Yuko Ishihama is Outstanding Student for the Month of March.

March 22, 2007

Merced College is proud to announce the selection of Yuko Ishihama as Outstanding Student for the month of March. Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Ishihama says, "Living in Merced is peaceful and the people are friendly.” She enjoys the small town and small community of Merced College.

Ishihama was nominated by her Math Instructor, Jim Retemeyer, for her diligent work and ability to challenge herself. She currently has a 3.94 GPA, participates in the Honor Societies of Alpha Gamma Sigma and Phi Theta Kappa, is an officer of the Puente Club, and was recently hired by the Tutorial Center to work as a math tutor. Ishihama recalls a memorable experience of helping at the Merced Rescue Mission with a dinner for the homeless. “There was a child who licked her plate clean,” states Ishihama, “This made me feel that I would like to change the world for the better.”

Ishihama plans to continue one more year at Merced College and then transfer to a university to earn higher degrees. She is appreciative of her college instructors for being so supportive, particularly Mr. Retemeyer. Ishihama notes that a reason for coming to Merced was because of Dean Sarah Greene. Ishihama attended a workshop in which Dean Greene provided her with encouragement and made her feel that Merced College was well-suited for her personality.

In recognition, Ishihama was recently honored at the Board of Trustees meeting where she received a check and a special parking pass for the month of March.