Congratulations to Patricia “Trish” Fitzsimons, Program Specialist 3, from Community and Continuing Education, the 2025 Winter Classified Staff Excellence Award recipient!

A warm congratulations to the other award nominees:

• Carly Rae Zent, Communications & Marketing
• Courtney Braddock, Accounting Services
• Manda Levie, Social Sciences & Fine Arts
• Sara Irons, Child & Family Services
• Tiffany Saari, WPTE & STEM Unit

Excerpts from Patricia’s nomination

“Trish consistently demonstrates a profound commitment to enhancing CCE departmental operations and the student experience at Clark College, fully embodying the criteria for special achievements. She actively seeks out and implements innovative efficiency measures that benefit both students and staff and, in turn, the college community. For instance, Trish has sent proactive reminders to students about upcoming classes, which has led to improved attendance rates and minimized no-shows and late drops.”

“Trish maintains an exemplary commitment to fostering and supporting individual and organizational diversity and inclusion. Over the past two years, she has welcomed over 5,000-plus test takers from a myriad of backgrounds, creating an inclusive environment at our testing center. Her efforts extend beyond mere numbers; they are rooted in genuine engagement with individuals from diverse cultures, languages, gender identities, and life experiences. One of her distinguishing qualities is her openness to discussions about equity and inclusion. She actively engages with visitors who may face language barriers when seeking support in our office. This dedication not only aids in breaking down

communication obstacles but also fosters a sense of belonging among those we serve. Her lived experience as an immigrant enriches her perspective and inspires her advocacy.”

About the Classified Staff Awards

Established in 2005, the Classified Staff Excellence Award recognizes classified staff who have demonstrated exemplary work performance, a positive and cooperative spirit, special achievements, or contributions to the college community, and supports individual and organizational diversity and inclusion. Through the support of the Clark College Foundation, the recipient will receive a $400 cash award.

Criteria: Nominees must be a current classified employee who has been in their current position for more than six months. Award recipients will not be eligible for another award for three years.

Learn more about this award here

Nominate A Deserving Colleague

Do you know a colleague who deserves this recognition? Nominate them for this award.

Visit the Clark College Employee Recognition page to learn more about this award and other ways to acknowledge the value and dedication of our staff and faculty.

Congratulations, Dennis Blew, Management Analyst 3 in Enrollment Services, for receiving the Fall 2024 Classified Staff Excellence Award.

A warm congratulations to the other award nominees:

• Angelina Albulov, Administrative Assistant 3, Social Sciences & Fine Arts
• Dena Al-Mousawi, Program Coordinator, Office of VP Student Affairs
• Jacob Salomon, Program Coordinator, Human Resources
• Katie Massey, Deaf Interpreter 3, Disability Access Center
• Kelly Eagan, Program Assistant, Transitional Studies Division
• Marla Derrick, Program Coordinator, Athletics
• Sara Irons, Early Childhood Specialist 2, Child & Family Services

Excerpts from Dennis’ nomination

“Dennis consistently demonstrates exceptional work performance, going above and beyond his assigned duties. His innovative approach to problem-solving has led to significant efficiency improvements within Enrollment Services and across the college. Dennis possesses a strong work ethic and consistently delivers high-quality work, even under tight deadlines. He is highly organized and detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in all his tasks. His ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and learn new technologies has been invaluable to the department.”

“Dennis has made significant contributions to the college community through his leadership in several key areas. As the Lead Query Developer, he has supported the query development process for Clark College, with a focus on improving efficiency and accuracy for all users. He has also taken on the role of a subject matter expert for ctcLink, providing valuable training and support to staff across the college. Dennis has been instrumental in enhancing our use of the PeopleSoft system.”

“Dennis is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. He actively participates in diversity and equity initiatives, such as attending workshops and training sessions. He is respectful of all individuals, regardless of their background or identity, and creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all. Dennis is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to higher education for all students. He works diligently to assist students from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation, low-income, and international students, in navigating the enrollment process and accessing the support services they need to succeed.”

