Each year, Pomona College recognizes one or more staff members for distinguished service or effort beyond what is required in their daily job.
This year two longtime staff members received the Distinguished Staff Award: Desktop Support Specialist Denis Recendez and Administrative Assistant of Theatre Mary Rosier.
The awards were announced by Acting President Bob Gaines at the annual staff recognition luncheon, held this year in Edmunds Ballroom.
Denis Recendez
If you’ve had a tech issue during your time at Pomona, chances are you know Denis Recendez. For nearly 28 years, Recendez has provided technical customer-centric support to faculty, students and staff.
“He is always calm and helpful,” a nominator says. “I have called him several times completely frazzled and upset, and he seems to always find a solution to my tech problems as well as calm my nerves.”
In addition to his daily duties, Recendez is dedicated to Pomona’s research and teaching needs and assists with the training and supervising of up to 30 student employees in the Client Services office.
Multiple nominators lauded his professionalism and patience.
“Although being on the front line of ITS support is basically fixing problems, one after the other, Denis does it with compassion,” says Linda Shimoda, creative platforms designer at the Hive. “Generally, computer issues are frustrating, but Denis’ first step to untangling the problem is to say he’s sorry I’m experiencing problems.”
“He understands the person behind that laptop screen,” Shimoda adds, “and he serves that person first.”
Mary Rosier
At the beginning of each semester, Mary Rosier can be found standing in the Seaver Theatre courtyard directing lost students to their classrooms. From then till the end of the semester, “Mary is the center of the Theatre Department,” a nominator says.
As administrative assistant, Rosier works independently on a broad range of tasks to bolster the College’s theatre and dance departments. Beyond her official duties, Rosier “has a wealth of institutional knowledge,” says Marja Kay, program administrator.
Colleagues marvel at her infectious enthusiasm, dedication and knowledge.
“Her welcoming and calm demeanor makes her an accessible resource to students, staff and faculty on campus, where she has made an indelible mark over 30 years,” a nominator says.
Over decades, Rosier has served several departments at Pomona “and goes above and beyond to help everyone who crosses her path,” says Andrea Bear, who runs the Pomona costume shop. “She knows practically everything and everyone at the 5Cs and is always there to listen or tell a good story.”