Acknowledgements

Thank you, Lana Rose. Being nominated as Faculty Lecturer is, and will remain, I am sure, the highest point in my career. There are so many outstanding teachers here at SBCC--I am deeply touched to have received this honor. I could never have achieved my life goals without the help and support of many people, and this event gives me the opportunity to publicly honor the most important ones.

First, there are my parents, Janet and Bill Bockus. Thanks for providing me with the most wonderful childhood and family support that I can imagine. This is the man who "played algebra" with me before I even went to school, and instilled a love of math and science in me. Although he himself is an artist, he recognized my early interest in science and encouraged me my entire life, constantly giving me self-confidence to enter the world of science during the 1950s and '60s when women in science were scarce.

My mom is the woman who is my role model for support and efficiency. She was the mom who was always on time, always the volunteer for scout leader, carpool driver and anything else that would make my life more enriched. This woman did the same thing for all five of her kids. We were all born about a year apart, so you can imagine how organized she is. She was also the one who would gently prod us to get back on track if she sensed we were straying.

Second, there are my children, Marah and Michael Anderson. Raising both of you and sharing adventures to faraway places with you has been a personal highlight. You have provided me with endless hours of wonder as I have watched you both mature into fine young adults.

Now, there's the most important person in my life, my husband, Shane. You have been the most wonderful husband, father and fantastic best friend. We have shared 32 years of married life, and each day is interesting. We are so lucky to share the same passion for the ocean in our careers, as well as our hobbies. There is never a question about what type of vacation we will plan--it will always include the ocean.

Dr. Peter MacDougall, this will be your last Faculty Lecture in your capacity as Superintendent/President. I want to thank you for your 21-22 years of giving more than 100% to this college. I could hardly hold back the tears when you announced your retirement as of this summer. I wish you well and thank you for providing me with a most wonderful place to work … our ambience here at SBCC is unmatched.

Dr. James Nybakken, my major professor from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories has traveled all the way from Monterey for my lecture. I am honored to have you and your wife, Dr. Bette Nybakken, here. This gives me the opportunity to thank you for your expert scientific guidance thirty years ago with my Master's Degree.

There are so many others to thank -- the Board of Trustees, my past educators, my colleagues in the Biological Sciences Department, the college support staff (especially Rob, Beverly, Tom, Chris, Jason, Andrew and Sean who provided the Faculty Lecture logistics), and everyone else on campus with whom I interact. This is a GREAT place to work.

Finally I would like to acknowledge the hundreds of students, both past and present, whom I have had the pleasure of teaching--you have brought me joy, happiness and many challenges--whether you were the 'A' student or something lower, I have enjoyed each and every one of you.

I dedicate my lecture to William C. Jorgensen, for years of friendship and mentoring. Fondly called 'Jorgy', by his students and colleagues, he developed Santa Barbara City College's marine biology program from 1966 until he retired in 1982. Jorgy shared with me all of his course materials, successes and failures (and what he learned from them). Most importantly, he shared his philosophy about teaching. I can still hear him saying "students come first, get them excited right away with 'hands-on' activities". It has been this emphasis on 'hands-on' activity, which I have developed for almost every weekly lab exercise. My past students tell me this is what really made my teaching come alive for them. Jorgy not only gave me the materials for a great start back in 1982 but has continued his support with valuable advice to me for over 20 years. Thank you, Jorgy, from the bottom of my heart.