Three individuals on campus receive ‘Unsung Hero’ award

Aquatics, Facilities and Political Science personnel received Unsung Hero awards from members of the Associated Student Government (ASG) on Wednesday afternoon.

Emma Bird, Student Activities Board (SAB) reception coordinator, wanted to make the recognition of staff and faculty on campus a bigger and more consistent event.

“It’s been done in the past, but I hope to make it something we do every term,” said Bird.

The ceremony was emceed by Bird, but each award was presented by a different ASG member. Student Senator Steven Page presented the first two awards to Larry Stevens and members of the MHCC Facilities staff as a whole. Stevens was unavailable, as were other facilities workers, so Dick Beyers accepted the award in their honor.

“He (Stevens) works far beyond the expectations of ASG. He has the biggest smile on campus,” Bird said in a speech. “He offers the best help and is always striving to make our events as successful as possible. He’s caring, sincere and an incredible Facilities staff member.”

Bird said the Facilities staff are “always efficient and helpful” with ASG events.

Jonathon Gates, ASG finance director, presented the third award with a glowing introduction, to Steven Hula: “(He) has tapped into sources of revenue that have been abandoned and need to be rekindled…” Hula, MHCC Aquatics and Recreation manager, was grateful for the award.

“I’m very honored. This is totally unexpected,” he said. “It is great too see the recognition come from the students, who are trying to make their experience the best it can be.” He was glad to see the Facilities staff recognized because “they do so much work that goes unseen,” he said.

Janet Campbell, MHCC political science instructor, also received an award but was unable to attend. After taking several of Campbell’s classes, ASG President William Miller said, he realized that she has gone “above and beyond an instructor’s responsibilities to ensure her students’ success.” Miller said she gave him a “spark to learn” more about political science.

In addition to the award winners, the Unsung Hero event pays tribute to all underrepresented staff and faculty who make significant contributions.

ASG’s executive cabinet, senate and activities board selected the group honored on Wednesday. Nomination was based on instances where ASG members witnessed “small acts that don’t call attention to themselves” and “going above and beyond in making MHCC a great place to be,” Bird said. The nominations were then voted on informally.

In a follow-up interview, Bird said she was pleased with the formalized ceremony.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the staff members were very appreciative,” she said. “Because of that, it was very rewarding and I am looking forward to holding another event like this one.”