Congratulations to CNM's Spring 2020 Values Champions

CNM held a luncheon on Wednesday, February 20 to celebrate the Spring Term Values Champion Awards recipients. The awards, which will be given out each semester, highlight employees who exemplify one or more of CNM’s Core Values—Be Caring, Be Connected, Be Courageous, Be Ethical, Be Exceptional, Be Inspiring.

Be Caring: Library Manager Mary Bates-Ulibarri, nominated by Scott Reece

Reece said: "Mary exemplifies our Core Value of Caring. On October 9th of last year, I suffered an episode of severe low blood sugar, resulting in me losing consciousness. When my coworker notified our supervisor of my absence from work, Mary called me, then tried the emergency number listed for my wife. Unable to get through, Mary proceeded to call multiple branches of Bank of America, where my wife works, until she found someone who knew my wife. The bank employees were able to get in contact and called 911 to have emergency services dispatched to my house, where paramedics were able to revive me. Untreated low blood sugar can result in seizures, diabetic coma, or even death, and without that call, I wouldn’t have been found for hours. I don’t believe it is an exaggeration to say that Mary’s decisive action, persistence, and above all, caring, started the chain of events that prevented severe injury and possibly even saved my life. I cannot thank her enough."

Be Connected: Biology Instructor Steve Glass, nominated by Sierra Netz

Netz said: "Steve is a great asset to CNM, bringing experience working at the water authority as well as volunteer experience around Albuquerque to classes. Steve has taught interdisciplinary classes that make inroads with other departments, creates partnerships with local groups, bringing speakers into the classroom, and creating learning opportunities around these partnerships. When we team-taught a class, Steve connected me with many individuals from around the greater ABQ community, including the Natural History Museum, the wastewater treatment plant, volunteer programs like Talking Talons, and even CABQ Air Quality. Steve has brought personal development opportunities to CNM and the department via connections. One day as our co-taught class was on a field trip near the Bosque, a bicyclist rode by on the bike path and shouted, “Hi, Steve!” After that time, I like to joke that he literally knows everyone in Albuquerque. But, in reality, nobody better represents the CNM value of connectedness."

Be Courageous: Westside Security Lieutenant Michael Kear, nominated by Susan Ruth

Ruth said: "Michael has taught me we can choose courage in the face of the unknown. Over the last three years, Michael lost his father, mother, two grandsons, and a son. But Michael has mammoth reserves of courage and does not give up easily. A former military medic and gang prevention officer, Michael is trained to observe closely and notices the students who eat alone, lack materials, or who just need someone to talk to. One day, Michael saw a student carrying books in an old plastic bag. When the student said she couldn’t afford a backpack, Michael showed up the next day with a new one. CNM Security hosts a college day for kids with cancer, allowing them to forget about doctors and hospitals for a day. One boy admired Michael’s badge and said, “I wish I could be an officer like you.” Michael was so moved that he contacted the mom and gave the boy a special badge. His tenacious hope and optimism despite so much loss is the most courageous thing I have seen."

Be Ethical: HWPS Program Entry and Compliance Manager Ebony Sanders, nominated by Vanessa Louis 

Louis said: "Ebony has a very crucial job at CNM, screening student applications and allowing students into programs upon meeting requirements and the lottery. Ebony taught me their special ways of working so that I can assist in this role. Ebony is always doing what is right and what is fair to all students. Each student is treated the same and is held to the same standards as the others. Ebony is trustworthy, reliable, responsible, fair, transparent, and honest and always takes the extra steps to ensure things are done with full integrity."

Be Exceptional: PPD Project Manager Peter Siebert, nominated by Catron Allred, Jan Winslow and Sobeida Toledo

Allred said: "Peter is an exceptional employee and support to the many organizations internally and externally to CNM. Peter works in extremely stressful and difficult circumstances and is always positive and finds a solution to the myriad of problems presented on a daily basis. He is truly an exceptional and unsung hero!"

Winslow said: "Peter worked tirelessly for over a year to ensure that our department would be able to move into our new space in a timely manner and be comfortable throughout the process. Yes, it’s the job, but what makes Peter exceptional is that he was in contact with all of us – not just the boss – to let us know what to expect and worked with us until issues were resolved. Peter is terribly busy, yet never too busy to respond to us, check-in, share a joke or give us a tour of our space when we were curious. Peter has really gone above and beyond to bring in the right people to solve issues, respond to emails quickly, and get things done! We so appreciate him!"

Toledo said: "Three words to describe Peter: Supportive, Positive, and goes above and beyond in managing projects. Without Peter, I’m not sure the building would have come online! Despite setbacks beyond his control, Peter is positive and always trying to make things better."

Be Inspiring: CHSS Instructor Saundra Trujillo, nominated by Sarah Morrison

Morrison said: "Saundra has been building CNM's Formerly Incarcerated Students Reintegration Success Team and has used expertise in Criminology and connections throughout the Criminal Justice system to help create a program that will “build hope, aspiration, and positive change” in our community. Research shows there are many barriers for re-entry for individuals with criminal records. We know that these can have profoundly negative effects on families and make it practically impossible for individuals with a criminal record to become engaged, responsible citizens. While these barriers may seem impossible to overcome, Saundra welcomes the challenge. Through Saundra's work, we are creating a program that is research-based, comprehensive, and modeled on an ethics of care—that recognizes that everyone is more than the worst thing they’ve ever done and everyone deserves dignity, respect, and opportunity. Saundra knows that CNM can offer that opportunity, and she is dedicated to helping students with criminal histories."

Nominations Open for Next Values Champs

To nominate your peers who demonstrate CNM's Core Values, please visit https://www.cnm.edu/about/core-values. If you are interested in serving on the Values Champions committee, please email [email protected].