Dr. Ken Atwater
Can it really be the end of another academic year already?
Welcome to the May 2008 edition of the South Mountain Community College Messenger, our final edition of the 2007/2008 academic year. I hope the last nine months proved successful and productive for all of you.
Our spring semester proved very successful in one aspect: our 45th day enrollment showed an increase of 5.49% from Spring 2007, and that's a very rewarding turn of events. I know many of you have worked very hard both to bring new students to SMCC and to help us retain our current ones. Your efforts have paid off, and Spring 2008 showed more improvement in enrollment growth than any single semester in recent memory.
We will celebrate the success of many of those students at our 2008 graduation ceremony, taking place this Friday evening, May 9, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Our new Performing Arts Amphitheatre will once again be the site for this event, and plans are underway for even more seating to accommodate the friends and families of our graduates.
Those of you not walking in the procession are strongly encouraged to help out at the event---campus employees are needed to staff many different areas of the program. Please contact our Student Life Office if you can help, and they will put you to work.
Dr. Lattie Coor, President-Emeritus of Arizona State University, will be our keynote speaker this year. Dr. Coor lives in the South Mountain Village, and is a longtime supporter of our college; we are very excited to have him here. More information about this year's ceremony can be found elsewhere in this month's Messenger---I look forward to seeing you all there.
Before I close, let me take a moment to acknowledge some very special members of our SMCC family. Last Friday, we celebrated the retirement of nine long-time contributors to our campus, and if you were not able to attend, please join me in congratulating the following individuals: Steve Goebel, Terry Grant, Ann Lindner, Gary Marks, Judy Martin, Dan Martinez, Bill Mathis, Connie Novak and Carole Rodgers. We will miss you all, and wish you success and satisfaction in your future endeavors.
As we prepare to ring down the curtain on another great year, let me once again offer my thanks and congratulations to our faculty and staff for making 2007/2008 a year to remember. Have a wonderful summer, and we'll see you all at Fall Convocation in August
Dr. Ken Atwater
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A total of 206 students will earn degrees from SMCC this May -- receiving 226 degrees and 37 certificates. (Some students will earn more than one degree, certificate or combination of both).
Of the students, 114 will march in the commencement ceremony on Friday, May 9. The ceremony begins at 7 p.m. SMCC President Ken Atwater has asked that all employees attend the ceremony.
"The Power of Education" is the theme for the 28th annual commencement. The ceremony will be outdoors in the Performing Arts Amphitheatre.
Former ASU President Lattie Coor will give the keynote address (see profile below). Dr. Eufemia Amabisca, SMCC Education Faculty, will introduce Dr. Coor.
The 226 degrees include: 140 Associates in Arts Degrees, 45 Associates in General Studies, 22 Associates in Applied Science, and 19 Associates in Science.
The 37 certificates will be awarded in these areas: one in Early Childhood Development, five in Basic Behavioral Health Sciences, two in Advanced Behavioral Health Sciences, one Academic Certificate in Storytelling, 27 in Networking Technology: CISCO, and one in Supervision & Management II.
In all, 65 of students will graduate with distinction.
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Dr. Lattie Coor
"We are truly honored that this outstanding leader has agreed to speak at our commencement ceremony," says SMCC President Ken Atwater. "Dr. Coor has an outstanding reputation throughout the nation - and, indeed, the world. He has contributed greatly to the well-being of higher education in Arizona and has his figure on the pulse of Arizona's future in education, business and the economy." Dr. Coor resides in the South Mountain Village and is a member of the SMCC President's Community Advisory Council.
Dr. Coor is President-Emeritus, Professor and Ernest W. McFarland Chair in Leadership and Public Policy in the School of Public Affairs at Arizona State University, and is Chairman and CEO of the Center for the Future of Arizona.
For the previous 26 years, Lattie Coor served as a University President. He was President of Arizona State University from 1990 to 2002, and President of the University of Vermont from 1976 to 1989.
He has served on the board of directors of the American Council on Education, the Kellogg Commission on the Future of State and Land Grant Universities, and was a trustee of the American College of Greece, Athens.
Dr. Coor received the Anti-Defamation League's Jerry J. Wisotsky Torch of Liberty Award in 1994, the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Individual Award from the Greater Phoenix Urban League in 2000, The American Jewish Committee Institute of Human Relations Award in 2001 and the Center City Starr award from Phoenix Community Alliance in 2001.
