Frank and Ed are very reliable people who have done a lot of work in the international admissions area. We recently had a lot of changes that required the help of these two individuals from the maintenance department. They took the initiative to suggest ideas, get all the appropriate tools and equipment, and were happy to make sure we were making good decisions. They took extra steps to be sure the area was safe, that it was a comfortable working environment during the process and explained everything they were doing. Instead of just doing things first, they would always ask if that is the way we wanted something or what we thought about it. Even though we were indecisive about some things, they never seemed bothered by us and were understanding and patient through the process reiterating that they just wanted us to be happy with the final layout. They actually demonstrated how things would look and went above and beyond to make things happen. For example, Frank told us they had a great solution for us and arranged to have a coat rack installed on our wall which fit perfectly and which we never had even requested. Frank also recently worked on the loose cords for my computer and phone lines. He did an outstanding job that I am very pleased with. Instead of just taping the wires/cords to the floor, he wanted the area to be pleasant for students and worked it out to run everything through the wall/ceiling. He took the extra steps to make it happen. He was happy to help improve the look of our area. Ed made sure everything looked perfect - including painting small areas, moving something a few more inches, making sure the floor was prepped and treated after if it was not pleasant looking - all things we did not have to ask for. He went out of his way to suggest and move things that he didn’t have to in order to make it a better working environment for us. He would follow up with me throughout the day and also give clear messages to those he was working with.

They take pride in their work and are very caring individuals. They seemed very happy to do the work, very proud of their department, and of CLC. They are definitely team players. I am very pleased with all the work they have done in B105a.

We would like to recommend two remarkable individuals--Patty Pugliese and Fanny Catalan, our instructional assistants and tech support personnel, for the SOAR Award.  Patty and Fanny do a superb job in managing our Business Division lab, T221.

When you enter the lab, you see a neat, inviting, learning environment. The Business Division instructors constantly receive feedback from students complimenting these individuals for their time, attention, and knowledge. Students feel comfortable asking Patty and Fanny questions because they are always available and eager to help. They are extremely knowledgeable and are quick to remedy a computer or software problem or put a nervous student at ease. It is evident that they enjoy working with students and faculty. 

We are so thankful to have Patty and Fanny, especially as the Business Division, specifically the CIT and AOS departments, converted over from Office 2003 to Office 2007. This transition could have been a disaster, but it has been running smoothly thanks to the efforts of these individuals.

In order to make a smooth transition to Office 2007 and to learn about the software before working with students, Patty and Fanny took the time to research and become acquainted with the new Office 2007 program before introducing it to our students and faculty. Patty and Fanny were the first to experience the ribbons, which now replace the drop-down boxes. 

Quite early in the transition, they noted glitches in running both softwares on the same lab computers. They took the time to document procedures for students to follow so they can continue to be productive and successful in their classes. Patty and Fanny created step-by-step directional sheets for full- and part-time faculty so they understood what would now be involved with a new Office version in an effort to overcome these glitches.

They researched the “UltimateSteal,” a special promotion that Microsoft is currently running to purchase Office 2007 at a substantial discount. They posted this information on the board and prepared a handout about the features of each new Microsoft Office 2007 product, so students know which version to purchase for their classroom needs.

Gary's approach to recent projects connected with Educational Affairs has been outstanding and definitely serves as a model for how providing high levels of customer service is an asset not just when working with our external customers, but also when working with peers inside the institution.  Our department approached Gary with several ideas for developing web based tools and he immediately started brainstorming how they could be designed and assist us in doing our work more efficiently.  There was not a moment of hesitation to jump into the projects and his enthusiasm spread among those of us involved.  He acknowledged from the start that his role was to react and respond to our needs using his expertise and that knowledge and guidance to develop effective systems was invaluable.

I can't say enough about Gary's consistent follow through and clear communication about the status of the projects.  Many times he would leave a meeting only to email us an hour later with edits made and the tool working more efficiently already!

While we are just starting to launch the public versions of his tools, the initial testing drew many compliments about the ease of use and how they will make college employees' work go more smoothly.  I hope he realizes that his good work will have an immediate effect across the entire institution and has the potential to be showcased through professional organizations across the country.  Our office is proud to have collaborated with him!

Patti Jackson goes above and beyond her duties as Secreatry in Student Activities. She acts as a counselor for the students, a task master for the student workers, a direction giver to the incoming students, and a friend to all.
Her work eithic is beyond anything I have seen.  If she is given a project she will do it with precision and pride. She is reliable to the point of taking on too much and never saying "no".  She can we working on a Phi Theta Kappa mailing, managing the student workers and I can walk in and say….."this has to be done by 4 pm" and she will say "no problem". There is rarely a day that Patti doesn't stay late to make sure all the paper work is done, the mailings are ready, the orders for items are ordered, and the proofreading perfect.

