Set for Friday - Mt. SAC - Campus News - Mt. San Antonio College

Set for Friday
Ceremony will feature speeches, recognitions,
fireworks, a flyover . . . and yes, elated grads!
Preparations are complete for Mt. SAC’s 63 rd Commencement Ceremony on
Friday, June 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the campus stadium. It will feature speeches,
recognitions, musical presentations, fireworks, a flyover and a lot of
high-fiving grads.
“Commencement is the ultimate academic ceremony,” said President John S. Nixon. “And we have
much to celebrate as this has been an extraordinary year of student achievement.”
Headlining the ceremony is Dr. Michael Friedman, President and CEO of City of Hope,
who will deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2009. “We look forward to
hearing Dr. Friedman’s words of inspiration and motivation for our graduates, who face
the challenges of entering a highly competitive job market during historically tough
economic times,” Nixon said.
Mt. SAC will honor Dr. Don Morris (Class of ’50) as the College’s “Alumnus of the Year.”
Morris, 79, is a retired educator, having served as a professor and dean at several colleges,
mostly at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. A track standout during his Mountie years, Morris
remains athletically active, boasting over 100 medals from Senior Olympics competition.
He is also the current Senior World Champion in basketball free-throwing and 3-point
shooting.
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63rd
Commencement
Retiree Profiles
Recognitions
● Picture This . . .
Picture That!
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Celebrating
Employees/
Faces & Places
Achievements/
Recognition
Diplomas will be presented to those graduates who elect to participate in commencement. Some
2,600 associate degree petitions were filed this year by over 1,800 students. Nearly 30 bachelor
degrees will also be awarded to grads who completed the Aviation Management Program, conducted
in partnership with Southern Illinois University.
Against a new stage backdrop, the ceremony will also feature the annual recognition of outstanding
students and faculty retirees (see retiree profiles on page 2), a flyover by Mt. SAC’s certified flying
instructors, ceremonial music by the Wind Ensemble, and a performance by male contemporary vocal
group Fermata Nowhere, which recently won the International Championship of Collegiate A
Cappella at Lincoln Center in New York. The event will conclude with a bang in the form of a
dramatic fireworks display.
Following commencement, faculty and staff are invited to gather and celebrate at the reception tent
(south end of the stadium), courtesy of the Mt. SAC Foundation.

Mt. SAC Bids Farewell to 6 Instructional Retirees
This year’s instructional retirees collectively provided 147 years of service to the College. The campus family
thanks them for their contributions and wishes them an enjoyable and fulfilling retirement.
Mary Chabot––24 years of service as a
mathematics professor. Mary taught the
full spectrum of math courses from
prealgebra to calculus and differential
equations. She served as president of
the Academic Senate and as director of
a Title V grant that was responsible for
establishing the MARC at Mt. SAC. She
was named the Academic Senate’s
Outstanding Educator of 2000 and was honored last year
as an Educator of Distinction. She enjoys golf, watercolors,
and fabric art. In retirement, Mary plans to spend more
time with family and friends and enjoy uninterrupted art
sessions.
Gary Davis––37 years of service as a
theater professor. Gary served as
Theater Department chair and director
of theater. He directed over 75
productions at Mt. SAC and directed
the Children’s Theater Touring Troupe
for 33 years, performing for more than
half a million elementary school
children. He also directed the first
play––Romeo and Juliet––at the Clarke Theater. In
retirement, Gary plans to return to teach acting for
Television and Children’s Theater two days a week––
and will play golf the other five days of the week. He
also plans to build a model train layout at his new home
in La Quinta.
Gary Kay––31 years of service as an
administrator and adjunct philosophy
instructor. Gary served as director of
the Training Source and as director of
community education. He taught
courses in logic, philosophy, ethics,
world religion, and critical thinking.
He holds community and professional
memberships on the YMCA Board,
Pomona Rotary Board, and the L.A. County Workforce
Investment Board. In retirement, Gary will continue
teaching part-time at Mt. SAC, do some consulting work,
and continue to “look for more challenges. “
Charles Ryasko––7 years of service as an electronics
professor. He taught part time at Mt. SAC for 10 years
before being hired full time in 2002. Charles served as
department chair and taught courses in basic electronics,
computer repair, and computer networking. He is a
Mt. SAC alumnus and was awarded a physiology
scholarship in 1995. Prior to Mt. SAC, Charles served in
the U.S. Air Force and was a senior design specialist for
Aero Jet Electrosystems in Azusa.
Stephen A. Williams––31 years of
service as an emergency medical
services professor. Steve taught the
Emergency Medical Technician classes
at Mt. SAC for 34 years, beginning as a
part-time instructor in 1975. He was
department chair and program director
for Emergency Medical Services. He
established the Paramedic Program at
Mt. SAC 22 years ago. Outside of Mt. SAC, Steve served as
an air medic with the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Air Medics
and as a mountain rescue technician with Sierra Madre
Search and Rescue. Steve enjoys sailing and racing, and is
an extreme kayaker. He has also climbed Mt. Whitney 19
times. In retirement, Steve plans to teach part-time in the
Paramedic Program, race his 41-foot sailboat every
Thursday out of Dana Point, and climb Mt. Whitney . . .
again!
Susan Wydra––17 years of service as a
mental health professor. Susan taught
the courses on Nursing Care of the
Developmentally Disabled Person. In
retirement, she plans to drive cross
country with her two dogs and relocate
to her new home in Punxsutawney, PA.

