Four Garden City Community College employees recently won the 2022-2023 League Excellence Awards through the League for Innovation in the Community College.
Veronica Goosey, Alli Griffin, Shelli Lalicker, and Sydnee Sassaman received the award, which recognizes outstanding faculty, staff, and leaders in the community college field who have made a significant difference in the lives of students and in the communities their colleges serve.
“The League for Innovation places commitment on innovation and leadership for educators in
community colleges. Bold Innovation is a BUSTERS value we focus on and commit to at GCCC. To that end, it is important to offer opportunities that inspire innovation in the classroom and beyond and highlight the great work, creativity, and focus on student success that exists at
GCCC,” said Dr. Ryan Ruda, GCCC President. “As a peer-nominated award, Veronica, Alli, Shelli, and Sydnee have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the campus, community, and students. We are all very proud and appreciative of the dedication and innovation which they convey daily to improve GCCC.”
The award is based on nominations from fellow colleagues and each recipient will receive a
specially cast pewter medallion, an Excellence Award certificate, and a copy of the League
Awards Program. The recipients were honored on stage during an all-employee meeting on April 6.
Below are comments provided in the nominations for each winner:
- Veronica Goosey, Associate Professor of English
“It is difficult to choose one option or three options for Veronica–she exemplifies so many
Buster values. She has guided Faculty Senate this year and worked very hard on the academic
honesty policy (one example of many).”
- Alli Griffin, Head Athletic Trainer
“Alli is the best supporter of all our student athletes. She works hard to support all of our kids physically and mentally and is constantly going about and beyond to help all aspects of our school.”
- Shelli Lalicker, Associate Professor of Science
“I see how Shelli relates to students in the classroom but also virtually. This semester she created the coolest introduction for one of her courses. She went around campus asking staff and faculty to interpret the topic (Environmental science I believe). It was a neat and unique way to engage students!”
- Sydnee Sassaman, Director of Advising
“Sydnee has led innovative change by guiding the college through implementation of new technology with AI Chatbot, Self-Service and most recently with implementing EAB Navigate. She is a strong leader and communicator in engaging the campus and leading change for student success and business efficiency.”
About The League
The League for Innovation in the Community College is an international nonprofit organization
with a mission to cultivate innovation in the community college environment. To learn more,
visit https://www.league.org/excellence.