Honor an Educator Awards

Badel, Nick

Manager, Golf Outreach, Tiger Woods Learning Center

Nick Badel, the Manager of Golf Outreach for the Tiger Woods Learning Center, has been an outstanding educator for the past 4 years. He has conducted outreach to local elementary schools in Anaheim and Garden Grove to create awareness of the Tiger Woods Learning Center and expose the great game of golf. To date he has taught golf to 15,000 5th and 6th grade students and 6,000 kids in last year alone. While teaching he demonstrates his passion for educating youth and the game of golf. With class sizes of up to 30 students at a time, he takes the time to work with each individual young person as if they were working one-on-one. In addition to golf outreach, he is a Learning Facilitator for the Tiger Woods Learning Center and instructs junior high and high school students in the game of golf. Besides teaching them about skill and etiquette, he also teaches them about the different careers that are related to golf. Nick also assists the TWLC Player Development Program geared to prepare young golfers for competitive golf. As a former collegiate golfer, he offers valuable insight to students that give them confidence and encouragement for success. Nick Badel is a leader, a role model and a great friend to our youth and his continued passion to help young people is second to none.

Katherine Bihr and Gyla Bell
Tiger Woods Learning Center

Bagwell, Janet

Professor, Saddleback College

Jan is an inspirational instructor for her students at Saddleback College. She serves as Department Chair and has been instrumental in developing several programs on her campus. Jan also is active in professional organizations, taking on multiple leadership roles. She is a model and a mentor for students entering the field.

Ula Manzo and Kathi Bartle Angus
Faculty, College of Education
CSUF

Barnes, Dr. Carol

Retired Professor, CSUF, Department of Elementary and Bilingual Education

Dr. Barnes has been an outstanding educational leader and has received multiple awards for her work at California State University, Fullerton. In 1995, she received the Outstanding Professor Award from the State Association of Teacher Educators, along with receiving many awards from organizations such as Phi Delta Kappa. She served on the Academic Senate for 18 years and participated on multiple search committees including the committee that recommended our current President, Dr. Gordon, and multiple deans. From 1990-1995, Dr. Barnes was the chair of the Elementary and Bilingual Education Department. She has served on the NCATE Board of Examiners, the California Committee on Accreditation, and was the systemwide Associate Director of Cal State TEACH. Her list of publications related to teacher education fills pages. Dr. Barnes had a pivotal role in bringing the Doctor of Education degree program to Cal State Fullerton. She was tireless in negotiating a place for our university in the initial partnership with UCI, spending endless hours on conference calls and in meetings. She also made many contributions to the shape of the doctoral program such as her demand that there had to be a class on assessment. Now every student in the PreK-12 concentration takes EDD605 Collection and Analysis of Assessment Data. Carol was an expert in navigating through the thicket of personalities to assure that our university has a rigorous program whose graduates are effective leaders who make a strong impact in schools. When Dr. Barnes retired, the University honored her by creating the Carol Barnes Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Barnes only asked that her colleagues meet the same high standards of scholarship and service she set for herself.

Dr. Louise Adler
Department of Educational Leadership
CSUF

Callahan, Dale

Teacher, Carden Dominion Elementary

Dale Callahan grew up on the west coast of Australia and had such a fantastic first grade teacher that she wanted to stay in first grade forever! For the last 12 years she’s done just that, only this time she’s the fantastic teacher who is inspiring her students. Mrs. Callahan is a consummate professional and takes seriously her role for establishing the foundation upon which her students’ futures as learners will be built. Her goal is to teach her students a love of life, a love of learning, and the confidence to try in her trademark Australian accent - give it a go! Mrs. Callahan exudes respect for each child she teaches and they respond in kind. She is both nurturing and highly structured and creates an amazing classroom environment where every child feels safe to take risks, safe to fail, and safe to succeed. In her class you won’t find students just sitting at their desks working. Oh no! They might be gardening, dressed up as detectives solving mysteries, or learning their songs and lines for a class play. For sure they will be smiling and totally engaged! Mrs. Callahan is fun, but when it comes to learning she means business! As a result, her students make tremendous gains both academically and socially. I’m sure if you asked them they’d say they have such a fantastic first grade teacher that they want to stay in first grade forever!
Mrs. Callahan is being honored by one of her students, Tanner Stewart. When asked why he wanted to honor his teacher he said, I like Mrs. Callahan because she does lots of fun stuff and because she’s a real good teacher! She reads us lots of stories! And she does lots of art projects and parents get to come! I think Mrs. Callahan is the best teacher ever!