Senate Names “Employees of the Year”
The Academic Senate recently announced its annual “Outstanding Employees of the Year,” naming Joe Ammirato as “Outstanding
Faculty,” Dwight Ayle as “Outstanding Classified Employee,” and Humanities & Social Sciences Dean Stephen
Runnebohm as “Outstanding Manager.”
Stephen Runnebohm, who has served as the dean of humanities and social sciences for
the past 22 years, was selected for his leadership in establishing and fostering numerous
academic programs, his efforts to improve the campus environment, and his
commitment to students, faculty, and staff. Under his leadership, Phi Theta Kappa, the
Honors Program, International Education, the Writing Center, Forensics, and many other
programs were established. He has been a tireless advocate for activities that enrich the
college community, such as the Lyceum speaker series and special Art Gallery exhibitions.
Dwight Ayle, who is the distance learning coordinator, was selected for his technical expertise
and the exceptional support he provides to faculty and staff. Since joining Mt. SAC 35 years
ago, he has assisted faculty and staff with countless projects involving computer technology,
including Blackboard, Frontpage, PowerPoint, and distance learning.
Joe Ammirato, a computer graphics professor for the past 14 years, was selected for his
dedication to teaching, his devotion to students, and his willingness to sacrifice to
improve the learning environment in the classroom. He has been instrumental in setting
up the computer graphics labs for the College, providing technical support and
volunteering his services. He has also co-chaired the Earth Sciences, Photographics, and
Astronomy Department.
Educators of Distinction Lauded
Mt. SAC celebrated its best and brightest as the College’s five Educators of Distinction were honored recently by the Associated
Students. 2009 faculty honorees are: David West (Aeronautics & Transportation), Rosa Preciado (Psychology), Frances Borella and
Mark Cooper (Biology), and Toni Albertson (English, Literature & Journalism). Nominated by students, Educators of Distinction are
recognized for their outstanding service to students and the College.
Toni Albertson
English, Literature
& Journalism
Frances Borella
Biology
Mark Cooper
Biology
Rosa Preciado
Psychology
David West
Aeronautics &
Transportation

Over $168,000 in scholarships was
awarded to deserving students at the 2009
Scholarship Awards Ceremony. In all,
248 scholarships were awarded.
The Mt. SAC Foundation hosted its
first-ever Retiree Forum for retired
faculty, staff, and administrators. The
forum gave retirees a structured
setting for reconnect with the
College, renewing
friendships, and
learning what’s
happening at
Mt. SAC.
Over 150 students were
honored at the annual Transfer
Achievement Ceremony to
celebrate students who are
transferring to four-year
institutions. Mt. SAC transfer
rates typically
rank in the top
tier among the
state’s community
colleges.

