Share Your Memories

Do you have a great memory about a favorite instructor? A class that changed your life? A lifelong connection you made here at Hancock? 

PLEASE SHARE!

We are collecting stories from alumni, students, faculty, staff, retirees, the community...everyone who has a memory they wish to share as we celebrate Hancock's Centennial. 

Please submit your memories via email at memories@hancockcollege.edu.

"I attended AHC between 1971 and 1973.  I was excited for the freedom that college allowed. Hancock had lots of choices.  I worked while I was a student and did not participate in activities. I transferred to UC Santa Barbara and graduated with a BA in business economics.  My career has been as an accountant.  I've worked for several companies in the Western United States and Great Britain. I'm not one for looking back; I'm always looking forward. Hancock allowed me the time and space to mature after high school." -- Ginni Easter, née Boydstun

"I just wanted to respond and share that Dr. John Lovern, who retired last year, was my favorite instructor during my time as a student at AHC. John was attentive, met with me during his lunch hour on several different occasions, and challenged me to be a better student and better person. He also wrote me a letter of recommendation that I used in my personal life which changed my life dramatically. I know he touched me, as well as many others, in the addiction studies program offered at AHC." -- Erik Lofstrand, class of 2017

"In 1954, Bill Bertka was hired as teacher and coach at the present location of Hancock College.  Being from Akron, Ohio, Bill recruited a number of athletes to come to California to team up with the local talent to play basketball, baseball, and football.  Most of the recruits were destined to work in one of the many rubber factories in the Akron area.

We were content to live in old barracks by the Santa Maria railroad tracks and attend classes that paused as a train went to or from Rosemary Farms, east of town. We hung out at the student union across the tracks (now the Eagles Club) to listen to Hank Curaza play and kick the piano.

Hancock offered an opportunity to achieve an education otherwise impossible for most.  We received our A.A. degree and most went on to get their B.A., and some their masters at four-year schools.

We credit Bill Bertka and Hancock College for our success.  While at Hancock, many made the Dean’s List and helped establish Hancock as an educational and athletic institution. Some awards won by Bertka’s athletes were numerous tournament trophies, including the state basketball championship in 1957.

Due to the influence of a great staff and acceptance by the community, many athletes went on to a career in education. The lives of numerous students, not only athletes, was positively affected at Hancock College."
-- Dale Hyatt

"My life has been connected to Hancock College/Santa Maria Junior College since I was an infant. My father, Walter Word, worked for the college from the 1930s until the 1960s. He was a teacher, coach, and administrator. I became a student there after high school. In fact, I was honored to receive my diploma from G. Allan Hancock since I was the president of the graduating class. My husband, Dale Hyatt, our children, and grandchildren have or are now attending Hancock. The excellent education at AHC allowed me to transfer to Stanford nursing program and to compete successfully with other students in my class.

Some of my favorite memories at Hancock were attending sports, in particular the basketball games.  We made special memories on our geology field trip to Yosemite.

After graduating I worked in public health for two years and I was then offered the job of school nurse and health coordinator at Hancock.  It was a terrific job and I loved it for 30 years. You will find a great education with a wonderful staff at Hancock. -- Jeannette Hyatt

"Michael Messina cares deeply about the community education program and the opportunities that it provides non-traditional students. He believes that learning does not stop when you've earned a degree or certificate, but is lifelong.

I've taken several of his Community Education photography classes. He is very supportive of his students, and will take time at break or after class to help someone. He lets people move at their pace, but also pushes students to try new things. During image reviews, he always finds something to complement (and some of our submissions have not been so good!), but then he will also make suggestions in a positive way. For example, he might use an image to then illustrate a technique, giving the picture a creative look.

For me, a highlight has been the times that he gave in class to get outside and take photos illustrating an aspect we are discussing, and then reviewing what we captured. I have learned much from him, and realize that I am such a beginner in photography even after years.