Tanner Stewart
Student
Carden Dominion Elementary

Carroll, Adeline

Resource Specialist, San Juan Hills High School, Capistrano Unified School District

Addie has inspired students since she began her teaching career in 1971 in PA. She received her M.S. from CSUF in 1999. Addie has been on the staff at CSUF for 12 years, and on staff with National University for 3 years. She has also worked alongside new professionals as mentor support at CUSD. She has imparted her knowledge of family dynamics and passion for reaching those students who "fall through the cracks" to all of us fortunate enough to have participated with her in classroom experiences. She has an unending source of energy and has been instrumental in exposing general education students and resource students to those students with more severe needs and encouraging them to work together, in a positive and supportive manner.

MaryBeth S. Snowden
CSUF Alumna
College of Education Carr Fellow

Christian, Keith

Anaheim City School District - Clara Barton Elementary School

We are honoring Keith for his continued dedication to teaching and teacher education. Keith works tirelessly with his visually impaired students to ensure they gain not only academic skills, but life skills for visually impaired persons. He writes grants for materials for his students and teaches all subjects - including music and physical education to his students. He continues to seek partnerships and provide opportunities for his students to strive to attend college. Further, for several years, Keith invited CSUF Multiple Subject Credential Students in the technology cohort to visit his classroom and see the assistive technology his students use. The students reflect that this is one of the most valuable experiences for them - to not only see the assistive technology, but to see a truly inspiring teacher. Keith is limitless in his dedication and enthusiasm for teaching and learning.

Dr. Loretta Donovan
Department of Elementary and Bilingual Education
CSUF

Clapper, Dr. Ron

College of Humanities and Social Sciences, CSUF

We are proud to honor Dr. Ron Clapper for his rich contributions to the education of Liberal Studies majors throughout his long career at CSU Fullerton. Upon arriving at Fullerton in 1974, Dr. Clapper was enlisted to develop the then new major toward the purpose of providing future teachers with deep subject matter knowledge in the areas taught in the elementary classroom. Dr. Clapper designed a major that provides Liberal Studies students with a broad understanding of the Arts & Humanities, the Sciences and the Social Sciences as well as a strong, integrative experience that helps students make connections across these three classic disciplines. Dr. Clapper was the Coordinator of the Liberal Studies Program for over 25 years and continues to teach for the department; throughout his career, he has shepherded thousands of students toward careers as elementary teachers. It is most appropriate that we honor this educator of educators. Thank you, Dr. Clapper, for all your contributions to the education of future teachers!

Dean Angela Della Volpe
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
CSUF

Costa B., Dr. Victoria

College of Education Professor and Director of Science Education, CSUF

Dr. Costa has been a vanguard in education, specifically science education and technology. She has worked with such notable entities as NASA and JPL, among others. Each step of the way she has worked tirelessly to incorporate methods for students to earn scholarships in order to continue their education. She has also involved students in research working alongside professionals in the field. Junior faculty have been empowered and aided by her mentorship and generosity of time and opportunities. She is the persona of all that is good and right at CSUF!

