This year, FRCC created an exciting new opportunity to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of our teams across the college. The “You’ve Made a Pawsitive Impact” Award is designed to shine a spotlight on the hard work, collaboration and innovation that make our college thrive.
Join me in celebrating the nominated teams who go above and beyond the call of duty, whether through exceptional teamwork, creative problem-solving, significant impact on our college, or embodiment of our core values. As we celebrate their dedication and commitment to our work, keep reading to learn how these teams are making FRCC a place where our students and employees feel a deep sense of belonging.
Nomination 1: Empowering Student Success through Creativity and Innovation
This team is being nominated for Impact on the College. Imagine a group that bridges the gap between the classroom and the workplace, preparing students not just to enter the professional world, but to thrive in it. Through innovative experiential learning opportunities, they empower students to become confident, skilled, and industry-ready professionals.
This team doesn’t just teach—they inspire. From a student-run design agency that simulates the fast-paced collaboration of real clients and deadlines to portfolio reviews with industry professionals, they ensure students graduate with more than just knowledge—they leave with hands-on experience, confidence, and valuable connections.
They have built a legacy of creative excellence through initiatives like the Avant Art Magazine, showcasing student work, and the Plains Paradox, a cross-department collaboration with English faculty. Their annual Synergy Art Show and juried poster show celebrate student creativity, while partnerships with organizations like Mental Health Colorado give students the opportunity to work on impactful projects seen by real-world audiences.
But their impact extends beyond these projects. Their commitment to mentoring, advising, and offering career workshops ensures that students are prepared not just for a job, but for a fulfilling career. By fostering positive student relationships, they create an environment where students feel supported, valued, and encouraged to excel both personally and professionally.
This team’s influence reaches beyond the classroom, positively impacting both the college and the community. Local industry professionals consistently recognize the quality of their students, with many offering job opportunities directly following graduation. Within the college, their collaboration with departments and support for colleagues have strengthened the sense of unity across our campuses.
Who are these champions of creativity, innovation, and student success? They are the Multimedia Graphic Design team, led by Blake Welch, Maggie Adams, and Kristina Robbins. Please join me in celebrating the incredible contributions of this exceptional team!
This team was nominated by the Strategic Marketing and Communications division.
Nomination 2: Problem-Solving Behind the Scenes
This team is being nominated for Innovation and for Powering FRCC with Expertise and Positivity. When a campus need arises, this team swoops in faster than you can say “technical troubleshooting.” Whether tackling routine requests or diving into a complicated project like evaluating software specs, they approach every task with precision, collaboration, and positivity.
Their commitment to FRCC’s mission shines through in every interaction. Whether training student workers, who embody the same professionalism as full-time staff, or building a pipeline of talent passionate about education, this team ensures the college is future ready while maintaining smooth operations in the present.
They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every device hums to life, every connection holds steady, and every piece of technology serves as a bridge, not a barrier. As the quiet yet essential backbone of our college, they ensure our success with patience and positivity.
More than just a helpdesk, they are innovators, problem-solvers, and collaborators. They don’t just introduce new technology—they guide us through it, training both employees and students to harness its full potential. By anticipating needs, tackling challenges, and providing solutions, they keep us moving forward.
Their impact goes beyond routine tasks. They’ve stepped up during critical moments—loaning laptops to candidates in need, troubleshooting Open Forums for HR, and even saving the day at the Equity & Inclusion Summit when a hotel’s sound system failed, helping ensure every voice could be heard.
Who are these extraordinary problem-solvers, innovators, and unsung heroes? You’ve probably already guessed. It’s none other than our IT Department! Please join me in celebrating these behind-the-scenes superheroes for their quick responses, diverse expertise, and willingness to assist.
This team was nominated not once, but twice—by the Organizational Development & Human Resources division and by Finance & Administration.
Nomination 3: Champions of Community and Adaptability at FRCC
This team is nominated for Embodiment of College Values. Picture a group navigating waves of change—adjusting to a new organizational structure, embracing the One College model, and stepping up to fill gaps left by transitional changes/. Despite these challenges, they have remained steadfast, resilient, and committed to the values that define FRCC.
They have exemplified the meaning of community – one of FRCC’s core values. By adjusting their workflows to meet the college’s needs with precision and care, they have continued to collaborate, problem-solve, and deliver results, even under interim leadership.
Their ability to thrive amidst change is remarkable. From tackling everyday challenges to completing large-scale projects, their work has had a significant impact. A shining example of their commitment is the successful completion of the new Dental Hygiene suite—a project that required meticulous planning, coordination, and execution.
This team’s perseverance and dedication reflect their unwavering focus on advancing FRCC’s mission and fostering a thriving environment for students, staff, and faculty. So, who are these champions of community and adaptability?
They are none other than our collegewide Facilities Team! Let’s take a moment to celebrate their embodiment of FRCC’s core value of community and their outstanding contributions to the college. Congratulations Facilities.
