Educator Of The Year

2012	On November 7, Marymount professor Susan Garman received the Educator of the Year Award from the Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Club. The Educator of the Year program, is in its 32nd year of honoring outstanding teachers on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Susan Garman, selected for this special honor, began working at Marymount College in 1999 as the Director of Student Life and has since served in many roles including English instructor, Freshman Seminar instructor, and Honors Program director. In 2009, Susan was appointed to serve as Marymount’s Director of Service Learning. She has been instrumental in advancing the College’s service learning program, which now has membership in Campus Compact, 100% freshman participation, and representation in every degree program. In the past two years, Marymount students have volunteered more than 17,000 hours in the community under Susan’s leadership. Last year, Susan earned the rank of Assistant Professor of Education.   Susan is now a candidate for a Doctorate in English Literature at Claremont Graduate University. Marymount College Provost Ariane Schauer, who presented the award to Susan said, “I have always known Susan to bring tremendous energy and commitment to her work, and she always puts students first.”
2011	On November 9, David Draper received the Educator of the Year Award at the Palos Verdes Golf Club.  Dr. David Draper of Marymount College will be honored at this event.  This evening event attracts more than 300 guests and raising funds to assist students who have financial need for college. Dr. Draper was nominated by the faculty and staff of Marymount College for his ability to create a classroom community of engaged learners and his ability to help students grow in a challenging academic environment.  He has served as the program leader and student advisor for the college’s London Program where Marymount students study abroad in Fall and Summer sessions at Regent’s College in London.
2010	Professor Jamel Kammoun, Ph.D., received 2010 Educator of the Year honors at the Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula’s Educator of the Year awards ceremony on November 3, 2010. Dr. Kammoun, who passed away in a tragic accident in December 2009, had taught at the College since August 2001. He was honored posthumously as a professor who changed the lives of many of his students, and who instilled in them a love of math and science through his exemplary teaching. His wife, Ida Kammoun received the award in his honor. The Educator of the Year award, which was established 29 years ago, serves as a public acknowledgment of the contributions made by excellent teachers in providing educational growth and development for students in the Palos Verdes community. All teachers from educational institutions on the Peninsula are eligible, and each participating educational institution uses its own method and criteria for selection.
2009	English department faculty member Kari Sayers received the honor of 2009 Educator of the Year, an award presented by the Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula at its annual Educator of the Year awards ceremony on November 4 at the Palos Verdes Golf Club. Joining Professor Sayers in this honor were other Palos Verdes teachers from elementary and secondary education. Professor Sayers was elected by her College peers for this honor. “We are certainly very proud of all that Professor Sayers has accomplished at Marymount College as an instructor and academic leader,” said Dr. Michael Brophy, president of the College. “She is a warm, sincere and genuine member of our community who goes ‘above and beyond’ every day on our campus” said Dr. Brophy. Presenting the award that evening to Professor Sayers was Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Ariane Schauer, Ph.D. In her remarks, Dr. Schauer said, “Professor Sayers is a very caring and dedicated member of our faculty. She brings a global perspective to the teaching of language and to her understanding of students. It is a privilege to work with her, a wonderful teacher, mentor and colleague.”The Educator of the Year Award was established 29 years ago and serves as a public acknowledgment of the contributions made by excellent teachers in providing educational growth and development for students in the Palos Verdes community.  All individual teachers from educational institutions on the Peninsula are eligible, and each participating educational institution uses their own method and criteria for selection.