MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
CONNECTION
SEPTEMBER 2007
MCC
FACULTY
& STAFF
NEWSLETTER
WHAT’S
INSIDE
AROUND CAMPUS
REMEMBERING
DR. JOYCE TOET
HEALTH SERVICES
RETURNS TO THE
PRAHL COLLEGE
CENTER
AND MORE...
Q UOTE OF
THE M ONTH
“Education is for improving the lives
of others and for leaving your community and world better than you
found it.”
Marian Wright Edelman
MCC Millage
Renewal Passes
Voters showed overwhelming support for Mott Community College in
the Aug. 7 election. MCC's request
for a millage renewal was approved
with 67 percent of voters saying
"Yes" to MCC. The proposal
passed by a more than 2 to 1 ratio.
Announcements have been published in local media thanking
voters and everyone who supported the effort.
Lenore Croudy
Elected MCCA Chair
Lenore Croudy, Chair of the Mott Community
College Board of Trustees, has been elected Chair of the
Michigan Community College Association (MCCA). She
had previously been elected Vice Chair of the MCCA in
2006 and served as Chair of the MCCA Trustees
Committee as well. She is the first African-American
elected as Chair of the Michigan Community College
Association in the organization's history.
Gilkey Creek Improvements
The rerouting project of Gilkey
Creek, the source of frequent flooding in and around MCC's Parking
Ramp G, is well underway.
Underground sections of Gilkey
Creek are being rerouted by neighboring Applewood Estate to reduce
persistent flooding and to create an
environmentally-friendly ecosystem.
The area around the creek will
become a greenway to make it more
aesthetically appealing as well as a
trail for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The project began June 8 and is
expected to be fully completed by
Spring 2008. The project is funded
by a $2 million grant from the Ruth
Mott Foundation.
d
Ca m pus
Honors Program
Coordinator Heather Sisto
tells us that five honors program students have been
selected to present their
papers at the annual LAND
Student Scholars Conference
for Two-Year Colleges this
month. Three are finalists
and two are alternates.
Papers were written in
Honors Colloquium PSCN179 and Honors English-102
in Winter 2007. Heather will
join Political Science Prof. Paul Rozycki in serving as mentors,
accompanying the students to the conference at Henry Ford
Community College Sept. 22.
Here's news from Northern Tier Site Coordinator Desiree
Londrigan: The Northern Tier Center has a new "desert garden"
that was planted by Genesee County Master Gardeners Alicia Ellis
and Melvin Kennedy on July 18. The plants were among those
"rescued" from the MSU campus where road construction improvements are taking place. The site was prepared by Terrelle Lee,
Desiree Londrigan, John Borden and Shun Smith. "A big thank
you goes to everyone who helped with this beautification project,"
Desiree said.
From Student & Administrative Services Resource Administrator
Mary Lou Sullivan: MCC again sponsored a squad to participate in
the 11th Annual Tall Pine Council Boy Scouts of America Sporting
Clays Tournament. The tournament took place at Hunters Creek
Club in Metamora on Aug. 10. MCC was represented on the squad
by Public Safety Department's Sgt. James Malcolm, Sgt. Darwin
Wilhelm, Sgt. Paul Lape, Management Information Systems Unix
and Database Administrator Sheila Grennay and Management
Information Systems Network Specialist Scott Burton. Sgt.
Malcolm reported that it was an outstanding shoot and our team
came in 12th out of 21 teams. It was a 70 bird course with Lape
breaking 51, Wilhelm 46, Burton 41, Malcolm 39, and Grennay 20.
Interpreter Training Program Instructor Isabell Florence presented at a workshop that trains interpreters to work with people who
are deaf and blind. The workshop was held in Brooklyn, Mich. Aug.
15-19. New legislation was recently passed that will now require
interpreters to receive a separate certificate for this specialized area
of interpreting. "Interpreters receive training on how to use adaptive
equipment when interpreting, they experience tactile signing and
adaptive signing, voicing skills, sighted guide techniques and many
other skills required to work with the deafblind (deafblind is now
one word)," Isabell said. "It's very intense but exciting training for
interpreters and also a wonderful time for deafblind participants to
get together and have various modes of communication access simultaneously. This is also one venue where interpreters can receive their
Continuing Educational Units (CEU's) which are required for re-certification."
DisAbility Services/SP Administrative Assistant Sherry Weeder
in the Learning Center tells us that Peer Coordinator Koaster Veasey
submitted a proposal to The College Reading and Learning
Association to certify MCC’s Peer Tutorial Services. On July 1 the
Peer Tutorial Services received certification from the College
Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). This certification is recognized internationally and colleges such as Baker College,
UM–Flint, and Oakland Community College also hold this certification. To receive this certification, peer tutors must obtain 25 hours in
tutoring and 15 hours of ongoing training and workshops. MCC peer
tutors can now be recognized for their academic achievements and
can gain credibility for their peer tutorial services. Peer Tutorial
Services for the fall semester begin Sept.10.
