A Tribute to Joan Thomas

Joan Thomas, loved and respected full-time mathematics instructor at Lane Community College (LCC), Eugene, Oregon, died December 14, 2001, of breast cancer. Joan was 50 years old. She is survived by her husband, Stuart Thomas, her two children, Jamie Thomas and Katie Thomas, and her mother, Genevieve Wendt.

Joan was born Sept 30, 1951, in Crawford, Nebraska to Clarence and Genevieve Antrim Wendt. She earned a BS in mathematics (minors in chemistry and Spanish) from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1973, and a MS in Science Education, with an emphasis in mathematics, from Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, in 1979.

Professionally, Joan wore many academic hats. While working on her master's degree, Joan worked as an instructional assistant in the Mathematics Laboratory at Linn-Benton Community College. During that time she co-authored an article for the Oregon Mathematics Teacher, entitled, "One Math Lab, Six Years Later" (April 1978, issue).

At Oregon State University, she was an instructor of mathematics and a counselor for the Educational Opportunity Program. This began during her master's study, in 1978, and continued, working into a fulltime position, until 1983.

From 1983-1986, Joan was a mathematics instructor and Coordinator of Basic Mathematics Skills (Academic Skills Division) at Mercer County Community College, in Trenton, New Jersey. Here began her involvement with designing and teaching courses for Professional- Technical programs. Joan was project director for a Vocational-Ed grant, entitled, "Problem Solving Mathematics for Disadvantaged Students". She redesigned a course in Technical Problem Solving. She also taught continuing education courses at RCA-Sarnoff for personnel in the machine shop.

From 1986-1987, Joan instructed in mathematics at DeAnza Community College, Cupertino, California, and at Skyline College, San Bruno, California.

Joan married Stuart Thomas on May 2, 1987, in Buringame, California. Her son, Jamie Thomas, was born in Gordon, Nebraska, on December 12, 1987. Her daughter, Katie Thomas, was born in Eugene, Oregon, on July 19, 1990.

From 1987 to 1990, Joan was an instructor of mathematics at Oglala-Lakota College, Kyle, South Dakota. This campus served the Pine Ridge Sioux Indian Reservation and Joan designed a self-paced Applied Basic Mathematics course and taught the Mathematics for Elementary Teachers sequence.

From 1991-1996, she taught mathematics at the University of Oregon, in the Office of Multi-cultural Affairs (OMA), and (1994-1996) for the Mathematics Department. Joan designed an alternative Intermediate Algebra course with part-time OMA staff which incorporated a computer lab component. She also coordinated the math tutors for the OMA program.

In 1996, Joan came to Lane Community College as a mathematics instructor. During her career at Lane, she continued to be innovative, collaborative and a leader. Her love of mathematics, her enthusiasm for teaching, her previous experience with minority students and professional-technical students, greatly contributed to the curriculum and quality of instruction in the Mathematics Department and to the programs it supported.

While at LCC, Joan taught classes ranging from Basic Arithmetic, to Calculus I, to Statistics, to Applied Geometry for Technical Students and Applied Algebra for Technical Students. She also revived the Technical Mathematics sequence 105T, 106T, 107T, and pursued its approval at the State level. She was project manager for a $19,000 Perkins grant which provided software and other materials to be used for programs for Professional/ Technical mathematics students.

Joan served as Interim Chair from Jan 1998- August 1998. In her eight months as Chair, Joan worked to strengthen department policy with the assistance of all math faculty. Among her accomplishments are the following: she directed the implementation of a Mathematics Division Handbook for all staff, formalized a Workload Policy for the Mathematics' Division, revised the Minimum Teaching Qualifications for mathematics courses, and worked to improve part-time faculty participation in the Mathematics' Division and at the annual ORMATYC meeting.

I have been employed at LCC for 27+ years. I have seen many people come and go. I do not remember anyone that I respected more than Joan Thomas. I remember my first meeting with her. My thoughts were "wow, she seems like a great person". Well, I was not disappointed. Our division has fourteen professional technical programs. Joan and David Shellabarger developed five professional technical math courses which are now required in our programs. Joan was more than terrific with our students during this math transition period. They loved her as a teacher. She went beyond any expectations. If a class did not register full (especially in the advanced courses), Joan would arrange individual studies with students. As busy as she always was, she always returned my phone inquiries. If our division chair, counselor, advisor, or faculty approached her with concerns about the new courses, she listened and made adjustments if warranted. Joan consistently was there for our students. One particular memory is that of a student who was failing and who was in math crisis. Joan not only worked with us and the student, but she trusted us and allowed exams in a private setting. That particular student not only passed math, but graduated from Lane and transferred to a university to pursue her bachelor's degree. During Joan's illness, I never ever heard her complain. I admired her courage and stability and her dedication to get the job done. I began to look forward to her e-mails. She lifted my spirits daily. When the e-mails stopped, I knew I would be hearing that she was gone. But she isn't gone. She is still here, as she gave us so much. I really miss her. (Betty Svarerud, Advanced Technology Division, LCC)

