Hancock celebrated its retiring faculty and staff at a special ceremony on May 21 at the college’s Santa Maria campus. Courtesy photo.
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SANTA MARIA — On May 21, Allan Hancock College honored the dedication and service of 17 retiring faculty and staff members during a heartfelt ceremony that celebrated decades of contributions to student success.
This year’s retirees, who contributed a combined 341 years of service to the college, include full and part-time faculty members, classified staff, supervisors, and administrators from various programs and departments.
“Our retirees have helped shape this college into the extraordinary institution it is today,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to our students have made a lasting impact that will be felt for generations.”
Part-time English instructor Mark Miller is retiring after 30 years at Hancock. In addition to teaching generations of students, Miller served as consultant for the AHC Writing Center and was an active and passionate representative for the college’s Part-Time Faculty Association (PFA). Miller, an author and columnist, said he plans to continue his writing career after he retires.
“The thirty years I’ve been here have been the happiest of my life. I’ve loved the students I’ve had and can honestly say I have made a difference in the lives of many of them,” Miller said. “I’m proud of what I accomplished as PFA President.”
Another beloved faculty member, Graphic Design Professor Nancy Jo Ward, is also retiring. In addition to teaching, Ward served on numerous college councils and committees, helped develop the college’s Faculty Innovation Fund and organized Hancock’s first-ever AI summit in April. After teaching at the college for 27 years, Ward said she plans to travel and continue making and showing her artwork.
“I’ll miss working with the students,” said Ward. “Seeing their skills and confidence grow, witnessing their ability to talk about what makes good design, being given their trust to help guide the next steps and listening when they just need someone to hear them was incredibly rewarding.”
Other honorees included Lucy Aquino, who is retiring after 34 years of service at the college as an office services technician for Hancock Student Health Services, where she greeted and helped students and staff with patience, compassion, and professionalism. A consistent supporter of Hancock’s winery, she encouraged her fellow staff to support its operations and students in the viticulture and enology program.
The full list of this year’s retirees includes: Lucy Aquino, Office Services Technician, 34 years; Ann Cardona, Administrative Assistant, 16 years; Lori Coulter, Administrative Assistant, 9 years; Mary Dominguez, Dean of Student Services, 6 years; Eileen Donnelly, Nursing Professor, 19 years; Al Garcia, Audiovisual Services Technician, 23 years; Jeannette Hernandez, Financial Aid Support Technician, 18 years; Barry Lewis, Library Services Technician, 5 years; Lydia Maxwell, Counselor, 36 years; Mitch McCann, Dean of Public Safety and Academic Affairs, 7 years; Mark Miller, Part-Time English Instructor, 30 years; Jose Medina, Custodian, 23 years; Rick Rantz, Dean of Academic Affairs, 17 years; James Read, English Professor, 30 years; Craig Rosa, Custodian, 11 years; Kristy Treur, Environmental Technology Professor and Coordinator, 30 years; Nancy Jo Ward Graphic Design Professor, 27 years.
Hancock also recognized Christopher Carroll, Leonard Champion and Feride Schroeder as newly tenured faculty during the ceremony.