Friday, August 17, 2007

Palomar College professor honored

By: NOELLE IBRAHIM - Staff Writer

SAN MARCOS ---- Knowledge can change people for the better, says Palomar College professor Carlos von Son.

"Most of the problems we have as humans stem from ignorance," said von Son, who teaches in the college's multicultural and foreign languages departments. "I try to wake students up to a passion for learning and an understanding of different world views."

An adjunct professor at Palomar for six years, von Son was chosen as the 2007 recipient of the college's Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching and was honored Thursday during a welcome back session for the part-time faculty. The fall semester kicks off Monday.

"It's an honor," von Son said Thursday. "To be honest, I didn't think I'd be a finalist, let alone be chosen for the award. What makes me feel good about it is that students nominate you."

The award was shared with full-time professor Mary Cassoni, who teaches advertising and marketing in the business department. Cassoni could not be reached for comment.

Von Son was chosen among five adjunct finalists for the award, which is based on student evaluations, classroom visitations, interviews and essays discussing the philosophy and goals of each finalist.

"It's an honor for our department," said John Valdez, chair of the college's multicultural studies department. "Carlos has great passion, conviction and social awareness. He has a very creative spirit and he applies that in the classroom."

Valdez said he has witnessed the dynamics that go on in von Son's classroom. He encourages students to be active participants in the learning process by incorporating group work, theater and community service projects into his lessons.

"He has a chemistry with students, and that's a talent," said Valdez.

Former student Amilcar Chavez said von Son deserves to be recognized because he contributes to Palomar's reputation for excellence.

"I see what he does for the community (and) I see what he does for students and he's a role model," said Chavez, adding that von Son inspired him to go into the teaching field. "The way he taught me and advised me is what I want to do for future generations."

Von Son said teaching goes beyond the classroom and regularly involves his students in service projects, including school cleanups, mentorship programs and toy drives.

"I really believe in the community," he said. "The community is what we should be about as humans. It's our duty, our responsibility, to help people in need."

In addition to community involvement, von Son said he strives to teach students the importance of a global perspective.

"As a professor I can be a mediator between cultures by helping people understand and embrace each other," he said. "When you see students get those moments of 'Ah-ha,' that's beautiful. When you see they are really learning, that's very rewarding."

Contact staff writer Noelle Ibrahim at (760) 761-4404 or nibrahim@nctimes.com.