Each year, the members of the sophomore class of the Ventura College women's basketball team each select a "Favorite Teacher" based on their own personal criteria. 2019-20 is the 15th year in which the team has honored their favorite teachers, and 84 awards have been presented, including this year.
On Saturday January 25, VCCCD Board member Josh Chancer, VC President Dr. Kim Hoffmans, VC Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Damien Peña and Dean of Health, Kinesiology, Athletics and Performing Arts Dr. Tim Harrison helped the team honor the latest class of Favorite Teachers. These instructors, through their skill, expertise, thoughtfulness, and humanity have earned the distinction of being named the team's 2020 "Favorite Teachers".
Lucy Capuano, Psychology; selected by Emma Larson
Lucy Capuano is a name on campus that everyone knows and those who have taken her class can vouch that she is a great teacher and a great person. She is easy to talk to, supportive and takes and interest in her students personally. Not only does she teach in the classroom, but is willing to help students outside of class, as well. She loves her job and loves sharing her passion for psychology. I enjoy being in her class and would love to pick their brain about many things. I know that I will learn so much from her not only in the classroom but in life as well. Thank you, Lucy!
Scott De Loach, English; selected by LaDaesha Merriweather
Scott De Loach is a teacher who works hard on behalf of his students. Not only is he cool, outspoken and funny, he is also passionate and intelligent. He was honest and direct in class, and always willing to share his thoughts. English was not my favorite subject, but he inspired me to be a more active student in his class and in other classes, as well. He taught me that there is a process to arriving at my best work, and went above and beyond to help me achieve this. I am still using skills Scott taught me, and will continue to do so in the future. He is the best teacher any student can ever have and made a positive difference in my life. Thank you!
Jeff Fischer, Health Ed; selected by Alaina Garcia
Jeff Fischer is by far the best teacher I've had at Ventura College. Not only is he chill, but he is also a super rad guy. I enjoyed his teaching style in my Health & Wellness class, and easily understood the concepts he taught. He uses life experiences and examples in his teaching, and also can joke around and laugh about the most random things. He involved all the students in class discussions, and made it easy for me to get to know my classmates. I learned a lot from Coach Fischer and appreciate the lessons I learned in class.
Ty Gardner, Anatomy; selected by Cece Quintino
I would like to recognize Professor Ty Gardner for dealing with me for not just one semester at VC, but two. Professor Gardner taught me a plethora of concepts I can utilize in the "real world", from the anatomical aspect of the human body to the more organismal biological perspective; such as the fruit we love to eat are in fact the ovaries of plants. Prof Gardner is actually funny, and somehow made a three hour lab enjoyable with his sarcasm and quick wit. Thank you so much Professor Gardner for being you. You are immensely appreciated!
Constance McClain, Health Ed; selected by Victoria Maciel
My favorite teacher is Constance McClain from my Spiritual Health class. She not only teaches the class, but she truly believes in the ideas she is conveying to her students. My time in class was always well spent as it was a place I felt at ease. There were students with real anxiety in the class, but her words and direction in spiritual exercises provided relief. At the end of the semester, many students spoke highly of their experience, including me. She taught spirituality with a real-world perspective, not through concepts from a textbook, and her lessons will remain with me in the future. I am grateful to have taken Professor Constance's class and appreciate the strong woman I was able to get to know.
Niki Milani, Psychology; selected by Nikki Puga
As young adults, most of us are mapping out what and how our lives should be. Decisions and challenges often arise, and I wondered how to manage it all. My thoughts were eased when I started attending Professor Milani's psychology class. I was thankful to be in a class with a funny, smart and caring professor. She engaged students and understood our outside pressures and worked with us. She was available outside of class and structured her teaching so that I could be successful. I know when I graduate from VC, she's one of the teachers who left a positive impression in my life. Professor Milani, thank you for all the help, kindness, and intelligence you had to offer!
Lauri Moore, Sociology; selected by Talia Taufaasau
Lauri Moore was my sociology teacher my first semester at VC. I was away from home for the first time and was nervous about my first semester of college. Although her class was challenging, Ms. Moore made learning a comfortable and fun experience. She structured class discussions on a number of controversial topics, but allowed students the freedom to express their thoughts and ideas in a non-confrontational environment. She also was available to help me outside of class, and was available after I had completed her class. Ms. Moore does whatever she can to make sure her students are successful in the classroom and in life.
Gary Peterson, Communications; selected by Madison Kast
Gary Peterson, my professor for Critical Thinking: Argue and Debate, is my favorite teacher for a multitude of reasons. Because he teaches debate, one would think he is a man who likes to argue. However, he seeks to understand all sides of the story and genuinely listens to each and every one of his students. Even though I received a high score on my first debate, he challenged my work and encouraged me to become better in class. Mr. Peterson is not only knowledgeable, but he also has a great sense of humor and a light-hearted perspective on life. He connected with each and every one of his students and I looked forward to coming to his class every day. Thank you for making your class challenging and enjoyable, and imparting knowledge I will use for the rest of my life.