NECC President Lane Glenn with fourth quarter employee recognition award recipients Jason DeCosta and Victor DeJesus.

Three Northern Essex Community College employees, Jason DeCosta of Haverhill, Victor DeJesus of Berlin, NH, and Dalisa Diaz of Lowell, have been named recipients of the NECC Employee Recognition Award for the fourth quarter of 2015.

The Employee Recognition Award recognizes the many and varied contributions of the college’s nearly 700 employees. Employees are selected each quarter based on recommendations from supervisors and co-workers. Recipients receive a $150 certificate to the restaurant or mall of his or her choice.

DeCosta, a system analyst since 2013, is a 2013 graduate of Northern Essex. He holds associate degrees in computer information science: information technology and computer applications and certificates in computer networking and computer security. He is currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in information science at Merrimack College. He has also worked as a supplemental instructor and computer science tutor at NECC.

DeCosta was nominated by several of his colleagues who praised him for his knowledge, reliability and self-motivation.

“Jason comes in extra hours…he does research and projects at home to make sure that he’s ready for whatever we need,” wrote Adrianna Holden-Gouveia, a Northern
Essex computer science professor. “He is willing to try new things and very open to suggestions and requests. He also is willing and happy to teach others.”

“He is self-motivated and directed and has proven to be an excellent problem solver,” wrote Joyce Brody an administrative assistant in NECC’s Division of Technology, Arts and Professional Studies. “His dedication, high work standards, and follow-through have proven to be indispensable qualities…”

Tricia Butler, also an administrative assistant in the Division of Technology, Arts, and Professional Studies, concurred, writing, “He’s hardworking, knowledgeable and brings much enthusiasm and creativity to problem solving…he designed, custom-made a special adapter for our 3D printers so that an air filtration system could be connected, ensuring cleaner air for the lab and surrounding area.”

For 10 years, De Jesus has worked at Northern Essex – first as a work-study student, then a part-time help desk staffer, a computer science tutor, and a today, a full-time system analyst.

He also holds an associate degree in information technology from NECC, and a bachelor’s in information technology with a concentration in networking & telecommunications from Southern New Hampshire University.

He was nominated for the award by Ana Valdez and Susan Chory from NECC’s iHealth Program. They praised DeJesus for being reliable, knowledgeable and competent with a calm demeanor and reassuring style.

Diaz, a staff associate in the human resources office, has worked at NECC for four years. She was nominated by NECC Events Coordinator Allison Gagne who praised her for her work ethic and attitude.

“Dalisa has maintained this amazing customer service and happy personality…she has taken on different roles at NECC and each one she handles with a great attitude.”

Diaz earned her associate degree from Northern Essex and is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration: Human Resources program at Southern New Hampshire University.