Dr. Steven Johnson, President & CEO:
First, giving honor to my Heavenly Father who provided “Angels” to guide me through this very tedious journey, I am Grateful.
In limited words (hopefully – not my life story,) my aim is to thank Sinclair’s official staff members, with sincere apologies for my inability to address everyone by Name – “Sinclair in its entirety.”
However, being off a college campus for 53 years and a new resident in Dayton, it was a shock when my first daughter, Mrs. Janice Rucker suggested that I check out Sinclair. Within minutes of leaving her office the “first angel” greeting me with the most encouraging welcome was Ms. Anne Holaday, (Now Mrs. A.H. Locke), coordinator of LL Learning college, who was instrumental in getting me started on my journey, plus being helpful, (with any questions). The next and most important (self-explanatory). Being a sociology major, (was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr), explains my adherence to the sociology department, with help from (now retired) Ms. Joyce Haywood, Sr. Academic Advisor who gave me a list of the courses for my major, and conferring with the Chairperson of the Sociology department, Ms. Dona Fletcher, to ratify substitutions when it was necessary because of unforeseen circumstances, who rearranged classes in accordance to my situation. Because of this, Ms. Fletcher knew me a while before ever having met me.
This is where Mrs. Rukhi Jan, became my personal, Sr. Academic Advisor who in my case, held many, “MANY” titles. Taking care of me was an extra full time job for her, with the sociology department. However she patiently worked indefatigable (untiringly) constantly assuring me that, “we are going to see you through this,” bless her.”
Professor Dorie Farrell, one of the very special angles has not only been my sociology instructor since ??? she has been my “No time to play” mentor; A very dear friend and confidant who is “unbelievably austere, but loving and adorable.” My vocabulary can’t explain Mrs. Farrell and as a “can’t do without person” Ms. Lynn Amann, secretary of sociology, geography and social work (sweetheart that she is, has an answer and help for practically anything you many need from that department, even a snack, if you are hungry.
“My Motto: Reach for the sky, if you can only get to the ceiling. My Legacy: – You’re never too old to acquire knowledge, if you don’t mind working for it. It’s not given out freely.”
Thank you – Sinclair Community College.
Vinie Walker
Contributed