Harper College offices and services will be closed on Wednesday, January 7, until 10:15 a.m. for an all-campus meeting. Offices will reopen shortly after 10:15 a.m. to serve students.
Sammy Gomez is always moving. A member of Harper College’s Campus Setup Crew, Sammy
and his colleagues set up tables and chairs for events and meetings, haul in shelves
to create new workspaces and remove furniture prior to renovations. And Sammy does
it all with friendly smile and a collaborative spirit.
Which is part of the reason he is being honored with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Excellence in Service Award. The annual award celebrates a Harper employee whose exceptional service is defined by care, connection and a personal touch.
Sammy has worked on campus for more than 11 years – first, with Sodexo at Harper’s Subway location, and the past 2-1/2 years with Operations Services – and is being recognized for his dependability, work ethic and helping to foster a campus where everyone feels supported as individuals. It’s not surprising to learn that teamwork is what Sammy likes best about his job.
“I enjoy working with the team. I like working together with everyone,” he said. “I think it’s good when people need something and I can help. That makes me feel good. I like making sure the person likes what we put together, that it works for them. I always try to make sure that person is happy.”
What makes Sammy happy is his family. Born and raised in Mexico City, Sammy came to Chicago when he was 21. His parents and nine siblings now live nearby and gather often for holidays and celebrations. He’s proud of his daughter, who graduated from college last year and is working in marketing. Sammy relishes Sundays, when he can kick back, drink lots of coffee and watch sports.
He was surprised when he learned about earning this Excellence in Service Award.
“When I got the email, I really didn’t believe it,” Sammy said, admitting that he’s less comfortable being in the spotlight than working behind the scenes. “I feel good and I appreciate it, but I still don’t believe it. I would like to dedicate this award to my entire work team.”
Harper’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will honor Sammy at the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, in the Wojcik Conference Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. The annual event will include keynote speaker Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, a Chicago historian, followed by a reception and lunch from 1 to 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome.