One is partial to Marlon Brando movies and Peruvian soap operas; the other is seldom without a camera, a kind hello, and is regarded by her peers as one of the College's most frequent volunteers. What these two women have in common, says President Pamela Gannbesides being winners of CMC's inaugural Exceptional Service Awardis a shared, "thoughtful conscientiousness of others on campus and an active engagement in the lives of those around them."
During the College's annual Spring Staff Luncheon on May 8, CMC presented its first employee service awards, this year honoring Facilities and Campus Services employee Sylvia Gonzalez and Victoria Chapman, administrative assistant for the department of Development. Up to two Exceptional Service Awards will be presented annually to employees who best represent the Claremont McKenna College ideals of leadership, commitment, teamwork, and excellence. Recipients each receive $1,000.
Gonzalez and Chapman both received standing ovations for their impact on the quality of the CMC community. Flashing her trademark humor, Chapman joked, "I feel like I've won an Academy Award." Gonzalez, meanwhile, expressed shock. "I can't believe this," she said, repeatedly.
Georgette DeVeres, associate vice president for admission and financial aid and 2006 chair of the Exceptional Service Awards Committee, says 27 candidates, nominated by a total of 70 individuals (including students, faculty, and staff) were received by the College's April 14 deadline.
During her luncheon remarks, DeVeres read directly from statements submitted by nominators regarding Gonzalez and Chapman.
Gonzalez was championed not only for her commitment to maintaining a healthy living environment for students by "keeping up the quality and appearance of the dorms and the campus," but for such acts as loaning the occasional Brando movie to a student, reminding CMCers to wear their coats in cold weather, and nurturing student-owned plants over extended breaks. Many also alluded to her assistance with Spanish studies, and several remarked on her caring nature. "When she asks how you're doing," wrote one student, "she will wait for an answer and actually listen."
Chapman meanwhile was regarded as a "leader by example" for consistently being among the first to volunteer for campus events and activities. Colleagues also referenced her perpetual willingness to "drop whatever she is doing at the time" to answer questions, and her assumed role as unofficial photographer of all-things-CMC, including staff birthdays, bridal and baby showers, and ROTC events.
"You can always count on Victoria to keep us informed, or laughing. Or both," one nominator observed.
The College's Exceptional Service Awards will be presented annually to employees who best represent the Claremont McKenna College ideals of leadership, commitment, teamwork, and excellence. The awards are open to all exempt and non-exempt staff (except members of senior staff) who have been with the College for at least 12 months. The awards recognize the vital contributions that staff members make to the education of students and the quality of the CMC community. Awards will be presented at the annual Spring Staff Luncheon, and honorees also will be recognized at the College's opening convocation in August.
Nominations may be made by any member of the CMC community, including students, faculty, and staff.
This year's Committee members included: Georgette DeVeres, chair; Polly Baker, administrative assistant, Reed Institute for Applied Statistics; P. Edward Haley, the W.M. Keck Foundation Chair of International Strategic Studies; Brandi Hoffine '06, class president; Kristine Iotte '06; W. Torrey Sun, vice president for student affairs; Marsha Tudor, assistant director, facilities and campus services; and Chris Wiedey, director of foundation and corporate relations.