With plans of travel, photography, and ever-furthering education, four City College faculty members will retire after the Spring 2014 Semester.

Gerry Lewin, learning disabilities specialist; Deborah Mackie, academic councilor; Carol Diamond, computer application and office management professor; and Elida Moreno, English as a second language professor, will soak in their last few weeks as faculty on campus.

The work and dedication of these four faculty members for the betterment of the college and students does not go unrecognized. The devotion to teach and aid students at City College by Lewin, Moreono, Mackie and Diamond has been significant.

With their teaching fulfilled, the four faculty members will take time to relax and enjoy retirement.

Gerry Lewin

Gerry Lewin has worked at her dream job as a Learning Disabilities Specialist for the past 26 years.

“It has always been so very interesting, challenging and meaningful,” Lewin said.

Since Lewin began working in disabled student programs and services, scientific research in cognitive development has expanded.

“The heart of our work is to draw out students’ potential and support them in expressing their intellectual abilities in learning,” said Lewin.

Her colleagues and students will miss her enthusiastic personality.

“Gerry is one of the best,” said one of her students, Dan Radke. “What a sweetheart. (I’m) going to miss seeing her and I hope she has a wonderful retirement.”

Life after retirement for Lewin will consist of “immediately engaging in wildlife viewing and photography,” she said.

Lewin intends to participate in Santa Barbara’s Institute of World Culture to continue on her ever-lasting path of knowledge.

“Her selflessness and dedication to serving students is a thing of beauty,” said Matthew Poulin, one of Lewin’s former students.

Elida Moreno

English as a Second Language Professor Elida Moreno, will retire after 38 dedicated years instructing at City College.

Since 1976, Moreno has been a strategic part of the development of multiple programs and departments on campus.

Moreno developed the college’s Basic Skills Program. With the program, she was able to launch the Disabled Student Program and Services, which she coordinated for eight and a half years.

“[Teaching through] these 38 years have brought me in contact with hundreds of students and fantastic colleagues; probably the greatest opportunities to build life-long memories and friendships,” Moreno said.

On Moreno’s list of things to do after retirement is travel throughout the United States and “visit places I have only driven by or read about,” she said.

“Along the way, I’ll probably stop at a few casinos as well.”

Deborah Mackie

Deborah Mackie, academic counselor, will also spend her last semester at City College.

Mackie has worked on campus for almost 30 years and started the School Relations Program.

Mackie said the most memorable experiences have been the little things, as well as making good friends and working with hundreds of students.

After retirement, Mackie has a jam-packed schedule to travel the United States, with plans to visit family, friends and even travel with fellow City College retirees.

“Then, who knows, I plan to volunteer for fun, outdoor activities in the Channel Islands, etc. Maybe (join) a non-profit where I can use my counseling skills and background, or just do some good in the world,” Mackie said.

“Debbie has an innate ability to bring out the best in everyone; she inspires students and colleagues alike to become aware of and reach their full potential,” Sergio Perez, dean of academic counseling, wrote in an email. “More importantly for me, she has been one of a handful of guardian angels in my life that has had a transformational role in what I have accomplished and who I am today

Carol Diamond

The last City College’s retiree is Carol Diamond, who was a recipient of the school’s Faculty of the Month Award in February 2006. The computer application and office management professor has taught at City College for 25 years.

“Carol Diamond exemplifies what is best about the Santa Barbara City College faculty: hard-working, cutting-edge, great ideas, service to the college and students, [and] all around great college,” stated the faculty recognition nomination.

Diamond decided to teach business communication to adults at Humber College while living in Toronto, Canada.

She has taught multiple business courses to an array of students in Toronto, England and Texas. Her hobbies include traveling and new adventures.