Tracy Jones / Roundup
After four years of working at Pierce College, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh said his final goodbyes Thursday in the Great Hall.
Fellow colleagues and students gathered to honor the great work Abu-Ghazaleh contributed to Pierce College.
Tom Anderson, criminal justice professor described Abu-Ghazaleh’s leadership abilities.
“He is the most considerate and thoughtful man I have ever met. He’s very insightful and thoughtful, and has a way to sit on situations and not jump into conclusions,” Anderson said.
At the reception guests decided to relate his leadership concepts by taking monologues from the inspiring national bestselling book, ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,’ by Stephen R. Covey.
Barbara Anderson, dean of Academic Affairs related her experience with Abu-Ghazaleh by correlating there work together using Covey’s fifth habit that states “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
Barbara shared heartrending emotions about how much he will be missed. She also presented him with a huge gift bag, pulling out a huge bag of peanut M&M’s and a stuffed animal of Pierce College’s mascot, the bull.
Other colleagues took the podium and shared their most momentous experience with Abu-Ghazaleh using influences from Convey’s book.
Additional habit’s include Habit four: think win/win, Habit six: synergies and habit one: be proactive.
Many of the guest speakers all admired Abu-Ghazaleh’s ability to lead.
With all the refreshment’s and delicious snacks at the table’s hearts where weighing heavy as they said there good bye’s to Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh.
Denise Gibson, full-time dance professor, recalls a time where she first met Abu-Ghazaleh at Moorpark College and he wanted to learn ballet, so she taught him.
In a Dance recital she remembers when Abu-Ghazaleh danced with her and lifted her up so fluidly as if he was a professional dancer.
“He makes you want to strive for excellence, I don’t want to cry, but I admire his principles, he did what the right things to do,” said Joy McCaslin, vice president of Student Services.
Abu-Ghazaleh described when he first arrived at Pierce College and had trouble adjusting.
“It was a total culture shock,” he said.
Friday morning was Abu-Ghazaleh’s last day at Pierce.
He furthers his new career with the Coast Community College District (CCCD) in Costa Mesa, Ca.
“I’m leaving with a huge piece of Pierce College with me. I’m ready to move on and continue learning. Moving and learning is what I like to do,” he said. “Moving on and learning is the capsule of my life. I know Pierce College can rule the universe.”