Los Medanos College students, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate the work of classified professionals at the second annual Classified Professional Exemplary Leadership and Service Award Luncheon, an event centered on recognition, community and gratitude.

The luncheon honored 10 classified professionals for their contributions to the campus, highlighting the often unseen work that helps keep the college running.

Andrew Murphy, program coordinator for Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) and the RISE program, was named this year’s award recipient. However, throughout the afternoon, it was clear the recognition extended beyond a single individual.

“I wasn’t even aware that I won the award,” Murphy said. “My co-worker saw the email and said, ‘Andrew, you won.’ I said, ‘What did I win? What are you talking about?’”

Murphy later addressed attendees, reflecting on his journey to higher education and the community he found at LMC.

“I didn’t feel like I was college material,” he said. “I had no idea that this college was even in this area, and that I would be who I am today because I came here.”

He credited colleagues for pushing him to continue his education and for building the confidence that shaped his career.

“You guys are my family,” Murphy said. “I love coming to work every day.”

That sense of family was echoed throughout the event.

Attendees were encouraged to share words about Murphy and nine other nominees — Liz Esparza, Kelly Green, Imelda Lares, Erika Messenger, Aaron Nakaji, Megela O’Hare, Cesar Reyes, Leticia Webb and Sheri Woltz.

Aracely Martinez, a program assistant for EOPS, CARE, NextUp and RISE, spoke about Murphy’s mentorship and presence on campus.

“You’ve been mentoring me since day one,” Martinez said. “Every day you show up like 100%, even when you don’t feel 100%, and we feel that every time.”

For many attendees, the event was less about individual recognition and more about honoring a shared commitment to students.

“They do so much more than just their job,” said Irene Sukhu, academic scheduler and Classified Senate president, who helped organize the event. “A lot of that stuff is done in the background where people are not seeing it.”

Sukhu described planning the luncheon as both purposeful and refreshing, a chance to step away from daily responsibilities and celebrate the people behind the work.

“It just was a really great time to celebrate classified professionals,” she said.

That appreciation extended across campus departments.

Cesar Reyes, senior lab coordinator for art, drama and journalism and one of the nominees, said being recognized by colleagues made the moment meaningful.

“We do the things that we do because we love to,” Reyes said. “When somebody else sees the work that we put into, it just feels like I feel appreciated.”

For Erika Messenger, a nominee from the nursing department, the impact of classified professionals is closely tied to student success beyond campus.

“We’re educating students from our community that are going to go out and be healthcare workers in our community,” Messenger said. “That’s so rewarding. It makes me never want to leave nursing.”

Tara Sanders, director of the Los Medanos College Foundation, described the event as a reflection of how essential classified professionals are to campus life.

“It takes everyone to make this little city run,” Sanders said. “There’s no operations of student services, there’s no coordinating of programs, there’s none of that without our classified professionals.”

Throughout the luncheon, speakers emphasized mentorship, collaboration and the bonds formed through shared work — themes that reinforced the sense of closeness in the room.

“You’re spending so much time here,” Sanders said. “Being in a work environment that exercises camaraderie and support is so important.”

Even college leadership acknowledged both the strength and strain within the classified community.

“You all are amazing,” LMC President Pamela Ralston said during the event. “I know that you feel tired right now, and I am sorry for that, but you do amazing work that changes lives every single day.”

While the luncheon focused on celebration, it came at a time of uncertainty for classified professionals across the Contra Costa Community College District.

Following a March 12 board meeting, district leaders moved forward with a revised layoffs proposal, raising concerns among staff about potential job losses and displacement across campuses. Although no positions at Los Medanos College were initially listed, employees have warned the effects could extend districtwide.

For Sukhu, the event’s timing only deepened its significance.

“We needed to have some fun and joy and celebration together,” she said.

As colleagues applauded one another, shared stories and reflected on their work, the luncheon served as both recognition and reminder — of the people behind the campus and the community they continue to build together.

“I think the campus could take joy,” Sukhu said. “We can recognize people every day for the work that they do.”