MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE CONNECTION JUNE 2006 MCC FACULTY & STAFF NEWSLETTER WHAT’S INSIDE AROUND CAMPUS MCC SWEARS IN NEW POLICE OFFICER NURSING PROGRAM KICKS OFF 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH CELEBRATION AT APPLEWOOD CAFÉ WINTER GAMES NTC COORDINATOR RECEIVES AWARD FROM CLIO GROUP DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS Q UOTE OF THE M ONTH "Chance favors the prepared mind." Louis Pasteur Unique Sculpture Installed at MCC A major sculpture by noted artist Richard Bennett of Detroit was officially installed at MCC's Regional Technology Center during a public unveiling on Thursday, May 25. A public park located on the south side of the RTC will be the permanent location of the sculpture, a giant Armillary Sphere made of bronze. The sculpture was commissioned by Kay and Michael Kelly, Executive Director of Public Information at MCC, who donated the funds to pay for the sculpture through the Art Acquisition project of the Foundation for Mott Community College. "Kay and I wanted a work that symbolized the hope and optimism we feel about our hometown," Kelly said. " Richard Bennett's work achieved that goal. We believe this work will be uplifting, encouraging and inclusive." An armillary sphere is a model of the celestial sphere. Its name comes from the Latin armilla (circle, bracelet), since it has a skeleton made of graduated metal circles linking the poles and representing the equator, the ecliptic, meridians and parallels. Armillary spheres were developed by Kay and Michael Kelly flank the Greeks and were used as teaching tools at artist Richard Bennett least as early as the Third Century BC. Not only was it useful as a teaching tool, it was one of the first analog computers for solving various astronomical problems. Community College Scholar Visits MCC Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, Coordinator of the Community College Leadership Doctoral Program at Morgan State College in Baltimore and editor of the book Establishing & Sustaining Learning-Centered Community Colleges, spoke to a group of MCC trustees, administrators, faculty and staff during a luncheon at Applewood Cafe on May 22. MCC Board of Trustees Chair Lenore Croudy invited her to campus to discuss the learning-centered college, a new concept which involves ongoing assessment of student learning specifically designed to generate data for continuous improvement. Dr. McPhail indicated that the concept is uniquely suited for the American community colDr. McPhail lege, as community colleges have been historically inclusive and welcoming, providing everyone with an opportunity to learn who wants to learn. She was very complimentary of MCC's ongoing efforts. "When you look at continuous improvement, you're already having this conversation," Dr. McPhail stated. "I am so pleased with what you've already done here." Around Campus Cheryl Bassett, Executive Dean of the Educational Systems & Information Technology Division, lets us know that Retired Academic Affairs VP Bill Angus received the Educational Teleconsortium of Michigan's (ETOM) annual Outstanding Accomplishment in Distance Education Award at the Spring business meeting at Delta College in April. Bill is a founding member of ETOM, a state-wide organization whose primary focus was group purchases of telecourse licensing for participating Michigan colleges. "During Bill's tenure here at Mott Community College, he was instrumental in our Distance Learning program, making MCC the one to beat in DL enrollments," Cheryl said. "ETOM has now shifted its focus more toward emerging technologies related to distance education, showcasing new educational technologies and is responsible for the WebCasts offered monthly on Fridays." Nursing Advisor/Prof. Gail Burleson and five student nurses with the MCC Student Nurses Association (MCC-SNA) attended the National Student Nurses Association 54th annual convention in Baltimore, Md. April 4-9. The students attending the convention included Wendy Carr, MCC-SNA vice president; Latonya Davenport, Mary Isbell, Courtney Smith and MCC-SNA treasurer Nadia Stewart. Latonya Davenport also represented MCC in the House of Delegates, voting on resolutions. The convention focused on promoting wellness and on leadership. Presenters included the president of the American Nurses Association, the editor of the American Journal of Nursing and many more leaders in the nursing profession. It was produced by student nurses for student nurses from across the country. Student Employment Coordinator Cindy McDaniel provides a report on the Employer Forum held April 21 at the RTC. Employers were invited to have breakfast with us and share information on the skills