Extra Effort Awards – May 29, 2020
JCAE GED Graduation web page: https://www.jccc.edu/community-resources/adult-education/2020-ged-graduation.html
Ashley Holcroft, Videographer/Editor, Video Services;
Libby Kleve, Manager Production/Video Services;
Deanne Belshe, Manager Digital/Digital Department
Barrett Beasley, Director Video Services
– Nominated by Janice Blansit
When the GED graduation ceremony was cancelled, we were challenged to come up with a fitting tribute to celebrate these high school graduates on their important milestone. Our vision was to create a celebratory website with video clips featuring instructors, staff, volunteers, college dignitaries and other VIP’s saluting the grads. More than 30 video clips were sent, in many forms and quality levels, but Ashley compiled them all into a beautiful montage that truly honors our grads. Libby Kleve, Deanne Belshe, and Barrett Beasley also contributed their expertise and enthusiasm. We are delighted with the product! Thank you all!
Paul Knoettgen, Manager Warehouse/Postal Services
Duane Quillen, Production Manager, Document Services
– Nominated by Janice Blansit
Transitioning classes online for English language learners, many of whom lack computers, required a multi-faceted approach. A key element of the plan was mailing work packets to students to use either in lieu of attending Zoom classes or as supplements to the classes. An initial printing and mailing were sent to about 600 students. As the returns came back, we worked to find valid addresses and asked Paul and Duane to resend the packets. Nearly every week since late March, Paul and Duane have collaborated to print and mail another batch of ESL packets. Paul and Duane have consistently shown a “can-do” attitude and have communicated thoroughly to keep us informed. They have also provided invaluable help in planning the mailing of GED graduation certificates, certificate holders, and tassels. Did I mention that they also mailed appreciation packets to about 150 JCAE Volunteers? We greatly appreciate all their support during this challenging time!
Jill Sigler, Transition Coach, Johnson County Adult Education – Nominated by Kayla Harrity
Jill worked extensively with JCAE students enrolled in an ESL/CNA course, and any other student that wanted the guidance, to help them apply for JCAE scholarships. Jill worked with ESL Instructor Lindy Turbyfill to plan a class session dedicated to helping students with the scholarship application process. This effort was evident both in the number and quality of the applications submitted. Jill has word very hard to ensure that students know she is there to help them navigate all college processes, including the scholarship application. Her efforts mean that more students have applied for scholarships, which if awarded, will have a significant impact on student’s lives.
Linda Turbyfill, ESL Lead Instructor, Johnson County Adult Education – Nominated by Kayla Harrity
Linda worked extensively with her ESL students to help them learn the skills required for essay writing. She devoted much of her class time to helping them learn how to write an essay to prepare them for transitioning to classes at JCCC as well as to apply for the JCAE scholarships that we offer. She also spent a large amount of her personal time writing scholarship recommendations for her students. As someone that scores the scholarship essays, I can tell you that Linda knocked it out of the park! The essays from ESL students were the highest quality essays that were submitted. Both her hard work and the hard work of her students were evident in the quality of their writing.
Educational Technology Center Team:
Ed Lovitt, Director Education Technology/Distance Learning;
Bob Epp, Senior Education Technology Analyst;
Saul Epstein, Senior Educational Technology Analyst;
Jeff Kosko, Senior Education Technology Analyst;
Paul McCourt, Senior Education Technology Analyst;
Meredith Nelson, Senior Education Technology Analyst;
Chris Horvat, Senior Videographer/Editor, Video Services;
Lori Nickell, Videographer/Editor, Video Services;
– Nominated by Jeffery Lewis and several members of the Mathematics Department
We could not have gotten things up and going during this historical time without the assistance of this incredible group of people. The hours and hours of their videos we watched took even more hours and hours for them to create. Response time to inquiries was minimal and truly amazing. Thank you!
JCCC Police Department: Chief Gregory Russell & Deputy Chief Chad Loughman – Nominated by Ed Lovitt
I wanted to recognize all the extra efforts that the JCCC Police department has been making during this difficult time for both students, faculty, and staff. Chief Russell and Deputy Chief Loughman have been working with various groups on campus to make sure that students and faculty are able to safely pickup and return computer equipment to teach and learn online.
In some cases, members of this department have made visits to residences to make sure they have the necessary equipment needed. We really do miss all their smiling faces and willingness to help at a moment’s notice. Thank You!