COCC announces student, staff diversity awards
Carlos Vasquez is the recipient of Central Oregon Community College’s 2016 Diversity Achievement Award, which recognizes commitment to fostering a climate of respect for differences within the college and the local community.
Vasquez has been an “amazing role model” to students in the Human Services program, “one of those rare students who takes the time to deeply process what he has learned and is eager and courageous in wanting to share it all with others,” according to his nominator.
“As a leader in his classes, he engages in appropriate and helpful conversations about multicultural issues,” said Karen Roth, multicultural coordinator at the college. “In turn, other students gain a deeper understanding and greater empathy for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds, which will be advantageous to them as they seek employment in various human services fields.”
Vasquez is the secretary of the Addictions Studies and Human Services Club on campus. In that role, he worked to bring awareness about a Spanish language Alcoholics Anonymous meeting to the members of the club. He also volunteers to help English language learners understand their math assignments and has tutored Spanish for the world languages and cultures department, though both of these areas are outside of his field of study. He also participates in the Latino Club and is a Safe Zone volunteer for the campus.
Carrie McCormick, enrollment specialist for the Madras Campus, was awarded the COCC Staff Diversity Award. McCormick was recognized for her exemplary efforts to help, support and serve all of the students.
The Madras Campus is the most diverse of the COCC campuses, serving students from Warm Springs, the multicultural community of Madras, students from Deer Ridge Correctional Institution and students participating in English Language Learning classes through Adult Basic Skills. She spends as much time as necessary meeting the unique and diverse needs of each student, and, in return, has been welcomed into the lives of the students she serves. McCormick also serves as Safe Zone volunteer for the campus.
As one of her nominators said, “Carrie’s everyday actions and hard work at bridging gaps helps to support students in their dreams to gain a college education.”
