Employee of the Month
Why we Celebrate
The David Dant Employee of the Month recognition program was created to recognize employees who have served the college in an exceptional manner through their hard work while exhibiting a positive and supportive attitude.
Do you know an exceptional employee? Complete the David Dant Employee of the Month Nomination Form.
January 2024
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Towanda Travis as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month Award for January 2024.
Towanda began her RCC journey in 2001 as a student worker in the Student Financial
Services department. She became a permanent part-time Student Financial Services Customer
Service Clerk in 2006 and became full-time in the position in 2011. Towanda is being
recognized for her collaborative spirit, skillful engagement with our diverse students,
and responsiveness to students.
Employee of the Year 2022
Following a rigorous selection process, it is with great pleasure that we announce Kwong Lai as the 2022 Riverside City College Classified Professional of the Year! Kwong is an Information Technology Analyst and was the December 2022 David Dant Employee of the Month. He has been with the college since 2002 as a Microcomputer Support Specialist and became an Information Technology Analyst for the Technology Support Services department in 2015. As the employee of the month, Kwong was recognized for his absolutely amazing work ethic, positive attitude, and superior customer service skills. Kwong was also recognized in September 2017 and became RCC’s first employee of the year in 2018. With his selection this year, he becomes the first classified professional selected multiple times as the Classified Professional of the Year!
Please join me in congratulating Kwong Lai as the 2022 Riverside City College Employee of the Year and the Riverside City College Nominee for the California Community College Board of Governors Classified Employee of the year! Click here to congratulate Kwong on Yammer!
Employee of the Month 2023
December
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Rosana Gomez as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for December 2023.
As a student employee, Rosana began her RCC journey in the Student Financial Services
department. She became an administrative assistant for the Academic Support department
in 2022 and earned a promotion as an administrative assistant III to the Dean of Equity,
Inclusion, and Engagement. She is currently providing support for the Umoja engagement
center. Lastly, she is the co-founder and current co-advisor for the Transitioning
Minds club for formerly incarcerated and system-impacted students/people.
Rosana is being recognized for her dedication to developing positive relationships,
her attitude of self-reflection and pursuit of continual growth, and her heart and
dedication to serving student populations that are less seen and recognized on campus.
November
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Dale Miller as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for November 2023. Dale joined the RCC team in 2017 and is lending his expertise as a General Maintenance Mechanic in the Facilities department.
Dale is being recognized for his contributions to creating an environment of trust through effective communication, his dedication to expanding his knowledge of the college structure and department needs, and his commitment to ensuring a safe and functional campus to the best of his ability for all students and employees – all with a smile!
October
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Rosa Vargas as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for October 2023. Rosa began her career at RCC as an hourly employee in 2001 for the Admissions and Records department. She obtained a full-time position as a clerk in 2001 and is now the Application Support Technician for the department. Rosa is recognized for her efforts toward process improvement, tireless dedication to her colleagues and students, and exceptional responsiveness to the department's needs.
September
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Sergio Ballon as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for September 2023.
Sergio has been a grounds worker for the college since 2018. Sergio is recognized
for his dedication to enhancing the campus environment, expertise in handling major
installation projects, and adherence to the college’s Tiger Pride values.
August
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Jessica Lynd as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for August 2023. Jessica began her career at RCC first as a student worker. She obtained her first classified position as a part-time Cosmetology Receptionist/Records Clerk in 2006 and her full-time position as a Cosmetology Operations Assistant in 2011. Jessica is recognized for her exceptional interpersonal skills, customer service, and dedication to her team.
July
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Cathlene Castellanos as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for July 2023. Cathlene began her career at RCC first as a student worker and obtained her first classified position as a Customer Service Clerk for the CalWORKs department in March 2020. Cathlene achieved her next promotion in February as the administrative assistant III supporting the Dean of Student Services. Cathlene is being recognized for her creativity, dedication to supporting student equity, and devotion to self-reflection and continual learning.
June
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Bryn Glover as the recipient of the David Dant Employee ofthe Month award for June 2023. Bryn
began her journey at RCC in 2019 and is the Administrative Assistant III supporting
the Institutional Effectiveness, and Grant Development & Administration departments.
Bryn is being recognized for her student-centeredness and innovative practices.
May
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Mike Charles as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for May 2023. Mike
began his journey at RCC in 2001 and is a custodian in the Facilities department.
Mike is being recognized for his exceptional teamwork, outstanding customer service,
and positive attitude and support of those around him.
April
We are thrilled to announce that Dana Chamberlin has been chosen as the recipient of the esteemed David Dant Employee of the Month award for April 2023. Dana's journey at RCC began in 2010 when she joined as a student employee in the Outreach department. She later became a sign language interpreter for the Disability Resource Center in 2012. In 2014, she took on the role of Operations Assistant in Admissions & Records on a part-time basis. Finally, in 2016, she was promoted to her current position as the Student Accounts Specialist.
Dana is being recognized for her remarkable dedication and support towards students, her unwavering commitment to fairness and equality, and her outstanding ability to communicate with empathy and understanding. Throughout her time at RCC, she has shown a deep passion for empowering others and ensuring that their needs are met.
March
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Heather Smith as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for March 2023. Heather
began her career at RCC in 2017 and is currently the Administrative Assistant III
for the Athletics department. Heather has worked in Athletics for 20 years, at the
high school level, Division I level, and now at the community college level. She is
being recognized for her versatility, excellent communication skills, and her amazing
work ethic.
