Retired NECC Dean of Professional Development Judith Kamber and retired NECC Professor Thomas White, photographed here with Bill Heineman, NECC vice president of academic and student affairs, received emeritus awards along with retired NECC Professor Cynthia “Cj” Crivaro (not in photo).

Three retired Northern Essex Community College faculty and staff, Cynthia “Cj” Crivaro of Bradford, Judith Kamber of Byfield, and Thomas White of Boston recently received emeritus status during the college’s 52^nd commencement exercises.

At Northern Essex, the rank of emeritus is an honor that recognizes sustained excellence in performance, character, and meritorious service to the college. Emeritus status is given to a retired college employee based on recommendations by the college’s emeritus committee and approved by President Glenn.

Kamber, who came to NECC as a part-time director of professional development in 1986, retired in 2013 as dean of professional development.

“In her more than 30 years at Northern Essex she mentored, counseled, and championed our employees at all levels,” said NECC President Lane Glenn. “She created programs that encouraged individuals to grow professionally and personally, and helped foster a campus community that valued respect, diversity, and most importantly, excellence in teaching and learning.”

Her selection was supported by Melba Acevedo, director of instructional technology and distance learning who wrote, “With her fine-tuned listening skills, and diplomatic assessment of people and situations, she always knew what to say, how to say it, and when to say it.”

Kamber earned a Master’s of Education in Community Counseling from Salem State College and a bachelor of arts from the University of Miami.

She was named Dean Emerita of Professional Development.

Professor White joined the biology faculty in 1969 after earning his master’s degree in cell biology from Boston College. For 44 years he taught a wide range of biology courses including microbiology – a course he developed early on for nursing students.

In supporting White’ nomination for emeritus status, Bill Heineman, vice president of academic and student affairs, wrote “ “Tom was well known for his high expectations of students and his difficult exams, but also for a great sense of humor that helped make his courses fun. With Tom it was always about his students and their future success. He set high standards to be sure they were prepared for more advanced coursework of for transfer to four-year colleges.”

He holds a bachelor of arts from Merrimack College and a master’s in Science from Boston College.

He was named Professor Emeritus of Natural Sciences.

Professor Crivaro taught in the Behavioral Sciences department for nearly 35 years. President Glenn acknowledged that her contributions to the college were many, but she was best known for her commitment to community service.

“C.J. believed in introducing her students to the rewards of volunteering and most of her classes were required to participate in community service,” said President Glenn.

Crivaro, holds an associate degree from Bradford College, a bachelor’s from the University of New Hampshire, and a master’s degree from Northeastern University.

She was named Professor Emerita of the Behavioral Sciences.