UCLA EXTENSION2011 DISTINGUISHED INSTRUCTORS

MEET OUR AWARD-WINNING INSTRUCTORS

UCLA Extension instructors are a special breed: they both do and teach. These dedicated working professionals bring real-world experience into online and traditional classrooms. Each year, we honor Extension’s best with the Distinguished Instructor Award. Meet some of this year’s most gifted teachers…

JOSEPH BLAUSTEIN (VISUAL ARTS)

Artist, teacher, and co-founder of the FIG Art Gallery, Joe has been a big part of the Studio Arts program from the start, offering inspiration to students. In fact, many of his students return year after year to study with their mentor. Known for filling his classroom with drawings, images, and inspirational quotes, Joe is currently working on his memoirs featuring colorful tales from his 55 years of teaching.

DONALD CLAUSE(BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT & LEGAL PROGRAMS)

Sadly, Donald Clause recently passed away. His 14 years of teaching were characterized by commitment and caring. A mainstay of our International Trade and Commerce Certificate, Donald gave of his time outside the classroom to mentor students and take part in Extension events. He was also an accomplished cook and made fresh chutney and grapefruit marmalade from his backyard trees. A gentleman in every sense of the word, Donald’s legacy lives on in the memories of his family, friends, and many grateful students.

JILL CONWAY(HUMANITIES & SCIENCES)

Jill has been a popular instructor for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies and Counseling Certificate for over 25 years. She also helps develop curriculums and oversees fieldwork. Jill cares deeply about her students, typically providing support long after they’ve finished their studies. During a solo hiking retreat, Jill was recognized by a former student who happily related her many successes since completing the certificate.

IRIS FIRSTENBERG (ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY)

A professor of both management and psychology at UCLA, Iris teaches Creative Thinking in Action for Extension’s Technical Management Program as well as also teaching on-site throughout the world—from New York to Munich to Sydney. A true blue Bruin, Iris grew up half a block from campus (her father was a professor at the School of Engineering and Applied Science), earned three degrees from UCLA, and still lives within five miles of campus!

MONICA HILARIO(EDUCATION)

Monica helped launch the Spanish Language Early Childhood Certificate for teachers. A dedicated multi-tasker, she also develops new courses and curriculum standards, organizes parent education and orientation workshops, and works as an elementary teacher in the Glendale School District. An enthusiastic traveler with an adventurous spirit, Monica leaves the guidebooks at home, choosing to immerse herself in her new environment.

KELLY KIERNAN (ENTERTAINMENT STUDIES)

Kelly teaches Pre-Production and Production for Film and Television, one of the foundational courses in the Entertainment Studies Certificate. Students appreciate Kelly’s preparedness, patience, and passion, not to mention her “reel” experience in the film business—everything from working with directors like Quentin Tarantino, Steven Spielberg, and Brian Singer to the fact that her first job paid only $75 per week!

HIROMI KINJO (HUMANITIES & SCIENCES)

Hiromi is a truly gifted language instructor with an innovative and inspirational approach to teaching. She also collaborates on marketing her courses, which (not surprisingly) fill almost every quarter. Hiromi is a superb motivator and often stays in touch with students after the course has ended. Outside the classroom, she creates exquisite handmade greeting cards.

JASON LUPEI (PATHWAY PROGRAM)

The first instructor hired by Pathway, Jason has become an indispensable member of the team. He understands the challenges facing Pathway students and developed a two-class series to help these students with disabilities prepare for college life. Jason has attended all of our closing ceremonies and routinely braves the 405 to get to Westwood from his teaching position in Orange County.

BARRY MOLNAA(ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY)

Barry spearheaded the Project Management Certificate, now the most popular certificate in the Engineering & Technology Department, with over 300 enrollments per quarter. He developed all four required courses and is active in curriculum development and instructor roundtables. Last year, Barry cycled from San Francisco to L.A. to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation. During the eight-day ride, he kept up with two online classes using his iPad!

BEVERLY OLEVIN(OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE AT UCLA)

An accomplished novelist, playwright, director, and consultant, Beverly was Osher’s first Artist-in-Residence. Her course series, The Play’s the Thing, where student experience dynamic scenes from contemporary and classic plays, received rave reviews from Osher members. A new version on the History of Comedy debuted in spring 2011. Beverly’s latest novel, The Good Side of Bad, was named Best Fiction Book of 2010 by Kirkus Discoveries.

LAWRENCE G. ROLAPP (PUBLIC POLICY)

During his 15 years of teaching, Larry has kept his public finance classes timely and relevant with continual updates, including new strategies for financing renewable energy projects. Larry has experienced the classic UCLA/USC rivalry firsthand: His USC roommate was the son of former UCLA football star and head coach, Bert LaBrucherie, and he would sit in Coach LaBrucherie’s seats at football games and cheer on the Trojans—much to the dismay of the UCLA alumni!

MICHAEL THOMAS (AMERICAN LANGUAGE CENTER)

For over 20 years, Michael’s advanced-level classes have helped American Language students achieve their educational and professional goals. He is so admired that many students re-enroll in the program to study with him again. He also devotes his time to administrative technology projects that support ALC’s Intensive English Programs. Outside the classroom, Michael is a certified master scuba diver who has explored exotic locations around the world.

ALAN WALLACE(BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT & LEGAL PROGRAMS)

A popular instructor for the Paralegal Training Program for nearly a decade, Alan is often asked by students to come back at the end of the program to conduct a review before the final exam. His unflagging support of PTP extends to filling in for other instructors and participating in the ABA’s program review process. A team player outside the classroom, Alan enjoys coaching his twin sons’ sports teams.

RICHARD WOLFE (AMERICAN LANGUAGE CENTER)

Richard’s American Language Center courses range from grammar and writing to pronunciation and speaking, but he’s best known for teaching special topics, such as Current Events and American Slang and Idioms. His success with the latter is evident when student evaluations characterize him as “cool,” “awesome,” and “a crazy dude.” Richard and family have the memorable experience of being recently blessed by the Dalai Lama.