Spring 2004

From the President

 Welcome to Fall Semester 2004-2005.  I hope all of you had a wonderful summer, filled with time to organize yourself for the upcoming school year and also time for relaxation with family and friends. 

As the 2004-2005 academic year begins at each of your schools a new year begins for AKCCOP.  The theme for this year's conference is "Colorful Connections".  This theme comes to mind as I look out the window on a beautiful autumn day in Kansas.  I hope each of you is witnessing the same type of day.  I was noticing that each leaf that drops is unique.  Its color is different than any of the other leaves that drop even from the same tree.  The size and shape of the leaf is unique to other leaves on the same tree.  Like the leaves, each member of AKCCOP is unique in their job responsibilities, their knowledge of computers, what they need to accomplish their job each day.  I encourage each of you to celebrate your individuality and uniqueness. 

But I want you to also remember that there are other AKCCOP members at the Kansas community colleges that may hold a job similar to yours.  I encourage all of you to use your AKCCOP connections to help you with successes and challenges throughout the year.  If you attended the conference last April at Johnson County Community College, hopefully you were able to connect with someone from one of the other colleges that you can network with.  If you were unable to attend the conference, but would like to try to find someone who performs similar duties, please contact me and I will try to assist you in finding an AKCCOP colleague to have a "Colorful Connection" with.

 I love reading our Kollator" and would like to thank all of the community college reporters for assisting in making this a wonderful Kollator.  Without your news, editorials, and pictures, this paper would not happen.  I would also like to thank our editor, Sarah Smith for all her work to make this a first rate newsletter.   

Remember to mark your calendars for March 30, 31^st and April 1^st for this years conference.  The conference will be held at Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kansas.  We look forward to reading more about the conference in the near future.  Keep watching our web site for updates at . . .akccop.org.  Please remember that AKCCOP is your organization.  If you have any comments, recommendations or would like to help with any aspect of the organization, please contact me.  You may reach me by phone – 913-469-8500 ext. 3655, e-mail, sgordon@jccc.net or fax, 913-469-2528.

 Have an awesome autumn!

Sally Gordon, President

 Barton County Community College

Linda Dueser, reporter

 Barton County Community College Office Professionals began the year with an after-hours Membership Campaign/Cookout on Sept. 14. The original plan was to have an outdoor cookout in the Commemorative Circle on campus. Unfortunately but predictably, the strong Kansas winds put a glitch in our open-air plan. So we went with Plan B, moving the party into the Cougar Den above the Barton Gymnasium. The cookout atmosphere was not totally lost, however, since we found a sheltered area outside the entrance to the Kirkman Student Activity Center for grilling the burgers. We had a great time and were able to introduce our group to a number of prospective members.

 Recruiting new members is one of the main goals of BCCCOP this year. Several new staff members joined the group after the cookout. BCCCOP is planning some good-will projects to help the students this year and again will present a scholarship to a student in the college’s Office Technology program.

 BCCCOP will host a Bosses’ Day Luncheon on Oct. 21. Members will provide the potluck meal. Festivities will include door prizes and musical entertainment by Barton’s Hilltop Singers.

We’re looking forward to a year of learning, growing and networking.

 Butler County Community College

Laura Albert, Reporter

 Butler Community College has a new athletic facility on the south end of the El Dorado campus.  Dedication and grand opening of the Hubbard Champions Training Center was held September 17, 2004.  The center houses a weight room, aerobic exercise area, two sprint lanes, two batting cages and an artificial turf surface for agilities and indoor training.  This new facility will allow student-athletes an area for year-round practice.

 Among 18 colleges nationwide, Butler has been chosen to participate in the National Science Foundation-funded project Preparing Tomorrow’s Science and Mathematics Teachers at Community Colleges.  This project is a teacher preparation program administered by Phi Theta Kappa.  Butler President Jackie Vietti said, “Butler Community College is thrilled to be part of the partnership which will create exceptional teachers in the future.”

 In a partnership with Emporia State University and El Dorado School District 490, Butler will provide expanded learning options for local students seeking teaching degrees in science and math.  The BEST (Butler and Emporia from Students to Teachers) program will provide a seamless transfer from Butler to ESU and distance learning opportunities for those seeking an elementary education bachelor degree from ESU.  Students will attend ESU’s junior and senior level classes on Butler’s El Dorado campus or online.  They will also complete their student teaching requirements locally. 

Grandview and Skelly Elementary Schools are the two local professional development schools in this partnership.  Lori Winningham, dean of Butler’s behavioral science/math/-science/physical education division, is hoping to add one Butler County professional development school each year over the next four to five years. 

According to Butler administration, BEST hopes to expand to include secondary education with the emphasis in humanities and fine arts after the successful implementation of the science and math program. 

The Communicator Awards, an international awards competition that recognizes outstanding work in the communications field, honored Butler’s Department of Web Services with the Award of Distinction in the Web Site/Overall Site category in July.  “Butler Complete”, an interactive CD designed for recruitment and awareness for the college, received Honorable Mention.  This year’s 3,743 entries from the US and several foreign countries were “judged by industry professionals looking for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.” 

Butler’s Alpha Phi Alpha Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) brought home recognitions and honors from the 2004 Phi Theta Kappa International Convention held in April.  Among these was the presentation of the Paragon Award for New Advisors for Susan Forrest, PTK advisor. This award is given to no more than 30 outstanding new advisors serving in their second to fourth year.  Susan was also named a faculty scholar.   

Butler students were also recognized for outstanding contributions to the PTK organization.  Lesley Londeen, Wichita sophomore, received the outstanding award for chapter president and will serve as the 2004-2005 Kansas Region President.  After serving as the 2003-2004 Vice President of the Southern District of Kansas, Brandon Marsh, Towanda sophomore, was elected into the international office as Division III vice president.  

Butler PTK have grown from a “no-star” to a “5-star” chapter during the past 3-year period.  The group started “project graduation” which involves a book fundraiser for
Stanley Elementary School in Wichita. They are also involved with a canned goods drive for the El Dorado Salvation Army, Great American Smoke-out, and local Blood Drive. 

Colby Community College

Doris Anderson, Reporter

This fall we welcomed several new faculty members to our staff including Christine Ellison, Adult Education Coordinator; John Helsel, Agronomy/Chemistry Instructor; Dr. David Hopper, Vet Tech Program Director/Instructor; Dr. Mari Hopper, Anatomy & Physiology Instructor; Cheryl Traub and Ruth Wolfram, Nursing Instructors; Pedro González, Volleyball Coach/Instructor; Brian Marso, Men’s Basketball Coach/Instructor; John Woods, Asst. Men’s Basketball Coach/Fit Lab Monitor; AND Scepter Brownlee, Asst. Basketball Coach. New staff members include Diann Gerstner, Receptionist, and Rebekah Peña, Nursing Secretary.

 The Higher Learning Commission will conduct a team visit at CCC, Sept. 20-22, to determine if the College will receive re-accreditation status. A self-study report has been completed during the past three years. A steering committee led by co-chairs Bob Selby and Joyce Washburn examined every aspect of the college’s operation. 

 In March we hosted a campus-wide faculty and staff brunch as a thank-you to all of our bosses.

It was very well received and attended. All enjoyed the fellowship and food.

 Each spring our Endowment Association hosts an auction to raise funds for scholarships. Items are donated by community individuals and organizations. Our OPO contributed three decorative wire baskets to this year’s auction held April 3. The Endowment raised $56,000 at the event.

In the spring we accept applications for the Office Professionals’ scholarships we award to students annually for the next school year. Last year scholarships were awarded to two students who met the criteria we have established. After scholarship applications are received, the scholarship committee reviews them and makes a recommendation to our group on the winning recipients. Scholarships were awarded to Rachel Jones and Karen Higerd for this school year.

 We have a published author on our faculty! Dr. Keith Coplin’s book, Crofton’s Fire, has been reviewed by the Wichita Eagle and the New York Times. Two book signings have been held to further introduce his book to the reading public. His book has been entered in the competition for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for 2004 Dr. Coplin has been an English instructor for many years at CCC. His articles, short stories, and poems have earned several awards.