 Patti is vital to the positive environment in Student Activities.  Last year when we were having the tail gate party for the Super Bowl in below 0 weather….she may have been cursing under her breath that her legs were numb and she long was past feeling her toes, but she was positve and happy when the students were asking for cold burgers. 

She is always on top of her duties even if she has twenty she is juggling.  I have never known her to be grumpy with students or staff.  She is an outstanding face of Student Activities.  The students know to go to her for information regarding our programs, leadership opportunities, Phi Theta Kappa, Senate, or general information.  She is always detailed in answering their questions and truly enjoys the students. We all talk about our passions and our purpose in life…..I really believe Patti loves what she is doing for the students at the College of Lake County.  I know when she is on vacation, we miss her dedication and answering of the numerous…..and there are numerous questions that come into our office each day.

 Patti also helps overseas the many student workers in the Activities office.  She makes sure that they are learning the job and servicing the needs of anyone who comes into our office. We have 21 student workers on various schedules, we have 45 clubs and organizations, nine interns, and our staff, there is never a dull moment in Student Activities and Patti thrives in the fast paced environment. Not only does Patti know our office she is a weath of knowledge about what all the departments offer.  I have watched her repeatedly directo students to the proper locations and offer her assistants when they have no clue where to go.  And always does she do this with a pleasureable attitude.  She may be asked 20 times where does a student go for an ID and she is never curt or never says "read the sign".  She always answers with care.  Patti deserves to be recognized for her dedication to Student Activities and the College of Lake County.

This is my second year at CLC.  I have met many friendly and helpful people; however, Melanie has impressed me the most.  She has always answered my questions and solved issues that I have brought to her promptly and efficiently.  I know I can rely on her expertise to get the solution of a question/problem.  It does not matter how stressful the situation may get within the Division.  Melanie is there to take any questions, and frequently, extra work in order to keep the Division - and therefore the Departments - going.  Has she gone one step beyond her duties?  Absolutely.  Every time I enter her office, I notice instructors, students, and staff requesting something, bringing in papers, or asking questions.  It is amazing the way she gets everything done.  She certainly is a department pillar that provides support and guidance to everyone who surrounds her.  I have never heard her decline or reject anything; on the contrary, I frequently see her take an extra assignment to serve our students and instructors.

In addition to her professional duties, Melanie shows human qualities all the time.  She is an understanding and caring person.  Her sense of humor is incredible.  When I hear her laughing, I just have to put a smile in my face.  This helps me to remind that there is always time for a laugh, even in the busiest or most stressful moments. 

I know I can count on Melanie's competence.  She is knowledgeable and reliable.  Thanks to her efficiency, I have been able to perform better in my job.  Thank you Melanie.   

#2

For this award, I would definitely have to nominate Melanie Kessler, for your criteria description speaks her very name! It certainly would fit, if I just cut and paste that criteria description to describe what she does.
I noticed this right from the first day of my appointment, and to this day it holds true. I’ve come to rely on her with such confidence and ease, that even today (after she’s been promoted), whenever I have a question, I go and catch her in her room.
She’s an exceptionally efficient and hardworking person, that does it all with a smile. Any time anybody has a question, she’s always there, with all the information at her fingertips, answering a number of people about a number of things at a single time. And as busy as she is, always answers emails promptly. It’s amazing how she brings that kind of calmness to that kind of job! Any time I see her, she is doing something calmly, kindly, reassuringly, and yet efficiently helping people from top to bottom.
Doing all this without a frown, without a harsh word, not even so much as a ‘tone’, and only with a smile! Looking at her, one would think she’s been made-to-order for that job! But I’d say she’d fit any job and any award would fit her!

I am not sure where to start in order to detail the admirable job that Marilyn Sink (Health Center Senior Secretary) and Teresa Lintner (Part-time Nurse) have done for the Health Center and College over the past 6+ months.  The long-time Director of Health Services, Anne Deveny, retired in July 2007 as the only full-time nurse for the department.  That position has not yet been filled, and these two department employees have been managing the clerical and technical aspects of the Health Center since. 

In addition to the normal, everyday staff and student visits to the Health Center for treatment or information, there are the Nursing and other health-related students that storm the center for clinical requirements (TB tests, immunizations, blood tests, and other paperwork/records for their college programs).  These two are the primary individuals for the intake and processing of all these students throughout the day.  In addition, last fall Teresa went to the Lakeshore Campus several times in order to process the students in the health-related programs there.

