Unsung Heroes lauded for contributions to MHCC

Four Mt. Hood employees have been recognized by ASG (Associated Student Government) as “Unsung Heroes,” an award that goes out every term to individuals who the student government agrees on.

Winners of the awards this term are humanities instructor Andy Gurevich, forestry instructor Joan DeYoung, astronomy instructor William Blackmore, and custodian Oleg Sizmin.

Gurevich was in the middle of apologizing to his class about cutting a discussion short, when he received the award. “I was apologizing for something that I didn’t do correctly as a teacher, and there were these two people standing there waiting to give me this award,” he said.

“I really do try to do whatever I can to bring more to the school than the school gives me through my salary and benefits. If that gets recognized, that means two things to me: I’m going in the right direction, the things that I care about and I’m devoting myself to here are things that the institution finds valuable, so it’s a sign that I should keep going in those directions,” he said.

DeYoung was giving a midterm exam, so she had to step out and receive her award outside of class. “I was very moved and grateful to my students that they would think I was deserving of this. They’re an awesome group and I really truly appreciate it,” she said.

Blackmore opened up the floor for the people presenting the award. “I assumed it was for voter registration or something along those lines, I was, like ‘Sure,’ so I stopped the class and called attention and (they) came across the room with balloons and chocolates. So, I was very surprised and pleased.”

Sizmin was called to “move some tables” when the award was presented to him. “We don’t work for the administration. We, at this college, work for the students so they’ll be comfortable, and it will be convenient (to them for) instruction,” he said. “We strive to do this work. Maybe the students like this for some reason if they chose me.”

“They say the youth isn’t like this, but it’s the opposite. It seems as if they see everything, and they feel everything. If it’s good for them, they understand this – it’s very pleasant for something like this,” he said.

Nuvia Ramirez, Student Activities Board receptions coordinator, described the “Unsung” honor.

“It’s an award given to MHCC employees for their service above and beyond the call of duty for the service that does not call the attention to itself and for the service that directly benefits the students,” Ramirez said.

“I feel the instructors motivate us in a way to come to college every day to learn new things, they innovate us to be better in life,” she said.

The award is usually a certificate, but this term, the winners will be receiving glossy bamboo plaques.

“It’s very in line with keeping with the look and feel of the college,” said Lor Brule, ASG director of student organizations and clubs. “Most instructors have enough paper in their offices.