Arou
n
Psychology Prof. Gail Knapp and Information Technology Prof.
Lynn Thigpen collaborated on a project that resulted in the Plotnik
and Kouyoumdjian’s Introduction to Psychology Instructor's
Manual, a Thomson Learning supplement. Gail authored the publication and Lynn did the design work.
Hispanic Community Technology Center Site Coordinator
Orlando Garcia provides a report on the Center's Community Fun
Day. "Compared to last year’s, this year was a blow out; we had
around 400 people that came and fellowshipped with one another.
The kids had a ball," Orlando said. "I want to extend my gratitude to
those that helped us in any way. You can view some pictures of the
event on the S drive. I know that many of you couldn’t come this
year -- we missed you -- but please reserve a day around this same
time next year so you can part take and share in this great joy-giving
event."
Southern Lakes Branch Campus Interim Site Director Rebecca
Gale-Gonzales has seen much needed improvements taking place at
SLBC over the spring and summer semesters, submitting a thank-you
note to everyone who has provided assistance and support to SLBC.
"The Physical Plant Office has worked hard to bring the interior
space back to gleaming status, special thanks to Custodial Supervisor
Tim Broomfield and custodial staff members Raeann Gatenby,
Nate Canada, Harry Bourne for coordinating these efforts.
Gerardo Gonzalez with Maintenance Repair hung pictures and bulletin boards, repaired and replaced broken fixtures and assisted with
assembly of classroom equipment among other general maintenance
items. Grounds improvements have been made through coordinated
efforts by Physical Plant Executive Director Larry Koehler and
Grounds Operations Supervisor Shun Smith, grounds crew Ray
Talbot and Dave Streeter provided a great amount of assistance
with removal of dead and overgrown foundation plantings as well as
a host of other activities to help transform exterior aesthetics. Auto
body faculty members have worked hard moving into and organizing
a new space at the front of Building C. OTA/PTA faculty members
have also spent many hours preparing a new space for the coming
year. In addition, outstanding support was received from the student
services area, including training to implement full orientation at the
satellite and plenty of counselors and advisors to advise students to
register for Fall semester. Increased marketing efforts have helped to
add to the number of folks walking through our doors. Many thanks
go to Public Information Executive Director Michael Kelly and staff
for assisting with a comprehensive marketing plan consisting of billboards, TV commercials, local newspaper and event coverage. We've
also worked closely with Public Safety to enhance services and training of staff on CPR and emergency support. Special thanks to Chief
Theresa Lock, Sgt. James Malcolm, and Sgt. Tammy Parillo for
their dedicated efforts. Information Systems has also provided additional assistance to move an employee workstation to provide a better traffic flow in the office. SLBC Office staff members Pam Stach
and Jennifer Richman have attended training and willingly take on
new challenges with ease and a smile. "Everyone is working hard to
deliver a quality educational experience for our students and should
be proud of their accomplishments and professionalism. Thank you,
all," Rebecca said.
Theatre Instructor Dan Gerics is directing Flint City Theatre's
Scream Theatre, a return to old time radio drama. Performances are
Oct 19, 20, 27, 28 at 8 pm at The Good Beans Café. Tickets are $7 at
the door. This is not recommended for children.
Exhibitions scheduled at the Fine Arts Gallery, located at the
Visual Arts & Design Center include Basic Drawing Student
Exhibition, Sept. 4 to Sept. 18 and "Between," Glass and Ceramics
Sculpture by featured artists Amy Baur and Blake Williams, Sept.
24 to Oct. 9. Public presentations schedule: Blake Williams,
Monday, Oct. 1 at 9:30 am; Amy Baur, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 9:30 am.
Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm. Events
are free and open to the public. For details, call 762-0443.
Culinary Arts Executive Chef William Crawford tells us that he has
just received his Master of Science degree from Ferris State University.
While working on his master's last summer, Chef Crawford realized he
needed to fulfill a student teaching requirement to graduate. His affiliation
with the National Culinary Federation provided him with an optimal
opportunity to fulfill that requirement. In June 2006, he spent two weeks
in Naples, Italy instructing classes for the U.S. Navy at NATO World
Headquarters. In June 2007, the U.S. Navy Support Command called, and
he went for a tour on the USS Shiloh based in Brisbane, Australia, teaching knife and cooking skills en route to Yakusaka, Japan. Chef Crawford
noted the time he spent "was well worth it. To have the chance to train
culinarians in the U.S. Navy gives me a sense of pride and patriotism."
Congratulations to The Steelheads Director Jim Coviak on the birth
of his new daughter, Michaela Grace Coviak. Michaela was born on
Tuesday, July 31, at 10:51 a.m. She weighed 9 pounds, 10 ounces, and
was 21.5 inches long. "Alex (age 10) is very proud to be a big brother.
Deb and I are most grateful to be blessed with such a beautiful and
healthy little girl," Jim said.