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Rendering of the Guadalupe Center Expansion provided by Fucello Architects
It's time to celebrate the fresh, new South Mountain Community College Guadalupe Center!
The center, which has doubled in size to almost 10,000 square feet, is poised to meet the higher education needs of the East Valley - and beyond.
A fun-filled grand opening is set for May 31 (Saturday) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center, 9233 S. Avenida del Yaqui (Priest Drive), just south of Guadalupe Road.
The newly renovated and expanded center includes five new classrooms, a community room, three outdoor zones, comprehensive enrollment and student services area.
Included in the dedication, beginning at 9 a.m., will be mariachi performances; a blessing of the grounds by The Rev. David Myers; welcomes from current and former students; remarks by Guadalupe Mayor Rebecca Jimenez (a graduate of SMCC), SMCC President Ken Atwater, Maricopa Community College District Chancellor Rufus Glasper and Governing Board Members, and more.
Refreshments will be served. Also, guests may tour the center, learn more about expanded educational offerings, and enroll for classes.
To view details of the new Guadalupe Center (including room uses, sizes, and history), click here.
For our Grand Opening news release, click here.
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Aico Abercombie, Angie Montaño, and Cecilia Soto
Three SMCC women who comprised an outstanding team that implemented the new SIS system are a team again - as the 2008 SMCC Women of Distinction.
While this top honor has always been awarded to a single person, "this year, these three women were equally important in implementing this long-awaited and complex system - and did so beautifully," notes President Ken Atwater.
The Women of Distinction are: AiCo Abercrombie, Coordinator of Enrollment Services; Angie Montaño, Director of Admissions, Registration and Records; and Cecilia Soto, Bursar.
"This project has been ongoing for several years and it takes a great deal of effort from everyone involved to have a successful outcome," notes Angie. "The SMCC team that worked on this project is truly wonderful and I'm very fortunate to have had this group to assist with this huge project."
As lead on the SMCC SIS implementation team, Angie oversaw the multi-year efforts of a college-wide committee, and was responsible for coordinating the many details involved in bringing the long-awaited system to life.
Angie has worked at SMCC for 24 years. More than seven years ago, former SMCC President John Cordova asked her to served on the SIS Committee. The project's l timeline "has been a challenge and at the same time...I'm glad the initial phase is over and we can go on with learning and using the new system," she adds.
Angie is honored to be selected a 2008 Woman of Distinction. "I was out on FMLA when I found out about this nomination, and this was a great honor that has been bestowed on me. I have always loved working at SMCC not only because I enjoy the work I do but also because of the familial atmosphere that exists at SMCC."
Meanwhile, AiCo Abercrombie says she was "happy to be able to lend a hand" as SIS Project Coordinator. "I am very proud of the SMCC SIS team. They were very dedicated workers and we supported one another . . ." AiCo adds, "I want to send a special 'thank you' to the SIS Functional Leads and our CIT team members for their commitment in making this implementation successful for SMCC. I am proud to be serving beside the SMCC's friends."
She adds that she feels "honored and blessed" to be a 2008 Woman of Distinction.
Cecilia Soto, who has worked at SMCC for two years, says she has "a sense of accomplishment" as a result of serving on the SIS team. She had served as a Project Coordinator under Angie.
Cecilia and AiCo took over for Angie. "With Angie out on leave, AiCo and I could not have accomplished the implementation without the support and expertise of the training and quick-response teams and the assistance of SES leadership," she says.
"I'm surprised and sincerely honored," Cecilia said upon learning she has been selected a 2008 SMCC Woman of the Year.
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SMCC in Chicago
Above: Linda Lujan, Teresa Leyba Ruiz, Joyce Elsner, Chris Haines, Mike Lewis and Rob Price.
HLC Steering Committee Members soaked up tons of valuable information on accreditation at the annual Higher Learning Commission conference in Chicago, April 11-15. The team will oversee the creation of our self-study document this summer and fall, as we prepare for our all-important site visit, April 6-9, 2009.
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Robot MindStorm
Photo by Linda Lujan
Engineering Faculty Tim Frank watches as Engineering Student Gabriel Bernal demonstrates his Lego MindStorm Robot during the recent Engineering Your Future event at SMCC. Attending were area students interested in becoming engineers, plus engineering experts from the community and SMCC engineering students. Bernal's robot was designed to follow a black line, pick up a blue ball along the way, arrive at a red wall, and throw the ball over the wall.
