Red Rocks Community College faculty member Pamela JamruszkaMencher has been chosen by the Alliance for Colorado Theatre (ACT) as the 2008 Colorado Higher Education Theatre Educator of the Year. A professional organization for theatre educators, ACT recognizes instructors for their outstanding achievements in theatre education and within the community at large.

Mencher, a RRCC faculty member since 1986, is the founder and director of the college's Theatre Arts and Dance department, the most comprehensive theatre education program at a two-year college in the state of Colorado. Since 1991, Mencher also has served in varying capacities on the Board of Directors for the Rocky Mountain Theatre Association (RMTA), including roles as President and Director for Grants and Development.

Recent endeavors by Mencher include producing the 19-state Playwrights Showcase of the Western Region in 2004, 2005, and 2007 with the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities; co-hosting RMTA's annual conference in January 2008 with the Lakewood Cultural Center; and creating a world premiere production of original works co-presented by RRCC Theatre Arts and Dance and the E-Project, the resident company at the E-Vent Center in Lakewood, Colorado.

In addition to her professional activities and teaching a variety of practical college classes such as Acting Skills for Trades and Business and Playwriting, Mencher is also an actor, playwright, director, and costume and set designer.

Since 1969, Red Rocks Community College has delivered quality education to students of all ages and backgrounds. RRCC offers more than 300 programs leading to two-year degrees or professional certificates. RRCC serves over 11,000 students per year at campus locations in Lakewood and Arvada.