Collegio Online

Issue date: 9/11/08 Section: Front Page

The College of Technology's Graphic and Imaging department will see two professors, Bonnie George and Larry Thornburg, retire at the end of this school year.
George began her career at Pittsburg State in 1996 as a lecturer. She was offered a 10-year contract in 1997.
Over the years, George has earned the reputation of being a teacher who challenges her students to develop the ability to work independently.
"I've learned a lot from her," Scott Benjamin, senior in commercial graphics, said. "Probably more in her class than any other. Without her, I wouldn't know anything about half the stuff I do everyday."
George is well known for having her students work on projects that relate to possible on-the-job situations.
"I like how she makes everything so hands on," Monika Blodgett, sophomore in commercial graphics, said. "It wasn't all lecture in her classes. We were working on projects and getting the experience we need for after college."
As for George, teaching is more than a profession for her.
"It doesn't make a difference what job you do, the best pay is your sense of pride," George said. "When a student succeeds, it is better than the money."
Students also agree George has the ability to push them to work their best.
"She knows that a lot of students don't live up to their full potential," Benjamin said. "She brings that out."
According to George, one of the hardest parts of her job is keeping up with technology and its constant advances.
"I'm not going to miss keeping up with technology," George said. "It's grueling. It's changing so quickly. I'm going to definitely stay interested, I just don't have the time to learn it well enough to be able to teach it anymore."
Although teaching in a technology department can be time consuming, George said there are aspects of teaching she will miss.
"I'll miss the students and the people I work with," George said. "You get used to a routine, so it will definitely be different."
George plans to move to South Dakota and take time to relax after 10 years of teaching.
Thornburg will retire after 36 years in the GIT department. As a graduate of PSU, Thornburg began his teaching career in 1973.
"I'll miss all the fine students and the family atmosphere," Thornburg said. "PSU is a very unique university."
Thornburg, or "Mr. T", is well known for his positive and caring attitude towards his students.
"I think he is a very involved teacher," Melissa McDonald, junior in commercial graphics, said. "He wants to get to know and understand his students."
Thornburg said he has made many lasting relationships from his time at PSU. After losing his wife to cancer in 1999, he found comfort in his students and co-workers.
"The kids in my classes and this university was like my family," Thornburg said. "That doesn't happen too often in a work setting."
Thornburg was remarried in 2002, and five of his students were the photographers. Thornburg said this was one of the many good memories from his teaching career.
"I will miss the fact that when you pass him in the hall, he will stop and say hi and ask how you are doing," McDonald said. "I love that he cares so much about his students."
Although Thornburg is retiring, he said he would be back on campus occasionally. "I'm heavily involved in a lot of things here with the university," he said.
Thornburg began the photography emphasis, or minor, for the GIT department by writing the classroom curriculum. He introduced four photography classes into the department.
Ann Harwerth, a junior in commercial graphics, is taking photography with Thornburg this semester. This is her first time having him as a professor, and she is grateful to be taking a class with him before he retires.
"I thought he seemed very laid back and cool," Harwerth said. "I'm glad I got to have him as a teacher before he left because he interacts so well with his students and he makes the class fun."
Although Thornburg said he would miss PSU, there is one thing he will not.
"I won't miss the grading," said Thornburg with a laugh.
In his retirement, Thornburg plans to take time to travel and get more involved in his church activities.
"I'm excited," Thornburg said. "This has been my life for 36 years, and it has been a very good and very enjoyable life."
Carolyn Bachura will also be leaving PSU this year, though she declined an interview. She will resign after 19 years in the GIT department.

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