Employee Shout-Out

Shout-Out Examples 

Some examples of what a Shout-Out might be used for may include:

• Demonstrating the mission, vision, values of NHCC
• An outstanding performance on a project
• A simple "thank you"
• Going above and beyond
• Being a great teammate or collaborator

These are just a few examples of what this Shout-Out recognition could be, so be creative!

Recent Shout-Outs

Shout-Out to Shawn Schaefer | AV Technology Engineer

"Shawn as a key player in helping make the Building Strong Communities' graduation ceremony a huge success for 112 grads and their family and friends. Shawn was able to integrate a lot of moving parts and keep things moving for the graduation. He is wonderful to work with and we appreciate him and what he brings to NHCC."

Shout-Out to Shauna Paul | Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Affairs

"Shauna stepped in as a volunteer to help me and Taejah with the Building Strong Communities' Graduation ceremony. It was an amazing event for the students and their families. Shauna stepped up and did whatever we needed and asked of her. Thank you!"

Shout-Out to Judy Cotter | Nursing Faculty

"Despite being busy with her job and doctorate classwork, Judy played a strong lead in helping our team prepare for the switch to the new curriculum. She demonstrated knowledge and leadership. She also spent a great deal of time converting forms and assignments in preparation for the class change from 2800 to 2802. We couldn't have done it without her!!!!"

Shout-Out to Katie Johnson | Course Materials Buyer, Bookstore

"While I don't know Katie Johnson extremely well, I have to give a shout-out to Katie because she always seems to be the calm in the storm, comfortably being gentle and kind, while also right on top of her work and ready to answer questions when they arrive (even when certain faculty are later than they should be with bookstore orders!). Thanks, Katie!"

Shout-Out to the Marketing and Communications Department

"The entire Marketing & Communications team of Liz, Becki, Sara, Brittany, and Matt are an amazing team to work with! They worked on so many different projects for Student Life. We had a few tight timelines on projects, including a video, and other materials, and the team saw it through. They completed a photo shoot with our student clubs/orgs this fall, and any other requests we had of them. Marketing & Communications always went above and beyond to help out our students and exceed any expectations! Marketing & Communications helped with various Mobile App items, website updates, email communication drafts, and countless other projects that positively impact our students and our campus community! I’m sure I am missing many other items and projects, but I’m just in awe of this group of people! They’ve been so wonderful and easy to work with since I started here this year and I’m so thankful for all the amazing work they do on a daily basis! The entire team does so much for this institution and I really appreciate them!!"

Shout-Out to Katie Rauk | Faculty - English

"While Katie has been an outstanding colleague for years, her commitment to the development of a strong composition sequence and representing the English Department along the way further demonstrates what a powerhouse she in when it comes to effective leadership, teamwork, and collaboration--even further evidenced by her charge of organizing a professional retreat for the largest academic department at NHCC! Kudos to Katie!"

Shout-Out to Felicia Jallah | Psychologist 2, CARE Center

"Felicia just started in July and has jumped into many things, including helping put together the Welcome Tables for the first week of classes. She worked diligently to make sure this was ready and available to campus greeters and brought new ideas to the group! In general, she has brought a very supportive feel to the team and is checking in on others/creating space for them, which is appreciated!"

Shout-Out to Melissa Leimbek | Dean of Enrollment Management, and Cross-Departmental Team

"Thank you to Melissa Leimbek AND the cross-departmental team that put processes in place in Dec. 2023 to protect our college from bad actors who are using AI bots to enroll in our courses to commit financial aid fraud. I'm so proud to be at an institution that identifies and mitigates threats BEFORE they become a problem. Huge HUGE appreciation for Melissa and everyone else in Accounting & Fees, Financial Aid, Registration, Admissions, and the Bookstore who are working to keep our college safe from fraud!"

Shout-Out to Andrew Mundt, Ph.D. | Institutional Research Analyst

"Andrew is always responsive and helpful! He consistently acts and responds quickly to needs. Most recently, our data pull was 'off' and teammates were out and we weren't able to identify the issues. Andrew swooped in with not only the needed data, but created a report we can access each semester. This change allowed us to reach out to students personally about their specific registration date. Thanks to Andrew for always being a team-player and supporter of recruitment and retention initiatives."

