Two MTCC staff members, Tabitha Buff and Jorge Valentino, were honored last week by the North Carolina Community College Adult Educator’s Association during their annual conference held in Durham, NC.
Buff was honored by being chosen to serve a term on the Association’s Board of Directors, while Valentino was received honorable mention in the Association’s annual Innovation Award competition.
“We are extremely proud of Tabitha and Jorge and the incredible work that they do here and throughout the state,” said Dr. Brian S. Merritt, MTCC President. “They are talented, hardworking, student-focused employees who are constantly working to make McDowell Tech better every day.”
Buff works as an Administrative Assistant in the college’s Department of Continuing Education. She has a variety of tasks for which she is responsible, including auditing of files sent to state compliance auditors, registering Continuing Education students for class, maintaining the Continuing Education website, and arranging for new Continuing Education classes. She will hold a Member-At-Large position on the NCCCAEA Board from 2021 to 2023.
Valentino is the college’s Graphic Designer and Publications Specialist. He won the Innovation Award for his “Big Footprint” project, undertaking a complete redesign of college publications, billboards, signage, banners, light pole banners and, more importantly, an exterior “upfit” of the college’s aging, grey buildings. Mr. Valentino orchestrated a painting and design project to spruce up the walls of those buildings to improve the college’s overall image and appeal to students, staff and visitors. Mr. Valentino even came in on weekends to complete the painting himself.
“Staff members like Tabitha and Jorge prove every day that our people are leaders, movers and shakers, and these honors validate that fact,” said Merritt.
