Recognition & Awards
Employee and Students
Dr. Merlin E. Eisenbise Service in the Classroom Award
Elaine Holley Coats Service Excellence Award • John Schaub Student Volunteer Award
Marie E. Rosenwasser President’s Leadership Award • Outstanding Academic Employee Award
Outstanding Classified Employee Award • Outstanding Student Citizen Award
Outstanding Management Employee Award • Peter and M’May Diffley Faculty Excellence Award
Teaching Excellence Award • Virginia Sullivan Inspirational Faculty Award
Dr. Merlin E. Eisenbise
Service in the Classroom Award
Coming Soon, 2024
First awarded in 2002, the award is given in honor of the District’s first Superintendent/President.
The Dr. Merlin E. Eisenbise Service in the Classroom Award recognizes direct service
in the classroom
that extends our ability to help students. This award is honored at the Annual Awards
Luncheon.
Previous Recipients: Not Awarded (2023), Not Awarded (2022), Not Awarded (2021), Not Awarded (2020),
Not Awarded (2019), Not Awarded (2018), Marcus Ziedses des Plantes (2017), Jeffrey
Gervasi (2016), George Pudlo (2015), Vera Wallen (2014), Mike Fontes (2013), Ronald
Whisenand (2012), Hannah Slobodnik (2011), Robbie Fraser (2010),
Ernie Cementina (2009), John McCabe (2009), Paul DeLine (2007), Jennifer Din (2006),
Penny Madden (2005),
SLO Automotive Service Council Chapter 17 (2004), Robbie Fraser (2003), and Vincent
Carlone (2002).
Nominate the next recipient!
Elaine Holley Coats Service
Excellence Award
Scott DeMello and Bob Richerson, 23-2024
Established as an endowment fund by the Foundation Board of Directors and named in
honor of Elaine Holley Coats,
the first classified employee of Cuesta College, who represents the epitome of service
excellence. A cash gift
recognizes distinguished performance and excellence in service at Cuesta College.
The criteria for eligible employees
include having worked for Cuesta College for four years or more as a permanent
full-time or part-time employee and non-teaching who demonstrates distinguished job
performance and
excellence in service beyond normal job expectations. This award is honored at Spring
Opening Day (January).
Previous Recipients: Cathie Babb (2022-23), Adrienne Smith (2021-22), Que Dang (2020-21), Mark Sparlin
(2019-20), Magnolia Stork (2018-19), Estella Vazquez (2017-18), Vicki Schemmer (2016-17),
Karen Andrews (2015-16),
Kris Wayland (2014-15), Lynn Maul (2013-14), Loren Buckingham (2012-13), Lisa Gray
(2011-12), Kevin Whitten (2010-11), Lana Rauch (2009-10), Dorrae Kim (2008-09), Ilene
French & Sara Kennedy (2007-08),
Mary Hastings & Linda Scott (2006-07), Ruth Kirstater (2005-06), Kristin Pimentel
(2004-05), Terry Croxton (2003-04),
Patrick Elias (2002-03), Jeff Malmen (2001-02), Sharon Brazell (2000-01), Bea Anderson
(1999-00),
Judi Scott-Dewing (1998-99), Patty Riley (1997-98), Lori Lawson (1996-97), Valerie
Ferrero (1995-96), and
Lorene Leyva (1994-95).
Nominate the next recipient!
John Schaub Student
Volunteer Award
Coming Soon, 2024
First awarded in 2001, the award is given to a student whose community volunteer work
best exemplifies
the high standards established by the college’s first dean of students whose trailblazing
work in creating
programs for student success has helped thousands of students achieve their goals.
This award is honored at the Annual Awards Luncheon.
Previous Recipients: Not Awarded (2023) ,Not Awarded (2022), Not Awarded (2021), Levi Johnson (2020),
Jasmin Wyatt (2019), Kailey Schwabenland (2018), Mia Alexander and Gabriela Perez
(2017), Chanda Miller (2016),
Nicolas Lopez (2015), Sabrina Bussell (2014), Simon Rowe (2013), Becca Ponce (2012),
Nick Seawater (2011),
Joe Vanherweg (2010), Bianca Widmark (2009), Richie Kline (2008), Marilu Ramirez (2007),
Alisa Lord (2006),
Karen Hysell (2005), Sean Dunn and Alpha Gamma Sigma (2004), Roger Rich (2003),
Sandra Anderson and Rolisa Simon (2002), and James Holloway (2001).
