麻豆视频 is pleased to honor Ben Mayo with the 2025 Emeritus Faculty Award. First presented in 1981, this award recognizes retired and retiring faculty who served at least 10 years of full-time employment at the college. A committee overseen by the vice president of instruction makes the selection from nominations submitted by students, faculty, staff and community members.
Reflecting on his 34-year teaching career at YVC, Mayo shared 鈥淚f you are fortunate enough to make a living following your passion, you are greatly blessed.鈥�
A life-long resident of the Yakima Valley, Mayo graduated from 麻豆视频 before earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in music. He spent several years traveling the country and working as a professional musician. In 1982, he returned to YVC and pursued a degree in civil engineering. During this time, he began tutoring physics and discovered his love of teaching.
鈥淚鈥檝e always enjoyed helping other people improve their knowledge and reach their full potential,鈥� said Mayo. 鈥淏eing an extrovert, I love having an audience, so teaching really suited my personality.鈥�
After earning his teaching certificate from Central Washington University, Mayo began teaching math part-time at YVC. He later earned his master鈥檚 degree and was hired as a full-time math instructor at YVC鈥檚 Grandview Campus, transferring to the Yakima Campus in 1995.
Known for his animated teaching style, Mayo often taught without a strict lesson plan using creativity to keep his students engaged 鈥� something that he now misses.
鈥淚鈥檇 tell students that I had a stupid story for everything, and if I didn鈥檛, I鈥檇 make one up. Sometimes I鈥檇 stand on the table to get their attention,鈥� recalled Mayo. 鈥淎 former student once told me he remembered a time when I took my shoes off and counted my toes just to make a point. I loved connecting with and telling stories to the students.鈥�
Mayo's dedication to teaching was evident in his every action. His genuine enthusiasm for his work transformed the classroom into a vibrant space where learning felt effortless and enjoyable.
鈥淚鈥檓 so thankful to the students that I had the privilege of teaching during my career,鈥� said Mayo.
For eight years, he led the math department as chair, relishing the opportunity to collaborate with the then-dean, Kerrie Cavaness, who now serves as the interim vice president of instruction.
In addition to his work inside the classroom, Mayo also wrote two textbooks, which the math department used for many years in their classes. As a humorist, he also authored a series of 11 books of puns (鈥淲hat鈥檚 the Difference Between鈥�?鈥�) while also developing a game based on these works.
Now retired, Mayo focuses on hobbies such as making music and writing. He and his wife have also enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and road trips to national parks.
Mayo also shared the profound impact YVC has had on his family.
鈥淢y family is very connected to YVC,鈥� said Mayo. 鈥淢y mom attended YVC. My siblings and I attended YVC. I met my wife at YVC. Our children attended YVC and my son also met his wife at YVC. This institution has been fundamental to our story.鈥�
The emeritus rank provides use of the library and participation in academic, social and other functions. The Emeritus Faculty Award will be presented during YVC鈥檚 Commencement ceremony on June 13.