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Campus leaders at Iowa Valley Community College District were recognized for outstanding service on Aug. 13 during All-Iowa Valley Day, a kickoff to the new school year held at Marshalltown Community College.

Pictured: (Front, L to R) Kim Brinkmeyer, Cindy Uhlenberg, Amee Schmidt; (Back, L to R) Theresa Orlovsky, Ben Tanoff, Evan Frodermann, Andrew Goforth, Nate Rodemeyer, Tim Castle

The District presented the awards as follows:

Outstanding Service Awards: The purpose of the Outstanding Service Awards is to recognize employees who have been nominated by their peers in the spring for exemplary performance that best represents each of IVCCD’s Six Core Values.

Core Value: Educational Excellence – Evan Frodermann

The award nomination reads, in part: “Over the past year, the winner of this award has revitalized a previously outdated classroom and program, turning it into a respected educational space. He has updated equipment and curriculum, forged connections with local engineering groups and ISU, and significantly increased the program’s enrollment. His efforts include providing students with opportunities to engage with experts, participate in unique extracurriculars like Battle Bots, and receive personalized advising and tutoring. Dr. Frodermann also promotes MCC through various events, revitalized course offerings, and demonstrates a commitment to meeting individual student needs through flexible learning options. His dedication extends beyond the classroom, as he actively contributes to the Math Science Division and volunteers in student activities.”

Core Value: Leadership and Communication – Ben Tanoff

The award nomination reads, in part: “Ben cares deeply about our student body and ran our program/housing while Coach Bender was in and out having a baby in January in the middle of our season. He is an extremely detailed worker, coach, instructor and is always displaying improved leadership attributes and habits by modeling the way for our student athletes, fellow coaches and employees of ECC. He has contributed in many aspects such as adjunct professor, running the study halls for our team of 20 students and is a first responder to many issues on the suites/apt side of campus.With his leadership, we logged over 20 hours of community service and 40 hours of fundraising this year as a basketball program. He is a humble leader and takes his job serious with extreme urgency and care and is a great ambassador of our college in our community.”

Core Value: Develops Partnerships to Support Educational Opportunities – Tim Castle

The award nomination reads, in part: “Tim Castle personifies ‘Outstanding Service,’ not only sharing his abilities through his own work but applying that passion and commitment to the classroom and MCC’s environment.

Every year, Tim enhances MCC’s campus by providing/installing artwork throughout the hallways, offices and departments. During construction, he took time to consult on the new Hall of Care and oversaw the relocation/installation of the Seven Cubes artwork on the campus’ west side.

Tim’s dedication to academics is seen daily through his instruction and classes. Colleagues speak of his kindness, unselfishness, and being “genuinely concerned with the well-being of the ‘whole student.’” He is always making time for his students and creating a positive environment. Additionally, Tim nurtures talent and provide opportunities for students, past and present.

During Tim’s 25+ years, he has run the Ray Frederick Art Gallery, hosting artists from local/ surrounding communities, as well as student shows each fall/spring. Tim freely gives of his time and energy, which is described as “the equivalent of putting on a campus-wide event nearly monthly.” In spring 2024, Tim collaborated with the DEI Committee’s Industrial Arts Exhibit. This showcased artwork created by faculty/staff in the Construction, Electro-Mechanical, Machine Tool Technology, Natural Gas Technician and Welding programs.’”

Core Value: Recognition of students, employees, and community members for contributions and outstanding achievements aligning with our Vision, Mission and Core Values – Theresa Orlovsky

The award nomination reads, in part: “Theresa is not only an engaging teacher and beloved by her students, but she organizes/leads the multicultural club and is the humanities division liaison. Her leadership has guided her division through the onset of a program review, and Theresa has consistently provided direction and assistance on a weekly basis. One thing one notices immediately is how Theresa reaches out for input, valuing what the group thinks about any given decision. She is reliable for her coworkers and a source of joy and exploration for her students. She genuinely enjoys giving back to others, especially those who are new to MCC and even the U.S. Theresa Orlovsky makes IVCCD a better place to work, get an education, and simply coexist through her outstanding service.”

