CAMARILLO, Calif. - TelAve -- The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) proudly recognizes Ariane Perez, Office Assistant at Oxnard College, as the 2026 Classified Employee of the Year. The annual award celebrates the excellence, professionalism and dedication of classified professionals who make an exceptional impact across the Community Colleges of Ventura County.

"These individuals have earned the commendation of their peers and represent the best of VCCCD classified employees," said Gabriela Torres, board chair of the VCCCD. "Ariane's dedication to removing barriers for first-generation and underrepresented students is exactly the kind of commitment that makes our colleges exceptional."

The VCCCD awards the Classified Employee of the Year distinction in accordance with the California Community Colleges (CCC) Board of Governors, which will consider Perez for the CCC statewide award. At the May 2026 Board of Governors meeting, up to five recipients will be named CCC Classified Employee of the Year. Winners receive a $750 cash award and a plaque.

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Additional Classified Employee of the Year nominees included Diana Martin, Marketing, Communications and Website Design Coordinator at the District Administrative Center; Brian Koehler, Performing Arts Technician II at Moorpark College; and Andrea Rambo, Executive Assistant to the President at Ventura College.

"Our classified professionals are the reason our mission is possible," said Rick MacLennan, chancellor of the VCCCD. "They shape the stories we tell, they build the stages where students find their voice, they open the doors to scholarships and opportunity, and they keep our colleges moving with quiet, steady purpose. Their work is felt in every student's journey — and we are proud to celebrate each and every one of them."

The Ventura County Community College District is a member of the 116-campus California Community College system and serves approximately 30,000 students annually. The District's three colleges—Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura—offer programs in general education for degrees and certificates, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, career technical education and provide opportunities to engage in co-curricular campus activities. For more information, visit vcccd.edu (http://www.vcccd.edu).