THURSDAY, MAY 13, 1999

Hard workers honored

By Lot Tan

On-Line Forty-Niner

In honor of National Teachers Day, officials from the College of Education handed out 500 apples donated by Ralphs supermarket to Cal State Long Beach students and faculty near the Multicultural Center Wednesday.

The observance honors teachers and recognizes the lasting contributions they have made to the lives of students.

"I was a former elementary teacher for five years and I enjoyed it," said Jean Houck, dean of the College of Education. "The notion that teachers touch lives is very important."

Some of the faculty members who handed-out apples were dressed in beach attire. Two beach balls and a huge beach umbrella adorned the center's entrance to attract attention.

"The rewards of teaching is a self-fulfillment for reaching people," said Marie Hegmer, professor of special education. "I haven't regretted a minute of teaching."

Richette Bell, outreach and recruitment coordinator for the College of Education, organized the day and is thrilled about the demand for teachers.

"I'm thinking about being a substitute teacher because I like working with kids," senior Noemi Perez said. "I'm a teacher's aide right now and I enjoy it."

Houck presented three faculty members with ribbons and lapel pins for their commitment and dedication to the teaching profession: Hamdi Bilici, president of the California Faculty Association, President Robert Maxson and Elizabeth Hoffman, lecturer project leader for the Center for Faculty Development.

"I think teaching is the most important job I could do," Hoffman said. "I'm so happy to be honored."

Faculty also handed-out bookmarks which had the motto, "Choose to make a difference. Teach.," printed on them.