A side benefit has been the friendships I've made through class. We have formed a supportive group and continue to connect away from AHC." -- Laurie Pemberton

"I think that my last two semesters there, both scrambling to get my own academics completed while getting to work with Dr. Kate Adams as her peer facilitator, was one of the most challenging and fulfilling of all my years at Hancock. Everything that I have done there and all of the people and students I have encountered, have helped to prepare me for the world at large. I also appreciate so much more how much time, care, and effort the instructors put into their classes. I will never forget the foundation that was built over time with all of the wonderful staff at Hancock. Also- the nutritionists in the kitchen are some of the loveliest people, and the woman that runs the bookstore is quite interesting to talk to. Getting to spend so much time on campus was an incredible experience."
-- Marguerite Knowlton

"I love Hancock and I know the memories I have made and are making will last for years to come. One of my favorite memories is meeting my friend at the fall 2019 Bulldog Bow-Wow. Another is getting my paper looked at in the Writing Center. The instructor gave me great feedback and said, "I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but this paper pleasantly surprised me and fixed my day." As a journalism major, this small compliment gave me confidence in my writing and told me I was going down the right path." -- Rebecca Caraway

"I have a couple of memories from when I attended Hancock in 1988-90.

I remember my first day of college, driving to Allan Hancock College in my Ford Maverick. I was so elated and emotional that I was going to be attending college, that I was actually crying tears of joy on the 101 freeway. Every time I drive to Hancock in the same direction on the same freeway (pre-pandemic), I think of how excited I was back then as a brand-new student with hopes and dreams, and how fortunate I am to be working for the college now. It’s now 30 years later. I have lived and worked all over this beautiful state during those years, but it’s always a pleasure to be back at my ol’ stomping grounds.

My first philosophy classes were with Gary Bierly and they were in the old W buildings which don’t exist anymore. Mr. Bierly was one of my favorite teachers ever. He had such a dry sense of humor which I found so funny. I would sit in the center row, in the middle of class, and every time I laughed at Mr. Bierly’s quips, I would look around to see if anyone else was laughing, but hardly anyone else was!  I couldn’t understand why not. I would always look forward to his classes and, I have to admit, I still remember some of his lessons. Philosophy and critical thinking were eye openers for me and I am grateful to Mr. Bierly for that.

I was always a strong student, until I found myself struggling in Herb Elliott’s economics class. I had no interest or no desire in economics so with that attitude, I already started off on a bad foot. Mr. Elliott was very young, not much older than many of the students, and he was in his first or second year of teaching. His accent was very thick, and because of that, I chose to move my seat to the front row in hopes of understanding everything better. However, I never understood any information in the textbook and kept scoring very low on my tests. I decided to talk to Mr. Elliott in his office, which I believe may be the same one he’s had this whole time. When I spoke to him, he was very encouraging in explaining concepts to me. He told me to read a fictional book on economics and to write a report on it for extra credit. I was happy for the opportunity, but found myself struggling with that, too!  I ended up passing the class with a low grade, but it was a true challenge for me. I really respect Mr. Elliott for taking the time to help me understand. Today, I consider him a good friend.

I also remember taking Debbie Franzman’s sociology course. She made us pair up in couples, get “married” and decide on major life events together. At that time, no one in class became a gay couple, which, when I reflect back, speaks volumes about that era. We had to complete a large packet and then do both an oral report and a written report on it. I still remember my “husband’s” name was Ryan. He was a Hancock baseball player. One day, we had to decide on what birth control method, if any, we would use as a married couple. Ms. Franzman would walk around the class and help people when they had questions, or listen in on how student couples were decision making. As young adults, and acquaintances at that, both Ryan and I had simply found the situation so awkward, that we just quickly scribbled down the Pill as our answer in our packet without even delving into any other complexities. She saw me writing down that we decided I would use the Pill and launched into a lecture to us both, which she then made as a classroom lecture about why we, in society, often turn to the woman to ruin her body with hormones by being on the Pill, and why don’t women speak up for their bodies, and why is the burden of birth control only on women when it’s a husband’s responsibility as well, and so on.  She told us to do research and really think about our decision. The class was one I would never forget and, in retrospect, I really appreciate all Ms. Franzman’s lessons, her teaching style, and all of her insights and perspectives. She was always looking out for our best interests. -- Theresa Avila

"My name is Shane Nourizadeh, and I was student at Hancock from 2010-2012. I finished with my associate degree and transferred to UCSB. I had just moved from Sacramento where I was attending Sacramento City Community College, and needing to retake calculus I. Lucky for me, I ended up in Irene Wong’s class. Her ability to teach derivatives while connecting with students boosted my enthusiasm. We spoke after class and she invited me to join the college’s Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) chapter. We held meetings, attended science conferences, and did volunteer work.

