MCC Daily Tribune
TCC Gratitude Series - Day 14: From Students to MCC Faculty and Professional Staff: A Collective Thank You
As we approach the end of our semi-annual kudos celebration, I’m excited to share the final round of kudos from our students to the incredible MCC faculty and staff.
Several of our amazing students took the time to recognize multiple faculty members and professional staff for their dedication and impact. These kudos are presented in no particular order—each one is a heartfelt expression of appreciation.
Please take a moment to enjoy these messages of gratitude as we celebrate Professional Development Week!
From Students to MCC Faculty and Professional Staff
A Collective Thank You!
Scott Rudd (English/Philosophy), Renee Coleman (Psychology), Michael Rhoda (Math), Heidi Kranz (Health and Wellness), Corinne Hooker (Learning Support) and the Library Team
Everyone of my professors were/are top of their class as astute professor. however, where I will or only can say one thing about professor Rudd is he taught me as a equal student right along with the other students. Professor Rudd did NOT judge my deafness when he only judged and seen that I was very eager in learning from him. This semester and I are truly enlightened by each one of the professors. I cannot rightfully nominate just one when everyone of them have been an instrument in my learning this semester. I had gained so much from every one of them. who stands out the most foe me would be Professor Rudd along with Hooker, Connie, but to be fair I refuse to nominate just one when they were all so much had a huge impact on my learning and how I gained that knowledge. However, the one professor whom tried and eager to make me feel comfortable and safe would be professor Rhoda where he also became a student by asking me how to sign different meanings of ASL. It is not humanly possible to nominate just one. Now Professor Coleman, I had her as my professor back in psych 100 I think 2018 or 2019 where she and I clicked on a different level. again, it would not be far to ANYONE if I nominated just one. it’s like a candy factory where employees have different functions but all just as valuable.
Edgar Ballestas (World Languages and Culture), Eileen Lanzafame (Mathematics), Tyrell Jackson (English and Philosophy) and LaToya Collins (Health and Physical Education)
My professors for ESL 145, ESL 140, Math Pre-Algebra Flex 094, and College Orientation COS 101 have all made a big difference in my learning experience. They are patient, supportive, and always willing to help students understand the material clearly. In ESL 145 and ESL 140, my professors encouraged us to improve our writing and communication with confidence. In Math 094, my professor explained math in a way that made it easier to understand and less stressful. In COS 101, I learned valuable college skills that helped me feel more prepared and motivated. Each of these Professors goes above and beyond to make sure students succeed, and I truly appreciate their dedication. God bless you all.
Elizabeth Walker (Mathematics)
Dr. Elizabeth Walker is one of the teachers to whom I owe a great deal this year. I was very nervous about the math course because I am an international student, and math has always been one of the subjects I struggled with, or rather, I had an unhealthy relationship with it. I believe this stemmed from not having supportive math teachers as a child, which created a barrier between me and the subject. Thanks to Dr. Walker, I was finally able to overcome that barrier.
Her unique teaching style and the way she allows students to be themselves without judgment or belittling our questions gave us immense confidence. She consistently motivated us to do our best and treated every student with respect, which is something I deeply value.
Her exam method is one of the best I’ve encountered. She provides a clear idea of the types of questions that will appear on the exam, which helps build confidence. Rather than penalizing you harshly for a mistake, she recognizes the effort you’ve made. She doesn’t let a hard-earned attempt go unrewarded, and she doesn’t give a zero on a question just because the answer wasn’t perfect. That kind of fairness makes a big difference.
I want to sincerely thank her for making this semester more manageable and for giving me the confidence to succeed in a subject that has always challenged me, especially in a language that is not my own.
Neil Doran (Hospitality)
Professor Neil has always been a bright professor with warm welcomes and greeting to each student to step foot into his classroom. He has made my semester at MCC very comforting. I'm very thankful to have had such a hands-on and empathic professor to help me inside and out of the class, allowing me to learn about hospitality in the actual real world and also guiding me to the right professionals to assist me. I've enjoyed taking the introduction to Hospitality 101 and the pleasure of Professor Doran's knowledge of the work field. :)
Rebecca Griffin (Hospitality)
Rebecca has been my advisor for years. She has been instrumental in my progress since returning as a student two years ago, she has guided me through many things and has been extremely helpful in the development of my educational goals.
Michelle Bartell (Hospitality)
She went above and beyond for me as a professor. She met with me once a week to make sure I passed her class.
Evelyn Lannak (Hospitality)
Always over extends her job to others making sure we all pass and no one is left behind if possible. Goes out her way outside of work to reach back out to students no matter the hour i really appreciate chef Lannak I’m so many ways over the last few semesters
Chef Angela Douglas (Hospitality)
She always has words of encouragement for me showing me that she believes in me when I fell short in believing in myself.
Dale Pearce (Athletics)
I remember when I went with Dale and the swim team to Houston, Texas, for a training trip, we had a great time. The stuff that we did was swimming and some tourist attractions. The things that we did for tourist attractions were going to a big fancy mall, which I enjoyed. Also, we went to the NASA Space Center. Also, we did the boardwalk that was near our hotel in Houston, Texas.
Patrick Miller (Business Administration)
Professor Miller is an outstanding professor who genuinely cares about his students. He goes out of his way to offer help, whether it's for the current class or future ones. As a first-generation student, I’m extremely grateful for professors like Dr. Miller who are committed to seeing their students succeed. I can’t recommend the Management Information Systems pathway enough—not only is it a great major, but it also includes some truly amazing professors.
Peter Francione (Criminal Justice)
I just wanted to say thank you for always being there to talk to about literally anything. You have made my learning so much easier.
Patricia Dano (Health and Physical Education)
Professor Dano is very nice and understanding.
Jeff Footer (Education and Human Services)
He makes the trauma class interesting as well as engaging. Lets people share parts of them in order to figure out the trauma and themselves to determine what they would see in others
Susan Griepp (Student Accounts/Drawing II Professor)
Professor Sue Griepp is always very encouraging with the projects we've been doing in class. The projects she has us do offers enough structure to get started but enough freedom to let our creativity explore different options. She was also extremely helpful to me and aided in finding a job on campus. I'm extremely grateful for her kindness and encouragement. Thank you very much!!
Melis Kural
Teaching & Creativity Center
06/03/2025