Employees at College of the Canyons were recognized for their contributions to the college during an awards luncheon held Thursday, May 5. The luncheon was held with the “twist” that board members, administrators and managers served college “classified” employees a catered meal, this year with a British “Royal Celebration” 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 fifteenth year that awards have been presented to individuals in several categories. Six awards were presented.

For the first time in 15 years, two staff members were recognized as Employees of the Year. The award itself recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the college through service to the college. This year two individuals distinguished themselves to such a degree that a tie was declared.

One College of the Canyons Employee of the Year award was earned by Lonnie Davis, who works in the college’s Career Center. Davis was recognized for her positive attitude and her tireless efforts in helping students and community members with workshops, job fairs and career assessments, all the while remaining upbeat, positive and encouraging.

The second person recognized as Employee of the Year was Linda Clark who, until just last month, split her time between her regular job as a technician in Human Resources and assisting in the new Adult Re-Entry and Veterans Affairs Office.  Linda’s quiet and competent leadership qualities made her the natural choice to take leadership of the Re-Entry and Veterans Affairs Office when the director received orders to deploy to Afghanistan.

Both Employee of the Year winners received a decorative plaque and $300 cash.

The college’s Humanitarian Award went to Lin Betancourt. This award acknowledges an indispensable contribution to the college and cites community involvement and dedication. Betancourt, who works in the college’s Distance Learning office, was recognized for her service to “Tough Love,” assisting parents, teens and families by providing support and solutions for families in crisis. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Special Olympics and is active with the Alzheimer’s Association. Amongst an impressive array of other volunteer efforts, Betancourt and her dog, Roxie, have been awarded their official “Pet Therapy License” with the Delta Society and they both volunteer at hospitals, nursing homes and Senior Centers providing comfort, hope and security to those in need. She received 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 2011 New Visions Award winner was Julie Mosier. Mosier works in the Human Resources office. Her co-workers recognized her for her innovation, insight and the “go to” person who can always find a solution when something isn’t working. She was also an instrumental member of the campus team that brought the “Gardens of the Canyons” project from idea to reality. She was given a plaque and a $100 cash award.

A decorative plaque and a $100 cash award also went to Angelica Franco, the winner of this year’s Professional Achievement Award. Franco works in the office of Academic Affairs at the college. She is extremely active in professional development activities, taking lead roles in several projects to improve campus productivity and effectiveness, all the while working to achieve her degree by taking two classes per semester.

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. The award consists of a decorative plaque and a $100 cash award. This year the college has named two winners of the award.

The first is Britt Anderson who works in the college’s Allied Health program. Anderson is described as having a contagious positive attitude — always in a good mood, always smiling and always helpful. She approaches students and community members calmly and pleasantly and is always able to explain complex issues in a way that that is clear and understandable.

The second winner of the Gloria Jackson Service Award is Sally Chavez, who runs the switchboard and mailroom at the college’s Canyon Country campus. Chavez has been at the Canyon Country campus since it opened in 2007 and set up many of the procedures for the mailroom and information functions at the campus. She is noted for her smile and for being a pleasant, energetic and vivacious staff member who is a great ambassador of the college.

Each year the California School Employee Association (CSEA) presents its Member of the Year Award at this luncheon. This year’s winner is Nancy Shamrock who works in the college’s purchasing department and currently serves as the CSEA chapter’s treasurer. She was recognized for her dedication to the union and the meticulousness in her record keeping. She received a plaque and a $100 cash award.

All awards were presented by members of the college district’s administration and Board of Trustees.