The Risser Outstanding Teacher Award it the highest honor for faculty at PCC. The cash award is presented annually to a nomimated PCC faculty member who has given outstanding service and contributions to the College.

Only currently enrolled Pasadena City College students have an opportunity to nominate PCC faculty members for this award, which is presented annually to a full-time, tenure-track or tenured PCC faculty member. A second award will be given starting in Spring 2026 to an Adjunct Faculty Member as well.  Again, these nominations must be generated first by a currently enrolled student.  The recipient receives a cash award and their name on the Risser Outstanding Teacher Recognition Plaque.

Recipients are awarded for:

• Quality of instruction
• Inspiration to students
• Fair, understandable evaluation and grading
• Loyalty to the college and to our country

• Number of times teach has been nominated (please note that previous recipients are not eligible).

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Nominations

Only currently enrolled students may initiate the nomination process for a deserving faculty member; fellow students and other college employees may participate by signing the nomination form.  Testimonials are not required but are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if you truly want your teacher to be considered.  

This year's recipients:

Dr. Brian Kennedy (Tenured Faculty) - English

"What makes Dr. Kennedy especially remarkable is his ability to make literature feel alive and urgently relevant. From Oxford and Florence study abroad programs to dynamic classroom discussions on Mrs. Dalloway, postcolonial studies, creative nonfiction, and literary criticism, students described leaving his courses not only as stronger readers and writers, but as more thoughtful and compassionate human beings. His humor, wit, generosity, and unwavering belief in his students have inspired many to pursue careers in education, writing, and scholarship themselves. Again and again, nominators returned to the same theme: Dr. Kennedy did not simply teach literature—he taught students to believe that their ideas, stories, and voices mattered. That kind of impact lasts a lifetime, and it is why Dr. Brian Kennedy is so deserving of the Risser Award."

Kim Winslow (Adjunct Faculty) - Non-Credit

"What stands out most in these nominations is the profound personal impact this educator has had on students from all walks of life, particularly those navigating the challenges of learning a new language and adapting to a new country. Students described gaining confidence, finding community, and believing in themselves because of the encouragement and compassion they experienced in class. Nominators repeatedly highlighted the warmth, professionalism, creativity, and dedication this instructor brings to every lesson, as well as the genuine care shown both inside and outside the classroom. Through outstanding teaching and heartfelt encouragement, this educator has helped students not only improve academically, but also move forward in their lives with greater confidence and hope."

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