University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822	(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail
For Immediate Release:	November 13, 1997
Contact: Cheryl Ernst, (808) 956-5941 Neal Iwamoto, 956-8856

Leeward Community College professor receives top honors Leeward CC business Professor Jean Hara was recently named the 1997 Hawai'i Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Achievement of Teaching and Technology and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. Hara was one of 48 faculty members selected by a national evaluation committee from among more than 550 nominees from colleges and universities across the country. Hara has taught Office Administration and Technology courses at Leeward for the past seven years. "Professor Hara is a teacher extraordinare," said Leeward Dean Mark Silliman, who nominated Hara for the award last spring, shortly after she received the Regents' Medal for Excellence in Teaching. "Over the years, she has demonstrated a dedication to serving and advising students unsurpassed at LCC." Hara has developed a strong rapport with students, who describe her as approachable, patient and genuinely concerned about their success. While maintaining high standards for students, Hara has created a nurturing environment for learning. "Her class work is very hard and challenging, but she offers a lot of help if you need it and if you ask for it," said student Brian Yoshikawa. "As long as you are willing to learn, she is always willing to teach." More than a teacher, Hara is an adviser and friend whose positive, upbeat attitude has inspired many. Yoshikawa, whose problems with drugs and alcohol landed him in prison, expressed his appreciation in a letter supporting Hara's nomination. "Without her I would not be what I am today," he wrote. "She had a big part in helping me make the new life I have today. She gave me the support, willingness and encouragement to never give up. Whether it is about school or personal matters, she was always there." Numerous support letters from Leeward CC colleagues painted a similar picture of a working professional who unconditionally dedicates her talents, time and energy to benefit the students and the school. An example of her efforts is the successful expansion of the office administration and technology program in Wai'anae, which offers opportunities to students who are unable to attend classes on the Leeward campus. She also serves as a mentor to junior faculty members, assisting with course outlines, teaching styles and classroom techniques. Others regarded Hara's recent service as the Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee chairwoman as her most significant contribution to the college. During an especially difficult two years of curricula revision, Hara worked cooperatively with the committee, the Faculty Senate and the LCC administration to develop an effective, acceptable core outline form, said her colleagues. The Carnegie Foundation Professor of the Year program was established in 1981 to recognize outstanding undergraduate instructors for their commitment to teaching and to acknowledge the role of faculty in encouraging students to remain connected with their alma maters. Nominees are judged on their impact on and involvement with undergraduate students, scholarly approach to teaching and service to undergraduate students and institution.

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