MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
CONNECTION
SEPTEMBER 2008
MCC
FACULTY
& STAFF
NEWSLETTER
WHAT’S
INSIDE
AROUND CAMPUS
EMPLOYEE OF
THE MONTH
MOTT BEAR
STATUE UNVEILING,
SEPT. 24
POETRY READING
WITH GRAYCE
SCHOLT, SEPT. 18
FRIENDS OF MOTT
LIBRARY ANNUAL
ART AUCTION
MAKING STRIDES
AGAINST BREAST
CANCER
Q UOTE OF
THE M ONTH
"The best way to find yourself is to
lose yourself in the service of others"
- Mahatma Gandhi
MCC Enhances Campus and
Community with New Developments
The MCC main campus is bustling
with activity with two exciting, new
projects nearing completion. The following
projects are uniquely designed to benefit
MCC faculty, staff, students and the general
public, enhancing the city of Flint's
college/cultural community as well as
downtown Flint and surrounding areas:
The Bear Bistro A new food service
facility, named after MCC's mascot, is slated to open for business in October. A wide
variety of offerings will grace the Bear
Bistro menu of reasonably-priced, freshlyprepared food items, provided by Rankinbased Sam's Italian Restaurant. Located in
the former breezeway of the Curtice-Mott
Complex, the dining area will feature seating for up to 80 guests and a WiFi hotspot.
The Bear Bistro will be open to the public
as well.
Gilkey Creek Restoration/Flint
River Trail Extension MCC is excited to
be partnering with the Ruth Mott
Foundation/Applewood Estate in creation
of an environmentally-friendly ecosystem
that will beautify the college community's
surroundings. With support from an MDOT
grant administered by The City of Flint,
crews are constructing a 10-foot wide bicycle/pedestrian trail along Horrigan Drive
through the MCC campus from Longway
Blvd. to East Court St. The non-motorized
path, providing a connection to Kearsley
Park and The Flint River Trail, will be one
of the first in this area to use permeable
asphalt, environmentally-friendly pavement
that allows the movement of water and air
through the paving material. The Flint
River Trail supplements a major project just
completed by the Ruth Mott Foundation,
daylighting underground sections of Gilkey
Creek to reduce persistent flooding that has
occurred in the area. The Gilkey Creek
Restoration/Flint River Trail Extension
project is scheduled for completion this
month.
d
Ca m pus
Troy Boquette, Executive
Director of Student Financial
Services and Registrar, shares
news from his area. The Office
of Student Financial Services
has changed the process in
which students apply for scholarships. To be considered for a
MCC scholarship, applicants are
now required to access the online
application https://mcc.starsscholarshipsonline.com/stars. The link can be
found on the financial aid webpage. This will
give students access to over $450,000 in scholarship funds. The initial
deadline for students to apply for scholarships is Oct 1, 2008. This deadline will continually be extended for any scholarship that is not used.
Paper applications will no longer be considered for scholarship eligibility.
RTC Project Coordinator Dianne McClure lets us know that the
RTC hosted Workforce Development’s Teen CEO Summer Program
which took place July-August. The goal of this training was to demonstrate the feasibility of operating an entrepreneurial education program
for economically- disadvantaged youth and to provide them with a learning and leadership experience that will impact their future. The students
developed business plans and staged a showcase of their business plans
at the Farmer’s Market and at the Genesee Valley Mall. The MidMichigan Regional Adult Learning Forum provided training to adult
learning practitioners from around the state, representing community colleges, literacy councils, adult basic education programs, Michigan
Works! Agencies, community based organizations and various state
agencies. The agenda was structured around a mix of presentations,
moderated panel discussions, and tabletop conversations.
Arou
n
Pat Ward, Professor/Allied Health Coordinator, wants us to know
that she attended "Grandparent University" at Michigan State University,
June 25-28 with her 8-year-old granddaughter.
English Prof. Laura Tobias taught graduate writing and ESL in the
English for Academic Purposes Program (6 weeks, intensive) of the
University of Michigan English Language Institute.
RTC's Carol Van Buren and Andretta Newton both have
newlyweds in the family. Carol Van Buren’s son Brian married her new
daughter-in-law Rachel on July 12. They honeymooned in the Poconos.
Andretta's daughter, Yakira, married her new son in-law, Trumaine
Ferguson, on Aug. 2. They honeymooned in Fort Lauderdale.