Dr. Debra Ambrosetti
Secondary Education Faculty, College of Education
CSUF

Davenport, Marguerite

Retired Teacher, Ocean View School District, Orange County

Marguerite Davenport, a retired elementary school teacher in the Ocean View District of Huntington Beach, deserves to be honored for her many years of dedication to educating children. With a teaching credential from San Diego State University and a Master’s degree from the Univ. of San Francisco, Marguerite taught in Berkeley, CA and Tacoma, WA before coming to Huntington Beach. Marguerite taught with distinction in the Ocean View District from 1970 to 2002. She participated in a pilot program in the 1970’s for integrating children with learning disabilities into the classroom, a research-based project that became the statewide model. She not only served as a classroom teacher but was a language arts specialist, a mentor teacher, and a highly effective teacher working with children from diverse ethnicities and backgrounds. She was on the Policy Board for the West Orange County Staff Development Center and served as its president for a term. She was an enthusiastic supporter of, and participant in, parent education programs during her teaching career. In volunteer capacities, Marguerite has been an advocate for the library and its role in educating both children and adults. She was on the founding board of the Huntington Beach Library Patrons Board and was influential in helping establish the impressive children’s wing. She is currently a member of the Friends of the Children’s Library, a strong support organization dedicated to promoting children’s interest in literature, reading, and the use of the Library. She has been involved in League of Women Voters and AAUW. She is currently a tutor in the library’s Literacy Program helping adults to read. Marguerite’s passion is to see that all children are afforded an excellent education and she acknowledges that teacher training today faces challenges and opportunities afforded by the technology of the future.

Dr. Ruth Siegrist
CSUF Alumna
College of Education Leadership Council Member

DeCapite, Connie

College of Humanities and Social Sciences, CSUF

Connie DeCapite holds a lifetime multiple subject credential, having taught both kindergarten and first grade in Ohio before coming to California. She taught language arts and history in the Santa Ana Unified School District, holding progressively more responsible positions in staff development at the district level. In her current position as project director for the Fullerton International Resources for Students and Teachers, Ms. DeCapite offers ongoing development opportunities for history/social science teachers. These innovative programs offer support for teachers to continually deepen their subject matter knowledge as well as pedagogical expertise. Ms. DeCapite’s love of learning and teaching is evident in everything she does. We are very pleased to honor Connie DeCapite for her ongoing contributions to education.

Dean Angela Della Volpe
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
CSUF

Deihl, Becky

Kindergarten teacher, Nohl Canyon Elementary, Orange Unified School District

Mrs. Deihl is a model teacher. She is committed to teaching her Kindergarten students everything they must know to be happy and successful- both in school and in life. Above all she is gentle and kind with the tender hearts of all children. It is a privilege to know her and a pleasure to honor her for her dedication to her school and her students. The person who coined the phrase, "Everything I need to know I learned in Kindergarten" must have had Becky Deihl as a teacher.

Marilyn Leuer
Faculty, College of Education
CSUF

Gonzalez, Dr. Barbara

Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry, CSUF

Barbara L. Gonzalez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She was awarded a B.S. Chemistry degree and M.S. Ed degree from the University of Southern California. She earned a Ph.D. and completed a year as a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California Los Angeles. She taught chemistry, physics and mathematics at the secondary level for fifteen years and served as Science Department Chair for eight years. While teaching high school, Dr. Gonzalez was active in chemical education through her association with the NSF-funded Doing Chemistry Laser videodisc project. She has been a member of a team recognized with the CSUF Robert and Louise Lee Collaborative Teaching Award in 2001 and 2006. Dr. Gonzalez is being recognized for her involvement with the preparation and development of science teachers. She is director of the NSF Noyce grant, Teaching as a Primary Profession (TaPP) in Biology and Biochemistry, which will support up to 50 undergraduates or credential candidates who are willing to earn a California secondary credential and serve in a high need school district two years for every year that they are funded. As a member of the senior personnel for Dr. Maria Linder HHMI Scholars project, Dr. Gonzalez developed and runs the weekly seminar series for the high school teachers and students, and manages the application review and selection of the high school applicants for both the weekend and summer events