About the Classified Staff Awards

Established in 2005, the Classified Staff Excellence Award recognizes classified staff who have demonstrated exemplary work performance, a positive and cooperative spirit, special achievements, or contributions to the college community, and supports individual and organizational diversity and inclusion. Through the support of the Clark College Foundation, the recipient will receive a $400 cash award.

Criteria: Nominees must be a current classified employee who has been in their current position for more than six months. Award recipients will not be eligible for another award for three years.

Nominate A Deserving Colleague

Do you know a colleague who deserves this recognition? Nominate them for this award.

Visit the Clark College Employee Recognition page to learn more about this award and other ways to acknowledge the value and dedication of our staff and faculty.

Learn more about the Classified Staff Award.

Get ready, Clark College Community! The Walktober Challenge is back, and we can’t wait to kick off this exciting annual competition with Lower Columbia College and Washington State University Vancouver. Let’s join forces in October and bring that trophy home to the Penguin Nation!

What is Walktober?

Walktober is a 31-day movement challenge designed for faculty, staff, and students. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just looking to add a little more movement to your day, this is a no-cost opportunity to get active and engage with our community. Together, we’ll help Clark College earn the title of “Walktober College Champion.”

This year, we wanted to give every participant an opportunity to win a prize, so we have added a raffle where every participant has a shot at winning.

Tips from 2023 Walktober Challenge participants who logged the most steps

Sydney Brahmavar, Atmospheric Science instructor: 812,535 steps

“I am a trail runner with a dog who also needs a lot of walking and running. I just tracked my usual activity. I did nothing special for Walktober. I am lucky to have trails right outside my house, so I start every day with a long run or hike with my dog and end most days with a long walk with him as well. The time in the forest helps me connect with the Earth, prepare for or process my day, and stay grounded and happy.”

Terri Anderson, Dental Hygiene: 623,862 steps

Terri’s Dental Hygiene department completed the most steps in the 2023 Walktober Challenge. “We sometimes walk together on a break or lunch. We also give each other kudos for our progress and motivate ourselves.”

“I always like a challenge. I am a runner and most of my steps were accumulated by running. I also get a lot of steps during my day at work. The Walktober Challenge is a good way to get out of your office chair. It is not good to sit all day long. Get up, find a friend, a go for a walk.”

Aaron McPherson, Facilities: 575,229 steps

“My position is custodian, and I usually cover at least two buildings a night (O’Connell and Beacock) during graveyard hours, so I do a lot of walking on campus regularly. Some of it was running, but I tried to keep the running to a minimum. Regardless of your final total step count or overall rank, it is far better for your health to get up and move than to stay stationary. If you can’t do it for Clark, then do it for yourself.”

Cath Busha, Student Affairs: 448,530 steps

“I LOVE walking and hiking. It’s part of my daily practice, not only for physical health, but mental health, as well. It was fun to count up my steps for the work challenge. My daily goal is to walk 15k-20k steps. Every morning before work I walk about 8k steps with my dog, Ruth (or I should say she walks me. She’s a very high-energy blue heeler/German Shorthair Pointer mix).” “At work, I eat my lunch at my desk, then use my lunch break to walk and listen to podcasts. I also take walk ‘snack breaks’ during the day and will do a loop around campus or through Gaiser/PUB to see folx and stretch. At home, I finish my days with a long walk—sometimes talking with friends, sometimes walking with a friend. On the weekends, I hike (Falls Creek Falls and Hamilton Mountain are my favs) and I also walk A LOT with my partner — it’s our favorite date!”

Cath encourages fellow Penguins to walk: “The data are clear: If you’re able to, moving our bodies is so good for our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social health. Start where you are, set your own goals, and go from there. ‘Habit stack’ walking and moving with other things you enjoy (ie talking to someone; taking pictures; walking to a favorite bakery; noticing nature; listening to an audiobook) is another great way to build walking into your daily life.”

