Hancock Honors 16 Retiring Faculty & Staff
MAY 23, 2024-- Allan Hancock College bid a fond farewell to 16 retiring employees who contributed a combined 346 years of service to the college during an in-person recognition ceremony on May 22.
This year’s honored retirees included employees who spent decades serving Hancock students, as well as faculty and staff members who worked to support students in attaining their educational goals.
“Each of these retirees is leaving behind a legacy of making a positive impact on the lives of our students,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “We are incredibly thankful to each of them for their years of service at Hancock.”
Retirees honored at this year’s ceremony included Hancock’s Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness, Dr. Paul Murphy. Under his leadership, Hancock’s Institutional Effectiveness department collected and analyzed data that helped inform crucial decision-making on a college-wide level. Murphy also played a critical role in the college’s successful accreditation reaffirmation process. He is retiring after 25 years at Hancock.
Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Sofia Ramirez-Gelpi, is also retiring after 25 years serving the college. Among Ramirez Gelpi’s many duties as a dean were overseeing the college’s Community Education programs, which helped thousands of students learn English, earn their GED’s and US Citizenship, learn new works skills and transition from noncredit to credit classes during her tenure.
“I have learned a lot in my 25-year tenure at Hancock, but what shines as brightly as the sun for me is the amazing people who work and teach at Hancock; their commitment, their dedication,” said Ramirez-Gelpi. “They are the unsung heroes that make it possible for the students in our community to earn certificates and degrees. I will forever be incredibly grateful to be part of an academic institution that strives to move the needle in our community.”
The college also honored Campus Police Department Sergeant Kenneth Reed, who is retiring after eight years at Hancock.
“I’ve enjoyed working with the staff and students. Our campus is a big part of this community and the people we serve,” said Reed. “I will miss working with the people and the comradery that this campus has among the staff. I can retire knowing that I promoted and assisted with change within the department and campus culture, which made the Campus Police Department a better place for our employees.”
The full list of this year’s retirees includes Denise Baldwin, Contract Education Coordinator, 10 years; Alice Cadell, Early Childhood Studies Professor, 25 years; Carmen Camacho Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees, 13 years; Karan Demchak, Children’s Center Professor, 31 years; Herbert Elliot, Economics Professor 37 years; Joan Henretta, Financial Aid Technical Specialist, 27 years; Kathleen Johnson, Dental Assisting Professor, 25 years; Bill Kelly, Lead Custodian, 25 years; Leonard Miyahara, Biology Professor, 19 years; Paul Murphy, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness, 25 years; Timothy Muscio, Automotive Technology Instructional Assistant, 9 years; Dr. Sofia Ramirez-Gelpi, Dean of Academic Affairs, 25 years; Kenneth Reed, District Police Sergeant, 8 years; Steve Reed, Software Systems Analyst, 15 years; Patrick Simoneau, Automobile Mechanic, 25 years and Lori Williamson, Science Laboratory Specialist, 27 years.
Hancock recognized Melanie Guido Brunet, Krystle Navarrete, and Alina Romo as newly tenured faculty during the ceremony.
The college also recognized the achievements of Hancock classified staff J.C. Miller, Victor Rust and Brent Dionisio, as well as Maintenance Supervisor Bridget Tate. The college also recognized a diverse group of staff from the college’s Public Affairs & Communications, Student Services, Information Technology Services, College Advancement, and Student Activities and Outreach departments for their efforts to expand the Hancock Promise to two years.