Joan Thomas was the rare colleague who brought genuine joy to every task, and her contributions to Lane's curriculum are significant. She served on the Curriculum Approval Committee with relish, and often made suggestions to new professional/technical programs regarding math requirements. Her comments were always offered in the spirit of making the program better for students, and were thoughtful, helpful additions to the discussion. In addition, Joan designed a new sequence of five courses especially for the technical programs in auto mechanics, electronics, manufacturing, and recreational vehicle service. This sequence was developed collaboratively with faculty in the professional areas, and raised the level of instruction from remedial to college level. The courses are tailored to the needs of the technical areas, and meet the needs of students who need practical applications for math concepts. We admired Joan's courage in the face of terrible odds in her battle with cancer. We will miss Joan's ready smile, her encouragement, her positive "can-do" attitude, and her gentle teasing. We'll miss being with her. (Mary Brau, Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning, LCC)

As Chair and as instructor, Joan was mentor to new faculty and not so new faculty. She attended the Department Chairs Meeting at the state level as well as ORMATYC and AMATYC meetings. She was an active participant and presenter at regional and national mathematics conferences. She presented "Reform Based Assessment Tools", at ORMATYC, April 1999 , "Tech Math is Alive and Well at LCC", at ORMATYC, April 2000, and "Technical Mathematics Revisited", at AMATYC, November 2000.

Joan Thomas will be remembered fondly by many colleagues around the State who read the ORMATYC newsletter, as well as by those of us at Lane. Please mention Joan's generous mentorship of new faculty; she was very helpful to me during my first years as a full time instructor. (Ben Hill, Math, LCC)

Joan was also an invaluable support for me during my first year here at Lane. She went out of her way to help me and Laura feel welcome, in Eugene, and to answer my many questions pertaining to the running of the Math Division, here. I also miss the enthusiasm and creativity that Joan brought to our division and her excitement about sharing and discussing curriculum and pedagogy with me. She was someone with whom I felt I could share new ideas and who would take the time both to encourage me and to give constructive feedback. I miss her greatly. (Steven Selph, Math, LCC)

Joan was loved and respected by faculty, administrators and students.

Joan had a warm and welcoming approach to her teaching, students and staff. Joan was always willing to help other instructors. She volunteered for numerous committees and she was willing to be a lead instructor. She served the Math Department well when she was a temporary division head. We were so lucky to have her for the short amount of time she was with us. I believe Joan was a Teacher's teacher. (Joyce Fish, Math, LCC)

I would say that Joan displayed dedication and caring in her teaching and as an administrator. She took the initiative in getting things done. She had an incredible amount of courage and always had a positive outlook. (Jill McKenney, Math, LCC)

Joan was always willing to take on projects, share ideas, and be the first person to volunteer for committees of interest to her. Her enthusiasm and love for teaching, was effervescent. (Don McNair, Math, LCC)

One of many things that always impressed me is that Joan was so positive. (Marion Walter, Math, U of Oregon)

Joan, to me, was a positive, helping, on top of it, kind of person. If she saw that something needed to be done, she tried to do it. She took on a lot more tasks than the job asked for. She loved singing and she loved her family. (Penny Deggelman, Math, LCC)

There are two things about Joan that I would like to mention. First is her incredible organizational skills. When I took over her Math 20 class, fall term, she invited me in to look through her file cabinet, and I was astounded! Everything she needed for the year was already there, in very clear order, clearly labeled. It made it very easy for me to continue the class, using her same policies and assignments etc. I even borrowed certain aspects of her system for the two sections I was already teaching. Especially for students of Math 20, I have come to realize that clear organization is one of the greatest gifts a teacher can bestow on them. It can truly make the difference between feeling scattered and actually "getting it", and developing for themselves a systematic, consistent approach to solving problems. Second, is the tremendous respect with which she treated her math 20 students. She was very matter-of-fact in her words, tone, and carriage. It was clear that she had complete confidence in their intelligence, and fully expected them to grasp the material. At the same time, she was quite patient when someone needed further explanation. I was just beginning to get to know her, and only got to observe one class. I would have liked to absorb more of her teaching style. (Arthur Peck, Math , LCC)

I will always remember Joan's high level of ability combined with her personal touch that made it so nice to work with her. A good example is the tech math sequence. I watched as Joan set up and organized the new math sequence in a smooth progression from "idea" to the completion of the classroom curriculum and supplies. When I began to teach these classes, Joan was helpful and knowledgeable about where the curriculum was going and how it affected the different programs here at school. But she was also interested in my thoughts and ideas. This open exchange of ideas made for a great working relationship. When I think of Joan I can still hear her friendly comments made in her calm and soft voice. On a personal note, Joan provided a wonderful model of a courageous person who maintained a sense of hopefulness and thankfulness in a dignified and positive manner. (Vicky Kirkpatrick, Math, LCC)