 A book on the murals of Kansas will be published by the University Press of Kansas in 2005. Our mural in Bedker Memorial Complex, painted by artist Ken Mitchell (a former CCC art instructor) and various artists from the Colby area will be featured in this book.

 Plans are being made to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Colby Community College on Saturday, Oct. 16. The college will host an open house beginning at 2 p.m. in the Bedker Memorial Complex. Everyone is invited to attend this celebration, which will include refreshments, entertainment, and a tour of campus facilities. We will have hot air balloon rides from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., weather permitting. In addition, we will have a formal unveiling of the new "donor board" in the Thomas Hall Breezeway after the reception at Bedker. Former CCC administrators, faculty members and alumni are expected to be in attendance. Daniel Cormier, a CCC alumnus who wrestled in the recent Olympics in Greece, and his wife will be attending. The open house is the first in a series of events to recognize those who have contributed to the success of CCC.

CCC topped the list of ’03-04 Team GPA’s in Baseball, 3.30; Women’s Basketball, 3.60; Women’s Indoor Track, 3.49, and Wrestling, 3.12. Other rankings include: Softball, 3.42 (3^rd); Volleyball, 3.61 (2^nd); Men’s Indoor Track, 3.07 (3^rd); Women’s Outdoor Track, 3.47 (2^nd); and Men’s Outdoor Track, 2.98 (3^rd). Congratulations, athletes—way to go! 

Our new officers for this year are Bev Anderson, President; Trudy Wildeman, Vice President; Jody Engel, Secretary; and Melanie Fortin, Treasurer. Doris Anderson will serve as the Kollator Reporter. Members also volunteered for our committees.

A popcorn machine was donated to the H. L. Davis Memorial Library this fall. The international students especially enjoy the popcorn.

The CCC international students hosted faculty and staff to an off-campus reception featuring their native foods on September 14. We currently have 21 international students studying at Colby. 

Our administrative advisor, Ken Johnson (Dean of Fiscal Affairs, is leaving CCC for his home state of Iowa in October. CCC has begun the search for another business manager for the college. 

Cloud County Community College

Amanda Strait, Reporter

 Colorful Connections is the theme for this year’s conference to be held March 30, 31, and April 1, 2005, at Cloud County Community College.  We have lots of fun and exciting events planned and look forward to seeing each and every one of you.

 Dodge City Community College

Marge Blattner, Reporter

 Dodge City Community College Office Plant Professional Officers for 2004 are Terry Perez-Garcia, President; Fran Durant, Vice President; Linda Burke, Secretary and Carla Patee, Treasurer.

DCCC Office Plant Professionals welcomed new members Melissa Barnett, Richard Thomas (our second male member!), Debbie Atkinson, and Velda Thomas who rejoined after a year out...we also have several non voting new members who are attending, also.

Nedra Dasenbrock (retiree) and her husband, Joe, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends in March.  Joe and Nedra were married in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

 Some of the things our group has been involved in are:

• Fundraising:  We sold candles made by one of our members (Charlotte Funkhouser) and her sister;
• Community Service:  We participated in American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in June;
• Memorials:  We planted a tree in May in memory of Janis Boyle's mother.

We’ve had some informative speakers at our meetings:

• President Richard K. Burke, Ph.D. on Access US;
• Byron Hill, Associate Dean of Instruction on AQIP;
• Debbie Bisch, Business Office Manager on raises, insurance changes, TIAA-CREF changes, and how they affect classified staff; and,
• John Sauer, Candidate for Ford County Attorney.

We are already making plans to go to Concordia (Cloud County CC) for this year's Conference and presenting our invitation to come to DCCC in 2006.

Garden City Community College

Pam Caldwell, Reporter

 The 2004 Fall semester is in full swing, and our GCCC Educational Support group is gearing-up for busy school activities and planning various projects.

 Finney County held a special election September 21 to allow Finney County residents to vote on the issue of whether or not the college should expand the Administration Building.  The approximate 21,000 square foot expansion would be for the purpose of adding eight new classrooms to campus, centralize public service and student service operations in one location, freeing classroom space in three other college buildings, giving the public and visitors an obvious, single focal point for assistance and service, and increasing efficiency by locating cooperating offices together in a single site.  The addition will not increase local property taxes but would be paid from existing college revenues over a period of 16 years.  The issue was approved by the voters, and construction will begin in the near future! 

GCCC is excited to add soccer to their existing programs, and a new soccer coach has been hired.  The men’s and women’s soccer program will start with Fall 2005 with Jeff Huffman as the new coach. 

Many GCCC Educational Support Professionals will be involved in the annual Endowment Association’s fall Phonathon campaign the first two weeks of October, calling on alumni and friends to support academic and technical scholarship programs at GCCC.  Volunteers will be given various food and drink coupons as well as special t-shirts throughout the Phonathon nights as a way of saying “thank you” for their help.  A Victory Luncheon will be held after the Phonathon to celebrate its success with various prize categories to be awarded to many of the volunteers.

 The GCCC Theatre/Drama Department will be performing “The King and I” on stage for the public mid-semester.  Many students, faculty, and local residents will be involved in fulfilling the many needed roles to present this wonderful production under the direction of the popular and well-known Director Skip Mancini.

 All staff and faculty are involved in computer training to learn the new college database computer system which has been installed at GCCC.  This is a very extensive computer training that will be ongoing for the next year as everyone becomes familiar with the new system. 

During the summer, the GCCC Library had new carpeting installed after 35 years!  Staff has to work for over two months to re-shelve and re-arrange all the book stacks so they could easily locate books for students.  They prepared a special diagram to assist them in locating the books and also to help them place the books back in their proper order when they put everything back in its place by the end of the fall semester.  All check-outs and check-ins are being hand written on notepads until the automated system can be used again.  The staff will be very happy when everything is back where it belongs.

 The GCCCESP group will be working on raising funds for its annual academic scholarship fund and planning a service project for Christmas to aid a needy family, less fortunate children, or even possibly a charitable organization that might require assistance during that time of the year as well.

 We wish everyone the best for the exciting and upcoming academic year!

 Highland Community College

Betty Forney, Reporter

 Highland Community College started the fall semester off with a bang!  Enrollment is growing for both on and off campus. 

 We are currently in the process of building a new Stadium Center that sits just south of our track and football field.  The Stadium Center will house offices and classrooms as well as a new announcers/viewing area.  Completion is expected by December 2004 with full use in January 2005.  We are also in the beginning stages of our new Wellness Center, which will house a full size indoor track and at least 2 all-purpose courts.   There will also be numerous other rooms including a new state of the art weight room.  Completion is expected by summer 2005.

 With growth comes change.  HCC Regional Instruction Wamego facility held an Open House October 7, 2004 for the dedication of the Dr. Gene Davis Resource room located in Building #1 and an open house and dedication of Building #3 that was recently completed.  We are very excited to have three large buildings now at the Wamego site to house our full time staff, instructors, and for our students taking day, afternoon and evening classes.

 Highland Community College Office Professionals Organization has been busy.  We planted a tree on the front lawn of the Administration building to honor Chemistry instructor Denise Barnes Tridle, who passed away in January from cancer.  A dedication was organized by OPO and held with the placement of a bronze plaque in May. 

 HCC OPO had some fun in June with a bridal shower for the upcoming wedding of member Tonia Dieteman Jasper.  We spent an hour on June 18^th with Maya Zahira, belly dancing instructor from Lawrence who taught us the basics of belly dancing.  Belly dancing is a great form of exercise.

 In August, HCC OPO participated in the annual back to school block party.  Businesses in the area sat up booths, conducted drawings, and gave away items to the students.  A free picnic meal was served to all in attendance with live music provided by the group “Butter & Sugar” from Nashville.  OPO distributed chilled Scottie water and car litter bags.