How to Participate

• Track your steps: Log your total daily steps from October 1-31 using the attached Walktober Log here.
• Use technology: Use your smartphone or smartwatch to track your daily movements. Use your smartphone to search fitness trackers.
• Earn tickets for prizes: For every 1,000 steps you log, earn tickets to be entered into our prize raffle. Tickets for three employees and three students will be drawn to win raffle prizes.
• Collect your incentive prize: At the end of the challenge, participants who submit their Walktober log in person to Human Resources (BRD 133) will receive an incentive prize and can choose between a selection of Clark-branded swag (while supplies last).
• Vary your activities: Walktober isn’t just about walking! Check out the Step Equivalency Chart to see how other activities count toward your movement goals.

Last day to enter: Submit your completed Walktober log to Vanessa Bural at vbural@clark.edu or stop by Human Resources (BRD 133) by November 7.

“Let’s move! Walking is a fantastic way to boost your energy and improve your health. Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather. Step outside or meet up with friends for a stroll around campus. All movement counts! We can’t wait to see how far we can go together this October. Let’s make this a fun and active month!”
—Clark’s Well-Being Team: Vanessa Bural, Dr. Evelyn Buschur, Veronica Brock, Mike Law, Valentina Pishchanskaya-Cayanan, and Tre Sandlin

2023 Penguin Nation Walktober Stats

• 84 participants (employees and students)
• 23,344,718 total steps (more than 23 million steps!)
• 277,913 average steps per participant
• Department with the most participants: Dental Hygiene with 12 participants
• Department with the most steps: Dental Hygiene with 3,472,767 total steps
• Department with largest average steps: Veterans Center of Excellence with 536,981 average steps

2023 Walktober Challenge: Penguins who logged more than 400,000 steps

• Sydney Brahmavar, Meteorology: 812,535
• Terri Anderson, Dental Hygiene: 623,862
• Aaron McPherson, Facilities: 575,229
• Donna Larson, Veterans Center of Excellence: 567,893
• Megan Anderson, Veterans Center of Excellence: 506,069
• Josh Nichols, Central Services: 492,525
• Cecelia Martin, Assessment & Institutional Research: 482,449
• Veronica Brock, Dental Hygiene: 471,100
• Ronald Anderson, Security: 457,917
• Cath Busha, Student Affairs: 448,530
• Andrew Shaman, Library: 433,319
• Gene Biby, Theatre/Drama: 423,977
• Wende Fisher, Advising Services/Student Affairs: 416,035
• Jennifer Dean, Library: 405,467
• Kevin Damore, Communications & Marketing: 405,395
• Nicole Marcum, OOI: 401,481

Congratulations, William (Tre) Sandlin, Instructional Accessibility Specialist in the Teaching and Learning Center for receiving the Spring 2024 Classified Staff Excellence Award.

A warm congratulations to the other award nominees:

• Laura Borgman, Secretary Senior, Transitional Studies Division
• Stephanie Hall, Secretary Senior, WPTE+ STEM Unit
• Sergey Kachenkov, IT System Administration Entry, Library Services
• Abby Ocean, Fiscal Specialist 2, Facilities Services
• Brandi Roberts, Communications Officer 1, Security & Safety Services

Excerpts from Tre’s nomination:

“Tre takes the necessary time to assess the impacts of our work could have on his peers. I have the privilege of working with Tre creating accessible content. His awareness of trauma and racism and how they come into play for the content we see and deal with has made all the difference to me. For example, we were enrolled in a class about mass genocides, and one week covered mass genocides in Africa. Instead of passing that content onto me, a Black colleague, he took on that work. I could visibly see the effects it had on him. He expressed his knowledge of how racism played in mass genocides and his understanding of how that content could have affected me.”

“He serves on the art committee, and he has worked to make sure that the art being displayed is inclusive and diverse.”

