Peggy Garrison - Director, TRiO Program, Student Support Services
(Scott Community College)
 
 Peggy Garrison's professional career has been devoted to helping people from all walks of life reach their goals. In her 20 years at EICCD, she has had the opportunity to do that in a number of capacities, all the while displaying a single-minded focus on her clients.

As the new director of the Personal Academic Cultural Enrichment (TRiO) program at Scott Community College, Peggy oversees a program that helps first-generation and at-risk college students succeed in their studies. If past is prologue, then her new clients are in good hands.

Peggy started her career as a VISTA program supervisor, working with the Nebraska Indian Commission. (VISTA has been called the "domestic Peace Corps.") She then joined the Peace Corps and worked in El Salvador.
 
She came to EICCD as an employment specialist and job developer in the JTPA program (now Eastern Iowa Job Training), moved to the Business and Industry Center, and then to the Career Assistance Center. In all of these positions, Peggy worked with individuals who needed basic skills training in order to obtain or keep employment. From non-English speakers to alternative high school students, displaced homemakers and disabled individuals, Peggy has created, taught and managed programs that give people the education and training they needed to get a fresh start in the workplace.
 
A colleague writes about Peggy's success with the alternative high school students. "In a task that has wilted many a weaker spirit, Peggy?met students where they were, accepting them as they are, and worked to help them arrange for housing, counseling, substance abuse and who knows what else. Many youth who others have simply written off as beyond hope, Peggy would not give up on."
 
Many of the programs Peggy has managed have been paid for by business and industry for their workers. Peggy was always able to develop programs that were mutually beneficial for both company and employee. One colleague wrote about a company that scheduled additional training for its employees because of "Peg's diligence in providing a quality classroom format and a patient, caring learning environment."
 
Peggy is a trained facilitator for both the DACum (Developing A Curriculum) process and ACT's WorkKeys program. She is also coordinator for the Iowa Paths' Working While Disabled project in the eastern Iowa area, a program designed to increase job opportunities for individuals with mild to moderate disabilities.
 
"It is important to note that Peggy has done every one of the many jobs we've given her well," a colleague writes. "Her versatility and willingness to try new things make her a valuable asset to the District."

Kathryn Graver - Instructor, Department Coordinator
(Scott Community College) 
 
As department coordinator for child care and interpreter training at Scott Community College, Kathryn Graver wears several hats and always seems to be willing to try on a few more. As one colleague writes, she "gives nothing less than 110% of her own energies and accepts nothing less than 110% from her students."

Kathryn brought almost 20 years of experience in early childhood development to SCC's fledgling child care program and has built it into a tremendously successful training program for child care providers. Her connections in the field have enabled her to rewrite the curriculum to exceed the expectations of area employers and to develop partnerships that help her students enter the workforce and transfer to four-year institutions.
 
Kathryn draws on her career experience to make her course material relevant and contextual. "To her students, this is the glue that binds the topics together and makes each of them motivated to learn more and more each and every day," a colleague notes.
 
A true believer in holistic learning, Kathryn understands that content knowledge and application of skills are not the only keys to success. She strives to develop the whole person, from teaching job readiness skills to instilling compassion. "Kathryn is willing to give herself fully to her students and help us in any way possible," one former student writes. "I hope when it becomes my turn to be an educator, I will remember Kathy's unique style and the patience and love she shows all of her students."
 
Kathryn is in great demand for many college committees and initiatives. She understands the importance of reaching beyond her discipline and looks for ways to demonstrate that with her students. As a result, Kathryn and her students have been involved in the "Read Across America" event for several years, bringing 100 preschool children to campus for a reading session with Clifford the Big Red Dog. Kathryn is a member of the retention team, has co-chaired the United Way campaign, and has been deeply involved in the college's Contextual Teaching and Learning project. Last year, she took the lead in developing an articulation agreement with the Mississippi Bend AEA that grants credit in SCC's child care and education programs for the AEA's short-term teacher aide training courses.
 
"I am convinced that two of Kathryn's natural strengths are her boundless enthusiasm and perennially positive attitude," writes a colleague. " she genuinely believes that nothing is impossible to achieve if you always keep the student's best interest in the forefront."

