Everett Community College Honors Outstanding Employees

The highest honors for EvCC employees are the George Shuh awards, established years ago by local businessman George Shuh. His children, Tom and Bette, continue their father’s legacy through their generous contributions that fund these awards for faculty, staff and administration members.

George Shuh Outstanding Faculty Award: Dr. Christine Malone

The impact of Full-Time Business Technology Faculty Member Christine Malone’s impact on EvCC is evident in three major areas: EvCC’s medical billing and coding program is ranked #2 of the top 100 online programs in the United States. The college is developing a bachelor’s of applied science degree in Healthcare Administration. And advisors have a new framework to provide advising for Healthcare Management students. 

Christine’s nominator shared: “Having just moved to the Business department, Christine took on the role of Summer advisor in 2023, which proved to be a critical time for meeting students’ needs and overseeing program growth. 

“Christine sets a high bar for advising and has quantified this gold standard in a worksheet that provides a framework for advisors from other areas who have volunteered to help with the advising needs of Healthcare Management. She has graciously, and without compensation, become a cross trainer and mentor to those advisors. 

“Christine exemplifies everything this award stands for: commitment to excellence, innovation, dedication, and effectiveness. … There is so much more that I could say about Christine’s contributions to our students, to the college, to our community, and to the field of healthcare, but I think it is abundantly clear from this small sampling of accomplishments that she is truly an outstanding faculty member.”

George Shuh Outstanding Exempt Administrator Award: Lisa Jameson

This year, Lisa temporarily took on the role of interim dean of professional and technical education and transitioned back to the director of EvCC’s Corporate & Continuing Education Center, exceeding all expectations, her nominator wrote. 

“She quickly mastered the complexities of (the interim dean) position, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for learning and adaptation,” her nominator said. “Her key accomplishments in this role include the following: Streamlined communication complexities for departments, resulting in a higher degree of transparency and connection to the work in this area; lead during a time of great change with a new organizational structure; learned and refined budget work, and chaired several screening committees.”

Lisa is proactive, dedicated and has made a significant positive impact on the college, including securing over $300,000 in new contract work, her nominator said. 

“As a team player, Lisa consistently fosters a collaborative and supportive environment, prioritizing the success of the team as a whole,” Lisa’s nominator shared. “She actively seeks out opportunities to assist colleagues, shares her expertise generously, and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure projects are completed effectively. Her contributions to teamwork include being able to remain composed, analyze complex issues, and develop effective solutions making her an invaluable asset during times of difficulty. Also, she has a wicked sense of humor and can drive results while remaining approachable.”

George Shuh Outstanding Classified Staff Award: Bill Wright

Within the Tech Services team, IT System Admin-Journey Bill Wright is widely respected for his technical and problem-solving skills. The Tech Services management team appreciates his “can-do” attitude and willingness to be flexible when last-minute items arise. Bill finishes projects with a high level of competence.

“During his time in Technology Services, Bill has consistently been an effective, personable, and dedicated staff member,” his nominator wrote. “When assisting the campus community, he helps put people at ease, listens to their concerns or issues, and will choose to go above and beyond to make sure there is a resolution. Bill’s commitment to helping students is evident in the many times he has personally sat down to help work through a login issue or walked them over to another department and made sure they connected with the right group. …I am sure that a good portion of the positive feelings that the campus has for the Tech Services team is due to the care he gives to the college!”

This award is given to dedicated, hard-working faculty members who contributed to the community and to their fields while doing an excellent job in the classroom. The awards are approved by the Board of Trustees based on the recommendations of the Exceptional Faculty Awards committee. 

Ariana Stafford 

For over two decades, Ariana Stafford has been a dedicated and indispensable member of the EvCC community. She is now a full-time faculty member in Advising & Pathways.

“She is widely recognized across campus as the primary resource for a broad range of issues, thanks to her extensive network and deep institutional knowledge,” the nominator wrote. “Her unwavering commitment to student success is evident in her exceptional advising and support. She ensures students have what they need, and her impact is reflected in their continued reliance on her guidance throughout their academic careers, with many referring to their siblings and friends, praising her as ‘the best advisor.’”