“Tre works incredibly hard to make sure students have access to their learning materials so they can be successful in class and at the college regardless of their identities, experiences, or abilities. He is the fastest accessibility editor I have ever met, and he is always ready to offer support, encouragement, and expert guidance to faculty and staff who are trying to improve the accessibility of their work.”

“Tre is so clearly committed to creating a world where all people are welcome and treated with respect and dignity. Tre has contributed greatly to checking the Braille signage at both the main campus and CTC as part of his work with the universal design committee. Tre just recently finished his year as part of the BUILD program and is continuing to work with his project partners. Honestly, Tre’s contributions to the college cannot be emphasized enough in terms of his work ethic, his sustained efforts to improve accessibility, and his support of students and colleagues. Tre is always striving to learn more and do better to create a more inclusive and caring workplace for all of us.”

About the Classified Staff Awards

Established in 2005, the Classified Staff Excellence Award recognizes classified staff who have demonstrated exemplary work performance, a positive and cooperative spirit, special achievements, or contributions to the college community, and supports individual and organizational diversity and inclusion. Through the support of the Clark College Foundation, the recipient will receive a $400 cash award.

Nominees must be a current classified employee who has been in their current position for more than six months. Award recipients will not be eligible for another award for three years. Visit the Clark College Employee Recognition page to learn more about this award and other ways to acknowledge the value and dedication of our staff and faculty.

Do you know a colleague who deserves this recognition? Nominate them for this award.

Learn more about the Classified Staff Award.

Clark College welcomed dozens of employees’ children—from toddlers to teens for Take Our Child(ren) to Work Day on April 25. The annual national celebration is held on the fourth Thursday of April. This is an over 30-year tradition that aims to show children the value of education and that they can aspire to work in any field.

At Clark, it is an opportunity to educate children about college as a pathway toward a career, and the importance of higher education and jobs on campus. It also promotes Clark’s programs in support of the college community.

This fun family day gives young Penguins an opportunity to do hands-on activities and see the campus where their parents and grandparents work. Many employees volunteered to create and coordinate the busy day of activities. The rainy weather curtailed and changed some activities, but there were still many ways for kids to be engaged.

Throughout campus, Clark welcomed our young visitors with a slate of activities including:

• Security desk: Free kid ID badges
• Welcome Center: Scavenger hunt and campus tour
• Bookstore: Penguin guessing game and free lanyards; youth clothing sizes for purchase
• McClaskey Culinary Institute: Eat, paint cookies, and plant seeds
• Teaching and Learning Center: LEGO, crafts, and games
• GHL: Create a vision board
• Diversity Center: Draw a self-portrait and more
• PUB (Penguin Union Building) 161: Artist talk and drawing with Epiphany Couch
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): Hands-on activities: 3D printing, electrical circuits, Newton’s laws of motion
• Cannell Library: Ribbon cutting for the Family Study Room
• Tutoring Center: Open house

And more!

Kids Explore Sakura Festival

After the children explored and did many hands-on activities and projects, the families headed for Gaiser Student Center to check out the Sakura Festival.

The event offered children much to experience, including:

• A Koto performance by Mitsuki Dazai
• Singing by Clark College Treble Ensemble directed by Dr. Jacob Funk
• Admiring beautiful kimonos worn by participants
• Taking home their names written in Japanese calligraphy on rice paper
• Watching a martial art demonstration by Oregon Koto-Kai
• Getting their photo taken with Clark’s mascot, Oswald
• Enjoying ice cream sandwiches hosted by Umqua Bank on behalf of Clark College Foundation’s PenguinsGive annual giving event
• Eating hand-painted cherry blossom cookies created by Clark’s baking students

As families left the Sakura Festival, our young penguins wearing their special Clark name badges clutched rice paper with their names written in calligraphy, art projects, and the remnants of cherry blossom cookies. Laughter and the excited voices of children resounded throughout Gaiser Student Center.

Surely, they will remember their fun day at Clark College!

More photos from the Sakura event can be found on our Flickr page.

