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MCC Daily Tribune

International HR Day - Celebrating the People Behind the People: May 20, 2026

Each year on May 20, organizations around the world celebrate International HR Day — a time to recognize the professionals who help workplaces function effectively, compassionately, and strategically every single day.

At Monroe Community College, Human Resources professionals play a vital role in supporting the College’s mission and the people who make that mission possible. Whether assisting employees through challenging life events, guiding supervisors through complex workplace matters, supporting recruitment and onboarding, administering benefits, ensuring compliance, facilitating professional development, or simply helping employees navigate day-to-day questions, HR teams often work quietly behind the scenes to keep the institution moving forward.

Human Resources today is far more than paperwork and policies. Modern HR professionals are expected to be strategic advisors, problem-solvers, trainers, compliance experts, mediators, communicators, wellness advocates, and culture-builders — often all within the same day. They help organizations respond to change, support employees through uncertainty, and foster workplaces where people can succeed.

International HR Day provides an opportunity to pause and recognize that work.

Three Simple Ways to Support Your HR Team

While appreciation is always welcome, meaningful support for HR professionals should extend beyond one day on the calendar. Here are a few practical ways employees and leaders can support their HR colleagues throughout the year:

1. Engage Early and Communicate Clearly
Many workplace challenges can be resolved more effectively when HR is involved early. Open communication and proactive collaboration help create better outcomes for everyone involved.

2. Understand That HR Balances Multiple Responsibilities
HR professionals often manage employee relations matters, compliance requirements, benefits administration, recruitment efforts, investigations, training initiatives, and operational needs simultaneously. Patience, professionalism, and partnership go a long way.

3. Recognize the Human Side of Human Resources
HR professionals support employees through some of the most difficult and emotional moments of their professional lives. A simple thank you, acknowledgment, or expression of appreciation can have a meaningful impact.

Recognizing the MCC Human Resources Team

This International HR Day, we would also like to recognize and thank the dedicated members of the MCC Human Resources team for their professionalism, commitment, and service to the College community:

• Suzanne Bureau
• Cheryl Gavigan
• Cynthia Clark Inman
• Chelsea Weisbeck
• Misty Galiotti
• Tameka Jackson
• Cameron Koehler
• Jennifer Hitchcock
• Noah Lepsch

Their work supports employees across the institution and helps create a workplace culture grounded in service, collaboration, respect, and accountability.

To all HR professionals at MCC and beyond — thank you for the work you do every day to support people, strengthen organizations, and help workplaces thrive.

Fernan Cepero
Human Resources
05/21/2026