Born in San Francisco, Cho moved with his family to the Central Valley when he was 5 years old. He graduated from Selma High School and went on to attend California State University, Fresno. He earned degrees in geography, urban planning, and chemistry, as well as a teaching credential, before eventually becoming an instructor at Fresno City College.

“Teaching is a noble profession. It gives us a chance to help other people.” –John Cho
Asian-American Studies instructor

Cho has helped develop many courses focused on Asian-American issues, ranging from status and identity to literature. He views teaching as an opportunity to inspire and improve.

“Teaching is a noble profession,” he said. “It gives us a chance to help other people. As instructors, it’s our duty to help the students to be better than when they came into class.”

He also took the initiative in expanding the college’s Asian-American Month activities.

“We used to have Asian Awareness Day, or two days,” he said. “I said, well, let’s have a week of things. And then gradually the week grew into ten days, fifteen days, and eventually I just said we’ll take it for a month and call it Asian-American Month.”

The month now includes a variety of student discussion panels, lectures, and cultural performances. Cho views the growth of Asian-American Month at Fresno City College as one of his proudest accomplishments.

Cho’s teaching isn’t limited to Fresno City College. He has operated John Cho’s Kung-Fu School in Fresno for 20 years—one year longer than he has taught at FCC. He sees Kung-Fu as an additional means of learning valuable lessons like patience and persistence, he said, and “the belief that if you apply yourself, you will improve. You might not become the best in the world, but you will definitely improve.”

He also sees parallels between the martial art and the classroom. “I don’t know if everybody can be an ‘A’ student,” he said, “but if they apply themselves, they will get a better grade.”

Jeff McFall, Head Coach, Reedley College women's tennis team

Jeff McFall grew up in Reedley, attended Reedley College, and spent most of his life in Reedley. So it was an easy fit when he became head coach of the Reedley College women’s tennis team three years ago.

“I like having the chance to impact lives.”– Jeff McFall

The first year was a challenge. Without much preparation time, McFall looked for players in the physical education classes. Some of the players may not have planned on playing college tennis when they started, but McFall was able to form a team of six—the minimum needed for a team.

Even with the small team and hasty organization, McFall’s team went on to a 15-1 record that year, and was undefeated in conference play. It was quite an accomplishment, especially considering the staff had “just barely put a team together,” McFall said.

The following year saw more success and another undefeated season in their conference.

The highlights of McFall’s latest season coaching the Tigers was another undefeated season in their conference (that makes 30 straight wins), a number of victories in the Northern California tournament, and a state championship in doubles.

“It’s the only state championship in the history of Reedley College athletics,” McFall said, “so that’s pretty exciting.”

McFall sees coaching as a way to teach. “There are so many life lessons a person can get out of athletics,” he said. “I teach life lessons through sports.”

Whether it’s dealing with competition or practice or defeat (although the Tigers don’t have to deal with defeat too often), sports can parallel many aspects of life. “I like having the chance to impact lives,” McFall said.

McFall is a father of five, and spends his non-coaching time as a real estate investor.

Willow International Cafe managers Sara and Ziad Abwini

When students at Willow International Center get hungry, they know where to go. Since the opening of the campus in 2007, the Willow International Cafe has been satisfying students’ hunger. And since the opening, the cafe has been managed by husband and wife team Ziad and Sara Abwini.

The couple approached the District early on about providing food service for the new campus. They were given the go-ahead and opened the original cafe in a portable classroom, until upgrading this year to the current permanent structure. The cafe offers a unique locale for students to gather, eat, and study. A variety of tables are arranged for comfortable seating, along with a convenient ATM and beverage vending machines.

The Abwinis have both worked in the food service industry for most of their lives, managing restaurants and operating catering services. Ziad Abwini emigrated from the Middle East to the U.S. where he met and married Sara, a lifelong resident of the Central Valley. Since then, they have been working together.

“When people come to eat, they’re in a good mood.” – Sara Abwini

“We like what we do,” said Sara. “When people come to eat, they’re in a good mood.”

And when Willow International students come to eat, they have extra reason to be happy. Almost all of the cafe’s food is handmade. That includes the standard sandwiches, burgers, and breakfast burritos, but also the specials like Mexican, Mediterranean, and Chinese foods. The sauces in the Italian dishes are all made fresh. So is the chili for the fries. “The kids love chili,” Sara said.