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
CSUF

Hartman, Dr. Peter

Former Superintendent, Saddleback Valley Unified School District, Mission Viejo

The late Dr. Peter A. Hartman, former Superintendent of the award winning Saddleback Valley Unified School District, and a CSUF graduate, was an educator who, no matter how high he rose in the system, ALWAYS kept his focus on the students and teachers in the classrooms. He was typical of many CSUF undergraduate alumnae, in that he worked his way through college and supported his family, in Pete's case - by painting houses. Later, he earned his administrative credential, followed by a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Business from Stanford University.  After serving as Assistant Superintendent & Superintendent in districts on both coasts, Pete arrived at SVUSD in 1983, where he served as Superintendent for 18 years until his death in 2001. During those years,  he also taught as a part-time faculty member here in the Ed Leadership Department.  Pete epitomized the concept of an educator who transformed lives - of students, teachers, colleagues - and even parents in the district. He unified these disparate groups in difficult budget times - everyone trusted his amazing grasp of the complexity of California education finance - and his premature death was mourned by the entire community. Thank you Pete, for all you did...in spite of subjecting us to all those corny puns through the years.

Bobbee Cline, Former SVUSD Trustee
Director of Development
CSUF College of Education

Henderson, Angela

Professor, Fullerton College

Angela is a model for professionals in the field of developmental and reading education. She is an outstanding instructor, has served as Department Chair, is professionally active making presentations and taking on leadership roles, and has served as a mentor for graduating students entering the field.

Ula Manzo and Kathi Bartle Angus
Faculty, College of Education
CSUF

Kelly, Marjorie

Senior Manager, Professional Development , Tiger Woods Learning Center

For the past 5 years, Marjorie Kelly has been a key instructor at the Tiger Woods Learning Center. She has created and implemented a number of science classes such as Marine Biology, Biotechnology, Universal Science and her newest classes Comparative Zoology and Biomedical Science. She is truly passionate about science and her hands-on classes encourage and inspire the young people she teaches to love this field. Marjorie has also developed hands-on science trainings for 5th grade teachers at the Tiger Woods Learning Center. She has been given glowing reviews from teachers who have participated in her trainings. She is seen as an excellent trainer who assists teachers in becoming familiar with science content and new activities that support grade level standards. She makes herself available to continue to support the teachers back at their school site once their professional development training is complete. Her experience and knowledge are valued by all. Marjorie Kelly is an asset to the TWLC, youth and educators. Her dedication to youth, educators and the field of science can be seen through all that she does.

Katherine Bihr and Gyla Bell
Tiger Woods Learning Center

Krausman, Kay

Retired Teacher, Fullerton Elementary School District, and College of Education Donor

Kay Krausman is a triple alumna, having received her Bachelor's degree, her credential, and her Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Cal State Fullerton. She retired from the Fullerton Elementary School District in 2005 after teaching 3rd & 4th grade in five different schools, with a focus on math & science.  Kay was a consultant for Project AIMS (Activities Integrating Math & Science) and conducted workshops across the US,  sharing her innovative methods for getting children excited to learn about math and science. Since her "retirement", Kay has been a tireless volunteer at the Arboretum here on campus, guiding elementary classroom tours that incorporate Life Science lessons, and coordinates the Arboretum's CEE program (Children's Environmental Education Project) that serves 1200 elementary children each year.  On top of it all, Kay was one of the first alumna to endow a scholarship in the newly formed College of Education, and each year returns to our Fall Awards Reception to meet and to serve as a role model for her recipients.

