May 4 to 10 is Public Service Recognition Week, and we want to celebrate by honoring the impact PERA members have on the State of Colorado.

PERA provides retirement and other benefits to more than 700,000 current and former public employees—teachers, snow plow drivers, state troopers, local government employees, and others who provide vital services to our state.

We recently had the honor of attending the Colorado Community College System’s Commitment to Excellence Awards ceremony in Denver where we witnessed outstanding public service in action. The awards celebrate exceptional faculty and staff at community colleges across the state.

From Otero College in La Junta to Arapahoe Community College in the Denver area, these PERA members go above and beyond to serve the thousands of Colorado students who enroll at a community college every year.

Sandra Butler, Arapahoe Community College

Joe Schreiner, Community College of Denver

Cynthia Piper, Northeastern Junior College

Matthew Sanchez, Red Rocks Community College

Amy Buckingham, Red Rocks Community College

Thank you to these and all public employees who make a lasting impact on their communities and the State of Colorado every day.