February
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Katie Lanning as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Monthaward for February 2023. Katie began her journey at RCC in 2015 as a student employee for the CalWORKs program and is currently their Administrative Assistant II also temporarily supporting the Veteran’s Resource Center. Katie is being recognized for providing exceptional support, knowledge, and a strong work ethic.
January
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Mia Timme as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for January 2023. Mia began her journey at RCC in 2017 as an Instructional Department Specialist and is currently the Instructional Department Specialist for English and Media Studies and World Languages. Mia is being recognized for her development of a division operations manuals, openness to assist, and commitment to the RCC team.
December 2022
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Kwong Lai as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Monthaward for December 2022. Kwong began his journey at RCC in 2002 as a Microcomputer
Support Specialist and became an IT Analyst for the Technology Support Services department in 2015. Kwong is being recognized for his
absolutely amazing work ethic, positive attitude, and superior customer service skills.
Kwong was also recognized in September 2017 and became RCC’s first employee of the year in 2018.
November 2022
Please join us in recognizing Stephen Ashby as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for November 2022. Stephen has been an RCC tiger since 2000 as the college’s Multi-Media Operations Specialist. Stephen is recognized for his integrity,
commitment to creating an equitable environment, outstanding work ethic, and dedicated
advocacy for his classified colleagues.
October 2022
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Matthew Schoenmann as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for October 2022.
Matthew joined the RCC team in 2013 and is a permanent part-time Journalism Specialist
and Viewpoints Co-Advisor. Matthew is being recognized for his dedication to the program,
outstanding leadership, commitment to equity, and outstanding responsiveness in addressing
student’s needs.
September 2022
Jason Graham is the September recipient of the David Dant Employee of the month award. Jason joined
the college community part-time in 1993 and became the full-time Theatre Scenic Specialist
in May of 1998. Jason is being recognized for his exceptional teamwork and outstanding
work ethic.
August 2022
Raymond Couture is being recognized for the month of August. Raymond began his career as a student
worker in 1981 and was hired part-time in 1984. He obtained his current position
as the Production Coordinator for Performance Riverside in 1998 and has been a part
of the Fine and Performing Arts Division ever since. Raymond is being recognized for
his outstanding ability to develop creative solutions and his dedication to his team.
July 2022
Carol Wohlk, recognized for her ability to embrace change, ability to effectively collaborate with others, and her pursuit of growth, was named Classified Employee of the Month. Carol has served RCC and students in the CalWORKs program for more than 20 years. She began her employment as a part-time administrative assistant and over time earned a full-time position as CalWORKs specialist. According to her nominator, “She loves her job and it is apparent in her desire to do excellent work, as she assists students.”
Working in the CalWORKs office for more than two decades has provided Carol experience and knowledge that benefits students and her colleagues. However, she embraces change and is ready to learn new skills. Carol continues to give back to the College participating in functions, such as Welcome Day, distribution of Hungry Tiger bags, and resource fairs.
“Carol's commitment to the College goes above and beyond to provide the best service to students, staff, and the community,” her nominator said. “She values the partnership the RCC CalWORKs program has with the county DPSS CalWORKs program and strives to maintain the collaborative efforts while being open to new policies established that benefit our students.”
June 2022
Dulce Alejandro, student resource specialist for TRIO-Student Support Services is this month's Classified
Professional of the Month. Dulce joined the RCC community in 2016 and has proven her
commitment to students and the College. She was recognized for her support of students,
her outstanding work ethic, and her unique ability to overcome communication barriers.
Dulce comes to work with great energy and motivation that is infectious. She always
goes above and beyond in everything she does. The effort and energy level she gives
her students is inspiring.
May 2022
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Melody Fries as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for May 2022. Melody
began her employment at RCC in 2015 as a student worker and is now an administrative
assistant II for the Library.
Melody was selected for her dedication to supporting colleagues and students alike, exemplary service, and ability to achieve success under pressure
April 2022
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Julie Taylor as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for April 2022. Julie
is an Instructional Department Specialist supporting the Math and Sciences Division
and was selected for her support of students, faculty, and administrators, willingness
to go above and beyond, and invaluable ideas. She has been with the District since
2005 when she started as an Instructional Department Specialist supporting the multiple
divisions
March 2022
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Rafal Helszer as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for March 2022. Rafal
joined the RCC team in 2000 as a student worker in Counseling and obtained a full-time
position as Counseling Clerk III in 2003. He is currently working in a temporary reassignment
as an Educational Advisor. Rafal is being recognized for his ability to be an innovative
problem-solver, his outstanding work ethic, and his dedication to both students and
colleagues.
February 2022
It is with great pleasure that we recognize Michelle Dassow as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for February 2022.
Michelle began her career as a permanent part-time employee in 2002 and achieved a
full-time position in 2004. She is currently serving as a Student Success and Support
Program Assistant in the Counseling department. Michelle is being recognized for her
integrity, leadership abilities, innovation, and authentically kind attitude in serving
the college community.
January 2022
It is with great pleasure that we recognize David DiLeo as the recipient of the David Dant Employee of the Month award for January 2022.
David began his career with the Disability Resource Center in 1999 as an hourly sign
language interpreter, served as a senior interpreter from 2004 through 2020, and is
now an adaptive technology specialist for the department. David is being recognized
for his commitment to equity, tireless dedication to our students, and his strength
in innovation of new ideas and processes.