From the President
Classified Appreciation Week
May 14, 2025
Dear Classified, Faculty and Administrative Colleagues,
In the quiet moments before our campus comes alive each morning, I often reflect on what helps make De Anza College truly exceptional. Among many factors, it’s clear that our dedicated classified staff professionals form the foundation upon which our students' success is built.
Each third week in May, we have the opportunity to honor the contributions and commitment to quality education and service to our students, staff and campus community by our classified staff professionals. This year, a resolution was recommended by our Chancellor and adopted by the Board of Trustees to recognize the valuable contributions of our classified staff professionals.
In advance of this year’s Classified Appreciation Week, I want to address our classified colleagues and recognize not just what you do, but who you are:
You are not simply staff members fulfilling job duties. You are mentors, problem-solvers, innovators and often the first friendly face our students encounter on their educational journey.
Each day, you transform our mission statement from words on paper into lived reality.
When a student anxiously approaches the admissions counter unsure about their next steps, you provide clarity and reassurance.
When our classrooms need technology support, you ensure learning continues without interruption.
When our grounds require maintenance, you create spaces where students feel proud to study.
When financial aid questions arise, you navigate complex systems to remove barriers to education.
When a student struggles to find their place, you offer guidance that changes the trajectory of their lives.
Your impact resonates far beyond your job descriptions. You are the institutional memory that preserves our traditions while embracing innovation. You are the steady presence that maintains stability during times of change. You are the skilled professionals who ensure that our operations run seamlessly, working diligently behind the scenes with little recognition.
In every department throughout campus, your contributions create ripple effects that extend well beyond our college walls. The student who receives your encouragement today becomes tomorrow's health care worker, teacher, engineer, community leader and more. The small kindness you show might be the very thing that keeps a struggling student from giving up. These moments matter – they change lives – and they happen because of you.
With support from our Classified Senate, there are several events planned for next week to celebrate the exceptional service of our classified professional staff. These include a luncheon on Monday, a morning get-together on Tuesday, an ice cream social on Wednesday and a breakfast on Thursday.
While these events are a small token of our gratitude, they cannot fully capture the depth of our appreciation for our classified professional staff, whose professionalism, creativity and unwavering commitment to our students and our institution are a true measure of De Anza's excellence.
On behalf of our students, faculty and leadership team, I’d like to say: Thank you to our classified professional staff for choosing to share your talents with De Anza College. Thank you for believing in the transformative power of education. And thank you for being heroes for our campus community every day.
With profound gratitude and respect,
Omar
Omar Torres, Ed.D.
President, De Anza College