and training graduates need for current and/or future job opportunities they may have. MCC staff provided an overview of the job placement and coop/internship process at MCC. Staff also described how we assist employers with recruiting, staffing and educating students who will make up a skilled workforce. Counselor Brian Ivory presented at the regional conference of the Association of Experiential Education in Madison, Wis. in April. The conference presentation was titled "Preparing Experiential Educators to Facilitate Social Diversity Workshops. "I was so pleased to learn the chapter I published on sexual orientation issues at community colleges was highlighted in a book review for the National Academic Advising Association (Fall, 2006)," Brian stated. He also presented "Preparing Educators to Facilitate Social Justice Workshops" at the MCPA Diversity Summit in Kalamazoo in May. Counselor Anne Gupton joined Brian in presenting at the May 19 Michigan Community College New Student Orientation Conference in Ann Arbor. The topic of their workshop was how to use technology to increase students' attention, learning and comprehension. Nursing Prof. Louise Kashubosky, who serves as co-leader of the Health Resource Ministry at her church, St. Mary Catholic Church in Durand, received (along with two other RN's at her church), the American Heart Association & Stroke Heroes Day Award on April 13 for using their automatic external defibrillator (AED). The two other RN's (one of whom is Diane Sanders, a tutor in the MCC Nursing program) actually performed CPR and used the AED during a Mass in March. The elderly victim was successfully resuscitated and is a survivor, thanks to a combination of efforts. Coordinator of Early Childhood Education Dan Hodgins brings us news from his area. Dan gave the keynote address at an Early Childhood Education Conference in Denver, Colo. on April 22 titled "Making Life Better for Children and Families." Dan's keynote was "The Learning Differences Between Boys and Girls." Early Childhood Education Adjunct Instructor Susan McEwan was selected to serve as a judge for the Skills USA-Michigan Chapter competition in Lansing in April. More than 1,000 Michigan high school juniors and seniors in the various career- tech fields were competing there to go on to the national competition. Congratulations to Mike Bower, Executive Dean Continuing Education, Corporate Services & Livingston Regional MTEC, on his election to the National Council Workforce Education Board. His appointment becomes effective July 1, 2006. Health Sciences Academic Advisor Marianne Blair was joined by Honors Program Coordinator Heather Sisto at the Michigan Academic Advising Association 2nd Annual Conference May 11 at Grand Valley State University. This year's theme, "Building Bridges: Connecting Colleagues & Integrating Ideas," built on work started last year when Michigan advisors came together for the first advising conference at MSU. This year's keynote speaker was Dr. Jillian Kinzie who spoke on "DEEP lessons: What Advisors can do to Enhance Educational Effectiveness and Promote Student Success." In other Health Sciences Division news, Marianne was joined by Dental Assisting Adjunct Faculty Kelly Roos along with 14 MCC Dental Assisting Students, attending the Michigan Dental Assistants Association Annual Conference, held in conjunction with the Michigan Dental Association May 19 - 20 in Lansing. Kelly and Marianne were chairwomen of the MDAA Student Day where more than 150 students from Michigan Colleges were in attendance. MCC students participated in the James Bush Essay and Table Clinic competition. Their Table Clinics included the following topics: The Dental Dam, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dangers of Intra-oral Piercing, Orthodontic Treatment = Gorgeous Smiles and the Effects of Tobacco on Oral Health. Community Outreach & Engagement Coordinator Carlos Cisneros, who also serves as advisor of the MCC Latino Club, provides a report on the club's activities. The group was represented at the Ice Breaker held in early April. This was a membership drive for the Winter Semester. The club has created fliers and brochures that will be distributed to the college community. The Latino Club had two popcorn sales in March, logged several hours manning the Cap/Gown Sales tables in the Lower Level of the Prahl Center and marched in the 27th Annual Cinco De Mayo Parade on May 6 in Saginaw. Student Life Coordinator Carol Brown reported that the Latino Club was the biggest fund raiser. "We expect to lead the pack again this year," Carlos added. Graphic Design Coordinator Mara Jevera Fulmer was accepted as, and can now be officially called, a Fulbright Senior Specialist Roster