CCCS Internal 
April 8, 2025 (Denver, CO) – The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) held its ninth annual Commitment to Excellence Awards ceremony today, celebrating over 50 employees from 13 community colleges and the CCCS System Office.
“Community colleges provide transformative education and training experiences for Coloradans who need it most,” said Joe Garcia, chancellor of CCCS. “That mission is powered by the incredible faculty, instructors, and staff who demonstrate true dedication and teamwork in everything they do. These dedicated individuals help unlock lifelong learning among our students and guide them toward person and professional success.”
Hosted at History Colorado Center, the event was made possible through sponsorship from the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (Colorado PERA), which has partnered with the Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges for the ninth year in a row.
“It’s an honor to witness the dedication and energy of community college employees who help learners find the right path to help them launch successful careers,” said Patrick von Keyserling, Colorado PERA senior director of communications. “We are honored to continue our support for this event and enjoy celebrating these deserving employees who exemplify excellence, service, and leadership.”
Representing CCCS’s 13 colleges, this year’s cohort went above and beyond to support their colleges and students. Community College of Aurora nominated Elizabeth Hirsh, Anthropology Faculty and Faculty Senate President, a highly dedicated and passionate educator who has been with the college for 21 years and who actively engages in preparing insightful, interactive lab sessions, tutors students outside of class, and attends professional development to improve her pedagogy.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this Employee Excellence award, which represents years of dedication to the Community College of Aurora’s students,” stated Hirsh. “Our mission is to serve our diverse community by providing high-quality instruction and support services to prepare students for transfer and employment. My contribution to this vital purpose is just one part of a larger journey that transforms lives and strengthens our community.”
With just one year under her belt at Community College of Denver, Barbara Laff, is recognized as always available, helpful, considerate, fun to learn from, thorough, and exemplary.
Laff reflects, “As an attorney and retired elementary educator, my mission is to nurture and support lifelong learners. I am privileged to work with a diverse student body, helping them to understand how the law affects their professional and personal lives. This award, and the kind words of my student nominators, help me feel that I am making a difference for my students.”
Many of the honorees were recognized for their innovative work advocating for marginalized populations. Arapahoe Community College’s Brady Hoback was selected for his continued innovation in course development and for being a model online instructor in the Philosophy department. Brady, who has been with ACC for three years, also holds a full-time position as a Career Specialist in the Career Services office and serves as chair of ACC’s LGBTQ+ Employee Affinity Group and is a member of the ATD Strategic Scheduling Committee.
“I have had the tremendous privilege to be part of CCCS as a student, an instructor, and a staff member,” said Hoback. “CCCS has always employed people who demonstrate the highest level of service to their students. This commitment to excellence lives in every corner of our institutions, and it was a great honor to be recognized among such exemplary, talented, and dedicated professionals.”
Click below to view digital program with honoree snapshots.
To view more images from CCCS Commitment to Excellence Awards, view our photo album.
