NORFOLK, NE – Three Northeast Community College faculty and staff members were recognized with awards from US Bank during the College’s spring semester In-Service recently.
The US Bank Great Performer Awards annually honor employees who have been nominated for their outstanding contributions to the College. The bank, or its predecessor institutions, has presented the awards since 1993.
This year’s honorees and their awards include: Brad Vogt, US Bank Great Performer Award for Teaching Excellence – Full-time Faculty; Shanelle Grudzinski, US Bank Great Performer Award - Professional Managerial; and Rosa Arreguin, US Bank Great Performer Award - Classified Staff.
Vogt has been employed by Northeast Community College as an information technology (IT) instructor since August 2000.
One of his nominators said, “Brad demonstrates the core values of being a full-time faculty member here at Northeast by being a leader to his students. He assists with Skills USA (competitions) and is the current advisor for the Information Technology Club. He demonstrates the core values by being a team player.”
In 2018, Vogt spent countless hours working with key Northeast individuals and others to complete the documentation necessary to have the college designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Two-Year Education (CAE2Y) institution by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Northeast is one of 16 new centers, bringing to 70 the number of two-year colleges in the United States with the CAE2Y designation.
As one of Vogt’s students said, “He always goes the extra mile for his students.”
Another student said he pushes them to reach their potential. He said Vogt establishes a team atmosphere in class.
“This structure encourages us to work together and teach each other. He takes on several different approaches in the classroom, making it friendly to anyone who learns in a different way,” the student said. “Mr. Vogt puts a focus on maximizing the certifications you earn while in school because he understands the IT field and how necessary certifications are to getting a good job.”
“Shanelle (Grudzinski) goes above and beyond in her position daily. She is passionate about education and is deeply connected to faculty. She takes her time with all students and parents, creating a close connection with all,” her nomination reads.
Grudzinski, associate dean of applied technology, has been employed at Northeast since 2009. Previously, she served as a renewable fuels coordinator/trainer and a diversified manufacturing technology instructor.
Grudzinski is always up for a challenge and can be counted on to come through at all times.
Another nominator said, “When we talk about changing our game to meet the needs of students, Shanelle is that person. She seeks solutions and implements changes that create opportunities for students and faculty. If you step into the Applied Technology building, you will find Shanelle giving a tour, working with students, assisting faculty, leading a team project or teaching a class. When it comes to teamwork and commitment to Northeast, Shanelle Grudzinski is truly a Northeast premier employee.”
Another nominator said that Grudzinski is dedicated to the profession of education and her passion for student learning is second to none.
“Shanelle spends numerous hours helping students and assisting instructors as needed to ensure they have resources and training needed to be successful in the classroom. She is a team player who is always willing to ‘roll up her sleeves’ to get the job done.”
Arreguin is a custodian in the Lifelong Learning Center (LLC). She started in her position at Northeast Community College in 2014.
Her nominators said, “Rosa is a team player. She is always willing to help out whenever needed. As a leader, Rosa sets a great example of training others. She always stays busy; takes pride in her work, which shows in her upkeep and the appearance of the LLC. Rosa inspires and motivates others on the operations team, and is resourceful in approaching assigned responsibilities.”
In addition, customers who interact with Arreguin said that she is always friendly and professional, and does a great job.
Her nominators said that she is a perfect example of a great performer. She is always willing to help those around her and is happy to stay late in order to do so. She always has a positive attitude and is always smiling, which has been noted by both her nominators and customers of the LLC.
As one nominator said, “Rosa goes above and beyond.”
Troy Strom, president of US Bank, Norfolk, was joined by Dr. Michael Chipps, college president, in presenting the awards.
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PHOTO IDs: Brad Vogt, Shanelle Grudzinski, and Rosa Arreguin.