With the California Cowboys’ lively honkytonk filling the room already buzzing with friendly discussion, the atmosphere at the 2004 Hall of Excellence Awards Ceremony hardly befitted the formal attire of San José City College attendees. Still, the various aesthetics and sounds blended seamlessly with the aromas of succulent steak and chicken in Lou’s Village’s San José banquet hall.

The award recipients, an assembly of faculty, students and administrators in the SJCC community, were nominated and voted for by students, says Associated Students President Joseph Macedo.

“They recognize…from faculty to administrators, outstanding male and female athlete, students overcoming adversity, outstanding students and a humanitarian award,” says Macedo. Approaching the microphone after the California Cowboys left the stage to applause and whistles, Macedo addressed the crowd and commenced the ceremony.

Subsequently, a presenter with first-hand knowledge of the recipient’s achievements and personality made the formal introduction. Some were lengthier and more humorous than others, as were the acceptance speeches themselves, but the overall tone of the event remained one of immense respect and intense desires to recognize honorable actions and success.

The Hall of Excellence, says Macedo, is traditionally an annual event organized by the AS. There is a nomination process in which votes are taken and tallied up to select the final recipients. Formerly known as the Hall of Fame, these honored members of the SJCC community are then presented with awards at a banquet, and photographs are placed on a physical Hall of Excellence.

Currently, the Hall of Excellence is hanging in the old library. When that is demolished, says Macedo, it will need to find a new home. This will probably be located in the upstairs board room of the new student center when that is completed. The Hall, says Macedo, “has not been updated in years,” and is in need of a spruce-up.

Chancellor Dr. Geraldine Evans, representing the San José/ Evergreen Community College District, and SJCC President Dr. Chui L. Tsang made a presence, but were unable to stay for the entire evening. Numerous members of the faculty were present as well, most as honorees.
Honoring alumnus and faculty members contributes significantly to the overall image of the college.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adviser of the Year: Ben Price
Presented by Linda Morse
Outstanding Student: Mary Than Lee
Presented by Karen Pullen
Outstanding Classified Staff: Corrine Espino
Presented by Phil Renteria
Faculty of the Year: Kevin Grizmale
Presented by Phil Renteria
Overcoming Adversity: Leticia “Judy” Mendoza
Presented by Bianca Broussard
President’s Award: Carl Poole Jr.
Presented by Joe Macedo
Outstanding Female Athlete: Gail Barnette
Presented by Isabel Serna
Outstanding Male Athlete: Mike Quintall
Presented by Joe Macedo
Humanitarian Award: Chris Chiodo
Presented by Karen Pullen
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------