When technology fails at that crucial moment, it’s a relief hearing Mary Carpenter’s voice at the other end of the phone for many Cuesta faculty and staff. Mary is leaving Cuesta, beginning her retirement at the end of December.

Mary started at Cuesta in November 1992 as a short-term classified employee. She worked for Physical Plant as a Clerical Assistant II and transferred to the Computer Services Department in 1993. Later that year, Mary was hired as the first permanent Technology Trainer/User Support for Computer Services.

Mary has helped shepherd new technology into the mainstream of campus life. Her enthusiasm for what it can do rubs off on those she helps. Her "brown-bag" training sessions, where people bring their lunch and learn a useful, tech-orientated skill beyond the work environment (e.g. making Christmas cards), has taken the fear out of this technology for many faculty and staff.

Mary was the recipient of Cuesta’s Employee of the Year Award in 1998. She is the "resident tech support" for her Arroyo Grande neighborhood, is an avid quilter and enjoys talking and playing games via her webcam with her grandson Ricky. After retirement, Mary is moving to Las Vegas to be closer to family.