SPRING 2008 EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARDS

Innovation of the Year: Pat Nash

Each year, the League for Innovation sponsors the Innovation of the Year to recognize best practices among the League colleges.  CPCC’s Employee Recognition Committee selects our local winner, and the CPCC Foundation contributes $1000 to support the winning program or department.

This year, the CPCC Employee Recognition Committee was most impressed with the work of Career Services in developing a video series related to career and job search issues.  Career Services collaborated with David Rhew and the CPCC Television and Media department.  The efficient approach they developed gives the same advice that is given to students on a one-on-one basis, but instead the informative videos are posted to You Tube and other websites.  This maximizes counselors’ time and capitalizes on Internet capabilities.

I am pleased to announce that Pat was also just selected as the North Carolina Association of Colleges and Employers (NCACE) Outstanding Professional for 2008.  This award honors Pat for her exemplary leadership in post-secondary career services and employment.  The award committee wanted to recognize Pat’s service to the organization for the past 10 years and her significant contributions to the profession on a national level.  Additionally, she has served as a national expert for 2-year college issues.

Entrepreneur of the Year: Stephen Gerhardt

This award was established by CPCC to recognize those individuals who implement entrepreneurial activities at the College. 

As selected by the CPCC Employee Recognition committee, this year’s entrepreneur is Stephen Gerhardt.  Stephen was hired in October, 2006, as the Coordinator of the Harper National Flexographic Institute.  He has been responsible for developing and delivering classes and seminars for the Graphic Arts and Flexography areas.  

Stephen has demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit as he proactively solicited donations from businesses for equipment to support this program.   Additionally, he established the Harper Campus Summer Institute, which consists of short-term self-supporting classes in welding, NDE, and graphic arts.  The institute will provide a source of revenue and allow interested faculty to supplement their incomes during the summer. 

Stephen is dynamic and energetic, exemplifying a true entrepreneurial spirit.  Stephen, please come forward and receive your check for $1000. 

Part-time Employee: Preston  Gist

This winner has been a part-time CPCC employee for over 18 years.  He works tirelessly to ensure that the college is offering the finest quality program possible and he has been an inspiration to his students and peers.  In line with the learning college concept, he secures live projects for his students so that they will benefit from first-hand job site experiences.  In the classroom, he has the unique ability to customize his instruction so that students with varying degrees of skill can each advance their talents.  He has developed a successful class for the Department of Transportation Street Maintenance employees and teaches to meet the needs of the employees – at their location during the hours they requested.   That is true dedication.  This professional craftsman always has the interests of his students and the college at heart.  Preston Gist turns out the best trained and very finest brick masons, and it is an honor to have Preston as a CPCC employee. 

Classified Staff: Betty Baker

The winner of the Classified Employee category is lauded as an exceptional individual and one of the best employees that with whom her dean has ever worked.   She is kind and gracious and sets the benchmark for excellent service standards.  She unfailingly demonstrates care and consideration to all students, faculty, and staff.  She is dedicated to her role as executive secretary and to keeping the campus running smoothly.  She efficiently attends to details, but never loses site of the bigger picture either. 

Before coming to CPCC, computers and budgets were not part of her job experience.  In just four years, she has mastered both of these areas. 

Not only is this winner credited with making it easier for others to do their jobs, as a ‘hostess extraordinaire’ she arranges for get-togethers to help maintain the campus family atmosphere that everyone enjoys.  This is someone who quietly shows concern for her fellow employees with cards and kind and thoughtful words, and always has a smile.  As one nominator said, “One of the main reasons that I enjoy my job is because I can go and talk to Betty.”

Administrator: Amanda Capobianchi

Enthusiastic dedication to the college and its students is apparent in all that this person does.   Maybe she brought you a cup of coffee while you worked at the information tables; or you served on a committee with her; or you saw her putting up a tent for the Skyline Run.  Whether she’s contributing her leadership skills or her physical labor, she is personally involved in programs and activities that benefit CPCC, and particularly its students. 

This administrator is a strong advocate for students, sees their positive traits, and is committed to their full development.  She communicates effectively and through positive interactions with the diverse student population, she is able to preserve the dignity of even the most difficult personalities.   She knows how to create safe and effective learning environments outside the classroom, and through her magic, she helps students discover their potential. 

Regardless of all that she does, she is never too busy to answer a question and handles all situations with the same level-headedness and grace.  She is an extremely humble person but demonstrates confidence and character in her work.  Very often her colleagues turn to her as a sounding board because they respect her and trust her judgment.   She is patient and caring, generous with her talents, and a person full of passion and purpose.   Student Life is a great place because Amanda Capobianchi makes it so!

Instructor: Catherine Flores

This instructor is always in a “get ready, get started, and go” mode.  She is highly self-motivated and approaches each work day with remarkable energy and passion.  This winner is a credit to her profession and is involved in professional organizations at the state and national level.  She returns from meetings with suggestions and innovations for the program.  She takes pride in all that she does and is constantly searching for ways to make the program better and more visible to the community. 

This winner exemplifies the learning-centered philosophy--her students are challenged with case studies and critical thinking exercises.  Her teaching is always interesting because she is very creative and her mind never stops.  She is an exemplary role model for her students and she maintains stringent requirements for their professional demeanor.  Her colleagues unanimously agree that the Medical Assisting program is extremely fortunate to have as outstanding an instructor as Catherine Flores.