Robbie Mantooth (Part 1)

Peninsula College Alumni Association

Robbie Mantooth became part of the Peninsula College family in 1975, working about halftime as director of Peninsula College’s public information activities, writing news releases, producing quarterly schedule publications, and the annual catalog.

She said her priority was letting people who might benefit from their tax-supported college know of its offerings – from cost-effective opportunities to complete the first two years of an undergraduate degree to more immediate job entry level skills to learning opportunities more focused on personal satisfaction.

“It was particularly rewarding to do news releases, radio and TV programs and publications to spread the word to people who might not have ever been on campus,” she said. “And many people in our region had no idea students completing their first two years at our college were doing as well and better at four-year schools than those who began their studies at those schools – an amazing bargain.”

But teaching journalism and advising the student newspaper was an even greater passion for Mantooth.

“One time I even asked the instructor and Buccaneer adviser if he might be thinking about retiring!” she recalled.

When those positions opened up, in 1983, she added them to her workload and handled all until she had to choose between teaching and public information when College administrators decided public information needed a fulltime director.

“The journalism program itself was more than a fulltime commitment even though officially my contract was less than that,” she said. “Many students wanted my help with their writing and editing, and that meant many extra hours, especially in the student newspaper office.”

Those hours paid off in many ways, Mantooth said. Esther Webster observed the journalism program and confirmed her intention to donate more than $550,000 to establish the Webster Scholarships, honoring her late husband, Charles Webster, former publisher of the newspaper that became the Peninsula Daily News. That also brought on extra work. It was Mantooth’s responsibility to determine how to spend annual earnings from the bequest, set up criteria and a committee to select recipients. A representative of the state newspaper publishers association evaluated the journalism program to make sure it met requirements of Webster’s will, that it be “first class.”

“We were able to help many students spend more time on journalism instead of low-paying, part-time jobs they’d needed to stay in school,” Mantooth said. “Paid summer internships also added valuable experiences and networking opportunities. When The Buccaneer won its first national award, I found ways for students to attend more conferences so they, not I, could receive the honors they’d earned.”

The student newspaper and its staff members received more than 100 state, regional and national awards with Mantooth as adviser.

She said many outstanding students were able to use Webster funds to help them complete undergraduate degrees in journalism.

“Most rewarding is getting to stay in touch with students who have been able to use what they learned for satisfying work in journalism and other fields,” she said.

Speaking at Commencement

Her own professional writing background career began at the daily newspaper in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where she wrote a column, then feature articles and also served as an editor. She earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma School of Journalism in 1962 and worked as a reporter, columnist and news editor for weekly newspapers serving Oklahoma City suburbs, then wrote for The Daily Oklahoman and Oklahoma City Times Metropolitan, Women’s, Feature and Homes sections.

After completing a Master of Arts in Teaching degree at Oklahoma City University, she worked for daily newspapers in Seattle, taught at Seattle Community College and directed its information services. At New Mexico State University, she taught journalism and produced materials for the University’s information services department.

Before joining the Peninsula College staff, she directed information services for the Port Angeles Schools. She also has owned a public relations consulting and production business. Since retiring in 2000, volunteer activities have included North Olympic Land Trust and other organizations focusing on environmental protection, education and music.

Her writing in recent years has included Travels in Italy, the first three parts of her memoir, and a book about her brother, the late Dr. William B. Tiffany, a pioneer laser physics scientist.

She is proud both Mantooth sons are Peninsula College alumni. Wes teaches at Lake Washington Institute of Technology, in Kirkland, Washington, part of the state community college system, and James is involved with publication of a Russian language periodical and commissioned translating projects in addition to editing newsletters and books for media investors.

Since retiring from the College, in 2000, Mantooth has continued to use her experience with writing, public information and organizing for volunteer work focusing on enhancing habitat for salmon and other wildlife, as well as quality of life for people.

She and her husband, Jim Mantooth, a retired pediatrician, organized and hosted North Olympic Land Trust’s StreamFest, for a dozen years, raising funds and awareness for that organization and providing opportunities for others to learn how they can be involved in environmental protection.

The couple built much of their home in Port Angeles, adding onto a 1920s-era log cabin. They grow much of their food and give surplus away. They also enjoy bicycling and hiking on trails near their home, traveling to visit family members and friends and spending time with them in their Port Angeles home.