Service Awards

As “The Destination District,” NOCCCD believes that our success stems from exceptional employees who consistently embody and manifest our commitment to improving student outcomes. We achieve this by providing top-notch customer service and fostering an environment where all members of our community feel welcome, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

NOCCCD has several ways of extending appreciation to employees for their service to their campus and the District.

Chancellor Staff Awards

Every year, members of Chancellor's Staff have the opportunity to bring forward the names and accomplishments of incredible employees to be considered for the prestigious North Star Award. The NOCCCD North Star Awards were created to allow us to highlight four employees each year that have made significant contributions to our District’s mission, vision, and values.

2024 Award Recipients

  • Stephanie Teer, Dual Enrollment Project Director, Cypress College
  • Rena Martinez Stluka, Director, Admissions and Records, Fullerton College
  • Denise Mora, Career Resource Center Coordinator, NOCE
  • Kashmira Vyas, Executive Director, Fiscal Affairs

2023 Award Recipients

  • Ashley Berry, EOPS Student Services Specialist, Cypress College
  • Dr. Naomi Querubin Abesamis, Director of Student Life and Leadership, Fullerton College
  • Dulce Delgadillo, Director of Institutional Research and Planning, NOCE
  • Dr. Gabrielle Stanco, District Director of Research, Planning and Data Management, District Services

The Above and Beyond Award is bestowed by Chancellor’s Staff to a current employee whose actions have benefitted students, staff, operations, or guiding mission at a District level. As the highest honor that NOCCCD can present to employees, the Above and Beyond award is only given out rarely.

Past Above and Beyond Award Recipients

2015 Recipients

  • Marc Posner, Director of Campus Communications, Cypress College
  • Robert Jensen, Dean of Fine Arts, Fullerton College

2016 Recipient

  • Jolena Grande, Professor, Mortuary Science, Cypress College

2019 Recipient

  • Kathleen Reiland, Dean of Career Technical Education & Economic Development, Cypress College

Board of Trustees Recognitions

Each May, the NOCCCD Board of Trustees recognizes employees who have retired during the previous academic year, as well as those who are celebrating milestone service anniversaries. The following employees were recognized at the May 28, 2024 Board of Trustees meeting.

  • Steven Banneck, Theatre Technician, Cypress College
  • Anthony Brown, Psychiatric Technology Instructor, Cypress College
  • Jeri Castro, Facilities Custodian, North Orange Continuing Education
  • Raymond Collins, Facilities Custodian, Cypress College
  • Melanie Donegan, Ceramic Laboratory Technician, Fullerton College
  • Gregory Eng, Duplication Equipment Operator, Cypress College
  • David Grossman, Dean of Physical Education, Fullerton College 
  • Yong Mi Han, International Student Program Manager, Cypress College
  • Randy Harris, Maintenance and Operations Manager, Fullerton College
  • Ingrid Higdon, Laboratory Technician, Fullerton College
  • Richard Hock, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Instructor, Cypress College
  • James Hormel, Theatre Arts Instructor, Cypress College
  • Jane Ishibashi, Librarian, Fullerton College
  • Monica Martin, Director of Grants/Economic Workforce Development, Fullerton College
  • Tania McKeown, User Support Analyst, Fullerton College
  • Alice Niyondagara, ESL Noncredit Instructor, North Orange Continuing Education
  • Merina Nunez, Accounting Specialist, District Services
  • Guy Perez, Facilities Assistant, Fullerton College
  • Lowell Peters, Facilities Assistant, Fullerton College
  • Charles Sands, Groundskeeper/Facilities Custodian, Fullerton College
  • Jeanne Thompson, Financial Aid Technician, Cypress College
  • Mirna Vargas, Accounting Specialist, District Services
  • Deborah West, Campus Safety Officer, Cypress College

2024 Employee Service Awards

  • Bruce Babad, Music Instructor, Fullerton College
  • Melisa Chteoui, ISS Administrative Assistant, Cypress College
  • Ming Chua, IT Technician, Fullerton College
  • Les-Sie' Crockrom, Administrative Assistant, Fullerton College
  • Naji Dahi, Political Science Instructor, Fullerton College
  • Elias Dominguez, Counselor, Fullerton College
  • Monica Farias, District Director of Printing and Design, District Services
  • Marylou Garibaldi, DSPS Student Services Specialist, Cypress College
  • Jolena Grande, Mortuary Science Instructor, Cypress College
  • Paul Hamblin, IT Technician, Cypress College
  • Flor Huerta, Counselor, Fullerton College
  • Kelly Klassen, Mathematics Instructor, Fullerton College
  • Renay Laguana-Ferinac, Counselor, Cypress College
  • Richard Levesque, English Instructor, Fullerton College
  • Kim Louie-Jeu, Admissions and Records Coordinator, Fullerton College
  • Veronica Martin Del Campo, Administrative Assistant, Cypress College
  • Ruben Martinez, Facilities Coordinator, Cypress College
  • Gregory Menchaca, Student Services Coordinator, Fullerton College
  • Deborah Michelle, Learning Disabilities Specialist, Cypress College
  • Jeffrey Minton, Photography Instructor, Fullerton College
  • Tony Pham, Network IT Specialist, Fullerton College
  • Brad Rippe, IT Project Leader, Anaheim Campus
  • Kevin Sampson, Administration of Justice Instructor, Fullerton College
  • Amy Schrack, ISS Administrative Assistant, Fullerton College
  • Geoffrey Smith, English Instructor, Fullerton College
  • Daniel Snook, Auto Collision Repair Instructor, Cypress College
  • Nicol Tushla, Evaluator, Fullerton College
  • Jeana Wolfe, Psychology Instructor, Fullerton College
  • Gary Zager, Human Services Instructor, Cypress College
  • Joseph Carrithers, English Instructor, Fullerton College
  • Leonard Cho, Mathematics Instructor, Fullerton College
  • Vinh Dang, Graphic Designer, District Services
  • Monica Doman, Librarian, Cypress College
  • Samuel Foster, Dean, Math and Computer Science, Fullerton College
  • Hai Nguyen, Technology Systems Analyst, Fullerton College
  • Fredrick Williams, Vice Chancellor of Finance and Facilities, District Services
  • Lisa Bassi, Physical Education Instructor, Fullerton College
  • Thomas Chiaromonte, Early Childhood Education Instructor, Fullerton College
  • Elizabeth Gaitatjis, DSPS Student Services Specialist, Fullerton College
  • Philip Mayfield, English Instructor, Fullerton College
  • Cynthia Sands, ISS Administrative Assistant, Fullerton College
  • Tom Morris, Biological Science Instructor, Fullerton College
  • Gloria Waller, DSPS Student Services Specialist, Fullerton