This last October, the Health and Safety Committee held the annual Fitness, Health and Safety Fair and had over 25 participating agencies and several hundred visitors.  The success of the event was attributable to Marilyn Sink, the sole coordinator of the fair.  Her attention to detail, organizational experience, and community connections assisted her in making this event meaningful and beneficial to the Committee and attendees.  This was all done in addition to her other duties while the office is short-handed.

As individuals, both of these employees are dependable, hard-working, and efficient.  It has not been easy for them to run an operation being the only two staff members during the day, yet all visitors are processed and sent on their way.  I believe they should be commended for their efforts and dedication.

Judith Buckley is one of those people who will move mountains to deliver what she promises. In preparation for Adult Education registration, she stays long past her official work hours to take care of the last minute details that are so easily overlooked to make sure the process goes smoothly. In addition, her input has been invaluable in refining the process over the last year. With her suggestions, we have reduced a process that used to take 5 to 6 hours by half.

Judith goes out of her way to find solutions and compromises in helping our students. When students come to her with questions that are not really in her repertoire, she takes the time to figure out what a student really wants and proceeds to find the answers. Several times, parole officers have come in specifically to thank her for helping students who came to her with no idea of whether they wanted to take classes, exams or whatever.

Last semester, when I became ill and unexpectedly had to stay home, she took it upon herself to call her coworkers and organized them so that intake and testing would not have to be cancelled that evening. Her motivation was simply that the students had made their appointments in advance and she did not want them to have to reschedule if there was any chance we could still serve them. What is most striking in that situation is the fact that she inspires enough trust and displayed enough confidence that her coworkers would respond so well. Everyone she contacted followed through and no appointments were cancelled that evening.

Judith is very conscientious about keeping her work area clean and inviting. That she succeeds is an incredible feat because Adult Education Testing does not have a permanent home; we constantly have to move around carting laptop computers, registration forms, clipboards etc.

Overall, Judith's knowledge of her job and her efforts to see where what she does fits in the grand scheme, make her a valuable asset to the department and to the College of Lake County. In her capacity, she is often the first person with whom Adult Education students come into contact in deciding whether or not they wish to pursue a GED or ESL classes. Her warmth and caring shows through loud and clear and she seems to have a knack for putting nervous students at ease.

I recommend her for a SOAR award because she seems to embody the tenets of service excellence.

The weather this winter has been especially brutal for everyone, but the Southlake Facilities Staff, responsible for maintaining the building, grounds and parking lots, has been especially challenged this semester.  I am nominating them for this award because their duties, though within the parameters of their job descriptions, were exhaustive largely due to the fact that crucial equipment was not available to them at the time.

As it happened, the February 6th snow storm found the large truck with 12' plow and capability of spreading salt, in the repair shop, as was the John Deere brush needed for cleaning the sidewalks.  The staff had an 8' plow on a pickup truck, a 6' shovel on the front of a Skidster, and a small hand operated salt spreader.  Given the intensity and duration of the snowfall, it was a challenge for the crew to stay even with the storm.  They had to maintain constant plowing  knowing they could not allow snow to accumulate or they would not be able to move it.

Reliability & Responsiveness - During the last two storms the three-man day crew worked to clear lots prior to classes and throughout the day. On February 6 they continued to work after the college closed and stayed overnight, working in shifts with only a few hours of sleep to make sure the lots were clear for business the next morning. As mentioned above, due to the constant snow fall and need to clear with limited equipment, this required constant plowing and shoveling.

Assurance & Empathy - Even though everyone was tired the morning of February 7 after working all night, the three were still continuing to improve the exterior conditions for students.  Though weary, they did not complain and remained dedicated to their responsibilities both in the building and outside.  Efforts to provide safe sidewalks, especially to the handicapped parking spaces were maintained throughout the duration of the weather related issues.

Tangibles - There is no doubt that without the efforts of these men students would not have been able to park their cars and gain admittance to the building. The unfortunate and untimely breakdown of the large truck with plow/salt dispenser made the work far more difficult and took longer than it might have otherwise.  The situation was further exacerbated by the fact that the contractor hired to spread salt in the parking lot, never arrived.

Knowledge - Our Southlake crew understands their responsibility to the college, its students, and the scope of their duties.  Even in the face of terrible weather conditions that they faced with limited equipment, they knew what needed to be done and set about to do it to the best of their ability.

Austin Miller, Network & Communications Technician, Information Technology Services

For several months in 2007, students and other patrons of the CLC Murphy Library were bringing their new laptops to the library's reference desk to ask for help connecting to the college's wireless network. They were puzzled because they could connect outside of CLC (coffeeshops, etc.) but not on campus. The librarians contacted the help desk and learned that because the computers were running Vista, they would not be able to connect.  For months this is the explanation we gave to students whose new laptops were running the Vista OS.

