El Camino College Names 2017 Distinguished Faculty and Staff

From El Camino College: El Camino College professor Angela Simon (faculty) and RISE Center Program Coordinator Julieta Ortiz (staff) were recently honored for their dedication to students, the college and colleagues. As the 2017 El Camino College Distinguished Faculty and Staff Award honorees, Simon and Ortiz were recognized at the 21st Annual Faculty and Staff Award Reception.

Angela Simon has been a psychology professor at El Camino College for more than 20 years, with "service to students" as her primary goal. She is known as an effective student-centered teacher who engages and inspires students through an innovative learning environment. Angela believes that "learning never stops" and shares that philosophy with her students, with the intent that they apply what they learn in class to their own lives.

Her commitment to student success is evident in many ways. Angela can often be seen in the audience of performances, recitals, and sporting events and has served as the adviser for several student clubs through the years. The lines of communication are always open for students, and she offers individual attention and support that makes a positive difference in their lives. In addition to her dedication to students and classroom teaching, colleagues note Angela's strong sense of community. She frequently uses her organizational and social skills to build camaraderie and complete tasks through teamwork.

Angela serves on numerous El Camino College committees, including the Facilities Steering Committee, Title IX Committee, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Committee, Women's History Month Committee, hiring committees, and the ECC Breast Cancer Support Group. She has also represented faculty as president of the ECC Federation of Teachers.

Angela earned doctorate and master's degrees in psychology from the University of California, Davis, in addition to a bachelor's degree in psychology from California State University, Long Beach. Her many honors include the ECC Distinguished Woman Award in 2005 and the 2016 Award of Excellence from the Honors Transfer Program, an organization for which she served as director from 2001-2005.

Julieta Ortiz is an El Camino College alumna who has made a tremendous impact on student success. Since she joined the ECC staff in 2004, she has served in the offices of Financial Aid, Outreach and School Relations, and in her current role as the RISE Center Program Coordinator, with enthusiasm and an unwavering commitment to helping students.

Julieta's leadership was instrumental in creating the college’s Ambassador Program, which includes the hiring, training and mentoring of students to represent the college. She was also a leader in bringing back New Student Welcome Day – an opportunity for new students to learn about ECC programs and services.

The Counselor Collaborative is another program she helped revive in 2016; this year she coordinated the event, which has turned into a great success. Under Julieta's guidance, Welcome Week (now known as "WOW" or "Week of Welcome") is a great success, ensuring new students find support during the first week of school. She is known for her dedication to students, her ability to make personal connections, and for showing respect and compassion for everyone she meets.

A graduate of Leuzinger High School and El Camino College, Julieta transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a bachelor's degree in sociology and then went on earn a master's degree in social work from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Julieta also participates in numerous college initiatives, such as the ECC PRIDE Leadership Academy design team, and is a mentor and club adviser.

Images Courtesy of El Camino College