The Pat-on-the-Back program gives employees the opportunity to recognize their colleagues for outstanding contributions, everyday helpfulness, teamwork, positivity, and going above and beyond. Whether someone offered a helping hand, solved a tricky problem, or simply made your day better, this is your chance to say, “I noticed, and I appreciate you.”
Employees may use the Pat-on-the-Back Nomination form to give someone some well-deserved kudos. Take a look at some of our most recent nominations below!
“Dan Modglin is always quick to step in and support Payroll when needed. On the snow day, January 27, Payroll still needed to be processed, and when an issue came up, Dan immediately jumped in to help ensure all employees were paid on time. A huge thank you to Dan for his responsiveness and support!”
"There is no question that Mike Gruzeski truly cares about the work he does here at Jefferson College. I have the privilege of working with Mike on a regular basis as he is one of our Care Team members. From the beginning, he has been eager to learn and understand his role on the team and how to champion the Care Team at JCA. He ensures employees and students know where to go if students need immediate support. He is always eager to help and his genuine concern for students is reflected in what he does. We could not ask for a better person to represent the Care Team at JCA!"
“I would like to recognize Jan Johnson for her exceptional leadership, guidance, and support. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the team feels valued, heard, and equipped for success. Whether it’s providing thoughtful feedback, offering encouragement, or helping us navigate challenges, Jan approaches every situation with patience, professionalism, and genuine care. Her leadership style creates an environment where collaboration, growth, and innovation thrive. She always celebrates our achievements, provides constructive guidance when needed, and always leads by example. Her dedication to the team and the work we do is inspiring and motivates all of us to strive for excellence every day.”
"Lesley Kennedy is constantly going above and beyond. She is always creating new activities (crafts, scavenger hunts, prizes, etc.) for the students to participate in, and preparing food for the students. She makes sure there's always something fun going on, to ensure morale is kept high, for both students and employees."
“I would like to nominate Sarah Akridge for a "Pat on the Back" recognition. Recently, a student was unable to take her scheduled exam in the testing center due to not having her physical driver’s license available. Wanting to ensure the student did not fall behind academically in my fast paced 8 week class, Sarah immediately stepped in with a thoughtful and policy‑appropriate solution. She offered to personally proctor the exam while proctoring her own exam for her students—an option fully permitted within our department—so the student could complete her assessment on time. Her quick thinking, flexibility, and commitment to student success prevented an unnecessary delay and demonstrated the kind of supportive, student‑centered approach that strengthens our program. She truly deserves recognition for going above and beyond.”
"Christian Baugher recently assisted B&G by utilizing the drone to get a better look at the exterior of Fine Arts. He was so quick and very thorough! It will help us so much in our process."
“John Gilbert is very knowledgeable in all aspects related to Fine Arts. He is the first to volunteer in any endeavor and committed to the project/problem till the end. John is continually going down the rabbit hole to assist Buildings & Grounds in finding lucrative information to ensure the theater is taken care of. He is extremely dedicated to his position and the institution as a whole!”
"Glenn Hausler goes above and beyond his listed job duties to ensure the Arnold location runs smoothly. He is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to anything at Arnold and Imperial. He is a huge asset to the institution and ensures it runs smoothly."
Second Quarter Pat-on-the-Back Winner – Stacy Wilfong
Stacy received the following Pat on the Back:
"Stacy and Rachel reached out about having Radiologic Technology students help with Day of Service at Second Chance Ranch and were able to help the organization get approval quickly for the event. Now employees can continue to use Community Service Leave hours with this organization even outside of Day of Service. Thank you Stacy and Rachel for coordinating with Second Chance Ranch and for volunteering with your students for Day of Service!!!!"
Congratulations, Stacy! Your efforts are greatly appreciated!
Annual Faculty and Staff Awards
Dr. B. Ray Henry Service & Innovation Award
2025 Winner Alicia Smith
The purpose of the Dr. B. Ray Henry Service/Innovation Award is to recognize superior, innovative participation of an employee in the shared governance of the College, primarily through work on or with an institutional committee or subcommittee. This award is names in honor of Dr. B. Ray Henry, second president of Jefferson College, during a period of substantial growth and community impact.
Linda K. Johnston Assessment & Innovation Award
2025 Winner Staff: Connie Nash
Each year, the Assessment Committee honors one staff member and one faculty member for their excellence in assessment efforts at Jefferson College by granting the Linda K. Johnston award. Employees are nominated for this award based on the following criteria:
Communicate a positive attitude about assessment.
Help to foster the concept of assessment at Jefferson College.
Use a variety of assessment measures and techniques.
Use results of assessment to impact the curriculum and/or student learning.
Outstanding Achievement Awards
2025 Winners Certified Staff: Mark Smreker Classified Staff: Shauna Gore Adjunct Faculty: Georgina Lehn Faculty: Bruce Korbesmeyer and Elke Overton
The Jefferson College Foundation established the Outstanding Achievement Award to identify and honor selected staff and faculty members for their outstanding contribution to the College. The program is sponsored by the Jefferson College Foundation Board of Directors, and the nomination process is led by the constituent group presidents. Employees must have been employed by the College for at least five years before the nomination deadline in order to be eligible, and they must also meet the established criteria for each group.
Years of Service
Each year, the College celebrate those who have reached significant service anniversaries – from their first five years to decades of loyalty and excellence. The following employees are recognized for the dedication, commitment, and contributions that have helped make Jefferson College a thriving institution of learning and community:
5 Years: Brian Alderson, Taylor Humphreys, Matthew Husky, Sarah Perry, Maggie Rola, Keri Schmidt, Laura Vilmer
10 Years: Miranda Birch, Erin Bova, Matthew Bunch, Denise Hawkins, Bruce Korbesmeyer, Tony Loretta, Garrett Miller, Lance Nevois, Matt West, Brenna Young
15 Years: Daniel Boyer, Amy Call, Joseph Candela, William Kaune, Joel Vanderheyden
20 Years: Christopher DeGeare, Lynda Ferguson, Dana Nevois, Daniel Smith