Then in late November/early December, I learned in a casual conversation that students **could** connect to the wireless network in Lancers. After speaking with student gamers who congregate in the area near the LRC, they confirmed that if they would first connect their Vista machines to the wireless network down in Lancers, they would stay connected if they were careful to stay in range of the access points around campus as they walked up to their preferred 2nd floor gathering area.

Julie Britten, the library's technology specialist, brought this inconsistent connectivity situation to the attention of Network & Communications Tech, Austin Miller. Austin did some investigating as his time allowed. He used a borrowed laptop running Vista to figure out how the access points around campus needed to be changed so that the machines running the Vista OS would be able to connect. About the second week of December Austin had figured out the problem and adjusted all of the wireless access points across campus so that the Vista OS users would be able to connect to the Internet.

Now this may seem like a little thing but it is **huge** from a student/good service perspective:
1) Students and patrons who owned new laptops were, in effect, being "penalized" for having the latest equipment
2) Being able to connect to a wireless network at CLC using their brand new laptop is "expected" by a tech savvy public.
3) Students and other patrons found it frustrating that the college wasn't able to accommodate their connectivity needs.

The librarians are extremely grateful to Austin because he took the initiative to resolve a problem that seemed to be beyond CLC's control. We are grateful because Austin's effort has provided excellent service to our students and the community members who want to access the Internet using their own equipment. BRAVO, AUSTIN, we extend our sincerest thanks to you!

Enrollment Services Recruitment Team (Michele Vaughn, Miguel Mireles, Melvin BoBo, Shani Garza and  Senior Secretary, Robin Clark)

 I'm nominating the Enrollment Services recruitment team of Michele Vaughn, Miguel Mireles, Melvin BoBo, Shani Garza and our Senior Secretary, Robin Clark. The recruitment team of 4 individuals are the "road warriors" for the College.  Seeking out new, prospective students to keep and/or exceed CLC's enrollment each semester.  They do this with great time management, winning presentation skills, a thorough knowledge of CLC's programs and services and a true dedication to making post-secondary education accessible to all Lake County residents. 

Each and everyday these 4 recruiters are taking the initiative to make appointments with HS Counseling Centers, so they can meet with juniors and seniors interested in possibly attending CLC.  Or they are contacting CLC GED faculty to see if it is possible to make a short presentation to students about continuing onto college classes once they complete their GED.  Or they are calling Human Resource offices of Lake County businesses to find out in what way they can assist in helping to ensure their employees are aware of programs and services offered by CLC, in case employees want to continue their education.  They also have a working relationship with many community groups, making presentations or attending community fairs to represent CLC.  Add on college fairs in the evenings, meeting one-on-one with individual students/families during the day, providing group APT testing on-site at high schools, sending out follow-up personal letters/materials and answering e-mails - sometimes they even have time for lunch! 

Needless to say, throughout all of the above mentioned functions, they are always "on". Always with a smile on their face, patience in their voice and education (CLC) in their heart. Often times with someone who's first language isn't English or who's parents didn't go to college, or someone who doesn't  have any experience with college terms, or doesn't know if they can afford college or should even be thinking about going.  But each recruiter has such a strong dedication to serving students - to making sure that each person they "touch" recieves the individual attention they need - so they understand, as well as feel welcome and worthy.     

Robin is truly the glue that holds our department together - without her, we would surely fall to pieces! She has saved us many, many hours of research manpower due to her knowledge base! 
If something needs to be done Robin will be the first to offer to assist whether the task is large or small, of great importance or not, she takes pride in everything she does and it always shows. She often speaks to students on the phone and her friendly, willingness to help attitude, along with her winning smile, seem to just shine right through the phone lines.

There are several opportunities throughout the year that the Enrollment Services department interacts collaboratively with other College departments to ensure potential students are learning all they need to know to make a knowledgable and successful college transition, too.  Some examples include: high school academic competitions held on-campus by divisions, such as the DECA Business competion or Science Olympiad; presentations and tours for groups hosted on-campus by the OSD and Educational Affairs;  Preview Days and Advisement Days in cooperation with the New Student Orientation Office. 

