FACES OF MERRITT

Profiles of Staff, Faculty, Students, Administrators, and Alumni published in
The Merritt Connection from November 2014 to February 2019


TONY HAMPTON
– February 2019
Nearing retirement, Tony Hampton Looks Back on his Career and the Merritt Family He’ll Miss

FEATHER IVES – December 2018
Alumna Credits Histotech Program for Successful Career and Returns to Campus to Help Others

STEFANI DE VITO – November 2018
Years of Advocating for Students Leads Counselor to Role in Finding Solutions for Their Success 

VICTORIA MENZIES – November 2018
New Business Director’s Background as Efficiency Expert Will Help Bring Much-Needed Changes

AARON KIRSCHENBAUM – September 2018
When Achieving Success Needed Extra Support, Merritt Came Through for This Graduate

ALESSANDRA CHIMIENTI, GLORY AWODI OYANAMEH, WENSHUO YANG, RUQAIYAH GILCHRIST
Honoring Top Graduates of 2018

ROBERT L. HARRIS – April 2018
Esteemed 1963 Merritt Alumnus, Attorney, and Author Broke Lifetime of Barriers for Others

ANGELA KHOO – March 2018
In New Role, Counselor Leads Transfer Center Based on Advice from Real-Life Experience

CHRISTINE HERNANDEZ – February 2018
New Student Services VP Ready to Meet New Challenges After Overcoming a Lifetime of Them

MARGARET DIXON – December 2017
Giving a Lifetime of Dedication to Oakland Youth and the Entire Community

NIA HILL – November 2017
Wearing Multiple Hats in Landscape Horticulture, Nia Hill Shares Love of Plants and People

DR. BRAD BALUKJIAN – October 2017
Lesson Plan from New Bug-Collecting Biology Professor: Discover Nature in Oakland!

DR. MARIE-ELAINE BURNS – September 2017
After Decades of Experience, Perseverance Pays Off for Merritt College President

TAHMID RAHMAN – May 2017
Top Tutor in Learning Center Dedicated to Role in Helping Students Succeed

JASON SEALS – March 2017
AFRAM Chair Credits His Mother and His Mentors for Helping Him Choose Path to Success 

DORIS HANKINS – February 2017
After Years Reaching Her Goals, Doris Hankins Helps Others Find Theirs

LORNA PASCUAL – December 2016
Lorna Pascual Looks Back on 43 Years at Merritt as She Goes from Office to Orchids

JENNIFER BRIFFA – November 2016
Proud Alumna and Child Development Instructor Gives Back to Merritt by Producing Great Teachers

SAMANTHA KESSLER – October 2016
Using Research Skills to Help Merritt Plan, Make Decisions, and Improve Student Success

MARGIE RUBIO – September 2016
Newly Named Student Support Specialist Came Up Hill and Set an Example for All

AUDREY TROTTER – May 2016
Audrey Trotter Retires But Will Always Keep Her Passion for Community Colleges

MONICA AMBALAL – January 2016
New Instructor With International Background Brings Students Awareness of World Music

WILL SMITH – January 2016
Giving Back to Others After Merritt Mentors Help Turn His Life Around 

TRACEY CHRISTIAN – January 2016
Following Personal Tragedy, Alumna Found Her Strength By Finding Merritt and Making a Difference

CARLOS MCLEAN – November-December 2015
Long-time Counselor Retires After Years of Helping At-Risk Students Find Success

SOLEDAD MARTINEZ & MAX LEUNG – October 2015
A Match Made at Merritt and a Surprise Proposal on Campus

DEBRA JACKS – October 2015
A Fulfilling 36 Years of Helping Students Achieve Their Dreams

DR. MARIO RIVAS – September 2015
New Academic Senate President’s Diverse Upbringing Led to His Career

HERMAN ROQUE – May 2015
A Tragic Past Leads to a Satisfying Future Thanks to COSER Program

STEPHANIE HARDING – May 2015
Following in Parents’ Footsteps and Thriving on Merritt Campus 

ADEEB NASIR – April 2015
Rising Track Star Gets New Start Thanks to Coach’s Inspiration

DR. TINA VASCONCELLOS – April 2015
Instructional Dean Brings Passion for Equality to Merritt

DR. WILLIAM LOVE March 2015
Beyond Retirement, Bill Love Continues to Teach and Stand Up for His Beliefs

KHADIJAH POOLE-KHATIB – February 2015
Student Translates EMT Lesson into Real Life Heroic Rescue 

MARIA PEREZ – February 2015
“Merritt is Where My Heart Is,” Says Former Student Who is Now Starting Her Career at Merritt

SHEIBA BOISSIERE – December 2014
CalWORKs Student-Turned-Employee Inspires Others to be Successful

ALECIA WARREN-BARNES – November 2014
DSPS Student Thanks Mother and Merritt and Makes Plans to Become a Doctor

CLIFTON COLEMAN  – November 2014
Curriculum Specialist Finds His Niche in Planning and Technology