After four years at Oregon Tech, office manager Christy Leventon has proven herself instrumental to the programs and students she serves. Because of her dedication to her job, she was recently nominated for and received the top annual award among classified staff – the Classified Staff Award – which Leventon was presented with in Sept. 2022.
Leventon was born and raised in Yuma, Ariz., and stayed there until her second son was born, when she and her husband moved to Adin in Northern California. They raised three sons in Adin and when they became empty nesters, they moved to Klamath Falls.
While in Adin, Leventon worked for many years at Big Valley School District as the English as a Second Language Paraeducator.
“I enjoyed working with the students and guiding them through their education,” Leventon said. “My job ended when the students I had been working with became fluent in the English language. Even though I was sad to go, it was quite an achievement to help the students succeed. Then I began my career for the Forest Service and worked for many years as their front office person. A good friend of mine told me about an opening at Oregon Tech for an office manager, and I am thankful I applied.”
Leventon’s four years at Oregon Tech have been spent as an Office Manager, providing support for many of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Management programs. During her first three years, she was Office Manager for Civil Engineering and the Oregon Renewable Energy Center. Now she provides support for Geomatics, Mathematics, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology, and has stepped in to assist in Computer Systems Engineering Technology and Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy until a dedicated Office Manager is hired for those programs.
“My first year, my Civil Engineering students were so great and surprised me at their senior banquet with a certificate naming me their ’Civil Mom,’” Leventon said. “Then last year was my first year working with the Formula Team and the group was so welcoming. When it came time to order their shirts for a competition, they told me to order one in my size. In both these instances I truly felt honored.”
Student clubs are special to Leventon, and she goes out of her way to assist students with their projects. With Oregon Tech currently in Winter Term, Leventon said it is one of her favorite times of the year as students prepare for competitions and senior projects. “Winter Term is when the student clubs are working hard getting their projects built and planning their trips for competition,” Leventon said. “There is a lot - and I mean a lot - of ordering and planning I do with the students. I love working with each group and learning about their projects and their hopes and dreams for competition.”
Leventon’s unique skills lie in helping others achieve their goals. “Professionally, I want to continue to help where I can,” Leventon said when asked about her future goals. “I think for Oregon Tech to be successful, sometimes you need to work above your job description.”
The nomination letter for the 2022 Classified Staff Award listed Leventon’s attributes as being a go-getter who takes initiative and often volunteers to assist coworkers with their workloads and projects. “Christy’s upbeat, positive attitude is very much appreciated,” a nomination listed. “She is extremely reliable, efficient, and a wonderful asset to the College of Engineering, Technology, and Management and to Oregon Tech.”
Leventon has proven that she is a person who does just that, and her efforts are truly appreciated.
