Local Hispanic Teacher Receives Emeritus Title

Last Update: 5/29/2009 3:24 pm

Adalberto Pinelo alongside former State Rep. Jim Callahan at a recent reception honoring Pinelo's 38 years at NKU. (Photo courtesy of Paul Whalen)

In 1961, Adalberto Pinelo moved to the United States from Cuba with dreams of making a name for himself. Now almost 48 years later Pinelo has done more than that.

Pinelo, a retired political science professor, began teaching at Northern Kentucky University in 1972. He was recently awarded the title of emeritus professor.

He is the first hispanic professor at NKU to hold the label.

Pinelo said he felt honored by the title.

"It meant a lot to me," he said.

Pinelo described the title of emeritus professor as having a permanent relation with the university, which means that even though Pinelo is retired he will continue to teach classes and remain listed.

"I intend on teaching courses now and then," he said.

In the fall 2009 semester, Pinelo is set to teach Latin America and Politics.

Pinelo said he politics have always interested him since his life was so affected by politics in Cuba.

But Pinelo doesn't hold a grudge about his past, instead he focuses on instilling certain goals in his students.

"My objective is to get students to gain an understanding of who they are and how they feel," he said.

He said he also enjoys building relationships with his students and meeting with them on a weekly basis.

Another highlight of working with students is to see them when they have an epiphany, Pinelo said.

"To see them suddenly have an understanding of things around them and life in the U.S. ... that's been very rewarding," he said.

Now that his schedule is not as busy, Pinelo said he plans to write another book. His first book was about multinational corporations as a force in Latin America politics. Pinelo notes that his second book will concern his life experiences.

Looking back on his 38 years at NKU, Pinelo expressed satisfaction.

"I'm fortunate to have my job and fortunate to have wonderful students ... I wouldn't trade it for anything," he said. "It was a good time ... I enjoyed it."

Kentucky Post

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