HCC OPO is currently scheduled for a couple of outings.  October 14^th & 15^th is  HCC’s fall break.  HCC President, David Reist has approved a trip for OPO members on the 15th.  We will be traveling to Wamego to tour the Wamego regional facility new building and then on to Manhattan to visit with a bookstore supplier representative.  On October 27, we will be traveling to Atchison for dinner and then taking in the Haunted House trolley tour.   On October 28, HCC OPO members will be passing out Halloween candy to all HCC students.  This is an annual event.   The HCC Foundation furnishes the candy bars.

 With Boss’s Day, October 15^th we plan to distribute a box of chocolate candy to the bosses to show our appreciation. 

 As Christmas time is approaching fast, we are currently in the planning stages for the Christmas party and service projects. 

 Hutchinson Community College

Linda McVey, Reporter 

Fall greetings from Hutchinson Community College!  We hope everyone is doing great and ready for another year.

 We are planning a potluck dinner in October, to welcome new office professional employees.  Food and Bunco always seems to be what draws the biggest crowd when we get together.  In December we will have our Christmas party, and then of course the spring conference. 

 Our group gives a scholarship to an office support specialist student every fall and spring semester.  I had the opportunity to visit with the instructor of the group, and she was really pleased with what we do.  I would like to share with you a few things that the students achieve from the office technology program.  When they graduate they are prepared for positions in administrative and office support careers.  They are trained to become office professionals who are equipped to respond to the demands of a dynamic computerized workplace.  The office support major aspires to work in an office or business environment as part of the support staff, perhaps using his or her training as a stepping stone into management positions.  This makes the office support specialist graduate a definite asset to a future employer.

Our campus has been undergoing some major construction.  We have been renovating Gowans Stadium.  The first phase was a new football field, an eight lane track, and landscaping.  We also put in a retention pond to the north of Gowans Stadium that the drainage water will go into when we have heavy rains.  The second phase of construction is subject to a bond issue that will be on the November 2004 ballot.  If the bond passes, the second phase of construction will improve seating, a press box, restrooms, locker rooms and concession stands.  We have also been renovating our dorms, with the new wing to hopefully be finished by fall 2005.  So if you have had the chance to visit campus, you know that parking has been a challenge.  At the end of October we should have three new parking lots open that should help this situation out.  You can check out the renovations of our dorms at www.hutchcc.edu/PhotoBank/CampusRenovation/elland.htm and for pictures of the Gowans stadium project and the beautiful retention pond at www.hutchcc.edu/PhotoBank/CampusRenovation/gowan.htm.

Well, good luck to all on a great semester.  Thanks again to Johnson County Community College for a great conference.  We brought back a lot of great information with us that we were able to put to good use.  We are looking forward to coming to Cloud County Community College for the 2005 conference and visiting with everyone!

 Johnson County Community College

Kathy LaBelle, Reporter

 It is that time of year again, FALL, and we are off to a great start.   This year’s president, Sherri Hanysz welcomed our members by thanking them for the privilege of being voted in as president of JCCC OPL, stating that she “looks forward to an exciting year full of events that will provide opportunity for fellowship among colleagues.”  Believing that belonging to OPL offers each the chance to grow both personally and professionally, she encouraged each one to take advantage of every opportunity to become involved as much as we can.  With involvement, members will reap the reward of growing friendships and the satisfaction of seeing how one’s activeness makes a difference.

Top left to Right: Mary Toepher, past president, Sherri Hanysz, president, Shari Dowdall, treasurer, Sharon West, member-at-large.  Bottom left to right: Betty uko, vice-president, Janie Thacker, recording secretary, Betsy Edmonds, corresponding secretary.

Betty Uko, our OPL vice-president, along with her program committee has already established monthly programs for each general meeting from now through January, and they sound really great!  In September we had Jan Cummings, Career Program Facilitator for Interior Design talk to us about Feng Shui, and how the affects of this popular decorating craze in one’s office purportedly brings about tranquility in the workplace.  In October Lynn Humphreys will speak to us on senior security.  In November one of our own staffers, Jonathan Bacon, Academic Director of Educational Technology will discuss family history on the computer.  December will feature our annual holiday luncheon, and January Dr. Ann Hess will be our guest as she presents a talk on Aging Myths and Alzheimer’s.     

Rounding out our executive board are Janie Thacker, Recording Secretary (in for a second term); Shari Dowdall, Treasurer; Sharon West, Member-at-Large; Betsy Edmonds, Corresponding Secretary; and Mary Toepfer, past-President.  We look forward to their leadership and enthusiasm!

According to Rhonda Hutton, one of our Grapevine reporters, over 70 OPL members and guests gather on June 16 in COM 319 to enjoy the fabulous annual salad and dessert luncheon.   Outgoing president, Mary Toepfer, presented certificates to the chairwomen of each committee as well as their committee members, recognizing their leadership and participation throughout the year.

 October 14, from 2-3:30 OPL hosted a Boss’s Day celebration open house.  True to form our committee members outdid themselves.  This year’s event had an international theme.  Several of our musically talented members sang songs as did the Moreland/Thornton Duo (our invited guests).  The decorations, sweet treats and entertainment were awesome! 

 By the way, our OPL publication called, The Grapevine (published seasonally) can be read on line.  If you’d like to take a look, you will find us on the jccc.net homepage (http://www.jccc.net)  Type in the acronym OPL in the quick find and you will be able to pull up all of our latest news.

 Our annual OPL Silent Auction will be held on Thursday, November 18.  All proceeds will benefit the JCCC Scholarship Fund.  The Ways and Means Committee has challenged our members to help supply handcrafted items, baked goods, contact business establishments for gift certificates or merchandise, and to volunteer with providing baskets as well as to use their talents in assembling them attractively.   Last year we were able to provide over $4400 for scholarships.

 Sally Gordon, Administrative Assistant, Staff and Organizational Development (you may recognize her as president of AKCCOP), said that in the spring of 2005, JCCC will host the Kansas City Professional Development Council (KCPDC) Professional Exchange Program.  This program will allows support personnel from area colleges to “shadow” another person who shares the same or similar job title.   

 In the meantime though, Rhonda Hutton, member and past-past president of JCCC OPL plans to travel to the University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC) with JCCC Special Assistant to the President, Susan Lindahl, to participate in a support staff retreat.  The retreat will highlight four points during the afternoon exchange:  1. Building community among support staff; 2. determining processes for ongoing communication; 3. sharing goals/support; 4. having fun together.  Topics of discussion will include the best tips for ways to support our leaders, build community and strengthen our team and personal/professional development.

 Campus-wide, JCCC celebrated fall with its annual all-staff picnic Friday evening, September 10.  This much-looked-forward-to event focused on a safari theme this year.  Games and activities were planned with both adults and children in mind and everyone had such a good time! 

 This summer the contractors finished the new parking garage here at JCCC!  We now have four levels of additional parking.  Berni Freeman, also a reporter for our OPL Grapevine, told us that this garage gave us an additional 1200 spaces, which will help to compensate for the loss of parking we’ll experience when groundbreaking starts on our new technology building and art museum scheduled to begin after the first of the year.  Berni said that there are plans to add some artwork to the 40x40-foot stone wall at the northeast corner of the garage.

I guess that pretty much brings us up to date.   Have a great semester!   We’ll be in touch again this spring.

 Neosho County Community College

Terri Dale, Reporter

 Hello from the Office Professionals at Neosho County Community College. 

Exciting things are happening on the campus of NCCC and we are enthusiastic about the future.

 Our group continues to enjoy the monthly “OP” lunches which gives us a time to share good news from each department. 

 We have started a new fund raiser that is very popular.  We are contacting parents of the dorm students about “Birthday Packages” that they can purchase to be deliverer on the student’s birthday.  The packages are varied and include a birthday cake and balloons, and/or school supplies, and goodie bags.  It’s great to see the student’s smiles as they get their surprise birthday gifts.

 Several OP’s have had an opportunity for professional development and recently our Outreach and Workforce Development department has offered requested mini classes. 

 During our in-service day in October we had training on our new “Inside NC” Web Portal and Learning Management System.  This enables us to offer on-line classes and allows students to access their grades, accounts receivable, class schedules, course information, email instructors and much more.