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Learning Water Safety
Dr. Atwater and Councilman Michael Johnson visit at the ninth annual Valley of the Sun's official kickoff to swimming season at SMCC. More than 1200 first grade students from around the Valley attended this year's Water Safety Day, coordinated by Phoenix Children's Hospital, as part of a seven-week learning process that begins and ends with curriculum lessons in the classroom. The second photo above features local firefighters leading children in the safety song and dance.
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Artful Evening
Photo by Linda Lujan
Students and guests gather during the recent 2008 Art Show reception in the Student Union. In the foreground are ceramic pieces; and throughout the show (which runs through May) are ceramics, drawings, paintings and various additional styles. The SMCC Jazz Band performed, under the direction of Henry Rose. First, second and third place winners in each category earned a $200 scholarship toward an upcoming art class. Many of the artists are students of Art Faculty Pat Manarin. Some of the pieces - such as a large ceramic horse by James Strohmeyer - were made by advanced art students who, last summer, "worked as large as they wanted to, and to their heart's desire," Pat says. (The class will run again this summer). Meanwhile, SMCC boasted the largest number of students - nine - in the Districtwide Artists of Promise art show this spring. In addition, this is the third year in a row that SMCC had an entry accepted into the juried National League of Innovation Show. "It's been a great year for our students and for their artwork," Pat says.
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Four faculty members at SMCC will receive MCCCD Learning Grant awards for 2008-2009. They are: Paul Bosch, for his project, "Learning Opportunities Through Technology (LOTT)/Interactive Lecture Feedback System;" Alisa Cooper, "Renovating Research-Paper Writing ...;" Asha Dey, "Fast Tracking" Learning Program (FTLP); and Kevin O'Neill, "Stress, Wellness, Research, and Writing: a Metacognitive Approach." Eight of the ten Maricopa colleges received awards to support the enhancement of teaching and learning.
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Sian Proctor and Ann Scarbrough have been selected as the SMCC/ MCLI Innovation of the Year award winners for their project: "Beyond Curriculum: A New Way to Start Program."
The women and winners from sister MCCCD colleges were honored at a district wide ceremony recently.
"We are so proud of the quality and student focus of Sian and Ann's project," notes Vice President Linda Lujan.
The project by Sian, Geology Faculty, and Ann, Chemistry Faculty, involves the conceptualization and development of an interactive program that goes beyond curriculum to significantly improve the scientific cognition abilities of students in introductory science courses.
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The creative logo (above) by Travis May, Computer Lead Technician, has been selected to appear on all materials associated with the '08 PSA Summer Conference.
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SMCC's Very Smart Volleyball Team Earns National Honors
Score a "big one" for the very smart South Mountain Community College Volleyball team!
The team has been awarded the national NJCAA Academic Team of the Year honor for the 2007-2008 school year.
This award goes to the teams that achieve the highest team GPA in each of their respective sports from across the nation. This year, the volleyball team achieved a team GPA of 3.72.
"At the beginning of the season, our women set a goal of not only winning the National Championship in the gym but also winning the one in the classroom," says Patrick Mooney, Head Volleyball Coach. "We came up a little short in the quest for the athletic one, but we worked hard on controlling the things that we can -- as in 100 percent academic effort!"
Team members are: sophomores Brittany Smith-Petersen, Caitlin Simpson, Katie Collins, Caitlyn Hemm, Kelly McDonald, Sara Ramirez, Rachel Jasper-Patton and freshmen Chelsea Hillman, Terra McKinney, Kassi Boedeker, and Linda Stevens.
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Jerome Garrison, honored for volunteerism at the 2008 Spirit of South Mountain Awards, was profiled in a recent issue of the South Mountain District News. To read the article, click here.
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Luis Vaca, a student in the Bilingual Nursing Fellowship Program, will earn his degree in May. To read a recent article about Luis, click here: http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/04/21/20080421phx-vaca0423.html
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SMCC's Engineering students and faculty have had a busy spring! For starters, SMCC sent two engineering students to the "Turner Future Leaders Academy" -- a program designed to develop leadership skills in engineering students, Engineering Faculty Tim Frank reports. The program is supported by the Turner Construction Company.