Congratulations to Lucy Mackintosh, Library and Archives Paraprofessional, Access Services. Lucy is the recipient of the Winter 2024 Classified Staff Excellence Award.

Excerpts from Lucy’s nomination:

“Lucy is dedicated to making our college a more diverse and inclusive place. She is currently in the B.U.I.L.D. (Broadening Understanding, Intercultural Leadership and Development) program, and she is bringing those ideas into her job as a library technician and student employee supervisor. Lucy leads discussions and reflections on inequality in libraries as part of a training program for our student employees. She also applies these ideas in her everyday work. Lucy advocates for fair policies and decision making in Access Services. Her passion for diversity and inclusion is making a real impact in how we actually do things here.”

“Lucy’s contributions to the college community are most evident in her role as the supervisor of the library’s work study student employees. Lucy exemplifies a level of dedication and compassion that significantly enhances the experience for our students. Her leadership in fostering a positive and inclusive environment for our student employees is truly commendable. Lucy’s exceptional coaching skills shine through as she demonstrates a keen understanding of each student’s unique strengths and challenges. She not only motivates them to perform at their best but also ensures they feel valued and supported in their roles. Lucy’s empathetic approach creates a space where our student employees are comfortable being themselves, fostering a sense of belonging within the college community. She is an invaluable asset to the library and our institution.”

A student employee who is supervised by Lucy wrote: “Lucy is the star of the workplace when it comes to work spirit. Always offering to lend a hand whenever possible, even though inconvenient, and with a smile on her face, Lucy’s consistently positive spirit is inspiring. Always encouraging us student-workers to achieve high proficiency in our tasks by keeping us accountable with training, she still never forgets to be personable. The difference between her and other bosses that I have had is that she has always made me

feel like a human. I’m not just another worker-bee for her, zooming across the library with endless book shelving. I can remember multiple occasions during training where she would take time out of her busy schedule to just check in to see if I had any questions or feelings. She strives in her position of managing all student employees at the Cannell Library because she takes the energy to get to know us as people.”

We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the other nominees:

• Jami Crawford, IT Customer Support, IT Services
• Adrianne Langit, IT Customer Service Technician, IT Services
• Karina Sanchez, Program Specialist 3, Financial Aid
• DJ Scates, Tenure Support Supervisor, Office of Instruction
• Jessica Wehrman, Program Specialist 2, Enrollment Services

About the Classified Staff Awards

Established in 2005, the Classified Staff Excellence Award recognizes classified staff who have demonstrated exemplary work performance, a positive and cooperative spirit, special achievements, or contributions to the college community, and supports individual and organizational diversity and inclusion. Through the support of the Clark College Foundation, the recipient will receive a $400 cash award.

Nominees must be a current classified employee who has been in their current position for more than six months. Award recipients will not be eligible for another award for three years. Visit the Clark College Employee Recognition page to learn more about this award and other ways to acknowledge the value and dedication of our staff and faculty.

A history of Classified Award recipients

2023: Manda Levie (winter), Cheryl Davenport (spring), Heather King (summer), Andra Spencer (fall)

2022: Chris Chaffin (winter), Svitlana Havrylyuk (spring), Christopher Layfield (summer), Papel Popov (fall)

2021: Jennifer Shadley (winter), Damon Grady (spring), Jordan De Van (summer), Denise Rotellini (fall)

2020: Jennifer Stone (winter), Silvia Marinova (spring), Connor Cantrell (summer), Pedro Hernandez (fall)

2019: Sarah Seyller (winter), Amanda Brown (spring), Heather Adams (summer), Bryton Williams (fall)

2018: Eben Ayers (winter), Shelly Williams (spring), Sherry Smith (summer), Ian Beckett (fall)

2017: David Sims (winter), Aleksandr Anisimov (spring), Rebecca (Becky) Udwary (summer), Jessica Beach (fall)

2016: Judy Healy (spring), Joanne Emel (summer), Carmen Roman (fall)

