Employees at College of the Canyons were recognized for their contributions to the college during an awards luncheon Thursday, May 3. The luncheon was held with the “twist” that board members, administrators and managers served college “classified” employees a catered meal, this year with a Hawaiian-themed “Hulapalooza” theme.

Classified employees hold support positions at the college. They are most often the behind-the-scenes people who are responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the college.

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This is the 16th year that awards have been presented to individuals in several categories. Five awards were presented.

Employee of the Year Award

The award itself recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the college through service to the college. This year’s Employee of the Year is Be Phan, who works in Computer Support, primarily at the college’s Canyon Country Campus. Hired in 2007, Phan has installed, maintained and supported more than 300 computers at the Canyon Country Campus, while also providing support for all Audio/Visual activities at the campus, directing adult hourly staff, and participating in the comprehensive update to the Technology Master Plan earlier this year.

As Employee of the Year, Phan received a decorative plaque and $300.

Gloria Jackson Service Award

The Gloria Jackson Service Award was named after a beloved member of the College of the Canyons communication’s department staff who died in November of 2006. Jackson had worked for 25 years at the college’s switchboard and mailroom and was noted for her depth and breadth of information, her encyclopedic memory for numbers, her outstanding customer service and her endearing laugh.

Noted by her peers as “embodying the highest quality of service – with a smile!” this’ year’s award winner is Sandra Hernandez. Hernandez serves as an administrative assistant to a number of Deans, and daily interacts with and aids parents, students and community members, and consistently goes out of her way to help. She is a Leadership Education in Action Program (LEAP) graduate, a member of the Bookstore Committee and is a floor warden for her area in the event of an emergency.

The award consists of a decorative plaque and a $100 cash award.

Dare to Dream Award

The Dare to Dream award is given to a person who brings new life, insight or innovative ideas to the job or to the college, has a positive attitude, is inspiring and uplifting to fellow employees, and has demonstrated leadership abilities.

This year’s winner is Lynne Mayer, Administrative Assistant to the Chancellor’s Office. Mayer’s responsibilities include compiling and distributing the Board of Trustees meeting agendas in accordance with state law. Mayer conducted research and found an online technology solution for preparing the Board of Trustees meeting agendas called Board Docs. She played an instrumental role in its implementation while working closely with the IT department, and its use has paid enormous dividends in efficiency for the District.

The award consists of a decorative plaque and a $100 cash award.

Humanitarian Award

The college’s Humanitarian Award went to Janet Cetrone. This award acknowledges an indispensable contribution to the college and cites community involvement and dedication and volunteer work to the campus and community. Cetrone, who works in the Biology Lab, thoroughly enjoys being involved in the caring of COC’s fine-feathered friends – and a host of other critters from time to time – including most recently some adorable baby owls. Off campus, she volunteers with FixNation, which captures feral cats, fixes and immunizes them, and returns them to the wild. She also volunteers and participates in events for the American Cancer Society and teaches self-defense classes for women.

The award consists of a decorative plaque and a $100 cash award.

Personal Achievement Award

A decorative plaque and a $100 cash award also went to Sharon Kramer, the winner of this year’s Professional Achievement Award. Hired in 2008, Kramer made the commitment to go back to school to finish the coursework needed to earn her Associate’s degree as an Accounting Technician, and will be graduating from COC June 1.