Cerritos College Foundation -- Employee Awards

For the past 19 years the Foundation has sponsored the Outstanding Faculty and Outstanding Classified Employee awards ceremonies. A check for $500 is given to the most outstanding faculty member and the outstanding classified staff member.

The 2007 Most Outstanding Faculty Award recipient is Dr. John Haas, who believes that it is possible to be a dreamer and a pragmatist simultaneously. Several years ago, he created the Global Consortium at Cerritos College. The Global Consortium (GC) is a network of partners that shares a common goal of bridging cultural gaps in our world. The GC raises awareness of global issues among college students throughout the world, many of whom would not be able to have this opportunity if it were not for this program.

On November 28, 2006, Dr. Judea Pearl, father of slain journalist Daniel Pearl, spoke at Cerritos College. On that same evening, Haas received a United States Congressional Award in recognition of his exceptional dedication and good works to further peace and understanding in our changing world. The honor was especially gratifying because his student and assistant, Matthew Pizzo, presented the award to him on behalf of Congresswoman Linda Sanchez.

Additionally, Haas has been invited to Mongolia to speak to fifteen colleges and universities about becoming globally competent. In March 2007, John was invited to come to New York and speak to the United Nations about global education. The UN has now joined the Global Consortium and is working with John on a wide range of global issues, including a historic interfaith dialogue.

Haas was born and raised in California and had no burning desire to be a teacher when he was young. Nevertheless, he stumbled into becoming a teacher, and in 1994, he received his Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate School. Haas was very fortunate to have Robert Dawidoff as one of his professors. Professor Dawidoff had a profound influence on Haas teaching, and consequently, Haas feels gratitude toward him.

After graduating from Claremont, Haas taught at Mt. San Antonio College for five years prior to coming to Cerritos College as a full-time professor. Cerritos College has afforded Haas the opportunity to expand and to grow. He inaugurated the world history program, resurrected the study of British history, and developed and integrated the 2Wisconsin Virtual Learning Community9 class into the curriculum.

Haas is particularly proud of his work with the Global Consortium. He feels very fortunate to have found his calling in life and is passionate about teaching and loves to share his knowledge with students. Haas is very grateful for the support he has received along the way from family, friends, and colleagues.

The 2007 Outstanding Classified Award recipient, Amna Jara (she likes to be called AJ), is program facilitator for the newly established SCCTT regional center that includes Automotive Mechanical Repair, Automotive Collision Repair and the state grant-funded Advanced Transportation Technology and Energy Initiative Center. AJ is the glue and the active coordinator that keeps these programs together and operating smoothly. She has become the local expert on all of the many program options for Cerritos College students and the go-to person for faculty to get things done. Both students and staff like working with her.

AJ started at Cerritos College in 2004 and has learned and grown with the expansion and complexity of the programs and the many related outside partners and related connections. The SCCTT was established in 2006 to support these programs and to establish the regional center. With AJ's assistance these Cerritos College programs have become well known in the automotive industry, and students often drive past one or more other community colleges to attend Cerritos College.

AJ has many talents, including effective use of design software for the support of the large and complex program web site. She has now also stepped up to a new life challenge and goal and is attending CSULB to obtain her master's degree. Her studies are in occupational studies for higher education with a specialization in career guidance. She is also an avid Anaheim Ducks fan, and she and her husband Tony will attend the Ducks season opening game in London in fall 2007.

PAST RECIPIENTS

2006 Most Outstanding Faculty Award - Bob Chester

2005 Outstanding Classified Award - Maria Boyol

2005 Most Outstanding Faculty Award - John Boyle

2005 Outstanding Classified Award - Daisy Valdivia

2004 Most Outstanding Faculty Award - Karen Welliver

2004 Outstanding Classified Award - Debbie Thomas

2003 Most Outstanding Faculty Award - Mary Clarke

2003 Outstanding Classified Award - Marie Downey Jackson

2002 Most Outstanding Faculty Award - Dr. Ina Zive

2001 Outstanding Classified Award - Frances Foster

2001 Most Outstanding Faculty Award - Roland Bellugue

2000 Outstanding Classified Award - Al Mejia

2000 Most Outstanding Faculty Award - Sue Parsons

1999 Outstanding Classified Award - Lisha Valles

1999 Most Outstanding Faculty Award - Dr. Christine Sotomayor Lopez