Staff Stars

June 2026 Staff Stars

Winners: Ana Maria Garcia, Bonnie Lubbers, Kara Dawson, Luis Palomeque, Lyndsey Wilcken

• *Ana Maria Garcia, Specialist III - Cashiering
  Ana has done a great job in her role as a part-time cashier. She comes in ready to do whatever is asked and learns quickly along the way. She is an asset to the team and has contributed to the success of the department. Thank you for serving our staff and students with kindness!
• #2 - Ana Maria Garcia, Specialist III - Cashiering
  Ana has adapted well to working at the South City Campus, and she even covered a Saturday shift at Redwood. She has shown she has a learning mindset and is a student at SLCC herself. She asks great questions and is not afraid to research information for students/customers as these needs arise.
• AnaSofia Lara Proa, Specialist III - Cashiering
  Sofia works at both our West Valley City and Jordan Campus. She rarely misses a beat, is teachable, and retains the information well. Sofia is also willing to continue to represent our department across multiple campuses. We are lucky to have her, and did I mention she makes AMAZING flower bouquets that defy time and space?
• *Bonnie Lubbers, Administrative Assistant - Institutional Marketing
  Bonnie plays a crucial role in our team, providing support to all of us. Her willingness to support not only our department but anyone who walks through the doors of our office, ensuring everyone gets the help they need, embodies the SLCC spirit—making sure that everyone gets help!
• Byron Campos Rodriguez Jr., Coordinator - Cashiering
  Byron's smile and positivity make it easy to get along with him, and when you match that with his work ethic, interest in others it sets him apart. He is a great liaison to students and greets everyone as they walk by. I am so grateful Bryron is on our team and makes a genuine difference every day.
• Cindy Cole, Director - People and Workplace Culture
  Cindy Cole consistently goes above and beyond to support SLCC. Recently, during a difficult personnel transition Cindy guided us through every step. What stood our most was her genuine compassion, dedication, responsiveness, and empathy, truly making SLCC a better place to work and learn.
• Connie Lemon, Administrative Assistant - VP Student Life & Dean
  I have the pleasure of working with Connie. Every student or staff member that walks into our office is welcomed and made to understand that they matter. If a student needs someone to listen to them, she will listen and talk to them. If they need a snack, or two, she has those ready as well. She is a great coworker but above all else she is a great person and truly cares for everyone.
• Hans Hardle, Coordinator - Cashiering
  Hans stays true to himself and finds ways to incorporate others. From inviting others to sit by him during events on campus, to leading a book club after hours with friends from work, Hans keen sense of including others is a big reason that Cashiering's culture is what it is today. A place where others belong and feel welcomed.
• Jonny Tollestrup, Accounting Technician - Cashiering
  Jonny has done an outstanding job with outreach efforts, resulting in significantly increased student engagement. Students have been especially receptive to information regarding available refund checks and important deadlines they need to be aware of. We truly appreciate your time, dedication, and continued commitment, Jonny.
• #2 - Jonny Tollestrup, Accounting Technician - Cashiering
  There can be no one in the office of the Bursar who collaborates and communicates as well as Jonny does. He's taken full ownership of the communication aspect of his role in sending mass text messages for PPAs, Concurrent Enrollment, check refunds, and Grad Guard. Jonny has mastered a process that helps him keep track of projects and responds quickly to requests. We are so glad Jonny shares his strengths so willingly.
• Josh Elstein, Director - Dean Arts & Communications
  Josh has been incredibly friendly, positive, and a joy to work with. This past spring, he excelled in helping coordinate tours for the Northwest Met conference. He went above and beyond by organizing the appropriate staff to guide tours and ensuring we were fully prepared to showcase our college and the unique programs offered at SLCC.
• Justin Hill, Coordinator - Accounts Receivable
  Justin recently updated our areas onboarding and training process. This update and Justin’s support for new staff have greatly improved the onboarding experience of our new staff. Justin’s dedication to keeping processes up to date has helped to make our office a welcoming and supportive place for all
• *Kara Dawson, Specialist - Enrollment Services
  An email came in and Kara received it doing all she could to understand the situation. She meet the need for registration and helped with a charge on the student’s account. Her actions made it possible for future conversations. Although this is one situation, I believe Kara does this as part of her job. I’m grateful we have a staff like her to help students
• Kevin Rothlisberger, Assistant Bursar - Cashiering
  Kevin is an excellent supervisor. He does well with his team in cashiering and he is always willing to help where he can and does it in a friendly and upbeat manner, which is to an inhuman level - which I mean in a good way! He seems to have unlimited energy!!!
• Kino Hurtado, Senior Director - Institutional Advancement
  Kino demonstrated teamwork, adaptability, and leadership during the New Leadership Academy. He was essential as we finalized our presentation. What impressed me most was Kino’s professionalism and persistence. His contributions truly reflect the collaborative and supportive culture that makes SLCC a better place to work and learn.
• *Luis Palomeque, IT Lab Aide I - Classroom Tech Support
  Luis has a positive, can-do attitude, looking to be productive and pays close attention to details that need to be addressed. He supported the Northwest Met Conference, making sure everyone was taken care of. He has elevated the CTS-North department, and I couldn’t be happier to have him as part of the team.
• *Lyndsey Wilcken, Program Associate II - Human Resources
  Lyndsey is passionate about health and wellness, and I have appreciated the opportunity to work with her doing personal training. She is a valuable and dedicated member of the SLCC Wellness team; she is cheerful, compassionate, kind, and personable. Not only has she helped me with personal training and my personal health journey, but she has been willing to guest lecture on nutrition for our PTA students. She deserves a raise!
• Megan Cowdell, Associate I - Dean Arts & Comm
  Megan did a fantastic job helping elevate the experience for our attendees at the Northwest Met Conference we co-hosted this past spring. She truly earned a standing ovation from attendees for her outstanding presentation of group tours at the South City Campus. Her positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond to enhance the conference made the entire day memorable for everyone involved.
• Samantha Faupula, Executive Assistant - Student Services Vice President's Office
  Sam has been a blessing to me since I moved into my new position. She goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcomed and appreciated. She is willing to help anyone that needs it. She brings joy and many people know that they can depend on her.
• Ti Nguyen, Specialist III - Cashiering
  The only thing that is as sure as the setting and rising of the sun each day is Ti's commitment to being on time and staying on task. Ti processed returned mail, contacting refund recipients, and working on a spreadsheet of student athletes that required a detailed review of student athlete accounts. We can count on Ti to always be there for us (queue the FRIENDS theme song). We are excited to work with Ti as Cashier!