CR's May 2, 2025 Times Standard Education Matters Article

Published on Apr 29 2025

As our commencement ceremonies in Eureka, Crescent City, Klamath-Trinity, and Pelican Bay State Prison approach and we get ready to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025, I want to pause and honor the careers of our faculty and staff members who have retired. 

Each of them has made significant contributions to CR and will be missed by students and colleagues alike. I know that their positive impact on the lives of numerous students is immeasurable and will remain their legacy. I am sure that I am joined by all my colleagues in wishing them all the best as they begin new journeys beyond CR.

Dr. Peter Blakemore is retiring after an impressive twenty-three years of service to College of the Redwoods, where he has worn many hats—teacher, mentor, and administrator. Whether teaching English or Environmental Science, Peter brought curiosity, intellect, and a generous spirit to the classroom. His leadership extended far beyond instruction, serving in key administrative roles including Dean of Math and Sciences, and most recently, Executive Dean of Arts and Sciences, where he oversaw more than two dozen disciplines with care and vision. We are also grateful for his steady hand as Accreditation Liaison Officer during our most recent accreditation cycle.

Peter’s commitment to collaborative decision-making is just as enduring. He’s chaired or participated in many of the College’s most vital shared governance bodies where faculty, staff, and administrators come together to shape the institution’s direction. 

Professor Marla Gleave is completing a remarkable thirty-year career as a professor and respected collaborator in the Physical Education and Athletics department. Marla has been actively involved with students both inside and outside the classroom since 1994, when she started teaching as an associate faculty before moving to the tenure track where she taught lecture courses which include heath education, kinesiology, and activity courses such as jogging and hiking. 

In addition to her teaching, she was instrumental in furthering the goals of the College by giving generously of her time and leadership coaching women’s basketball and volleyball and serving as the Dean of Career Education. She also served as the College’s Articulation Officer, the Academic Senate as President and Co-President, served on the Academic Standards and Policies Committee (ASPC) for six years, and on the Curriculum Committee for ten years. 

Dr. Sean Thomas has been a cornerstone of the English Department at CR, known not only for his brilliance in the classroom but for the deep humanity he brought to his teaching. Over his eleven years of service, Sean created inspiring spaces for learning—always keeping students at the center, celebrating their unique gifts, and encouraging laughter and spontaneity along the way. His adaptive, student-focused approach helped countless learners rediscover their confidence and potential. Whether guiding students through the complexities of literature or supporting them in finding their own voice, Sean leaves behind a legacy of thoughtful mentorship and transformative education. We are grateful for his leadership and the steady presence he provided, especially during times of challenge and change.

Kirt Frischknecht dedicated twenty-seven years of service to the District’s Information Technology (IT) Department, making him a beloved colleague and collaborator throughout the college community. Known for his energy, strong work ethic, and reliable troubleshooting skills, he is someone we could count on to follow projects through to the end. Kirt was consistently able to take the time to explain what was needed, why something was happening, or why a piece of equipment was no longer supported.

In addition to his technical expertise, Kirt was an active member of the classified union and contributed to the sense of teamwork that defines the IT department. His approachable nature and commitment to collaboration made him a valued partner across the College. Both his professional contributions and the personal connections he built over the years—including the occasional shared cat story—will be missed.

Reno Giovannetti began working full-time at College of the Redwoods in 2015. He also spent three years as an associate faculty member. Upon his arrival at CR, Reno quickly established himself as a professional and caring colleague and collaborator dedicated to helping faculty and staff further our distance education initiative. Reno played a vital role supporting distance education, in particular through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

College of the Redwoods thanks each of these retiring faculty and staff for their dedicated years of service to the College and most importantly to their students and colleagues and wish them the best in retirement.