Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: From Left, Ryan Rapier presents Rick Woods, Lee Little Theatre Manager, with the 2021 award for Administrative Support.
By Jon Johnson
THATCHER – Faculty and support staff of Eastern Arizona College were honored Tuesday during the Eastern Arizona College Alumni Association’s 121st annual awards presentation.
The association annually recognizes EAC’s employees but did not do so last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, with a new faculty and staff recognition program being adopted, this is the final year for these specific awards, according to Ryan Rapier, director of development and alumni relations for the Eastern Arizona College Foundation, who presented the awards.
“Each year, the Eastern Arizona College Alumni Association recognizes EAC faculty and support staff for their outstanding service and their dedication to making EAC an excellent educational institution for both students and for staff,” Rapier announced.
Rapier advised that all nominations are from employees and are reviewed by the Alumni Association’s award committee, which selects the final recipient in each category. Each award includes a plaque and a $300 stipend to be used for activities or equipment that will provide personal development during the coming school year.
The winners are as follows:
Operational Support Staff
2020 Winner – Nathan Miller, HVAC, and Electrical Engineer
2021 Winner – Linda Ochoa, Custodial Foreman
Professional Support Staff
2020 Winner – Cliff Hernandez, Fiscal Control Accountant
2021 Winner – Mari MacDonald, Student Life Assistant (Not in attendance)
Faculty
2020 Winner – Nathan McCray, Professor
2021 Winner – (Tie) Patrick Lukens, Professor
2021 Winner – (Tie) John Clegg, Associate Professor
Administrative Support
2020 Winner – Gerald Schmidt, Fiscal Control Supervisor, and Purchasing Manager
2021 Winner – Rick Woods, Lee Little Theatre Manager