Nominate the next recipient!
Marie E. Rosenwasser
President’s Leadership Award
Gabriel Cuarenta-Gallegos, 2023
Any Cuesta College employee is eligible.
The criteria for this award is reserved for any employee who uses leadership skills
to tackle a problem,
who takes some risk, is patient and persistent and achieves a result that brings institutional
change.
A leader recognizes a need, analyzes the problem, finds resources, plans solutions
and acts.
This award is honored at Fall Opening Day (August).
Note: In 2010, the award was renamed the Marie E. Rosenwasser President’s Leadership Award
Previous Recipients: Nicole Johnson (2022), Heather Tucker (2021), Ritchie Bermudez (2020), Dr. Lara Baxley
and
Heidi Webber (2019), Brian McAlister (2018), Patrick Scott (2017), Bill Demarest (2016),
Dr. Kevin Bontenbal (2015),
Dr. Greg Baxley (2014), Allison Merzon (2013), Dr. Deborah Wulff (2012), Margaret
Korisheli (2011), Stacy Pointer (2010), Janice House (2009), Sandee L. McLaughlin
(2008), Terry Reece (2007), Dr. Mary N. Parker (2006), Toni Sommer (2005),
Dr. Susan J. Dressler and Dr. Gilbert H. Stork (2004), and Dennis Baeyen (2003).
The Superintendent/President selects one employee annually.
Outstanding Academic
Employee Award
Alex Kahane, 2023
With the exception of the Superintendent/President, all full-time academic staff with
four or more years of service
and part-time temporary academic staff with eight or more years of service with the
District, at the time of nomination,
are eligible to receive the award. This award is honored at Fall Opening Day (August).
Criteria includes promoted and/or supported student learning and/or institutional
effectiveness outcomes and/or institutional goals/objectives and demonstrated the
established values as stated in the District’s Vision,
Mission, Values. In addition, specific accomplishments, contributions or qualities
that make your nominee
an outstanding candidate (examples: professional contributions, mentoring and community
service).
Other criteria considered is the employee’s dedication, loyalty and enthusiasm to
his/her job and the College;
enthusiasm and willingness for assisting others and maintaining cooperative relationships
with faculty, staff, and students and showing initiative in achieving contributions
to the College and community.
Previous Recipients: Gabriel Cuarenta-Gallegos (2022), Thea Labrenz (2021), Cynthia Wilshusen (2020),
Rob Thoresen (2019), Gary Rubin (2018), Chris Gilbert (2017), Cherie Moore (2016),
Marie Larsen (2015),
Sally Demarest (2014), Petra Clayton (2013), Not Awarded (2012), Greg Baxley (2011),
Allison Merzon (2010),
John Knutson (2009), Madeline Medeiros (2008), Douglas Pillsbury (2007), Diane Lichty
(2006), George Stone (2005),
Judy Barclay (2004), Dwight Panter (2003), Bob Marshall (2002), Dick Hitchman (2001),
Bill Richmond (2000),
Guyla Amyx (1999), Randy Gold (1998), Nella Girolo (1997), Cheryl Ziehl (1996), Mary
El Hansen (1995), Bill Fairbanks (1994), Chet Amyx (1993), Warren Balfour (1992),
Mary Lou Wilhelm (1991), Dave Kelley (1990), Hal Platou (1989), and
Joe Brundage (1988).
Nominate the next recipient!
Outstanding Classified
Employee Award
Terri Vanderhouven, 2023
All full-time classified staff with four or more years of service and part-time staff
with eight or more years of service with the District, at the time of nomination, are eligible to receive the award. This
award is honored at Fall Opening Day (August).
Criteria includes promoted and/or supported student learning and/or institutional
effectiveness outcomes and/or institutional goals/objectives and demonstrated the
established values as stated in the District’s Vision, Mission, Values. In addition,
specific accomplishments, contributions or qualities that make your nominee an outstanding
candidate
(examples: professional contributions, mentoring and community service).
