Meet the 2024 Award Recipients
Interim President Christina G. Espinosa-Pieb has named three recipients of the annual President's Award for Outstanding Service, which honors members of the campus community who have provided exceptional service to the college and its students.
Mark Landefeld, Michele LeBleu-Burns and Shaila Ramos-Garcia were selected from nominations submitted in the categories of faculty member, administrator and classified professional.
The award was first established by De Anza's founding president, A. Robert DeHart. Recipients have their names engraved on a plaque in the Administration Building lobby. In addition, each award winner will be featured in this year's graduation program and will receive $250 from President Espinosa-Pieb personally, as a token of appreciation for their service.
Mark Landefeld
Instructor, Physical Education; Coach, Women’s Badminton and Soccer
Mark Landefeld is a longtime instructor and coach for the women’s badminton and soccer teams. He also serves on De Anza's Academic Senate and the district's Affordable Housing Task Force.
Under his guidance, the badminton team has won four state championships – in 2013, 2014, 2022 and 2023. The team was also the only badminton team designated as a 3C2A Scholar Team by the the California Community College Athletic Association in 2014, 2017, 2022 and 2023, in recognition of their academic performance.
“He goes out of his way to make sure both his teams are always taken care of," wrote a nominator. "If one of his players didn't eat, he goes and buys them food. If (they) are injured, he checks in on them on a daily basis. He is always trying to make their time enjoyable to give them a great experience.”
Michele LeBleu-Burns
Dean, Student Development and EOPS
As dean of Student Development and EOPS, Michele LeBleu-Burns oversees the Office of College Life, the Mental Health and Wellness Center, Student Health Services and Student Judicial Affairs, as well as the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) office, the Occupational Training Institute and complaints relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other college policies.
“Michele is always a tireless advocate on behalf of our students. She cares deeply about each and every student — about their challenges, their successes, and them as a whole person,” a nominator wrote.
“She works through Student Development and EOPS to mitigate those challenges and ensure student success, making possible their leaving De Anza much closer to achieving the dreams they came to us with.”
Shaila Ramos-Garcia
Undocumented Student Support Program Coordinator
Shaila Ramos-Garcia, who graduated from De Anza in 2013, now works as the undocumented student support program coordinator in the Equity and Engagement Division.
Ramos-Garcia helps support HEFAS (Higher Education for AB 540 Students) and the UndocuSTEM program, and has helped organize UndocuWelcome orientations for new students and families, as well as UndocuSolidarity training for faculty members and classified professionals. She also has collaborated with the Pride Center in developing services and activities for undocumented LGBTQ+ students and is active with several campus committees.
“Shaila works tirelessly to support so many of our students,” a nominator wrote. “She does all of this work with a big heart and tireless compassion.”