Instructors were honored for their work and time during the Faculty Awards Ceremony April 28, including psychology professor Dr. Todd Gaffney, who was named Most Outstanding Faculty Member.

“I have worked very hard (as a professor) and it’s been a while. I was shocked at the turnout of the awards ceremony, and I am very pleased and thankful”.

The ceremony was for the faculty that was nominated by students during the end of the fall 2010 semester.

The awards were separated into three categories, one being the Service Award.

This was given to those who have put in their time to working at Cerritos, with the range being between 25 to 45 years.

Those who were honored with the service award includes Regina Romero from the Counseling office who has been working at Cerritos for 30 years, and professor Wendell Hanks, who has been working on campus for 45 years.

The next category was the outstanding faculty award. This is given to those faculty members who are involved on campus, and has an influence on the students.

One professor who was honored with this award was Physical Education and Women’s Studies professor, Debbie Jensen.

“With teachers working hard in the classroom, they receive the benefits of seeing their students grow and develop right before their eyes. So for me, watching them grow is a win for me,” Jensen said.

“I am very grateful for the students I have because I have some hardworking, dedicated students who make my job easier and more fun.”

Others who were honored in this category were Jerry Ramos of the Business Administration division, Medical Assistant professor Sandra Marks, and Psychology professor Christian Maldonado.

A short film was shown of Gaffney’s time working at Cerritos, with some students and faculty saying how great of a teacher and worker he was.

One of the influences that made him want to work hard was his students.

“I want the faculty to remember the importance of the students, because the students are the real reason of why we are here”.

While accepting the award, Gaffney’s current and former students came on stage with him to show their appreciation for him.

Debra Moore, who was the MC of the evening, enjoyed the size of the crowd.

“The turnout of the event was great; I didn’t see any empty seats. I’m glad [students and family members] could come out and celebrate with [the faculty],” Moore said.

“It was an especially enthusiastic crowd this year. I would usually tease them because the health occupation department usually has an enthusiastic crowd, but everyone was today.”