Gerrine Schreck-Kirby and Lynn Willey are the recipients of the 2010-2011 Outstanding Faculty and Staff Wekesser Awards. The ceremony was held Feb. 6 on Southeast Community College’s Lincoln Campus.

Schreck-Kirby is an instructor in SCC’s Food Service/Hospitality program who also is a Certified Executive Chef. She started at SCC as an adjunct faculty member in November 1982.

“(Food Service/Hospitality program chair) Jo Taylor talked to one of my instructors from Des Moines Area Community College and asked how SCC could start a culinary program, and my name was given to them,” she said. “(Lincoln Campus director) Jeanette Volker hired me to start teaching culinary classes.”

Schreck-Kirby taught part-time until September 1987 when a full-time position became available, half-time teaching in the Food Service program and half managing the campus cafeteria. Two years later she began teaching full-time in the Food Service program.

A native of Carroll, Iowa, Schreck-Kirby said she doesn’t view her job as work.

“If you find a job that you love and have someone pay you to do it, you will never work another day in your life,” she said.

Schreck-Kirby is grateful to receive the award.

“When I learned I was nominated, it made me want to be a better teacher,” she said. “I was overwhelmed when I received the award, as well as the many kind words from students and peers.

It really is a beautiful thing. It makes a person reflect how fortunate we are to work in such a great place and be recognized and valued for our work.”

She also praised her program colleagues and other SCC co-workers.

“I am very thankful to be working with so many top-notch professionals in my department and across the campuses,” Schreck-Kirby said.

“I am very proud of our institution. After working at SCC for 25 years and going back to school for a master’s degree, I see how important what we do at SCC is because we teach individuals a skill so that they can be gainfully employed.”

One student had this to say about Schreck-Kirby:

“Gerrine is an amazingly attentive and enthusiastic instructor. She pours so much energy into teaching her students. She has an immense wealth of knowledge, passion and interest in her field.

I have seen countless occasions where she drops everything she is doing to help a student, to the point that student feels like she has all the time in the world.”

And Taylor said, “I always say we are blessed to have her because she is a great chef and a great educator. The students continue their relationship with her for years after graduation.”

Other nominees for the Outstanding Teacher Award: Randy Goldsmith, Electronic Systems Technology instructor; Mick Hutcheson, Motorcycle, ATV & Personal Watercraft Technology instructor; Barry Smith, Automotive Technology instructor; and Cynthia Surrounded, Human Services instructor.

Willey, who grew up in Lead, S.D., in the Black Hills, started working at SCC in 1996. She has held the same title, placement specialist, since Day One.

She said she enjoys working with students and helping them throughout the employment search process.

“Quite honestly, I just try every day to do the best job I can for students and understand that they are the reason I am in this position,”

Willey said. “I appreciate the opportunity to be creative with planning events and working with students so that we can continue to reach our audience in the best way possible.”

Willey said she loves her job.

“I have one of the best jobs at SCC because I have the opportunity to connect students with business and industry, and both groups are so appreciate of the efforts in our office,” she said.

“I am very appreciative of the excellent team in the Placement Office, and the program chairs are so supportive of the services we provide to students. Both of which make my job so enjoyable.”

As for the award, Willey said, “I was totally surprised, and I am very appreciative of the recognition by my peers.”

Angela King, Placement Office secretary, said, “Lynn is a role model to all staff and student workers in the office. She creates a working environment that promotes creativity as well as personal and professional growth.

With a large professional network, Lynn is a great resource for students and alumni. She is always willing to go above and beyond to assist students/alumni in finding successful careers in their chosen fields.”

Other nominees for the Outstanding Staff Award: Jeff Brei, assistant manager, Food Service/Hospitality program; Rachel Mason, coordinator, student activities; and Brooke Robbins, secretary, Entrepreneurship Center.

Schreck-Kirby and Willey each received $500 checks, a plaque, a balloon bouquet, and their names inscribed on a permanent plaque on the Lincoln Campus.

In fall 1979, Robert and Edith Wekesser established a fund in SCC’s Educational Foundation to recognize people for outstanding service to the Lincoln Campus.