Wayne Community College has recognized its top employees for 2021.
Grounds Maintenance Technician Don Hasse was presented the Operational and Maintenance Staff Employee of the Year Award. Hasse’s nominator commented on his qualities with terms like “can-do, will-do attitude,” “infectious enthusiasm,” and “determined to leave his mark.”
Hasse, a WCC employee since 2017, “has proven indispensable and routinely steps up with a take-charge, git ‘er done spirit leaving no stone unturned and no weed unpicked,” said Chris Schott, the college’s facilities and grounds superintendent.
Melissa Peacock, a teacher in the college’s child care center, earned the Professional Support Staff of the Year Award. Called a hero for her work during the pandemic, she was lauded for regularly going beyond her assigned duties and work schedule to assist her coworkers, step in for her director, and even relieve stressed parents.
Peacock has been employed as a teacher in the center since 2007. “Passion for her career and desire to make a difference in the lives of children and their families make her deserving,” said Interim WCC President Patty Pfeiffer in presenting the award.
Academic Skills Center Coordinator Mike Bloom was named the Employee of the Year in the Professional Staff category. He was commended for his “creativity, passion, and expertise continue to serve as the benchmark for others to follow.”
In presenting the award, Pfeiffer noted that Bloom is always at the top of the list of most requested tutors and that many students have credited the 18-year employee with helping them survive specific classes and graduate.
Medical and Office Administration Instructor Lisa Pickard is the recipient of the Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award. Pfeiffer credited Pickard’s combination of experience working in a hospital setting and the college’s business office with making her “good at what she does.”
Pickard has taught for the college for 11 years. Throughout that time, she has “demonstrated that she is willing to work with students in any way she can to help them be successful,” said LaRose Brock, chair of the Medical and Office Administration Department.
Honorees are nominated by their peers and chosen by an outside committee. Selection is based on initiative, enthusiasm, expertise, leadership, professionalism, productivity, creativity, involvement, dedication, and how they were rated on their last evaluation.
Each winner receives a trophy and a stipend provided by the Foundation of Wayne Community College.
An outstanding full-time faculty member is recognized each spring with the George E. Wilson Excellence in Teaching Award. This year’s winner was Dr. Dean Lawson, a history instructor.
The Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to broaden the base of community support for educational opportunities at Wayne Community College. In addition to furnishing recognition opportunities such as these awards to faculty and staff, the Foundation provides scholarships for WCC students, funds for educational supplies and events that cannot be paid for with State money, and public cultural events.