 Enrollment continues to be strong at NCCC; we are 7% ahead of last fall in headcount and 5% ahead in credit hours.

 Congratulations to Jeff Dabney and the 2004 Softball Team on qualifying for the World Series.  They had a great time in Florida.

 Our business department is seeking specialized accreditation for their business programs from the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).  The evaluation team was on campus September 20-22.  We hope to learn of their recommendation later in the fall. 

As we continue to develop new program ideas, one new project we are all excited about is the ASVAB preparation program.  Persons entering the military are given the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) as an entrance exam.  Many applicants do not pass the test.  Classes include paragraph comprehension, word knowledge, basic math, beginning algebra, study skills, test-taking and lifetime fitness.  The pilot program was a huge success. 

The entire college community participated in developing a new vision statement for the college as well as a new mission and purpose statements.  This semester our in-service days have been spent with outside facilitators and in “town hall” type meetings to work on developing a new strategic plan.  We are seeking input from our students and the community and expect to have a draft strategic plan ready for our Board of Trustees to approve in the spring.  It has been a worthwhile experience and everyone agrees that the time was well spent. 

Our Adult Education Center ended the fiscal year of 03-04 serving over 100 students who logged 6,695 hours of study. 

 NCCC was named Business of the Year for 2003-04 by the Kansas Business and Professional Women’s organization.

 The College also received 2004 Exemplary Business of the Year by the Chanute Chamber of Commerce. 

David Smith, Vocal Music Instructor, has been recognized as a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Voice by Music Teachers National Association.  Smith, who is in his fourth year of teaching at NCCC, taught previously at Highland Community College, the University of Kansas, and Central Community College in Columbus, NE. 

I’ve saved the best news for last!!  In late September President Smith, Vice President Inbody, Dean Solander and David Peter, board chair, attended the Higher Learning Commission Review Committee Meeting in Chicago.  The Review Committee agreed with the Accreditation Team to remove the College from probationary status and to grant continued accreditation for 10 years!  We are now waiting for the final “stamp of approval” from the Board of Trustees of the Higher Learning Commission which will meet in late October. 

Happy Holidays to you and your families from NCCC!

 Pratt Community College

Diane Thompson, Reporter 

Pratt Community College Education Support Professionals (ESP) Activities

 March 2004:  Diane Thompson, Joyce Jones, and Lora Lobmeyer attended the AKCCOP at Johnson County Community College.  A big pat on the back goes out to our peers at JCCC for a wonderful conference.  Thank you!

 April 2004:  Provided complimentary 10 minute massages from a local massage therapist again this year for the support staff in honor of National Secretaries Day.  13 massages were given; ESP hosted a send-off for PCC's softball team, the Division West Co-Champions, as they headed off to Wichita for regional competition.   

May 2004:  Spring Survivor kits were sold again this year for parents and staff to support their favorite students during finals.  Bags filled with fruit, chips, candy, juice, cookies, etc. were sold for $10 each.  66 bags were sold with a profit of $450; the Kansas State Speech Contest was hosted by Pratt Community College.  Members of ESP worked the T-shirt booth in exchange for all of the proceeds.  Proceeds totaled $54. 

Summer 2004:  ESP co-sponsored the support of a group of students from the University of Texas (Texas 4000) who were bicycling a total of 4000 miles between Texas and Alaska to raise funds for cancer research and provide community cancer awareness education.  The group of 22 students stayed one night at the PCC dorms and was fed several meals by the employees of PCC and the Pratt Community.

September 2004:  First meeting of new school year.  Looking ahead to the new year we are looking at planning an ESP Open House to recruit new membership, expanding our goody bag service to student athletics and organizations when attending upper level competitions, and organizing for a future AKCCOP conference to be hosted by PCC.  It looks to be a busy and rewarding year for ESP.

 Added $1000 to the ESP Pre-Endowed Scholarship.  We will reach the $5000 mark for endowment by the end of this school year.

 Endowed-a-chair for the PCC Foundation sponsored renovation of Carpenter Auditorium.  Our maintenance crew and outside contractors worked hard all summer and the work is almost finished.  Dedication will occur in October.

 Cathy Blasi is doing much better after having three surgeries on her back.  Compared to last year at this time, Cathy feels like a new woman.  There is still some nerve damage that may never fully heal, but thanks to physical therapy and drugs, Cathy says she feels really good.  She is looking forward to seeing all of you in Concordia this spring and appreciates all the well-wishes and prayers she received during her ordeal.

 Crystal Scherer received $200 AKCCOP grant for Spring 2004.

 Diane Thompson is expecting her third child mid-October.  Fortunately for PCC, she is planning on returning afterwards.

 We have more fortunate news – for Barton County that is.  Our beloved Crystal Scherer will be relocating from Pratt to Great Bend and joining our comrades over at BCCC.  This is a good move for Crystal, and we wish her only the best.  We’ll always have AKCCOP!

 ESP president Lora Lobmeyer had plenty to smile about this summer as she became a grandma for the first time.  Welcome Xavier Guy!

 This Spring, ESP invited PCC Foundation Director Dennis Lesh to one of our meetings to speak about our scholarship.  We learned a lot and were given accolades as well.  Dennis commented that ESP is the best group he has seen on campus in showing support for the college by its activities and attitude.  He said no other group exemplifies the “WE” attitude better than ESP.  Later that month he took his praise a step further; during his monthly Board of Trustees report, he recommended that the Board draft a letter of special recognition to the PCC ladies of ESP for their volunteer work for the college and exemplifying that “we” attitude.  Thank you Dennis for noticing how much we love PCC!

 The entire PCC community has been working very hard to prepare for three – yes, three – accreditation visits this fall.  The PCC Business/Accounting Department is independently accredited under the Association of Colleges and Business School Programs.  The team visited PCC September 13-15 and initial reports are very positive.  The Nursing Division will have its National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and Kansas State Board of Nursing visit October 4-6.  Last, and most definitely not least, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association will be making its visit November 14-16.  So, remember fellow AKCCOP members, if you ever need pointers in prepping for your future accreditation visits, there is at least one of your peers at PCC who will have some experience to share.  We look forward to sharing the results of the sure-to-be-successful visits in the next newsletter.

 PCC is proud to announce that our very own Ag Power program was featured the August 10 edition of the nationally syndicated American Profile Magazine, a local newspaper insert.  We have always been proud of this program and this is an excellent opportunity to spread the word to a national audience.

 Seward County Community College

Terri Barnes

tbarnes@sccc.edu

 Greetings from Seward County Community College. 

 As the semester begins, there are 27 new staff and faculty members that have been added to the Seward County Community College family.  One of the new faces is Dr. Duane M. Dunn who left the Manhattan Area Technical College and accepted the position of SCCC President. WELCOME DR. DUNN!

 Ms. Mirta Chavez, director of enrollment management, left to take a position at K-State.  She was so exceptional that it took two people to replace her.  We welcome Ms. Rachel Thexton and Ms. Amber Welch as our two new admissions coordinators.

 Dr. Sheila Orth, former SCCC counselor, died unexpectedly August 12, 2004 in Tulsa, Oklahoma   Sheila had just started a new job with the Tulsa Technology Center, Broken Arrow Campus.  Sheila was a great encourager to many struggling students.  She will be greatly missed. (Picture courtesy of the SCCC Crusader)

The business office began taking FACTS payments for tuition and fees this summer.  Many of our students are taking advantage of having this web payment plan.   

The theme for this year’s SCCC Development Foundation Scholarship Auction is “Retro Reflections” celebrating the 35^th Anniversary of SCCC opening its doors.  The auction is scheduled for September 25, and will be highlighting our 35 years of success. 

Picture:  from left Jim Vomhoff, SCCC’s Marcia Hatcher and Doralia Reynolds, and Steve Parscale.  SCCC’s business department was recognized as one of two community colleges in Kansas to receive this honor.  Congratulations Pratt Community College (Picture courtesy of the SCCC Business Division)

 Marcia Hatcher, SCCC Business Division Chair and Doralia Reynolds, former SCCC Business Division traveled to Phoenix, Arizona to attend the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs accreditation ceremony in June. 

