I first met Mrs. Kim last summer in Library 1. During an early class meeting, she smiled, opened her arms wide, proclaiming, "I welcome all. I welcome everyone." (Even extremely close-cropped, clay splattered females with polar bear.) She enthusiastically encourages, gently suggests, patiently listens to questions and respectfully answers them until a student understands. She wants us all to succeed. She organizes homework so we can practice skills that we could list on our resumes. She arranges interesting field trips. She's an awesome baker. She emails learning, employment and scholarship opportunities.

Mrs. Kim changed my life. She recommended I consider applying to San Jose State in addition to UCLA for my MLIS. Reluctantly, I investigated SJSU. To my surprise, I discovered SJSU to be a much better fit. Additionally, I applied for a scholarship I learned about via one of Mrs. Kim's emails. She generously took time out of her busy schedule to write letters of recommendation. I was accepted to both UCLA & SJSU. Miraculously, I was selected as one of the recipients of the IMLS Librarians for Tomorrow Scholarship, a full scholarship to SJSU's MLIS program.

"I welcome all. I welcome everyone." Mrs. Kim lives this philosophy as a professor, as a librarian and as a person. Bless you Mrs. Kim for caring and for being a great role model. Aloha & Mahalo.

We Love You!
Grace & Hugo!

Submitted by Grace Tanaka (& Hugo!)

I remember you as my first professor for Library 1. You have since been such a cheerful presence both professionally and personally. Even during your sabbatical I remember thinking, but she'll be back next year... I hope nothing keeps you from reaching all your retirement goals.

Best of everything,

Submitted by Maxine Cain
tealuv@aol.com

Thank you so much Mrs. Kim!
You will be missed!

Submitted by Laurel Medina

Mrs. Kim has been a big part of my return to school after many many years. She was one of the first people I talked to about the library program and then became my teacher. I appreciate her dedication to her students and position at PCC. When I first met her I didn't understand her importance to the college and her accomplishments, but have realized over the semester just how wonderful she is. She is humble and kind and always is smiling.
She even came to teach our Lib104 class one evening after a long plane trip back from Korea and was probably exhausted but she was right there with us and didn't falter. I will always remember this special lady with admiration and am thankful that she made me feel welcome during my beginning transition into college.

Submitted by Laurel Medina

I was planning to be at your retirement party this evening and deliver my best wishes in person, but an unforeseen circumstance prevented me from doing so. I echo many of the sentiments already expressed by other former students. In the fall of 2004, your Technical Services class was the first course I took in the certificate program at PCC. I was just kind of checking things out then, looking for a "second career" once I hit fifty. Reflecting back on that course, it was my inspiration to begin seriously pursuing library paraprofessional work. I appreciated your efforts to cover such a wide range of topics in sufficient depth. But just as important as your thoroughness was the fact that you were extremely patient with your students and had a very caring presence. Those character traits did not go unnoticed, and resonated with me even more so than learning for the first time about encumbrances and Cutter numbers. And today I try to exhibit the same kind of patience and reassuring demeanor when teaching my high school Library Media students, traits that were so ably embodied in your teaching style. I will certainly not forget you, and although I'm sure the last thing you probably want to do in your retirement years is set foot on a high school campus, I would welcome your visit to the Alhambra High School Library the next time you are in the neighborhood. My very best wishes to you.

Submitted by Terry Cannon
terymar@earthlink.net

Hi Joanne,

I want to thank you so very much for the infinite amount of personal time, perseverance and compassion that you have put into PCC's Library. I know that the original miniscule library has you to thank for it's abundant and professional growth. I personally have benefitted from you when you helped me with my graduate report on minorities and library programs and service. I got the A, so thank you again. I also want to thank you for teaching me the ropes of reference librarianship at PCC. I hope to work there next year after my chemo.

May God continue to bless you! We have truly benefitted from your presence. I would love to see you at the ALA Conference, here is my cell phone number 626-826-2793.

Submitted by Alicia Yao
asqy@msn.com

I learn a lot from your Lib 104 class. You are a wonderful teacher who provided her students with your friendliness, taught us your wealth of library knowledge, and gave encouragement when we need it. The Lib Tech program helped me to decide if I wanted go into the Library Field. I am presently working in a library and I will apply for MLIS program and hopefully I'll be accepted into the program. You are a wonderful teacher and Librarian.
You made it to retirement :-) Best wishes and enjoy your future adventures.

