April 13, 2022 (Denver, CO) – Today, more than 90 students from the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), Aims Community College, and Colorado Mountain College were celebrated for their contributions to their colleges and communities at the 2022 CCCS Student Excellence Awards, an annual event hosted by CCCS in partnership with the Credit Union of Colorado and the State Student Advisory Council (SSAC).

The event honors students for their academic accomplishments, exemplary leadership, and commitment to inclusive excellence within three categories:

• The Inclusive Excellence Champion award, sponsored by SSAC, recognizes students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on their campus;
• The Rising Star award, sponsored by SSAC, recognizes students who have increased the level and quality of student engagement on campus; and
• The Phi Theta Kappa All-Colorado Academic Team award recognizes the academic accomplishments of high-achieving student members of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society from across the state of Colorado.

“These students have demonstrated great perseverance in the face of unprecedented challenges over the last two years,” said Joe Garcia, chancellor of CCCS. “Our honorees hold themselves to the highest academic standards and push for progress on the campuses and in their communities. We are proud to recognize their efforts today.”

From mentoring children and young adults to spending countless hours volunteering for various campus and community organizations, the honorees have demonstrated commitment, professionalism, and deep-rooted passion for helping others. Many of the awardees want to continue their advocacy work in fields such as healthcare, social services, criminal justice, and education.

“Not only have you committed to your education and self-empowerment—you’ve committed to lifting up those around you,” said Dr. Ryan Ross, CCCS associate vice chancellor for student affairs and the director of equity and inclusion. “You truly represent the best and brightest of Colorado’s community colleges.”

2022 CCCS Student Excellence Awards Honorees: