The 2025 North Star Awardees

Each year, the NOCCCD Chancellor’s Staff members recognize special employees through the North Star Awards, an annual distinction recognizing exceptional contribution to our District, campuses, and community. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the awardees’ exemplary accomplishments throughout the year, both as an individual and as a part of the District.

The winners of the 2025 North Star Awards are:

• Beatrice “Bea” Bates, NOCCCD, District Manager, Payroll
• Marcie Kagawa, Cypress College, Communications Specialist
• Jim McKamy, Fullerton College, Campus Safety Coordinator
• Deb Perkins, NOCE, Director, Student Success and Equity

Awardees' Achievements and Accomplishments

NOCCCD | Beatrice "Bea" Bates, District Manager, Payroll

Beatrice “Bea” Bates exemplifies the highest standards of professional excellence, leadership, and service. Over nearly two decades with the District, she has demonstrated sustained excellence in work performance, beginning in the Public Affairs Office and rising through the ranks to become the first-ever Payroll Lead, then Interim Payroll Manager, and ultimately Payroll Manager—a role in which she has made transformative contributions. 

Her leadership of a department that processes payroll for approximately 3,800 employees monthly—managing over 85% of the District’s budget—has been marked by unwavering accuracy, compliance, and dedication. Her success in leading the transition to digital systems, including the recent completion of the Web Time Entry system in 2024, reflects both her initiative and her commitment to operational efficiency.

A lifelong learner, Bea completed her Associates degree at Fullerton College and later earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Redlands, all while working full-time and raising four daughters as a single mother. Her personal and professional journey has inspired others and embodies resilience, determination, and a drive for continuous improvement.

Her leadership style is marked by humility and empowerment—she credits her team for every success, while others credit her for building strength and resilience through clear vision, support, and high standards. She is deeply admired not just for her intelligence and insight, but for her humility, integrity, and service mindset. We will definitely miss Bea when she retires this year and thank her for her years of dedicated service.

Cypress College | Marcie Kawagawa, Communications Specialist

As a key member of the Cypress College communications team since 2017, Marcie is known for her intelligence, loyalty and creativity. Not only has she excelled in her primary duties of writing stories, planning events and supporting staff and students, Marcie has also been the primary user and implementer of the college’s Customer Relationship Management platform “Element451” over the course of the past two years.

During this time, she has strategized, collaborated, and implemented a communication flow for prospective students recruited by the Charger Experience Program. During this time, the CEP enrollment has more than doubled to nearly 2,000 full-time students.

Marcie’s hard work and talent have made her a valued resource on campus and throughout the District, serving on the RNL and SEM projects, as well as service on the District Technology Council group. She has also been involved in the NOCCCD Leadership Academy, Caring Campus, and has served on President’s Advisory Council along with several other committees. In April, Marcie was chosen to present with Element451 at the District’s inaugural “AI Summit” and was interviewed on an Enrollify.org podcast about her insights.

Marcie is currently enrolled in a master’s program to further her value to the college and District — an effort that is having a positive impact on the projects mentioned above. Unfortunately, Marcie is unable to be here tonight, but we want to thank her for everything she does for Cypress College and North Orange. We are truly lucky to have her.

Fullerton College | Jim McKamy, Campus Safety Coordinator

With over 30 years of dedicated service to Fullerton College, Jim embodies the very spirit of the North Star Award. His unwavering commitment, exemplary work ethic, and positive presence on campus have left a lasting impression on countless colleagues, students, and members of the community.

Jim’s track record of outstanding work performance is unparalleled. Beginning as a student at Fullerton College, Jim has steadily worked his way through various departments while earning his degree from UC Riverside. He has completed extensive training in areas such as campus emergency preparedness, the National Response Framework, emergency operations, de-escalation tactics, Jeanne Clery Act compliance, harassment prevention, and Mental Health First Aid. Jim has also been a long-standing and active member of the Behavioral Intervention Team, now known as Student Support Resource Team.

Jim’s congenial and supportive nature uplifts everyone he encounters. Known for his mindfulness, approachable demeanor, and genuine care for others, Jim regularly fosters a welcoming environment. On three separate occasions, Jim has stepped into the role of Interim Director of Campus Safety, navigating challenges with skill, grace, and leadership. His involvement with helping to rewrite BP/AP 7600 has been key, showcasing his long-term vision and commitment to institutional advancement.

Thank you, Jim, for your consistent professionalism, respectful nature, and dedication to service. Your legacy of care, commitment, and community has made a profound and lasting impact on Fullerton College.

NOCE | Deb Perkins, Director of Student Success and Equity

Deb has been a transformative leader in shaping NOCE’s student support services. Under her guidance, what once was a single academic counseling service has expanded into a robust network of resources, including student affinity spaces like the NOCE Grads-to-Be Program, the Pride Space, and Rising Scholars Program, the Food Pantry, mental health resources, and the laptop loan program.

A quiet force to be reckoned with, Deb never hesitates to take on complex challenges, even when it means pioneering new systems from the ground up. This includes leading NOCE’s implementation of StarFish, a student case management and alert system that was adopted District-wide, and co-leading NOCE’s behavior invention team launched in Fall 2022.

One of her most impactful achievements is the creation of the Student Success Navigator Program, which has quickly become an essential pillar of NOCE, delivering tangible results and meaningful student support. In March, she co-presented at the Chief Student Services Officers conference on “Holistically Serving Adult Learners in Noncredit Programs.” She is a co-leader for the Region 8 Student Equity Achievement group and a member of the United Domestic Workers leadership team.

Deb's character shines through in all that she does, and she exemplifies NOCE’s culture of excellence by demonstrating responsiveness, professionalism, and a strong commitment to partnership. Thank you, Deb, for your compassion, honesty, dedication and leadership. We are so grateful for your tremendous gifts.

Congratulations to all award recipients!