TRINIDAD – Four employees at Trinidad State have been chosen by their peers for exemplary work both with students and behind the scenes in support of students. The Employee of the Year awards go to Psychology Professor Dr. Sue Nesbitt, Adjunct Instructor Earl Nesbitt, IT Support employee Mike Alderette and Custodian Darryl Vezanni.
Described as a great teacher with a great attitude, Dr. Sue Nesbitt arrived in Trinidad in 2006. She had retired from National Louis University in Chicago and began teaching as an adjunct professor almost immediately. In her first semester in Trinidad she taught seven courses. She soon was full time and now teaches Sociology and Psychology. “I have a sister who lives in Aguilar and I came to visit her and I fell in love with the place,” said Nesbitt. She volunteers with many organizations, and was recently recognized by the Community College System for starting the Making a Difference campaign, which recognizes positive acts on campus.
Earl Nesbitt is the husband of Sue and has been an adjunct instructor at Trinidad State since 2007. He teaches Business Statistics, Math, and Electronics and has been an advisor for the acclaimed Robotics Team since it started in 2009. He worked in Chicago for a private company that specialized in military electronics and taught part time at a community college there. “My wife had the idea, when we retired, she wanted to be at a place where there was a college, so we could go see athletic events, plays, etcetera. Earl is a fixture on the sidelines at Trinidad State athletic events and is known to be a calm and positive influence on students.
Mike Alderette has been a full time IT Support Specialist for three years. Before he graduated from Trinidad State he was a work study and intern in the IT Department. Later he worked in the private sector briefly and then had the opportunity to come back to Trinidad State as a part time desk support employee and soon went to full time. “If it plugs into the wall or talks to the internet, basically I work on it.” That includes laptops, computers, phones, and security camera systems. Alderette works not only on equipment in Trinidad and Alamosa, but on college systems installed in Colorado Springs, Walsenburg, Trinidad School District 1, Primero, Aguilar, Sargent and Antonito.
Darryl Vezanni is a Custodian who keeps the Berg Administration Building in top shape. He also cleans the Diesel Mechanics building located on the north side of Trinidad. Darryl is known as a cheerful presence on the Trinidad Campus. He’s been at Trinidad State for 27 years either as a custodian or maintenance worker. He grew up in Aguilar and spent three years in the Navy after high school, then moved to Albuquerque and eventually found his way to Trinidad State. He enjoys hunting, fishing and “trying to play golf” and is Trinidad State’s Classified Employee of the Year.
