CCCS Internal April 9, 2024 (Denver, CO) – The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) held its sixth annual Commitment to Excellence Awards ceremony today, celebrating over 50 employees from 13 community colleges and the CCCS System Office.
“As open access institutions, our community colleges provide transformative education and training 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. I am proud to recognize our Employees of the Year and acknowledge the tireless efforts of our entire CCCS workforce.”
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 eighth year in a row.
“I am always impressed with the stories of our members making a difference on their campuses and in their communities,” 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. Red Rocks Community College nominated Adam Forland, a mathematics faculty member, for his work to launch the college’s data science program and his thoughtful teaching approach.
“At the heart of our mission lies an unwavering commitment to our students. Every action we take is designed to enhance their educational journey, providing them with thoughtful guidance and crafting opportunities that enrich their lives,” he said. “Engaging closely with students is a profoundly humbling experience, and it is an incredible honor to be a part of their journey. This award serves as a poignant reminder of the significance and impact of our daily efforts.”
Many of the honorees were recognized for their work advocating for historically marginalized populations, including first-generation and disabled students. Aaron Lucero, an engagement coach with TRIO Student Support Service at Pueblo Community College, volunteers with several college, community, and statewide committees and organizations and helped found the college’s Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.
“I struggled a lot with navigating college as a first-generation, low-income student. When I started working at PCC, I wanted to provide the support and guidance that I didn’t have,” Lucero said. “It is my goal to help students from their first day at PCC up until I read their name at graduation.”
Click below to view digital program with honoree snapshots.
2024 CCCS Commitment Excellence Award Honorees:
| Arapahoe Community College | ||
|---|---|---|
| Administrator | Lisa Christiansen | Director of TRIO Student Support Services |
| Classified | Crystal Kelly | Administrative Assistant III – Career Services |
| Faculty | Jaden Netwig | Anthropology Faculty |
| Instructor | Barb Stoner | Nursing Instructor |
| Colorado Community College System | ||
| Administrator | Mary Nero | Associate General Counsel |
| Classified | Mireya Flores Lopez | Custodian |
| Colorado Northwestern Community College | ||
| Administrator | Keith Peterson | Vice President of Instruction |
| Classified | Michelle Esser | Facilities and Maintenance Coordinator |
| Faculty | Tiffany Douglas | Program Director of Dental Hygiene |
| Instructor | Randy Marcy | National Park Ranger Academy Instructor |
| Community College of Aurora | ||
| Administrator | Tracy Mendoza | Director of Academic and Internal Operations |
| Classified | Mathew Stiles | Pipe Mechanical Trades Professional |
| Faculty | Kathleen Geise | Computer Technology, Engineering & Physics Faculty |
| Instructor | Michelle Rosenthall | Math Instructor |
| Community College of Denver | ||
| Administrator | Chase Watts | Help Desk Technician |
| Classified | Sofia Hernandez | Administrative Assistant |
| Faculty | Kurt Pond | Philosophy Faculty |
| Instructor | Gilberto Palomino | Math Instructor |
| Front Range Community College | ||
| Administrator | Jared Wyn | Supervisor of Campus Security & Preparedness |
| Classified | Taylor Couillard-Rodak | Administrative Assistant |
| Faculty | Leah Morley | Early Childhood Education Faculty |
| Instructor | Amber Herrero | Literature Instructor |
| Lamar Community College | ||
| Administrator | Laurie Ybarra | Student Services Admission Coordinator |
| Classified | Jordan Martinez | Custodian |
| Faculty | Becky Young | Math and Science Faculty |
| Instructor | Ian Blacker | Communications Instructor |
| Morgan Community College | ||
| Administrator | Maria Cardenas | Director of Admissions & Advising |
| Classified | Annette Lebsock | Accounting Technician |
| Faculty | Connie Mitchell | Math Lead Faculty and Division Chair of General Education |
| Instructor | Travis Freeman | Emergency Medical Services Instructor |
| Northeastern Junior College | ||
| Administrator | Tami Patten | Technical Systems Analyst |
| Classified | Steve Shalla | Electrical Trades Professional |
| Faculty | Brian Lewton | Economics Faculty |
| Instructor | Mike Wasson | Adjunct Business Faculty |
| Otero College | ||
| Administrator | Vince Fraker | Law Enforcement Academy Director and Department Chair for Career and Technical Education |
| Classified | Ernest Martinez | Custodian |
| Faculty | Anna Matejcek | Art Faculty |
| Instructor | Fred Boettcher | History and Political Science Instructor |
| Pikes Peak State College | ||
| Administrator | Jack Grimm | Program Advisor in Advising & Testing |
| Classified | Parker Burgess | Pipes Mechanical Trades Professional |
| Faculty | Bille Jo Giles | Co-Chair of the English Department |
| Instructor | Carolyn Owen | Health and Wellness Instructor |
| Pueblo Community College | ||
| Administrator | Aaron Lucero | Engagement Coach with TRIO |
| Classified | Lorna Jackson | Administrative Assistant II |
| Faculty | James Cordova | Chair of the Automotive Technology Department |
| Instructor | Maurie Lucero | Health Information Technology Instructor |
| Red Rocks Community College | ||
| Administrator | Elizabeth Ponce Gonzalez | Program Manger |
| Classified | Christine Najera | Custodian |
| Faculty | Adam Forland | Math Faculty |
| Instructor | Julie Papke | Lab Skills Instructor |
| Trinidad State College | ||
| Administrator | Christina Sisneros | Director of Financial Aid |
| Classified | Dan Jolly | Structural Trades II Professional |
| Faculty | Santina Frank | Associate Professor in Nursing |
| Instructor | Karl Shafer | Line Instructor |
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About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy and support to the colleges under the direction of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college.
About Colorado PERA
Colorado PERA provides retirement and other benefits to nearly 670,000 current and former teachers, State Troopers, corrections officers, snowplow drivers, and other public employees who provide valuable service to all of Colorado. PERA is a vital and stable contributor to Colorado’s economy, distributing more than $5.2 billion in 2022 to more than 135,000 retirees who live in Colorado.
