SJC employees were recognized by the San Juan College Foundation for outstanding work during the fall 2023 Convocation assembly.
San Juan College employees were recognized for outstanding work during the fall 2023 Convocation assembly. Annual distinctions included the Fran Sandoval Support Staff Excellence Award, the Physical Plant Staff Excellence Award, the Golden Sun Award and the President’s Service Excellence Award. Recipients’ awards and stipends are provided by the San Juan College Foundation.
Fran Sandoval Support Staff Excellence Award
The Fran Sandoval Support Staff Excellence Award is given to recognize the efforts and contribution of a support staff employee whose work has promoted the accomplishment and spirit of the San Juan College vision. This year, San Juan College Foundation Executive Director Gayle Dean presented the award with the help of Fran Sandoval’s daughter and granddaughters. The award went to Melissa Lillie, School Coordinator for the School of Math, Science and Engineering. “Melissa is an individual who is student-centered and always willing to go above and beyond to help our students with what they need,” said Dean. The award, established in 2004, comes with a $2,000 stipend.
Physical Plant Staff Excellence Award
The Physical Plant Staff Excellence Award went to Bob Adams, Electronic Access and Locksmith. Adams has shown diligence in making sure San Juan College is a safe and accessible place to work and learn. He answers each request with a smile and an eagerness to improve our campus anytime he is asked. This award is given to recognize the efforts and contribution of the Physical Plant support staff employee whose work has promoted the accomplishment and spirit of the San Juan College vision. A $1,000 stipend is given in honor of this award.
Stuart and Jane Wilson Adjunct Faculty Award
John Carlson, School Operations Coordinator, Math, Science & Engineering, is this year’s recipient of the Stuart and Jane Wilson Adjunct Faculty Award. Carlson, a psychology adjunct instructor, has been with the college for 10 years, and he puts his students and their learning and wellness above all else. This award is given each year to recognize excellence in the classroom, commitment to students, and commitment to San Juan College. It comes with a $500 stipend.
Golden Sun Award
Donna Ellis, Executive Assistant to the President, was honored with the Golden Sun Award, a peer-to-peer award given twice a year to an employee who exhibits outstanding commitment to the College’s mission and vision. Professor of Art, Bill Hatch, the spring 2023 recipient, presented the award to Ellis, describing her as, “A truly remarkable individual, whose dedication and warm spirit has remained steadfast. Her ability to build rapport with people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life is truly exceptional, and her presence has made a remarkable impact on the lives of many at San Juan College.” The Golden Sun Award carries a $300 stipend made possible by internal and external supporters of the San Juan College Foundation.
President's Service Excellence Award
San Juan College President Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass presented the President’s Service Excellence Award to the SJC Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services (CHESS) Team, recognizing the hard work and dedication being put into this new collaboration with other community colleges across New Mexico. The Presidential Service Excellence Award carries a $500 stipend and is awarded once a year. Sincere thanks are extended to the donors and the San Juan College Foundation for the opportunity to recognize the excellence that abounds at San Juan College.