Other criteria considered is the employee’s dedication, loyalty and enthusiasm to
his/her job and the College;
enthusiasm and willingness for assisting others and maintaining cooperative relationships
with
faculty, staff, and students and showing initiative in achieving contributions to
the College and community.
Previous Recipients: Mylea Christensen (2022), Kristina Vastine (2021), Eva Brown (2020), Karen Garza
(2019),
Denise McDonough (2018), Sean Landers (2017), Claudia Ferriday (2016), April McGee
(2015), Susan Dominguez (2014), Dina Baca-Ebeling (2013), No Award (2012), Jim Dewing
(2011), Tommy Gin (2010), Eric McDonald (2009),
Kathy DeCou (2008), Delfina Medina-Maloney (2007), Bea Anderson (2006), Diane Limon
(2005), Maryann LaCross (2004), Claudia Hayner (2003), Leanne Fiorentino (2002), Kathy
Thorp-Silva (2001), Gloria Fazio (2000), Lori Yoshiyama (1999),
Mary Carpenter (1998), Pam Hunsaker (1997), Connie Wambolt (1996), Darlene Meissner
(1995), Maria Jones (1994),
Bill Grant (1993), Doug Gabriel (1992), Sally Cook (1991), Marcia Munson (1990), Yolanda
Waddell (1989), and
Elaine Stade-Coats (1988).
Nominate the next recipient!
Outstanding Student
Citizen Award
Coming Soon, 2024
Recognizing outstanding service to Cuesta College or to the community.
This award is honored at the Annual Awards Luncheon.
Previous Recipients: Not Awarded (2023), Not Awarded (2022), Not Awarded (2021), Not Awarded (2020),
Not Awarded (2019), Not Awarded (2018), Not Awarded (20147, Not Awarded (2016) Not
Awarded (2015),
Not Awarded (2014), (Nicholas Trujillo (2013), Monty Dodge and Jake Odello (2012),
Jeremy Kantner (2010),
Jasmine Dollahite and Shawn Moore (2009), Danny Maddelein (2008), and Tom Weidner
(2007).
Nominate the next recipient!
(Coming Soon)
Outstanding Management Senate
Employee Award
Cindy Dilbeck, 2023
All full-time manager/supervisor/confidential staff with four or more years of service
with the District,
at the time of nomination, are eligible to receive the award. This award is honored
at Fall Opening Day (August).
Criteria includes promoted and/or supported student learning and/or institutional
effectiveness outcomes and/or institutional goals/objectives and demonstrated the
established values as stated in the District’s Vision, Mission, Values. In addition,
specific accomplishments, contributions or qualities that make your nominee an outstanding
candidate
(examples: professional contributions, mentoring and community service).
Other criteria considered is the employee’s dedication, loyalty and enthusiasm to
his/her job and the College;
enthusiasm and willingness for assisting others and maintaining cooperative relationships
with faculty, staff, and students and showing initiative in achieving contributions
to the College and community.
Previous Recipients: Stephanie Federico (2022), Madeline Medeiros Taylor (2021), Janet Shephard (2020),
Mia Ruiz (2019), Jason Hopkins (2018), Erin Lastreto (2017), Kristin Pimentel (2016),
Sabrina Robertson (2015), Kasey DeBernardi (2014), Cande Munoz (2013), No Award (2012),
Ryan Cartnal (2011), Matthew Green (2010), Bob Mariucci (2009),
Lori Lawson (2008), Janice House (2007), Jeff Malmen (2006), Terry Reece (2005), Anne
Bachmann (2004), Linda Long (2003),
Joy Chambers Gadbois (2002), Mary Parker (2001), Sandee McLaughlin (2000), Barbara
George (1999),
Orv Hendricks (1998), Bob Evans (1997), and Ann Grant (1996).
Nominate the next recipient!
Peter and M’May Diffley
Faculty Excellence Award
Dr. Silvio Favoreto, 2024
The award recognizes faculty excellence and includes a cash award. The memorial endowment
(originally titled the “M’May Diffley Award for Faculty Excellence”)
was established by Peter Diffley in the name of his wife M’May Diffley who passed
away in January 1987.