Also this spring, Tim arranged a partnership with Dr. Tom Sharp -- ASU's coordinator for the AZ Space Grant Consortium - resulting in $4,600 to pay student workers, buy materials and equipment, and pay for travel costs for six students who built a one-pound payload for a high-altitude weather balloon. The students launched the balloon -- with the SMCC payload -- from Gila Bend, on April 5. The balloon rose to 92,000 feet before bursting and parachuting back to earth. "The payload worked as intended -- collecting temperature, pressure, and acceleration data for the entire trip, while also taking pictures from an onboard digital camera," Tim explains. Later that afternoon, the students tracked down the payload using GPS transmitters attached to the balloon. During the next two weeks, the students analyzed their data and put together a PowerPoint presentation. On April 18, the students gave their presentation before a large crowd at the AZ Space Grant Symposium, at the University of Arizona.
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Hari Sreenivasan, CBS News correspondent based in Dallas, recently covered the annual VA/Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colo. He wrote about online, and filmed, several disabled athletes, including Jonathan Lujan, son of SMCC Vice President Linda Lujan. The correspondent wrote, in part:
"Johnathan Lujan had been skiing since he was a little boy growing up in Colorado, but getting up on the mountain this past week was a process of rediscovery and of reclaiming parts of his life. He fell a few times, but like almost every one of these veterans, it isn't the fall that defined him, it is his ability and will to get back up and keep going."
To read the entire article and see the video, click here.
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Win Holden, Publisher, Arizona Highways Magazine
(A Messenger interview with a member of Dr. Ken Atwater's President's Community Advisory Council)
Question: How long have you been publisher of Arizona Highways Magazine?
Answer: Eight years.
Q: Why does the magazine continue to interest and inspire readers?
A: Arizona Highways was launched in April, 1925; so, for more than 80 years the magazine has been showcasing the natural wonders and distinctive beauty of the Grand Canyon State. I don't think it's any surprise that subscribers in all 50 states and 120 countries keep coming back for more. The best landscape photographers and writers about all things Arizona clamor for the opportunity to have their work showcased inside Arizona Highways Magazine. That passion keeps the pages of the magazine fresh and new each month and makes it a treat to read every issue.
Q: You've likely seen a lot of Arizona. Can you name a few favorite spots to vacation - and why are they so special?
A: It's hard to imagine a place in Arizona I don't like, but I'll narrow it down a bit. First and foremost is the Grand Canyon. I don't care how many times one visits the Canyon, there is always something new and different to see. Consider the North Rim, or approaching the Canyon from the east rather than the south. The payoff in new scenic vistas is dramatic and inspiring. We have a cabin in Munds Park, about 22 miles south of Flagstaff and the ability to enjoy the cool pines, mountain breezes and abundant wildlife from a chair on the porch never fails to calm and revive me. In the southern part of the state, Bisbee is always fun and educational. For pure physical beauty, Sedona is impossible to beat - the views are spectacular from just about any vantage point; but visit Enchantment Resort in Boynton Canyon west of Sedona for a unique experience. Finally, I love the drive through the Joshua Forest Scenic Parkway in western Arizona. These quirky and beautiful "trees" never fail to captivate me.
Q: What do you like best about living in the South Mountain Village?
A: We moved into the Village ten years ago - hardly seems possible it's been that long! As East Valley residents for more than 18 years prior to that move, we really didn't know much about the South Mountain area; but we have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the rich history in the community and taking advantage of the many outdoor amenities. From the canal to South Mountain Park, there's something for everyone and every taste. Speaking of tastes, the dining and shopping options are also one of the best- kept secrets in the Valley. And for cultural diversity, South Mountain Community College provides abundant performance, entertainment and educational offerings throughout the year.
Q: What do you think about all of the growth and change in the SM Village?
A: It's hard to keep up with all the growth, but clearly many people and families appreciate the natural beauty, incredibly convenient location and wide options for renting or owning a home. Plus, new shopping and dining options are springing up like wildflowers. I can't think of a better place to live right now and into the future.
Q: What do you see for the future of the SM Village?
A: I see an incredibly bright and unlimited future for the South Mountain Village community. I appreciate and celebrate the racial and cultural diversity in our neighborhood and see that as a real asset for the community.
Q: How long have you been a member of the President's Community Advisory Council?