Shout-Out to Traci Hildebrandt-Smith | Bookstore Manager

"Traci went above and beyond to partner with the CARE Center in helping to support a student in need. Tracii made the magic happen with Metro Transit and went out of her way to make this happen in a timely way. Traci has a big heart, is creative in her work, a great problem solver, and always a phenomenal partner. I am so grateful to have her as a colleague!" 

Shout-Out to Monte Stewart | Director of Student Life

"Monte hit the ground running when he started with us in June. His positive attitude, aptitude to learn, and excitement to be a part of this community is evident every day, and he is already making a difference for his team and the campus! I can't wait to see you continue to thrive and soar at NHCC!"

Shout-Out to Michelle Anderson | Faculty - Computer Information Systems

"Michelle is a fabulous part of our team! She is encouraging, kind and caring! She did a phenomenal job preparing for our ACBSP report and visit. I'm so glad that I get to work with her!!"

Shout-Out to Michelle Anderson | Faculty - Computer Information Systems

"Michelle took my Quick-books class this last Spring. Since then she has been giving me feedback about the things that went well and some of the things that need improvement. She is helping me make the learning experience better for the next set of students this coming fall."

Shout-Out to Cindy Johanek | Faculty - English

"Cindy Johanek's direct support for her colleagues and dedication to her students has had a profound impact for years, but over the past year, Cindy has upped her game, readily demonstrating her leadership at the college. And, most importantly, nearly all of this is under the radar as she pushes others toward the limelight and helps them succeed. She is an inspiration!"

Shout-Out to Solo Vang | Assistant Director of Financial Aid

"Solo has helped me transition to my new role in so many ways. He is always a great source of knowledge. He always took the time to walk me through what I needed to know, gave me pointers, and did so with professionalism, efficiency, and patience. In the time I have known Solo, he has never wavered in his dedication to students and staff. I felt the need to give him a "Shout-Out" and officially say thank you!"

Shout-Out to Faith Phang | Central Services Specialist

"A huge thank you to Faith for being readily available to assist with an "emergency" supplies order. Without her assistance with all of the logistics, I was completely at a loss! THANK YOU, Faith!"

Shout-Out to Michelle Kiffmeyer | HR Business Partner

"Michelle was such a wonderful partner in a search we recently conducted. I was grateful for the support she provided to the committee. Even at the end of a hectic semester, she was cool and responsive. I know she had a million other things happening, but we always felt supported."

Shout-Out to Sasha Hubbard | HR Business Partner

"Sasha consistently provides me with the right information at the right time, with speed and grace. It's usually regarding complicated issues at the intersection of my unique job and my unique life, so I'm sure that figuring out the meaning of my questions and finding the right answers takes much more work than she lets on. The latest case involved a potential withdrawal of a sabbatical application due to changing employment and life circumstances. I went from anxiety and uncertainty to calm and confidence in a matter of hours, thanks to Sasha's amazingly quick responses to my questions and requests. We're lucky to have such a thoughtful person in our HR department!"  

Shout-Out to Kelly Lundquist | Faculty - English

"There are few folks as passionate, hard-working, and capable as Kelly Lundquist, who has taken on so many roles across campus (and beyond!) at NHCC to support and guide her colleagues and students that it simply could cause whiplash, yet she handles it all with grace and kindness and intellect (and, yes, a powerful sense of humor!)."

Shout-Out to Azhar Alsaardy | LMS Site Administrator - Lab Supervisor

"I want to give a shout-out to Azhar Alsaady for his seemingly unflappable, consistently amazing disposition. He is always cheerful, prompt, and most importantly never fails to solve the problems that need to be solved. Thank you, Azhar!"

Shout-Out to Matt Spitzer | Faculty - Computer Science

"Matt, I want to express my sincere appreciation and admiration for the outstanding teamwork and collaboration you have exhibited during the development of the Cybersecurity certificate. Your dedication to multiple rounds of review and updates made a significant impact on the timely presentation and approval of the certificate by AASC. Thank you for being an integral part of this project and for your focus on the courses until AASC’s approval of the certificate".