Bobbee Cline
Director of Development
CSUF College of Education

Lee, Dr. Joyce

Professor, Department of Educational Leadership, CSUF

Dr. Lee is known for the academic rigor of her courses. Students find her knowledgeable, inspiring, supportive and accessible to their learning needs. She has successfully developed courses for the MS in Educational Administration and the Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership. Dr. Lee provides exceptional academic leadership in innovative and cutting edge programs. She was a founding workgroup member in 2001 of the interdisciplinary online MS in Instructional Design and Technology program. For almost ten years, she has fully participated in all aspects of developing certification of this new field including conceptualization, preliminary vision and implementation. Her ongoing research has resulted in numerous scholarly and pragmatic research presentations at key local and national conferences as well as a co-authored book, book chapters and published articles in prestigious journals. Dr. Lee was involved with the joint CSUF/UCI Ed.D. program in Educational Leadership from its inception as well as the independent doctoral program which was initiated at CSUF in 2007. Dr. Lee is an exceptional professional and model of collegiality as she serves the mission of the university in her work in multifaceted settings, learning modalities/formats, and innovative program designs.

Dr. Claire Cavallaro
Dean, College of Education
CSUF

Martinez C, Dr. Armando

Professor of Mathematics, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, CSUF

Dr. Martinez-Cruz was born, raised and educated in Mexico City before attending graduate school at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He is familiar with the Mexican educational system first-hand, from elementary school to college. After he received his Ph.D. in mathematics education in 1993, he worked for three years at the National University of Mexico as a professor of mathematics education. Dr. Martinez-Cruz then took a position at Northern Arizona University from1996 to 2000 before coming to the Department of Mathematics at California State University, Fullerton where he is now a Professor of Mathematics. He has worked with future and current teachers of mathematics at all levels in both Mexico and the US. He brings into his teaching and projects a blend of knowledge and experience about learning and teaching mathematics in different cultures. Dr. Martinez-Cruz has been PI (principle investigator) or co-PI in several funded projects totaling about $750,000. These projects deal with the mathematics education of students, parents and teachers from all levels. He is currently involved in several projects, included CLIME (directed by Dr. P. Kimani) and an ad-hoc project with Waite Middle School in Norwalk-La Mirada District in Norwalk, CA. Dr. Martinez-Cruz has won several college teaching awards, including the Outstanding Teaching Award in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Cal State Fullerton in 2005. He is the coordinator of the MA Teaching Option program in the Department of Mathematics since 2009, and advises over 80 graduate students as part of this service.

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
CSUF

Dr. Armando Martinez-Cruz was my mathematics professor while I was working on my undergraduate degree. He was my supervisor while I was working on my teaching credential. From 2003 - 2008 he supervised the mathematics department at Buena Park High School (BPHS) through TASEL-M NSF, a CSUF grant. Dr. Martinez-Cruz has also reached many students and parents through numerous workshops. He is an excellent professor who is not only skilled and experienced, but he has demonstrated that he is someone who truly cares and puts students first and foremost. Thank you, Dr. Martinez-Cruz, for being so passionate about education and for making an impact in my life and will continue to make in the lives of students.

Fernando Rodriguez
Mathematics Teacher, Buena Park High School
CSUF Alumnus

Maurice E., Cecile

CSUF, Department of Special Ed, student teacher supervisor

Cecile has made stellar contributions to education around the world. She has given her time to advisory committees and works tirelessly with student teachers. Cecile served her country in the Peace Corps in Liberia, West Africa as a National Health office worker and a teacher of adults and children in a one-room school house. She has taught in government defense schools in Okinawa and in Germany and taught special ed. in Taipei, Taiwan. She is a bright spirit with wonderful energy and is a credit to our profession.

Judy Smith
Department of Special Education
CSUF

Mercado, Susan

Principal, Maple Elementary School

In Susan Mercado’s four years as a principal at Maple School and under her leadership, students and staff have accomplished remarkable feats: markedly improved state and national test scores, staff members who have completed the master’s degree including the first-time-offered online master’s program, grants, and gifts to the school that have supported numerous supplemental school programs. Susan’s heart, focus, and absolute commitment to bettering education for Maple students and staff indeed make her worthy of honoring her as an educator who continues to make a positive difference in the lives of those she touches.