Submitted by Helen

Dear Mrs. Kim,

Your classroom provided a good environment for learning from you as well as from other students.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and good cheer.

I wish you well in all of your future endeavors (or relaxation!).

Submitted by Jeffrey Nelson
jaffray@aol.com

Dear Mrs. Kim,
I may not recall everything I learned from your class, but I will always remember how you encouraged me to go further in my education, and inspiring me to grab at every opportunity to improve myself as a prospective librarian. You also made being a librarian seem like such an elegant position.
I wish you all the best and hope to keep in touch.

Submitted by Rosa Cesaretti
rcesaretti@socal.rr.com

Dear Mrs. Kim,
I enjoyed your class and your guidance as I entered the library world. I will always remember your kindness and generosity.
I wish you all the best in the future,
Meegan Tosh

Submitted by Meegan Tosh
meeganjt@aol.com

Dearest Mrs. Kim,

From Day 1 I was impressed with your enthusiasm, knowledge, and humor. Thank you for bringing out the best of us in your class. Cheers to your retirement!

Many blessings.

Submitted by Cordelia Liang
cordelia.liang@gmail.com

Dear Mrs. Kim,
Thank you so much for your care and devotion to our class LIB #104 class this spring. I gain such wonderful knowledge and introduction to Library technical services that I am truly grateful. In addition to your class instruction, your personal suggestion of my pursuing graduate degree at San Jose State University is something I would not have entertained before. I want to thank you for setting a new course to my productive career ahead. I hope your retirement is filled with new adventures.

Submitted by Susan Tockgo
cesimone@hotmail.com

Dear Mrs. Kim,

thank you so much for your inspiration and thoroughness in the Library 104 Class. I learned so much and also your push to get me to always complete my homework. You are like the super mom of teachers.

I also appreciate your smile, and most of all the library jobs you posted for us.

I hope to see you Thursday! Enjoy retirement to the fullest, you've earned it.

Submitted by Debby Dilger
ideallydebby@aol.com

Dear Mrs. Kim,

I will miss you dearly. I have come to look forward to seeing you almost every morning as you arrive in the Shatford library since I started working there earlier this year.

You are truly a wonderful example of a teacher, librarian, program director and so much more. Your continuous caring, support and encouragement to me and all of your students really has been wonderful.

I am glad I made sure to get a seat in your last Library 104 class session as I thoroughly enjoyed being in your class.

Your presence and spirit in the Shatford Library will truly be missed.

Enjoy your retirement to the fullest. :) You more than deserve it.

All my best,

Evelyn

Submitted by Evelyn Keolian
evelyn.keolian@gmail.com

Dear Mrs. Kim,

I will miss you dearly. I have come to look forward to seeing you almost every morning as you arrive in the Shatford library since I started working there earlier this year.

You are truly a wonderful example of a teacher, librarian, program director and so much more. Your continuous caring, support and encouragement to me and all of your students really has been wonderful.

I am glad I made sure to get a seat in your last Library 104 class session as I thoroughly enjoyed being in your class.

Your presence and spirit in the Shatford Library will truly be missed.

Enjoy your retirement to the fullest. :) You more than deserve it.

All my best,

Evelyn

Submitted by Evelyn Keolian
evelyn.keolian@gmail.com

Dear Ms. Kim,
Thank you so much. You gave us a wonderful 104 class. Also, I have to say that you are one of the best teachers who I meet in the U.S. I like your class very much because I have learned a lot of knowledge with you in the class. I always remember that when I was in your class, I often went to your office to ask questions, you were very patient and helpful. You are my role model. Ms. Kim, I cannot go to the farewell reception on Thursday June 19, 5:00-7:00 p.m. because I have a job interview in Claremont Library at 4:00 p.m. on that day, so thank you again and wish you have great time. I miss you.

Annie

Submitted by Annie Liang
fen_liang2003@yahoo.com

Dear Mrs. Kim,

Thank you for all you have done to make it easier for people with a passion for libraries to prepare for the field. Your classes provided me with fundamental information that I regularly use as a Librarian. Your support and care for the students in the Library Technician Program is evident.

Enjoy your retirement!

Best,

Frida Stein

Submitted by Frida Stein
frenchlibrarian@gmail.com

Dear Professor Joanne Kim,

I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful person you are.
It's been wonderful knowing you all these years. You have also been a supportive person to me in my goals for school and work. You are not just a professor, but a great friend. I hope to continue being your friend forever. Thank you for caring about me and I care a lot about you too.

