2025 Faculty of the Year Celebration Honors Dr. Catherine Reinhardt-Zacair
French Professor, Dr. Catherine Reinhardt-Zacair, was recently named 2025 Faculty of the Year. Dr. Reinhardt-Zacair was honored at a heartwarming ceremony among friends, colleagues and the Hornet community.
“Teaching has made me feel connected to an innumerable number of wonderful human beings throughout my life journey across continents, countries, languages and cultures. We have all won this award together by enriching each other’s lives and leaving a lasting mark,” said Dr. Reinhardt-Zacair.
The ceremony began with welcome remarks from Associated Students Faculty Advisor, Ronald Farol, President Cynthia Olivo and Student Trustee, Sharon Kim. Farol also recognized the Faculty of the Year finalists and their outstanding contributions, as well as the lasting impact they have made on students. The top four runners-up included:
- Dr. Thomas Chairomonte – Professor of Child Development and Educational Studies
- Kelly Robertson – Professor of Administration of Justice
- Christina Ramirez – Professor of Sociology
- Dr. Bruce Babad – Professor of Jazz Studies
Associated Students President, Emily Kim, then announced Dr. Reinhardt-Zacair’s accomplishment and presented her with awards and gifts.
Dr. Catherine Reinhardt-Zacair began her career as a French and German teacher at Sun Prairie High School in Wisconsin. Her journey as an educator has spanned cultures and continents, having taught in Guatemala, Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe, where she taught English to Haitian banana workers with a little Creole. She then joined the Fullerton College family in 2015, where she has transformed student lives through the power of French and exciting events such as the French Film Festival.
Dr. Reinhardt-Zacair holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education from the University of Wisconsin. She also earned her master’s and doctorate degrees in French from University of California, Santa Barbara.
Fullerton College is grateful for Dr. Reinhardt-Zacair and her commitment, inspiration and hard work.
A Fullerton College tradition, the Faculty of the Year is selected by a committee comprised of members from Associated Students and Faculty Senate.
Dr. Reinhardt-Zacair will be submitted as a North Orange County Community College District nominee for the Orange County Department of Education’s 2026 OC Teacher of the Year, a regional award that celebrates community college educators in Orange County whose efforts have inspired and enabled students to improve their lives.
