Published: November 18, 2009 06:56 am      

Coratti honored for service

Dr. John Coratti has worked at Lamar State College-Orange since 1994, where he teaches criminal justice and serves as the Criminal Justice Program director.

Tuesday’s gathering was attended by family members, close friends, students and peers who came together to celebrate Coratti’s 59th birthday.

Coratti, a man who is often referred to as quiet and soft spoken, had no idea the celebration was planned or why so many people we were waiting on his arrival.

“You can definitely say I am pleasantly surprised by this,” Coratti said with a huge smile. “I’m thrilled so many people came out.”

Coratti’s wife of 12 years, Joyce, said the event was planned as a birthday celebration since his birthday was Tuesday, but also to honor him for his years of work at the school and in the Criminal Justice Program.

“He helped start the Criminal Justice Program nothing years ago,” said Joyce Coratti. “But it has really played a big part in so many peoples lives, and this is our way of thanking and honoring him.”

Another program Coratti helped to start was the Moot Court program. However, the program has been temporarily discontinued at Lamar State College-Orange since Hurricane Ike because of space requirements.

Coratti has been an a source of inspiration to many and a friend to others, and, for some, both.

“I took one of his criminal justice classes many years ago, and really enjoyed it,” said Capt. Robert Enmon of the Orange Police Department. “We eventually became friends, so much so that I was best man in his wedding. He’s a brilliant person to talk with on his knowledge and understanding of law.”

Enmon said Coratti’s knowledge of law is very thorough and his background is extensive.

“Few people know this, but he even worked as a researcher for several years in the New Jersey Supreme Court,” Enmon added. “He’s always been helpful and resourceful to any police officer or anyone who wanted a better understanding of law.”

His impact as a teacher is undeniable, according to more than one former student, and even a current student.

“I’ve enjoyed having him as a teacher so much these past two years,” said Carolyn Henry, a criminal justice student. “You have to be passionate about criminal justice to be in the class anyway, but he is so inspirational. He has been encouraging and supportive, both as an instructor and as a person, and I’ll miss him after I graduate in December.”

Judging by the number of former students who still remain in contact with Coratti, he will more than likely continue making an impact on many more criminal justice students in the coming years.

“I still enjoy teaching and working with the students,” Coratti added. “I like what I do and I think it shows.”



Tommy Mann Jr. is a reporter for The Orange Leader. He can be reached at 409-883-3571, Ext. 2619 or tmann@orangeleader.com