Shout-Out to Missy Lott | Faculty - Exercise Science

"I emailed Missy for help with a complex 2DL problem. Within a short time, she responded with a link to a video she made just to fix my weird problem! The video methodically walked me through each step — the problem was solved within a few minutes! I appreciate her beyond measure for her upbeat spirit and generosity. Thank you, Missy!"

Shout-Out to Gretchen Flaherty | Interim Dean of STEAM

"Gretchen, I want to extend a heartfelt shout-out to you for providing crucial feedback on the Cybersecurity certificate paperwork that recently passed AASC. Your attention to detail and insightful suggestions were instrumental in improving the quality of the forms. Your commitment to ensuring excellence and your willingness to invest time in providing constructive feedback truly sets a positive tone for our college community. I appreciate your active engagement and support for the faculty. Thank you for taking the time and effort to ensure that the paperwork was correct and of the highest quality. Your contributions make a significant impact on our college experience."

Shout-Out to Missy Lott | Faculty - Exercise Science

"Missy's D2L workshops for faculty are incredibly helpful. Moreover, she allows time for our many questions and provides individual help. Any time she cannot immediately resolve an issue, she researches potential approaches and follows up with us soon thereafter."

Shout-Out to Mel Moua | Administrative Specialist

"I have reached out to Mel multiple times today for help and information and she has been responsive, and helpful every time. Mel is an ultimate team player. She offers to help others out whenever she can, and it is greatly appreciated!"

Shout-Out to Mark Larson | Faculty - English Language for Academic Purposes (EAP)

"I want to acknowledge Mark Larson and the wealth of knowledge he brings to our campus through Aikido. Recently, I had my first inspirational practice of Aikido, and the meditative breathing linked with precise movement shifted my thoughts away from stress and into a mindful sense of peace. From this brief encounter with Aikido, I could clearly see the mental and physical benefits our students gain from taking these classes. In fact, I have seen firsthand that students in Aikido gain confidence as well as comradery, which helps them persist when facing academic challenges. Mark is truly giving our students lifelong skills that are transformative, and it is a blessing that North Hennepin connects our students with the tradition of Aikido and this way of life. Thank you, Mark, for engaging students and changing their lives!"

Shout-Out to Amy Jo Farnum | Accounting Technician

"I want to give a huge shout-out to Amy Jo in Accounting & Fees. When I first began at NHCC, navigating Marketplace (a new system to me) was overwhelming. Amy Jo was there every step of the way. Not only did she teach me the specifics – such as how to create contracts – she helped me understand the “why” of various steps – helping me better comprehend and retain the information. This is all the more impressive considering Amy Jo was new to her position in Accounting & Fees at the time and was learning as she taught me. She has continued “moving mountains” for Upward Bound – often with time crunches due to my own doing. I appreciate Amy Jo’s patience, support, communication, attention to detail, good humor, and advocacy. Without Amy Jo, our Upward Bound students would not have experienced the potential life-changing opportunities that they have. THANK YOU, Amy Jo!"

Shout-Out to Azhar Alsaady | Interim LMS (D2L) Admin and Lab Supervisor

"Azhar is consistently helpful, supportive, and positive in helping everyone (students, staff, faculty) in navigating Help Desk and D2L questions. We are lucky to have him as part of our Technology Services staff!"

Shout-Out to Traci Hildebrandt-Smith, Katie Johnson, Sara DeLuney | Bookstore

"I would like to say an official thank you to Traci Hildebrandt-Smith, Katie Johnson and Sara DeLuney for guiding me and encouraging me through my first Rush. They prepared me as best they could and then it was go time. It was daunting and exhausting and wild and hilarious! Thank you for all the support you give me every day!"

Shout-Out to Linda Carlyon | Faculty - Nursing

"I came to her office unannounced on Tuesday late afternoon during the Cool Spaces Tour on Pathways Day and she stopped what she was doing and gave us all an excellent tour of the Nursing Labs. The students loved it, and we were all talking about how cool all the stuff in the re-created hospital ward is! (the pregnant mannequin--what?!)

