Opening Day is traditionally the occasion for announcing the yearly Exceptional Classified Staff Awards, which recognize two classified employees for their contributions to Clark College. Recipients receive a glass plaque and $1,000, funded through an anonymous donor’s contributions to the Clark College Foundation.

For their “exemplary work performance, outstanding service to the college, a positive and cooperative spirit, and/or special achievements or contributions to the college,” BEECH Unit Operations Supervisor Jeri Kemmer and Facilities Services Maintenance Mechanic Thor Tesdale were named the winners of the 2015-2016 Clark College Exceptional Classified Staff Awards.

 

Jeri Kemmer, BEECH Unit Operations Supervisor

Jeri Kemmer is the Unit Operations Supervisor for Basic Education, English, Communication & Humanities (BEECH) at Clark.

The following comment from one of her Secretary Seniors best summarizes Kemmer’s exemplary work performance: “Jeri really does go above and beyond when it comes to working at Clark College. She doesn’t just do her job. She is constantly exploring ways to make everyone’s job easier and she’s been instrumental in many changes that have happened within our unit and across campus. She won’t simply accept the status quo. If there is a problem, she wants to find a solution that benefits everybody.”

In her 19 years of working at Clark, Kemmerhas served on numerous committees at Clark and has attended over 300 hours of professional development training in order to benefit herself, her job, and everyone at Clark. One office assistant wrote, “Jeri’s work ethics are exemplary and she always has Clark’s best interest in mind.  She makes all of us better employees. I love working with her.”

In addition to her work here at Clark, Kemmer runs an international nonprofit called Strong Harvest International with her husband, Rick.

 

Thor Tesdale, Facilities Services Maintenance Mechanic

Thor Tesdale is a Maintenance Mechanic in Facilities Services and has been with Clark College for more than 15 years.

Nominated with input from 10 Clark employees, Tesdale is described as someone who is “always smiling and willing to problem-solve.” One of his nominators remarked, “One of the things I admire most about Thor is his respect for all individuals. Thor’s personality is inclusive and he desires to work together to achieve the necessary job-related outcomes.”

Another nominator wrote, “His energy and enthusiasm are contagious. He creates a positive work climate.”

Other characteristics attributed to Tesdale’s outstanding work performance include responsiveness, collaboration, efficiency, creativity and communications skills. Nominators describe a colleague who responds promptly to all phone and email messages, is always on time for scheduled meetings, and makes sure all involved individuals understand the decisions that have been made. They say his communication skills are critical to making sure jobs are completed correctly and on time. As one nominator explains, “Even when deadlines loom and tensions mount, Thor’s calm and respectful personality is a beneficial addition to Facilities Services.”

Other finalists for the award were:

• Karmel Baldwin, Secretary Senior, Life Science
• Guisela Eberle, Human Resource Consultant 1, Human Resources
• Ernie Hafso, Custodian 1, Facilities Services
• Jeri Kemmer, Admin Service Manager, BEECH
• Marianne Luther, Secretary Senior, Counseling & Health Center
• Vanessa Meyer, Secretary Senior, Behavioral & Social Sciences
• Gail Robinson, Secretary Senior, eLearning
• Carmen Roman, Program Specialist 2, Advising
• Tia Schmidt, Administrative Assistant 3, Nursing
• Susan Taylor, Program Manager A, International Programs
• Thor Tesdale, Maintenance Mechanic 2, Facilities Services
• Lynn VanHoomissen, Program Support Supervisor 1, Security & Safety
• Heather White, Program Support Supervisor 2, Disability Support Services

The Clark College Foundation instituted the yearly Exceptional Classified Staff and quarterly Classified Staff Excellence awards in 1997 to recognize exceptional staff members. Nominations may be submitted by classified, administrative and exempt staff; faculty; students; alumni; retirees; college trustees; and Foundation directors.