March

Irvin Yanez

I would like to nominate Irvin Yanez, coordinator of the open lab in the Learning Center, for Catch of the Month. Not only is Irvin friendly and helpful to all of the students he encounters, but he also provides technical help for the many employees of the Learning Center. At least once a week I am told by a tutor or staff member that Irvin has saved the day by helping them with a computer problem or computer-related question they have encountered. According to all reports, he always gives them the help they need in a gracious and friendly manner.

In addition to the positive approach he takes on a daily basis, there was a student-related incident recently that makes Irvin eligible for this month’s fish award. On this particular day we had a student who experienced extreme test anxiety while taking a test in the Testing Center. The student became so anxious that she had to leave the testing room in the middle of the test. Once in the hallway outside the Testing Center, she broke into tears and became almost hysterical. With Irvin’s help, we moved her to an available room close by, got her to sit down, brought her some water, talked to her, and stayed with her until she regained her composure. Irvin was instrumental in getting her to calm down and to not feel embarrassed by the incident. We were glad that he was in the area and provided such valuable assistance during this unexpected emergency.

On behalf of the Learning Center (testing, tutoring and computer lab) staff, I would like to nominate Irvin for the Catch of the Month for March, 2006.