Core Value: Continuous Quality Improvement – Cindy Uhlenberg

The award nomination reads, in part: “Cindy is the first person to get on board with improving a process and eliminating unnecessary barriers. She does this for students and her colleagues alike. She is efficient in her work and always looks for ways to improve things. She has been heard saying many times, “Here is how we did it last year; how can we build and improve on it for this year?” Cindy is not afraid to ask, “Why?” and she is always willing to listen to ideas on how things can be improved. Cindy takes a beginning idea and she looks for the details to make it better. When picking furniture for our new dorms she would look at the space and the purpose of each room and consider comfort, function, and efficiency with all designs. She agonized over product samples. Often snagging people to ask, “What do you think of this color? Or this tile?” She was not afraid to stand up for what would benefit our students who would actually be living in these spaces over the designers of these spaces and would often tell them point blank, “No, bring back this table, move this here, let’s put this piece in a different space and find something else for here”. The spaces without her would have been fine, but the spaces after her input are incredible, thoughtful, and the home away from home that all parents would want for their child.”

Core Value: Growth and Sustainability – Nate Rodemeyer, Andrew Goforth and the MCC Esports Team

The award nomination reads, in part: “MCC’s Esports Team has shown remarkable growth since its start in the fall of 2022. Under the leadership of Andrew and Nate the team has not only accomplished numerous accolades including winning several national championships, but Andrew and Nate have created a culture of excellence for their program.

The culture that Nate and Andrew have created for Esports team is one of excellence, inclusion, accountability and comradery. The Esports team at MCC is one that has garnered the attention of the top Esports athletes from around the state of Iowa. MCC is an elite destination for these top athletes. Besides being an elite destination for Esports once team members arrive to MCC they are able to learn from Andrew and Nate who spend countless hours helping these athletes perfect their craft. Beyond their coaching Andrew and Nate take a holistic approach with their team helping them become well rounded college students.

Andrew and Nate have been able to optimize the resources they have including the lab and scholarship allocation even with a growing roster of athletes. They have been able to maximize their space in the arena while also providing the best experience for their athletes.”

Core Value: Diverse and Inclusive Culture ensuring access, equity, dignity, and respect for all – Kim Brinkmeyer and Amee Schmidt

The award nomination reads, in part, “As a college we are always trying to pay attention to diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects. Kim [Brinkmeyer] started in TRIO in 2021 and hit the ground running to really level up our TRIO programming.  Since she has taken over the TRIO Coordinator role our visibility in the community and on campus has grown.  Kim has shifted our programing to incorporate a monthly focus on areas of Mental Wellness, Women’s History, Black History Month, Developmental Disabilities, Stress Awareness, Self Care, Global Diversity Awareness, Hispanic Heritage Month, Native American Month and more.  This year Kim brought Soul Food to campus with the help of dining services.  Soul food day brought in over 200 faculty, staff and students to eat together.  Kim has done a great job partnering with Student Engagement to offer campus wide speakers.  Kim also has brought National Volunteer Week opportunities to TRIO students in the last two years; activities have included, reading to grade school children, serving at the United Methodist Church Community Meal, cleaning up around campus, helping at the local Church Women’s United Thrift store and more. Kim has had a booth for National Coming Out Pride Day along with taking students to the Iowa Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ youth.”

“Amee [Schmidt] is the definition of this award. She welcomes students who have various backgrounds, interests, and ideas and makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome. From her gaming clubs to food pantry updates to her emcee duties at Hot Wings and Hot Topics, Amee does so much for diversity and inclusivity at MCC. We say we welcome everyone on campus, but Amee goes out of her way to ensure this is 100% true.

She is a tireless advocate of our student body and never lets anyone feel left out no matter what. As chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, she sponsored our International Women’s Day event back in March. Then, in April, we (faculty and students alike!) welcomed Dr. Kesho Scott for an informative and stimulating set of talks thanks in large part to Amee’s tireless direction. We are lucky to have her and should recognize that with this award.”