UKIAH, Calif. The Mendocino College Faculty Association has had a busy year.  

New Co-Chairs Sarah Walsh and Tascha Whetzel have taken on the leadership of the Faculty Association.

As Whetzel explains, “As a new faculty member several years ago, I was impressed with the generosity of the Faculty Association to students and staff alike. When the association was looking for volunteers to chair the group, Sarah and I were eager to take on the task.”

Throughout the year, the Faculty Association supports a variety of important causes which support students and educators at Mendocino College.

Through instructor payroll deductions each month, the Faculty Association collects funds throughout the year which are used to honor students, teachers, and staff at Mendocino College.

A major portion of the money collected by the association goes to the Faculty Association Scholarships which will be given out at the Scholarship Ceremony on May 10.

Scholarship recipients are nominated by faculty and are recognized for their achievements in and out of the classroom.

This year there will be 25 students recognized, receiving a total of $2,800. All students nominated this year will receive a monetary award of $100 or $200 dollars.  

“It is a delight to be able to give money to deserving students,” said Walsh. “The money is a tremendous help to students but the recognition of their efforts is so important as well.”

In addition to student scholarships, the Faculty Association makes memorial donations to the Yvonne Sligh Book Voucher program in memory of family members who have passed.  

Recently the association recognized Mendocino College Classified Staff for Administrative Professionals Day on April 24. All Mendocino College staff members received a thank you card and a $5 Schat’s Bakery gift card.  

“This is a great way to thank staff for their year round commitment to Mendocino College,” said Whetzel.

Currently the association is in the process of selecting full time faculty, part time faculty, and classified /staff excellence award recipients.  

Faculty nominate their peers for awards and past Full Time Faculty Excellence Recipients choose the current award winners. Each recognized staff member will receive a cash prize as well as a plaque.

For more information, contact Sara Walsh at 707-468-3122.