the UTC,” Storie said. “I’d like to thank all of the faculty and staff for their friendship and for the appreciation and encouragement they gave me every day.”
The full list of this year’s retirees includes: Raul Aldama, Financial Aid Specialist, 11 years; David DeGroot Articulation Officer, 25 years; Jody Derry, Professor of Business, 30 years; Cathy Farley, District Police Chief, 7 years; Jesse Garcia, Maintenance Specialist and Painter, 19 years.
Also, Ron Lovell, Professor of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, 23 years; Maryfran Marecic, Fine Arts Administrative Assistant, 6 years; Sara Marshall, Enrollment Services Technician, 19 years; Dorine Mathieu, MESA/STEM Academic Specialist, 22 years; Megan McComas, Associate Professor of Nursing, 11 years.
Derek Jon Mitchem, Professor of Mathematical Sciences, 30 years; Anita Rolon, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Studies, 26 years; Pamela Storie, University Transfer Center Technician, 20 years; Espie Valenzuela Administrative Coordinator, 25 years; Julie Vasques, Counselor, 20 years and Mina Yavari, Mathematical Sciences Professor, 29 years.
Hancock also recognized Chris Eachus, James Houlis, Erin Krier, Kurt Kruse, Amanda Lombard, Shavaun Maxson, Karina Novoa, Amy Rice, Spencer Schultz, Donald Stewart and Kacie Willis as newly tenured faculty during the ceremony.