Thad DeWeese, SCCC Athletic Trainer, was chosen by team coaches in the Western Division as the Athletic Trainer of the Year for the Western Division. 

The SCCC Athletics Department and Alumni Association held a quite successful Saints Basketball Alumni event on Saturday, September 18.  A Lady Saints Basketball Alumni event to be held on Saturday, October 2, 2004, with two games scheduled between former teams.  This will include our 2002 National winning Lady Saints.   

Title III became fully staffed in July.  Staff members are up and running and are keeping quite busy.  The Student Success Center is in the process of administering Compass and eDiscover to students.  Compass is the new placement test that is given to students instead of the Asset.  eDiscover is a career exploration tool to help students determine what their interests are and what career opportunities they should look into.  Title III is testing the new eDiscover program on certain pilot groups in Orientation classes.  The staff of Title III is looking forward to the new opportunities that they can bring to SCCC. 

The SCCC Office Professionals group (SCCCOPs) is planning a 35^th Anniversary Cookbook fund raiser.  Members are busy gathering recipes from employees, students, alumni and anyone who would like to contribute.  The group plans to have the cookbooks printed in house and ready in time for Christmas.  Proceeds will go into the SCCCOP’s scholarship fund. 

The SCCCOPs organization is helping the Academic Achievement Center’s tutors with a Red Hat Luncheon to be held on October 8, during the 2004 Oz Fest in Liberal.  Several of the original Munchkins from the Wizard of Oz movie will be at Oz Fest and the luncheon.   The tutors are raising money to attend a CRLA conference in Kansas City.   

SCCCOPs members are busy planning a special lunch for Bosses Day.  Usually a pot luck lunch with entertainment and games is provided for office professionals and their bosses. 

Jan Schmoker, SCCC casher, married Dr. Marvin Buck in a small ceremony on campus, June 29, 2004.  Mrs. Buck had worked at SCCC for 19 years.  Mrs. Buck retired from SCCC, and Dr. & Mrs. Buck have moved to Tennessee.  (Picture courtesy of CrusaderNews.com) 

Jeanne Beer has been hired as Accounts Receivable Manager taking Jan Buck’s place. 

As I close this report, we are receiving a very nice rain.  The rain is very nice to see again.  Seward County Community College Office Professionals send their wishes that everyone has a great semester and a wonderful holiday season.

(I want to say “thank you” to Pam Perkins who helps me edit my reports.)

Barton County Community College

Caicey Schartz, Reporter

schartzc@bartonccc.edu

 Greetings All from Barton County!

 With one little email plea for donations our library has received almost 500 books of leisurely reading.  Mary Hester, Director of Learning Resources, sent out an email in August asking for any donations on fiction books.  "Our funding is limited so it needs to go toward curriculum support," explained Hester, who began working for Barton last July. "The fun stuff has to come through donations."  This has been a great addition to the library, for students and staff.

 Our Child Development Center has been working hard on fundraisers to earn enough money to finish their new playground.  Completion of the project will more than double playground space compared to the original playground, built in 1998. The original playground measures approximately 40 by 80 feet. The new play area measures about 80 feet wide, but is 67 feet long on the south side and 54 feet on the north side. Once the work is complete, the preschool and school-age children will utilize the new space, while the infants and toddlers will utilize the original playground.  The children are really excited about the new playground. 

Terri Chartier was the recipient of our scholarship this year.  She was extremely grateful to receive it.   

We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Johnson County at the Conference this year.

 Butler County Community College

Laura Albert, Reporter

laura@bcccbii.com

 During a special event on Tuesday, March 2, Butler County Community College will honor its past while looking toward the future with the unveiling of a new logo for the college and a new athletic/activity programs logo.  Butler has been working with the Greteman Group, a creative agency located in Wichita, to develop an internal marketing statement, a new college logo, a new athletic/activity logo and a new tagline for the College.  It has been approximately 20 years since the last logo change and only the fourth college-wide logo change in Butler’s seventy-seven year history.  Special speaking guests for this event will include alumni, community members, college administrators and Sonia Greteman, president/creative director of Greteman Group.

 In February and March, Butler is hosting two grant-writing workshops.  Shannon Thom and Heather Huntington Fuesz of SHEnterprises will conduct the one-day workshops covering topics such as project development, identifying funders, writing a grant proposal and grant management.  By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to develop a draft grant proposal.

 The college held an Adult Learners Fair February 26 at its newest facility at Butler of Andover.  The fair targeted adult students, typically 24 years and older, needing to return to or start college.  Representatives from 15 colleges including Butler, Baker University, Wichita State University, University of Phoenix, Kansas State University, Pittsburg University and more visited with potential students.

The Florida-based Forrest C. Lattner Foundation has made a $5,000 gift to New Books for Newborns.  This project promotes reading in preschool-aged children by providing books to parents of newborns.  Sue Choens, Butler’s adult education/GED director, anticipates the program will be available to Butler County residents later this spring. 

The K.T. Wiedemann Foundation has presented the college with a $25,000 grant for Serving the Elderly through Quality Care.  This grant will assist in developing a gerontology certificate program for post-associate degree nurses. Trish Hutchinson, Dean of Butler’s Nursing and Allied Health, plans to open the program to students in the fall 2005 semester.

 Butler’s Operational Staff has elected new officers and plans are being made to update the Op Staff by-laws so they are in agreement with Learning College principles. Other projects under consideration are: reviving the mentoring program for operational staff, developing professional development programs, re-building attendance at the monthly meetings, and getting more active involvement by Op Staff members.  One committee is working on the 5^th annual “Recharge” day.  This is a one-day meeting that allows operational staff to “get away from it all for a day” to discuss challenges, stress, and finding “fun” at work.  This is also a way for the operational staff from the various campuses to meet and visit with each other. This year the recharge is being planned for March 24.

 The annual “Cubs Store” fund-raiser held at Christmas time brought in $803 this year.  This money helps with the Op Staff book scholarship that is maintained by Butler’s Foundation Office. 

Butler of El Dorado’s horizon will be changing this summer.  This change will be in the form of the new Champions fitness center. The college hopes to have the center completed by August 1, 2004. 

We are looking forward to the AKCCOP conference at JCCC.  Travel plans and registrations are being made for a group of 12 from Butler.  See you at Johnson County Community College!

  Coffeyville Community College
Janice Lair, Reporter
janicel@coffeyville.edu

 Greetings from Coffeyville Community College.  Ten new employees have joined the CCC team this fall.

 Our Emergency Medical Training Program had a 100% passage at the board exams.  There were 8 students in this program who are now certified EMT paramedics.

 The National Association of Photoshop Professionals formed the Photoshop User Student Scholarship Program this fall.  Two Coffeyville web design students were among the 25 awarded the scholarship to attend the Photoshop World Conference in Miami, FL.

 A Ravens Success for 80 Years was the theme for this year's homecoming week.  Spirit sheets were designed by different organizations then placed in the Graham Library for judging.  Other events were dunk your favorite professor, milk a cow, skate night, video dance party and the crowning of a King and Queen.  It was a busy, but fun week for all.

 Tommy Felts a former CCC student was named editor of The East Texan at Texas A& M University-Commerce.  He is responsible for the total content of the newspaper, design, supervising and working with the university community.

 Three students were selected for Irene Ryan nominations by the American College Theatre Festival.  They will compete at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Denver, CO.

 Phi Theta Kappa Eta Gamma Chapter members won the quiz bowl, an academic challenge, at the Kansas Region Honors Institute that was between all the PTK chapters in Kansas.  These same students then went to Jackson, MS to participate in the International PTK Satellite Seminar.

 Theatre student Jason Inman was selected as a finalist in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Ten-Minute Play Festival.  His original script will advance to the Regional Festival at Denver University in Denver, CO.  Jason's was the only community college student to have his script advance out of 166 submitted.

 The Coffeyville Cheer Team went to Orlando, FL to defend their Universal Cheerleaders Association National Title.  They finished second this year.

