Skip to content
  • Students
  • Online
  • Staff
  • Search
  • Current Students
  • Online Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Visitors & Community
  • Athletics
search
  • Apply Now
  • Login myGav
  • iLearn

Gavilan College
  • search
  • Apply
  • ACADEMICS
    Degrees & Programs

    Information:

    • Schedule of Classes, Dates and Deadlines
    • Catalog
    • Directory
    • Online Classes

    Other Classes

    • Community Education
    • TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy (GECA)
    • Continuing Education Instruction
    • Service Learning

    Departments:

    • All Departments
    • Allied Health
    • Business
    • Child Development
    • Communication
    • Computer Science

    More Departments:

    • Cosmetology
    • Digital Media
    • English
    • English as a Second Language
    • Math
  • ADMISSIONS
    & Records

    New Students

    • Homepage for Admissions
    • Enrollment Information
    • Math and English Placement

    Just For

    • High School Students
    • International Students
    • Veterans

    All Students

    • College Catalog
    • Fees / Costs
    • Forms

    More:

    • Parking
    • Schedule of Classes, Dates and Deadlines
    • Transcripts
  • FINANCIAL AID
    Pay for College

    Information

    • Financial Aid Home
    • Forms

    More

    • Making a Budget
    • Questions & Answers

    Programs

    • Current Scholarships
    • Enrollment Info

    More Services

    • Staff and Contact Information
  • STUDENT SERVICES
    Counseling & Support

    Core Services

    • Counseling
    • Health Services
    • All Other Core Services

    Support Programs

    • AEC (Disability Services)
    • All Support Programs
    • El Centro (Basic Needs)
    • All Student Services

    Support Resources

    • Student Parent
    • Tutoring & Writing Center
    • Technology Help & FAQ
    • All Other Support Services

    Student Life

    • Clubs
    • Associated Students (ASGC)
    • More Student Life
  • LIBRARY
    Research & Resources

    Research

    • Library Homepage
    • Books
    • Library Research Guides

    Databases

    • eBooks
    • Articles Databases
    • Full List of All Library Databases

    Library

    • Ask a Librarian
    • FAQs
    • Library Services

    More Services

    • Faculty Services
    • Selected Websites by Subject
  • ABOUT GAVILAN
    Now & History

    College Information

    • About Gavilan
    • Administration
    • Board of Trustees
    • Budget Information
    • Campus Safety

    Information

    • Community Education
    • Guided Pathways
    • Institutional Learning Outcomes
    • Maps & Directions
    • Office of the President

    More

    • Personnel Directory
    • Research Office
    • News
    • Outreach & Recruitment
    • Measure X

    Community

    • Alumni
    • Community Spirit Awards
    • Events
    • Facilities Rental
    • Foundation
Home > Headlines > Dept Home > Dept Home > Gavilan College bestows honorary degree to district community activist Theresa Kiernan

Gavilan College bestows honorary degree to district community activist Theresa Kiernan

by Jan Janes on May 10, 2021

On a breezy May afternoon, Gavilan College Superintendent/President Kathleen Rose and three members of the Board of Trustees met to confer an honorary Associate of Arts degree to Theresa Kiernan.

“I am so pleased to introduce you to Theresa Kiernan and her contributions to the communities served by Gavilan College,” said Dr. Rose to the small group gathered at the college gazebo. “She has an incredible history of service and advocacy, and has worked in several nonprofit positions over the years.”

TheresaKiernanAndBOT_3563.jpg
Theresa Kiernan, with diploma, is joined by Gavilan College Board of Trustees
(l-r) Patricia Mondragón, Laura Perry and Edwin Diaz.

Kiernan’s volunteer activities and memberships include San Juan Bautista and Morgan Hill Rotary Clubs, the YMCA of San Benito County and Mt. Madonna, Community Solutions, and most recently as a volunteer lead at the Morgan Hill School District and City of Morgan Hill pop-up vaccine clinics.

“In fact,” said Dr. Rose, “She was there when I arrived for my first shot, checking in each person and ensuring they were ready for the vaccine.”

Each year at Commencement, the Board of Trustees selects an individual who has made significant contributions that benefit the students of Gavilan College. Kiernan was selected for the award in 2020, and the pandemic forced a cancellation of last year’s in-person graduation ceremony. The 2021 ceremony, which will be held virtually, will include Dr. Rose’s recorded remarks and bestowal of the degree.

Kiernan’s community involvement is legend. According to one community member, “Community service is not something Theresa does, it is who she is. Being of service to others is baked into her DNA.”

Described by other community members as fun and full of energy, she is often the first to volunteer, and the last to leave. Others seek her wise counsel, coaching, honest feedback and cheerleading. Her consulting firm, TK & Associates, provides professional development training.

As a long-time supporter of Community Solutions, she volunteers on the fund raising committee for the three hosted events each year, taking the onsite lead role. Previously she served as Executive Director of the San Benito Chamber of Commerce. Relocating to Morgan Hill, she worked for the Downtown Association and later as a Program Facilitator for Leadership Morgan Hill.

In receiving the award, Kiernan thanked the president and trustees for the recognition. In the video to be included in the virtual 2021 Commencement, she spoke directly to the students about volunteerism. “Do whatever you can,” Kiernan said. “Nothing you do is too small, it all benefits the community.”

Kiernan also thanked the Trustees for their attendance at the ceremony, citing the honor of having them join her at the event.

“Because of her dedication to the community and demonstrated support of community college education,” said Dr. Rose, “Gavilan College is proud to present Theresa Kiernan with an Honorary Associate of Arts Degree."

 

 

QUICKLINKS

STUDENT RESOURCES

  • Admissions & Records
  • Bookstore
  • CARES Act Emergency Grant
  • College Catalog
  • Counseling
  • Financial Aid
  • Just Report It
  • Library
  • Schedule
  • Student Services
  • Student Tech Support

QUICKLINKS

  • A-Z Index
  • BoardDocs (Meeting agendas and minutes)
  • Board of Trustees
  • Calendar and Deadlines
  • Employment
  • Gavilan College Educational Foundation
  • Maps & Directions

Board Docs

 

OTHER INFO

  • ADA Transition Plan
  • Accreditation
  • Associate Degrees For Transfer
  • Campus Drinking Water
  • Campus Safety Information & Disclosures
  • Office of the President
  • Register to Vote
  • Student Success Scorecard
  • Student Learning Outcomes
  • Title IX

CONTACT US

  • Accessibility
  • Contact Form
  • Employee Directory
  • Office / Department Directory
  • Public Records Request
  • Report an Incident
  • Website Feedback

Gavilan College
5055 Santa Teresa Blvd
Gilroy, CA 95020
(408) 848 - 4800