MISSION VIEJO : Professor Awarded Education Honor

Saddleback College math professor James Thorpe has been recognized as one of the state’s top community college instructors.

The California community college system’s board of governors last week presented Thorpe with the 1994 Gerald C. Hayward Award for Excellence in Education.

The award, which includes a $1,250 cash prize, is given to four community college faculty members each year who exhibit the highest level of commitment to their students, college and profession.

“Jim has provided pioneering leadership and has helped shape how our institution operates,” said Terrill Robinson, who as the college’s academic senate president nominated Thorpe for the award. “Most of all, his committed belief in education has set standards unequaled at our college.”

Thorpe has been a faculty member of the college since its founding in 1968. He holds a master’s degrees in mathematics from Harvard University and in government from Miami University in Ohio, and a doctorate in education from Nova University in Florida.

“Six of us created Saddleback College,” he said. “We wrote the catalogue, ordered furniture and supplies, hired faculty and had students in classrooms, all while trying to understand the mission of the community college.”

Thorpe also was elected to the San Juan Capistrano City Council in 1970 and 1978. He served as mayor in 1972.

The award is the third in five years for a Saddleback faculty member.