Candidate. Once she receives her first grant assignment, she will be a Fulbright Senior Specialist, will be on the roster for five years and eligible for one grant assignment per year, which may last from 2-6 weeks. On a separate topic, Mara will be launching the first showing of MCC President Richard Shaink swears in Andrew Bienkowski of Davison as MCC's newest police officer on May 23. Bienkowski is a 2004 MCC honors graduate and is currently attending Ferris State University, majoring in criminal justice. The MCC Nursing Program kicked off its 50th anniversary celebration with a Spring Reception for nursing students, graduates, alumni, faculty and staff at Applewood Café. The event was wellattended with a television crew from abc12 on hand to mark the milestone and film the festivities. Continued next page Continued from previous page a social awareness art project with an exhibition and educational forum on June 13, 5-8 pm, at the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan's Brickstreet Bldg. titled, "Telling My Story at the Edge of Recovery: 8 African American Women's Journey from Homelessness." The art exhibition features eight large-scale conceptual portraits of the women in various stages of recovery, and is part of a larger research project by Wayne State University researchers who will be holding an education forum in conjunction with the exhibition. Efforts are underway to take the exhibition to other venues in the Midwest. A full-color catalog featuring the artwork and associated writings by the artist (Mara), the researchers and the eight women is being published. Accounting's Karen Amore was nominated for "best actress in a leading role" for her work in "Brighton Beach Memoirs" in Owosso. The "argie" awards presented every season are sponsored by the Owosso Argus Press newspaper. The MCC Gardening Association is having a native plant sale on Monday, June 12 from 10 am to 2 pm in the Curtice-Mott breezeway. Marketing's Rebecca Gale-Gonzalez, who serves as the club's advisor, is seeking volunteers to help with the Gilkey Creek project on Saturday, June 3 from 10 to 2 pm for a clean up, and on Saturday, June 17 and 24 from 10 to 2 pm, to install native plants along the creek. Parking in lot E or F will put you in close proximity to where the activity will be taking place. The group is also collaborating with local block clubs, Northeast Village Citizen's District Council and the Community Outreach Partnership Center (COPC) Beautification Sub-Committee on a City Park Project located on Saginaw St. between East Austin Ave. and East Ruth Ave on Saturday, June 10 between 9 am and 4 pm. "Along with local block clubs and the Northeast Village Citizen's District Council, we have defined this area as having great potential and our activities coincide with the Northeast Village CDC neighborhood clean-up, also being held 9-4 p.m., June 10 at Martin Elementary School," Rebecca added. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided to volunteers. To RSVP for any of these activities, call Rebecca at 762-0455 or to participate in the Northeast Village CDC clean- ups, call Bernard Lawler at 232-7446 or Gary Byas at 785-9365. A thank-you note from Financial Aid Specialist Cathleen (Casey) Custer: "Since words failed me at the time, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for being nominated and receiving the Golden Apple award. It is truly an honor. Due to circumstances, Sue Lossing and I were unable to leave the office to make it to the reception on time. That, however, turned out to be a blessing, since Sue (coworker and friend) also received the award. How unique was it for both of us to be presented the award together? The Financial Aid staff has always worked together as a team. I also need to acknowledge the dedication of Nina Smith. We would not be able to do our jobs without her knowledge and help. And finally I would like to comment on the statement that referred to me as the glue in the FA office - this old gray mare has a couple more years left in her, so please, don't put me out to pasture just yet." New employees: A hearty MCC welcome goes to Librarian Linda Rutherford who started work on May 15, and Andrea Blankenship, who assumes her position as Cosmetology Instructor Aug. 30. Distinguished Alumni Awards Winter Games The Fitness Center's Winter Games concluded just in time for the spring semester to begin, with the closing celebration held on May 4. Management Information Systems Application Specialist Nina Smith and her husband, Accounting Supervisor Jim Smith, stepped onto the Winter Games platform as the overall gold medal winners. A total of 36 participants signed up for the five-week event which included several exciting