Nursing Program
Summer Refresher
Nursing Instructor Candice Pickens was among the Nursing
faculty providing instruction for students in free Nursing Review
Sessions held in the RTC auditorium Aug. 20 to 24, specifically
designed to increase confidence and retention among returning nursing
students. The tutoring program offered via the Accelerated Health Care
Careers Training Initiative at MCC has been very successful, reports Teri
Hill, MCC Nursing Tutor/Mentor Coordinator who helped
organize the review sessions. "Last year we demonstrated a 15 percent
increase in retention (first year students that attended versus those that
did not attend) and 100 percent of our students said they would recommend it while 98 percent indicated that they felt better prepared to return
to course work because they attended the sessions."
In Memoriam
By Rebecca Gale-Gonzalez
MCC mourns the loss of a great
leader in Dr. Joyce A. Toet. We
received the news Tuesday, August 7,
that Joyce had lost her battle against
cancer. Joyce began working for the
college in 1983 as a continuing education instructor. She also held the position of Associate Dean in Humanities
and Southern Lakes Branch Campus in
1992 where she served under various
titles, most recently as the Director of
SLBC. Over the years Joyce served on
many committees and task forces including the Benefits Task Force,
Friends of the Mott Library and led the charge for obtaining new
course ware (Datatel). As union president for the S & M group, Joyce
was instrumental in affiliating with the UAW. Joyce was also an
advocate for women's issues and served on the Zonta Club of Fenton
for many years. She also coordinated efforts with Wayne State
University to provide a Doctoral program held at MCC, as well as
serving as a mentor to program participants. She had also served as
Interim Associate Dean of Science and Math.
In light of the family’s wishes to not hold a memorial service,
employees campus wide are seeking to find some way to honor Dr.
Joyce Toet’s years of dedicated service and friendship. A memorial
tree planting, plaque and other gestures have been suggested, as well
as establishing a scholarship in Joyce’s name to be awarded to an
SLBC student. Those who are interested in coordinating efforts are
asked to contact Rebecca Gale-Gonzalez at (810) 762-5003.
Health Services Returns
to Prahl Center
The Health Services Office has moved back to its previous location in the Prahl College Center on the second floor, Room 2060.
MCC Health Counselor Sharee Tolbert, a registered nurse, is available
to assist students and staff with a variety of health concerns. Hours of
operation for the Health Counselor will be Tuesday and Wednesday
from 12:30 to 5 pm and Thursday from 9:30 am to 5 pm. There will
be a physician available, starting Sept. 20 from 1 pm to 4 pm on
Thursdays only. On Wednesday Sept. 12, Health Services will offer a
prostate awareness health fair from 1 to 4 pm in the Curtice-Mott fish
bowl area. On Wednesday, Sept. 26, Health Services will be offering
a meningitis clinic from 10 am to 2 pm in the Health Services Office,
Room 2060. The cost of the meningitis vaccine is $115. Cash, check
or a major credit card are accepted. If you have health insurance, a
statement will be provided for you to fill out for possible reimbursement of the total cost. For more information on the various services
administered through Health Services at MCC, call 762-5667.
Motown, Mott & More
Connie Lockrey, MCC Lapeer Community Education
Coordinator, got into the act as a clown for the Lapeer Days celebration held recently in downtown Lapeer.
Several local celebrities will share the spotlight with a host of
MCC luminaries for the Second Annual Motown, Mott & More
Celebrity Lip Sync Show, September 16 at 6 pm. A diverse group comprised of MCC administrators and staff, business and community
leaders from across Genesee County will be showing off some fancy
moves and lip synching to the words of their favorite songs, all for a
worthy cause: to help send area students to school. For tickets, call
762-0425. Seating is limited.
SEPTEMBER 2007
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
UAW Labor Day Event
Overflow parking
in lot G
4
3
Labor Day
College Closed
5
6
Basic Drawing Student
Exhibition Opens
VADC
10
11
17
18
Apprentice Testing
8 am-5 pm
RTC 1301
Sept. 10-14
7
Michigan Home Based
Child Care Mtg.
2-4 pm
RTC 1005
Sunday
2
UAW Labor Day Event
Overflow parking
in lot G
8
9
15
16
12
13
14
19
20
21
22
23
27
28
29
30
Health Services Prostate
Health Fair
1-4 pm
CM Fish Bowl
Alzheimer’s Associations Motown, Mott & More
6 pm
Memory Walk
MMB Auditorium
7:30 am-1 pm
Ballenger
Board of Trustees
Meeting • 7:30-10 p.m.
Mott Library
25
24
Amy Baur & Blake
Williams Exhibit
Between Glass & Ceramics
Sept. 24-Oct 9
VADC
College Cultural
Neighborhood
Association
7-9 p.m.
RTC 1005
26
Health Services
Meningitis Clinic
10 am-2 pm
PCC 2060
Foundation Board
Meeting
Noon-1:30 p.m.
Genesee Room
PRESORTED
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1401 East Court Street
Flint, Michigan 48503-2089