SANTA CLARITA — Employees at College of the Canyons were recognized for their contributions to the college at an awards luncheon held on Thursday, May 5, 2005. 

The outdoor luncheon was held with the “twist” that board members, administrators and managers served college “classified” employees a catered meal.

Classified employees hold support positions at the college, which don’t require academic qualifications.  They are most often the behind-the-scenes people who are responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the college.

        This is the ninth year that awards were presented to individuals in several categories.  Five awards were presented.

        The Employee of the Year award consists of a decorative plaque and $300 cash.  The College of the Canyons Employee of the Year was awarded to Kirk Hansen who works in the college’s Maintenance Department.

        The award recognizes an individual who has made contributions to the college through service to the campus.  Additional criteria are overall performance above and beyond regular duties as well as demonstrated leadership.  Hansen was cited for “always going above and beyond in everything he does” and, during the period when the college acted as the command center for firefighting activities, he “made himself availableand volunteered for whatever needed to be done.”

        The Humanitarian Award went to Cynthia Fernando.  She is an Accounting Technician at the  college and was recognized for spearheading a fundraising effort on campus and in the community to help survivors of last December’s tsunami disaster.  This award acknowledges an indispensable contribution to the college and cites community involvement and dedication. The award consists of a decorative plaque and a $100 cash award.

        The New Visions Award recognizes an employee who brings new insight to the job, which improves the college.  A positive attitude and providing an inspiration to other employees are key elements in selecting the award winner.  The 2005 New Visions Award winner is Human Resources Technician Cara Odell.  She was cited for her can-do attitude and her willingness to take on new challenges and assignments.  Her award consists of a plaque and a $100 cash award.

        A decorative plaque and a $100 cash award also went to Beryl Lawrence, this year’s winner of the Professional Achievement Award. Lawrence works in the college’s Community Extension Office. The award recognizes outstanding performance through educational achievement and a record of excellent job performance.  She was cited for her diligence and
perseverance, a positive attitude and her hard work at excelling at a full-time job while pursuing an academic degree.

        Each year the California School Employee Association (CSEA) presents its Member of the Year Award at this luncheon. This year’s winner was Janine Martinez, an Administrative Assistant in the Admissions and Records office at the college.  Martinez served as president of the local CSEA chapter for 4 years and was cited for selflessly representing her fellow employees with dedication, unequaled leadership and tenacity.  She received a plaque and a $100 cash award.

    The awards were presented by College Superintendent-President, Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook.