SBVC Staff Member Awarded ‘Employee of the Year’ by the CCCBOG
SBVC staff member Mary Valdemar was among only three outstanding community college employees honored by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors on May 21.
“Classified employees play an essential role in our system that serves more than 2.1 million students,” said California Community Colleges Board of Governors President Tom Epstein. “From counseling staff to financial aid liaisons to on-campus public safety officers, these paramount members of our team serve our students firsthand and are key players in student success. We will continue to support their efforts in every way. On behalf of our colleges, we extend our gratitude to all classified employees, especially those recognized today, for their steadfast dedication.”
Established in 2008, and first presented in 2009, the award is given annually to community college classified employees who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to professionalism, the community colleges and the Vision for Success goals. Recipients also have a record of outstanding performance on the job, and a record of active participation on campus and in their communities.
“As a representative of our system’s classified staff, I commend my fellow classified staff for their hard work, commitment to helping our students achieve their higher education goals and serving as exemplary influences in their communities,” said Board of Governors member Bill Rawlings.
Members of a college or district community first nominate recipients. Prospective recipients are then endorsed by their local board of trustees. Representatives of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the Foundation for California Community Colleges select the final award recipients.
The Classified Employee of the Year Award is supported through a grant from the Foundation for California Community Colleges. Each recipient receives a $500 cash award and a commemorative plaque.
Mary Valdemar has held many positions during her 12 years at San Bernardino Valley College leading up to her current role in the SBVC Library and Student Support Services department. She has served as a leader within organizations, provided support to students, staff and faculty and pushed to empower disenfranchised members on her campus and in the community at large. Equity and inclusion is a mission for Mary. She sits or has served on the Latino Faculty and Staff Association, the Classified Senate, the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) district committee, the HIS Taskforce and the District Assembly to name a few. Mary is deeply committed to using her institutional memory to advocate for change and improve services for students even when the results mean something has to change in the way the college does business. Her motto is, “If it isn’t in the best interest of students, then it isn’t in mine either.” Mary has collaborated with others on campus and at the district to establish several projects focused on inclusion and student success. Mary has inspired her students to make great change in the world, but to always come back and pay it forward the way she is paying forward the help that campus leaders gave to her 22 years ago.
Article from California Community Colleges
