Moorpark College’s Athletic Trainer Vance Manakas and three other candidates are finalists for nomination for the California Community Colleges Classified Employee of the Year.

One finalist was selected from each community college at VCCCD and one from the District Administrative Center. A representative committee from each of these places will come together to select the nominee to send to the state. Michael Shanahan, Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, said in an email that this nominee will be announced at the VCCCD Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday.

“The nominees are evaluated on their commitment to the mission of community colleges,” said Shanahan.

Peder Nielsen is the finalist for nomination at Ventura College. He is an Athletic Department Equipment Manager and has worked at VCCCD for 30 years. He manages the men’s sports uniforms, orders equipment for the Athletics and Kinesiology Departments and manages the men’s locker room. He has earned two Equipment Manager of the Year awards in the past. He said being a finalist for this nomination is an accomplishment in itself.

“It will be an honor to stand up alongside the other three candidates,” said Nielsen

Katy Hott is the finalist from the District Administrative Center. She is a Payroll Supervisor and has worked 17 years at VCCCD. She believes she was chosen for her willingness to assist others and her ability to run the payroll accurately and efficiently.

“I dedicate myself to excellent customer service,” said Hott.

Marcos Lupian is a counselor assistant at Oxnard College. He has worked at VCCCD for almost 14 years. He was the Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Director from 2007-2013. MESA is a community college transfer program where students must have a calculus based major. Lupian saw several of his MESA students become professional engineers or attend medical school.

“Being the MESA Director was one of the most enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding jobs,” said Lupian.

Vance Manakas, or Uncle V. as his students call him, is a College Trainer at Moorpark College. He is first on the scene to diagnose potential athletic injuries. He has been an employee at VCCCD since 1981 and was surprised to discover his nomination after 33 years.

“I was totally shocked by this whole thing,” said Manakas.

According to the California Community College Chancellor’s Office website, the award has been given out every year since 2009. Up to six recipients can be California Community Colleges Classified Employee of the Year and each recipient will receive $500 as well as a commemorative plaque.