MCC Daily Tribune
TCC Gratitude Series Fall 2025: Day 6 (Kudos to MCC's Math Department)
As we head into finals week, I’d like to share the kudos from MCC students to the Math Department, along with kudos from faculty. Wishing you an amazing week of grading and wrapping up final projects. We’ve got this!
Basil Barrett, Math
I would like to recognize Professor Barrett for his extraordinary dedication, compassion, and excellence in teaching. His support over the past few months has made a profound difference in my educational experience.
Returning to college after nearly 30 years of professional work experience as a SUNY Reconnect student was truly daunting. This course brought to light some long-standing learning challenges that made the material intensely difficult, requiring me to put in additional study time, seek tutoring, and approach the content with relentless persistence. Throughout all of this, Professor Barrett created an environment where I felt encouraged, supported, and capable.
He consistently goes above and beyond for his students: arriving early, staying late, responding promptly to questions and emails, and breaking down concepts in ways that build both understanding and confidence. He not only helps us master the current material but also lays a strong foundation for future learning. His teaching style is ethical, fair, reliable, and deeply student-centered.
Every Saturday morning, it is heartwarming to witness the same level of kindness, commitment, and respect extended to each student in his care. His classroom is a place where students, no matter our background or challenges, feel welcomed, valued, and empowered.
I feel blessed to have had Professor Barrett as an instructor. His influence has reshaped my relationship with math and restored my confidence in my ability to succeed in this difficult subject. If I could, I would choose him to teach every math class I take going forward. He is a true example of what an outstanding college professor should be.
Thank you for considering this nomination. Professor Barrett’s work deserves to be recognized and celebrated!
Eric Berg, Math
I would like to give a huge shoutout to Professor Berg. Math has never been the easiest subject for me, but the way he teaches makes everything feel so much more digestible. He explains things clearly, at a pace that actually lets the information sink in, and his curriculum doesn't create the kind of pressure that makes you freeze up. The way he teaches with the book, notes and video is a game changer and an impressive leveraging of technology. Because of this, I've been able to really focus and understand what I am doing without feeling overwhelmed. He also takes time to meet with students and genuinely look at how we're solving problems so he can help us improve. That kind of patience and strategy means a lot. On top of all that, he's just really nice and down to earth. Thank you, Professor Berg, for making this class such a positive experience and for helping me build real confidence in math this semester.
Michael Rhoda, Math (First year faculty), Receiving 3 nominations
My math teacher was incredibly helpful this year, always taking the time to make sure I fully understood the material. He was attentive in class and answered every question I had, no matter how small. He consistently checked in on my progress and made sure I had everything I needed to succeed. Because of his support, I feel confident and know that I’m going to pass my final exam.
I'm an adult student returning for a second degree, math is something I struggled with throughout my education from grade school to college. I have found a new confidence with my math skills all thanks to Mr. Rhoda. His format, and way of explaining has given me new foundational tools that have helped me even solving everyday math problems much quicker. He has turned the class I often times dread and avoid, to a class I'm genuinely excited for!
Provided the best instruction I've ever received for a college level math course. Helped me apply this knowledge to complete difficult assignments for other courses as well.
Michael Wagner, Math, Receiving 2 nominations
I appreciate Professor Wagner because of his simplicity and passion of teaching. He knows how to make any math topic easy to learn and digestible in a single lecture. He is very kind, always open to talk about questions or comments, and is overall an amazing guy.
They made math fun again by make it clear and cut and logical. Made notes and examples similar way to exams and quizzes with no trick questions. Very good at breaking down complex topics into simple parts.
Beth Walker, Math, Receiving 2 nominations
Dr. Walker is a remarkable teacher. She is not only kind and understanding but extremely intentional in the way that she teaches. She has truly made a positive impact on yearning abilities!
Mrs.walker is a great teacher and very knowledgeable, I love the way she teaches math and the way she treats her students as well. She’s one of the best teachers I’ve had and I’m so sad she’s retiring, but I definitely wish her the best in her retirement and I will miss her!!
Samantha Nally, Math, Receiving 2 nominations
Teaches the modules for this subject in a clear and understanding manor. Flexible with availability to go over things during office hours and provides one on one time.
Professor Nally is one of the most understanding and helpful teachers I have had. She always takes her time to explain the material in a way that makes sense, and you can tell she truly cares about her students learning. She is very kind and creates one of the most comfortable environments to learn in. I really appreciate everything she does for us and how much she supports her students.
Michele, Iannone Math, (First year faculty)
Professor Iannone manages to make an over 2-hour long class block entertaining. Her way of teaching is very engaging and digestible since she encourages teamwork to work through new course content. She also leaves plenty of space for questions and review, which is appreciated. One of the bigger things of note for me too is her relationship with her students. She's not overly intimidating and makes a typically boring class fun.
Laura Bond, Math
She has made time to help me understand my statistic assignments on multiple occasions. I feel grateful for her finding ways to help me find clarity with this different path of math than I was familiar with. I've always had some learning disabilities around math and she was reassuring when discussing topics with her.
Karen Atkinson, Math
I want to thank my math professor for being so supportive. She treats students like friends and always takes time to help whenever we struggle. Her kindness and guidance have made learning math much easier and more enjoyable.
Kim LaVigueur, Math
Professor LaVigueur brings a great deal of positivity to each class; she consistently offers words of encouragement. Thank You!
Sean Horan, Math
Professor Horan has been a terrific educator all semester; open to questions, great at explaining the material, and has been flexible with my own and other students' absences.
Andrea Giardino , Math
Both professors have been so supportive of me as an older student. They've helped me through some fears and are both phenomenal professors
Brigitte Martineau, Math
She is such a positive and supportive professor! She always checks in with her students and brings such a great energy to each class.
Mark Ernsthausen, Math
My Calculus professor has been remarkable all semester, guiding and advising me not only in math but in my broader life goals. He consistently goes out of his way to support me and his other students while maintaining a strong sense of professionalism. His explanations of difficult and complex topics are clear, creative, and always adapted to what I need to understand. I’m genuinely grateful for the impact he’s had on my success.
Laura Bond, Math
As a student who doesn't prefer online classes, Professor Bond has made my experience with one of my first online classes successful. She has worked incredibly hard at making the classroom feel as little remote learning as possible. Her follow-along video lessons and blank note sheets have been helpful for me to catch on and learn the material effectively, and her access to office hours and her guidance and feedback with assignments and projects have truly helped me be successful in this class.
Nelya Pomayda , Math
Endlessly patient, supportive, and positive with the learning experience. Willing to change her perspective to help see from a students point of view while they struggle to grasp a topic, making it a much more humanizing experience for the whole class.
From Colleagues to Math Department
Michael Rhoda, Mathematics,
Michael has been so helpful with answering my questions about teaching Statistics for my first time! He always had an open door and was so patient when I asked him the questions I had! Michael is such an asset to the math department, and we are very lucky to have him!
Melis Kural
Teaching & Creativity Center
12/15/2025