Emmy Kreilkamp, left, teaches all of Centralia College’s drama classes. Georganne Copeland teaches business technology classes at the Centralia College.
The Centralia College Foundation announced this week that it has selected Georganne Copeland and Emmy Kreilkamp as 2020 Exceptional Faculty Award winners.
“They were chosen for their commitment to and excellence in their subject areas, and participation in campus activities,” according to a news release from the foundation.
Copeland was a Centralia College student first and in 1985 returned to the college as a part-time keyboarding teacher. She was hired by Alice Forth, who became dean of students in 1989; Copeland took Forth’s full-time teaching position at that time.
Since 1989, she has taught business technology classes at the college. Keyboarding remains one of her favorite classes to teach.
“Keyboarding has been a consistent part of my workload and I enjoy helping students develop strong skills that help with their college work, in their personal life, and in the workplace,” she said. “But, I also enjoy teaching Business Communications for those same reasons. Recently, my interaction with the (bachelor’s degree) students has been a highlight. I appreciate their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.”
Copeland said she enjoys watching students build confidence as they progress through her classes.
“I always knew I wanted to teach, but it took my Centralia College instructors, Alice Forth and Marge Wieland, to show me this path,” she added. “I am grateful to them for opening that door.”
Kreilkamp came to Centralia College from Chicago after being offered a full-time tenure-track theatre position in the spring of 2016. She said she was attracted to the position because it allowed her to teach theater, direct plays, and experience all the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
“The Pacific Northwest won me over with its proximity to the coast, mountains, and plentiful hiking and camping areas,” she said. “I am happy to claim this region as my new home.”
Kreilkamp currently teaches all of Centralia College’s drama classes from acting to playwriting, and some English classes such as Shakespeare and Screenwriting. She directs three plays a year, is the faculty advisor for the Theatre Club, and oversees the summer theatre program for young people.
“I think teaching Beginning Acting is my favorite,” she said. “Many students take it for a new experience (as it is different from their other classes), which allows me to engage with many different majors and people of diverse interests. I enjoy seeing people transform into characters and use their imaginations in an interactive way.”
She said teaching has been an exceptionally rewarding choice of career and she’s grateful for the opportunity to connect with students.
“Seeing students move from being lukewarm on a topic on the first day of classes to engaged and passionate about the subject matter is the most rewarding part about teaching,” she said. “Regardless where they end up, I hope my students leave my classes with a stronger appreciation for and understanding of the arts.”
