FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. COC-06-107
May 17, 2006
College Recognizes Classified Employees Employees at College of the Canyons were recognized for their contributions to the college at an awards luncheon held on Wednesday, May 17, 2006. The luncheon was held with the "twist" that board members, administrators and managers served college "classified" employees a catered meal. Classified employees hold support positions at the college, which don't require academic qualifications. They are most often the behind-the-scenes people who are responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the college. This is the 10th year that awards were presented to individuals in several categories. Five awards were presented. The Employee of the Year award consists of a decorative plaque and $300 cash. The College of the Canyons Employee of the Year was awarded to Noel Lopez who is an Instructional Media Technician in the college's Audiovisual Department. The award recognizes an individual who has made contributions to the college through service to the campus. In Lopez's case, he was singled out for his unfailing, professional assistance to instructors as well as his friendly demeanor, patience and willingness to go the extra mile. The Humanitarian Award went to Hsiawen Hull. This award acknowledges an indispensable contribution to the college and cites community involvement and dedication. Hull is a Computer Support Coordinator for the college. He has been active for many years in community service and has dedicated countless hours volunteering at the Castaic Animal Shelter, assisting others in finding the pet that is just right for them; working at pet adoption events; working with rescued animals and advising pet owners about the latest training aids and veterinary care. The award consists of a decorative plaque and a $100 cash award. The New Visions Award recognizes an employee who brings new insight to the job, which improves the college. A positive attitude and providing an inspiration to other employees are key elements in selecting the award winner. The 2005 New Visions Award winner is Bruce Battle. Battle's official title at the college is Sports Information Officer/Public Information News Writer. But he does much more than that. He is the creative force behind the programming of the Vegas-style electronic marquees that are located on Valencia Boulevard and Rockwell Canyon Roads; the college's extremely entertaining TV and radio commercials; and he is one of the primary writer's/designers behind much of the college's printed materials. His award consists of a plaque and a $100 cash award. A decorative plaque and a $100 cash award also went to Theresa Zuzevich, this year's winner of the Professional Achievement Award. Zuzevich is a Program Specialist who works in the University Center located on the College of the Canyons campus. The award recognizes outstanding performance through educational achievement and a record of excellent job performance. She oversees the day-to-day operation of the University Center and is pursuing a master's degree in administration through one of the University Center partners. She is a single mother, raising a teenage daughter, and is a shining example of a personal success story. Each year the California School Employee Association (CSEA) presents its Member of the Year Award at this luncheon. This year's winner was Ed Arambula, a key member of the college's Security Department. Arambula is a former Los Angeles Police Department officer who just last week was credited with disarming a student who had brought a loaded handgun to class and holding him for arrest by L.A. County sheriff's deputies. Ed is thoughtful, professional to the core, a calm and effective leader and an excellent role model. He received a plaque and a $100 cash award. The awards were presented by college Superintendent-President Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook, as well as Board of Trustees members Bruce Fortine, Michele Jenkins and Joan MacGregor. | 
