FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Valerie Anderson
(650) 574-6105
anderson@smccd.edu
College of San Mateo’s Michael Mitchell Receives Statewide Classified Employee of the Year Award
San Mateo, CA— College of San Mateo employee Michael Mitchell was recently honored with a Classified Employee of the Year Award by the Foundation for California Community Colleges. Mitchell, a program supervisor in CSM’s Transfer Services is one of four employees statewide to receive the award presented at the California Community Colleges Board of Governors meeting in Sacramento on May 20.
The Classified Employee of the Year Award honors community college classified employees who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to professionalism and community colleges. On receiving the award, Mitchell commented, “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award and proud to be serving alongside dedicated colleagues at College of San Mateo and working with the finest transfer students any community college would be proud to serve.”
Currently in his 24th year at CSM, Mitchell has worked in numerous areas of student services, including counseling, career services, Cooperative Education and transfer services. In each area, he has provided exemplary service to students and the college and has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success.
CSM’s Dean of Counseling, Advising and Matriculation Marsha Ramezane says “Mike Mitchell has consistently gone over and above the job duties and responsibilities and maintains outstanding work standards. Mike makes a difference in the lives of our students. He has consistently assisted students to understand the options and opportunities available in a community college experience, and assists them to successfully achieve their goals.”
Mitchell is also an active participant in community-based activities, particularly those that support youth. From 2006-2013, he was a weekly volunteer at Hillcrest Juvenile Hall/Youth Services Center. In addition, he assists with service projects including “Restore Our Library,” “Care Kits for AIDS Patients” and various disaster relief efforts and participates in Teach the Youth program for elementary students at his church. Mitchell provides financial support to Mentoring Young Lives, a program to help students complete high school and consider college, and participates in World Vision by supporting a child in the Congo. According to Ramezane, “Mike demonstrates through his work and personal life that he is a true ambassador for youth, community colleges and education in general.”
Mitchell was nominated and endorsed by members of the CSM community and the San Mateo County Community College District Board of Trustees. He and the other recipients were selected by representatives of the Board of Governors for California Community Colleges, the Chancellor’s Office and the Foundation for California Community Colleges.
The Classified Employee of the Year Award is supported through a grant from the Foundation for California Community Colleges. At the presentation by the Board of Governors meeting, Mitchell received a $500 cash award and a commemorative plaque.
Left to right: Foundation for California Community Colleges President Keetha Mills, California Community Colleges Board of Governors member Danny Hawkins, Michael Mitchell, California Community Colleges Board of Governors President Manuel Baca, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Deputy Chancellor Erik Skinner, California Community Colleges Board of Governors Vice President Geoffrey L. Baum