A ceremony honoring seven Cerritos College professors as the distinguished faculty of 2000-2001 was held on Thursday in the Administrative Quad. Roland Bellugue, associate professor of French, was honored as the Most Outstanding Teacher.
Present in the audience were Bellugue’s wife Juanita, his brother John, a sister and his son to accept the award posthumously.
Bellugue passed away last year after loosing his struggle with cancer.
Faculty Senate President Bob Chester opened the event saying, “We’ve done this for 17 years. It is an opportunity to honor the finest among us.”
Dr.Morgan Lynn, interim president of Cerritos College, also addressed the crowd.
“I would like to thank each and every one of you for making this year really easy,” Lynn said.
“I appreciate your support in keeping the college running like a clock.”
Lynn filled in as president while the board of trustees searched for a permanent president.
Professional Relations Com-mittee Chairperson Susan LaPere, felt honored to be part of the award ceremony.
“Being part of this committee and reading the nominations gave me a great idea about what innovative things people are doing for students.”
Another instructor honored was Dr. John Haas, an instructor of history, who has taught at Cerritos College since 1998.
On winning the award, Haas said, “I think it’s exciting when your own department recognizes what you are doing.”
Greg Moore, associate professor of mathematics, was also honored.
This is a great honor,” said Moore, “and I am thankful to the students and staff who recommended me.”
“The students and teachers fill out the recommendation form,” Moore continued.
“It is something for students to participate in. When there is a teacher that is outstanding, that has made a difference in a life, then the students has the chance to give recognition.”
Moore, according to Department Chair Ruben Leon, brought computer technology to the math department.
He developed computer applications for calculus and pre-calculus.
He also wrote a textbook to assist student in using the new technology with math classes.
Moore left a lucrative career as a computer programmer because of his love of teaching.
Barbara Mueller, an English instructor, Has been a full-time instructor for the past six years and adjunct faculty for 11 years before that.
“I’m just astounded,” Mueller said.
“This is such a great faculty. When I look around at my own faculty, I just love working with these people,” she added. “This is great.”
Mueller’s goal is to fire the imaginations of her students to break through boundaries in their pursuit of knowledge.
Professor and Librarian Lynda Sampson does not like to be in the spotlight or even have her picture taken, according to friend Valencia Mitchell. She is quiet, calm in her mannerisms, passionate in her private life and in her work with Cerritos College students, successful as a one-on-one advisor, very organized, funny, clear thinking, and rational.
In addition to Sampson’s full time duties in the Library, she also teaches a Library 100 course, Introduction to Library Resources.
“Linda has a professional mark that she leaves everywhere she has worked,” Mitchell said.
On being selected as an outstanding teacher, Sampson said, “I am absolutely thrilled. It gives you more energy to keep doing what you are doing.”
Sally Sestini, professor of mathematics was also selected.
In her recommendation for Sestini to be honored, one student wrote, “Through Teacher T.R.A.C. I have been fortunate to encounter great teachers. One is Sally Sestini. My experience in her class was unforgettable.
“She motivates the class to learn while having fun doing it.”
Sestini is the Math Club advisor and has overseen the Su Casa book sale for the past 10 years.
“Sally Sestini is my office mate,” Mervat Zewail, chemistry professor, said. “If she wants to do something, she gets it done. When there is a will, there is a way.”
Rupert Pacheco is a student and a teacher. Pacheco worked at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard for over 21 years. He has an Associate in Science degree from Long Beach City College and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach.
He is best known for developing the English/Spanish program in welding here at Cerritos College.
Also honored at the event were teachers who have completed 25 years of service at Cerritos College. Those honored were Bill Broderick, Francine De France, Joleen Failor, Frank Mazzotta, Ceci Medina and Franklin Yee.
Those honored with 30 years of service included John Baley and Gary Schaumburg.
Receiving honors for 35 years of service were Connie Bayer, Wendall Hanks, Joan Licari and James Woolever.
