Mission College part-time English as a Second Language instructor Marina Broeder was one of four community college faculty members statewide awarded the 2017 Hayward Excellence in Education Award, sponsored annually by the Foundation for California Community Colleges. Broeder was presented with a plaque and a $1,250 cash award at the California Community College Board of Governors meeting in Sacramento March 20.
Named for former California Community College Chancellor Gerald C. Hayward, the award honors faculty, nominated by their academic college senate, who excel in serving students, their college, and their profession.
“I can’t think of a person more deserving of this award than Marina,” said Mission College Academic Senate President Thais Winsome. Not only does she excel in the classroom, but she does an incredible amount of outreach for Mission College through her work in the community with immigrant and underserved populations.”
“It’s a great honor and an encouragement for me,” said Broeder, who was born in Moscow and is a graduate of Moscow State Linguistic University. “Mission College has been my home for 16 years. I think of the faculty, staff and administration as my Mission College family, and I’m happy to have won this award for all of us and to share this award with them.”
Broeder’s ESL students found out about her award on Facebook and made a surprise announcement congratulating her in class.
“They were excited and happy,” said Broeder. “Their response was very heartwarming. Some of my former students even contacted me and said they were so proud. Some of them are married and have kids now.”
Broeder spoke of the importance of working collaboratively for student success.
“I feel that we need to work collaboratively–faculty, administration, student organizations–on campus to serve our students,” said Broeder. “We all want our students to be successful. I want to bring my energy, talents and optimism to help build the bridges to serve our students. I’m advocating for them. They deserve all of us to give them the best shot.”