This award is honored at Spring Opening Day (January).
Eligibility: The primary criterion is excellence in the role as a teacher at Cuesta College.
Full and part-time faculty members are eligible. In addition, one or more of the following
criteria must apply:
community and/or campus activism (position action to achieve an end), environmental/ecological
concerns,
involvement in the arts (poetry, painting, etc.) and special motivation to science
students.
Previous Recipients: Laurie McConnico (2023), Kate Porter (2022), Dean Harrell (2021), Monica Millard
(2020),
Jim West (2019), Richard Jackson (2018), Bret Clark (2017), Jeff Grover (2016), no
award (2015), Cynthia Wilshusen (2014), Thomas Patchell (2013), Inga Swearingen (2012),
Patrick Len (2011), Barb Miller (2010), Mike Holmes (2009),
Hedy Carra (2008), Ron Ruppert (2007), no award (2006), No Award (2005), Leslie Sutcliffe
(2004), Brian Kreowski (2003), Matt Fleming (2002), Bob Pelfrey (2001), Pat Hughes
(2000), Douglas Pillsbury (1999), Nancy Culver (1998),
Pete Pedersen (1997), Mark Tomes (1996), Richard Johnson (1995), H. Christian Thorup
(1994), Lonnie Belden (1993),
Janis Ward (1992), Ron Ruppert (1991), Nancy Mann (1990), and Marilyn Rossa (1989).
Nominate the next recipient!
Teaching Excellence Award
Denae Boggs, 2023-24
The focus of this award is on teaching excellence. Its purpose is to recognize faculty
who show leadership in course organization and presentation while keeping current with educational methodology.
The criteria includes a current, regular (tenured) or temporary full-time or part-time instructor who has taught at
Cuesta College for a minimum of five years and has fulfilled at least three full-time equivalent years. In addition,
they have exhibited leadership in course organization and presentation, evidenced good use of current educational
methodology and have participated in professional growth activities that directly
relate to teaching.
This award is honored at Fall Opening Day (August).
Previous Recipients: Kelli Gottlieb (2022-23), Beth Ann Dumas (2021-22), Brent Lamon (2020-21),
Denise Chellesen (2019-20), Anthony Koeninger (2018-19), Dennis Baeyen (2017-18),
Chris Gilbert (2016-17),
Lise Mifsud (2015-16), Dawn Smith (2014-15), Don Norton (2013-14), Linda Harris (2012-13),
Ann Maliszewski (2011-12), Toni Torrey (2010-11), Kevin Bontenbal (2009-10), Mark
Turner (2008-09), Marcia Scott (2007-08), Mark Weber (2006-07), Kent Brudney (2005-06),
Jeff Jones (2004-05), Nancy Shearer (2003-04), Margaret Colllier (2002-03), Pam Peachey
(2001-02), Richard Stone (2000-01), Lenore Erickson (1999-00), Judy Hendricks (1998-99),
Richard Hitchman (1997-98),
Bob Pelfrey and Joe Brundage (1996-97), Dan Canney (1995-96), and Beverly Mick (1994-95).
Nominate the next recipient!
Virginia Sullivan
Inspirational Faculty Award
Coming Soon, 2024
Cuesta College Emeritus Jack Sullivan established this award in 2013, in the name
of his late mother,
Virginia Sullivan, who served as a model of inspiration and encouragement to colleagues.
The focus of this award is on the fostering and/or exhibition of characteristics that
support the growth and overall well-being of faculty colleagues. Its purpose is to
recognize dynamic, motivating, and nurturing faculty who create a positive work environment
through acts that support morale, provide expertise and mentoring, and/or contribute
to the mental health of colleagues. This award is honored at Spring Opening Day (January).
Previous Recipients: Not Awarded (2023), Not Awarded (2022), Not Awarded (2021), Not Awarded (2020),
Not Awarded (2019), Not Awarded (2018), Not Awarded (2017), Jani Johnson (2016), Mike
Kinter (2015) and
Cheri Moore (2014).