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Compton College | Community Relations 1111 E. Artesia Boulevard, Compton, CA 90221 310-900-1600, Ext. 2968 | [email protected]

For Immediate Release September 8, 2020

Compton College Recognizes 2019-2020 Distinguished Faculty and Staff

Compton College recently announced its honorees for the 2019-2020 Distinguished Faculty and Staff awards. The annual awards recognize outstanding faculty and staff members for their commitment to Compton College and its educational mission. Eyob Wallano, biological sciences professor; John Yeressian, real estate adjunct professor; and Annette Simmons, mail clerk/switchboard operator were recognized for their dedication to students, Compton College, and colleagues.

Eyob Wallano, recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award, is a biological sciences professor who has worked as a Compton College full-time faculty member since 2007. He was previously honored as a distinguished faculty member in 2016. During his time at Compton College, Wallano has advocated for students and has taken a leadership role in the development of increased opportunities for students interested in pursuing science disciplines. In 2010, he organized and established Compton College’s student-maintained Science Garden to serve as a hands-on teaching platform and research opportunity for students. In 2015, he organized the first science research symposium/conference for students at Compton College, which he has continued to organize annually. Currently, Wallano serves as co-chair of Compton College’s Health, Safety and Parking Committee.

When it comes to teaching, Wallano believes there are six cognitive levels of processing that move from simple to more complex: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. He integrates these cognitive developmental levels into his lessons, moving from the most basic and literal to the most complex and abstract. He understands that each student learns differently, and will adjust his teaching pedagogy to accommodate different learning styles. One student described Wallano’s teaching style as dynamic and said that he “presents the courses in a way that can be understood. He is caring, creative, honest and dedicated to inspiring students with confidence and a positive attitude.”

Wallano received his doctorate in in veterinary medicine from the Kharkov Zoo-Veterinary Institute in Kharkov, Ukraine, and a master’s degree in veterinary science from the National Veterinary School of Lyon in Lyon, France. While in France, he specialized in molecular biology in the areas of bacterial genetics and immuno-chemistry.

John Yeressian, recipient of the Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Award, is a real estate adjunct professor who originally served as a guest lecturer at Compton College in 2015, occasionally speaking on various real estate topics before becoming an adjunct professor in 2017. He is a licensed real estate broker who has taught many real estate courses with topics including principles, practice, escrow, finance, investments, appraisal, and property management. A Compton College alumnus himself, he teaches in the exact same classroom he attended as a student taking real estate classes.

Yeressian’s teaching style involves creating a stimulating educational environment to motivate, encourage, and inspire every student. He believes that a broad support of “student success” should be applied by every professor to ensure that students reach their goals and have the help they need. “I believe it as my responsibility to make sure that no student is ever left behind,” said Yeressian. He takes an interest in the lives of his students and is frequently sharing previous students’ successes with his current students to provide inspiration. “He knows and understands just how to motivate and encourage his students, no matter their background,” said one of his students. His passion for real estate and teaching the topic is reflected in his students. Another student said he likes Yeressian’s teaching style and “gained a wide range of knowledge and understanding in his class.”

Yeressian earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of La Verne, a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in real estate and law from California State University, Northridge, and an associate degree from Pasadena City College. He is also a paralegal graduate of the American Bar Association.

Annette Simmons, recipient of the Distinguished Staff Award, holds a dual title as switchboard operator and mail clerk for Compton College. She has worked in Compton College’s Management Information Systems/Information Technology (MIS/IT) Department for 18 years, and her position recently became part of the Community Relations Department. Simmons is a Compton College alumna, and began working at the college prior to earning an associate degree with honors.

As switchboard operator, Simmons is the campus greeter and the first voice heard by those who call Compton College. She also serves as the sole mail clerk for the entire campus, a responsibility that has become even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her job is considered essential, meaning she is on campus once a week and on call as needed.

Simmons is dedicated to assisting students and goes out of her way to build relationships with them. She is known for keeping extra snacks and school supplies in her office for students in need. “As a parent of three college students who attended Compton College, it’s a pleasure for me to be able to provide essential needs to our college students,” said Simmons. She has also encouraged the classified union to make a semiannual donation to the Tartar Food Pantry.

She volunteers at the college’s Abel B. Sykes, Jr. Child Development Center, assisting with the annual graduation of preschool students, and she is involved with many community programs and nonprofit organizations that support young learners, including youth coaching programs.

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About Compton College Compton College is the community’s education solution offering a full complement of transfer and degree courses, as well as career and technical education. Students may earn an associate degree or certificate, transfer to a four-year university or train for a career. Compton College is located at 1111 E. Artesia Boulevard, Compton, CA 90221.