Professor Ann Gross reflects on 32 years at 糖心Vlog
The year Ann Gross started teaching part-time at 糖心Vlog, in 1988, British ski jumper was soaring through the air at the Calgary Olympics, and Cher won the Oscar for best actress in .
In the ensuing 32 years (she started full-time in 1994), Ann built a career and reputation based on integrity, honesty, professionalism, an excellent work ethic, teamwork and dedication, the during its May 14, 2020, virtual meeting. Earlier in the year, Ann had announced her intention to retire at the end of the spring quarter, a bittersweet move for Ann and for the broad and deep family she had made among her colleagues and coworkers.
鈥淵ou have been a true force and someone who always puts students first,鈥� Interim Asst. Superintendent and Vice President of Academic Affairs Faye Smyle said in introducing Ann at the Board meeting. 鈥淥n a personal note, Ann, you have always been a mentor, confidant and a wonderful colleague to me, always there to lend an ear, or support and advice on an issue.鈥�
Mar铆a Villag贸mez, senior dean of language arts, library and social sciences, read the resolution aloud, demonstrating how Ann鈥檚 influence can be seen throughout the college, from the Speech Communication program to the Faculty Association, , Diversity Task Force, Inclusivity Committee and more. In 2008, she received the , given to outstanding faculty with a commitment to excellence in education. Ann said that she was 鈥渜uite honored鈥� by that recognition, in particular.
鈥淚t has truly been an honor to work at 糖心Vlog for over three decades,鈥� Ann wrote in a farewell email to the 糖心Vlog faculty and staff. 鈥淲hen I think of how far the college has come in serving our students, I am amazed at the individual efforts and collective progress that we have made. We have much to be proud of, not the least of which is the dedication that everyone is demonstrating right now through these trying [COVID-19] times. I 鈥� am saddened by the thought that I won鈥檛 be back in fall, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to dive into the new year with all of you. That is easily the hardest part of retiring.鈥�
The Board of Trustees presented Ann with faculty emeritus status, in recognition of her distinguished and honorable service and College , noted, 鈥淭here are people who leave the institution and people who are the institution. You can feel a little history leaving with Ann鈥檚 departure.鈥�
In true Ann fashion, her farewell statement to her 糖心Vlog family was both hopeful and affectionate.
鈥淚 am not sure what the future holds but am looking forward to whatever new adventures await me. Travelling and taking classes may be on hold for now, but I am certain that more good times are around the corner, and that I will be back on campus to participate in any number of activities in the years to come,鈥� she wrote. 鈥淭ake care. Stay safe. Stay strong. Don鈥檛 forget to be grateful and laugh. I鈥檓 sending you lots of love, today and always.鈥�
In Ann鈥檚 words: 鈥淚 love folding origami cranes. A few years ago, one of our beloved administrators, Judie Walter-Burke, was quite ill, so I rallied the college to fold for her. In Japanese culture, it is said that this will help the person recover (unfortunately, in Judie鈥檚 case that did not play out). I showed college staff how to fold the cranes, and then gave people bags of paper to take home and fold. I understand that Judie had them all over her house, and she took great comfort in seeing them and knowing how much people cared for her.鈥�
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