Between the two of them, they have experience with a globe-spanning range of cuisines. “We try to touch on every part of the world,” she said of the menu.

Even when they aren’t working, the Abwinis are thinking about the cafe. “We like to visit other restaurants and cafes,” said Sara, “and get ideas for ours to become more appealing. We always try to accommodate everyone.”

TRIO is a set of federally funded educational outreach programs meant to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, especially low-income, first-generation students. Currently, the programs serve almost 850,000 students across America. Services include academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and additional educational supports. TRIO programs also provide training for administrators and staff.

The TRIO programs began with the Educational Opportunity Act of 1964, and the establishment of program called Upward Bound under President Lyndon Johnson. Upward Bound was followed by the Talent Search program in 1965, and Special Services for Disadvantaged Students (later called Student Support Services) in 1968. These three formed a “trio” of federally funded programs to encourage access to higher education for low-income students.

“…as a first-generation college student, I have been able to relate to students, and have fostered a student-centered environment.” – Dr. Cynthia Azari

That’s when Azari, one of seven children raised by a single mother, was able to utilize the TRIO programs. “Participating in Upward Bound gave me an opportunity to be on a college campus, and I learned not to be intimidated by the higher education environment,” she said.

Azari, who was named FCC president in 2008, credits the program with her professional career as well. “Upward Bound also taught me the 5-P’s: Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance,” she said. “This has been my mantra for many years. I used it in school when the lazy side of me said, ‘You can wing it,’ but the success-oriented side of me said, ‘Do your homework; read the textbook; write a meaningful paper.’ I was most successful when I was prepared. In my career, I have used the 5-P’s as well.”

For many years, Azari has worked in education, especially at the community college level. “Community colleges are often the college of choice for first-generation college students,” she said, “and, as a first-generation college student, I have been able to relate to students, and have fostered a student-centered environment.”

As a TRIO success story, Azari stands as an example of the continued value of such programs, especially in conjunction with community colleges. “I firmly believe in the mission of community colleges,” she said. “I know that, like TRIO programs, we have made a difference in the lives of millions of people, and we will continue to do so.”

“Dr. Behringer will be a great addition to Reedley College,” said Reedley College President Barbara Hioco. “She brings many years of experience in teaching and administration to her new post.”

Behringer is no stranger to SCCCD. For the past seven years she has served as the dean of instruction for the business division at Fresno City College. Before that, she was an instructor of computer information systems, coordinator of student success, and department chair at FCC. Most recently at FCC, Behringer acted as interim vice president of student services.

“She brings many years of experience in teaching and administration to her new post.” —Barbara Hioco
Reedley College President

Born and raised in Fresno, Behringer also has strong ties to the community.  She is a member of East Fresno Rotary and active with the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce Business/Education Committee. She has been on the Valley Business Conference Committee and was chair of the conference in 2006 and 2009. She belongs to the Fresno Metropolitan Museum, the Friends of the Arts, and Delta Gamma Sorority. Behringer is the secretary of the California Community College Association for Occupational Education and the Chair of the Central Valley Conference-Appeals Board. She is also a member of the State Center Consortium Advisory Committee and the International Society of Business Disciplines.

Behringer received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in applied computer systems from California State University, Fresno. She received her Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership from UC Davis and California State University, Fresno.

With ample experience in both instruction and administration, as well as her commitment to the greater community, Behringer will contribute much to the Office of Instruction at Reedley College.

“I am honored to have been selected to be vice president of instruction for Reedley College,” Behringer said, “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with the faculty, staff and students.”

Willow International biology instructor, Tom Mester.

Dr. Tom Mester, biology instructor, recalls when the Clovis Center, in the year 2000, offered only three biology classes in the evenings, held in classrooms of a nearby high school. Now, almost 10 years later, the Willow International Community College Center offers a full compliment of science classes, including biology, chemistry, human anatomy, and human physiology. “In some ways the Clovis Center was a field of dreams and the real growth started during the 2000-2001 academic year,” said Mester, who now teaches at the Willow International Center.

