ATTACHED PHOTO – Pictured left to right, front row: Kim Brinkmeyer, Cindy Uhlenberg, Amee Schmidt; back row: Theresa Orlovsky, Ben Tanoff, Evan Frodermann, Andrew Goforth, Nate Rodemeyer and Tim Castle with the Outstanding Service Awards.

Iowa Valley Community College District campus leaders were honored for outstanding achievements on August 13 at All-Iowa Valley Day, the kickoff day of the new school year at Marshalltown Community College.

The district presented the awards as follows:

Outstanding Service Awards: The Outstanding Service Awards recognize employees nominated by their peers in the spring for exemplary performance that best represents the six core values ​​of the IVCCD.

• Core Value: Educational Excellence – Evan Frodermann

The nomination for the award states, in part, “Over the past year, the winner of this award has revitalized a previously outdated classroom and program and transformed it into a respected educational space. He has updated equipment and curriculum, established relationships with local engineering groups and ISU, and significantly increased the program’s enrollment numbers. His efforts include providing students with opportunities to work with experts, participate in unique extracurricular activities such as Battle Bots, and receive personalized advice and tutoring. Dr. Frodermann also promotes MCC through various events, has revitalized course offerings, and demonstrates his commitment to meeting students’ individual needs through flexible learning options. His involvement extends beyond the classroom as he actively contributes to the Math and Science Department and volunteers in student activities.”

• Core Value: Leadership and Communication – Ben Tanoff

The nomination for the award states in part, “Ben cares deeply about our student body and has led our program/housing while Coach Bender had a baby in January mid-season. He is extremely diligent in his work, coaching and educating, and continually demonstrates improved leadership skills and habits by serving as a role model to our student athletes, fellow coaches, and ECC staff. He has served in many areas such as adjunct professor, managing study halls for our team of 20 students, and being the first point of contact for many issues on the suite/apartment side of campus. Under his leadership, we have completed over 20 hours of community service and 40 hours of fundraising as a basketball program this year. He is a humble leader who takes his job seriously with the utmost urgency and care and is a great ambassador for our college in our community.”

• Core Value: Develop partnerships to support educational opportunities – Tim Castle

The nomination for the award states, in part, “Tim Castle embodies ‘outstanding service’ by not only sharing his skills through his own work, but applying that passion and commitment in the classroom and to the MCC environment. Each year, Tim enhances the MCC campus by installing artwork in the hallways, offices, and departments. During construction, he took time to consult on the new Hall of Care and oversaw the installation of the Seven Cubes artwork on the west side of campus. Tim’s commitment to academics is evident daily in his teaching and courses. Colleagues speak of his kindness, selflessness, and his ‘genuine concern for the well-being of the ‘whole student.'” He always makes time for his students and creates a positive environment. In addition, Tim nurtures talent and provides opportunities for former and current students.

In his 25+ years of service, Tim has managed the Ray Frederick Art Gallery, hosting artists from the surrounding community as well as student exhibitions each fall/spring. Tim donates his time and energy to what has been described as “the equivalent of an almost monthly campus-wide event.” In spring 2024, Tim collaborated with the DEI Committee’s Industrial Art Exhibition, featuring artwork from faculty/staff in the Civil, Electromechanical, Machine Tool Technology, Natural Gas Technology, and Welding programs.”

• Core Value: Recognizing students, staff and community members for contributions and outstanding achievements consistent with our vision, mission and core values ​​– Theresa Orlovsky

The nomination for the award states in part, “Theresa is not only a dedicated teacher loved by her students, but she also organizes/leads the Multicultural Club and is the Humanities Department Liaison. Her leadership has led her department through the beginning of a program review, and Theresa has consistently provided guidance and support on a weekly basis. One thing that immediately stands out is how Theresa seeks input and values ​​the group’s opinion on a particular decision. She is dependable to her staff and a source of joy and discovery to her students. She truly enjoys giving back to others, especially those new to MCC and even to the United States. Theresa Orlovsky is making the IVCCD a better place to work, learn, and live together through her outstanding service.”

• Core value: Continuous quality improvement – ​​Cindy Uhlenberg

The award nomination states, in part, “Cindy is the first person to commit to improving a process and removing unnecessary obstacles. She does this for students and her colleagues alike. She works efficiently and is always looking for ways to make things better. She has often been heard saying, ‘This is how we did it last year; how can we build on it and make it better this year?’ Cindy is not afraid to ask ‘Why?’ and she is always willing to listen to ideas on how to improve things. Cindy takes an initial idea and looks for details to improve it. When selecting furniture for our new dorms, she considered the space and purpose of each room and considered comfort, functionality and efficiency in all designs. She agonized over product samples. Many times she would get people asking, ‘What do you think of that color? Or these tiles?” She was not afraid to speak up for the interests of our students who would actually live in these spaces, rather than the designers of those spaces, often telling them bluntly, “No, bring that table back, put it here, let’s put that piece somewhere else and find something else for here.” The spaces would have been fine without her, but the spaces with her input are incredible, thoughtful, and the second home any parent would want for their child.”

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

The nomination for the award states, in part, “MCC’s Esports team has demonstrated remarkable growth since its inception in the fall of 2022. Under the leadership of Andrew and Nate, not only has the team received numerous accolades, including winning multiple national championships, but Andrew and Nate have also created a culture of excellence for their program. The culture Nate and Andrew have created for the Esports team is one of excellence, inclusion, accountability, and camaraderie. MCC’s Esports team has captured the attention of the best Esports athletes from across the state of Iowa. MCC is an elite destination for these top athletes. Aside from being an elite destination for Esports, once team members arrive at MCC, they can 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 were able to optimize the resources available to them, including the lab and scholarships, despite a growing roster of athletes. They were able to make the most of the arena space while providing the best experience for their athletes.”

• Core Value: Diverse and inclusive culture that ensures access, equality, dignity and respect for all – Kim Brinkmeyer and Amee Schmidt

The nomination for the award states, in part, “As a college, we always try to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects. Kim (Brinkmeyer) started at TRIO in 2021 and hit the ground running to really take our TRIO program to the next level. Since taking on the role of TRIO Coordinator, our visibility in the community and on campus has grown. Kim has pivoted our programming and now has a monthly focus on 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 the food service community. On Soul Food Day, over 200 faculty, staff, and students came together to share a meal. Kim has done a great job partnering with Student Engagement to provide speakers across campus. Kim has also opened up National Volunteer Week opportunities for TRIO students over the past two years; Activities included reading to elementary school students, helping with the United Methodist Church community luncheon, cleaning up campus, helping at the local Church Women’s United thrift store, and more. Kim had a booth for National Coming Out Pride Day and took students to the Iowa Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ youth.”

“Amee (Schmidt) is the definition of this award. She welcomes students from all backgrounds, interests, and ideas and makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome. From her gaming clubs to food bank updates to her moderator duties on Hot Wings and Hot Topics, Amee does so much for diversity and inclusivity at MCC. We say we welcome everyone to campus, but Amee goes above and beyond to make sure that is 100% true. She is a tireless advocate for 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 in March. Then, in April, we (faculty and students alike!) welcomed Dr. Kesho Scott for an informative and thought-provoking series of talks, thanks in large part to Amee’s tireless leadership. We are lucky to have them and should recognize that with this award.”

For more information, visit the website at iavalley.edu.