Join us in recognizing October’s Recipients!
Name: Kelly Silva
Core Values: Collaboration & Sustainability
Reason: I would like to recognize and sincerely thank Kelly Silva for her outstanding service as the Administrative Assistant for the Academic Reinstatement Appeals Committee. Kelly exemplifies professionalism and dedication in every aspect of her role.
Her proactive nature ensures that the committee is always well-prepared and supported, often anticipating needs before they arise. Kelly’s exceptional organizational skills and consistent preparation allow the committee to function smoothly and effectively — without the need for micromanagement. She comes to every meeting ready, steady and thorough, which greatly enhances the team’s efficiency.
Beyond her skills, Kelly is truly a joy to work with. She brings a positive, can-do attitude to her work, fosters collaboration and contributes to a welcoming and productive environment. Her reliability and attention to detail instill confidence, while her warmth and collegial spirit uplift those around her.
Kelly’s efforts make a meaningful difference not only to the committee but to the broader college community. We are deeply grateful for her contributions, her professionalism, and the excellence she models every day.
Name: Grant Innis
Core Values: Collaboration
Reason: Grant Innis reflected many of the values at RCC by giving his time and knowledge to help my class on their first day. He took the time out of his busy day to lead my class of mostly high school students who were brand new to the RCC campus on a tour. He pointed out important information for each building that would be helpful to them, and made sure questions were answered. He was kind and friendly, creating a very welcoming atmosphere for these nervous students. Then he spent time with all of them in the computer lab to make sure they were able to log into their RCC accounts. I very much appreciated his time and effort to help me and my class.
Name: Heather Sandberg
Core Values: Collaboration
Reason: Heather has continued to step up during a significant change in department staffing and student growth. She comes to work each day with a positive and eager attitude that is student-focused and team-centric. The Emergency Services department is a stronger place because of her.
Name: Melissa Polen
Core Values: Integrity; Collaboration; Sustainability & Courage
Reason: It would be easy for an instructor to keep doing the things they have done for years in their syllabi, but Melissa created an assignment that was instrumental in helping us catch a fraudulent student taking one of her classes. This saves us from paying out financial aid and account refunds and also gives relief to the real person whose identity has been stolen. Great job, Melissa! Thank you for your diligence!
Name: Nolana Koehler
Core Values: Integrity; Collaboration; Sustainability & Courage
Reason: I reached out to Nolana recently about a frustrated student who wasn’t sure whether or not he had a meeting scheduled with STEP and she responded quickly, confirming he did not have an appointment but she would reach out to the student same day and resend him the info she had previously sent him to help him get started with the program. I appreciate her responsiveness and quick-to-assist mindset.
Name: Clay Terpening
Core Values: Collaboration
Reason: Clay was such a huge help when the Foundation was setting up for our President’s Circle event. He worked hard to assist us in everything we needed that day and our event wouldn’t have been as successful as it was without him. His teamwork and willingness to change plans as needed were so appreciated. Thank you, Clay!
Name: Damian Gonsalves
Core Values: Collaboration
Reason: A big shoutout to Damian for his incredible help setting up our President’s Circle event! This offsite took a lot of coordination and flexibility, and Damian (along with Clay!) went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly. We’re so grateful for your teamwork and positive attitude — thank you, Damian!
Name: Marty Christensen
Core Values: Collaboration
Reason: I want to give a shout-out specifically to Marty from IT for his help in the transition and setup of IT equipment during the TRC move of multiple departments and staff now co-located in A-127. Marty was very communicative, letting me know how my specific move (moving offices) would go, what to expect and his effort in making sure he understood what was important to me. I always feel comfortable asking for help with Marty — he never judges my questions or requests. He always responds with professionalism and a willingness to help in whatever I need assistance with. I also hosted a community-partner event at TRC-184 and he provided me assistance prior to the event that allowed things to run smoothly. I appreciate having someone like Marty working at RCC. Thank you, Marty!
Name: Barbara Wicks and Natalie Coppedge
Core Values: Integrity and Sustainability
Reason: Barbara and Natalie have been incredibly helpful whenever our financial aid office needs assistance. They’ve gone above and beyond to help us navigate challenging files and student situations, and I’m truly grateful for their support and dedication.
Name: Tanya Salas-Gonzalez
Core Values: Integrity and Courage
Reason: Tanya courageously and wholeheartedly cares for the students she advises. Recently she was working with a student who was having a very difficult time writing a statement for a financial aid appeal. After multiple attempts via email that were not sufficient, Tanya was able to creatively assist the student in person with their statement. She exhibited an amazing amount of patience while asking the much-needed, probing questions for the student to answer so that vital information could be included in the appeal. Tanya was also kind but firm with the student later, laying out plainly how the student can set themselves up for success by not overdoing it with the number of credits they’re taking upon their return. I celebrate Tanya’s integrity, courage and creativity and all she adds to the RCC culture.
If you would like to recognize a colleague for excellence and reflecting our core values, please complete this form. If you are feeling shy, not to worry, you can remain anonymous.
For information about RCC’s Osprey Ovations program, please contact Karla Benitez-Sanchez via email or Teams.