UCLA Engineering: UCLA Engineer Magazine

Professor Emeritus Makes a Difference at Local Schools

Professor Tino Mingori

Mechanical and Aerospace Professor Emeritus D. Lewis (Tino) Mingori, the first in his family to attend college, is reaching out to students at his former high school and middle school.

A graduate of Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, Mingori was inspired by his upcoming 50th reunion to visit the campus.

He recalled, “My parents did not complete high school, but they always encouraged me to study hard. My teachers at Louis Pasteur Jr. High (now the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies) and at Hamilton High provided the knowledge and guidance that brought a university education within reach. That education began in 1956 when I enrolled as a freshman in engineering at UCLA.”

Last fall, Mingori began tutoring students at Hamilton in math once per week, working with a few students on each visit. Soon after, he also began tutoring at the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES).

“In addition to working with the students on their math, I’m encouraging them to consider attending college and perhaps studying engineering or science,” Mingori said. “It’s very rewarding—I feel like I’m making a difference at a critical time in these students’ lives. At the end of the semester, one of the students sent an email stating, ‘You helped me accomplish my goal.’”

At Hamilton, teachers and counselors refer students to Mingori on a semi-informal basis. Over the course of the year, he found himself working with several students on a regular basis.

“I tutored two young Latina students regularly who were really eager to learn, and it was quite satisfying to see their progress over the year,” said Mingori. “There wasn’t too much time to talk about future plans, but I feel confident that these students will soon be attending college and doing well. They have another year of high school during which they can work to make that goal a reality.”

Students come from all over the city to attend LACES, which has a strong focus on academics. Earlier this year, the school launched “Homework Haven,” an after-school tutoring program held three afternoons each week, where Mingori volunteers. Because the school does not receive supplemental funding for tutoring and intervention programs, it must rely on volunteers and school faculty to staff the program.

Dr. Margaret Kim, principal of LACES, said, “We’re very lucky to have Dr. Mingori come in to share his expertise—he’s a natural teacher. Last year he was there to help with math every Wednesday, and the students felt very comfortable asking questions. As a professor at UCLA, he’s also a great role model.”

At LACES, Mingori circulates and answers questions from students working on their math homework. Over the year, the number of students attending Homework Haven grew from just over 20 to approximately 80.

“I don’t necessarily work with the same students each week,” noted Mingori,“so I haven’t gotten to know them as well as at Hamilton, but it’s still very rewarding. The administration and teachers are very involved in the program and are very supportive.”

An alumnus of both Hamilton High School and Louis Pasteur Junior High, Mingori has strong ties to the Los Angeles area.

“There are changes at both schools, but many of the buildings and rooms are as I remember them,” Mingori noted. “It’s nice to go back and see the campuses.”

Formerly chair of the mechanical and aerospace engineering department at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, Mingori also is a Fellow in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the world’s preeminent society for aerospace professionals.

- Marlys Amundson

Photo: UCLA Photography