LLCC honored 2024 Distinguished Service Award winners, employees with service anniversaries and retirees at the 30th Annual LLCC Employee Recognition and Appreciation Ceremony on May 16.

The college presented four Distinguished Service Awards to individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership and service to the college communityi, promote a student-focused environment and exhibity a strong commitment to the college’s core values.

• Faculty – Bill Harmon, professor, agronomy, other nominees included; Eric Stachera, professor of English; Peter Embalabala, professor of mathematics; Laurie Lewis-Fritz, assistant professor of music; David Reynolds, professor of sociology and Cynthia Smock, instructor, neurodiagnostic technology.
• Administrator – Chris Russell, LLCC chief of police, other nominees included; Shanda Byer, vice president of student services, Jessie Blackburn, director, LLCC Litchfield, Leigh Giles-Brown, program director, sonography, Cynthia Maskey, dean, health professions and Kirsten Taylor, director, employment and benefits.
• Classified Staff – Brenda Loschen, administrative assistant to the dean of arts & communication, other nominees included; Matt Combs, duplication and mail center specialist; Julie Eason, administrative assistant to the vice president, administrative services and Jennifer Lewis, program assistant, community education.
• Professional Staff – Samuel Penning, systems administrator, information technology, other nominees included; Laurie Myers, writing center specialist, Tricia Hardway, academic success professional; Claire Heffron-McKinney, student success coach and Amy Williams, academic services coordinator.
• Adjunct Faculty – Raven Hinton, adjunct instructor, sonography, other nominees included, Elizabeth Fines-Workman, adjunct instructor of communication, Susan Flynn, adjunct instructor of sociology and Steve Green, adjunct instructor of philosophy.

Retirees recognized were:

• Barb Bernardi, professor of biology, 16 years
• Cindy Burger, administrative assistant to the dean of English and humanities, 6 years
• Laurie Clemons, student success coach, 28 years
• Cathleen Ferguson, associate professor, basic nurse assistant, 14 years
• Dr. Mary Goldstein, professor, nursing, 21 years
• Nina Koch, records specialist, 30 years
• Jennifer Meyer; education services representative, LLCC Jacksonville, 14 years
• Michael Meyers, assistant professor, respiratory care, 11 years
• John Ryan, building custodian, 24 years
• Lynn Whalen, chief communications officer, 18 years

During Employee Recognition Week, employee recognition video presentations were also shared. Employees celebrating service anniveraries:

30 years of service

35 years – Dr. Cynthia Maskey, dean, health professions

30 years – Ira Bradley, building custodian; Dr. Liesl Smith, professor, English

25 years of service

25 years – Julie Clevenger, executive director, center for academic success; Karie Longhta, associate vice president, finance; Samuel Penning, systems administrator; Tony Rothering, professor of biology; Matthew Shaver, professor of integrated media design; Lori Smith, financial and research analyst, LLCC Foundation.

20 years of service

20 years – Stephanie Cummings, placement and testing coordinator; Anita Glydewell, child development teacher; Tracy Kesinger, professor of nursing; Dr. Tricia Kujawa, assistant vice president, institutional research and effectiveness; Mary Beth Ponser, child development teacher; Karen Sanders, vice president, advancement/executive director, LLCC Foundation; Leslie Stalter, professor of art; Rich Teeter, professor of agri-business management; George Vaughn, professor of communication.

15 years of service

15 years – Sandra Chvala, administrative assistant to the dean, health professions; Shawn Floyd, course materials coordinator; Jamie McCoy, workforce development and health care continuing education program coordinator; Rebecca Miller, professor of psychology; Cara Swafford, professor of English; CC Tietjen St. Magnus, academic success professional; Doug Whitaker, maintenance operations supervisor.

10 years of service

10 years – Dr. Laurel Bretz, associate vice president, continuing, corporate and professional education; Brad Brickey, mechanical maintenance technician; Mary Dellert, executive administrative assistant and secretary to the Board of Trustees; Barbara Eades, assistant director, LLCC Foundation; Nick Ferreira, program director emergency services and health; Adrienne Frazier, education services represenetative, LLCC Litchfield; Dr. David Leitner, professor of English; Tim McKenzie, professor of philosophy; Janelle Murphy, program director, associate degree radiography.

Five years of service

Five years – Amber Babbs, program assistant health professions; Lucinda Caughey, associate professor of computer science; Cody Cox, research and analytics associate; Kelly Ellis, student records evaluator; Don Hohimer, horiculturist; Dr. Bridgette Hudson, professor of nursing; Jermain Jefferson, building custodian; Sheridan Lane, director, culinary program and operations; Lori Large Oldenettel, enrollment coordinator, LLCC Jacksonville; Laurie Lewis-Fritz, assistant professor of music; Dr. Teresa Liberati, professor of biology; Adam Nieto, police officer; Dr. Matt Schownir, professor of history; Dr. Bailey Shaw, professor of English; Dr. Karen Sisk, professor of English; Chris Tople, program director, surgical technology; Arnold Tullis, aviaion mechanics, training specialist; Lindsey Weihmeir, registration manager.