Those who worked closely with her described her as more than a teacher. She was a mentor, a friend, a believer and an unconditional supporter.

Anne Lowenkopf taught literature courses at City College in the Continuing Education program for more than 30 years. She was also a largely recognized author, editor, and a strong role model to many.

Her students have displayed their gratitude for her inspirational teachings through a compilation of short stories they’ve written titled “AnneThology.”

“She was one of a kind – truly one of a kind. I know all her students felt that way about her,” said Marilyn Whitehorse, former student and contributor to “AnneThology.” “She was loved as well as any person could have ever been loved – by all of us writers in the Santa Barbara area.”

Lowenkopf, 83, died Dec. 7 after a short battle with cancer.

“Students, staff, and faculty were all stunned by the news of Anne’s illness, but were also greatly impressed by her courage and stoicism,” said Andrew Harper, director of continuing ed. and co-worker of Lowenkopf.

Harper said proof that she touched the lives of many is shown in three ways: her students created the “AnneThology,” 150 people were present at her memorial in Feb., and her students set up a memorial fund in Anne’s name.

Looking for a way to thank Lowenkopf, a former student of hers, Dan Hammack came up with the concept for “AnneThology.”

“I came up with the idea basically because I felt helpless to do anything for her once we learned she was ill,” said Hammack. “She would never let me repay her for all the hours she spent editing my work and would only say, ‘write more!'”

The book contains more than 40 story submissions all of which were inspired by Lowenkopf herself, writing tips, and a foreword written by her husband, noted educator, author, and editor, Shelly Lowenkopf. It was presented to her before her death as a small gift from her students whose lives she impacted so much.

A memorial and gathering honoring Lowenkopf was held at the Schott Center in Feb.

Lowenkopf went above and beyond the requirements for her profession. She spent countless hours editing, encouraging, reading, and listening. Her career, students, and passion for writing were her life and extended far beyond office hours.

“‘Send it out! Send it out’, that was one of her battle cries,” said Whitehorse. “The other one was, ‘Keep writing! Keep writing!'”

A plaque honoring her teaching skills was placed at the City College Schott Center in 1990.

“Besides mentor and student, we became friends,” said Whitehorse. “She loved the swallows returning every year and took me up to the Summerland Preserve to see their nests. She told me about her gardening, her pets, the wild animals that strayed through her yard in Montecito, the delight she found in the smallest thing, and the books she was reading and her reactions to them. Her enthusiasm for life was contagious.”

“When they made Anne, they broke the mold,” Whitehorse added.

The proceeds will go to the SBCC Anne Lowenkopf Scholarship Fund. The book can be purchased for $20 at the Schott Center Office or online at www.amazon.com. NOTE: Less of the proceeds will go to the fund if you purchase through the Amazon website.