Board of Governors Recognition and Awards

Classified Employee of the Year Awards

Background
The Classified Employee of the Year Award was established through a resolution at the May 2008 Board of Governors meeting. The Award has been given out annually since May 2009 to honor community college classified employees who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to professionalism and community colleges. Recipients are nominated by members of their college/district community and endorsed by their local Board of Trustees. Award recipients are selected by representatives of the Board of Governors for California Community Colleges, the Chancellor’s Office, and the Foundation for California Community College and must have a record of outstanding performance of professional activities, as well as a record of active participation on campus and beyond.

The Classified Employee of the Year Award is supported through a grant from the Foundation for California Community Colleges. Each recipient will receive a $500 cash award and a commemorative plaque.

2013 Classified Employee of the Year recipients

Classified Employee Award Criteria (PDF)
Classified Employee Awards Program Form (PDF)
Rate Sheet (TRUSTEES ONLY - PDF)

John W. Rice Diversity and Equity Awards

The Dr. John W. Rice Diversity and Equity Award was established in 2001 to honor a community college staff member, district, college, or program that has made the greatest contribution towards faculty and staff diversity or student equity.

This award is named in honor of former Board of Governors member Dr. John W. Rice. He served on the board from 1992-2000 and was a leader, innovator, and spokesperson for equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination in the California Community Colleges. This award is named in his behalf as a testament to his strong commitment to faculty and staff diversity, student equity, and his strong support for a multicultural learning experience for all students.

Board of Governors Legislator Awards

After several years of hiatus, in 2006 and each year thereafter the Board of Governors and Chancellor recognize two to four legislators for their outstanding leadership and support of the California Community Colleges. The legislators are presented with an award at the annual California Community Colleges, Board of Governors Legislative Reception held in May. The Board of Governors host this reception to thank legislators for their ongoing support of California Community Colleges throughout the legislative year. The Board of Governors submit nominations for legislators they believe have provided strong leadership and support for the California Community Colleges. There are three award categories with the criteria for each listed below:

• Lifetime Achievement Award: This is our highest award and is awarded only when a legislator has consistently and courageously advocated for the California Community Colleges, especially during difficult times. We do not give this award every year; the award is given only when there is a member who rises to this level of commitment and support. In the past, this award has been given to Senators Jack Scott, Denise Ducheny, and Alan Lowenthal.


• BOG Legislator of the Year Award: This award is given to an outstanding legislator who has authored significant community college legislation, and who consistently looks out for the best interests of the California Community Colleges. This person has an in-depth knowledge of the community colleges and its policy issues. In 2010 Assemblymember Warren Furutani was presented with this award and in 2012 this award was presented to a Senator and Assemblymember; Senator Carol Liu and Assemblymember Susan Bonilla.


• Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award (formally known as “Friends of Community College Award”): This award is given to a legislator who has emerged as a key advocate on budget and policy matters. This person is an up-and-coming community college leader in the Legislature and someone we can count on to hear our issues. In the past, this award has been given to Senators Alex Padilla and George Runner and Assemblymembers Gil Cedillo, Marty Block, John Laird, Jean Fuller, Anthony Portantino, Ira Ruskin and Tom Berryhill.