2015: Jeri Kemmer (winter), Marianne Luther (spring), Thor Tesdale (summer), Vanessa Meyer (fall)

2014: Janice Taylor (winter), Sally Demos (spring), Derald Richards (summer), Heather White (fall)

2013: Scott Black (winter), Tim Pliska (spring), Gayle Lee (summer), Jessica Bateman (fall)

2012: Audra Rowton (winter), Debra Robinson (spring), Kira Freed (summer), Catherine Keane (fall)

2011: Carey Wolley (winter), Marci Wedemeyer (spring), Debra Hentz (summer), Tonya Potter (fall)

2010: Beverly Brosius (winter), Ian Thomas (spring), Naomi Kay (summer), Scott Coffie (fall)

2009: Denise Rotellina (winter), Glenda Cunningham (spring), Scott Root (summer), Lindsey Walling (fall)

2008: Vicki Presley (winter), Francisco Ramos-Medrano (spring), Susan Muir (summer), Amy Waite (fall)

2007: Susan Harding (winter), Mark Owsley (spring), Samantha Lelo (summer), Paul Caggianese (fall)

2006: Nell Gladson (winter), Joy Horning (spring), Lynn Schinzing (summer), Ann Hansen (fall)

2005: Lucy Shao (fall)

The Healthy Penguin Nation wellness program conducted by human resources and the college well-being team has been awarded the Zo8 Award for 2024 by the Washington State Health Care Authority. The award is given to employers who promote wellness to support employees and their families by sharing resources and conducting wellness initiatives focusing on enhancing health, reducing health and injury risks, and improving overall health and well-being.  

This is the second time Clark College has received the wellness award. The college last won a Zo8 award in 2016.  

Each year, Washington Wellness honors organizations with the Zo8 award for their achievements in building, growing, and maintaining an effective health program. Organizations are invited to apply to highlight their institution’s wellness program and initiatives throughout the year to Washington Wellness.  

Clark College received the Zo8 award by promoting health and well-being through the College’s Healthy Penguin Nation program to the college community through newsletters, events, discounts, presentations, fairs, campus emails, promoting programs such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and SmartHealth, a Washington Wellness program for eligible PEBB (Public Employees Benefits Board) employees, which offers employees an annual $125 wellness incentive.   

About Clark’s Healthy Penguin Nation wellness program

The Healthy Penguin Nation program is a college-wide initiative to create a culture of well-being in support of the state of Washington’s initiative to promote healthy lifestyle practices in the workplace. 

We aim to engage, educate, and empower the Clark College Community in healthy behaviors by developing, implementing, and supporting various wellness activities based on solid research and best practices. As the Wellness Team, we encourage the Clark College Community to thoughtfully consider their relationship to health and prioritize well-being for each other. 

We do this by adhering to a holistic model of well-being that focuses on the whole person—offering a wide range of resources that support employees on their wellness journeys in Eight Dimensions that influence overall well-being. 

• Employee Assistance Program 
• Healthy Recipes 
• Penguin Paths 
• SmartHealth Incentive 
• Walktober Challenge! 
• Wellness Champions 
• Wellness Discounts 
• Well-being Team 

Find upcoming Healthy Penguin Nation wellness events: Calendar. Learn more here. 

About the Zo8 Award 

Each year, Washington Wellness recognizes organizations with our Zo8 Award for their achievement in building, growing, and sustaining an effective wellness program. A wellness program aims to help employees and their family members be their best through positive behavior changes. These changes focus on enhancing well-being, reducing health and injury risks, and improving overall health. Washington Wellness encourages organizations to use the SmartHealth Workplace Wellness Roadmap. It is an eight-step process based on industry-preferred practices to help build the infrastructure for a sustainable wellness program. The roadmap can help organizations plan for and target key areas for success. The Zo8 award represents the organization’s commitment to its employees’ well-being.  

To learn more about the Zo8 award visit the Washington State Healthcare Authority website. 

