Mara Rodriguez of Moorpark College Named California Community Colleges Classified Employee of
The Californer/10193084

CAMARILLO, Calif. - Californer -- California Community Colleges Board of Governors has selected Mara Rodriguez, zoo development coordinator at America's Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, as the 2022 State Classified Employee of the Year. This annual award recognizes the classified employees in the California community college system who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to student success and the mission of California Community Colleges.

"This recognition speaks to Mara's relentless dedication to our students and the colleges they attend. She epitomizes service to others and the greater community, as she is always excited to speak on behalf of the Zoo and its mission," said Chancellor Greg Gillespie.

"Every day, Mara brings her energy and expertise to campus to support our college, the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program and America's Teaching Zoo," added Moorpark College President Julius Sokenu. "We are immensely proud — yet not surprised — that she received this honor."

More on The Californer

• Laube Titanium to Attend MADE Bike Show in Portland, Oregon
• A Century of Compassion: Butte Humane Society Hosts 114th Anniversary Gilded Garden Gala
• United Set to Hire More Special Olympics Athletes As Customer Service Ambassadors
• Exelon Leader Tamla Olivier Named 2025 Technologist of the Year by Waves of Change STEM Conference
• KIDZ BOP RELEASES BRAND NEW ALBUM 'KIDZ BOP 51' FEATURING HITS "APT" & "PINK PONY CLUB"

In March, the Ventura County Community College District named Rodriguez its 2022 Classified Employee of the Year, citing her three decades of service to Moorpark College, its students, the animals housed at the Zoo and the community.

As zoo development coordinator, Rodriguez raises funds for the Zoo and its animals. Recent projects include Rajah's Retreat, a $3.5 million tiger habitat for Bengal tigers Neil and Karma that broke ground November 2021, and overseeing the completion of Ira's Kingdom, an expanded enclosure named for the Zoo's 8-year-old African lion.

"My work as an animal trainer fulfilled my own dreams and allowed me to help our students fulfill theirs," Rodriguez said. "I have literally grown up here. I always laugh that I've grown old here with Clarence the Tortoise."

The Board of Governors established the Classified Employee of the Year Awards by resolution in 2008 and has presented the award since May 2009. Recipients are nominated by peers within their college and district and endorsed by the local board of trustees. Representatives from the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, Consultation Council and the Chancellor's Office select the California Community Colleges Classified Employee of the Year.

More on The Californer

• Be Part of the World's Largest Art Biennale | Moons, Castles, Trees | Copenhagen Chronotopes
• California sends more search and rescue crews to Texas
• YourEggs Is Leading the Way in Providing Access to the Best Asian Egg Donors to Families Worldwide
• California: Governor Newsom and Acting Governor Kounalakis honor fallen CDCR Parole Agent
• California sues to stop Trump's politically motivated attack on high-speed rail

"Vance Manakas [retired Moorpark College employee] told me the honor was the highlight of his career," added Rodriguez, who will attend the Board of Governors' meeting in Sacramento on May 23 to receive a $750 cash award and a commemorative plaque. "I am most looking forward to representing the college so soon after Vance did five years ago!"

Ventura County Community College District
The Ventura County Community College District's three colleges — Moorpark, Oxnard & Ventura — offer programs in general education for degrees and certificates, transfer to four-year colleges & universities, career technical education, & provide opportunities to engage in co-curricular campus activities. Info: vcccd.edu and communications@vcccd.edu.