Highland Community College recognized employee achievements, years of service, retirements and outstanding contributions during its annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Clifford Hawk Agricultural Facility.
President Vincent Bowhay thanked faculty and staff for their dedication to students and communities across HCC's nine county service area, noting that Highland’s employees are the foundation of the College's mission and success.
The event included recognition of employees celebrating service milestones ranging from one to 35 years.
One year at HCC: Sarah Ahern, Phillip Buessing, Tana Coleman, Tyler Delong, Ali Foster, Brett Gilcrist, Braden Grossman, Brandon Henderson, Rebecca Morrison, Bethanie O’Dell, Patricia Palmietto, Jennifer Schiller, Jerica Thorne, Ryleigh Trimble, Austin Vogel, Julianne Wilson, Hayden Wiltfong, Tammy Yasar
Five years at HCC: Nicole Bartel, Kari Clary, Amy Hall, Katelyn Holthus, Kyle Koehler, Tiffany Rhodd
10 years at HCC: Rick Blevins, Lexy Clark, James Davies, Pamela Fulbright, Keith Jaloma, Rebekah Nichols, Nathan Smith
15 years at HCC: Stephanie Peterson
20 years at HCC: Angela Eberly, Carrie Miller, Carol White
35 years at HCC: Theresa Grossman
Retirees Ron Adams, Physics Instructor; Marla Housh, Technical Center Office Assistant (Marla’s husband, Tim Housh, received the award in her honor); and Laura Young, Economics/Business Instructor; were recognized for their years of dedication and service.
Several employees and departments were also recognized through the annual Scottie Awards program, which celebrates excellence, collaboration, leadership and service across the College.
Scottie Awards 2026
The annual event celebrates Highland employees in recognition of their efforts and commitment to student success and the continued advancement of Highland.
The 2026 Scottie award recipients included:
- One Highland Award
- Awarded to HCC Volleyball Team (coached by Andrea Keller and Cheryl Rasmussen)
- Nominees included the Western Center, Western Center Diesel Department, Maintenance Department, Business Office, Hannah Owen, IT Department, and the Volleyball Team.
- Highland Early Impact Award
- Awarded to Scott Kneifl, Western Center Welding Instructor
- Nominees included Sarah Ahern, Tanner Holte, Patricia Palmietto, Josh Smith, and Hayden Wiltfong.
- Assessment Champion Award*
- Awarded to Carrie Miller, Technical Center Business Technology Instructor
- Nominees included Shane Clapper, Brett Gilcrist, Amy Hall, and Carrie Miller.
- Mentor Excellence Award
- Awarded to Kelly Twombly, Director of Alumni Relations
- Nominees included Kelly Twombly and Carrie Miller.
- President's Award for Exemplary Service
- Awarded to Kristi Blevins, Financial Aid Director
- Nominees included Cindy Davis, Scott Kneifl, Mary Johanning and Shelby Meenen.
*The Assessment Champion Award was presented for the first time this year. This award
recognizes those who go above and beyond to promote a culture of assessment and continuous
improvement at Highland Community College.