NECC employees Lenin Tejeda, Sue Pelletier, Mike Cross, with President Lane Glenn.

The Employee Recognition Award recognizes the many and varied contributions of the college’s nearly 700 employees. Employees are selected each quarter based on recommendations from supervisors and co-workers. Recipients receive a $150 certificate to the restaurant or mall of his or her choice.

Cross, a professor of chemistry at NECC for more than two years, was praised by an administrator for his involvement with the Bacon Board Gamers a club for students, who enjoy playing board games. Cross inspired, founded, and serves as faculty adviser for the club. The club started as a result of Cross’s use of board games in the classroom to teach complicated chemistry principles. Board games are expensive but a Campus Catalyst grant allowed the club to purchase a large selection of board games now available to the college community. He devotes every other Friday evening to the club.

He was also acknowledged for his participation in the NECC Speakers Bureau despite his heavy teaching schedule. His engaging presentations on “Old Wives Tales and Science,” and “Chocolate: the Perfect Drug”, are very popular with senior groups and library audiences across the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire.
“His presentations are always exceptionally well received, and he does a fabulous job of representing our quality faculty in front of community audiences,” wrote Ernie Greenslade, director of public relations at NECC.

Cross holds both a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Utah.

More than one faculty member nominated Tejeda who has worked in Information Technology Services for more than three years. He was lauded for his strong work ethic and problem solving skills.

“He is one individual in IT Services who has distinguished himself above and beyond what is required to help faculty and staff in the computer labs, offices and any questions related to problems with software, hardware or computer issues,” wrote Trish Kidney, chair of the Art & Design department. “He is constantly solving problems related to the Mac labs and will always anticipate each faculty persons needs to do their job. He is always cheerful and resourceful in solving problems…He settles for nothing short of perfection and is always checking in to be sure faculty have all the necessary tools available to teach their classes. His efforts with students are the same and he spends more time working with all problems associated with student issues.”

Graphic Design instructor Lance Hidy seconded the nomination who noting, “Having once been a student of ours in those same (Mac) labs, he has a keen appreciation of the student and teacher’s point of view. A hard worker, Lenin has always been quick to respond whenever I have had a technical problem with the printer, one of the workstations, fonts, or the network. It is complex business, and nothing seems to be too daunting to him. His “can do” attitude is infectious.

Tejeda holds an Associate of Arts degree in graphic design from NECC.

Pelletier, who has worked in a variety of positions at NECC over the past 20 years, was nominated by numerous staff and faculty who praised her high work standards, her service-oriented approach to the job, her problem solving skills, and her devotion to both students and faculty.

“Sue Pelletier cares deeply about NECC’s students, staff, and faculty members. When students come to her for help, she is always available. Whether they are looking for a professor, the dean or for a classroom, she guides and directs them, and often provides moral support,” wrote Professor Ethel Schuster.

Pelletier has attended NECC, Fitchburg and Salem State Universities.