Santa Clarita / Antelope Valley : College Names Scholar in Residence : Education: Antelope Valley’s Martha Wengert, a longtime sociology instructor, is chosen for the honor.

Martha Wengert, a longtime sociology instructor, Wednesday was named the 1995 Scholar in Residence at Antelope Valley College.

“This is a rare honor,” Wengert told about 75 faculty members who attended the college’s faculty recognition day program. “One of the things that makes this college so special, even in times of fiscal restraint, [is that] we honor our own.”

The Scholar in Residence award, now in its 13th year, is the highest recognition the college bestows on faculty members. Recipients are chosen for their dedication to excellence in education.

Recognition is nothing new for Wengert, who in 1992 received the Hayward Award, the most prestigious statewide award given to community college instructors. Only three such awards are given each year.

“When you have a job you enjoy and get so much intrinsic satisfaction, [awards are] like icing on the cake,” she said.

Wengert, who has a doctorate from Pepperdine University, moved to the Antelope Valley in 1966 and began teaching at the college the following year.

“Martha’s one of those individuals who not only does a good job in the classroom, but she’s involved in leadership on the campus,” said Allan Kurki, college president.

Wengert has served as president of the Academic Senate, director of recruitment and induction for the college’s aircraft program and instructional accreditation coordinator. She is also involved with such organizations as United Way and the domestic violence shelter.

When she needed a break from the classroom, Wengert said, she took on other responsibilities at the college, such as when she served as an interim administrator a few years ago.

“I’ve always taken responsibility for renewing myself,” she said. “Most of the time teaching feels fresh and new, exhilarating. It’s a continual learning experience.”

Changes in the “art, craft and science of teaching” and the field of sociology, along with interaction with students, help to keep teaching exciting after nearly 30 years, Wengert said.

For being chosen Scholar in Residence, Wengert will receive a $750 cash award and an additional $750 to cover the cost of a presentation of her choosing to the faculty and staff.