Submitted by Anne Marie Reyna
AA1412@hotmail.com

Dear Ms. Kim,
Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. You are a wonderful teacher, librarian and the most important, a very very nice person.
Love,

Submitted by Fabiane Daniels
fabidaniels@hotmail.com

Dear Joanne,
I have not had much time to stop in lately, but I will miss you when I do. I did stop in when I heard you were retiring, but unfortunately I missed you. I will always remember your encouragement in class and your support of my genealogy quest, always sending me some new resource or website to check out.
I love Shatford Library and I know that you were instrumental in making it was it is today. Thank you for myself and all of the future students who will use that library and not have the chance to meet you. It truly will not be the same without you. I will always feel a void when I go there. I miss you already, just knowing that I cannot pick up the phone and call if ever I have a question for you.
However, enjoy your retirement and your grandchildren. You deserve it.

With love,

Submitted by Marge Rossini

Dear Joanne:

I learned so much as a student in your classes. I learned even more as the Writing Across the Curriculum Assistant in the 104 class. I learn something every time I talk with you. I don't know if I can express how much your continuing suppoort has meant during my difficult, and unfortunately still unsucessful, job search.
Thank You, Thank You
for everything

Submitted by Lisa Fischelis
lisafischelis@aol.com

Dear Mrs. Kim,
I hold your depth of knowledge and enthusiasm for Library Science as a shining example of what can be achieved in this field.
As I start down the road of attaining an MLIS, I have your guidance and support to look back upon fondly.

They say librarianship is more than a profession; its a calling. I heard the call through the prism of your voice and the knowledge you have imparted to me.
You have my heartfelt thanks for inspiring me to follow my heart straight to the Reference Desk :)

Karla Bluestone

Submitted by Karla Spence Bluestone

Librarian: collection development and acquisitions manager; advocate for books and reading: McNaughton Plan, Special Services collection; Advocate for this beautiful library

Teacher: Library tech program; curriculum, internships, field practice, tracking! sabbatical; online class pioneer; WAC activities, internships,

Mentor: Each of us! Students at Reference desk; most notably Library tech program (50 of 400 Library Tech students pursued their MLS)


Dean: Sense of style and sense of right: advocacy for renovating L building, new carpets and paint, credited for this new building; Jack Scott and the master plan


Manager: Every librarian a leader every staff member a leader; Joanne always a leader; What I've learned as manager from Joanne: persistence, tenacity, alternate ways of finding money

Colleague: Officer of Academic Senate (treasurer); Chair of Senate Scholarship committee; Chaired ad-hoc Info Comp committee; C and I;

Community connector: Representative to the Statewide Academic Senate (Librarians and Counselors); Chancellor's Office Advisory Committee on Library and Learning Resources; U.S. Korean Librarianship Conference Planning; CLA conference planning; Project Asia Steering committee; Minigrants(oral histories, Multilanguage walking tours, Mosley Foundation collection and lecture series on intercultural communication); California Council of the Humanities grant on Asian Pacific Americans: Six Generations in California; ALA grant Let's Talk about It: Jewish Literature; Pasadena Sister Cities exchange (hosted two visits from Chinese librarians) and twice visited China to make presentations on US libraries; Korean community preventing family violence and promoting healthy family relationships through her involvement on the Korean American Family Service Center where she also served as member of the Board of Directors


Buddy: We've come a long way, baby...where we started within one year and collaboration was the name of the game; Sounding board; reality check; few disagreements yet always with resolution; cried in our beer at lunch at the time of layoffs
Librarian, teacher, mentor, dean, manager, colleague, community connector, Most of all, friend...Mary Ann Laun

Dear Mom,

I am so proud of you! I have read all of the amazing comments that your students and colleagues have written. In addition to being a great mother, you are an outstanding teacher and a wonderful role model. It is truly moving to see how many people you have helped and influenced over the years.

We love you very much, Mom, and we are so proud of you!

Ilsa, Susy and Brian

Submitted by Brian Kim

Dear Mrs. Kim,

Your love for librarianship (evident in the three classes I had with you) spurred my interest in the profession. I greatly appreciated the way you encouraged me to go to library school. I did, and I'm now a young-adult librarian. Thank you!

I wish you joy in whatever you undertake next.

Grace Santos

Submitted by Grace Santos
gp_santos@hotmail.com