December 1, 2006

 (Columbia, MD) – On December 5, 2006, Howard Community College (HCC) was presented with the TOPS Maryland Employer of Distinction Award created by The Maryland Society for Human Resource Management State Council and The Daily Record.  The TOPS award honors Maryland employers for achievements and practices by their human resource teams in developing their organizations.  Awards are based on seven criteria:  recruitment and selection; compensation; benefits; training and development; workplace diversity; work and family issues; and health, safety and security. 

HCC Director of Human Resources Todd Allen and Associate Director Karlyn Young were in attendance at the University of Maryland luncheon to receive the award presented by Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Aris Melissaratos.

Allen remarked, "Howard Community College's faculty and staff are committed to excellence and make our organization a great place to work.  We are very proud to win this award especially since the high quality of faculty and staff directly contribute to student success.  We thank the Maryland Society of Human Resource Management State Council and Daily Record for this high honor."

HCC has previously received the TOPS award in both 2004 and 2005 as an organization with fewer than 500 employees, but this is the first time HCC has been honored as the top winner.  Additionally, the college has been recognized for workplace excellence by Maryland Work-Life Alliance in 2004-2005, and received national recognition in 2005 by winning the Sunguard SCT Technology award for innovations serving to advance the higher education human resource profession.