11600 Columbia College Drive · Sonora, California 95370

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NEWS RELEASE

-- For Immediate Release --

Date: April 28, 2008

Contact: Doug Lau, Director of Marketing & Public Relations

Columbia College faculty and staff honored at End-of-Year Celebration

Melissa Colon, a Columbia College computer professor since 2001, was named both teacher of the year and faculty of the year during the college’s end-of-year celebration on April 25, held at the Manzanita patio area. Colon holds an A.A. degree in general business from San Joaquin Delta College (1989), B.S. degree in business administration from the University of the Pacific (1991), and a M.S. degree in education, online teaching and learning from CSU East Bay (2000).

Among others who were honored included Kathy Schultz, outgoing Academic Senate president; Doralyn Foletti, outgoing/interim Classified Senate president; Linda Cross, classified employee of the year; Ida Ponder, community service award; and Jon Sterling, leadership person of the year.

Deborah Campbell, senior fiscal operations director/controller of the Yosemite Community College District, received the Columbia College central services person of the year award. The president’s award for dedicated service was presented to members of the college council.

Also honored for assuming interim positions at the college over the past year were Mike Torok, interim dean of instructional services/arts and sciences; Brian DeMoss, interim director of technology; and Tom Hofstra, interim natural resources professor. Annie Cavagnaro and Jeff Fitzwater were also recognized as newly tenured faculty members. Education achievement awards were presented to Angela Brunton and Michelle Vidaurri.

Special district guests were Dr. Roe Darnell, YCCD chancellor; Pat Dean and Linda Flores, both YCCD board members; Teresa Scott, executive vice chancellor; Tim Nesmith, director of facilities planning and operations, and Judy Lanchester, assistant director of facilities planning and operations. Dr. Joan Smith, Columbia College president was master of ceremonies for the afternoon event.

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News Release No. 045-08

April 28, 2008

For Immediate Release

Attachment: Photo of Melissa Colon