Thanks to the generosity of community donors and the San Juan College Foundation, SJC faculty and staff were recognized for outstanding achievements at the Spring 2024 Convocation in January.

President’s Mission Awards

The President’s Mission Awards, bestowed by Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass, President of San Juan College, spotlight individuals who go beyond expectations in service to the College’s mission. Awards are given to a full-time faculty member, an adjunct faculty member, and a professional and support staff member. Awardees receive an engraved plaque and a check in the amount of $300.

Qinqin Schoser was presented with the faculty award. Schoser is an assistant professor and School of Energy Instrumentation & Controls Program coordinator. Schoser’s passion for her work has led to some of the highest program success rates at San Juan College. Program graduates typically receive multiple job offers locally and nationally with high starting salaries. She builds lasting relationships with students and colleagues and is creative, loyal, selfless and dedicated.

 

 

Sharon Jones was named the adjunct faculty award winner. With a lengthy tenure at SJC, she has held various instructional positions within the School of Business. Over the past several years, Jones has dedicated herself to teaching accounting. Students’ value and appreciate her teaching style and caring and compassionate nature. She is patient and exceptionally attentive to student needs. Jones is an inspirational adjunct instructor who demonstrates a willingness to go beyond the norm in her efforts to help students understand complex concepts.

 

 

Devonna Coolidge, grants and projects specialist, with the Grant Development Department, was honored with the professional staff award. Coolidge distinguishes herself as an innovator, consistently seeking novel solutions to challenges and obstacles. She is always willing to think outside the box, and her dedication to supporting students has impacted many educational journeys and lives. Coolidge has remained dedicated to the mission of San
Juan College for over 17 years.

Yvonnie Castillo, delivery services clerk, was presented with the support staff award. Castillo began work at SJC in 2002. She provides excellent customer service, goes the extra mile and is constantly learning and curious about how things work and what is changing on campus. Castillo’s work ethic includes an impressive attention to detail and a friendly demeanor. No matter what the task is, you can depend on her to get the job done successfully.

 

 

The Golden Sun Award

Paulette Stanley (pictured center), administrative assistant to the Executive Vice President, was honored by last semester’s Golden Sun Award recipient, Donna Ellis. The award is passed from one SJC colleague to another. Ellis describes Stanley as a “go-to” resource with a caring, compassionate, and down-to-earth nature. Stanley has been with the College for over 12 years. She goes the extra mile volunteering her time and talents for student events, the annual College luminaria display, commencement ceremonies, and Festival of Trees, among many others. Ellis says Stanley is an outstanding representative of the College iCARE values, calling her extremely dependable and a strong team player. The Golden Sun Award carries a $300 stipend made possible by internal and external supporters of the San Juan College Foundation. Sincere thanks are extended to the donors and the San Juan College Foundation for the opportunity to recognize excellence at San Juan College.

Jane & Stuart Wilson Professional Staff Award

The San Juan College Foundation Jane and Stuart Wilson Professional Staff Award was presented to Wil John (pictured center), research technician in the Institutional Research Department. John consistently demonstrates respect towards all individuals and is genuinely interested in the perspectives,
experiences, and contributions of others. John is caring and kind and makes a difference in countless ways. Formerly serving as the Professional Staff Association chair, he worked collaboratively with the Support Staff and Faculty Associations to bring new community events to all employees. The award carries a $500 stipend.

Annabelle Friddle Outstanding Educator Award

Liz Phelps (pictured center), professor of Reading in the School of Humanities, was honored with the San Juan College Foundation Annabelle Friddle Outstanding Educator Award. Educators for this award are nominated and chosen by a panel of students. Phelps has been with San Juan College for 14 years, and students find her to be understanding and supportive. One student says, “She understands the importance of active participation and ensures that her students are not merely recipients of information, but active contributors to their own learning process.” The honoree receives a $2,500 cash award from the San Juan College Foundation, made possible by the generosity of the late Annabelle Friddle.