She did it on the spur of the moment, and it was wonderful!"

Shout-Out to ShaRon Carter | Transfer Specialist

"Appreciate your willingness and efficiency in helping a student move forward through the enrollment process with one phone call. I felt like we were working together as part of a true Student Affairs team. Many thanks."

Shout-Out to Faith Phang | Central Services Specialist

"From the day she started here, Faith has been making copies and taking care of other printing, shipping/receiving, and related needs with extraordinary speed and attention to detail. I appreciate her quickness, but also her care. She has caught several small errors in docs that I sent (like my spacing made something run over my intended page number), and let me know before she made the copies. Our lab manuals she printed look beautiful and I'm proud for our students to get them from the bookstore. Thank you--your reliability and capability are noticed."

Shout-Out to Darin Crawford | Painter

"Darryl is always working hard to make this campus beautiful."

Shout-Out to Heidie Lish | Interim Dean - The School of Liberal Arts and Academic Foundations

"I want to give a shout-out to our new interim dean, Heidie Lish, who, with a blend of vulnerability, grace, and humor, managed to lead the best meeting I’ve been to in years,  topping it off by singing a solo and then encouraging us to join her(which we did). 

I told Heide if she sends me the chords, I'll accompany her next time on the ukulele.

In the meantime, great start to your new position, Heidie." 

Shout-Out to Cristin Schulz | Library Technician

"Cristin joined NHCC in Spring 2023. In 5 short months, she cleaned up the Library financial statements, organized and documented Circulation processes and is constantly striving to 'clean things up.' Her contributions during this time of transition and change has been invaluable to the Library. So thankful for her daily commitment to NHCC!"

Shout-Out to Sasha Hubbard | HR Business Partner

"Thank you for your collaboration with the various groups involved with Duty Day! Great job!"

Shout-Out to IT Department Staff 

"I want to take a moment to acknowledge and give a resounding shout-out to our exceptional colleagues who have been instrumental in transforming the onboarding experience for our new academic deans – the IT Department Staff!

Beyond their technical prowess, the IT Department consistently demonstrates genuine kindness and willingness to foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for our new academic leaders. Even before the 1st day each of our new deans stepped onto campus, the IT Department's unwavering commitment and technical expertise were nothing short of awe-inspiring. Their contributions do not go unnoticed, and their impact extends far beyond the onboarding process.

On behalf of the entire academic community, I extend my sincerest gratitude and admiration for the exceptional work that you all have done and continue to do. You all have truly made a difference in the lives of our academic deans and the success of our institution.

We are incredibly fortunate to have you all as part of our team, thank you for being the technology gurus we all admire and respect!"

Shout-Out to Cheyenne Vaughn | Writing Center Tutor & Co-Coordinator

"Cheyenne has been an amazing addition to the Tutoring team, specifically the Writing Center. She works hand in hand each day as the co-coordinator with the Faculty and faculty co-coordinator. She also works closely with the Tutoring Coordinator, inspiring and elevating the peer tutors. She has a knack for focusing on and seeing projects through (even the tough ones.) She works with others to offer workshops, brought North Start Literacy to campus on a wider scale, and is currently collaborating with the Tutoring Coordinator to offer a certificate to all peer tutors which will allow them to serve their peers at the highest level along with adding to their resumes. Cheyenne is the ultimate actively engaged collaborator!"

Shout-Out to Ellie McDowell, LSW | Social Worker

"Ellie has worked tirelessly this year on getting new partnerships and funding set up for the Food Cupboard. The food cupboard has had a beautiful physical transformation and new equipment that was grant-funded. We have had three+ new partnerships developed to help us improve the space and build sustainability for the food cupboard, and we received approximately $60K in grants for the next two years to help fund the food in the space. We are grateful and inspired by your dedication, Ellie!"

Shout-Out to Michelle Kiffmeyer | HR Business Partner

"Michelle is always willing to step up and help wherever there is a need. I appreciate that I have been able to count on her over the last month to help serve our staff and faculty promptly and with a smile!"