Riverland Community College honored current and outgoing faculty and staff at the College's annual Riverland Awards and Recognition Ceremony on May 13 held at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin.

Riverland employees gathered to acknowledge staff members for their achievements through out the year including those who reached milestones of years of service and this year's retirees.

Sue Grove, emeritus faculty and advisor for Phi Theta Kappa honor society received national recognition for her work as an advisor for the Riverland chapter.

In addition, the College awarded Jim Mohn, a retired faculty member, the title of Emeritus Faculty. He received this award for his outstanding and long-term service to Riverland as collision Repair technology instructor from 1984 to 2008.

Retirees: Terry Bue, Truck Driving Faculty, 1993 to 2011; Jerry Girton, Theatre Faculty and Director, 1989 to 2011; John Hobert, Farm Business Management Faculty, 1993 to 2011; Barbara Jensen, Office and Administrative Specialist, 1985 to 2011; Elfriede Klingfus, Librarian Technician, 1984 to 2011; Nolan McConnell, Truck Driving Faculty, 1989 to 2011; Kathleen Nelson, Librarian, 1999 to 2011; Lois Nelson, Riverland Training and Development Representative, 1988 to 2011; Karen Vanderploeg, Office and Administrative Specialist, 1993 to 2010; Vennie White, English Faculty, 2005 to 2011.

Rookie awards are given to employees with one year of service or less. This year’s rookies include: Theo Beckmann, Betsy Bushlack, Catherine Haslag, Roschelle  Manigold, Yesenia Menodza, Tim Michaud, Laura Minehart and Leah Schwachtgen.

Employees with five years of service include John Carlson, Jeannie Kearney, Ron Langrell, Cory Loecher and Pauline VanNurden.

Employees with 10 years of service include Vicki Fisher, Miguel       Garate, Patty Hemann, Jason Merritt and Suzette Overby.

Employees with 15 years of service include Bob Bender, Danielle Heiny, Brenda Mandt and Tom Woodhouse.

Employees with 20 years of service include Nash Chavez, Suzanne McCormick and Gary Thome.

Employees with 25 years of service include Carol Busch, Barbara Jensen and Mary Kay Wilson.

Maryann Bush was honored for 30 years of service.

The College also acknowledged employees who received a "Moment of Greatness" award over the past academic year. The "Moment of Greatness" award provides employees the opportunity to encourage and recognize other employees for their contribution to the College's day-to-day successes.