STCC Employee Excellence Awards honor dedicated staff and faculty
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College recognized three employees for their dedication to students, colleagues, and the campus community through the 2026 Employee Excellence Awards.
The annual awards honor employees who demonstrate extraordinary performance and commitment to STCC’s mission, vision, and values. This year’s honorees received the President’s Award for Innovation in Diversity and Inclusion, the Community Champion Award, and the Individual Contributor Award/Star Award.
The awards recognize employees who consistently go above and beyond in support of the college community, inspire those around them, and help create a campus environment where exceptional service is the standard.
The 2026 Employee Excellence Awards recognized Professor Jean-Marie Magnier with the President’s Award for Innovation in Diversity and Inclusion, Associate Professor Melissa Pereira with the Community Champion Award, and Scott Lambert of the Information Technology Department with the Individual Contributor Award/Star Award.
President’s Award for Innovation in Diversity & Inclusion: Jean-Marie Magnier
The President’s Award for Innovation in Diversity & Inclusion recognizes an employee who demonstrates a sustained commitment to promoting equity and diversity, particularly in support of students who experience significant barriers.
STCC President Jennifer Cournoyer speaks at Professional Day at STCC on Sept. 3.
STCC President Jennifer Cournoyer presented the award to Magnier, recognizing her longstanding dedication to students and her efforts to foster a sense of belonging across campus.
Magnier began her teaching career in the Peace Corps in Africa before joining STCC, where she has devoted herself to students since 1990. Over the years, she has received an endowed chair and served as a math textbook editor, while also supporting student engagement through her work with the Chess Club and Math Club. She currently serves as a co-advisor for the new Rocket Club.
Cournoyer highlighted Magnier’s role as a faculty leader who works to develop compassionate and supportive practices for vulnerable student populations.
“Students of all abilities feel comfortable visiting her office to discuss math, art, or any topic,” Cournoyer said.
Colleagues and nominators also praised Magnier’s constant positivity and willingness to help students succeed. Cournoyer noted that she often ends her emails with a nature picture and words of encouragement, a small gesture that reflects her warm and inclusive approach.
“Her welcoming demeanor inspires both students and peers to remain positive and ask for help whenever they need it,” Cournoyer said.
Community Champion Award: Melissa Pereira
The Community Champion Award recognizes an employee who promotes opportunities for intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while contributing to student success and the broader college community.
From left: Dean Christopher Scott, Professor Melissa Pereira, and STCC President Jennifer Cournoyer
Christopher Scott, dean of the School of Health and Patient Simulation, presented the award to Melissa Pereira, associate professor of Health Informatics Technology and Medical Coding and Billing Specialist.
Pereira was recognized for her strong commitment to students and her efforts to create meaningful opportunities for them to apply their knowledge and develop professional skills.
Scott specifically highlighted her work identifying and securing new clinical sites for students in the Medical Coding, Billing, and Health Information Technology programs. These partnerships provide students with opportunities to gain practical experience and prepare for their future careers.
Pereira’s contributions extend beyond her programs. Scott also recognized her service on numerous college committees and her work with Laura Piquette, coordinator of STCC’s Health Information Technology program, to advance the next generation of the Health Information Management curriculum.
Their efforts helped the program earn CAHIIM Program of Distinction recognition, an achievement Scott described as the highest level of recognition given by the program’s accreditor.
Pereira also takes pride in sharing her students’ accomplishments, welcomes feedback, and remains open to new ideas and approaches that better support their success.
“Through her positive attitude, collegiality, willingness to collaborate, and genuine investment in student success, Melissa exemplifies what it means to be a community champion,” Scott said.
Individual Contributor Award/Star Award: Scott Lambert
The Individual Contributor Award/Star Award recognizes an employee who exceeds expectations, provides outstanding service, and goes above and beyond their job responsibilities to support students, faculty, and the college’s mission.
From left: Sara Flink, deputy CIO, Scott Lambert, System Administrator of Online Learning, and STCC President Jennifer Cournoyer
Sara Flink, deputy CIO, presented the award to Scott Lambert, recognizing his exceptional service and contributions to the STCC community.
Lambert, System Administrator of Online Learning, was praised for his knowledge, responsiveness, and genuine care for the people he supports.
Flink said Lambert’s willingness to problem-solve and support others has made a meaningful impact, particularly during the college’s Blackboard Learn Ultra conversion, a major undertaking that required close collaboration and support for faculty and students.
His work with the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning helped provide outreach and assistance throughout the transition.
With more than eight years of service to STCC, Lambert has become a valued member of the campus IT team.
“Your work, your humor, and the care that you bring to each and every day makes a real difference,” Flink said.
The Employee Excellence Awards reflect STCC’s commitment to recognizing employees who make a difference through their work, relationships, and dedication to the college community.
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth’s only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC’s highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the College—a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution—seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed, and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu