Join us in recognizing April’s Osprey Ovation recipients!
Name: Scott Lindberg
Core Values: Collaboration; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Sustainability
Reason: I would like to recognize Scott Lindberg and his dedication to Pre-College Education students by supporting our efforts to secure additional funding sources. Scott is a wonderful colleague who collaborates effortlessly with our team as we collectively pile in on shared documents often up until the deadline for submissions…sorry and thank you, Scott! He asks great questions and ensures that we are meeting some overlooked ask that is buried within the Request for Proposals in some subsection sub-bullet point. Scott’s attention to detail and thoughtfulness positions himself perfectly as an unseen and unsung advocate for all students in the Pre-College Education department. Thank you for all that you do in support of our programs, Scott.
Name: Pre-College Education Team Members
Core Values: Integrity; Collaboration; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Sustainability
Reason: To my incredible GED and ESL faculty, staff and student employees—your dedication to our students and our mission brings me joy as I witness the deep connections you cultivate with each student. Every day, you create welcoming and challenging learning environments that not only help our students master essential skills but also empower them as lifelong learners. You ensure that every student has an academic home, where they are seen, supported and encouraged to grow personally and professionally. Through your commitment to and embodiment of collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability and courage, you strengthen not only student success but also challenge and uplift one another as we carry out our work. I am privileged to be in proximity to the passion and care you bring to this work and I deeply appreciate each of you. Your efforts embody the very heart of our community college mission—meeting students where they are and guiding them forward toward their goals. Providing the nudge that they need and reaffirming that they can do hard things. That they belong here at RCC. Because of you, our students don’t just gain knowledge; they gain confidence, belonging and a vision for their future. It is an honor to support you and I am grateful every day for the difference you make. Thank you for all that you do in service of one another, our students, the college and the Rogue Valley. I appreciate you individually and collectively.
Student Employees: Courtney Arts, Alejandro Bastian, Susan Gallagher, Lynne Hamblin
Classified Staff: Karin Boucher, Jennifer Burkes, Alea Corrie, Bria Calver, Alondra Esquivel, Alissa Ramirez, Ximena Velazquez
Fulltime Faculty: Kristi Kowalski, Lori Lundine, Katie Nollenberger
Adjunct Faculty: Patricia Ajemian, Neva Botag, Jillease Brand, Regina Castellon, Carrie Collonge, Sharon Crawford, Gabriel Darland, Chelsea Daugherty, Megan Farnsworth, Rogelio Fernandez, Donna Mae Fiore, Sonya French, Kiersta Fricke-Gostnell, Evalyn Hansen, Liz Hardy, Natalie Holliday, Raelyn Horton, Michael Jackson, Christina Jones, Tom Kowalski, Sandra Mitchell, Blake Pendergrass, Nicole Piller, Chanse Pryor, Juliana Quick, Ricardo Rangel-Botello, Heidi Saleska, Amber Smith, Karen Sullivan, Jo Taylor, Victoria VanDyke, Britta Walker, Rosalie Zderic
Name: Robert Felthousen
Core Values: Collaboration
Reason: Robert has been so incredibly helpful in getting my course up and running for spring term! I had trouble with a textbook in EBSCO and he quickly responded, providing me with resources for my students so the first week would operate much more smoothly. Thank you so much, Robert!!
Name: Michelle Welch
Core Values: Collaboration
Reason: Michelle is amazing! She is always so helpful with Blackboard and has resolved many issues for me! Thank you so much, Michelle!
Name: Analisa Gifford
Core Values: Integrity; Collaboration; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Sustainability and Courage
Reason: I just want to take a moment to give a huge thank you to Analisa Gifford. As someone who is still new in this role, having someone like her to turn to has made all the difference. No matter how busy her day is (and she is always busy!), she never hesitates to make time for my questions or offer support. She’s been a safe place for me to learn, grow and find my footing and I appreciate her more than words can say. Thank you for being such a rockstar and an incredible teammate!
Name: Tyler Tull
Core Values: Collaboration
Reason: I appreciate Tyler so much. For our bi-annual clothing sales, he goes above and beyond to help find space to store things, collaborate with me and other offices to collect donations and transport them where they need to go for the sale. He communicates clearly with his team and keeps needed parties in the loop so we can all work together to make the event flow smoothly. Thanks for being an amazing collaborator, Tyler!
Name: Fiona Nevin and Raelyn Horton
Core Values: Integrity; Collaboration; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Sustainability and Courage
Reason: Fiona and Raelyn came to South Medford High School for our RCC Reg Day part 1 and went above and beyond! They helped countless students navigate their academic journeys with care and dedication. Their work was marked by integrity, collaboration and deep compassion toward the students. With a spirit of respect and thoughtfulness, they created a very welcoming and supportive environment where students felt seen, heard and empowered! Their positive energy and unwavering commitment made a lasting impact and their efforts truly exemplify the heart of RCC. I am so grateful for them and the amazing relationship and connection they bring to our students.
Name: Robert DeKorte and Martin Christensen
Core Values: Integrity
Reason: Thanks a million to Robert and Martin in IT User Support! TRiO EOC and ETS recently experienced a glitch in the IT universe and the hours and hours of our work collecting grant data needed for an upcoming competition was lost in the digital abyss. This dynamic duo quickly jumped into action to help us restore the lost data and our sanity. They were both professional, friendly and most of all, very helpful. Thank you both again; I appreciate all that you do for us!
Name: Kathy Meyer
Core Values: Collaboration, Sustainability and Courage
Reason: During Allied Health Demo Days, one of our presenters had a scheduling conflict due to teaching responsibilities, which unfortunately resulted in a few student groups missing a presentation during their time slot. Kathy, we appreciate that you jumped into action to meet with the students to talk about the Nursing and CNA programs and to answer questions that students had. We know this wasn’t scheduled in your day, but it was very appreciated by both staff and students that you took the time to talk with the students. Thank you!
Name: Brenda McNellis
Core Values: Integrity and Courage
Reason: My daughter has Brenda as her “behind the wheel” instructor in Driver Ed and has said that Brenda is strict but very clear in communicating and teaching her how to drive correctly and safely. This is one job at RCC I would never want to do but all of the RCC Driver Education instructors do an amazing job and have such a positive attitude with the students. Great work, Driver Ed team!!
Name: Tony Herrera
Core Values: Integrity, Collaboration and Courage
Reason: My daughter has Tony as her Driver Ed instructor and has said that Tony communicates well to his class and is a great teacher. She is learning so much. This is one job at RCC I would never want to do but all of the RCC Drivers Education instructors do an amazing job and have such a positive attitude with the students. Great work, Driver Ed team!!
Name: Amanda Comer
Core Values: Collaboration
Reason: Amanda Comer is the glue that holds the Military Services Department together. Her exceptional organizational skills and deep understanding of the various GI Bill® programs and military tuition assistance options allow her to process certifications for student veterans with incredible efficiency and accuracy — across four different GI Bill categories and all branches of service. Thanks to her precision and responsiveness, our student veterans receive their benefits on time and without error, which has a direct and meaningful impact on their financial well-being and academic success. Beyond her primary role, Amanda is constantly called upon to coordinate and decorate school events and she always delivers with creativity, enthusiasm and attention to detail. She also frequently supports other departments, offering her time and energy without hesitation — all while continuing to excel in her own demanding role. Amanda’s reliability, positivity and cross-campus collaboration make her a standout teammate and a vital part of our community.