Beyond student support, Ariana is also a resource for faculty and staff seeking assistance with advising, financial aid, registration and countless other processes, making her an invaluable asset to the entire college. 

“She handles this demanding role with grace and good humor, often easing tense situations with her positive attitude,” her nominator wrote.

Shelli Jordan-Zirkle

Full-Time History Faculty Member Shelli Jordan-Zirkle successfully guided the Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice (DESJ) academic track through the process of becoming an emphasis this spring. This accomplishment represents over seven years of work by the DESJ working group, of which Shelli is a founding member. 

“Her leadership was crucial to this success,” her nominator wrote. “Shelli effectively organized and led meetings, consistently sought and incorporated feedback, meticulously managed details, and tenaciously kept the process moving forward. Without her dedication, the transition to an emphasis would undoubtedly have taken considerably longer.”

Over the seven years, Shelli’s vision, collaborative approach and ability to recruit new members were essential to the group's sustained commitment. The group is now developing cross-disciplinary partnerships, including collaborations in healthcare and STEM. Notably, Shelli's networking with deans and faculty in these fields was instrumental in the creation of an Equity in AI course, which is being taught for the first time in the Fall.

This award is presented each year to an individual or group who consistently displays an active interest in and support of diversity initiatives and activities on campus. 

Angelica Scroggins

At the Corporate & Continuing Education Center, Program Specialist 2 Angelica Scroggins has spent many years learning and studying new languages to better communicate with students who do not speak English as a first language. She consistently researches other cultures and ideologies as well. 

“Additionally, she regularly participates in campus activities and events to help create a truly inclusive environment, and she even helps bridge the gaps in student funding and enrollment by providing information regarding payment options,” her nominator wrote. “Her dedication truly makes a difference.” 

This award is given to a classified staff member who has worked at EvCC fewer than five years and demonstrates commitment by virtue of outstanding short-term performance in support of the college’s goals. 

Allen Flaa

When the former associate vice president of campus operations left, Allen Flaa took on full oversight of the Facilities area, including 30 projects on very tight deadlines. 

“Allen works incredibly hard every day to complete everything he can, while also leading work that would not normally be his responsibility,” his nominator wrote. “He truly embodies the spirit of going above and beyond."

He stepped up as a true leader who is highly respected for his work and dedication, his nominator wrote. 

“He collaborates with other areas to simplify and streamline processes, and takes full accountability for his scope of work, even when things don't go to plan,” the nominator wrote. “He's flexible when addressing issues and plans ahead, as much as possible, to prevent or address issues before they infringe on campus operations. Allen is a real problem-solver."

This award is given to a classified staff member who has worked at EvCC at least five years and demonstrates extraordinary dedication and high-quality service to the college and community.

Spencer Green

Library & Archives Paraprofessional 4 Spencer Green received a number of nominations for this award. For 10 years, he has made a lasting impact on the EvCC campus with his dedication, compassion and steadfast leadership. Here are some of the words his nominators shared: 

“Spencer has been a valued member of the EvCC library staff for ten years. His contributions to the library cannot be overstated; he works hard to create a library catalog that is accessible and understandable for students.”

“Spencer always goes above and beyond to connect with students and their interests so that he can prioritize library materials that he knows will be valuable to their education.”

“Spencer has also contributed significantly to developing best practices regarding safety procedures, both in the old library location and in the new Cascade LRC. Without Spencer's hard work, we would be far less prepared to respond to emergency situations.” 

“Spencer is always available to help his colleagues when they need it, from covering a desk during a staff absence to supporting work-study students. Spencer is a dedicated lifelong learner who is always looking for ways to better himself as an employee so that he can provide the best possible services to our students.”

“A strong advocate for student success, Spencer has also taken a proactive role in training and mentoring work-study students, fostering a supportive environment that promotes skill development, confidence, and teamwork.”

