Trudy Trochesset is the employee of the month

For Employee of the Month Trudy Trochesset, College of the Mainland has been part of her life almost as long as she can remember. Now, as controller, she is a vital part of the college’s life as well. 

Trochesset grew up in Hitchcock and swam in the COM pool as a child. “I’m surprised and happy that I’m actually here, working here. I drove past it so many times thinking ‘that would be a really cool place to work, and now I’m here. I’m hoping I’m here for the duration now,” she said. 

As a key member of the financial services team, Trochesset does work that affects every student and employee of the college, but that takes place largely behind the scenes. Her “day job” with the college includes working on budgets, state reports, annual fiscal reconciliations and many other duties that students never see directly. 

Even so, she doesn’t confine her participation in college life to the office. 

“I do like to get out and walk around and be part of what goes on as far as student activities and any events that go on here,” she said. 

A big part of that participation takes place through COMPeers, an organization of College of the Mainland employees to promote more positivity. “We do a lot of things out in the community and around campus for that reason,” Trochesset said. 

COMPeers hosts school supply drives for area public schools, collects toys for Toys for Tots and does volunteer work with organizations like Ronald McDonald House, she said. It also has purchased items for Student Life and provided assistance for students through its Acts of COMPassion program. 

Trochesset is a big believer in College of the Mainland. “I really can’t wait to tell somebody where I work,” she said. “I am proud to be a COM employee.”