What do Zo8 award winners receive? Washington Wellness celebrates Zo8 award winners during an annual recognition ceremony. Winning organizations receive a physical award, certificates for contributing members, and a logo to use in publications, signature lines, and websites to recognize their achievements.  

About the Zo8 logo  

• Name Zo: In Greek, it means “live.”  
• Number 8: The eight steps in our wellness program project plan guide. 
•  Logo shape: Flower of Life pattern is known to inspire.  
• Colors: Based on the four elements that support life (air, earth, water, and fire)

Eight Dimensions of Well-being 

1. Physical 
2. Emotional 
3. Occupational 
4. Environmental 
5. Intellectual 
6. Spiritual 
7. Financial 
8. Social 

A warm congratulations to Andra Spencer, Equity Professional Development Program Manager from the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as the recipient of the Fall 2023 Classified Staff Excellence Award.

Excerpts from Andra’s nomination:

“Andra’s passion for equity and education is contagious. She dove into creating a PPI training on recognizing and disrupting antisemitism this summer and introduced many to a body of knowledge previously undiscussed at the college. Her sessions at Teaching and Learning Days and Fall Faculty Focus were packed and received overwhelmingly positive feedback and demands for a part two!”

“Equity is at the center of everything Andra does. Recognizing a gap in knowledge at the college, Andra spent time over the summer doing intense research on antisemitism and how to disrupt it, and developed a training for both Teaching and Learning Days and Fall Faculty Focus that was presented to PACKED rooms! Andra also developed training on creating inclusive learning environments, bringing her teaching expertise into her role here at ODEI and developing training specifically targeted to faculty, something that ODEI hasn’t done before.”

“Andra is well connected throughout the college – attending every event she can and volunteering to help out in any way. She collaborates with others on the team to execute projects and is always one of the first people there to set up and one of the last to leave after cleaning up. Her cooperative spirit is evident in her leadership on the Teaching and Learning Days Committee, the NWREC planning team, the O-Squad, Level Up, and many other cross-college initiatives.”

We also would like to acknowledge the contributions of the other nominees:

• Becky Lindsay, Program Specialist II, Dental Hygiene
• Nichole Maruca, Program Specialist II, Enrollment Services
• Shelly Williams, Program Coordinator, Fine Art Division
• Tani McBeth, Technical Training Consultant, eLearning
• Teresa (Terry) Haye, Program Manager A, BASTE Bachelor of Teacher Education

About the Classified Staff Awards

The Classified Staff Excellence Award was established in 2005 and recognizes classified staff who have demonstrated exemplary work performance, a positive and cooperative spirit, special achievements or contributions to the college community, and supports individual and organizational diversity and inclusion. Through the support of the Clark College Foundation, the recipient will receive a $400 cash award.

Nominees must be a current classified employee who has been in their current position for more than six months. Award recipients will not be eligible to receive another award for three years.

Visit the Clark College Employee Recognition page to learn more about this award and other ways to acknowledge the value and dedication of our staff and faculty.

Congratulations to Heather King, Unit Operations Manager, Business and Health Sciences, recipient of the Summer 2023 Classified Staff Excellence Award.  

Excerpts from Heather’s nomination:  

“Heather King exemplifies excellence in work performance. She goes above and beyond the call of duty. Heather demonstrates her creativity and efficiency in accomplishing tasks every day.”  

“This summer, Heather demonstrated a high level of individual and team cooperation in job performance by providing instrumental leadership in managing the Healthcare Pathways Camp and transitioning between Thompson Fitness Center managers. This involved managing grant budgets, coordinating and submitting student worker timesheets, overseeing schedules, coordinating final paperwork, and onboarding two new co-managers. Heather has managed all of this with grace, dedication, patience, and kindness. She helps keep everyone informed with her strong communication skills and keeps Clark College moving forward in a positive college environment, all while exhibiting consummate respect for fellow employees and students.” 

