Employee Recognition Awards - Fall 2009
2009 Fall Recognition Award Winners
Part-time Employee
From her nomination packet, this is a part-time employee with a full-time presence. She teaches classes in an exemplary manner, and her dedication to our students is 
remarkable. She is able to maintain that delicate balance of patience and firmness as she supports student learning. She is a scholar in her field and integrates research, current events, and pertinent exercises into her classes.
In addition, she is known as Mother Nature of Levine Campus. She has given 10-20 hours each month for nearly two years designing, planning, and maintaining the Levine Wildlife Habitat. Early in the morning she is watering plants and planting new flowers and shrubs, after spending her weekends purchasing equipment and supplies. She can name every plant and bird on Levine Campus and loves leading her associates and our students in developing this wonder of nature. We thank you, Debbie Foster, for your spirit, knowledge, natural talents, artistry, and for sharing your passions for the benefit of our students and this College.
2009 Fall Employee Recognition Award Winner
Classified Staff
This person’s nomination had a word that was used consistently by her nominators-professional. She not only approaches her work that way, but also conducts herself in a 
manner that reflects well on the College. She balances her conscientiousness and commitment to excellence with kindness and a great sense of humor. One co-worker said that her smile creates goodwill, and her contagious laugh makes the office a great place to work. For these reasons she has earned the utmost respect from her colleagues; and she sets the standard for not only other administrative assistants, but all employees. She is very active in the Classified Staff Council and was the first Classified staff member to lead a cross-functional, College-wide committee. This high achiever is quick with a kind word and if you have a question, her inviting smile makes you feel that you are talking to the right person — Connie Laliberte.
2009 Fall Employee Recognition Award Winner
Instructor
The faculty member selected for recognition this semester is one-of-a- kind—so because of the nature of her expertise, keeping who this is a surprise is next to impossible. Dr. Debra Sherrill, who is an instructor in the Financial Services Institute, has raised the bar for our CCE classes and the College. Dr. Sherrill is an expert in the mortgage industry 
and has developed several new courses to meet the current needs. She teaches with enthusiasm and explains complicated state and federal laws to her students, receiving exceptional evaluations.
Last semester Debra published two books through the CPCC press. These books are currently being sold at the bookstore and will be used for all of our mortgage classes this spring. They are Federal - Loan Origination Essentials and NC Origination Essentials. The publication of these texts coincides with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System so she can teach Mortgage Pre-licensing all over the country. So far we are the only community college in the country to receive this approval.
Needless to say, our students appreciate the chance to learn from a true expert. Dr. Sherrill, please come to the stage so we can thank you.
2009 Fall Employee Recognition Award Winner
Professional Staff
This employee was nominated by a large group of students. The accolades were endless: a person of great passion and devotion; an amazing spirit; a true servant-leader; 
and someone who is innovative and creative. His co-workers are impressed by his natural ability to bring people together and inspire great work. He embodies the goal that the College is a place where those from different cultures are welcomed and embraced.
There were numerous moving testimonies from students. For example, “When I started attending CPCC, I was an awkward and timid 19-year-old who had few social skills; but this person saw past that, and with open arms, encouraged me to be a part of the SGA. He was unwaveringly supportive and optimistic, and this was a turning point in my life. I rarely have met people who could see potential in people before others could see it in themselves.” This winner is a former CPCC student and a lifelong learner. If you need support or advice, the folks at Levine always direct people to the guy with the beard, the booming voice, and the Hawaiian shirt.
Let’s recognize a deserving award winner—Barry Gilmore.
