Administrative Exempt Awards

Two outstanding employees were recognized with Exceptional Administrative Exempt Employee awards at the 2020 Opening Day event.

The annual event, held online this year due to COVID-19, is always held the week before fall term classes begin as a way to help employees get ready for the coming academic year.

This year’s recipients were Special Projects and Activities Manager Michelle Golder and Senior Software Engineer Eriko Otsuka.

About Michelle Golder

Michelle Golder has worked at Clark College for more than a decade. While many members of the college community have enjoyed the results of her work, they may not have realized it at the time. As the head of the college’s Event Services department, Golder oversees the logistics of the college’s signature events, which include both cultural events like Sakura or MLK Day, as well as an institutional event like State of the College or Opening Day. Whatever the event, Golder works tirelessly to make sure everything runs according to plan and stays within budget. This year, she had the extraordinary challenge of organizing the college’s first-ever virtual Commencement ceremony.

“Whatever the challenge, she rises to meet it,” said Vice President of Administrative Services Bob Williamson as he announced the award. 

About Eriko Otsuko

Eriko Otsuko is also a behind-the-scenes person whose work many at the college have benefited from without knowing it. She is praised for her ability to work collaboratively with clients to design software solutions that meet their needs.

“It’s due to her hard work that we have an online health screening tool that allows students and employees to come to campus during COVID-19,” said Williamson. “She has also logged countless hours rewriting applications so they can work in the ctcLink environment.” 

About the Exceptional Administrative Exempt Award

The Clark College Exceptional Administrative-Exempt Award was announced on Opening Day 2019. The award recognizes the contributions of Administrative Exempt employees, a category that includes employees who work at all levels and in all areas of the college. Each year, it honors an Exempt staff member who contribute in significant ways toward building a positive climate, inclusive environment, and improving the quality of life at Clark.

The full list of 2020 nominees is: 

• Michelle Golder  
• Ryan O’Meara 
• Eriko Otsuka
• Michael See  
• Abby Thompson 
• Tasaday Turner 
• Brenda Walstead  
• Melissa Williams