The Risser Award for Outstanding Support to Education is presented annually to a nominated member of the PCC staff. The award recognizes someone who has provided outstanding service and made significant contributions to the College.

Faculty, staff, and students may submit nominations for the Risser Award for Outstanding Support to Education. A cash award will be presented by the Risser family to a member of our educational support staff who meets the following criteria:

• Support for the educational programs at PCC;
• Quality job performance;
• Attitude and qualities of character;
• Service beyond the job requirements;
• Loyalty to the College and to our Country; and

• Number of years nominated. (Please note that previous recipients are not eligible.)

---

Nominations

Nominees for the Risser Award for Outstanding Support to Education may be members of Pasadena City College’s staff who do not have teaching responsibilities, such as maintenance employees, office personnel, non-teaching counselors, and division deans or other managers. The emphasis is on outstanding service and contributions to the College. The Nomination period occurs annually during the Spring Semester.

2026 Award Winner:  Dr. Tameka Alexander (Transfer Center - CORE - Completion)

What makes this educator and administrator especially remarkable is the humanity they bring to every aspect of their work. Students and colleagues described someone who leads with kindness, humility, grace, and genuine care for others—someone who is often first in, last out, and always willing to go above and beyond to support students and staff alike. Nominators spoke of a leader who not only advocates fiercely for equity and opportunity but also mentors colleagues, uplifts teams, and creates environments where people feel valued, heard, and inspired to grow. Again and again, individuals shared stories of encouragement during difficult moments, unwavering support during transfer journeys, and leadership that quietly yet powerfully changes a campus culture for the better. This recipient’s impact can be seen not only in transfer statistics and institutional accomplishments, but in the lives and futures of the countless students and colleagues who have been guided, supported, and inspired along the way.

---