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MCC Daily Tribune

TCC Gratitude Series, Day 5: Kudos to English and Philosophy and Downtown Faculty

Day 5 of TCC gratitude

Day 5 of TCC gratitude highlights kudos from colleagues to English and Philosophy Department and kudos from students to downtown faculty.  Please scroll down to review more kudos from students to our wonderful faculty and staff. Have an amazing day.  

Kudos: From Colleagues to English and Philosophy Department

Maria Brandt, (English and Philosophy)

  • Maria goes above and beyond for our Creative Writing students.  She coordinates and hosts multiple opportunities for them to read and perform their work, both at MCC in our Blackbox Theater as well as in the larger community, for example at Writers & Books. In October, she ran the annual 24-Hour bake-off in which our students work with other students, faculty, and staff at MCC to write, produce, direct, and act in their own plays. Through her work with Creative Arts, she also makes possible lots of interaction between them and internationally-recognized, award-winning authors; for example, this semester she helped bring in poet Danusha Lameris and fiction-writer Joe Baumann. This semester she is also bringing to campus a former MCC student (Rachel Byrd) who has published a book of poetry; our current MCC students will have a chance to meet Rachel, hear her read from her book, and talk with her about what she has done with her creative writing degree. Additionally, Maria works with URSICA to ensure our students have opportunities to engage in and celebrate their research.  And, of course--as I can attest because I hear it all the time--Maria's students absolutely adore her. She is a brilliant teacher whose warmth and intentional course-design help all of her students feel celebrated and encouraged. We are lucky to call Maria our own.

Lynetta MacGregor, (English and Philosophy)

  • Lyn knows a little bit about absolutely everything on this campus. She was the go-to person to answer every question in the TRS-ESOL department and now she's becoming that person for English and Philosophy. She is always friendly and willing to help (even when I interrupt her work 10 times a day). She brightens everyone's day

Kudos from Students to Downtown Faculty and Staff

Kelly Tudhope, (ESOL and Transitional Studies), Downtown Campus

  • She never, ever gave up on any of her students. she gave us growth mindsets and never made us feel uncomfortable in class. ALL ideas even the wrong ones are embraced by her. She will even help in other courses you need help in! She is the reason I am still in college and why I am succeeding.

LaToya Manon, (Education and Human Services)

  • I’m very grateful to have Professor Manon as my teacher. She is a wonderful professor who helps me a lot. She is patient and understanding, and she explains difficult things in a way that I can understand easily. Professor Manon cares about all of her students and makes sure we feel included and supported in our learning. She teaches with passion and makes the classes interesting and fun. I feel lucky to have such a great professor who wants us to succeed.

Lena Shiao, (Education and Human Services, Downtown Campus)

  • You are an incredible and amazing professor and advisor.
  • I have a profound appreciation for my English professor and advisor, Lena Shiao, for a multitude of reasons. Lena's exceptional teaching abilities extend far beyond the traditional classroom setting, making her stand out as an educator and mentor. Her approach to teaching is not just about imparting knowledge but fostering an environment of understanding, curiosity, and growth. Lena's patience is unmatched; she takes the time to ensure every student comprehends the material and feels valued in discussions, regardless of their background or skill level. Her dedication to her students goes beyond academics. Lena takes a genuine interest in our personal development, offering guidance and support in navigating both academic and life challenges. Her mentorship has been invaluable in shaping my academic path and personal growth. Moreover, Lena's work ethic and passion for her subject matter are evident in every lecture, discussion, and interaction. Her enthusiasm for English literature and language is infectious, making even the most complex topics engaging and accessible. Recognizing Lena Shiao for her exceptional work, patience, and teaching abilities is crucial. Her contributions to the academic community are noteworthy and deserving of acknowledgment. Whether through awards for excellence in teaching or commendations for her dedication to student success, honoring Lena would serve as a testament to her outstanding commitment to education and mentorship. In summary, Lena Shiao's impact on her students goes beyond the classroom. Her unwavering dedication, patience, and exceptional teaching abilities make her deserving of recognition for her remarkable work in shaping the minds and futures of her students .Mrs Shiao is a beam of light sent from heaven in my opinion..

More Kudos from Students to Faculty and Staff.

Please note that each section organized alphabetically. We are celebrating names starting by the letter K. Stay tuned for more kudos and celebration this week!!!

Kara Tierney, (Chemistry) Receiving 2 Nominations

  • Prof. Tierney is dedicated to her work and students. She makes sure her students understand her lectures and if we have any questions or need help, she have office hours and willing to help us. She is kind and patient. She also helps us conquer our exam anxiety/stress. All in all she is the best professor. Thank you so much Prof. Tierney.
  • I just want to say that Professor Tierney is awesome. You can tell she really enjoys teaching students. She is very good at explaining tough concepts. She always arrives to class on time and has a smile on her face. She is one of the best Professors I have had the pleasure to learn from at MCC.

Karen Dickerson, (Visual and Performing Arts)

  • Professor Dickerson has helped me to speak up because every voice matters. I have had trouble speaking in groups or in front of more than one person my entire life. I never thought that I could overcome the fear of speaking. I have found my inner voice, and I am grateful to have spent this time in such a wonderful class. This class was not one I had to take for my major, but I took this for my overall well-being. Thank you!  Professor Dickerson. I will miss you when the semester is over.

Kelli Eberle, (English and Philosophy)

  • She is simply the best

Kelly Nagle, (Law and Criminal Justice)

  • Throughout my semester I’ve personally been going through a lot, Professor Nagle never gave up on me and always continues to push me. She gives the best advice and guidance and I’m very appreciative.

Kristen Killion, (Health and Physical Education)

  • My advisor was booked out for weeks so I decided to ask my Health professor, Mrs. Killion, some questions I had about my career pathway (Nursing). She told me to come to her room after class and she went above and beyond helping me for close to an hour. She made multiple calls and helped me fill out forms, and helped me count up my quality points and I couldn’t thank her enough. I just received news that I was accepted into the Nursing program here at MCC and I was so excited to tell her the news because she was my biggest support.

Laura Bond, (Mathematics), Receiving 3 Nominations

  • Professor Bond has done the impossible. She has successfully made Statistics an enjoyable class. She explains concepts in ways that are easily understandable and is always willing to take a moment to further explain things. I am eternally grateful for her.
  • Professor Bond made me enjoy math more than any other teacher. I never really liked math or took it seriously but she gave me a different perspective on math and made me enjoy it. The way she teaches makes math fun and she isn’t boring. She is very patient & is always available to help me when I don’t understand certain concepts. She is also very funny and always makes the class laugh. Professor bond also has a great personality & is easy to get along with. Moreover, I always look forward to coming to her class & I want to thank her for being amazing and so down to earth.
  • My professor has been so supportive and helpful this semester. When I birthed my child and needed to be out of class for a couple weeks, Professor Bond took the time to make an online module just for me so that I can catch up and be on track to finish the class on time. In addition she has made learning the material very relatable which has helped me succeed in the course. Thanks Professor Bond, you’re a superstar!

Laura Pennman, (Biology)

  • She goes above and beyond to make sure all of us understand whatever the topic is, she is fun talented, and super creative. Definitely my favorite professor.

Linda Carson, (Mathematics)

  • Professor Carson from the very first day of class has been significantly attentive to the success of each and every student. She’s very easy to communicate with , understanding and will do everything she can to make sure every individual she teaches moves forward smoothly and successfully.

Melis Kural
Teaching & Creativity Center
12/12/2023