Popular OCC professor wins county honors

Amy R. Spurgeon

ORANGE COAST COLLEGE -- Steven Goetz, a professor of counseling services

at OCC, didn’t see it coming.

On Thursday, Goetz headed to the Orange County Department of Education in

Costa Mesa with the belief that it would be his final interview as a

nominee for the Orange County Community College Teacher of the Year

award.

Instead of a question-and-answer session, the 53-year-old Irvine resident

was presented the actual honor by Orange County Supt. Dr. John F. Dean.

“It was a great surprise, believe me,” said Goetz.

But perhaps his biggest surprise came the next morning when he learned

about the cash gift that came with the title: $15,500.

“I’m going to get a garage door. That was the first thing I thought of,”

Goetz smiled. “It’s a mundane purpose, but I’ve needed one for years.”

Goetz’s honor roll began in November, when the OCC counselor of 11 years

was asked by colleagues to accept a nomination for the school’s Faculty

Member of the Year award for 1999-2000. Hesitant at first, he accepted at

the behest of his two grown children, Bryan and Anna.

He won the award, which automatically qualified him for the county

recognition, and went on with business as usual until last week’s

announcement.

“I feel great. It’s turned out to be a nice shot in the arm for my

career,” said Goetz. “But at the same time, it’s a little embarrassing

because there are so many other good faculty members.”

Goetz is the third OCC professor to win the coveted prize in its 10-year

history. Nominees from nine other community colleges also competed for

the honor.

Goetz, who helped found OCC’s honors program, counsels about 60 students

each week.

He will receive his award at a dinner ceremony Nov. 15 at the Disneyland

Hotel.