Four Community College of Aurora employees are being recognized for their achievements and academic success for the academic school year. The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development is “The country’s leading provider of professional development for community college faculty, staff, and administrators.” NISOD’s activities and programs are based on the premise that teaching excellence is a result of concerned and focused leadership, increased awareness and use of adult learning principles, exemplary teaching practices and technologies, and a profound commitment to student success.
Stephanie Agner, Classified Employee of the Year. Starting as an Administrative Assistant I for the Center for Simulation in 2008, Agner has moved throughout departments and has held various administrative support roles around CCA. She has been active in onboarding, training, process streamlining, and being a key point of contact within the Division of Academic Success behind the scenes. Stephanie continues to share her wealth of knowledge. Her peers describe her as being collaborative, supportive, and fearless regardless of what comes her way.
Eed Cefkin, Tom Brosh Endowment Instructor of the Year. Joining CCA in July 2021 as an instructor within the Center for Adult Education’s Community ESL program. Migrating to the United States herself, Cefkin connects with her students within the Community ESL program and is an advocate in the community for the importance of effective communication and the critical role CCA provides as avenues for economic mobility. Cefkin supports students and is a constant encourager through the difficulties and challenges that come with learning a new language, and oftentimes a completely different culture and way of life from what her students are familiar with. She is someone who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every student is supported.
Candace McClelland-Fieler, Faculty of the Year. Since starting at CCA in August of 2007 and becoming a faculty member within the English department, McClelland-Fieler has served as a mentor to many instructors and faculty within the department, supported in curriculum redesign, served as an advocate for student success through embedding DEI into the classroom, and cultivating a true community of collegiality within her department. McClelland-Fieler also serves on the Honor’s Committee, and is an advocate for the various populations present on campus including the LGBTQIA+ population, first-generation students, and students with less access to resources to support them in their educational paths. She is an advocate for her students and is committed to the work of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the classroom as well as within the greater institution.
Sydney Pedregon, Exempt Employee of the Year. Pedregon has served in CCA’s Division of Student Success since April of 2020. She started as Assistant Director in the Department of Student Life before moving into the role of Director of Student Leadership and Development. She has been an impactful member of the CCA Community for students and her peers. Pedregon provides mentorship to members of CCA’s Student Government Association, and plays an intricate role in planning CCA’s annual commencement ceremony. She goes above and beyond in her role to create a community for students and her peers by bringing other departments together for resource fairs, on-campus career opportunities, family events, and student training opportunities. As Director of Student Leadership and Development, Pedregon has successfully created and facilitated over 100 opportunities for CCA students to build community, increase awareness of CCA resources/services, and engage in activities focused on leadership, service, and cultural awareness.