What they do certainly has a major impact on the College.  They are as "front line" as you can get.  They exemplify outstanding achievement each and everyday, one student at a time.  And when everyone looks at 10th day enrollment #'s and cheers, or faculty look at their class roster and see every seat filled - no one looks to the recruiters, no one says a big "thanks"(although, I always tell them)!   Well, those students had to get here somehow, and these individuals most likey "touched" a good portion of those students in one way or another prior to their arrival at CLC.  Michele, Miguel, Melvin, Shani, and Robin's winning personalities, thorough knowledge of CLC and dedication to both students and CLC, make them perfect candidates for the SOAR award.

Donna Gabriel, Senior Clerk II, Business Division

Reliability:  Donna works extensively with full- and part-time faculty. She is very reliable in completing the many job requests she receives, especially at the beginning of the semester: copies of syllabi, letters to online students, rosters, etc. Not only does she turn them back on time, she is also accurate, something not easy when there are so many requests from so many different directions. She has returned every request I have submitted to her very quickly, she is extremely reliable.

Responsiveness: I have the great pleasure of sitting in front of Donna’s desk. I see her daily interactions with students – she is ready to help everyone and anyone who walks through the T102 doors. She does not limit her assistance to just pointing things out or giving them someone else’s information.  She makes sure the student understands where s/he is going or that that other person is available at that time – she goes above and beyond in providing the best customer service. She always takes the initiative when responding to students’ needs. I personally appreciate her attentiveness in making sure we have enough of important information we post for students outside our offices, I never have to remind her to do this.

Assurance:  Donna is a very intelligent person. Her answers convey the confidence that she has researched the question and has done as far as possible to obtain accurate information about the matter.

Empathy:  She is always ready to assist students, and she does it with the most pleasant smile and warmth you can imagine. You can feel that students are her number one priority because you can see that she treats them with respect and “motherly-kind-of-love.”  You always hear students leave our office with a smile and a sincere “thank you.” And many times they add something like this, “You have been so helpful” or “You are great.” You can also see the transformation of some students after they have interacted with Donna. For example, sometimes students come to our office either angry or panicked about a classroom they cannot find. Donna takes the time to patiently call different offices to find where this student needs to be. When these students leave, you can see how relieved they are, it’s like such a heavy weight has been lifted off their shoulders. And over the phone, Donna sometimes can spend 20 minutes with a prospective student who has so many different questions about CLC, not only about the Business Division, but CLC in general. She takes the time to answer according to each individual’s needs.  And even when she is on the phone for 25 minutes, you can still see her smiling.

Tangibles:  Donna served as our main contact for a fund raising event for a cancer organization the business division participated in. That was a lot of work: organizing volunteers/walkers, making chocolate-covered strawberries to sell, receiving donations, distributing T-shirts, staying up all night long at the Walk for Life. She was instrumental in the success of the fund raiser, she did a fabulous job and all with such enthusiasm, energy and dedication.

She is so creative and artistic. When you visit the business division around any holiday time, you will see how her creativity and fun-spirit has been put to use in how nicely and festively she has decorated our office. She is so much fun!! It provides a welcome atmosphere for students, faculty and staff.

Knowledge:  Donna has learned a lot in the short time she has worked in the business division. She takes the time to learn from other CLC areas so that she is better able to serve our students. Donna is a fast learner. When I started working with her about a year and a half ago, she would check with me on things she did not have an answer for. Well, I don’t get too many questions any more because she is constantly learning and becoming better prepared. On her own time she is taking a CLC Excel class so she can be more productive in her job, this demonstrates her dedication to the division.

Diane Corsaw, Administrative Secretary, Biological & Health Sciences

I would like to nominate Diane Corsaw, Administrative Secretary for the Biological & Health Science Division for the SOAR Award. She has been an employee at the College of Lake County since January 2, 1991. Over the last seven months I have had the pleasure of working closely with Diane in a full-time position. Formerly, my job at the college only allowed me to see a part of what her job entailed.

Diane willingly shared her knowledge with me. She gave me tangible directions on how to best serve the students with the assurance that I could complete the task at hand. She did so with humor, and as anyone knows who works in a division office a little humor, a little laughter, a little bit of understanding can go a long way. If you come into the division office you will always find a kind word and a smile to go along with this hard working woman.

Her knowledge as it specifically relates to people and purchase orders for the department be it Biology, Chemistry, Health Information Technology, Medical Office Assisting, EMT-B, Massage Therapy, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Hygiene, Medical Laboratory Technology, Medical Imaging, Horticulture the bookstore and/or most recently the addition of expanded services for the Lakeshore and Vernon Hills campuses is outstanding. Recently I watched her save the college several thousand dollars with a particular purchase order that she could have let go; however, Diane's strong work ethic sought out a better solution. She has the tools to get the job done for the college on a day-to-day basis. I can safely say the division as a whole is better for it, and that is why I would like to nominate her for a SOAR award.