February 27, 2006

Dream Auction

I would like to thank each of you for making the 22nd Annual Dream Auction such a HUGE success! From a Jaguar to Italy/Ireland/Hawaii trips, we definitely had incredible auction items. This Dream Auction marked the first time that the Foundation (Matt Hodge) and our Marketing Department (Michael Garlich) have worked so closely in staging this particular event. Also, Jill Smith and our Interior Design students "staged" the event. I think you will agree that it was the BEST ever!!! And we raised $200,000! Plus, we had the honor of announcing a Million Dollar gift from Art Grindle to support our Honors Institute. What a night!

State Workforce Representation

Dean Angela Kersenbrock currently serves as SCC's representative on the statewide Workforce Education Board. Recently, Chancellor David Armstrong asked Angela to assume an additional role - representing him when he can't attend the Board meetings. Quite an honor for Angela and SCC! Congratulations, Angela!

Automotive Department

SCC's Automotive Department hosted the annual CFADA Auto Skills Competition on January 26. Oviedo High School teams took First, Second, and Third places. CFADA will be providing the funding for these students to compete nationally. Many thanks to Jim Cox and his staff for their coordinating role.

Also, a group of auto technicians and the resident GM/Raytheon instructor from Puerto Rico visited our campus on January 23-27 for hands-on General Motors training. Just imagine the kind of attention we are going to get when the new building opens!

Florida Junior College Student Government Association Conference

Recently, sixteen students from the Student Government Associations of both the Sanford/Lake Mary and Oviedo Campuses attended the State Student Government Conference. The Leadership Institute was recognized as the "Best Practice" and Oviedo won "Best of the Best" for their recording of the many activities taking place on that campus. Randy Pawlowski and several students were voted as one of the five top workshop presenters for their offering on "Who Moved My Cheese." Congratulations to Randy Pawlowski, Mauricio Garcia, Gail Agor and all of the Leadership students for these outstanding accomplishments!

Interior Design

SCC's Interior Design students were once again honored by the local chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Suzanne Merchant placed First and won an all expense paid trip to the KBIS show in Chicago in April. Sandy Nelson won second place and received a check for $500. The total value of all awards given was $4,000. Congratulations to the students, Jill Smith, and our Interior Design faculty.

Medical Assistants Program in the News

Fox 35 visited SCC's Sanford/Lake Mary Campus and interviewed two medical assisting students and one of our nursing professors, Billie Fehl. The story focused on a recent job market survey in Florida. Special thanks to Susan Dooley, Ann Mautner, Billie Fehl and Shelley Ouellette for coordinating such a quick response to the media's request.

Student Award

Janelle Blackwelder, a SCC student, received a $500 scholarship and distinguished achievement award from the Financial Executives International (FEI). Janelle was the ONLY community college student to be so recognized. Congratulations to Ms. Blackwelder and also faculty member, Terri Meta!

SCC Jazz Artist

Andrea Rowlison, SCC Jazz instructor, will be performing as a guest jazz artist for the 2006 International Women's Brass Conference to be held at Illinois State University on June 16th. Congratulations, Ms. Rowlison!

EMS Program

Special thanks goes to Rob Holborn, EMS Department Chair, who has served as Chair of the EMS Instructor Curriculum Committee for the Florida Association of EMS Educators. Congratulations, also, on starting the EMT program at Seminole High School. And in terms of our success rate, SCC's average on the Paramedic Certification Exam is 97% for one sitting, while the state average is 68%. Congratulations to Rob Holborn and the EMS faculty who work so hard to make our student success possible.

Florida Community College Activities Association's (FCCAA) Coach of the Year

Laura Dickinson was named the Florida Community College Activities Association's (FCCAA) coach of the year this weekend in Ocala at the state tournament. Laura's students certainly represented SCC well bringing home 6 awards and rating 4th Place in the Sweepstakes rankings. Congratulations to Laura and our students!

A Successful Conference

Child Development Specialist Nana Robertson coordinated SCC's recent conference entitled "Good Beginnings Never End." Madelyn Swift, who is recognized throughout the U.S. as an authority on discipline and family dynamics was the guest speaker. Registrations this year approached 240 - a huge increase from last year's 161. Congratulations to Nana Robertson for a great event!

SCC Foundation

As you noted in the Board agenda, SCC has been at the forefront in raising funds that are eligible for match. Thanks to the efforts of Matt Hodge and a great Foundation Board, SCC submitted $1,876,562 to the state for match this year - more than our neighbor to the South.

Altamonte Springs Campus Groundbreaking

On Wednesday morning at 10 a.m., we will officially break ground for the new Altamonte Springs Campus. Michael tells me that we expect around 150 of our "new" neighbors to attend. Verdell will be representing the Board, but I hope to see each of you there.

Also, on Thursday morning, UCF will be sponsoring the Seminole Regional Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting with SCC as the primary program. So, if you are available, please join us at the Heathrow Marriott at 7:30 a.m.

ACCT Legislative Seminar

Dr. Charles English represented the Board at the recent ACCT Legislative Seminar held in Washington, D.C. I know that Dr. English would like to share his experiences with you.

Spring Break

Just a reminder that the College will be closed from March 13-17 for Spring Break. During that time, we plan some major maintenance for the College and certain buildings will actually be without power as repairs are made to the Chiller Plant.

Joint Use Facility/Library Expansion

Late this evening, I received an email that Dr. John Hitt sent to Seminole County Chairman Henley endorsing our proposal that the County join SCC and UCF in a joint college/county/university library. Tomorrow, we will be meeting with the County to continue to pursue our request for $10 million from the County that could be matched with $10 million from the State for this project. We are a long way from the finish line, but I am certainly encouraged by Dr. Hitt's strong endorsement.

Did you know?

SCC is just 45 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and its world famous beaches.