challenges such as the Snowball Throw, Hockey Slap Shot, Avalanche Rescue, Snow Sculpture and Olympic Ring Toss. Human Resources Assistant Cindy Sanders and the President's Administrative Assistant Lisa Poma demonstrated great bravery in the Avalanche Rescue, saving several buried victims in a simulated winter disaster. On the quieter side of the mountain, Business Prof. Barb Schultz and Institutional Research Coordinator Marty Goldstein demonstrated their artistic abilities by constructing beautiful snow sculptures. In addition, Fitness Center employee and Assistant Baseball Coach Shawn Brown and his partner Debbie Doorenbos were hailed as the high point champions in exhibition play. The Winter Games are part of the Fitness Center special programs provided to all MCC Fitness Center members. NTC Coordinator Receives Award from Clio Group Desiree Londrigan, Site Coordinator of the Mott Community College Northern Tier Center in Clio, has been recognized by the Clio Character Counts Community Partnership. "I was quite pleased, and honored to be chosen on behalf of Mott Community College," said Londrigan. "We really need to get back to the basics and treat each other with respect. My parents and grandparents taught me that you treat people how you want to be treated." Londrigan was cited for her exemplary character and the contributions she makes to the Clio community, demonstrating what the Clio Character Counts Community Partnership terms as the "6 Pillars of Character" which are: trustworthiness, respect, caring, responsibility, citizenship and fairness. "Several of us knew right off the bat that Desiree exhibited all of those characteristics," said Yvonne Jones, who serves as secretary for the Clio Character Counts Community Partnership Committee that recognizes individuals in the community. Londrigan received a unanimous vote from the committee. "She is well thought of in our community," added Jones. "She's always around, always willing to go the extra mile. She is very worthy of this award." The Foundation for Mott Community College is seeking nominations for the 5th Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards. The program is scheduled 6 pm, Tuesday Oct. 17. The deadline for nominations is June 16. To nominate someone for this prestigious award, visit www.mcc.edu and click on Alumni & Foundation--Distinguished Alumni Awards to access a nominating form. Nominations are also being sought for the newly established Outstanding Retiree Award. MCC's Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2002 to recognize outstanding individuals for providing an inspirational impact to students and/or the community and for their significant contributions to career achievement and community service. For more information or to have a form mailed, call The Foundation at (810) 762-0425. JUNE 2006 Monday Tuesday 1 2 6 5 Mott Middle College Art Show Prahl College Center Lower Level Mott Middle College Art Show Prahl College Center Lower Level 12 Native Plant Sale 10 a.m.-2 p.m. CM Breezway 13 Bruin Club Board Meeting 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Genesee Room 19 20 Simulation Camp 9 a.m.-4 p.m. RTC Board of Trustees Meeting • 7:30-10 p.m. Prahl Ballroom 26 Simulation Camp 9 a.m.-4 p.m. RTC Wednesday Thursday Simulation Camp 9 a.m.-4 p.m. RTC 27 Simulation Camp 9 a.m.-4 p.m. RTC No Excuses Summer No Excuses Summer Basketball Camp Basketball Camp 9 a.m.-3 p.m.-Ballenger 9 a.m.-3 p.m.-Ballenger 3 7 Mott Middle College Art Show Prahl College Center Lower Level 14 1 8 Mott Middle College Art Show Prahl College Center Lower Level 15 Sierra Club Meeting 5:30-10 p.m. Genesee Room 21 Simulation Camp 9 a.m.-4 p.m. RTC 28 Simulation Camp 9 a.m.-4 p.m. RTC Friday 22 Simulation Camp 9 a.m.-4 p.m. RTC 29 Simulation Camp 9 a.m.-4 p.m. RTC Saturday 2 9 Mott Middle College Spring Dance 7-11 p.m. Prahl College Center Ballroom 16 Flint River Watershed Coalition Meeting 8:30-11a.m. Genesee Room One Day One Community Details TBA 23 Simulation Camp 9 a.m.-4 p.m. RTC 3 Gilkey Creek Clean-up 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Horrigan Dr. Lot E or F 10 MCC Gardening Association Community Park Project 9 a.m. Martin School 17 Sunday 4 11 Phi Theta Kappa Picnic 2-5 p.m. Curtice Mottt Fishbowl 18 Gilkey Planting 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Horrigan Dr. Lot E or F 24 25 Gilkey Planting 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Horrigan Dr. Lot E or F 30 Simulation Camp 9 a.m.-4 p.m. RTC No Excuses Summer No Excuses Summer Basketball Camp Basketball Camp 9 a.m.-3 p.m.-Ballenger 9 a.m.-3 p.m.-Ballenger PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID Flint, MI Permit NO 51 1401 East Court Street Flint, Michigan 48503-2089