April 11, 2023 (Denver, CO) – The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) held its fifth annual Commitment Excellence Awards ceremony today, celebrating 54 employees from across the System for their contributions to the overall success of their college, students, and communities. 

“As open access institutions, our community colleges are committed to serving every learner who walks through our doors no matter their experiences or background,” said CCCS chancellor Joe Garcia. “This mission would not be possible without the incredible teamwork among CCCS faculty, instructors, and staff who put students first in everything they do. I am proud to recognize our Employees of the Year and acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our entire CCCS workforce.” 

The event, hosted at the Hudson Gardens & Event Center, was made possible through sponsorship from the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (Colorado PERA). Colorado PERA has partnered with CCCS to highlight the vital role Colorado’s community colleges and their employees play in the state and supports the Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges for the seventh year in a row. 

“I continue to be impressed with the stories I’ve heard of our members making a difference in their communities,” said Patrick von Keyserling, Colorado PERA senior director of communications. “We are thrilled to support the recognition of these deserving honorees who exemplify excellence and service throughout the state.”  

Representing CCCS’s 13 colleges, this year’s cohort demonstrates a wide range of skills and passions. Among many achievements, awardees helped colleges implement learning management systems, secure housing for students, and forge partnerships with community organizations to provide new learning opportunities for students.  

“The best part of my job is interacting with students and watching them grow,” said Cindy Clements, a mathematics faculty member at Trinidad State College. “When students tackle a challenge, like building a robot, there’s a whole lot of learning that happens beyond the classroom.  I enjoy watching them learn how to be part of a team and watching them conquer challenges,” she said.  

Many of the honorees were recognized for their work advocating for historically marginalized populations, including first-generation and LGBTQIA+ students. Paul DeCecco, Director of Military and Veterans Programs for Pikes Peak State College, was named the administrator of year for his efforts to build community among the college’s veteran and active-duty students.  

“When I started at the community college, I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew I wanted to be able to help military members, veterans, and their families in their transition into college and be successful,” said DeCecco, who left miliary service in 2017 . “What I found within the college is a group of highly dedicated and passionate professionals who go above and beyond every day for the students and the community we serve. It is truly humbling to think that this group of professionals selected me to be their APT employee of the year.” 

View the digital program with honoree snapshots here. 

2022 CCCS Commitment Excellence Award Honorees:  

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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 more than 620,000 current and former teachers, State Troopers, corrections officers, snow plow 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 $4.2 billion in 2020 to more than 105,000 retirees who live in Colorado.