NECC President Lane Glenn, Shawn Patti, Sue Tashjian, and Kevin Mitchell

The Employee Recognition Award recognizes the many and varied contributions of the college’s nearly 700 employees. Employees are selected each quarter based on recommendations from supervisors and co-workers. Recipients receive a $150 certificate to the restaurant or mall of his or her choice.

Mitchell, has taught in the department of natural science for five years. He was nominated by fellow professor Mike Cross who wrote, “Kevin is an extremely dedicated professor…he is constantly improving his teaching methods. For example, over the summer he completely redid the entire lab manual for Physiological Chemistry without any external reward. He was simply concerned with the efficacy of the current manual and decided to come up with labs that were safe, effective and enjoyable for the students…Kevin is always concerned with what is best for his students… He consistently puts the needs of his students above his own.”

Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry from California Polytechnic State University and a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Tashjian, who has worked at the college for eight years, is the coordinator of Instructional Technology in NECC’s Center for Instructional Technology and Distance Learning. She works with faculty to design and develop both online and hybrid courses and assist them with their instructional technology needs in the classroom.

She was nominated by her colleague Cherie Hagen who wrote “Sue goes above and beyond her duties on a daily basis. As a CIT team member she is delightful to work, always bringing laughter, a smile, but most importantly, a valuable contribution to the table. Team projects are fulfilling and successful, thanks to her participation… Sue is loved by faculty throughout the college. They look forward to coming to CIT to work with her and get a sense of reassurance from her…”

Tashjian holds a Bachelor Science Degree in Business Studies from Southern New Hampshire University and a Master of Education in Instructional Design from UMass Boston.

Patti, associate director of management information systems (MIS) has worked at NECC for just under two years. He was nominated by Nathan Gilbert, director of online communications who lauded Patti for helping to improve the online user experience for all students, staff, and faculty on campus.

“He is one of those rare individuals whose work ethic, patience, and incredible competence help everyone else’s day run smoother…”

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from Northeastern University.

For additional information contact Mary Chatigny, director of NECC human resources at 978-556-3925 or mchatigny@necc.mass.edu.

Recent retirees Judith Kamber, faculty and staff development and Roland Leary, maintenance, were honored at the Employee Service Recognition Luncheon.

One-hundred and twenty-five longtime members of Northern Essex Community College’s faculty and staff were recognized for their service to the college at a luncheon on Friday, Nov. 1 on the Haverhill Campus.
President Lane Glenn welcomed the group and presented awards to employees celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years with the college as well as those who retired this year.

Calling this luncheon one of his “favorite events at the college”, Glenn praised the group for their contributions to the college. “Collectively, you have been educating our students for just over 1,500 years.”

Nine members of the faculty and staff who recently retired were also recognized including Cynthia Crivaro, Behavioral Sciences; Susan Grolnic, Art; Business, Communication & Technology; Judith Kamber, Faculty and Staff Development; Jillian Knowles, Math; Roland Leary, Maintenance; Jose Montanez, Marketing & Publications; Cecelia Sederman, Medical Assistant Program; Thomas White, Natural Science; and Rose Yates, Nursing.

View a full list of everyone who was recognized at the luncheon including their years of service.

Hosted by Office of Human Resource Development, this luncheon is held annually.

Mike Cross and Analuz Garcia

Michael Cross, 33, assistant professor of chemistry, and Analuz Garcia, 36, coordinator of student activities and engagement, both received the awards, which honor “young movers and shakers” in the Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.  Each year hundreds of individuals who live and work in the region are nominated for this honor and a committee of journalists and community representatives select the top 40 to be honored.

Mike Cross, one of MVB's 40 under 40

Cross was nominated by President Lane Glenn who called Cross “a gifted teacher who uses his talents to spread his passion for chemistry throughout the Merrimack Valley.”

In his nomination, Glenn credited Cross with making an often difficult subject “understandable and fun” by using games and magic tricks to communicate key concepts.

He also mentioned that Cross is one of the most popular speakers in the college’s Speakers Bureau and the founder of the college’s Bacon Board Gamers, a club for students who enjoy playing board games.

Professor Cross lives with his wife and three young children in Atkinson, NH.  He holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Utah where he specialized in oxidative lesions in DNA and RNA.

Analuz Garcia, one of MVB's 40 under 40

Garcia, of Lawrence, was nominated by several of her colleagues including staff members Martha Leavitt and Karletty Medina, former staff member Colleen Walsh, and Professor Magdalena Suarez-Shannon.

Calling Garcia “an advocate for student success”, Suarez-Shannon wrote “Analuz is a young woman who shares her sage-like wisdom with any and all who request it.”

Originally hired as a financial aid counselor at Northern Essex, Garcia found her passion was “helping students.”  As coordinator of student engagement and activities, she co-advises the NECC student senate, leads orientations for new students, plans student events, and offers guidance to students and faculty advisors to student clubs.

Her best career advice is to “Do what you love” and, according to her colleagues, it is obvious Garcia loves her work.

Married and the mother of 8-year old twins, Garcia was the first in her family to earn a college degree when she graduated from St. John’s University in Queens, NY in 1999.

Each year, MVB — a sister publication to The Eagle-Tribune, honors 40 people under 40 years of age for their outstanding contributions to the business and broader community. Last year’s winners were chosen from hundreds of nominees, and even more entries are expected this year.