Each year, every member of the sophomore class of the Ventura College women's basketball team selects a "Favorite Teacher" based on their own personal criteria. 2015-16 is the 11th year in which the team has honored their favorite teachers, and 62 awards have been presented, including this year.
On Saturday January 16, VCCCD Chancellor Dr. Bernard Luskin, VCCCD Board member Steve Blum, VC President Dr. Greg Gillespie and Colleen Coffey, VC Faculty Senate Secretary, helped the team honor the largest class ever of Favorite Teachers. These instructors, through their skill, expertise, thoughtfulness, and humanity have earned the distinction of being named the team's 2016 "Favorite Teachers"
Gary Amar, Speech - selected by Brooke Zamora
Mr. Gary Amar was my speech teacher my first year of college and he was like no other professor I've had. He cares for his students and how they're doing inside and outside of class, and makes it easy to be successful. He will strike up a conversation whenever I see him on campus, and makes the conversation easy going and friendly. He makes his speech class interesting and removes barriers for students to overcome fears of public speaking. I'm extremely lucky and thankful to have had a professor like Mr. Amar.
Ken Drake, Business - selected by Tatum Maciel
Professor Ken Drake is the most entertaining and informative teacher I have had the pleasure of meeting at Ventura College. I knew that Mr. Drake and I would get along when he told the class that we could either call him "Professor Drake" or "Master of the Universe". He made marketing a class that I looked forward to because I knew the morning would be filled with laughter and endless learning. Mr. Drake grades on participation in class and this forced me to come out of my shell and voice my opinion. He makes his students feel like there are no stupid questions even though we all know that there are. Thank you Professor Drake for such an amazing experience!
Liz Kraus, English - selected by Lexy Hinojosa
My favorite teacher is Liz Kraus, an English professor here at VC. Although I only took her for a summer class, she truly had a positive influence on me. I enjoyed waking up early and coming to her class every morning. Liz lectured on English, but also taught us to be confident people who can excel at anything. She made me realize if I wanted to be my best I had to work at it. Recently I had a difficult experience in my life. I truly wanted to give up, but Liz sent a simple message to my email that helped me remember everything she taught about persevering in life. I am forever grateful to her for keeping in contact with me after I took her class and reaching out with support. I truly believe she is part of why I'm graduating this year from VC. Thank you Liz. For being so much more than a professor.
Ty Gardner, Anatomy - selected by Felicia Magaña
Ty Gardner was my human anatomy teacher last semester. He is my favorite teacher because he always kept the class interesting and his sense of humor had the class laughing every day. He also helped me in choosing my career path as now I would like to be a doctor. He was able to push me past what I thought were my limits and show me what my true potential really is. I can't thank him enough for that. Whatever I can say here, he deserves more credit than that.
Niki Milani, Psychology - selected by Amani White
Mrs. Niki Milani was my intro to psychology teacher for the fall semester. She helped me understand psychology better by relating the material to modern situations. S he's very funny, extremely understanding of life situations and always willing to work with students outside of class to get a better understanding of the material. I enjoyed her stories, and the multiple media she used to teach the class. Mrs. Milani is a really understanding and deducted teacher! My semester was more enjoyable with her as my teacher.
Lauri Moore, Sociology - selected by Shiloh Smith
Lauri Moore was my sociology teacher for the fall semester. I enjoyed going to her 8:00 am class because she made the subject interesting. She would relate subject matter to real life stories, and could always find humor in any situation. She made me feel comfortable in class, and made it a point to teach us that anyone could be successful, regardless of our individual background. She was always in a good mood, despite the early start time, and helped me get the day off to a good start. Thank you Ms. Moore for a great class and your life lessons!
Farzeen Nasri, Political Science - selected by Makenna Murray
Professor Farzeen Nasri was my Econ professor and he is my favorite teacher. He incorporated current events into the classroom discussion which made the subject more interesting and easier to learn and cares for his students on a personal level, and genuinely wants all his students to be successful. He is enthusiastic about his subject and it was fun to go to class and learn economics. Professor Farzeen also gave us helpful study tips and study skills that I can take and use when I transfer to a 4-year school. Thank you, Professor, it was truly a memorable class.
Ted Prell, Criminal Justice - selected by Marissa Hurtado
There are people you meet in life that make an impact on your future, and Ted Prell is a teacher who has had that impact on me. In his criminal justice class, he went above and beyond normal expectations. He spent time getting people with in the law enforcement profession to come speak with students, and it gave me insight on my career choice. I am grateful to have had the privilege of being his student.
Joey Ramirez, Health - selected by Aubri Smith
I am really excited to honor Professor Joey Ramirez tonight. When I took his Stress Management class I saw a different side of him, other than the men's basketball coach. Many of the techniques he taught me were beneficial, helping me cope with daily struggles and to be a leader on the team. He always asked for feedback in class making discussions lively and interesting. It is obvious that he has tremendous passion and dedication for the basketball program, but he is equally valuable to the college as a teacher. I loved his class and appreciate all that he has done to help me and look forward to learning more from him as time goes on.
Brent Wilson, Music - selected by Erin Ross
Brent Wilson is my favorite professor. He breaks the mold of the college professor and is unique unto himself. He teaches music appreciation while also teaching us so much more every day. He teaches his students how to carry themselves in their daily lives, how to confidently support that in which they believe. He's always enthusiastic and passionate about the class. He cares about the students succeeding in class and in life. All of this, coupled with how fun he made rhythm and scales sound, is what made his class my favorite, and Brent Wilson my favorite professor.