Dr. Carmen Dunlap
Faculty, College of Education
CSUF

Mulholland A., Mark

Department of Social Studies, Mater Dei High School

Mark A. Mulholland is honored for his scholarship, leadership, and mentoring of both students and new teachers over a fifteen year teaching career. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of California Los Angeles, before earning a Master of Arts Degree in History with an emphasis in Ancient Rome also at UCLA. He has taught at two local area high schools and currently is the Chair of the Department of Social Studies at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. In this position, Mark mentors and supports new teachers to ease the transition into their new careers as social studies teachers. Mark is also very active with his students. A teacher popular for his interesting lectures and occasionally dressing up in historical costumes, Mark has taught Advanced Placement American Government, Advanced Placement European History, and World History. He also contributes his time moderating several student extracurricular activities, including the award winning Mater Dei Academic Decathlon Team. Despite this full schedule, Mark has also worked on several faculty and academic committees. Mark is the father of three children and is active in scouting. He and his wife regularly open their home to former students whom he continues to mentor after their graduation. Mark's career is exemplary and reflects great credit upon himself, the University of California System, and the teaching profession.

Dan and Gail Page

Palumbo, Viva

Retired Teacher, Santa Ana Unified School District, and College of Education Donor

Viva Palumbo is a triple CSUF alumna, receiving her BA in Anthropology, her General Elementary credential with a specialty in Learning Handicapped and Severely Handicapped, and her Masters in Special Education. She taught literally every grade level of Special Education, from Kindergarten through 12th grade, during her long career in the Santa Ana Unified School District.  Viva also served as a Resource Specialist in the district.  Since her "retirement", Viva has been active in the California Retired Teachers Association and coordinates the scholarships awarded by them to CSUF credential students. Viva is also one of the college's - and university's- long time scholarship donors and continues to care deeply for students and teachers, as she did throughout her distinguished career.

Bobbee Cline
Director of Development
CSUF College of Education

Rikli, Dr. Roberta

Retired Dean, College of Health and Human Development, CSUF

I am honoring Dr. Rikli for her role in creating the College of Education and for her impact as a mentor and role model for professionals, especially women, in leadership roles on campus. In her recent role as Dean of the College of Health and Human Development at Cal State Fullerton, Dr. Rikli was lauded for implementing the joint Cal State Fullerton – UC Irvine Ed.D. program, landing multimillion-dollar grants for her College, the development and maintenance of several programs and centers on campus in collaboration with faculty and community members, and the creation of numerous health-related programs at CSUF. Cal State Fullerton’s Academic Senate described Dr. Rikli as, “a strong visionary leader whose style is quiet, yet incredibly classy and tough.” I would whole-heartedly agree.

Dr. Claire Cavallaro
Dean, College of Education
CSUF

Shumaker, Tyler

Teacher, Pleasant View Elementary

Tyler Shumaker graduated in 2005 with honors, earning a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in History. Currently he teaches a 4/5 combination class at Pleasant View Elementary in the Baldwin Park Unified School District. Many of his students live in poverty and are English Language Learners. He is dedicated to the success of his students, striving to promote a culture of academic achievement at the school. He is engaged in educational research, having presented his work at Azusa Pacific’s Education Symposium and at the Community Education Day at the Hindu Temple in Chino Hills. We are very proud of this Liberal Studies alum who daily makes a difference in the lives of his students and their families.