Classified
Week Events
Faculty & Manager
Recognition

Employees Celebrate Service Milestones
Faculty, Management and Classified staff were recently honored for their years of service provided to the College and its students.
In conjunction with the statewide observance of Classified Employees Week (May 18-22), Mt. SAC honored its Classified staff at the
annual Service Awards Ceremony and management-hosted luncheon.
Classified employees celebrated 1,310 years of collective service to the College at the awards program that honored staff for 5, 10,
15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service. This year, there were four 35-year honorees–––Kathi Van Natter (Admissions & Records),
Dwight Ayle (Online Learning), Andrea Heard (IT), and Ponciano Espinoza (Custodial Services). In addition, 92 staff members
received five-year mugs.
In a separate ceremony, Mt. SAC honored its faculty, managers and retirees who provided a collective 2,500 years of service.
Those providing the most years were Robert Altman (Business Division), Deb Blackmore (Athletics), Katherine Calkins (Music),
Sheryl Hullings (IT), Susan Jones (Financial Aid), who have served 35 years, and Barbara Varellas (Music), who has served 40 years.
See photo highlights from these ceremonies on p. 5.
Employees Celebrate Degrees of Success
Nearly 30 Mt. SAC employees celebrated graduation in a very personal way this year by earning associate, bachelor, master, and
doctoral degrees. Mt. SAC congratulates the following employee grads:
ASSOCIATE: Max Hernandez (fine arts), Veronica Orozco (social and behavioral sciences), Mike Reed (ornamental horticulture),
Vivian Saldana (social/behavioral sciences), Brandon Smith (language/communication).
BACHELOR: Jackie Carmona (sociology), Manuel Cerda (management info systems), Gregory Contreras (biology/pre-med), Diana
A. Flores (business administration), Katherine Martinez (human services), Rosa Ortiz (child development), Jesus Ramirez
(ornamental horticulture), Chris Rodriguez (electrical engineering), J. Edward Stevenson (communication studies), Alex Villegas
(criminal justice administration), Becky Wang (international business).
MASTER: Steven Burgoon (education), Aida Cuenza (counseling), Diana Dzib (education), Amy Kramer (college counseling),
Tannia Robles (education), Marlene Sandoval (college counseling), Kai Stearns (English),
Angelica Villalpando (educational counseling), Michelle Williams (counseling).
DOCTORATE: Micol Christopher (astrophysics), Alina Hernandez (counseling
psychology), Audrey Reille (higher education administration),
Deejay Santiago (educational leadership).
New Employees . . .
We welcome the following new employees to the Mt. SAC family.
Classified Staff
Management
NOT PICTURED
Olga Castillo
Public Safety
Parking Officer
Erick McNeil
Custodian
Julie Anderson
Information Technology
Senior Systems
Programmer
Robert Stubbe
Information Technology
Computer Facilities
Coordinator
Marlene Ward
Technology & Health
Division Clerical
Specialist
James Wolters
Purchasing
Senior Buyer
Shelly Zahrt-Egbert
Fiscal Services
Accounting Manager

