QUICK TAKES - October 2020

During the October Board of Regents meeting, Del Mar College faculty and staff were recognized for their accomplishments, including the following:

• Dr. John Robert “Rob” Hatherill, Professor of Biology with the Natural Sciences Department, received the U.S. Presidential Award in Excellence in Scientific, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring for 2020. The announcement was made in August, and Dr. Hatherill was one of 13 individuals across the country and one of two in Texas to receive the prestigious national award. In collaboration with colleague Dr. Daiyuan “Daisy” Zhang, Associate Professor of Biotechnology, the team continues to build the College’s biosciences programs and student success. Read more about this accomplishment by clicking here. Way to go, Dr. Hatherill!

• Del Mar College’s 2020 Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence was virtually presented to Professor of American Sign Language and Interpreting Dr. Lucy James with the Human Sciences and Education Department as part of Fall Convocation. The coveted faculty award honors recipients as “master teachers” who emulate the benchmark set by its namesake. With a 16-year portfolio of teaching at the College, Dr. James noted that “having the opportunity to teach students about the language [ASL], culture and skills needed to work as an interpreter has been the only task that I enjoyed more than actually providing interpreting services myself.” Read about Dr. James and watch her acceptance video as the 19th recipient of the Creighton Award by clicking here. Congratulations Dr. James!

• The DMC Exempt Council announced in August that Melissa Rollins, Retention Case Manager with the College’s Retention Services, is the 2019-2020 recipient of the Circle of Pride Award for an Exempt Employee. The award recognizes Rollins going above and beyond the scope of responsibilities and duties of her job. Rollins was nominated for the award based on her commitment to students as part of her regular duties, along with additional tasks she performs that support the College’s reaccreditation process through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges Reaffirmation. Additionally, she is recognized for her volunteer work supporting food drives, serving on various campus committees and collaborating with departments in support of students, programs and the community. Read more about Rollins and her contributions by clicking here. Thank you, Melissa, for your dedication to DMC!

• The Nonexempt Employees Advisory Council announced Mary Cruz, PBX Operations/Mail Services Supervisor, as their 2019-2020 Circle of Pride Award for a Nonexempt Employee. Cruz was recognized for her tireless commitment to Del Mar College students, along with keeping the College operator and mail services running even during inclement weather. Additionally, Cruz was noted for always keeping up with student-related information to effectively serve them and for guiding discouraged students through the step-by-step registration process. She remains on the phone with students and assists them during busy times when reaching other service offices is difficult. Cruz epitomizes the College’s mission to ensure student success, and she is considered an “unsung hero” who demonstrates outstanding commitment and professionalism in all that she does. Congratulations and “Thank You,” Maria, for your commitment to Del Mar College students!