Cuesta Retirees and Employees

Many long-time faculty and employees are retiring or simply “moving on” this year. Here’s a complete list of familiar faces on campus that will be missed next semester:

Retirees

Robert Marshall

Countless Cuesta North County students have learned the fundamental (and perhaps, sometimes grueling) lessons in mathematics in the classes of Bob Marshall. Described as a “valued colleague and friend” by North County Campus Executive Dean Sandee McLaughlin, Bob is retiring this month after 28 years of service with the college.

Bob was appointed North County Coordinator of Mathematics in 1998, following years of service as a math instructor on the San Luis Obispo Campus. He was the first such Coordinator at the North County Campus and according to Sandee, Bob took the position’s responsibilities to heart.

“In addition the more traditional duties of a coordinator such as creating spreadsheets outlining a five year + sequence of math courses for the North County Campus, Bob helped bolster the heart and soul of the campus by consistently attending campus special events and performances, spearheading the establishment of a Math Lab through the PFE grant process, assisting me in student judicial processes, organizing the end of year faculty dinner prior to the North County Campus Grad reception, providing food for the holiday banquet table and so much more,” Sandee said. “Bob has added greatly to the success of this campus.”

Bob began his career at Cuesta in August, 1977. He earned both a master’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in education from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from California State University, Long Beach and his A.A. in mathematics from Santa Barbara City College.    

Richard Johnson

An outstanding teacher and a valuable asset to the English Division will be gone after
the college wraps up the fall semester. Richard Johnson has taught classes at Cuesta for 22 years, becoming a full-time English instructor in 1989.

Before he retires at the end of this month, Richard will have influenced thousands of students over the years – students who have in the past described Richard as “inspiring” and his classes as “interesting, thought-provoking and just plain fun.” He has been known

to combine English writing assignments with nature studies in the classroom and in the past, has conducted flex activities for faculty connecting literature to the environment.  

In 1995, Richard was awarded the Peter and M’May Diffley Award for Faculty Excellence, the college’s highest teaching honor. In 1993, he was selected as Cuesta’s graduation speaker.

Richard was hired at Cuesta in August, 1983 as a part-time English instructor. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from California State
University, Chico.  

Sid Bartholow

If it was a sweltering summer day and the air conditioning in your building just went down, Sid suddenly became your best friend. His casual humor and insightful observations on campus life are going to be missed.

Sid was hired at Cuesta in August, 1985 as a Skilled Maintenance, HVA/C-RII (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration)  According to Supervisor Terry Reece, Sid is a cornerstone of Cuesta’s Physical Plant Department. “Sid has learned and perfected not only all aspects of the districts HVA/C but has filled in as the District’s plumber and electrician when these positions were vacant or working off schedule,” he said.  “Sid is always willing to go the extra measure to ensure the job is done correctly and that he is supporting the team above what is required.”     

Prior to Cuesta, Sid did a tour in the Army, spending more than 18 months in Vietnam. He was awarded the Silver and Bronze Stars for heroism and also the Distinguished Service Medal for service above and beyond the call. The service required to obtain these metals are so extreme that in most cases they can only be awarded posthumously. Sid also was awarded two purple hearts for being wounded in combat, with one of these wounds being near fatal. Sid retired from the National Guard after 20 years of service as a senior enlisted manager at one of the highest ranks attainable and also with numerous formal awards and decorations.

Sid was married to Bonnie Bartholow, a fellow Cuesta employee who tragically passed away from cancer in 2001. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington and an A.S. degree in police science from Cuesta College.   

Mimi Naish

One of the programs closest to Mimi's heart has been "Bridge to Success," considered to be one of Cuesta's most highly effective outreach programs to area youth considered "at risk."  She played a major role in fundraising for this program during the past three years. In 2004-05 alone, Bridge served more than 325 students from throughout San Luis Obispo County at an annual cost of $150,000.  Community collaborations have been the driving force behind this program, and funding sources come both from the public and private sector in the form of grants and donations.

Mimi is proud of her accomplishments as Supervisor of Support Services Workforce Development Projects. "One of things I am going miss the most is our CalWORKs students. The determination of these students to overcome hardship, obtain their educational goals and transition into the workforce is truly inspiring," she said. "Our close working relationship with EOPS, and the fact that we have mutual goals for our students, has been critical in facilitating these students' success."

Mimi was hired in February 2000. She has two master's degrees - one in Marriage and Family Counseling, the other in English Literature. She also has her bachelor's degree in Anthropology. All of her degrees were earned at San Francisco State University.

Employees That Are Moving On

Karen Robert

Karen has been with Cuesta for more than 15 years as the head of the Student Life and Leadership Program. She has had numerous accomplishments since that time.

Karen was a significant driving force behind the construction of the SLO Campus Student Center, cultivating the idea when she was hired in 1989 and putting the plan into action with the help of then Student Body President Marquam Piros. During that time period, Karen organized the first-ever SLO Days event – Student Life and Orientation for new students and their parents.  

She has authored numerous publications during her service at Cuesta, including “Opening Doors to College Success.” Karen also was responsible for creating the first ever Leadership Studies and Service Leadership Certificates that students can earn – one of the first in California among community colleges.

Sonja Manor

Sonja was hired in August, 2000 as a full-time math instructor. She recently had twins, who will be keeping her extremely busy in the coming months.

Sonja earned her master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Humboldt State University.