This team was nominated by Academic Affairs.
Nomination 4: Heroes of Collaboration and Excellence
This team is nominated for Collaboration. Operating behind the scenes, they seamlessly orchestrate events, processes, and details that keep the entire college running smoothly—a group whose impact is felt in every corner of FRCC, even though they aren’t officially on the organizational chart. These key contributors ensure that our big ideas transform into reality with precision and excellence.
This cross-functional, interdepartmental team is known for their unparalleled organization, diligent follow-up, and deep knowledge of college guidelines, processes, and procedures. They excel at keeping everything moving forward, often making the rest of us look good in the process.
Their contributions are extraordinary. Whether managing events like College Conversations, In-Service, Nerd Out & Network, student and faculty events, or countless other initiatives, this team ensures every detail is meticulously handled. They turn concepts into action, drive process improvements, and play a pivotal role in making FRCC shine.
So, who are these behind-the-scenes champions? It’s none other than The A-Team—FRCC’s squad of Executive Assistants, Admins, and Support Staff! Let’s take a moment to recognize their exceptional teamwork, tireless dedication, and the vital role they play in our success.
This team was nominated by Enrollment Management & Student Success.
Nomination 5: Embodying Support, Service and Community at FRCC
This team is being nominated for Embodiment of College Values and Impact on the College. They consistently rise to the occasion, regardless of the challenges thrown their way. They embody FRCC’s value of recognizing the incredible contributions of our employees. Over the past year, this group has worked hand in hand with Academic Affairs, navigating everything from unexpected retirements and departures to the complexities of FLAC emergencies.
Through every challenge, they have remained a steadfast partner, ensuring teams are fully staffed and employees receive the compensation they deserve. Their perseverance has been extraordinary. Despite the departure of a trusted leader, they’ve continued to greet every candidate with a welcoming smile, offer thoughtful responses, and serve as a sounding board for brainstorming and problem-solving.
What truly sets this team apart is their commitment to going above and beyond. Whether tackling last-minute challenges, offering guidance, or simply being a positive and collaborative presence, they exemplify the value of uplifting others.
So, who are these champions of support, service, and community at FRCC? I’m sure you’ve guessed–It’s none other than our incredible Human Resources Team! Let’s celebrate their outstanding contributions and critical role in ensuring the success and well-being of our college community.
This team was nominated by both Academic Affairs and Strategy & Innovation.
Nomination 6: Transforming Onboarding with Innovation and Efficiency
This team is being nominated for Innovation. Picture this: a longstanding challenge that had frustrated employees for years—a process so outdated and cumbersome it created unnecessary roadblocks for new hires trying to hit the ground running. A team stepped up, not because they were asked to, but because they saw an opportunity to make things better. They approached the challenge with creativity, determination, and a collaborative spirit, refusing to settle for anything less than a solution that would make a real difference.
They dove deep, analyzing bottlenecks, questioning outdated workflows, and daring to envision something completely new. Piece by piece, they reimagined the system—automating steps, streamlining approvals, and creating tools that not only worked but worked seamlessly. The results were transformative: a process that once took weeks now takes just days, empowering new employees to get started quickly and effectively.
Their innovative solutions set a new standard—not just for responsiveness and efficiency, but for what can happen when a team embraces creativity and ownership. They didn’t just solve a problem; they raised the bar, making FRCC a better place to work for everyone.
So, who are the masterminds behind this achievement? Please join me in celebrating the HR Operations Team!
This team was nominated by Enrollment Management & Student Success.
Nomination 7: Architects of Stability and Strength
This team is being nominated for Impact on the College. They quietly work behind the scenes, their efforts not always noticed but absolutely essential. They are the steady hands that ensure the college remains on solid ground, even in the face of uncertainty. When times are tough, they’re the ones who ensure that FRCC doesn’t just survive, but thrives—resilient and ready to serve students no matter the challenge.
Though they don’t seek the spotlight, their impact is felt across the institution. Through meticulous planning, tireless effort, and unwavering dedication, they’ve built and maintained a firm financial foundation that enables FRCC to fulfill its mission. Their work provides the stability that allows students to learn, faculty to teach, and staff to innovate—all thanks to the critical foundation this team has created.
So, who are the unsung architects of FRCC’s financial strength? Let’s give a well-deserved round of applause to the Budgets & Auxiliary Services Team!
This team was nominated by Contracts & Purchasing.
Congratulations to All Our Nominees!
Congratulations to all of our nominees and our trophy-holder, FRCC’s IT Department. But keep in mind, everyone nominated above is truly a winner and their work changes lives. The “Pawsitive Impact” Award is simply another way for us to highlight the heart of what makes FRCC so special—our people.
Every nomination above showcases the dedication, creativity and collaboration that move our college forward. Thank you for your participation, and let’s continue to support one another in making FRCC an even better place for our students, faculty and staff.
