PVCC Puma Press: October 2003

Karen O'Dea, CIS faculty, passed away from cancer on August 20, and PVCC faculty, staff and students honored her memory at services August 23.

O'Dea joined PVCC in 1998 as an adjunct faculty member and became full-time faculty of the CIS department, where she taught classes in programming, in July 1999.

Patti Marsh, chair of the Business and Information Technology Division, says, "[O'Dea] was a pivotal player in the programming classes. She took the [Information Technology] portion of our curriculum to a whole new level," says Marsh. "She made an extraordinary contribution to our division."

Bringing a wealth of computer expertise and knowledge from her former career as director of sales & training for Sims Business Systems in Tempe during the late 90s, O'Dea was an information technology consultant for three years in the 80s. She co-managed the first Entre Computer Center franchise in the country and provided on-site technical assistance to a number of Fortune 500 companies.

O'Dea earned her bachelor of arts in mathematics from the University of Connecticut, graduated with high honors, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and was formally recognized as a University Scholar. In 1968 she received a master's degree in engineering/computer science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

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She made an extraordinary contribution to our division
— Patti Marsh CIS Chair
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Bob Bendotti, Dean of Learning at PVCC, says, "Among her many accomplishments at PVCC, Ms. O'Dea was committed to providing high quality instruction and support to her students. She worked closely with her colleagues to support the growth of programs in technology and the sense of community at PVCC. Karen was an innovator and continuous learner. Many of the new technology courses offered here were the result of Karen's efforts."

O'Dea served on four college committees including the RFP Faculty Staffing Committee, the Faculty Tutoring Committee, the Direct Instruction Liaisons and the Graduation Committee. A dedicated teacher, she also volunteered her time to the Emerging Leaders Committee.

In his weekly memo, "News from the Front," Dr. Paul Dale, dean of learning support services, quoted O'Dea as saying, "I need to figure out how to get my computer students doing something more than just computers. They need to learn how to be leaders! And if I need to spend a weekend in Prescott staying in rustic cabins with the EL students, that is what I'll do."

Marsh says of O'Dea, "She was an extraordinary teacher, so committed to her students, a tireless worker." O'Dea advised the Computer Club and provided numerous hours of tutoring services in the Learning Support Center "without fanfare and reluctant to draw attention to herself."

O'Dea continued to teach classes in spite of her illness and taught summer school until July 26. Marsh says, "Students and teaching were her connection to living. She was always upbeat and positive."

Bendotti, says, "Ms. O'Dea blessed PVCC with a wonderful and caring spirit that was evident in all of her work. She contributed, in a large way, to making PVCC a very special place for our students, for her colleagues and for the community we serve."