At RCC, living our core values helps us achieve our vision and realize our mission. If you would like to recognize a colleague for excellence and reflecting our core values, please complete this form.
Name: Barbara Wicks
Core Values: Collaboration
Reason: Barbara has been working with the Nursing program’s admission process for a number of years. She works diligently to ensure the students applying to the program qualify and are ready to begin the journey to become an RN. The process is, what shall I say, a bit complicated, with many moving parts and always room for improvement. Barbara is my go-to person when students ask those difficult questions about whether they qualify or even why their application was disqualified. Her knowledge of the RCC Nursing program is so detailed and vast, it amazes me every time I talk to her. We just spent over 2 hours working on the next academic year’s pathway for the catalog and without her help I would still be in that conference room working on it. Barbara, you are a vital part of our program’s success and I know we don’t tell you often enough. Thank you.
Name: Denise Kerr
Core Values: Collaboration
Reason: What would I do without Denise? I would be running down the campus with my hair on fire! Denise is such a knowledgeable person when it comes to providing the appropriate language for describing coursework for our students. Her ability to navigate between programs on multiple screens is amazing! Have you seen her do it? It makes me dizzy. When I get confused with the verbiage and how to ensure we are compliant in our program (Nursing) with all the academic rules, I run (and I mean run) to Denise. She is so patient with me and teaches me in every interaction. I leave each session with her more knowledgeable and less stressed. Our students benefit from her skills and one day, I will introduce her to the students so she can get the kudos from the ones she has impacted with her skills. Thank you, Denise. You are my hero! And I forgot to say she will jump on a Zoom call with me in a moment’s notice to explain concepts and rules. Thank you.
Name: Melissa Weast
Core Values: Collaboration
Reason: Melissa helped me this week get our Nursing program pathway for catalog ready for print. It still amazes me how much knowledge she has about the programs. It has been hard for us as we move forward, letting go of the old way of doing things in the program and learning new and more streamlined ways. Teaching the students to be more proactive in their experience with their education—and both of us learning the lesson that, just because we used to do things that way, does not always mean that is the best way. I appreciate Melissa’s willingness to test the waters of change and work to make the Nursing programs the most productive and accurate they can be.
Name: Clay Terpening
Core Values: Integrity and Sustainability
Reason: I’d like to recognize Clay for his quick and thoughtful response in resolving the air-flow and air-conditioning issue in the IT office at Table Rock. Not only did he deliver on his commitment promptly, but he did so with professionalism and care, demonstrating both integrity and sustainability. With all the running around I do across campus, having a cool office to return to is a real lifesaver. Plus, most of my coworkers are computers, and let’s just say, they run hot! I’m especially grateful that Clay’s work helps keep both me and my tech cool and functional. Thank you again for all your hard work and dedication!
Name: Clay Terpening
Core Values: Collaboration and Sustainability
Reason: Clay was able to find an issue going on with an AC unit that affected people who were highly focused on the work they were doing. He continued to monitor and adjust the AC temperature, so it did not heat up and cause issues with focus and cognition. He was still able to perform other duties he had, while checking in with staff to ensure the temperature remained in a comfortable range to continue the work that was ongoing. He is truly a valuable member of the Rogue Community College team.
Name: Kail Rosborg
Core Values: Integrity; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Reason: I asked a student how classes were going and they had glowing things to say about Kail and his dedication to his students. The student mentioned that Kail encourages students to chase their interests and is flexible with his time to support students staying after to engage with course materials. This jives with my Kail Rosburg experiences! He is always willing to host events, chat with tour groups and builds a welcoming environment in his shop! We are lucky to have him.
Name: Marty Christensen
Core Values: Integrity; Collaboration; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Courage
Reason: MARVELOUS MARTY is the reason TRC functions. He is quick to lend a hand or add to his workload to help his coworkers. The recruitment team is deeply thankful for his support and advice during our many adventures like HS registration days, Jenzabar and switching technologies.
Name: Kelly Silva
Core Values: Integrity; Collaboration; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Sustainability; Courage
Reason: Kelly is such a great asset to the Table Rock Campus and a huge support to all of Rogue Central. She always has fresh ideas that are in the best interest of as many different parties as possible and supportive of staff, and she is always one of the first people to ask “What can I do to help?” Above all, she is a pleasure to be around in general and I’m grateful to work with her!
Name: Raelyn Horton
Core Values: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Reason: During the college commencement ceremony, an incident unfolded that demonstrated exceptional compassion, emotional intelligence and commitment to student dignity. As the celebration progressed, one of our graduating students experienced visible distress, triggered by a disability-related challenge. It was a moment that could have undermined their milestone achievement and cast a shadow over what should have been a proud and affirming experience. Raelyn recognized what was happening and with an awareness of the public setting, she crossed the stage viewing area and approached the student discreetly. Her approach was grounded in empathy, she listened attentively, responded with calm reassurance and provided the necessary assistance while safeguarding the student’s self-respect. Her actions ensured that the student’s moment of recognition remained intact, free from disruption or embarrassment. What makes this action particularly significant is the sensitivity Raelyn showed in maintaining the graduate’s dignity. Rather than drawing attention to the situation, she addressed it quietly and compassionately. Her presence created a safe environment where the student felt seen, supported and affirmed. Raelyn’s actions embody the college’s core values, especially the belief in the inherent worth and potential of every individual. Raelyn did more than solve a problem; she upheld a standard of care that exemplifies our mission to serve all students with equity and humanity. Her readiness to step in, her ability to tune into the emotional needs of others and her professionalism turned a potential crisis for the student into a moment of grace. Raelyn’s conduct serves as a model for all of us who strive to create inclusive spaces where every student’s success is honored, especially when challenges arise. Her demonstration of compassion and dignity-centered service is deserving of our recognition and one of many reasons that we can find pride in RCC.
Name: Roz Mendoza
Core Values: Collaboration
Reason: Roz consistently models what great collaboration looks like. While her role isn’t primarily student-facing, she steps in without hesitation when needed—often identifying and solving problems before they escalate. Today, she went above and beyond by reaching out to a student directly, not just to relay information, but to make sure they felt heard and cared for. She even took the time to explain that I was short-staffed and would be in touch soon. That level of awareness, compassion and follow-through strengthens our entire support system.
Name: Katelyn Bender
Core Values: Collaboration
Reason: Katelyn is always collaborative and works for what’s best for our students and our college processes. The most recent example is that she worked diligently to get all the grades in time for her department, which historically has had a slower end-of-term grade entry rate. She reached out to the instructors proactively and to the Registrar’s Office to ensure that we had all the grades and information necessary to carry on with end-of-term processes in a timely manner. Thank you, Katelyn! We appreciate your hard work and RCC is lucky to have you!