The following faculty, staff and students were recognized during Great Bay Community College’s 2024 Commencement Ceremonies:
The Chancellor’s Award for Service Excellence was presented to: Rebecca Clerkin, GBCC Director of Library Services. Among the criteria, the award is given to a candidate who has demonstrated innovation in service to students and has made a positive impact on the college community. In her nomination letter, the nominee writes of Rebecca, “Consistently, throughout her 29+ years at Great Bay Community College, she has been thoroughly engaged and impactful in her collaborative work at the College, the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH), and Cross-College levels in addition to serving in her role as the Director of Library Services and her direct work with students and GBCC colleagues.” In her role, Rebecca served as co-editor of the College’s NECHE 5-year Interim Report, and chosen as the campus lead for the update, roll-out, and evaluation processes of the College’s Governance System. She Co-Chairs GBCC’s Staff Forum as well as the DEIB team and has been a key contributor to the strategic planning process and the Enrollment Management Team. She has established a Makerspace within the Library as well as expanded the programming offered through various workshops (technology support events for students, and Fiber Arts). At the CCSNH and Cross-College Levels, Becky has been an active contributor on the System’s Employer of Choice Strategic Pillar, has worked on the Staff Contract Negotiation Team, and Co-Chairs the CCSNH Open Education Resources Team and the Library Directors group.
The Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence was presented to: Lynda Bonneau, Department Chair, Accounting and Business Administration. The award is based on criteria including a demonstration of teaching innovation, leadership, an individual’s impact on students, community involvement, as well as service to the college. Lynda began as a full-time Accounting Faculty and Program Coordinator at Great Bay Community College in the fall of 2017 and has served additionally in the Department Chair role beginning in the spring of 2019. In addition to the Accounting and Business programs, she recently has assumed oversight and leadership of the Hotel, Restaurant, and Event Management degree and certificate programs in collaboration with the Program Coordinator. As a faculty member, she is respected by students and her colleagues for her hands-on, interactive, student-centered, supportive approach to the teaching/learning process. In addition to her role as faculty, she serves on a number of Academic Committees for both Great Bay and the Community College System of New Hampshire, and involved in community and professional development activities including serving on the CTE Advisory Boards of three area high schools.
The President’s Award for Outstanding Adjunct was presented to: Erik Hinnov, Adjunct Professor of English and the Writing Specialist in the College’s Center for Academic Planning and Support (CAPS). The award is given to an adjunct faculty member whose commitment to Great Bay Community College serves academic integrity and students needs in the greater interest of the teaching-learning environment. In addition to his role as an adjunct faculty and writing support specialist to students, Erik has represented Great Bay by participating in the Humanities Collaborative with UNH, and is currently the adjunct representative for Faculty Forum. He also is a student club faculty advisor and has worked as the adjunct representative on the College’s governance restructuring committee. In his nomination letter, his department chair comments “Erik’s service to the department and GBCC is clear, but it is his dedication to his students that is truly extraordinary.”
The President’s Award for Special Contributions was presented to GBCC Athletic Director, Brian Scott. The award is given to a member of the college community whose endeavors have made a significant difference at the College. In addition to his role as Director of the GBCC Athletic department, Brian plays a crucial role with the Student Life Department of the College helping to lead the Student Government Association, Leadership Weekend, New Student Orientation, and other activities. In his nomination letter, his colleague writes “Brian has a keen ability to manage the day-to-day logistics while never losing an opportunity to connect with students.”
The President’s Award for Outstanding Student was presented to Volodymyr Lysianskyi. The award is given to a member of the college community whose endeavors have made a significant difference at the College and to the community. Originally from Ukraine, Volodymyr arrived at Great Bay in August of 2022. He came to the U.S. seeking an opportunity to obtain higher education and experience a different part of the world. Today, he is graduating with an Associate Degree in Engineering Science and after earning a G.P.A of 3.99, has a future plan to transfer to the University of New Hampshire. During his time at the College, he was actively involved in the Student Government Association (SGA) and the International Club (IC). In addition to his leadership roles, “Vol” also organized three fundraisers supporting victims of the earthquake in Turkey, flood victims in Libya, and initiatives for women’s empowerment and coordinated the installation of new recreational amenities to Great Bay’s Student Success Center.
2024 Academic Award winners:
Academic awards were presented to students with the highest GPA in their program.
Academic awards were presented to students with the highest GPA in their program.
Accounting A.S. Degree – Abigail Shelomitha Simatauw
American Studies A.A. Degree – Benjamin Rodgers
Biological Science A.A. Degree – Autumn Jolin
Biological Science A.S. Degree – Laurel Pigman
Biotechnology A.S. Degree – Tucker Davison
Business Administration A.S. Degree – Kelsey Burnell
Computer Technologies A.S. Degree – Jacob Hagman
Criminal Justice A.S. Degree Benjamin Rodgers
Cyber Security Infrastructure A.S. Degree – Phil Reid
Digital Media Communications A.S. Degree – Susan Anderson
Early Childhood Education A.S. Degree -Quinlan Rich
Educator Preparation A.S. Degree – Sarah Jeanne Toms
Engineering A.S. Degree – Ahmed Nada
English A.A. Degree – Melissa Shortt
Environmental Science A.S. Degree – Lily Sullivan
Fine Arts A.A. Degree – Elise Soto
History A.A. Degree – Lance Dion
Hotel, Restaurant & Event Mgmt A.S. Degree – Liette Duncan
Information Systems Technology A.S. Degree – Keith Cummings
Liberal Arts A.A. Degree – Sophie-Frances Stewart
Nursing A.S. Degree – Albina Hubbard
Psychology A.A. Degree – Stephanie Knapp
Surgical Technology A.S. Degree – Lauren Geleas
Technical Studies A.S. Degree – Zackeree Kendall
Veterinary Technology A.S. Degree – Victoria George
