Newsmaker
Monday, December 1, 1997
Name: Jean Hara
Age: 46
Position: business professor, Leeward Community College
Education: two master's degrees, UH-Manoa.
Pastimes: Family, Phi Beta Lambda.
Jean Hara was first offered a teaching job over the telephone in 1973, after officials at the Employment Training Center heard of how she worked as a student-teacher at McKinley High School. Hara helps adults learn
Hara soon found her niche as a vocational instructor, and today, as a Leeward Community College professor, she teaches business and related courses to adults who seek the knowledge to better their lives.
"I really like teaching adults," Hara said. "A lot of people don't realize that you can teach business courses to adults at the community college, and you can really see them grow.
"Its nice to see them get jobs and keep jobs," she said.
Hara was recently named Hawaii Professor of the Year 1997 by the Carnegie Foundation. She was among 48 of 550 nominees nationwide recognized as outstanding undergraduate instructors for their commitment to teaching.
The award also acknowledges the role of faculty in encouraging students to remain connected with their alma maters.
Leeward Dean Mark Silliman, who nominated Hara for the award last spring, described her as having a strong rapport with students and credits her with creating a nurturing environment for learning.
Hara's former students also praise her work.
"As long as you are willing to learn, she is always willing to teach," said Brian Yoshikawa.
Busy outside of the classroom, Hara advises the business club Phi Beta Lambda, and is president of the Hawaii Business Education Association, an organization that promotes business learning from elementary to post-secondary levels.
She is also active with the Leeward Faculty Senate.
She also spends time with her daughter, Lauren, 16, a senior at Hawaii Baptist Academy, and son, Leighton, 20, at junior at the University of Hawaii-Manoa.
"I think when you teach, you have to show by example. So I think the students have to see you are committed to the community, you do civic things with no pay," she said.
"I love learning new things, and I just love working with people."
Pat Omandam, Star-Bulletin