These awards are given to full- or part-time employees who go beyond the expectations of the job while exhibiting a spirit of cooperation and willingness to serve others.

Kyle Schmaing

Library & Archives Paraprofessional 4 Kyle Schmaing is the library acquisitions and media cataloging lead and will celebrate his 10th anniversary of employment at EvCC in the fall. 

His nominator said: “Kyle went above and beyond his job duties during an already hectic work season to act as the project lead for the 2024 grant Washington State Library Tabletop Role-Playing Games for All. As an experienced gamer himself, and one who is passionate about welcoming/supporting new players, Kyle proved himself to be a paladin of cooperation in his collaboration with the LRC’s CreateSpace and other partners participating in this grant. In addition, thanks to Kyle’s work as a cataloger of unique things, the library was able to create the TTRPG Collection with resources purchased by the grant.

“Kyle's willingness to serve on behalf of the above marks him not only as an excellent candidate for the Extra Effort Award, but also as a library champion who embodies the spirit of life long learning.”

Cassandra Denn

Annual Giving Coordinator Cassandra Denn has gone above and beyond the expectations of her position in the EvCC Foundation, both in a professional manner with students and in a personal manner with employees. She has rearranged her schedule and rebalanced her work load to assist the new foundation executive director in learning about various tasks and assignments. 

“I have seen her personally introduce herself (at numerous events) to various employees, student workers, and volunteers, always ensuring that she learns their name and personally thanks them for their time and help,” her nominator wrote. 

She has made outstanding contributions to the Foundation’s fundraising efforts through her unwavering commitment to donor relations and her remarkable ability to develop and execute successful fundraising strategies, the nominator wrote. 

“Cassandra's proactive approach, combined with her dedication and passion for the Foundation's work, has made a significant and positive impact on our ability to support the College and its students,” the nominator said. 

She is an exemplary relationship builder, a strategic thinker, a skilled planner, and a results-oriented executor, which makes her an invaluable asset to the Foundation. 

Lacey Shoemaker

Assistant Director of Emergency Management and Health/Safety Lacey Shoemaker prefers to work behind the scenes, but her consistent efforts are highly impactful. While she is not part of the Security chain of command, Lacey has earned the respect and trust of the officers due to her support, her nominator wrote. She stepped into supporting the office staff with parking issues, including helping to issue permits. 

“None of this is ‘part of her job’ but are things that she does with the sole intention of helping out where she can,” her nominator wrote. 

Additionally, Lacey has provided essential support to department leadership. Despite managing a substantial work load, she regularly asks how she can help and often puts in extra hours serving as the on-duty command individual for Security and Facilities, allowing others the opportunity to rest. She has stepped up as a department leader and taken on tasks and responsibilities beyond her defined scope, all with the goal of supporting the department and the entire college. 

Each year students nominate faculty, staff and administrators who made a difference in their lives. These are the only award winners nominated by students. 

Jason Ripper

Full-Time History Faculty Member Jason Ripper profoundly impacted the life of one student nominator, who arrived at EvCC feeling disillusioned and doubtful about their future due to mental health struggles in high school. The student had almost abandoned a dream to become a teacher until watching Jason teach. 

“I resolved that I wanted to be a teacher like him some day,” Jason’s nominator wrote.

Under Jason’s guidance as an honors advisor, the student found not only direction but hands-on experience by creating and presenting a history lesson in Jason’s class as a capstone project. 

“It made me realize that if I could do what I love, I would wake up each day happy, a feeling I had been sorely lacking in my life,” the student wrote. 

Jason’s mentorship extended well beyond the classroom. His encouragement and realistic guidance helped the student graduate with honors from EvCC, and later from the University of Washington summa cum laude, in the top 0.25% of their class. That foundation led to professional opportunities, including a role with UW’s Office of Global Affairs.