A: I've been a member for almost two years. Prior to joining the Council, other than attending events at the college, I didn't know a great deal about SMCC; so, the President's Community Advisory Council has been an eye-opening experience for me. Ken (Atwater) has done a marvelous job in assembling an impressive group of business and community leaders who bring different cultural and professional perspectives to the table. It's both fun and educational to be part of the group. Plus, so many of my civic and community activities are centered in the publishing industry and the central Phoenix business core, I appreciate the opportunity to be involved in such a worthwhile endeavor literally in my own backyard.
Q: When did you arrive in Arizona and what is educational background?
A: We moved to Arizona from Chicago in 1980. I received my degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with additional professional certification from the Medill School at Northwestern and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Q: Please tell us about your family.
A: My incredibly tolerant wife, Carolyn, is a Registered Nurse on staff at Camelback Pediatrics in Phoenix. My son, Chris, is a sports reporter at KPNX-TV Channel 12 (Phoenix); daughter, Allison, is a teacher in the Tempe School District. and daughter Emily works in the Operations Department for the Arizona State University Athletics.
Q: What are your interests and hobbies?
A: I'm interested in anything and everything to do with Arizona. I also confess to loving the ocean and am especially fascinated by sea turtles and pelicans. I enjoy hiking and travel and, of course, reading every issue of Arizona Highways Magazine cover-to-cover!
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Has a fellow employee done something that goes well above the call of duty? Like taking extra time to help a colleague or a student? Or coming up with a great idea to make the college better? Or just going the extra mile and making your job a little easier? In every Messenger, we’ll publish a list of Cougar Compliments, to publicly acknowledge those extra efforts. Send your Courgar compliments to Robert.price@smcmail.maricopa.edu
. Lillian Barker, Division Chair of Language Arts, writes of Sue Aroz: "Sue keeps the Language Arts division running smoothly. Since she joined us in July, she has quickly won the hearts of all of us. She immediately stepped in and organized everything, making all of our jobs easier. She's usually several steps ahead of me. Like magic, I'll ask her to do something, only to find it's already done! She's just so willing to help and she keeps her balance no matter what is happening all around her. (And things can get pretty frenetic in this department.) She is utterly dependable. She stays cool, calm and pleasantly professional no matter what."
. Whitney Peterson, English Adjunct Faculty, seconds that compliment: "Sue Aroz always goes out of her way to help me with everything I need. She is prompt, intelligent, and always cheerful. Cougar Compliments is a good start, but I think she really needs a diamond tiara!"
. Biology Faculty Steven Revie tips his hat to Helen Smith, Chair of Math, Science and Engineering, writing: "For the past three years we in the biology department have been using a math line to fund a Biology OYO (one-year-only instructor). This has greatly increased our enrollment in BIO 201, 201 and 205. We have full classes all day long...Helen Smith needs some kind of a reward for making this sacrifice to allow us to build the biology program so much!
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(A new Messenger item about conservation efforts being made at SMCC)
Recycling efforts at SMCC are continuing to grow.but we need your help!
Diloylo Pulvino and Crystal Rodriguez of the Administration Offices are now collecting used batteries.
"Instead of throwing them into trash bins which later will poison the earth, we take them to designated recycle locations," Diloylo explains. "We found out that Staples and some other locations sometimes even give store credits for bringing used batteries to them."
The women invite others to drop off used batteries to them for recycling.
So think before you toss---and contact Diloylo (x38115) or Crystal (x38036) for more information.
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May
May 17 (Sat) Maricopa Colleges Council Hosts African-American College Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at SMCC. Free and open to the public, the event is designed to provide information on academic and training programs, as well as support programs and services and university transfer programs, including those at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. For more information click here.
June
June 12 (Thurs) For Colored Girls, 7:00 pm. Free and open to the public, RSVP is required. Click here to view detailed information about this Workshop Production.
June 14 (Sat) Valley of the Sun Juneteenth, 5:30 pm-10:00 pm. You are cordially invited to join us at South Mountain Community College for the Valley of the Sun 2008 Juneteenth Celebration on June 14th. This is a time to honor a part of our great African American heritage, the ending of the unique institution referred to as "Slavery" and the celebration of "Independence Day" for African Americans. Enjoy story narratives, poetry, music, art, dance, vendors, food, fellowship and more!
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SMCC Title V Project Director Stacey Ayers kicks back on a recent whale-watching tour off the coast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. That island you see in the other picture is not an island....but a Gray Whale, just a few feet off the starboard side of the ship.
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