Employee Recognition Awards - Fall 2008
Fall 2008 EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARDS
Part-time Employee: Jane Benson
This winner has been teaching for about six years, and has earned a reputation as the epitome of a dedicated instructor.
She teaches numerous courses, always staying abreast of changes in content and technology. Her willingness to teach in the classroom and online whether it is days, weekends, evenings are testament to her commitment to the students and the needs of her division and the College.
One student said that when he emailed this instructor she responds within several hours, showing respect for the students and encouraging them to learn. She sets high expectations for her students and they appreciate it. For example, a student wrote in the course evaluation, “Her class is hard, but after you finish, you will know what you are doing. Mrs. Jane Benson is tough, but she is the best!”
Jane teaches in the Business and Accounting division, and the College just could not operate without the wonderful part-time faculty on whom we depend.
Classified Staff: Laura Dunlap
The Classified staff winner has been a CPCC employee for 
25 years and was a CPCC student. This person understands the mission of the College and works diligently to support it. She is recognized as a true professional who takes the initiative to solve problems, gives and accepts directions, is self-reliant, committed and enthusiastic.
She continues to learn making time to attend workshops and take online classes. She serves the College on committees and is very active on the Classified Staff Council. This winner has inspired many students to continue their education and not give up. She was the first recipient to receive the Sonja Hutchins Champion of the Year Award in 2004 from Cooperative Education work-based learning for her accomplishments with co-op students.
Her employees appreciate how she rewards them with compliments for a job well done, or she might provide a complete meal with all the trimmings to show her appreciation. Laura Dunlap from Instructional Technology Services provides “knock-your-socks-off” service as she creates optimal learning environments for our students.
Administrator: Eddie Howell
This administrator has been a CPCC employee for many 
years, but works odd hours; many of us probably don’t see much of him during the course of our day. However, we certainly see the results of his hard work and true dedication to the College. Even though his workday begins at about 5 a.m., he is generous with his time, gladly volunteering at the Skyline Run every year and directing students at the Information tables.
His employees praise how he cares about them and treats them equally. He is open in his dealings with them and is willing to help them in any way he can. Providing emotional support, he encourages his staff to better themselves by enrolling in classes and being lifelong learners. Thus they increase their work knowledge and hone their skills. They continue to learn and grow, and the College benefits.
He also generously shares his expertise on plant names, effective lawn care, and tree recommendations with colleagues through Professional Development classes that are always standing room only. His workers claim that Eddie Howell is the best supervisor the College has!
Faculty: Sylvia Nikopulos
The faculty person that was selected for the fall award is truly an commendable employee. Her enthusiasm and innate expertise in teaching and designing creative lessons make her a natural leader and teacher. She is very dedicated to the Learning College mission. She uses innovative and imaginative projects to help her students and co-workers become involved in meaningful events, including the Internation
al Festival and a “Let’s Tango” professional development event.
Despite her busy teaching schedule, this faculty member is involved in community and College committee work at which she excels. She teaches classes at three campuses and has online classes as well.
She recently taught a Workplace Spanish course for city employees and her evaluations were outstanding. She went so far as to record an audio CD with all of the vocabulary and expressions since the employees were worried they might forget. The only thing they said was lacking was more time with her. This winner has also designed a Spanish class for CPCC’s ESS front-line personnel.
Our winner was a hardworking CPCC ESL student many years ago, adding humor and good will to her classes as she adjusted to a new culture and language. Now we are lucky to have her as a full-time instructor. Let’s recognize and thank Sylvia Nikopulos for being such a caring individual who raises the bar for all of us.
