Employee of the Month
Employee of the Month Nomination Form
December 2025 – Ben Apolinar
Media Support Technician
Distance Education - Educational Technology Services
A few words from their nominator:
Every single time we’re in a pinch, this team member is there to save the day. Whether it’s realizing last-minute that we need the monitors working for a presentation or finding a quick solution to a technical issue, they always have our backs. They’re great at reading the room, adapting to unexpected challenges, and getting support from their team when needed. Beyond their technical skills, they’re a natural talent when it comes to hosting—their awesome music taste and energy make every event better. They’re also an outstanding teammate on every committee I’ve worked with them on. COM is lucky to have this person on the EdTech team!
This individual truly encapsulates what it is like to be at and support College of the Mainland. They are dependable, able to adapt, and work well under high-stress situations, all with a positive attitude and a wonderful sense of style. I have seen them accommodate and assist with events last minute and have had to ask for their help for events as well. Not only are they efficient in doing so, but they will go out of their way to ask if more assistance is required. During events, they are social and friendly with faculty, staff, and most importantly students. This nominee truly is deserving of the Employee of the Month award!
November 2025 – Nicola Fish
Student Conduct Officer
Student Affairs
A few words from their nominator:
Since starting at COM, this colleague has earned a great deal of respect for their hard work, intelligence, and kindness. They have led and/or strongly supported initiatives in the Dean of Students office that have transformed how we serve students. This nominee works closely with colleagues in Academic Affairs to ensure restorative justice is practiced in the area of Student Conduct. They have led the effort in educating faculty, staff, and students across COM on the importance of reporting CARE and Conduct alerts, and they even developed the motto 'Protect the Flock.'
Their efforts, passion, and dedication have resulted in the creation of an Academic Dismissal dynamic form to ensure that when students are dismissed, they receive clear information and support for their next steps, and that departments are appropriately notified. This colleague also supports their peers. They recently presented a session on growth mindset during the Tutoring Center's workshop series, and it was well-attended and impactful for students.
Their professionalism, openness to new ideas, and energetic demeanor make them truly deserving of this recognition. P.S. They are such a team player they even dressed up as a dinosaur for the 2025 Halloween Bash. Thus, I ask the committee to give this nominee this honor. COM is better because they are here.