 Fifteen students participated in a one day Track Pipe seminar.  Track Pipe is a new type of gas piping being introduced to the industry.  A representative from the American Gas Association conducted the seminar.

These students earned their certification which is needed to purchase track pipe and the necessary fillings for installation.  Instructor Ken Smith and Richard Robinson earned their certification to become qualified trainers for track pipe.

 Nate Albin, a Computer Networking student designed a computer that would fit inside the body of a remote control Hummer.  He took the existing frame and built the computer to fit it.

 Jim Stringer is back on campus as interim president.  He has served as president in the fall of 1994 and again in 1999.

 The Foundation office is gearing up for the scholarship auction on Saturday May 1st.  This event brings in money for scholarships for our students with the help of many generous supporters.   The theme for thisyear's auction is "Come fly With Us".

 Instructor Bethanie Frank had two poems published in the Pagan's Muse:

Words of Ritual, Invocation and Inspiration.  Her poems are Protection and Prayer to Arachne.

 Instructor Mark Frank's Greek Soup, an original play produced last semester won a American College Theatre Festival Merit Achievement Award for Outstanding Writing for a Farce.

 Instructor Shaun Moffitt published her first book, Myopic Memories:Girls Who Wear Glasses.

  Colby Community College

Doris Anderson, Reporter

doris@colbycc.edu 

It was encouraging to experience an increase of approximately 35 students in our spring enrollment.

Bev Anderson volunteered to fill the Vice President position that had been vacant. We appreciate her willingness to serve.

 We have discussed service project ideas to undertake this year and have encouraged members to develop ideas for possible future projects. Some ideas are under consideration, but we have not decided on a particular project for this year.

 Donnie Waterman, distance learning technician, was invited to our October meeting and demonstrated our “smart classroom” capabilities and its many innovative features.

 Our annual Phonathon was held in October and was a tremendous success. Calls are made to alumni and community citizens soliciting donations by Presidential Scholars, Student Senate members, and other students.

 On February 12, 2004, the second Dr. Max Pickerill Lecture Series presentation will feature Dr. Ed Ramey, ACLU rep speaking on civil liberties, and in March we will host Robert Kennedy, Jr. speaking on environmental issues.

 There are 45 Presidential Scholar applicants this spring. Their interviews will be held

February 23-25 and March 2-4.  12-14 will be chosen as freshmen scholars.

 We will be taking applications for the Office Professionals scholarships awarded students each spring for the next school year. Last year scholarships were awarded to two students who met the established criteria. After scholarship applications are received, the scholarship committee reviews them and makes a recommendation to our group for selection of the winning recipients.

Both our Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams have been nationally ranked this season. Men’s Coach Brian Ostermann has had the most wins in the school’s history. Tom Stephens' team leads Jayhawk Conference tied with Seward. The Lady Trojans record now stands at 23-2.

 CCC received a $250,000 federal grant to erect a Wellness Center. Endowment and administration are working on fundraising from private sources for this building.

 Northwest Kansas finally received measurable snowfall!!!!  While the rest of the state has had moisture in recent months, the Colby area has been in dire need of precipitation.  

 100 more tulip bulbs were planted by the maintenance staff this fall to beautify our campus this spring. 

We are looking forward to the AKCCOP Workshop hosted by Johnson Co. in March. Two of our members will be selected to represent us at that workshop. We know that it will be a very interesting, entertaining time for them and a memorable experience.

 Garden City Community College

Pam Caldwell, Reporter

pam.caldwell@gcccks.edu

 Members of the Garden City Community College Educational Support Professionals have had a busy and fun-filled year.  The Fall 2003 semester began with construction on an exciting new addition to the Student Center which now provides extra curricular life and fun for dorm students, faculty and staff, as well as some additional office spaces, a new bookstore, new snack bar, new theatre room, new club offices, new nursing office, new lounging areas, and other areas, with a wonderful portico to connect everything together!!   It is a beautiful addition and a welcome change for students and the community.  The grand opening to the addition was held the week of January 19 to coincide with Martin Luther King Week celebrations. 

GCCCESP members helped with the successful annual scholarship Phonathon the first part of October, helping to raise over $70,000 for academic and technical scholarships.

 The group also selected names from an Angel Tree at Christmas as their service project for four needy children, and purchased Christmas gifts for the children.  Last year, GCCCESP members raised money for their annual scholarship fund to be awarded this year and the Christmas service project, by hand making beautiful Easter baskets and selling different basket sizes. 

 The group recently held their Valentine’s celebration at Sunnyland, an historic bed and breakfast located in Garden City.

 Currently, many of the members are preparing for training to learn the new administrative computer database system.  The new system will replace the out-dated system that was installed in 1989, and everyone is excited about its potential to create more efficiency and ease of operation. 

The Endowment Association is gearing up for its annual spring scholarship auction “Jokers Wild” to be held April 2, with a goal of $100,000.  GCCCESP members will be on hand again to lend their help.

 Members are looking forward to attending the annual AKCCOP conference to be held at Johnson County Community College March 31 thru April 2.  See you then! 

Hutchinson Community College

Tammy Neal, Reporter

NealT@hutchcc.edu

 This crazy weather we have been having has us all wishing spring was here.  Let’s just hope it is over with before our conference begins.  A special thank you to Johnson County for all the hard work of putting together this year’s conference.  Our group is sure excited and can’t wait for the great times we are about to share with each of you March 31 – April 2.

 For Valentine’s Day we had a very successful bake sale, with all the proceeds going towards scholarships.  We are planning another one around Easter.  We also held a silent auction and that worked out well too.

 We are celebrating HCC’s 75th anniversary and planning some major renovations.  We will be updating our stadium, and central campus area, adding parking and plans of expanding our dorms and science hall are also in the works.  I will have more updates for you in the future editions.

 The Dillon Lecture Series have brought some very interesting speakers to our campus.  We had Dr. Benjamin Carson back in January.  He is the author of  “Gifted Hands”.  This is a very interesting book, and if you get the chance you should read it.  On February 26 we will have Ronan Tynan, who is a physician, accomplished Irish tenor and a champion disabled athlete.  I will share more on this story in the next edition.

 Our Academic Excellence Team won all 14 rounds of the Kansas sectional championship of the National Academic Quiz Tournament and has been invited to compete at the national tournament in St. Louis, Missouri in April.

 Our Livestock Judging team has also done very well this year.  They competed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and won first place and just came back from Jackson, Mississippi where they finished second at the Dixie National Livestock Show.

 Our Forensics team has also done very well this year.  They were just selected as the top community college team at their meet in St. Louis.

 We also have three students from our drama department that were selected to represent us in the  24 Hour Play Festival at the American College Theatre Festival in Denver, Colorado.

  Johnson County Community College

Kathy LaBelle, Reporter

klabelle@jccc.net 

Get on Track with AKCCOP – Make a Difference. 

This is the theme of the AKCCOP Annual Conference scheduled for March 31, April 1 and 2, 2004 hosted by Johnson County Community and the Office Professionals League on our campus in Overland Park Kansas.   We hope you are one of the many who have signed up as we are looking forward to seeing you! 

 Photo: Sally Gordon, AKCCOP President and member of JCCC OPL.

As you’ve read, Wednesday evening’s attire is either to dress in College logo clothing or 1940’s Railroad Theme.  Please park in the ITC (Train Lot) and head for the Gym as registration begins at 6:30.  Group pictures, a light supper and entertainment will follow.    Then Thursday we will start off with a continental breakfast served in the lobby of the Carlsen Center and the conference will officially get underway with the welcome address starting at 8:30 a.m. in the Carlsen Theatre.

 Our main speaker on Thursday is Cynthia Smith, Vice President of Content and Communications for KCPT Public Television in Kansas City.  Cynthia heads a team of 16 in three departments responsible for national and local programming, documentaries, web content, member magazine, public relations, advertising, promotion, viewer information, board communications and legislative affairs.  Cynthia’s presentation is, “Staying on Track When You are On a Runaway Train.”   Other guest speakers are Judy Korb, Director of Staff and Organizational Development and Jim Wheeler, Assistant Dean, Computer and Information Systems.  (The title and content of their presentations were not available at the time of this writing.)

