May 15, 2026

Cell…(hold that note)…ebrate Good Times, C’mon

This year’s End of Year Celebration (yesterday) had multiple levels of meaning. We celebrated Years of Service, Outstanding Service to the College, and a number of employees who are retiring. Upon reflection, it was also a time to celebrate the institution itself. It was a challenging year with regard to the budget and we were able to pull through, although not without a little pain. We should also take a moment to celebrate the colleagues who will not be returning to us next year and appreciate their contributions on our journey together.

Above all else, I hope we celebrate the accomplishments of our students. We will formally do this at graduation, but the success of our students is really a celebration of our employees. The three candidates for Vice President over the last few weeks each remarked to me just how passionate, caring, and dedicated this college is. When I asked in return, “Is that not the same at your college?”, only one returned with “Yes, it is.” Our passion for the work, the mission, and the students is authentic here, and I celebrate working at a place that feels this way about our work.

Even our wellness presenter from the University of Washington remarked yesterday at how tangible “the caring” is at Cascadia. By virtue of the questions asked, the vulnerability expressed, and the support for each other demonstrated during her presentations, she came to the conclusion that there is something special about Cascadia.

The Outstanding Service to the College Awards went to:

• Kristina Kellerman (Faculty)
• Martin Nunez (Classified Staff)
• Dr. Seraphine Shen-Miller (Faculty)
• Savita Srinivasa (Part-Time Faculty)
• Shandy Stomieroski (Exempt Staff)
• Yevheniia Valuiska (Part-Time Staff)
• Tasha Walston (Faculty)

Our retirements included:

• Dr. Brian Bansenauer
• Kathy Brown
• Dr. Peg Harbol
• Lelia Olson

Please stop by the President’s Office before Commencement to add a caring note to their framed retirement photos of campus.

I would also like to formally celebrate the VPSL search committee, chaired by Kristina Kellerman and Bryan Fauth. Thanks to committee members: Dr. Victor Begay, Ana Benitez, Dr. Soraya Cardenas, Lisa Citron, Chari Davenport, and Dr. Ana Nina. And thanks to Shannon Bath for her administrative support.

We are working with our preferred candidate on details and will circle back to you the first week of June with a final outcome.

I am off to the UW Seattle Campus now to visit a research symposium where one of Dr. Jessica Ketchum‘s students was invited to present. Just another thing to celebrate.

Woohoo!

Shoutouts

From the IN Box:

Remember that shoutouts can be sent to FLShoutout@cascadia.edu.