Jeannine Ingelson - Financial Aid Officer
(Scott Community College) 
 
Fair. That's perhaps the highest compliment possible for someone who makes decisions that affect other people's pocketbooks and futures. Each one of the colleagues who nominated Jeannine Ingelson for the Chancellor's Award described her as just that - fair.

In her 13 years as financial aid officer at Scott Community College, Jeannine has demonstrated a constant commitment to the institution and genuine compassion for the students. She continuously seeks ways to improve the financial aid processes, and she never fails to treat students with dignity and respect in this sensitive area.

"Jeannine holds a critical position in this institution because she manages the processes that impact students' funding and their access to education and training," writes a colleague.
 
Her focus is on the students, making sure the process works smoothly so students can secure their funding and concentrate on their studies. Several colleagues noted that she often takes work home or spends Saturdays in the office so that students' aid is not delayed.
 
"She is a wonderful student advocate and has a wonderful way of working with the students, even in the most difficult of situations," writes a colleague. Even when faced with the difficult task of delivering the bad news of ineligibility, Jeannine does it with a "soft touch," another colleague notes. "She has the remarkable ability to remain cool regardless of the pressure. She does not raise her voice, yet she is consistent and fair."
 
Jeannine has provided tremendous leadership for the District's financial aid team. She is the resident expert on the SAFE computer system, having spearheaded its implementation in 1998, and continues to provide guidance in its daily operations. Two years ago, she led the implementation efforts for the electronic transmission of loan applications, improving the processing time for loans and allowing faster delivery of funds to students. In 2001, she played an instrumental role in cross-training the SCC financial aid staff, which has enhanced customer service and streamlined the office's processes. Most recently, Jeannine was instrumental in testing a new batch process for packaging summer financial aid, designed to inform students of aid eligibility for summer in hopes of increasing summer enrollment.
 
"Jeannine's vast knowledge about financial aid rules and regulations allows her to adapt to any situation logically and calmly," a colleague writes. "She is a forward thinker and always works in the best interest of the students within the Eastern Iowa Community College District."

Karolyn Jeffers - Senior Secretary, President's & Dean's Office
(Clinton Community College) 
 
"Karolyn Jeffers leads the effort to make the college a friendly place to visit," writes a colleague. "She does this by her positive attitude and by her actions."

As senior secretary to the president and dean of Clinton Community College, Karolyn is deeply involved in all aspects of the college. Everyone from visitors to faculty, staff and students knows Karolyn to be cheerful, professional and more than helpful anytime someone has a question or needs help. She handles a heavy workload seemingly with ease and remains calm under pressure. In fact, one colleague notes, "when work life gets crazy, Karolyn only gets calmer."

"She knows everything that goes on in the college and doesn't dismiss anything as not being important enough for her attention," writes a faculty member.
 
"She keeps the concerns of everyone on campus in mind at all times and routinely goes the extra mile to assist both internal and external customers."
 
In addition to providing support for the president and dean, Karolyn seeks out opportunities to make Clinton Community College a better place to work and go to school. She serves as the campus communication link, adding and updating information to the campus intranet site to keep everyone informed. As co-chair of the campus recognition committee, Karolyn's creative ideas and willingness to take the lead in planning events has raised spirits and enthusiasm on campus. She personally delivers balloons to staff and faculty on their employment anniversary date, and last year organized a "Match That Pet" to its CCC owner contest that had the whole campus in stitches. As part of that same committee, she helps organize "Hoodie Hoo Day," a day designed to cheer up and motivate staff and students by "chasing winter away."
 
Last year Karolyn spearheaded a move to clean up, beautify and maintain the appearance of the college grounds. Because of her efforts, a group of CCC employees now meets on a regular basis to plant and maintain several beautiful flowerbeds, and Karolyn personally spends many hours on weekends and evenings selecting and watering plants. "The outcome has been the undertaking of a huge job that has been fun for all involved and beneficial to everyone," writes a co-worker.
 
"Karolyn exemplifies the qualities that are sought by the students in our Administrative Office Support program and other secretaries at the college," her colleagues note. "It is quickly evident that this is not just a job for Karolyn, but a position and college that she loves."

