October 16, 2007

Digital Media BANNER Grant

SCC has been awarded a $500,000 grant from Workforce Florida to establish an Employ Florida BANNER Center for Digital Media at the Center for Economic Development at Heathrow. Partners in the grant include: the Florida High Tech Corridor Council; Digital Media Alliance Federation; University of Central Florida; MediaWorks and Electronic Arts. Thank you to all who were instrumental in obtaining this grant!

$1 Million Donation

The first $1 million Corporate Donation to the SCC Foundation was announced at the Presidents' Club Dinner on October 4. Insight Financial Credit Union President/CEO Lynn Owen presented the check during dinner stating that they hoped their contribution would increase opportunities for SCC and our students. More details will be released later concerning the impact of this generous donation. Meg Crofton, President of Disney Resorts, was our speaker for the Presidents' Club event.

Faculty Accomplishment

Professor Lisa Stokes' book review of the Historical Dictionary of Hong Kong Cinema has been posted at the Midwest Book Review. Dr. Stokes writes in the preface that her goal is to provide "a comprehensive and detailed overview of the immense contribution of Hong Kong to film culture." Leslie Halpern, the reviewer, writes that she "surely succeeds in this endeavor, as the book will serve fans, filmmakers and scholars ready to delve into the intricacies and peculiarities of Hong Kong cinema." Congratulations, Lisa!

From the Physical Plant Area

Between November 3 and December 20, our Physical Plant folks will be relocating 110 employees to various new locations. Some of the moves will take place because of renovations on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus, others will entail moving from Hunt Club to the Altamonte Springs Campus. At any rate, SCC is on the move!

From the World of Athletics

The latest accomplishments of our athletes include: the Women's Golf Team, in only their first year of existence, is ranked fourth in the nation after three tournaments! We had a 96 percent transfer rate to four-year programs last year with 21 of 22 athletes transferring to upper-division schools. Two sophomore baseball players signed with Major League Teams - the Milwaukee Brewers and the San Francisco Giants; and one freshman signed with the Brewers.

Meeting with Governor Crist

Tomorrow morning, the Community College Presidents will have our first meeting with Governor Crist. Many thanks to Jim Greer for his role in arranging this visit!

Trustee Meeting

The Annual Trustees Meeting, hosted by the Florida Association of Community Colleges, will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15, in Orlando during the 2007 FACC Annual Convention. Also, that evening, Lalita Booth will be honored as the first recipient of the "Against The Odds" award at the FACC Gala. If you would like to attend either of these events, please let Linda know.

Raises & Budget Update

In your packet tonight is a request to restore the raises for all SCC employees to the level recommended last May. It has taken the hard work of all of our employees, plus the support of our Legislative Delegation and our Governor, to make this happen. If you approve the raises this evening, we will work toward "catching up" by the end of December. A special thanks to everyone for all their hard work in increasing enrollment this Fall Term!

Graduations

It doesn't seem possible, but it is almost time for our Fall Graduation Ceremonies. If you'd like to participate, Nurses Pinning will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.; Law Enforcement Graduation will take place that evening. On Thursday, Dec. 13, we will host our GED Graduation at 7:30 p.m. Commencement will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14 preceded by a dinner with the speaker at 6:30 p.m.

November Board Meeting

You have requested a change in your November Board meeting date from November 20 to November 12, the date of the Board Workshop with Dr. Jeff Hockaday. The Board will need to vote to confirm Monday, Nov. 12, at 8:30 a.m., at the Center for Economic Development at Heathrow as your next meeting time.

Presidential Debates

Thanks to the kindness of Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer, you all are invited to the Republican Presidential Debates which will be held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort this Sunday night. If you plan to attend, please let Linda know. And, Lisa, many thanks to Jim for the invitation.

And speaking of politics, the Seminole County Delegation Hearing will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m., in the Seminole County Commission Chambers. Chris Dorworth will represent the Board, but you all are welcome to attend.

Did you know?

SCC offers morning, evening, weekend and online courses.