NECC President Lane Glenn, Linda Comeau, Clare Thompson-Ostrander, and Linda Hudson.

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 their choice.

Thompson-Ostrander, assistant professor of developmental writing, was honored by a number of her colleagues for her work, specifically her work with the College Success Seminar, a course offering the skills and resources needed to be successful in college.

“We all admire Clare’s enthusiasm and work ethic. Her willingness to help any colleague or student is beyond extraordinary. Clare understands our students and provides them with the support, encouragement, and challenges they need to be successful… For her colleagues, Clare is a wealth of knowledge… Those of us who are new to teaching College Success Seminar know that we can turn to her with any questions… Clare is the face of the program,” wrote fellow professors Pat Morrow and Trish Schade.

Thompson-Ostrander began working at Northern Essex in 1999 as a tutor in the writing center. She worked as an adjunct faculty member teaching Basic Writing, Composition I and II. She became a full-time faculty member in 2007.She is currently the coordinator of the College Success Seminar.

She earned a Bachelor of Art in English and Bachelor of Fine Arts from Suffolk University and a Master of Art in English Literature from the University of New Hampshire.

Comeau, is the advisor, coach, and recruiter for iHealth@NECC, an initiative offering affordable health training, flexible scheduling, and fast completion of a variety of health career programs, was nominated by iHealth instructor Deb LaValley who praised Comeau’s high work standards and empathy for students.

“I have been in the iHealth Department for 6 months now and I am truly amazed at all that Linda had to do to get this building up and ready for this innovative and interactive program,” LaValley wrote.

Comeau has worked at the NECC for 29 years. A graduate of NECC’s Sign Language Interpreting program, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Services from Salem State College and a Master of Arts in Community Psychology from UMass Lowell.

She began her career at NECC as a sign language interpreter/office assistant before moving to the admissions office. Today she is the coach/mentor/enrollment specialist for iHealth.

Linda Hudson, a staff assistant for facilities management, was nominated by several co-workers who praised her for being a team player and one of NECC’s most dedicated and exceptional employees who always shows grace under pressure.

“Linda knows how to get the job done,” wrote Maggie Lucey. “She does it with a smile and a hearty laugh.”

Hudson is a 20-year employee of Northern Essex. She began her career at the college in the Center for Business and Industry and has held her current position for the last 12 years.

For additional information contact Mary Chatigny, NECC director of human resources, at 978-556-3925 or mchatigny@necc.mass.edu