Jan Phillips - Director of Music Activities
(Muscatine Community College) 
 
As a teacher, musician and community leader, Jan Phillips orchestrates excellence. Her commitment to students, to outstanding performances, and to expanded cultural opportunities in the Muscatine area has inspired many people to sing her praises.

Jan has been associated with MCC for more than 20 years, first as a student, then as an adjunct faculty member, and now as director of the college's music activities. In addition to building a first-rate college music program, she has established ties between the college and community groups to offer a variety of cultural opportunities to the community.

Jan works with her students to present an almost year-round schedule of performances. The college's spring, fall and Christmas concerts, as well as the annual variety show, draw
 
large audiences from the community. The Variety Singers are renowned entertainers and were even invited to sing on a Carnival Cruise ship. Jan added an exciting new project for the music department this year, "The Spring Feast," a madrigal dinner that played to sold-out audiences. The students also perform at area high schools throughout the year. "This 'road show' has established MCC's music department as the place to obtain a high quality education in the music field, as well as allowing students many chances to perform before live audiences," one colleague notes.
 
Most importantly, Jan knows how to bring out the best in her students. A co-worker writes, "regardless of a student's innate talent, Jan finds a spot in every performance where they can shine and, more importantly, grow in self-worth." Another colleague mentions her efforts to help each singer perform with confidence, from making tapes of music for inexperienced singers to practice their parts to working with them individually. "Jan teaches her students not only the subject matter of music but also the pursuit of excellence and integrity," that person writes.
 
Jan has served for many years as director of the Muscatine Civic Chorale, an all-volunteer organization, and is music director at her church. In the fall of 2000, she gathered a group of musicians and formed the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra. "Without Jan's vision and dedication, this project may never have happened," writes a colleague from the symphony.
 
"As a parent and a manager, I know that we shouldn't have favorites," writes one co-worker. "But after 35 years in education, I take exception to the rule and admit Jan Phillips leads my 'top ten' list of all time."

George Varchola - Director - Continuous Quality Improvement
(District Office) 
 
In 1992 Eastern Iowa Community College District kicked off its Continuous Quality Improvement initiative. One decade and dozens of CQI projects later, EICCD is recognized as a national leader in the community college quality movement. George Varchola played a key role in introducing us all to CQI and has continued to train, guide and coach us through the process.

As director of Continuous Quality Improvement, George has conducted hundreds of training sessions for employees, helping them learn to use the tools of CQI and to improve their teamwork skills. Due in large part to his efforts, "teamwork" and "process improvement" are a part of all EICCD employees' vocabulary.

"George has been our anchor in CQI," writes a colleague. "He has been remarkably persistent, keeping us focused and
 
grounded in the basic principles. He has a gift for listening to his customers' needs and modifying his direction accordingly."
 
In addition to his training and coaching work within EICCD, George is a tremendous ambassador for the District with the business community. With a lively teaching style and topics ranging from fish and cheese to coaching and lean manufacturing, he is a well-known and popular trainer with local business and industry. The participants in MCC's Leadership Muscatine program annually vote George's presentation on leadership skills and teamwork as the best session of the year. When the area AICE Quality Conference needed a speaker who could engage 200 to 300 people in an interactive session, they thought of George. His program surpassed their expectations, and the participants named him the best speaker of the conference.
 
"In subsequent years, we were always challenged to find other interactive workshops that would measure up to George's," writes an AICE program committee member. "George set the 'gold' standard that all others would be measured against."
 
George's ties to the quality movement run deep. He is involved nationally in the Continuous Quality Improvement Network, a consortium of community colleges focused on process improvement, and serves as a Pacesetter and Trailblazer process examiner. He is also an examiner for the Iowa Recognition for Performance Excellence.
 
Because of his expertise in process improvement, George has been invited to participate in three international projects recently. He has taught classes in Thailand, Ukraine and India to faculty and administrators of developing community colleges in those nations.
 
"George is a valuable asset to the community college, to our CQI efforts and to the clients that he works with," writes a colleague. "He is a wonderful mentor and coach."