Throughout his courses, Jason  emphasized critical thinking and student agency. His structured grading system allowed students to choose their level of engagement while encouraging deeper reflection about themselves and the world. His energetic teaching style and thought-provoking contrasts—like “truth versus Truth” and “facts versus interpretations”—left a lasting impression.

“What you teach a student, how you teach it, and how you treat them as a human being can put them on an entirely different path,” the student wrote. “It seems to me that he knows and embraces this responsibility to the fullest. Whether he wins this award or does not doesn't change the fact that he made an incredible difference in my life.”

Debby Casson

Full-Time Mathematics Faculty Member Debby Casson was like a supportive parent that her student nominator didn’t know they needed. 

“She was always so positive and acknowledged all of my concerns within myself,” her student nominator wrote. “She allowed me to tap into my potential and gain more self-confidence in my future endeavors. She continues to be a great support system, even though I am no longer in her class. I hope I get the opportunity to learn from her again. I cannot think of anyone else that deserves an award more than this beautiful soul. 

Debby is an outstanding educator whose engaging and patient teaching style brings math and medical concepts to life, her nominator said. She goes beyond simply delivering lessons, taking the time to explain challenging material in multiple ways to ensure every student truly understands the content. Her commitment to student success extends well beyond the classroom; she fosters a strong sense of community and support, encouraging collaboration and personal growth. Debby’s impact is deeply personal; she not only listens to students' needs but also provides for them, even reaching into her own resources to help. Her willingness to stay in contact with students and support their goals is a testament to the meaningful connections she builds. Debby’s dedication and compassion have made a lasting difference.

“I was nervous going into school, but with having her as my first teacher back, I no longer feel incapable of success,” the student wrote. “Debby is an outstanding educator whose excellence has profoundly impacted my life.” 

Ellen Felsenthal

Full-Time Photography Faculty Member Ellen Felsenthal’s PHOTO 101 class transformed one student’s budding interest in photography into a meaningful creative pursuit. Initially waitlisted, the student recalled, “I wanted to learn more about photography so bad,” and after expressing their enthusiasm on the first day, Ellen made room for them in the class.

Ellen taught the student to grow as an observer first and a photographer second, maturing their perspective on the world. Her engaging, supportive teaching style helped the student grow both technically and artistically. 

“At the end of the quarter, Ellen sent me two very beautiful messages through Canvas in response to the last two projects I submitted for the class,” the student wrote. “I have saved those messages as reminders that I am on the right track, that the experience in her class really meant more than just the grades I was able to achieve in her class.” 

T. Andrew Wahl

When one student enrolled in Journalism 101 with Full-Time Journalism Faculty Member T. Andrew Wahl, it was only to fulfill a final elective before graduating with an associate degree. Intending to pursue art, one class with Andrew changed the student’s life. 

“One day, I met with him during his office hours, and he told me I would make a fantastic journalist,” the student wrote. “I had never thought about it before. It was the first time a teacher had ever believed in me.” 

That moment sparked a complete shift. Andrew mentored and advocated for the student, setting up meetings, encouraging their growth, and opening doors to opportunities far beyond the classroom. Because of his support, the student returned to EvCC for more journalism and communication classes, joined The Clipper student newspaper, launched a reels news series, and secured an internship with the Snohomish Tribune. Andrew also helped the student connect with professionals at the Edward R. Murrow Symposium, sitting in on exclusive interviews with journalist Harry Smith and speaking on a panel. The student is now headed to Washington State University. 

“Andrew changed the entire course of my life in the best way possible,” the student wrote.

Brandon Dyer

Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success Brandon Dyer was nominated by two students whom he has impacted since taking on the role. 

One student wrote that Brandon has been a great mentor, encouraging them to pursue higher education: “Brandon has played a pivotal role in guiding and supporting me as a new student at EvCC. Without his encouragement and help, my journey in pursuing a higher education would have been not nearly as positive and appreciable.” 

Another student wrote that Brandon helped them with the process of going back to school: “He helped me to go back to school and really went above and beyond not only for me but for many other students.”