Celebrating Excellence and Distinction
This academic year will go down as an extraordinary period of student and employee achievement. The
following accomplishments reinforce the reason we are regarded as the College of Champions.
INDIVIDUAL STUDENT HONORS
• Xiwen Wang was chosen as one of 30
scholars nationwide to receive the 2009
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, valued
at $30,000 annually. She will begin
cashing in the award next fall at the
prestigious UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.
• Radio Broadcasting students scored their best year ever,
with 90.1 KSAK winning six Golden Mikes at the Radio
and Television News Association of Southern California’s
annual awards ceremony.
• Honors student Adam Prohoroff was among 20 community
college students throughout the United States named to the
2009 All-USA Academic First Team by the Phi Theta Kappa
honor society. He was also named to the All-California
Academic Team with fellow Mountie scholar Bijal Toprani.
• Christopher Martinez won the 3D Digital Imagery
Architectural/Industrial Award at the 2009 Media Arts
Award Competition for California Community Colleges.
• The Softball Team won its fourth state championship title,
finishing the season with a 44-11 record. “Oddly”
enough, the lady Mounties have captured the state title
over the past four consecutive odd years: 2003, 2005,
2007, and now 2009.
• The Women’s Basketball Team advanced to the state
championship for the eighth time in nine years. The
Mountie women, who finished their season with a 32-4
record, had won three consecutive state titles (2006-2008)
before succumbing to San Joaquin Delta (70-55) in the
state semifinals.
• Mt. SAC honored 19 Students of Distinction for
outstanding service to the College, competitive
achievement and academic and personal achievement.
STUDENT GROUP & TEAM HONORS
•Fermata Nowhere, the
College’s male contemporary
vocal group, won the coveted
International Championship of
Collegiate A Cappella at
Lincoln Center in New York.
• The Jazz Band won first place at the prestigious 2009 Reno
Jazz Festival, while vocal jazz ensemble Frontline took
second place in the college choir division.
• Mt. SAC journalism students won a record 28 awards at
the Journalism Association of Community Colleges state
conference. The Mountaineer student newspaper and
Substance Magazine each won the ultimate General
Excellence Award.
• The Engineering Design
Technology Team won the
overall grand prize as well as the
first-place award for community
colleges at the WESTEC Student
Manufacturing Challenge. The
team won for its design called “Tuk-Air,” which uses
pneumatics to lift heavy equipment, pallets, or even cars.
• The Flying Team won the Top Community College Trophy
and second place overall at the National Intercollegiate
Flying Association's SAFECON 2009, a regional airmeet
competition featuring flying teams from colleges and
universities in the western United States.
• The Robotics Team won the Excellence Award at the
National Technical
Robotics Championships
and placed third overall
at the competition held in
Dallas.

INSTITUTIONAL & EMPLOYEE HONORS
• The Mt. SAC Athletic Program won the coveted NATYCAA
Cup for overall program excellence by
the National Alliance of Two-Year
College Athletic Administrators. The
award distinguishes the Mt. SAC
program as the best among community
colleges in California and among the
nation’s best.
• The Marketing & Public Affairs team garnered top awards
at the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations
national conference, including the coveted Gold Paragon
for the nation’s best enrollment marketing campaign,
“Dream It, Be It!” Marketing
also won seven honors at the
state marketing competition of
the California Community
College Public Relations
Organization.
• The Developmental Education Faculty Certification
Program received the Exemplary Program Award from the
Academic Senate for California
Community Colleges. The award was
presented to the co-directors of the
program, professors Rick Stepp-Bolling
and Lori Walker.
• Humanities & Social Sciences Dean Steve
Runnebohm received Phi Theta Kappa’s
prestigious 2009 Administrator Award of
Distinction for outstanding long-term
support of the Phi Theta Kappa honor
society for two-year colleges. Steve was
also named “Outstanding Manager of the
Year” by the Mt. SAC Academic Senate.
• Professors Barbara Mezaki (not pictured) and Linda Rogus
were named Mt. SAC’s 2009 Inspiring Women along with
students Claudia Gonzalez and Denise Holmquist.
• Earth Sciences Professor Dr. Terri Long
received a California Teachers Association
WHO (We Honor Ours) Award for her work
as Faculty Association president for the past
six years.
New ’09 Fall Schedule
Now Available!
The Fall Class Schedule covers celebrate
student success. The schedule is now
available at key campus locations as well as
public libraries. You can also
view the schedule online at
www.mtsac.edu
Registration opens
July 22
Published by the Marketing & Public Affairs Office
for employees of Mt. San Antonio College, like . . .
Please direct comments and story
suggestions to the Editor at ext. 5334.
Clarence Brown
Director, Marketing & Public Affairs
Mike Taylor
Editor and Chief Photographer
Linda Lundgren
Graphic Designer
Jason Hamilton & Jeffrey George
Photographers
Gary Davis
Theater Professor
37 years of service