Spani h departmentw lcome two new professor

by Anne MIiier staff writer

Move over first-year students. You are not the only new kids on the block. There are a few more new faces that are roaming Cabrini's campus. Dr. Juan Carlos Jimenez, assistant professor of Spanish and Dr. Maria Rippon, also an assistant professor of the Spanish department, are two newcomers to Cabrini's Spanish department.

Jimenez is originally from Spain, where be attended the University of Cadiz and received bis bachelor's degree, in law. After coming to the United States he furthered bis studies in Spanish literature at Villanova, acquiring a master's degree, and later attended the University of Pennsylvania to complete his Ph.D.

The University of Pennsylvania, Bryn Mawr College and Villanova were all previous places of employment for Jimenez. However, he grew tired of the large campuses and found himself standing on the quiet, plush greens of Cabrini College.

Jimenez remarked, "I love the faculty, the college is

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Assistant professor of Spanish

peaceful and I am very much impressed by the students."

Jimenez teaches several levels of the Spanish language, including conversation and composition and Hispanic poetry. He requires that bis students "participate and work to improve their Spanish fluency at all levels."

Jimenez is in the process of organizing a summer study abroad program for students interested in the Spanish language and culture. 'The program is broken down into three different levels, incorporating an intensive study of the language through conversation and composition, the history of Spanish civilization, 20th century Spanish narrative and independent study.

The program is a month-long session with classes scheduled Monday through Friday. Weekends are left free for organized trips. Jimenez is excited about the project and is eager to put bis work and planning into action.

Complimenting Cabrini students, Jimenez praised their willingness to learn.

"I wish that my students become interested, enjoy their studies and think for themselves," said Jimenez. He believes that language is "beneficial in one's life and helps to install good values."

Dr. Maria Rippon is an undergraduate of Mount St. Mary College and a graduate of the University of North Carolina. At the University of North Carolina she was an assistant teacher and later gained more experience in the field of education and Spanish at Gannon University.

Rippon's classes include introduction to the Spanish language and intermediate Spanish.

She hopes to organize a club, with help from Dr. Cynthia Halpern, assistant professor of Spanish. that would benefit the typical students interested in the Spanish lan-

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guage.

Similar clubs are present on campus now, including the Latino and Friends Club and the Spanish club for honor students. However, Rippon wishes to reach those who are not of Spanish background or in the honor's program. She is also planning to take part in Cabrini's summer programs during which the Spanish department conducts three weeks of intensive learning.

Rippon's love for the Spanish language was sparked by the Hispanics in the community. It is this love that Rippon wants to convey to her students, whether it be one individual or an entire class.

"I want to reach out to the students;• said Rippon.

In reaction to the students, she remarked that they were ''warm and inviting." When questioned about Cabrini in general, she described it as being "a very positive experience."

Hobbies and interests of Rippon's include writing, reading, sports and traveling. She has made three visits to Spain, but hopes to expand her travels to expand to portions of South America.