Graphic Design Coordinator Mara Jevera Fulmer has been
appointed to the Steering Committee for the American Institute of
Graphic Arts (AIGA) Design Educators Community. The AIGA is the
national organization for design professionals and has a role in shaping
the profession. As a member of the Steering Committee for the Design
Educators Community, Mara's goal will be to raise the profile of and
respect for the role community colleges play in training future graphic
designers. It is a two-year appointment. "I'm excited to be part of this
group since the founding members of this steering committee included
some of my heros: Katherine McCoy (formerly of Cranbrook) and
Steven Heller (design writer)," Mara added. .
A hearty welcome goes to the following new employees: Jane Cera,
Interim Executive Dean of Professional Development, Academic Affairs,
start date: Aug. 18; Starting work at MCC on Aug. 25: Dean of Fine Arts
Mary Cusack; Psychology Instructor Haig Kouyoumdjian; Psychology
Instructor Rachel Laimon; Sociology Instructor Jason Rapelje; English
Instructor Paula Weston; Electronics Instructor Mike Horton;
Electronics Instructor Matthew Sullivan and Speech Communication
Instructor Elizabeth Connelly-Blair. Financial Aid Specialist Emily
Varney starts Sept. 3. Welcome, all, to the MCC family!
Employee of the Month
Debbie Killian, Fine Arts Administrative Assistant, was selected as the
Outstanding Employee of the Month for June 2008. The presentation to
Debbie was delayed because she does not work during part of the summer.
An MCC employee for over 28 years, Debbie received a $50 Target gift
card, a certificate of appreciation and a balloon bouquet. Congratulating
Debbie are (left) HR’s Sylvia Green, Mark Kennedy, Debbie, former Fine
Arts Dean Jessie Sirna and Dr. Shaink.
Did you know. . .
MCC's website is a primary information source
for a host of services and resources. The website is organized into key paths that help students, faculty, and staff find a host of
resources. The "Current Students" page
MCC at HurleyFest: A host of items from The Institute for
Medical Simulation at MCC were on display at the HurleyFest
Innovation Festival, celebrating Hurley Medical Center's 100th
Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 2. MCC staff on hand
at HurleyFest included (from left) Connie Cryderman, Gwendolyn
Phinisee, Bob Howald, MCC President Dick Shaink, Sharon
Nichols and Richard Cryderman.
http://www.mcc.edu/current_index.shtml) has
links to nearly every service and online
resource to help guide our new and returning
students.
The "Faculty and Staff" page
http://www.mcc.edu/fac_index.shtml) links to
most services and resources, including web
email and secure network login. In addition,
the Information Technology Services (ITS)
"Faculty Services" page
(http://esweb.mcc.edu/edtech/es_faculty.shtml)
has links to Computer Resource Guides,
Professional Development opportunities and
more.
Mott Bear Statue
Unveiling Ceremony,
September 24
The official unveiling of a 600-pound, 6-foot -tall bronze bear is
set for 2 pm Wednesday Sept. 24 on the Ballenger Field House lawn,
coinciding with the MCC Student Rally which starts at 11 a.m. the
same day. This event is free and open to the public. Designed and
sculpted by MCC Art Professor Catherine Smith and students from her
sculpture class, the bronze bear was made possible through a generous
grant from the Ruth Mott Foundation and charitable donations from
The Honorable Thomas and Magdalene Yeotis and the Bruin Club.
In addition, a celebration honoring the 10th anniversary of the
MCC Trustee Memorial Courtyard on the Mott Memorial Building
lawn will immediately follow the Bear unveiling. A number of donors
have purchased bricks for the courtyard since its inception in 1997 and
a major beautification project that will enhance the courtyard is now
underway. Once the project is completed the courtyard will feature:
• new, resurfaced courtyard area
• 22x22 center granite block inscribed with Foundation for MCC
(center piece will match the granite seats that surround courtyard)
• designed curve sides to enhance brick location
• landscaping to include carpet roses for long-term seasonal color
Please join the Foundation for MCC staff, donors and friends for these
special events. For more information, call (810) 762-0425.
Creative Expressions
Camp
MCC's Annual Creative
Expressions Camp was a huge success again this year. The camp is
designed to get children excited
about creative writing and to help
them build confidence as writers.
Camp instructors included MCC
English professor Steve Robinson
shown here assisting campers with
their writing projects.
Poetry Reading with
Grayce Scholt, Sept. 18
The Foundation for MCC and the Friends of the Mott Library will
host a poetry reading with retired MCC English Professor Grayce
Scholt, author of Bang! Go All the Porch Swings, on Thursday, Sept.
