PCC announces 2020 employees of the year

PUEBLO – Four outstanding individuals were recognized by Pueblo Community College on Thursday as the school’s 2020 Employees of the Year.

The recipients were announced during PCC’s virtual spring semester kickoff and employee appreciation event. They were selected for their professional excellence and the way each exemplifies the PCC Promise – to always recognize and greet you with a smile; to listen to you and respond to your needs; to link you to resources to ensure academic success; to respect and value you; and to celebrate your accomplishments and successes.

The 2020 winners and the categories they represent are Debbie Clement, administrative assistant for Pueblo Corporate College (classified employee); Marianne Horvath, Health Information Technology instructor and program coordinator (faculty); Bonnie Housh, academic excellence administrator for the Health & Public Safety division and coordinator for the pharmacy technician, phlebotomy technician and behavioral health programs (administrative/professional/technical); and Nancy Hunt, mathematics instructor (part-time instructor).

“Bonnie, Debbie, Marianne and Nancy are so deserving of this recognition,” said PCC President Patty Erjavec. “In a year that brought so many challenges, they continued to excel in their efforts to serve their students and colleagues, always demonstrating tremendous kindness and support. They exemplify the best of the outstanding team we have at PCC and it’s a privilege to work with them.”

As the person responsible for invoicing and revenue tracking, Clement is key to the success of Pueblo Corporate College, a PCC auxiliary. She excels at tracking information and navigating strict federal and state procedures. When the pandemic caused many program cancellations, her efforts and projections were essential to successfully closing out the financial year.

Clement also created a division newsletter, providing a much-needed human connection with her teammates. Her professionalism and meticulousness are matched only by her warmth and humor. Clement has a longtime association with Pueblo Elks Lodge No. 90 and was the first woman elected as its Exalted Ruler. Her passion is her family and she hopes always to make others feel important and appreciated.

In the words of one colleague, Housh is “what PCC strives for.” She exemplifies helpfulness, professionalism and kindness and excels in meeting the needs of students, colleagues and industry partners. For example, she volunteered to adjust her work schedule so she would be available to students and instructors in PCC’s evening phlebotomy and pharmacy tech classes.

Housh has a master’s degree in biology from Colorado State University Pueblo and was a part-time science instructor at PCC for 22 years. She serves on multiple college advisory boards and committees. Her interests include gardening, crafts and enjoying life.

Horvath is known for her exceptional dedication to student success. Whether offering help after hours or creating innovative learning opportunities, she is a crucial asset to the health information technology program, its students and PCC. She has brought tremendous growth and positive change since becoming the program coordinator in 2017. 

Horvath, a native of Sweden, earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs and an associate degree in health information management from ACC. She taught German and Swedish at institutions in New York and Colorado Springs. She is an active member of multiple professional organizations and PCC committees. A mother of seven, she enjoys the outdoors, family, gardening and reading.

For more than 30 years, Hunt has devoted her time and many talents to PCC students. She has been a part-time math instructor since 1989 and is a tutor in PCC’s Learning Center. Students and colleagues describe her as kind, patient, flexible and willing to do whatever is needed to help them understand the concepts she is teaching, whether she’s doing so in person or remotely.

Hunt also was a PCC disability resources advisor for 11 years. In that capacity, she wrote a booklet to assist instructors who are working with students who have disabilities. She is the only one from her family of 10 to earn a master’s degree. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, sewing, scrapbooking, baking and puzzles.

The honorees will be recognized by the Colorado Community College System in a virtual event this spring and will have a role in PCC’s commencement ceremony on May 14.