 What happens when you turn a highway patrolman into a magician?  Find out on Friday when Jim Lysaght combines his dynamic speaking ability, humorous outlook on life, and skill as a magician to present “If Education is a Journey, Where Do I Put My Baggage.”  Jim Lysaght, who left a 21-year career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol because, “There wasn’t a demand for a funny highway patrolman,” is a great entertainer.   You won’t want to miss his presentation!

 While much of our focus these past several months has been placed on planning for this conference because we want you to have a memorable time, that’s not to say that we haven’t been doing other things as well.

 Our general meetings, which take place at noon on each third Wednesday of the month, have been too good to miss!  This semester is no exception.  In January we received tips from two of our active members on where to go for bargains and what to do to get the most for your money.  In February, Donna Salkil, JCCC Greenhouse Technician, will give us tips for the planting season.  The OPL of the Year Award will be presented at our March 24^th meeting, and then in April Susan Cunningham, instructor for the Massage Therapy Program here at JCCC will speak to us about the need for relaxation in our lives.    May’s meeting will feature guest, Nancy Post, who will discuss organ donations, and June’s is already billed as the month for members to bring their favorite salad and gather for our annual Spring Salad Luncheon.

 Our November 20^th annual Silent Auction and Special Grants drawing brought in more than $5000 this year, ensuring that the organization will once again be able to amply fund both Special Grants and Scholarships.  JCCC OPL reporter Barbara Hockman said that, “Like ants preparing for winter, or elves preparing for Christmas, OPL members worked hard to make the Silent Auction a fun and rewarding event.”   The winner of the $300 mall gift certificate was Mark Daganaar, Director of Library Services here at JCCC.  Photo: OPL Silent Auction

 Our Boss’s Day event in October was a huge success.  With the theme of Café OPL, the third story Commons’ room was decorated with a musical/coffee lounge theme, and entertainment provided by OPL members Rhonda Hutton and Ginger Henderson singing “oldies but goodies” accompanied by Cindy Kleinsorge at the piano.  It was great to see everyone having such a good time.  One couldn’t help but notice people around the room quietly singing or tapping their toes to the music. 

 Our Community Service Committee visits residents of the Olathe Good Samaritan Center on a regular basis.  Often they work on art projects with the residents, or help with Bingo.  Members who do not attend are encouraged to get involved by contributing costume jewelry or hand lotion, for example, to be used as Bingo prizes. 

 Nominees for the Office Professional of the Year award were announced at the October OPL general meeting.  Dee Staples of the committee reported that Sherri Conner, Betty Erhard, Jane Franek, Berni Freeman, Rhonda Hutton, Kathy LaBelle, Kay Lampe, Kathy Larson, Dara Ramaglia, Beth Ramirez, Lori Vogelsberg and Karen Znidarsic all were nominated.  The Office Professional of the Year ward recognizes and rewards outstanding office professionals who have contributed to OPL and the JCCC community, demonstrated excellence in job performance, and exhibited personal and professional growth through participation in college and community activities.  Betty Erhard and Sherri Conner accepted their nominations and each submitted a portfolio to the Award Committee.  An outside judge evaluated the portfolios and selected the award recipient.  At the time of this reporting, the name of the recipient had not been announced. 

A great opportunity awaits our office professionals:  Each year JCCC’s Staff & Organizational Development Department invites our office professionals to participate in a Master Staff Workshop.  At this conference professionals gather for intensive learning, listening and reflection.  The goals for the workshop include sharing successes, working together to find solutions to challenges and making JCCC stronger with communication across campus.   This mini-retreat will take place April 20-21 at a location off campus.

 Our social committee is planning a SPA day.  Saturday, March 27 has been set aside as a day of pampering and fellowship with fellow OPL members.  Skin care services can be purchased from the JCCC Esthetics students, and massages by JCCC alumni.  A potluck luncheon follows.

 Campus-wide we are awaiting the completion of our new parking garage.  In the spring we will break ground on a new Technology building.   It is exciting to be on campus, watching these changes take place.   Enrollment is up, so these additions to our campus are greatly appreciated. 

You may remember that in the last issue of the Kollator, we mentioned that JCCC had applied for the Kansas Award for Excellence (KAE).  This award is presented to organizations that have demonstrated through their practices and achievements the highest and most consistent level of excellence.  We are pleased to announce that JCCC is on of four recipients who received this award in 2003.   

I think that pretty much brings us up to date on what is happening here at Johnson County Community.   We’ll see you in a few weeks!  In the meantime, hope you enjoy the first signs of spring with snow melting, warmer temperatures and the promise of tulips and daffodils!

 Labette Community College

Fran Clay, Reporter

FranC@labette.edu

Hey from here at Labette, you know what?  With temperatures hovering around the upper 50’s and low 60’s, I reallllllly don’t think that the old ground hog in Pennsylvania knows what he is talking about.  Oh, we may have a little more snow but I sure feel that Spring is in the air.

 Sorry I missed getting an article in the Kollator last fall.  I believe that last Fall was my busiest in my 15 years here in the Athletic Department at LCC.  So I’ll try to catch you up on all our news since the start of Fall semester.

 The LCC Athletic Association started the sports year off with a new item, “The Cardinal Kick-off”.  The Kick-off featured fall and winter athletics on Saturday, October 11^th.  The event started with a volleyball game at 2:00 and around 3:30 the Kick-off began with the introduction of the Spirit Squad performing a dance routine.  Wrestlers were introduced and an exhibition ensued.  Men’s basketball players were introduced and did a short slam-dunk demonstration.  Chris the Cardinal was on hand to have pictures taken with children.  Booster Club had sports shirts, license plates and Cardinal fans.  Many local businesses were sponsors for the event.

Another event that was held here at the Athletic Department was The Great American Duck Race.  Next to our Athletic Department is a park and a small slew runs through the middle of the park.  Chances were sold from the beginning of school on little yellow ducks.  On a beautiful October afternoon our local fire department came down to the park and released pulses of water into the slew sending the duck careening along the stream of water – student and athletes along with coaches would cheer on the ducks, with an occasional help from a stick if a little duck got tangled in the grass of the swollen slew.  The first 4 ducks in each “heat” would have their numbers recorded and ended up in the final race.  Prizes were given for the top six ducks.  It was a good fundraiser and a lot of fun.

In the October issue of The National Junior College Wrestling Coaches Association magazine, the magazine recognized Labette Community College Wrestling team for having the overall number on the All-Academic team with 17 wrestlers and an overall GPA of 2.83.

 LCC is becoming a really modern school, an ATM machine was installed this Fall in the Student Union.  I understand one day it was the most popular place to be as no matter what was punched into it, the machine was supplying everyone with $80.00.

 Our Athletic Director, Jody Thompson, was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.  Way to go Coach T!

 Our Tasting Party and Cookbook went well again this year.  And our Christmas Baskets program served 10 families with 23 children.  I helped deliver baskets again this year for the first time in about 10 years and it was just as rewarding in spirit as it was 10 years ago.  As the group delivered our last basket, we all wished that we had more to deliver as everyone had been pleasant and thankful.  Classified Staff group had a luncheon and an ornament exchange for our December meeting.

 David Oldham, Graphic Arts, was featured in the Fall/Winter 2003 issue of the Cardinal magazine.  The featured story was about his coin-collecting hobby.  The article was reprinted in the Oswego Independent newspaper during the month of January.

 Our Volleyball team has signed four premier player in the last couple of months.  Currently signed is Holly Hoffman, a defensive specialist from Parsons; Krystle Evans, an outside hitter from Diana, TX; Candice Glover, a standout outside hitter from Parsons, and Kamie Ellis, a setter from Carl Junction, MO.  There will be four returning sophomores.

 The Debbie Groff Book Scholarship purchased $1,200 worth of books for 18 students, and loaned books to another 6 students for the Spring 2004 semester.

