Dave Capitolo

Title: Instructor, Automotive Technology
Office: Building E1, Room 11e
Extension: 8312

Education: A.A., automotive technology — machinist; A.A., manufacturing systems technician; A.A., experimental machinist/tool and die (in progress); all at De Anza

Last job: Project manager, Snap-on, Inc.

Goals at De Anza: “I want to learn as much as I can from the person I’m replacing, Gary Lewis, who has held the position for 35 years. The program has grown tremendously during that time. I want to ensure that the program continues to develop from that high level.”

Looking forward to: “After a full year of watching and helping students disassemble, clean, inspect, machine and reassemble car engines, I look forward to hearing that first engine fire up. In addition, I look forward to having more exposure to other departments on campus as well as meeting more of my co-workers.”

Jane Chavis

Title: Executive assistant, Workforce and Economic Development
Office: Administration Building, Room 6b
Extension: 8208

Last job: Part-time, California Virtual Campus on Bubb Road; former business planner/coordination specialist, Lockheed-Martin

Goal at De Anza: “This new position is not only challenging, it also presents me with the opportunity to interface with many different divisions. That gives me a broad overview of the college and how we all work together. My goal is to continue to grow in my job at De Anza.”

Looking forward to: “Anticipating all the opportunities at the college. I also look forward to working at the same place as my sister, Melissa Ingalls.”

Jacquelyne Minns-Smith

Title: Courseware coordinator, Bookstore
Office: Lower level
Extension: 5893

Education: A.A., Computer Information Systems — help desk; A.A., business administration; A.A., CIS — network design (in progress); all at De Anza

Last job: Hourly administrative support, Bookstore, De Anza

Goals at De Anza: “I’m interested in personal growth and enrichment. Many generations of my family have been involved in education, so working at a college allows me to continue that legacy.”

Looking forward to: “Enjoying all the benefits that come along with being a full-time, permanent employee.”

Annie Presler

Title: ESA coordinator/environmental study technician
Office: Environmental Study Area
Phone: 8346

Education: B.A., anthropology/biology, Luther College, Decorah, Iowa

Last job: Curator, Coker Arboretum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Goals at De Anza: “I’ve already begun refurbishing parts of the ESA to enhance the health of the California native plant communities and the quality of the educational experience. I’m interacting with the students, staff, faculty and the visiting public to broaden our outreach and to promote the intrinsic value of the ESA as an educational and biological sanctuary. I believe that through our programs and classes we can instill respect for cultural and biological diversity and empower students with a set of holistic skills and perspectives that enable them to make wiser decisions concerning our interaction with the environment and other cultures.”

Looking forward to: “Enjoying the continued interaction with the students and the entire Foothill-De Anza community. I believe there are many challenges ahead, but the opportunities for growth abound. I hope to establish ties with a variety of other disciplines to provide an interactive experience that offers all students an opportunity to relate to the natural world whether through art, math, science or social studies. I encourage the entire community to visit the ESA. Call me at (408) 864-8346 to visit or schedule a tour of the ESA.”

Debbie Wagner

Title: Program coordinator/instructor, Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Program
Office: Building S8, Room 81a
Extension: 8790

Education: B.S., medical technology, University of Iowa; MT (medical technologist), American Society of Clinical Pathologists; and CLS (clinical laboratory scientist), California certification

Last job: Senior manager of technical services, Tosoh Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco

Goal at De Anza: “In an effort to increase the number of qualified laboratory personnel in this area, 10 hospitals have joined together to provide funding for the MLT Program. I've been hired to coordinate the program as a full-time, grant-funded instructor. The program is sponsored by Hartnell College with De Anza College serving as an academic affiliate. Students will be trained to provide clinical information for disease prevention, medical diagnosis and patient treatment by processing specimens and performing laboratory tests. I bring my enthusiasm and experience as a laboratory professional as tools to help me reach my goal of providing excellent education and training for MLT students.”

Looking forward to: “Working together with the staff in an academic environment to provide the best education possible to our students. I’m very excited and pleased to be a member of the De Anza faculty.”