After finishing her class, she suggested I sign up for an undergraduate research experience at UCSB in nanotechnology, and wrote me a letter of recommendation. The internship solidified my interest in not only achieving my bachelors, but also applying for graduate school to continue studying molecular biology. I’m finishing up the Ph.D. program at UCSB, and desire to teach biology at community college. Irene has since retired, but after eight years we still keep in touch. I spoke with her on the phone the other day and thanked her for having such a lasting impression on me. My dream is to follow a career in mentorship style teaching, and enhance the lives of students as she did. I was extremely fortunate to have met a fantastic mentor in my first semester of courses, and grateful for the life-changing experience at Hancock College." -- Shane Nourizadeh

"I would be delighted to share my fondest memory at Allan Hancock College. In 2016, I decided to end my career as a dental assistant and embark on a new path. I decided to go to Allan Hancock College to change my career path. I’ll admit, I was beyond nervous, as I had only completed vocational college in the past, and was skeptical that I would do well at Hancock. I decided to press ahead no matter what doubts I was having and I couldn’t be happier that I did.

I started by taking four classes that would apply to the certificate I wanted to obtain; administrative assistant. I was a tad bit reluctant after reading that I was taking an introduction course along with an advanced course, which recommended I complete the introductory class first. But, I showed up my first day of class without hesitation (which was the advanced course), and that is where I met my instructor Jody Derry for the first time. I asked Jody if she thought I could manage taking both courses at once, to which she explained she felt confident I could manage the two classes.

I pressed forward that semester, getting through all four classes with no problem! As the end of the semester drew near, Jody approached me asking if I was interested in a student worker position at Hancock. I was flattered, yet intimidated not knowing what would be expected of me. Nevertheless, I accepted Jody’s offer and started working at the college as a peer tutor for computer business courses. That position then lead to working the front desk at the Tutorial Center, where I still work to this day. I have built my work experience up from nothing in the field I want to work in. This position has helped me gain confidence and love for helping other students.

As time went on, I acquired the certificate I set out to achieve. When the time came for me to figure out my next step, I ran into Jody Derry again. Jody asked how I was doing and what my plan was for the future. When I told her that I achieved my goal, she asked me, “Why stop now?” That question sat with me for a bit. Jody was right, if I could get a certificate, then why not go for an associate degree next? Well I did just that. Let me tell you, it hasn’t stopped there, as I am now working toward my degree for transfer, so I can then acquire a bachelor’s degree!

The reason Jody Derry is the most remarkable professor I have met here at Allan Hancock College is because of her thoughtfulness in helping students. Growing up, my parents never instilled the importance of having a college education. It made me feel as if I would not succeed if I went to college. The interest and positivity Jody poured into me will never be forgotten. Her words have left an imprint on me and that is why I would love to find a career at Hancock so I can return the kindness and help students that need the push or need to hear some encouragement to continue their education. -- Crystal Neal

"I am sharing my excellent experiences of two of my instructors and my excellent experience with the Learning Assistance Program (LAP).

The first instructor is Per Mathieson. He taught automotive technology, which is the first automotive technology class that I've ever taken at any college. He was very kind, accommodating and encouraging of having female students, and always made sure that I understood the curriculum and gained the work experience that I needed.

The second instructor that was great is Timothy Breschini. He taught the print reading class. He was very kind, very willing, to help me understand the assignments he was giving and very helpful and made sure I was prepared for tests. He was also VERY approachable. He had a very welcoming way about him especially to me, being female in a very male-dominated class. 

My experience with the LAP program was very positive because the staff was loving, kind, and very patient with me. They helped me take advantage of all the services I qualified for.

Thanks for making Hancock SUCH a GREAT college to attend. Hancock is THE best college that I've ever attended and has the MOST support services I've ever seen in a higher education environment. I have referred many prospective students to Hancock!" -- Naomi Hopkins

"I will never forget my first day of public speaking at AHC, August 23, 2019. For the next few months of fall 2019, I looked forward to those early Friday mornings and being in that classroom. My professor, Ms. Byrne, created a safe place for me and countless others, to do more than just speak publicly. She taught us how to write, to dig deep for the emotions that take your breath away, she taught the importance of eye contact and making a lasting impression on your audience. The lectures she gave were never from a PowerPoint or boring textbook material. Ms. Byrne taught from her heart and shared her soul with us.

