GCC - Gogebic Community College

CAMPUSnews
Kit Malloy had been employed by the college for 30 years,
beginning her career in fall, 1979. She consistently created an
inspiring and effective learning environment. She was involved
in numerous community college events and committees always
volunteering her time. Her breadth of work both inside and
outside the classroom always demonstrated that extra step necessary
to maintain the innovative spirit of teaching and learning
that so clearly came naturally to Mrs. Malloy. She has been well
respected in the nursing community.
Ms. Jane Sobolewski, a full-time instructor in the Business
Education Division, retired in July, 2010. Ms. Sobolewski began
her college employment in the 1983/84 academic year, and had
served for 26 years. During her time at Gogebic she taught a
wide variety of business education courses, with emphasis on
office simulation and software applications used in workplace
environments. She was involved in the design and layout of the
business education spaces during the development of the Solin
Center for Business Education, and was actively involved in the
revision of curriculum to ensure that the courses and programs
assigned to her were relevant to the workplace. She was an early
adopter of online instruction and use of the course management
software in traditional classes.
Delaine “Dee Dee” Maki, a part-time secretarial support staff
employee retired in May, 2009, after 23 years of credited service
at Gogebic Community College. During her tenure she had
assignments in Student Services, Computer Services, Bookstore,
and the federally funded TRIO Grant Program. She was a reliable
and flexible member of the college community.
Pat O’Neill had been employed by the college for just under 45
years, beginning his career in February of 1965 working for
Ironwood Junior College. Throughout the years he was a
student-centered, dependable, and talented instructor, who
made time to assist students in their studies. His assignments
included English Composition, Honors English Composition, creative
writing, literature and poetry, and other related courses.
During his tenure he also participated in a variety of other
college and student related activities, projects, and committees.
He is a well-regarded writer, having published several books of
poetry and short stories. GCC is fortunate that Mr. O’Neill continues
to teach on a part-time basis.
Mr. Paul Semmerling, a full-time and the lead instructor in the
Computed Aided Drafting (CAD) and Manufacturing Technology
program(s), retired in July, 2010. Mr. Semmerling began his college
employment in January of the 1974/75 academic year, with
initial assignments at the (then) Camp Ojibway occupational
extension site. He had served the college for 35.5 years. During
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Retirees
that time he worked closely with local and regional business and
industry to ensure that the course and programs assigned to
him were relevant to the workplace, embraced technology as a
tool to improve student learning, and exhibited a high level of
commitment to student learning and success. He was instrumental
in evolving the CAD lab into a state-of-the-art facility that
enjoys strong relationships with employers. During his tenure he
served as Chairperson of the Occupational Education Division, a
long time member of the Curriculum Committee, and has been
involved in a number of other division and campus-wide committees
and initiatives.
Mr. Steven Wesselhoft, the College’s Dean of Student Services,
retired in June, 2010, after twenty-five years of service. Dean
Wesselhoft joined Gogebic Community College in 1984, serving
as the Director of Financial Aid, Housing, and Veteran’s Affairs. In
1989 he became the college’s third Dean of Student Services
and continues in that role. During his tenure as Dean of
Students, he took a lead role in many projects that have
advanced student learning, activities, and opportunities; the
design of the David G. Lindquist Student Center and Student
Housing, the securing of the college’s first four year federal TRiO
Student Support Services Grant which is now in its eighth year,
the award of a 2-year federal grant for addressing alcohol use
issues in the student population, and the seamless alignment of
student services, are just a few of these efforts. He was active on
a number of institutional committees, had served as a Student
Senate advisor for many years, participated in a wide range of
student activities—including the cooking of Holiday Dinners for
those students who are unable to travel home for holidays, and
is a long time supporter of student athletics. His pride in the
many students who have passed through the college’s doors
and moved on to satisfying careers and lifelong pursuits of learning
is evident to all.
Ms. Rita Klotter, a full-time and the lead instructor in the
Cosmetology and Personal Services program(s), retired in July,
2010. Ms. Klotter began her full-time college employment in
August of the 2002/03 academic year, having served as a substitute/part-time
instructor in the program for several years before
that. She had served for a total of 8.5 years. During that time she
worked closely with local and regional personal care businesses
and vendors to ensure that the program’s courses and student
outcomes were relevant to the workplace, took a strong personal
interest in student recruiting broadening student enrollments,
and exhibited a high level of commitment to student learning
and success. During her tenure she initiated program recruitment
activities at a number of community events and the county
fair, and had been involved in a number of other division and
campus-wide committees and initiatives.