'Cats Caught Being Awesome

Jacqueline Park - College of Agriculture

Congratulations to our January 2025 ‘Cats Caught Being Awesome winner!

Jacqueline was nominated by Benjamin Duran, who said, "Jacqueline Park has gone above and beyond in her service not only to the department but in helping me. I am a new faculty, and Jackie has been exceptional in handling procurement of new equipment and research supplies. She has taken the lead in submitting all the necessary forms, following up with the necessary people, and communicating where we are at in the process. Her dedication has been remarkable and her work with helping me get research supplies, ordered on top of her normal to dos, deserves applause. In the past three months, Jackie has been working hand-in-hand with me and a sales representative for the purchase of a new ultrasound. She has communicated exceptionally with everyone, edited documents that procurement needed, submitted the necessary documents and quotes, all done in a timely manner. She has juggled the challenges of procurement all while keeping up with her normal office duties and all done with such enthusiasm. I couldn’t imagine going through the process of procuring a new ultrasound without the help of Jackie."

Rebecca Cagle, Payroll Services - December 2024

Rebecca was nominated by Alison Christensen, who said, "I would like to nominate Becky Cagle for 'Cats Caught Being Awesome for her annual work for Staff Council's Joy of Giving. The Joy of Giving is one of Becky’s favorite campus events and she is always a major contributor to the ‘gift-givers’ in HR – buying gifts and creating personalized (and stuffed!) stockings for all the children in our family each year. In addition to these efforts for HR's family, she also coordinates a HUGE task with her mother-in-law Lynne Smith for all of the JOG families. With Lynne’s crocheting skills and Becky’s yarn gathering skills, they combine efforts to make hats for each and every participant in JOG every year. That means adult-sized hats for parents/caregivers and kid-sized hats for all the ages. If you have been to any of the JOG receptions in recent years you have seen Becky and her Bags O’ Hats roaming around the farm pavilion or Colusa. She typically has a team along with her to pick the perfect hat for each person based on their age & favorite colors – even recruiting Kristen Curtis’s young son Colton to help in the fun at the farm! Becky and Lynne do not do it for the recognition, but their efforts do not go unnoticed and it seems like a nice time to do just that – recognize her for her efforts to help supplement the gifts so many families have received from our generous campus community. I know Becky is so happy to be part of the JOG program, and we’re lucky she is. Thank you for your consideration of her efforts, she really is a Cat Caught Being Awesome.

Kathy Vargas, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department - November 2024

Kathy was nominated by Eri Roman, who said, "Kathy has gone above and beyond for College of ECC students, fostering both connection and education. She took the time to learn about Dia de Los Muertos and created a beautiful ofrenda in O'Connell, offering a simple yet powerful display. This gesture provides students, especially those from Southern California, with a comforting piece of home on these special days of remembrance.  For those outside the culture, the ofrenda serves as an educational moment, enriching the university’s DEI efforts by deepening awareness and respect for cultural traditions."

Laura Werth, Faculty Affairs and Success - October 2024

Laura was nominated by Robin Yant, who said, "Laura embodies the spirit of "Being Awesome" as the heart and soul of Faculty Affairs. Her cheerful demeanor and unwavering enthusiasm shine through in every interaction, creating an environment of joy and beauty despite her incredibly heavy workload.

Laura's commitment to excellence was recently exemplified in her handling of a challenging background check for a new faculty member. Faced with unresponsive county offices and slow-moving paperwork, Laura refused to accept delays. She persistently followed up with the background check company, initiated a second request through an alternative vendor, and even researched ways for the candidate to expedite the process independently. Her diligence, resourcefulness, and proactive approach enabled the new lecturer to begin teaching earlier than expected. The grateful faculty member expressed, "Teaching has been something I've spent years dreaming about. I'm so grateful. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate the effort you took to get me hired; I've wanted this more than anything." Laura's dedication to serving faculty and staff, coupled with her ability to overcome obstacles, truly embodies going above and beyond. She is an invaluable asset to our institution and a shining example of excellence in action.