In return, I was able to give my all to this class, and more importantly my classmates, and create meaningful relationships with women who shared so many similarities to me. Ms. Byrne created a place for me to open up and be my genuine real self, something that is extremely rare in our current times. But what Ms. Byrne really did for me, was give me a platform to speak and heal in the purest way I have ever felt. She gave me a safe room to cry in, and an audience to listen to me. I never once felt judged, unsafe, or unheard in Ms. Byrne’s classroom. She not only taught us how to be a great speaker, but how to be an alert and receptive audience as well. The knowledge I gained from Ms. Byrne, I will remember and carry with me for the rest of my life. I pray that I can make her proud in my future endeavors. She is truly a gift to Allan Hancock College, the students, and our community."
-- Myah Drye

"I spent only one academic year at Allan Hancock College and that was 1955-56 when the campus looked much different than it does today. I believe it was only the first or second year that Santa Maria Junior College, formerly housed on Morrison Avenue behind Santa Maria High School, had moved to its current location, at what was then Allan Hancock airfield. Classes, as well as administrative and all other services, were held in what had been Allan Hancock airfield barracks and other structures. I had spent my freshman year at UCSB attending classes and living in wooden barracks, so I felt quite at home at AHC.

My year there was quite eventful. I suppose the most unusual thing that happened was being selected Holiday (Basketball) Tournament Queen. I had never been chosen queen or princess of anything before; I had never seen a basketball game before that year when Bill Bertka’s Ohio imports made us lifetime fans of the game; and I had never seen a movie star in person, let alone been crowned by one! That was the year James (Jimmy) Stewart was in Santa Maria filming scenes for the movie “The Spirit of St. Louis,” about Charles Lindbergh’s first transatlantic flight. Quite a thrill for small-town Santa Maria! But a big disappointment for me because to be honest, I had a bit of a crush on the captain of the basketball team, who would have crowned me if the powers that be hadn’t decided to ask this aging film star! Actually, except for needing a shave, for which he apologized, he couldn’t have been nicer to our “court.” We were less than thrilled, but Winifred Dixon, who was then AHC Dean of Women, and a very prim, proper and unflappable English teacher, whom we had often labored under in high school and then at AHC, got so flustered when Mr. Stewart arrived, she couldn’t even remember any of our names to introduce us! With more maturity, we learned to admire and appreciate her as one of the best teachers we ever had because she always demanded our very best.

Among other pleasant experiences that year was getting to know students from neighboring towns, several Korean War veterans attending on the G.I. Bill, and even a few adult re-entry students. And, of course, the Friday night basketball games, where I yelled so much, I had no voice left Saturday morning for my job at Sousa’s Radio & TV!"
-- Cathy (Neiggemann) Rudolph, class of 1956

"I wanted to share an incredible and life-changing experience I had by having the privilege of having Hancock College.

During my very first semester, I took a marine biology class with Professor Luke Blacquire. I wasn’t sure how I was going to like college … but that class showed me that not only is college very different from high school, it is also something I wholeheartedly enjoy! 

Luke’s marine biology class was an amazing experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Professor Blacquire is truly an incredible teacher and leader, as well as a wonderful person. He was so very kind and encouraging to all his students, and he created an environment of cooperation, camaraderie, and learning that really united a group of strangers in an astounding way. His passion for biology rubbed off on everyone, I think.

As for me, I am now majoring in biology. Luke Blacquiere inspired me to become a biologist, something I had not previously imaged I would want to do! His class ignited in my soul a hidden passion for studying life, and made me curious about how the world- and beyond- works. With my love of biology, I’ve finally acknowledged and decided to pursue my dream of becoming an astronaut, going to space to study life in the stars and hopefully do my part to further the exploration of the universe.

I also want to acknowledge and thank Dr. Alina Romo, who I took ancient literature with this fall. She is absolutely a top-notch professor, an ambassador of the highest degree of teaching, and another lovely person who I will remember forever as someone who encouraged, inspired, and pushed me to think deeper and more critically. Thank you, Dr. Romo!

And thank you so much Luke, and everyone else at Hancock. This college is truly amazing, and I am so glad I am a part of it! Hancock is the perfect introduction to the college world, and an honorable representation of community college. I do believe from here, you really can go anywhere you set your mind to." -- Hannah Steger