The continued growth is due in part to the dedication of Mester himself. That’s why he is the nominee of the North Centers for this year’s Bill F. Stewart Achievement of Excellence Award. The award is given to a State Center Community College District employee who exemplifies the qualities of former SCCCD Chancellor Dr. Bill Stewart: leadership, vision, and dedication.

“I know that my life experiences have prepared me for this career in higher education,” Mester said.

Mester was born in a town of 1,500 in rural Michigan. Throughout his youth, Mester spent summers with his dad, caring for crops of corn, soybeans, and dry beans. The family raised pigs, ducks, geese, and pheasant. They also produced their own cottage cheese, butter, and milk with the help of some accommodating cows. The first-hand experience laid the groundwork for a lifetime of agricultural education and service.

“I was a first generation college student in my family and I know that my life experiences have prepared me for this career in higher education,” Mester said.

Mester’s credentials trace a unified path through higher education. He earned two bachelor of science degrees: one in anthropology and zoology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and the other in agriculture from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. At the North Carolina State University, Raleigh, Mester earned a master’s degree in crop science with a focus on weed science, as well as a minor in pest management. He went on to earn a doctorate in agronomy, the science of soil management and crop production, from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

For two years as a Peace Corps volunteer, Mester lived in the Philippines, helping institute the country’s first livestock loan program. He organized and assisted more than 30 farmers, obtaining livestock production loans and supervising the release of loan funds.

He next traveled to Sierra Leone in West Africa, again with the Peace Corps. Placed in charge of an Agricultural Extension Training Center, Mester fulfilled dual roles as an instructor and vice principal. He prepared training materials and instructed new Peace Corp volunteers. He instructed students in farm management, surveying, and farm mechanization. And, in addition to all this, he taught English. “What I have learned through all these experiences is to be flexible and be prepared to add a class if necessary,” Mester said.

In his role for SCCCD, Mester is the first faculty member from the North Centers to serve as president of the Reedley College Academic Senate. He was also the president of the North Centers Faculty Association and has served on various committees, including budget and strategic planning. The commitment of Mester to the District and its continued educational growth is sure to produce benefits well into the future.

Ricarda Cerda, FCC nutrition instructor, has been awarded the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s E. (Kika) de La Garza Fellowship. The fellowship awards faculty members at institutions of higher education across the nation with full-time Hispanic student enrollment of 25 percent or more, such as Fresno City College. Twenty fellows were selected, according to the USDA, “based on the compatibility of their research interests with USDA mission areas and the value their experience with the Department would add to their institution’s curriculum.”

Ricarda will spend time in Washington meeting with USDA officials and personnel from federal agencies including the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of State. Areas of discussion include student outreach and retention, career opportunities, and grants and funding opportunities. The primary benefit is the networking information Ricarda will be able to share with colleagues and students at FCC. The closer relationship between Fresno City College and the national agencies will provide a range of opportunities.

According to the USDA, the partnerships created by this program better prepare both the USDA and the fellows’ Hispanic-serving institutions to “address educational challenges faced by the Hispanic community and to promote services and employment opportunities offered by USDA agencies while diversifying the Department’s workforce.”

Lori Bonilla (right) pictured with Reedley College co-worker, Lisa Maciel

For more than 11 years, Lori Bonilla has served Reedley College through her untiring efforts as public information officer. On May 4, the California Community College Board of Governors presented Lori—along with four others from around the state—with the Classified Employee of the Year award. Lori is the first employee from State Center Community College District to receive this prestigious recognition.

“Reedley is not a place where she goes to work. It’s an extension of her family.”
–Teresa Patterson

Whether she’s creating brochures and announcements or planning events, Lori has always been cheerful and dedicated to the students, faculty, and staff of Reedley College. SCCCD Chancellor Dr. Tom Crow, Lori’s former boss, recalls her commitment: “No matter how busy she is, working on many projects at one time, she remembers the mission of the college: student success.”

Among her duties, Lori has organized Kaleidoscope, the annual open house at Reedley College, for the past 11 years. And since 2002, she has been an integral part of the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life, held at the Reedley College track. It has raised more than $150,000 for cancer research and services. It is a cause close to Lori’s heart. She served and participated in memory of her father.

