NOTE: Student letters have been reformatted into Google Docs for ease of presentation. Hard copies available upon request
Monica Walker
PO Box 945 Preston, WA 98050
02/11/2020
Tenure Review Committee Edmonds Community College 20000 68th Ave. W. Lynnwood WA, 98036
RE: Tenure application for Patrick Kolanda.
To Whom It May Concern:
I happily write to you today in support of the tenure application for instructor Patrick Kolanda. I have been a student in the Construction Management Certificate Program for two years. I've had Patrick as my instructor for most of my classes, as well as my program adviser, I have also had the opportunity to work with him as he is the faculty adviser for the Construction Management Student Association of which I am a board member.
Through each of these experiences, I know that Patrick only wants success for all the students that are coming through the CMA program not only as students but also after graduation as well.
Initially, when I started attending classes at Edmonds Community College it was with the intent to take two classes (both taught by Patrick) and then move on to another school to complete my Certificate Program. However, because of both his teaching and desire for student success, shortly after beginning my classes | was completely sold on finishing at Edmonds Community College instead.
Patrick's respect and appreciation for the construction industry professionally is unmistakable in each instruction session. He is a great adviser for both people who are both new to the construction profession or who are already in the trade. He will take time if necessary, to help students are confused or not understand a concept to help them understand what is being taught. He helps people really understand what he is teaching them.
Personally, I am new to the construction profession where I currently work, but every time I come away from class I feel more educated and more confident not encouragement only in my current role but also in my ability to be successful in my career path. Without Patrick's and guidance, I don't know if that would be the case.
Sincerely,
Monica Walker-
Monica Walker-
Administrative Projects
Assistant Director of Social Media CMSA at EDCC
1721 132nd Avenue NE Bellevue, WA 98005
425 702 6600 phone 425 702 9580 fax WWW rain.com
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Moni Mungin
Instructional Designer/Consultant Student and CMSA President, EDCC
February 10, 2020
Tenure Review Committee Edmonds Community College 20000 68th Ave. W. Lynnwood, WA 98036
Dear Tenure Committee:
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of endorsement for Patrick Kolanda. I've had the opportunity to observe Patrick's work in multiple arenas: he has been my instructor for two years, program adviser, and faculty adviser for the Construction Management Student Association.
Patrick is committed to student success. He guides students through much of the curriculum and helps them acclimate to the rigors of the Construction Management (CM) Program. There are three things about his work I'd like to highlight: encouragement, support, and instruction.
Encouragement—The CM Coursework is challenging, so Patrick is instrumental in encouraging students to connect with peers and support-advice that I've taken seriously. Initially, I struggled with both the material and pace. I can say with honesty, that without his encouragement and prodding to connect with other students, I'm not sure I'd have made it through the program's first year.
Support- Second, Patrick helps connect students to other services on campus, including tutoring. As adults, we have any number of challenging life situations to deal with on top of school and career transition. Patrick is supportive and helps us persevere. As a second-year student, I started tutoring other CM students, in part, because of his example.
Instruction-Finally, I enjoy Patrick's classes. They are lively, thought-provoking, and well-paced. The activities and projects are the highlight and give students a chance to wrestle with concepts and time management. Patrick also infuses lessons with soft skills and business wisdom. Patrick keeps things lively by sharing stories from experience and adding a dollop of humor. His enthusiasm is evident. As evening students, we also appreciate the fact that he respects our time. His classes are foundational topics, so we emerge from the program with a solid grounding to advance our careers.
As an instructional designer, I appreciate the complexity of the technical material Patrick teaches and the diversity of the student body. He has no easy task, yet he pulls it off and is esteemed by students. I believe that Patrick will be a valuable addition to the faculty and continue to grow this unique program.
Sincerely,
Moni Mungin
Moni Mungin February 21, 2020
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My name is Ziggy Zigler-Marrero and I met Patrick Kolanda in the Fall of 2016. He counseled me on the Construction Management program at Edmonds Community College and the benefits to expanding my education within the program. Throughout my experience in the program, Patrick continued to counsel me in my academic endeavors and leadership role as President of the Construction Management Student Association. As a graduate of the program he continues to offer guidance and enthusiastic support for my success.
Patrick is dedicated to his student's success. His commitment to his students was most evident when he was trying to complete his Master's degree while teaching full time. I was in several of his classes during this time. He would communicate that his focus was pulled in both directions, his course work and ours, letting us know that grading may take a little longer. But when I started to struggle with a particular project, he dedicated time to get me back on track. I wasn't the only student with this experience. I spoke with several of my classmates and they struggled in other areas but overcame their challenges with Patrick's assistance despite his tight schedule.
Patrick is skilled in conflict resolution. I was witness to this several times, as there were often spirited debates in class on best practices and other subjects. He maintained control of the room and still allowed for others to speak through their point. I also had firsthand experience. He helped me and another student to resolve personality conflicts to the degree where we found a solid way to work respectfully together on multiple projects.
I highly recommend Patrick Kolanda for tenure. He was essential to my education of Construction Management with the byproduct of extensively expanding my skillset in the industry. His leadership continues to be an inspiration to me.
Thank You
Ziggy Zigler-Marrero
Ziggy Zigler-Marrero
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Dear Tenure Committee,
I have known Patrick Kolanda for two years and have interacted with him extensively in his capacity as my teacher, my adviser, and my student-association adviser. During my time in the Construction Management program here at EDCC, I have come to know Patrick well and therefore can comment on some aspects of his performance.
Patrick Kolanda is a passionate, enthusiastic, and engaging teacher/adviser, and it has been a pleasure working with him. For example, Patrick has shared many of his experiences from his time working in the Construction Management field, and this has helped with getting a feel for the industry and what is waiting for us, as graduating students moving out into new job positions.
As a teacher, Patrick has taught me classes on construction safety management, project estimating, professional work and environmental practices, and business practices. In each of these classes, he has shown a depth of experience, understanding, and knowledge. He teaches each class is an organized and computer-literate manner.
As an adviser, Patrick has given me guidance about the different kinds of industry jobs that are available to graduates of the program. Through Patrick, I have met a handful of company representatives, an industry software creator, and have had the opportunity to go to industry events. This has given me a better feeling for the industry I am stepping into.
As a student-association adviser, Patrick has helped me in my role as the Construction Management Student Association Outreach Officer. Patrick has given me feedback on some industry people I can approach, the best method of approaching other departments here at the college, and insight into the goals of our department.
An important aspect of Patrick's interactions with students is his enthusiasm for the industry he is preparing us for. This allows him to be convincing and engaging when teaching or giving advice.
I have enjoyed taking my time knowing Patrick Kolanda and sincerely hope that his/her efforts as a teacher and adviser will be rewarded by being tenured.
Sincerely,
Robin Kilmer
Robin Kilmer
Student & CMSA Outreach Officer at EDCC
r.kilmer6419@edmail.edcc.edu
206-799-3592