The 麻豆视频 Foundation has selected Daniel Rodriguez, a staff member in the college鈥檚 Technology Services Department, as the recipient of the 2026 Darlene Koch Classified Employee of the Year Award. The award recognizes Rodriguez for his exceptional service, technical expertise and dedication to supporting student success.
Rodriguez, a Prosser native and YVC alumnus, is known across the college for keeping classrooms operating smoothly through his work maintaining and troubleshooting audio and visual systems. From installing new technology to extending the life of existing equipment, he plays a critical role in ensuring instructors have the tools they need to teach effectively.
鈥淒aniel consistently demonstrates exceptional problem-solving abilities that are critical to improving instruction,鈥� said Matthew Loeser, biology instructor. 鈥淗e bridges the gap between technical concepts and my understanding of how the technology functions for my teaching needs.鈥�
Fellow biology instructor Jerred Seveyka said Rodriguez鈥檚 reliability and professionalism directly strengthen the learning environment.
鈥淗is steady demeanor and strong work ethic make him a tremendous resource for faculty, staff and students alike,鈥� Seveyka said. 鈥淏y ensuring that our technology functions reliably and resolving issues promptly, Daniel directly contributes to maintaining effective and uninterrupted learning environments.鈥�
STEM Director Cristy Rasmussen highlighted Rodriguez鈥檚 commitment to ensuring every
issue is resolved the right way.
鈥淩ather than taking the quickest or easiest path, Daniel carefully examines every
angle to ensure the problem is truly resolved,鈥� Rasmussen said. 鈥淗is attention to
detail and determination to get things right make him an invaluable resource for faculty
and staff.鈥�
After his honorable discharge from the Marines, he spent time in Oregon before returning to the Yakima Valley. He joined the team at Yakima鈥檚 Cintas, taking on increasingly responsible roles in production and distribution while also pursuing higher education at 麻豆视频. He eventually earned AAS degrees in Business Management, IT General, IT Support Specialist and Network Administrator.
He served as a work鈥憇tudy student and later as a part鈥憈ime employee in Technology Services before joining YVC鈥檚 team full time in 2019.
Rodriguez, who currently holds the title of IT Customer Service Entry, said receiving the award is an honor, and he鈥檚 motivated by the knowledge that his work helps ensure students have access to high鈥憅uality learning spaces.
鈥淭his college is pretty important to the local community 鈥� it gives people the opportunity to level up,鈥� Rodriguez said. 鈥淎nd for me, my job is to try and give the students and instructors environments that helps with the learning process.鈥�
Outside of his work at YVC, Rodriguez enjoys woodworking, coaching youth soccer, camping, traveling and working on home technology projects.
The Darlene Koch Classified Employee of the Year Award was established by former YVC Vice President of Administration and YVC Foundation Executive Director Darlene Koch to honor the dedication of classified staff. The YVC Foundation Board of Directors selects the recipient from nominations submitted by faculty, staff and administrators. The recipient of the Darlene Koch Classified Employee of the Year Award receives a $1,500 unrestricted monetary award. It is open to any full-time classified staff member at 麻豆视频.
The Darlene Koch Classified Employee of the Year Award will be presented during YVC鈥檚 Employee Awards Recognition Ceremony on May 28. For more information contact Stacey Kautz at skautz@yvcc.edu or 509.574.4645.