faculty news Alan Bittel If anyone wants to get the attention of Family Studies Chair Alan Bittel, they need only mention old homes. Bittel and his wife, Sandi, purchased their 1890s Queen Anne Victorian home in retirements
Perrydale, Ore. and its restoration has been a labor of love for the couple. At the end of the 2013-2014 school year, the veteran Adult Degree Studies program leader and instructor will have more time to dedicate to it as he retires from fulltime work at Corban. Bittel’s last day is June 30, although he will continue to serve as an online adjunct instructor. He said he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, and his home, in the coming years. “I don’t fish and I don’t golf,” he said. “But I really enjoy working on the house and the 1890s railroad depot we are restoring in our backyard.”
Alan Bittel reception, Thursday, April 17, 3:00–4:30 p.m., Schimmel Hall
He started teaching Family Studies in 1996 as an adjunct professor while working with child welfare for the Oregon Department of Human Services.
Prior to that he worked as a probation officer for the state of Oregon. “I like to say that working in child welfare and as a probation officer, nobody liked to see me coming,” he said with a laugh. “When I was teaching, people were happy to see me. It was a nice feeling.” Bittel started as the Family Studies Chair in 2002 and counts his successes with each student who graduates from the program, many of whom he stays in contact with. “I’ve loved these students because they really appreciate what they are learning,” he said. “They can take their education and put it right to work. Many go on to grad school, including two that have gone on to Corban’s own Master of Arts in Counseling program, and that is very rewarding.”
Laurie Smith Assistant Professor of Psychology Laurie Smith has no shortage of plans as she prepares to retire in June. Along with spending time with her five grandsons, her “bucket list” includes writing and speaking fluent French, learning to scuba dive in Thailand, travel to New Zealand and Australia and return to retirements
her familial roots in Ireland and Scotland. “I’ve always been a learner and that won’t stop just because I’m retiring,” Smith said. Though she spent only one school year at Corban as a student in 1986-1987, she spent nearly her entire working life at the school. She started as a full-time faculty member between 1989 and 1996, as an adjunct professor between 1996 and 2007 and again as a full-time professor from 2007 until now. During the past 25 years, Smith said she has had many fond memories. “I’ve had several students whose parents I’ve taught,” she said. “It’s a full-circle, awesome feeling. It’s a lot of fun and a neat part of your legacy.”
Laurie Smith reception, Friday April 25, 3:00-4:30 p.m. Schimmel Hall
Her time at Corban has been marked by many notable changes. Among them is the integration of psychology
and its importance within the Christian worldview. She also appreciates the candid conversations that are now taking place on campus that may have once been considered “taboo.” “I also appreciate that faculty women can now wear pants,” Smith said with a laugh. “When I first got here, none of the faculty women wore them and I think I may have ruffled a few feathers when I did.” When not scuba diving or learning French she intends to continue as an adjunct professor with the Adult Degree Studies Program. She also plans to continue her volunteer work with Compassionate Companions, where she spends time with those who are extremely ill or dying and don’t have family or friends around them. “I’m retiring, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop moving,” Smith said. “I may even write the next great American novel.”
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