“In support of Guided Pathways, Heather is involved in oversight, applying her problem-solving skills to manage the unit’s class schedules and faculty workload to facilitate faculty teaching and student success in their classes, aiding more students to achieve their dream of earning a college credential. For the betterment of the unit this summer, Heather is providing all administrative support processes/workflow of the unit in support of multiple Perkins grants, a new HEET grant in support of developing the Surgical Technician program, an application for the extension of the High-Demand grant for Medical Assistant program, and facilitating the budget process for the Nursing Workforce Education Salary Enhancement Funds, under the growing constraints of increasing expenditures and constant or constrained revenues.” 

We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the other nominees:   

• Audrie Villanueva, Program Support Supervisor 2, Disability Support Services 
• Laura Borgman, Secretary Senior, Transitional Studies Department 
• Linda Healy, Program Support Supervisor 2, Advising  

About the Classified Staff Awards 

Established in 2005, the Classified Staff Excellence Award recognizes classified staff who have demonstrated exemplary work performance, a positive and cooperative spirit, special achievements or contributions to the college community, and supports individual and organizational diversity and inclusion. Through the support of the Clark College Foundation, the recipient will receive a $400 cash award which will be presented at Opening Day before the start of fall quarter each year.  

Nominees must be a current classified employee who has been in their current position for more than six months. Award recipients will not be eligible to receive another award for a period of three years.  

Visit the Clark College Employee Recognition page to learn more about this award and other ways to acknowledge the value and dedication of our staff and faculty. 

Congratulations to Cheryl Davenport, Library and Archives Paraprofessional 4, recipient of the spring 2023 Classified Staff Excellence Award. 

Excerpts from Cheryl’s nomination:

“Cheryl Davenport has worked at Clark for over 15 years and is the epitome of an excellent employee. As the only cataloger at Clark, Cheryl is responsible for maintaining our online catalog, including all of the Library’s catalog records, while also maintaining and preserving the condition our print book collection.”

“She values people more than tasks. Cheryl also provides a high level of service to students and patrons which takes precedence over phone and email, staff conversations, and meetings.”

“Cheryl worked to find a more inclusive and unbiased set of subject headings for library books and materials. She did this by soliciting input from Library staff and faculty, attending online presentations on this topic, and conducting her own research. Cheryl found a solution, advocated for its implantation and got approval from everyone in the Library. Clark Library now uses Homosaurus, an international linked vocabulary of LGBTQIA+ terms in the Library’s online catalog, which helps ensure the bibliographic records are using subject headings that represent the inclusive terminology used by the LGBTQIA+ community to describe themselves instead of using vocabulary created by the Librarians of Congress from many decades ago.”

We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the other nominees:  

• Brandi Roberts, Communications Officer, Security & Safety Services 
• Carl Budrecki, Custodian, Custodial Services 
• David Chase, Custodian, Custodial Services 
• Eliezer Gonzalez-Roman, Program Specialist, Veterans Resource Center 
• Jennifer Lea, Program Specialist, Business Division 
• Jerrika Lightley, Fiscal Specialist, Student Life 
• Jonni Hattershide, Program Support Supervisor, Production Printing 
• Karmel Baldwin, Program Specialist, Enrollment Services 
• Sandra Bush, Program Coordinator, Enrollment Services 
• Tisha Pasquinelli, Program Specialist, Financial Aid 
• Tracy Eyler, Early Childhood Specialist, Child & Family Services 

About the Classified Staff Awards

Established in 2005, the Classified Staff Excellence Award recognizes classified staff who have demonstrated exemplary work performance, a positive and cooperative spirit, special achievements or contributions to the college community, and supports individual and organizational diversity and inclusion. Through the support of the Clark College Foundation, the recipient will receive a $400 cash award which will be presented at Opening Day before the start of fall quarter each year. 

Nominees must be a current classified employee who has been in their current position for more than six months. Award recipients will not be eligible to receive another award for a period of three years. 

Visit the Clark College Employee Recognition page to learn more about this award and other ways to acknowledge the value and dedication of our staff and faculty.