Dean Angela Della Volpe
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
CSUF

Soliman, Inas

Teacher, Carden Dominion Elementary School

Inas Soliman has been an educator for 28 years, teaching 1st - 7th grade. She has served as the President of the International Reading Association and was on the Accreditation Committee to open an American School in Kuwait after the Iraqi invasion. She is currently teaching a multi-level 3rd-5th grade class at Carden Dominion. She believes there is a self-filling prophecy in successful teaching; meaning as a teacher, you must believe each student is a success story and they will be! This is apparent in her class motto, “Believe in Yourself!” Experiencing Mrs. Soliman in action is quite a treat. She attacks each day with such energy and enthusiasm, it’s contagious. Her classroom is a lively and safe place to learn not only academics, but also social and personal responsibility. Students are busy learning in her class, but don’t be surprised when you drop in and find them singing, laughing, acting, and dancing together, with Mrs. Soliman right in the middle of it all! This is all part of her philosophy that teachers should laugh and play with their students as well as share their struggles with them. Mrs. Soliman is being honored by one of her 3rd grade students, Logan Stewart. When asked why he wanted to honor his teacher he said, “She’s a really great teacher because she’s one of the smartest teachers I know and she’s so good at math!!! She’s really, really nice and makes really funny jokes! She lets us have a lot of fun activities and read really cool stories. She’s the best teacher I’ve known so far!” I guess that pretty much wraps it up!

Logan Stewart
Student
Carden Dominion Elementary

Stall, Linda

Teacher

Linda has demonstrated academic excellence in educational achievement in the face of extreme hardship. The Department of Special Education at CSUF is honored to be able to recognize Linda as the Outstanding Master’s Student of 2010.

Department of Special Education
CSUF

Stang, Dr. Kristin

CSUF, Associate Professor, Department of Special Education

Kristin is beloved by both students and faculty in the department of special education as well as in the greater university. Her leadership and expertise are a credit to the profession. Her university-wide service is exemplary as are her volumes of scholarly contributions to the field. She has served the special education department as Fieldwork coordinator, mild-moderate coordinator and university-accessible Technology Information coordinator. She actively participated in a new and wonderful process grant for supporting teachers in the field. With all of these incredible accomplishments, along with being a great mom, family member, and friend, Kristin manages to create harmony and kindness wherever she happens to be.

Judy Smith
Department of Special Education
CSUF

Staton, Amy

Anaheim Union High School District

Amy is an exemplary Lesson Design Specialist at Walker Junior High School. Through Amy's leadership, the Walker staff has developed a work ethic focused on a cycle of continuous improvement including: inquiry, reflection, planning, and teaching, which has resulted in improved student achievement, especially for English Learners. Amy Staton exemplifies the type of collaborative leadership it takes to support student learning and teacher effectiveness.

Anaheim Union High School District

Sterling, Emily

(Honored posthumously)

Mrs. Sterling was my “core” teacher in 7th grade, which means she was my teacher for both English and History. She appeared to be a rather stern person, but you needed to pay careful attention. If she was relating a particularly strange piece of historical information, she might randomly make a funny face and stick her tongue out. She was tough but fair. Mrs. Sterling was one of those teachers that you truly didn’t appreciate until after you had been in her class. She prepared you for future classes. The skills I learned about researching, writing papers, presenting oral reports and plain old good citizenship proved to be invaluable. I was just one of many students that, years after leaving her classroom, would return to visit and tell her of future plans or academic accomplishments because you wanted her to be proud of you. Emily Sterling certainly left her mark on me.

Carol Smith
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

Tommerup, Dr. Megan

Lecturer, Biology, CSUF

Dr. Tommerup is nominated because she plays a critical role in the recruitment and preparation of K-12 science teachers. A full-time lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences, Dr. Tommerup earned her Ph.D. in Botany from Claremont Graduate University/Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, her research focusing on the evolution of rare plant breeding systems and polyploidy. She earned her B.S. from California State Polytechnic University at Pomona. She is the Biology Teacher Credential Program Coordinator, providing advisement to biology majors who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching, and serves on the Secondary Teacher Education Program Advisory Council. In addition, Dr. Tommerup is the faculty advisor to the Fullerton Student Chapter of the California Science Teachers Association (CSTA). The student chapter of the CSTA promotes and supports effective science teaching and encourages the natural curiosity of learners at all levels; currently, the student members are developing a “Science and Literacy” program for the children’s hour at local libraries. In addition, Dr. Tommerup teaches and coordinates the two biology courses for future elementary teachers (BIOL 102 and BIOL 453). With a focus on both biology content and elementary-level pedagogical skills, the lessons in these courses vary from understanding and debunking misconceptions of the human body (in the style of a tabloid newspaper) to testing out “science kits” used in local elementary school districts. In this capacity, Dr. Tommerup interacts with over 200 future elementary teachers on a yearly basis and assists in the development of their self-confidence, science content knowledge, and overall capacity to engage K-8 students in science.