Teresa Patterson (pictured third from the left in the front row) accepting the 2009 Classified Employee of the Year Award on behalf of Lori Bonilla

A year and a half ago, Lori herself was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Though she can no longer walk or speak, she remains optimistic and continues to encourage others. Lori now spends most of her time with her mother, Mary, and husband, Danny, as well as her beloved dog Sheba.

“Reedley is not a place where she goes to work,” says Teresa Patterson, Executive Director of Public & Legislative Relations at SCCCD. “It’s an extension of her family.” Reedley College and the SCCCD family won’t soon forget the contributions of Lori Bonilla. As Patterson says, “So much of what happens at Reedley College revolves around the work that Lori has done.”

Editor’s note: Lori Bonilla passed away on May 25, 2009. Remembrances can be made to the Lori Bonilla Scholarship Fund checks payable to the SCCC Foundation, 1525 E. Weldon Ave, Fresno CA 93704.

Dr. Azari took the helm at Fresno City College on January 2, 2009. She is the first female president in the 98-year history of the college. In 2002, she became the first woman to lead Butler County Community College in Pennsylvania, where she worked until becoming vice chancellor for Workforce Development and Educational Services at State Center Community College District in 2007. “This demonstrates that there are so many opportunities for women these days,” said Dr. Azari. “But on the other hand, it’s a huge challenge for anyone, man or woman, and I’m excited about the opportunity.”

“This demonstrates that there are so many opportunities for women these days.” –Dr. Azari

Dr. Azari received her bachelor of arts degree from Huston Tilloston College in Austin, Texas, a master of science degree in industrial relations, and a master of arts degree in educational administration from West Virginia University. She earned a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Seattle University.

Dr. Azari lived in Tulare until the age of ten. When her parents divorced, she moved with her mother and her six siblings to Texas, where times were tough and her mother worked hard to take care of the family. Because of her background, she understands the struggles that many FCC students face. She also understands she is a role model, especially for other Latinas–a responsibility she takes seriously. “I understand that my background is so similar to that of many of our students, and I want to be a positive role model,” she said. “I can relate to people on many different levels. I want to ensure that I’m a role model who is caring, but also someone who is an effective administrator.”

Dr. Azari whole-heartedly enjoys being on the FCC campus. “I love the energy of the campus. I love the fact that you can walk around and talk to people and there is always something going on. There are people learning. I love seeing people learning,” she added.

Frank Yancy, biology instructor at the North Centers

As you enter Frank Yancy’s classroom, it is apparent that his students are totally engaged and immersed in the world of biology and the natural sciences. Hanging on the walls are various mammals, fish, and other interesting species of wild life. For 10 years, he has taught general biology, microbiology, human biology, life science, and anatomy classes at both the Madera and Oakhurst Centers.

“Frank’s nomination was based on his dedication, creativity, teaching philosophy, excellence in teaching, student success, leadership, and commitment to the educational system,” –Dr. Jim Chin

“I like interacting with our students, especially when I have a student that is not quite sure about biology,” said Yancy. “As the semester progresses I will see a positive change in their enthusiasm and appreciation for biology.”

This year, he will be recognized by the Madera District Chamber of Commerce Business and Education Committee as the Distinguished Teacher of the Year for 2009. Dr. Yancy was nominated by Dr. Jim Chin, Dean of Instruction at the Madera Center. “Frank’s nomination was based on his dedication, creativity, teaching philosophy, excellence in teaching, student success, leadership, and commitment to the educational system,” said Chin.

Dr. Yancy first began teaching at Texas Tech University, where he taught part-time while working on his research for his post-doctoral degree that focused on bat ecology. “I find bats to be interesting creatures and studied the impacts that humans have on bat populations,” said Yancey. After receiving his PhD in biology, he worked for two years as a forensic scientist at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. “While I found that interesting work, I really missed being in the classroom and lab setting,” he said.

For the North Centers, he provides field trips for students that include the Merced Wildlife Refuge, the Sequoia Grove near Yosemite, and other local wildlife refuges in the Central Valley. Last year he participated in the SCCCD Study Abroad Program in Costa Rica, where he and his students studied field biology in the rainforest.