Columbia College Names Teacher Of The Year

Columbia, CA — Patricia Harrelson, the Academic Achievement Center Coordinator and English professor since 1982, has been recognized as Teacher of the Year on the Tuolumne County campus.

Harrelson received a bachelor´s degree in liberal studies from Cal State Stanislaus and an MFA degree in creative non-fiction and poetry from Antioch University. Harrelson is credited with creating the Columbia College Writing Center and she was the college´s Learning Skills Center director for 11 years.

Larry Steuben, affiliated with the college for 31 years, was named as Faculty Member of the Year. Steuben holds a bachelor´s degree in political science from UC Santa Barbara and a master´s degree in library science from UCLA. During his tenure at Columbia, Steuben has served as director of library services, dean of learning resources and college librarian.

Among those honored: Larry Steuben (outgoing Academic Senate President), Greg Elam (classified employee of the year), Doralyn Foletti (outgoing Classified Senate President) and Gary Mendenhall (leadership person of the year).

Judy Lanchester, Assistant Director of Facilities for the Planning and Operations Department for the Yosemite Community College District, received the Columbia College Central Services Person of the Year Award.

The President´s Award for dedicated service was presented to the security department staff.

Also recognized; the seven employees who are retiring this year. The leader in time served is Ross Carkeet with 39 years. Two 31 year veterans are retiring: Larry Steuben and Ellen Stewart. Also departing the campus are Candace Daly (28 yrs.), Patricia Harrelson (25 yrs.), Peter Daly (8 yrs.) and Linda Baker (7 yrs.).

Written by Bill Johnson