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
CSUF

Young, Dottie

Retired second grade teacher, Golden Hill Elementary School, Fullerton
Master Teacher for USC, Pepperdine and CSUF.

In honoring Jim and Dottie Young, we honor a remarkable pair of educators who have devoted their lives to teaching and community service. Jim was born in Huntington, West Virginia, grew up in Roswell, New Mexico and was headed for a possible career in law when 1943 intervened. That year, he earned a degree in business administration from USC, married the girl next door and became a Commissioned Ensign in the Navy. This member of the “greatest generation” served as the commanding officer of an amphibious landing craft in the Southwest Pacific, and completed his tour of duty as a lieutenant. After the war, he joined Pepperdine College in Los Angeles, where he founded the department of speech and drama, and served as acting president for a short time. Along the way, he earned a master’s degree in English and Drama, and a doctorate in Speech from USC. In 1960, he was recruited to teach speech and drama at what is now California State University, Fullerton, where he founded the Department of Drama, later renamed Department of Theatre and Dance.

In his early days at Fullerton, Jim staged productions in temporary building with props gathered from front yards on trash days. Over the years, he helped the performing arts program to grow and flourish, and earn a national reputation for excellence. Cal State Fullerton graduates who have gone on to perform on Broadway and on stages and in classrooms across the nation owe a great part of their success to the vision and talent of Jim Young. For 11 years, Jim also served as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. Since retirement, Jim has continued to work on behalf of the university in many ways. He was a key fund-raiser in obtaining a $5 million naming gift for the university’s Clayes Performing Arts Center. In honor of his contributions and commitment to the College of the Arts, the 250-seat James D. Young Theatre is named in his honor. The center’s Green Room is named for his wife, thanks to a contribution by Jim. As an author, he co-wrote the aptly named A Teacher is Many Things, among many other publications. As an actor, he has performed internationally in a one-man show based on the life of the founder of Rotary. The show generates funds for international service projects. In 2008, Jim had a scene-stealing role in a campus production of Night of the Iguana.

In addition to her lifelong support and collaboration of Jim’s many activities in their 67 years of marriage, Dottie Young is an educational superstar in her own right. Former second grade students and their parents hail Dottie as “the greatest teacher” and that “she made all of her students feel special.” She taught more than 20 years at Golden Hill Elementary School in Fullerton and was not only a masterful teacher in her classroom, but a Master Teacher who trained other teachers in educational programs at Pepperdine, USC and Cal State Fullerton. She has also served as an educational community leader in a number of organizations, including Friends of the Fullerton Library, president of PTAs, and as a founding member of the Fullerton Arboretum and Fullerton Museum. Their children, grandchildren and sons and daughters-in–law include a college vice president and provost, a successful attorney, a scientist, a physician, a teacher and a Navy pilot.

To this day, Jim and Dottie Young continue to touch the lives of countless students, teachers, administrators and community members. Their legacy has inspired others to become skilled educators, and to pass along knowledge, values and critical thinking skills to future generations for the greater good and benefit of society. Jim and Dottie are truly Cal State Fullerton’s education couple for the ages.

Dr. Deborah Osen Hancock
Emerita, CSUF

David M. Reid
CSUF Public Affairs (ret.)

Young, Dr. Jim

Emeritus Professor of Theatre
Founder, Department of Theatre at Pepperdine College and CSUF
Retired Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, CSUF