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Issue date: 12/13/07 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Sondra Frisch District Chancellor Dr. Constance Carroll and Professor Frisch at a retirement party held by the English Department for Frisch. [Click to enlarge]

Her office is adorned with pictures, posters, comics, and presents from her students. She proudly points out some of the gifts with Biblical themes-a doll of Sarah, a book about Noah's ark, and an apple that boldly proclaims, "Eve was framed."

Professor Sondra Frisch, who has been part of Mesa since 1989, is retiring this year. She will continue in a part time capacity to teach Humanities 104, Introduction to the Old Testament.

"I love teaching at this place," said Frisch. "It's not a job; it's another life."

Frisch is known in academic circles for her unique position on Eve. According to Frisch, a close reading of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, yields a very different picture of Eve than the popular interpretation of the world's first woman as the sinful seductress, and in fact reveals Eve to be intelligently curious and yearning for wisdom. Frisch enjoys teaching her students about Eve in her classes every semester.

"Professor Sondra Frisch is one of the most brilliant and dedicated educators I have ever known," said District Chancellor Dr. Constance Carroll. "I was privileged to work with her in a number of ways…so I can attest that she is intellectually gifted, is truly devoted to her students, and has been one of the great developers of Mesa College."

In addition to teaching Bible classes, Frisch has also taught classes on composition, literature, the humanities, and English as a Second Language. She especially enjoys making a different in the lives of students who are non-native English speakers, and has even had students name their daughters after her.

"You don't just teach a language," said Frisch, "you teach a culture…They're not just learning a subject; they are learning how to succeed. Some of my ESOL students have gone on to become doctors."

Not only is she loved by her students, but Frisch is also known among Mesa faculty for being especially warm-hearted.

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