18 from 11 am to 1 pm at the MCC Event Center. Copies of Bang! Go
All the Porch Swings will be available for purchase, with all proceeds
going to the Friends of the Mott Library. The book costs $13.95. The
reading will start at 11 am, with a light lunch and book signing to follow. This event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are appreciated by Friday, Sept. 12. Call the Foundation for MCC at 762-0425 to
RSVP.
A longtime Mott Library supporter and an active member of the
Friends of the Mott Library, she helped build the Mott Library's
Grayce Scholt Children's Literature collection. The poetry reading is
also being held in cooperation with MCC's Center for Teaching and
Learning (CTL). Bill Reich, Friends of the Mott Library president and
CTL Director, said: "We are excited about the opportunity to feature
Grayce's work and highlight her contributions to the Friends. An
incredible artist and writer, she is one of the foremost experts on
Children's Literature in the world."
Grayce Scholt was born in Oak Harbor, a small town in
Northwestern Ohio -- its people and places the impetus of many of her
poems. She taught in the MCC English Department from 1955 until
her retirement in 1990. She lives in Flint's East Village.
Friends of Mott Library
Annual Auction
The Friends of Mott Library will host their Annual Art Auction,
October 16, Light hors d’oeuvres will be served and door prizes
awarded as part of the evening auction. This year's theme will be:
“Give My Regards to Art on Broadway." Guests are invited to join
friends in dressing as a Broadway character; a prize will be awarded to
the guest with the best costume. Preview begins at 5:15 pm, in the
MCC Event Center with the auction following at 6:30 pm. Tickets are
$10 in advance or $15 at the door, call 762-0408. Another opportunity
to purchase art, “Take A Second Look” will be Friday, Oct. 17 from 9
am to 1 pm. All proceeds go to the Friends of the Mott Library to support the Mott Library.
Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer
MCC is again this year sponsoring a team for the American
Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a noncompetitive walk to help fight breast cancer and to provide hope for people
facing the disease. The walk, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11 at
Genesee Valley Center, starts at 9 am with registration at 7:30 am.
MCC faculty, staff, students, their family and friends, are all invited to
join the walk or make a donation. MCC Team Leaders include:
Rebecca Gale-Gonzalez, 762-0455; Desiree Londrigan, Northern Tier
Center 762-0207; Cindy Sanders, Student & Administrative Services,
762-0502 or Jennifer Young, Technology Division, 762-0500. Please
call anyone of these individuals by Thursday, Sept. 18 to have a TShirt ordered.
SEPTEMBER 2008
Monday
Tuesday
1
2
9
8
Pride Training
6-9 pm
RTC 1301
Wednesday Thursday
MSU Field Instructor
Orientation
9 am-3:30 pm
RTC 1301
15
Genesee Area
Counseling Assoc.
Ex. Board
11:30am-2 pm
Genesee Room
16
College & Cultural
Center Neighborhood
Meeting
7-9 pm • RTC 1005
23
22
Board of Trustees Meeting
7 pm • ML 1010
Volleyball Game
7 pm
Ballenger Field House
29
30
American Assoc. of
University Women
7-9 p.m.
Genesee Room
3
Bruin Bear Luncheon
Noon-3 pm
PCC 101
10
17
24
Genesee Area
Chamber of
Commerce Meeting
9:30 am-Noon
RTC 1301
Saturday
4
5
Sunday
6
7
13
14
Michigan Home Based
Child Care Council
2-4 pm
RTC 1109
11
12
Lifelong Learning
for Seniors
9:30 am-Noon
ML1010
Sierra Club Meeting
5:30-9:30 pm
Genesee Room
Alumni Association
Meeting
Noon-1:30 pm
PCC 101
Friday
18
Grayce Scholt Book
Signing/Reading
11 am-Noon
ML 1010
25
Volleyball Game
7 pm
Ballenger Field House
19
Flint River Watershed
Coalition Meeting
8:00-10:30 a.m.
Genesee Room
26
Career Pathways Days
8 am-2:24 pm
ML 1010
Volleyball Tournament
9 am-6 pm
Ballenger Field House
20
21
27
28
Alzheimer’s Assoc.
Memory Walk
8 am-Noon
PCC West Lawn
Pride Training
9 am-4 pm
RTC 1301
For more calendar items visit
www.events.mcc.edu
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
Flint, MI
Permit NO 51
1401 East Court Street
Flint, Michigan 48503-2089