2011 Classified Employee of the Year Awards (Community Colleges)

 5/2/11

Six outstanding classified employees will be honored by the California Community College Board of Governors for their commitment and contributions to the community colleges they serve. Three of the award winners are CSEA members.

The 2011 Award Winners
Trisha Albertsen, Chaffey Community College District , member of CSEA Chaffey College Chapter 431.
Trisha Albertsen is an Accountant at Chaffey College and has been with the district for 11 years. Trisha is a dedicated employee who is patient and reacts quickly to all problematic situations that arise. She is a team player, always willing to help others with any questions concerning the budget, and is an asset to the accounting and budgeting offices. Trisha is a tireless fundraiser and through her leadership as Classified Senate President the senate is able to give ten $300 scholarships this year.  Trisha also donates time to Juvenile Diabetes, Teddy Bears for Hugs, Ontario Tent City, and several other community outreach programs on and off campus. In the words of her nominator, "Trisha has shared her knowledge and experience with coworkers who turn to her for her expertise. Her pleasant demeanor and willingness to offer her help are always appreciated."

Dottie Arcangeli, Feather River Community College District, member of CSEA Plumas/Feather River Chapter 712.
Dottie Arcangeli is a Senior Program Assistant in the Library at Feather River College and has been with the district for more than 21 years. Dottie's unwavering commitment to students, faculty and staff in the performance of her duties is both admirable and remarkable. Despite facing many personal challenges including a life threatening illness, Dottie performed her duties with the same degree of dedication and commitment that she always has. She has never faltered in her positive approach to virtually every task she undertakes, performing her duties with an eye toward helping further the educational mission of the college and the educational goals of the students. Dottie has been a leader within the Classified Senate for the last 19 years. She was on the original committee to create the Feather River College Classified Senate Scholarship in 1996, and she organizes the bi-annual fundraiser for the scholarship. Dottie volunteered with various community organizations including the American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America, and the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

Christie Boggs, Butte-Glenn Community College District
Christie Boggs is the Administrative Secretary to the Dean of Career and Technical Education at Butte College and has been with the district for 28 years.  Christie personifies the highest principles and ethical standards of a truly committed community college professional. She is renowned for modeling the idea that students must always be first. She takes her student assistants under her wing and assists them with navigating their educational goals and career pathways. Christie is a natural leader who works to forge consensus when others only see conflict and misunderstanding. Christie has served on several committees during her 28 years with the district ranging from the Budget Development Committee, Classified Senate, and the Technology Committee. Christie also serves as a student mentor and a classified staff mentor. Christie's off campus activities include being involved in Butte County 4H, Relay for Life, Supplies for Soldiers, and the Christmas Giving Effort at the local mall.  In the words of her nominator, "Christie's high standards and infectious enthusiasm for students and student learning have contributed immensely to making Butte College one of the leading colleges in the state. Her example is an inspiration to us all."

Stephanie Alves, Contra Costa Community College District
Stephanie Alves is a Lead Admissions and Records Assistant at Los Medanos College and has been with the district for 20 years. Stephanie exhibits a high level of professionalism in her approach to the college and the students. Her knowledge of policies, procedures and regulations are unparalleled in the district. She promotes teamwork and communication in the Admissions and Records office, insisting that every employee's opinion be voiced and acknowledged. Stephanie is involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Antioch Historical Society. She recently established a scholarship in her mother's name for a deserving Los Medanos student. In the words of her nominator, "Stephanie is dedicated to the college and district and is motivated to ensure student success. Anyone who visits her office is immediately put at ease by her warm and welcoming smile."

Susan Monahan, West Valley-Mission Community College District
Susan Monahan is a Career/Transfer Advisor at Mission College and has been with the district for 21 years. Susan's central motivation is service to students, attainment of their educational and career goals, and overall success at college and in life. Susan has been an active and vocal champion of Mission College providing outreach when there was no official outreach department and by participating in events at high schools, corporations, and community organizations. She serves Mission College not only in her job duties but also as the classified staff representative on several committees including the college budget advisory committee, the graduation committee and the staff development committee. Susan also developed the Norte Dame de Namur Partnership with Mission College that led to the granting of a four-year degree on the Mission College campus. Susan is active in her community and dedicates time to many organizations including Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Almaden Counseling Service, and the Shadow Brook Swim Club of San Jose. In the words of her nominator, "Susan epitomizes the characteristic of an outstanding classified employee. She exemplifies professionalism, personifies community leadership, and serves as an extraordinary role model for our classified staff. Susan's commitment to Mission College and the neighboring community is selfless and genuine." 

Barbara Cogert, Ventura County Community College District
Barbara Cogert is an Administrative Assistant I with Ventura College and has been with the district for 12 years.   Barbara believes in putting students first and goes above and beyond in providing leadership and support to the classified staff to make sure they have what they need to serve students. Barbara is gracious and patient with students, staff, and faculty and exemplifies the values of performance excellence, honesty, integrity, inclusivity, and openness. In additional to all that she does in her position as an Administrative Assistant I in the Health Sciences Department, she has also served as the president of the Ventura College Classified Senate since October 2008. Barbara helped secure funds for Scholarships to help classified staff's children and/or grandchildren. Off campus Barbara is involved in her community and helps to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Oxnard, Cheerful Helpers for Children with Special Needs, and she provides meals, rides, and other assistance to shut ins and others in need.

All of the award winners will be formally recognized by the Community College Board of Governors.

Nominees for this award are evaluated on their commitment to: the mission of community colleges; professional ethics and standards; serving the institution through participation in professional and/or community activities; and serving as a leader beyond the local institution. Qualified employees must have a minimum of five years of service as a permanent employee within the nominating Community College District (full-time or part-time).