September 18, 2007

SCC's Leadership Academy

Last year, SCC inaugurated its first class of our own Leadership Academy. Tonight, we have members from the second class who are here to observe the Board in action. Over the next few months, you will get to meet all 24 members of this year's class. Dedicated to learning more about SCC and enhancing their leadership skills, these colleagues will take part in seven interactive sessions focusing on topics that include: the history, philosophy and culture of the community college; team building; leadership skills; legislative relations; funding; and stress management.

Thank You!

Thank you to our Board for the extra time that you have been dedicating to SCC - from the Heathrow Dedication to the first-ever Joint Meeting with the Seminole County Commission to meeting with Representative Andy Gardiner to showcase the Center for Economic Development - you all are committed to SCC and we appreciate you!

Pi Lambda Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa

SCC's Pi Lambda Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor fraternity, was named a "3 Star Chapter" during the Florida Regional Convention.

Heathrow Center Wins an Eagle Award

SCC's Center for Economic Development at Heathrow was recently recognized as one of the state's top construction projects by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). PPI Construction Management Company nominated the Heathrow Center and it won an ABC Eagle Award which represents the highest recognition level possible.

SCC Foundation awarded $15,000 from the Wachovia Foundation

The SCC Foundation recently secured a $15,000 grant from the Wachovia Foundation that will help address an urgent need for teachers in Florida. The grant will benefit SCC's Educator Preparatory Institute (EPI), which helps individuals with bachelor's degrees obtain their teacher certification.

University of Texas Doctoral Program

On October 2, we will be hosting this year's Doctoral candidates from the University of Texas' Community College Leadership Program headed by Dr. John Roueche. They will be visiting Valencia, Seminole and Florida Community Colleges.

Events

October 4th is our Annual Presidents' Club Dinner, starting at 5:30 p.m., at the Heathrow Country Club. The evening will feature Meg Crofton, President of Disney Vacation Resorts. October 9th is our annual Convocation and Employee Appreciation Day. Please plan to join us for the morning's events, beginning at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast. We will honor some of our outstanding employees, and our former trustees, and then hear an incredible speaker - Terri Manning from Central Piedmont Community College in North Carolina - talk about the Millenial Generation.

EMS Programs

SCC's Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic Programs have been recertified for another 2 years. Congratulations and thanks to Program Manager Diana Allard, Robert McGraw, and staff and adjunct instructors for their hard work in ensuring that our programs are successful and meet state certification requirements. The State Inspector indicated that he was very impressed with our staff, the program and our preparation for the inspection.

Ford ASSET Program

Congratulations are in order for our automotive staff and faculty - Mike Ossmer, Steve Curfman, and Mark Davis - for their successes with the Ford ASSET Program. Thanks to their efforts, we were just awarded $12,000 in diagnostic equipment and $4,000 in funding to promote and improve the ASSET Program. In addition, 14 students graduated in 2007 and 22 students are on the roster for the new class Introduction to Ford Vehicle Systems (AER1008F). Ford Motor Company is bringing a $3.2 million Hydrogen bus and $1.3 million Hydrogen Focus to the campus in early October to promote the new technology and teach students about the benefit of alternative fuels.

CASE Edwin Crawford Award for Innovation

I am pleased to announce that Don Payton, Director of Governmental Relations, has won the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Edwin Crawford Award for Innovation. This national award recognizes Don's innovative efforts in state governmental relations. It will be awarded in November in Miami and is one of the first times that a community college professional has won this prestigious award. I might add that it also carries a cash award of $1,000. Congratulations, Don!

Politics

Seminole County will hold the Annual Legislative Delegation Hearing on Wednesday, October 24, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m., in the Seminole County Chambers located at 1101 East First Street, Sanford. Chris Dorworth will present the case for SCC.

While on a legislative note, I would like to thank Lisa and Jim Greer for arranging a private meeting for me with the Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff and the Governor's Budget Staff last Thursday. You have an email that was sent to you this afternoon - and also went to all Foundation Board members and SCC staff - providing an update and encouraging you to contact select members of the Legislature and the Governor on our behalf. As I told the Governor's staff, having taken a 5% tuition cut, experiencing a 10% increase in enrollment, trying to open two new sites, and looking at a 4-10% budget cut - the numbers just don't work. With that said, I would like to thank our faculty and staff for their daily efforts to help our increasing numbers of students.

And just today, the Governor named a prominent South Florida businessman and former chair of the University of Miami Board of Trustees as the Special Advisor for Higher Education. I, for one, will really be glad when we have a Chancellor for the Community College System in place.

Power of Partnership Ads

The Foundation is sponsoring a series of "Partnership" ads. Dr. McGee shared the first ad - featuring Art Grindle and his million dollar donation. It is a great way for us and the community to recognize the type of support that we are enjoying from both our business community and individuals who believe in what we are doing.

Did you know?

SCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.