April 28, 2017: CPDS bids farewell to Dr. Trish Grega and Professor Gail Johnston

Faculty from two of the three "R's" of education are adding an "R" of a different kind to their resumes this spring: Retirement. Professors Trish Grega and Gail Johnston, from College Preparatory and Developmental Studies are both wrapping up their distinguished teaching careers at UAA this spring; collectively, they have thirty-two years of teaching at our campus and have taught more than 5,000 students.

Dr. Grega taught reading, study skills, vocabulary, and integrated reading/writing classes for 20 years. She recently helped create the Academic Coaching Center in the Learning Commons, and was integral in building many learning communities over the years. Dr. Grega drove up the Al-Can in 1997 and began work as a term professor the day after she arrived in Anchorage. She'll be leaving Alaska a few days after she retires, to spend time with her children and grandchildren, but this time she will be headed out on the Alaska Ferry.

Professor Johnston began teaching math at UAA in 2004. She was instrumental in developing the Statewide Developmental Math Summit, and is leaving behind an archive of her video lectures and notes for future faculty. Gail will be retiring to her home just outside of Hatcher Pass, but not before an amazing fall trip to Italy.

While both are excited about retirement, they are quick to point out they will miss working with students. Beloved and respected professors, among their students and their colleagues, they will be missed.

A retirement party will be held Friday, April 28, 2 p.m. in Sally Monserud Hall, Room 107.

April Archive