I met Joan on a trip we took to Houston as Project Kaleidoscope's Faculty for the 21st Century members. We went to the annual meeting and toured Johnson Space center as part of our activities. She was a very enthusiastic supporter of innovative teaching methods, including the idea of melding biology and math. Even though we never created a class like that, I always thought of her positive support for increasing math literacy. I briefly talked to her after she took the Interim Department Chair position for Math. She remained enthusiastic and truly enjoyed the experience. I wish she would be around when and if I ever take the plunge into administration. (Stacey Kiser, Science, LCC)
 

Following, are comments from some of Joan's students at LCC, gathered from student evaluations.

The enthusiasm of Joan and her interest in math made me want to learn!

Joan made math fun and interesting!

Joan did a great job of moving along. She was very helpful in making sure you understood everything.

Joan Thomas was a good instructor. She knows the material and teaches well.

Joan really made me think and figure questions out.

Joan Thomas' teaching style was encouraging and informative.

I have really enjoyed the class. I have learned a lot and hope to see you again. Thank you for all the help and for getting me in the class. I had a great math class.

Lastly, are offerings from two of Joan's students during Fall term, 2001. Joan taught only 4 weeks into Fall term, 2001.

Have you noticed the pebbled walkways throughout the LCC campus? I love the feel of the pebbles beneath my feet, especially in the rain when the pebbles are wet. I constantly think of Joan. I know she also liked the feel of the pebbles. Nowadays, my footsteps have more depth as I walk for both of us. I feel her spirit on campus, in the classroom, walking through the corridors. I rarely saw her stroll, she always seemed to walk with a mission. This tall beautiful woman with a shining smile had vitality for life. Her essence lives on within us. Although Joan was my math teacher for a short time, she made a huge impact on my life. I am so thankful our lives intermingled. She remains in my heart and soul. (Katie Landau)

How I remember Joan is a strong, confident, and powerful woman that radiated a bright light through her eyes. This light touched my soul from the first moment that I saw her in the front of the classroom. I saw how much she loved life and her passion for her work. All of the time that I saw her, I saw this light that reminds me that life is precious and that I want to find a passion in my life, like she shared with us. Joan is and will always be an inspiration for me and all she touched. (Maria Isabel Meier)

Throughout Joan's professional career, she was active in professional activities campus wide, state wide and nationally. Before her career at LCC, her presentations included: "Reach for Success", a conference for middle school students of color at the University of Oregon, April 1966, "Oregon Voc-Tech Math Project", OCTM workshop, October, 1974, "Great Plains: Our Students at Risk", Rapid City South Dakota, March, 1990, and "Testing in the Graphing Calculator Age: Writing Test Items That are Calculator Neutral", the 34th Northwest Mathematics Conference, Sept 1995.

Her awards include:
Who's Who in American High Schools , 1969
International Who's Who in Education, 1985-1986
Who's Who in American Education, 1992-1993, 1996-1997
Who's Who in American Women,1995-1996
Who's Who in the West, 1996-1997
Who's Who in Science and Engineering, 1996-1997

Joan was active in the community and in her church. She sang second soprano in the Eugene Concert Choir, Eugene, Oregon, for 5 years. At St Mary's Catholic Church in Corvallis and Eugene, Oregon, she was Folk choir director (Corvallis) , cantor and choir member, and served as Liturgy coordinator (Eugene).

Her hobbies included music (she was an accomplished pianist), singing, reading, sewing, swimming, and skiing.

If you wish to contribute to this scholarship fund, send checks payable to
Lane Community College Foundation. Mailing address is:

Lane Community College
4000 East 30th Avenue
Eugene, Or 97405.

In the memo section on the left side of the check, please indicate, " Joan Thomas Scholarship".
As for an EFT number, this service is not available through the LCC Foundation.
 

Joan will be so very missed. Her qualities, however, will live on in our memories and in our teachings.
 
 

Author's note: I thank everyone who contributed encouragement, information and/or personal memories to make this article possible. Joan was my colleague and my best friend. Sometime during Fall term, 2001, Joan entered my office, as she did so many times. In silence, she handed me an object. She smiled at me and left, to complete her next task of the day. I looked at what she had placed in my hand. It was a small rock with a word painted on it, in calligraphy . It read, "Courage". I wondered about the intent -- so many possibilities occurred to me. After writing this article and learning even more about Joan, from all of you-I think I have a better understanding of her intent. "Courage" is a strong component of what Joan represents. In response, I will do my best to live up to her gift.