2011 Classified Senate Awards

Individual Classified Staff Appreciation Award Nicole Cruz, Administrative assistant to the Director of Communications and Community Relations Department.

If you look up this person’s name in the staff directory and then look under philosophy you will see two words, It's do-able. That really says it all. This person is someone who gets things done. In the words of one of her nominators “She always goes extra lengths when assigned a project. She demonstrates initiative and strong effort for every project/task.” In addition to doing her own job, this person was also a valuable member of the Accreditation Self-Study Production Team and was said to have worked many extra hours to compile, edit and format our Accreditation Self-Study Report.

Unsung Hero Classified Staff Appreciation Award Juan Obregozo, Custodial Supervisor

This person has worked for the College of Marin for over twenty-one years, most of the time behind the scenes. He has an amazingly positive attitude and work ethic and steps in wherever and whenever needed. With a small crew, that is tasked with keeping both of our campuses clean, he is often called upon to help and many times at the last minute. We’ve all asked for something at the last minute and he helps willingly and with a smile on his face. He takes great pride in his work and in the College and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Department Classified Staff Appreciation Award Grounds Department

We are so fortunate to live in this very beautiful area of Northern California, thanks to this wonderful department we are also very fortunate to work on two very beautiful campuses. This department works diligently to keep our campuses beautiful. The Kentfield Campus, with views of Mount Tam, is greatly enhanced by an amazing showcase of unique and well cared for trees, plants, lawns and flowers. The Indian Valley Campus is also uniquely beautiful. Surrounded by trees in a natural setting, the grounds crew works hard to keep the lawns green and the weeds under control. Attention to fire control is an enormous undertaking at this campus and the crew works hard to keep the campus safe.

In the past the Classified Staff has honored other Classified Members for the Staff Appreciation awards. This year the Senate decided to honor someone outside the Classified Staff for their exceptional contribution to the college.

Exceptional Service Award Classified Senate Appreciation Award Yolanda Bellisimo, Faculty Member

Although it is always difficult to choose one individual out of so many who are so deserving, this person was in the forefront of our minds. This luncheon is not long enough for me to list all amazing feats this person accomplished in that last few years so I will name just a few:

This person has represented the Academic Senate on numerous governance committees, given presentations at State Academic Senate meetings, is largely responsible for the development of a Student Learning Outcomes process, provided leadership in participatory governance, program review, policies and procedures and a myriad of other areas affecting COM’s accreditation.

Awards were presented at the annual Faculty and Staff Luncheon in May.

2010 Classified Senate Awards

In spring 2010, the Senate formalized a process to recognize our outstanding classified staff on an annual basis. Based on the criteria of:

• Quality of work
• Extra effort
• Positive attitude
• Dependability
• Collaboration and
• Commitment

and the number of nominations received, the following individuals and departments were selected to be honored:

Outstanding Individual Award:
Aaron Osheroff, Database Administrator, Information Technology Department
“Despite seemingly insurmountable events in his life, Aaron continued to be helpful during his recovery and still provided service to the college. His dedication to his work/job/life are inspiring to me. He just has such spirit and commitment to “being here.” (Excerpts from Nomination Forms)

Unsung Hero Award:
Melody Creel, Information Technician, Office of Planning, Research & Institutional Effectiveness
“Melody is the ‘go to’ person when you need institutional information. You name it and Melody will get it for you, no matter what it takes, no matter what’s on her plate. She works hard every day and makes a huge difference in the work of many, many college employees who depend on her statistical genius.” (Excerpts from Nomination Forms)

Outstanding Department:
Information Technology (I.T.)
“The Information Technology Department works tirelessly behind the scenes…they successfully guided us through the enormous undertaking of implementing the new Banner computer system. Despite being grossly understaffed, the I.T Department consistently provides good service while maintaining a positive attitude. They are always pleasant, friendly, willing to help and always professional. It is very hard to imagine doing our jobs without their support.” (Excerpts from Nomination Forms)

Awards were presented at the annual Faculty and Staff Luncheon in May.

2009 Golden Bell Awards

The Golden Bell Award is an annual event sponsored by the Marin County Office of Education to honor outstanding Marin County educators. In 2009 the award process included classified staff nominees from every school district in the county.

COM classified staff were asked to nominate staff they believed had made an outstanding contribution to the college community based on the following:

• Extra Effort (Goes above and beyond what’s required)
• Quality of Work
• Consistently Positive Attitude
• Always Dependable
• Cooperation with Others
• Outstanding Ideas

A selection committee composed of three former Senators reviewed the 15 nominations received and recommended that Becky Reetz and Kathleen Kirkpatrick have their names forwarded by the President's Office as the first College of Marin classified staff selected for the Golden Bell.

Click here to see excerpts from all those nominated for the 2009 Golden Bell Awards.

State Resources

California Community College Classified Senate

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