 The 2004 Auction, the fifth annual, to benefit students at LCC is scheduled for April 24^th at the VFW hall in Parsons.  This year the theme is “Our 80^th Birthday Bash.”  The first academic year for the college was 1923-24.  The auction is sponsored each year by  the Foundation and the LCC Alumni Association.

 LCC Foundation Board of Directors has authorized lighting and sound improvements in the Thiebaud Theater up to $30,000.  Approximately one-half of the money has been contributed from individuals and businesses that designated their gifts to Thiebaud Theatre improvements.  The remainder will come from Foundation unrestricted funds from contributions and investment earnings.

Since Melody Eisenbart has joined LCC as our Landscape Gardener, things are looking up here at Labette.  Not only are our grounds looking better, Melody puts articles in our monthly publication, The Card, produced by Janice Clifton-George in our President’s Office.  This month’s tip was when excess snow accumulates on your plants, shake the snow off very carefully so you do not break or bruise the stems.  If you tear the outer layer of stem you will be leaving the areas as an open invitation for pests and disease.

Melody is outgoing and always helpful.  We are glad to have Melody as our gardener at LCC.

 The LCC Nursing Department purchased a Laerdal SimMan with Perkins funds.  All faculty have been trained, and the human patient simulator will be used by nursing, respiratory, and radiography programs.  This equipment will allow students to practice interventions on a computerized mannequin that can talk and demonstrates vital signs such as pulse, respirations, and blood pressure.  There is an attached monitor with an EKG tracing on it.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing publishes the NCLEX-RN, the national exam that our graduates take to be licensed as registered nurses.  NCSBN is raising the passing standard, effective April 1.  The last time this was done, the national passing rate for first-time test takers on NCLEX-RN declined markedly.  Labette had a 96.8% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN for May 2003 graduates.  One re-took, and passed, so we are at 100%.  100% of the students who completed the PN level in July 2003 who took the NCLEX-PN passed.  Great program – great students.

 Last Tuesday our Board of Directors authorized plans to be drawn up, bid specifications taken, and Labette County banks to submit a plan with potential interest rates for the addition to the Student Union Building.  The current building was built in 1972.  The new addition would be a 2-story structure attached to the current building with approximately 1500 square-footage for student use and 950 square-footage for office space.  When the above items come into the Board, they will have to authorize the go ahead.  Approximate completion date would be by Christmas of 2004.  Thought I’d show you the old face so hopefully next newsletter we can see the new face of our Student Union.

 Brad Huffaker’s, Sociology Instructor, classes have been doing poster presentations in the library for a year now.  The classes are Sociology, Social Problems, Marriage and Family and Anthropology.  It is a 2-day and 1-night event.  The posters are only in the library for the hour of the presentation and then moved up to Huffaker’s classroom for display.  Last semester over 150 people were in to view the posters made by the students.

 The library will host a former Parsonian who is now an author.  Vernon Schmid will be at LCC on April 21, 2004 in the afternoon for a book signing and will talk about writing and his books.  He will also have books to purchase.

 Talk about exciting.  Last weekend LCC hosted the Region VI National Wrestling Qualifier.  Seven teams were in attendance.  The Cards had two champs and took second place to Number One NJCAA ranked Northwestern Wyoming.  The Redbirds managed to qualify 8 people to travel to the National Tournament next week.  Our two Champs were Earl Jones at 125 lbs and Mikel Delk at 149 lbs.  Other placers were:  133 lbs – Emery McReynolds; 141 lbs – Dustin May; 157 lbs - Toby Waters; 174 lbs – Joe Gorczynski; 197 lbs – James Williams and at 285 lbs – Shane Grant.  NW Wyoming finished the day with 96 points; Labette 73 points; Colby 67.5 points; Western Wyoming 55.5 points; Neosho 51.5 points, Pima, AZ with 24 points and Glenndale, AZ with 3 points.  It may have been a long day but the wrestling was suburb, the tournament well run, and a good supporting crowd.

 Well enough of my rambling on for now.  With AKCCOP just around the corner, we are looking forward to heading up North to Johnson County Community College.  Eight Labette brakemen, engineers and conductors will be attending the 2004 conference at Johnson entitled “Get on Track with AKCCOP and Make a Difference.”   From the look of the agenda, we will come home with a learning and networking experience that we won’t soon forget.

We look forward to seeing all of you at JCCC in March.

 Neosho County Community College

Terri Dale, Reporter

tdale@neosho.edu

 Greetings from the Neosho County Community College.  We are looking forward to the annual meeting at Johnson County Community College and having a chance to see old friends, and maybe have time for a little shopping. 

 Since the last newsletter, our office professional staff has several new members.  Jackie Kinzer was hired as the Outreach/Workforce Development administrative assistant.  She replaces Sarah Smith who transferred to become the administrative assistant to the vice president of student learning.  Susan Haddan transferred to the business office as accounts receivable clerk and Angie Zaragosa transferred to administrative assistant to the Director of Development and Athletic Secretary.  Theodora (Teddy) Johnson was hired as a library clerk and will be working part-time.  She replaces Bea Orozco who retired in January after 26+ years at the college.  Laura Love was hired as the nursing administrative assistant at the Ottawa campus and Susan Beddo was hired as a secretary for the Ottawa campus. 

 Spring 2004 the first NCCC OP Scholarships were awarded.  Over ten applications were received and the scholarships were awarded to Pam Beeman and Deshon Orr.  We were very pleased to have so many applications.  We will continue to fund raise so that our scholarship fund can grow.  Later this month we are planning to serve lunch for the faculty in-service day. 

 In addition to our monthly meetings, we have chosen the first Tuesday (or Wednesday) each month to go to lunch together.  It’s just a time for socializing and everyone seems to enjoy the outing. 

 The College has adopted a new tag line and logo.  Our new tag line is:  “The education you need.  The attention you deserve.”

 Enrollment numbers for Spring 2004 are up almost 8% from Spring 2003.  Credit hours have increased just over 5%.

 In February, the TRIO programs hosted the Harlem Ambassadors basketball team to raise money for their summer trip.  The Ambassadors entertained the crowd and stressed the importance of getting an education.  Incidentally, the Ambassadors beat the home team by a score of 105.to 51. 

Everyone at the College is preparing for our accreditation visit from the Higher Learning Commission in April.  The Self-Study document has been completed, printed and mailed to the visiting team members.  We are looking forward to the campus visit April 19-21. 

 In other news, our men’s wrestling team qualified seven wrestlers for the NJCAA Nationals and finished 9^th place in the nation at the championships held in Rochester, Minnesota.  Congratulations to first year wrestling coach Merrick Wiles. 

 The NCCC Debate/Forensics team received a 3^rd Place Overall Sweepstakes Award at the first tournament of the spring season at the University of Central Oklahoma and are scheduled to compete at several more competitions this spring. 

 See you all March 31 in Kansas City.  Have a great spring!

 Pratt Community College

Diane Thompson, Reporter

DianeT@prattcc.edu 

Last issue, our reporter Cathy Blasi was literally “down in the back” and unable to get out our news.  Unfortunately, Cathy is out again as she has required a third back surgery to repair a spinal fluid leak related to a previous surgery.  She is most disappointed that this will keep her from attending the AKCCOP conference at Johnson County in April.  Keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she recuperates once again.

 Since we neglected to report last time we will briefly fill you in on the happenings of the last few months.

 Jerry Sanko, Director of Information Technology, returned home at the end of September 2003 from eight months serving his country in Bosnia.  Jerry, a captain having spent 18 years in the Kansas National Guard, was mobilized with the U. S. Army and served as a weapons inspector.  He left behind a wife and four children, one of which was just a two months old when he left.  What a sacrifice!  The service of Jerry and approximately ten other employees who are veterans was celebrated at our November Monthly Celebration.  Jerry also presented a flag to the employees and Board which had been flown over his base in Bosnia in honor of PCC’s support of him and his family during that difficult time.  It is displayed proudly as one enters the college. 

The athletic department has desperately wanted a permanent concessions stand for quite some time.  Crystal Scherer, athletic secretary, was having to set up tables, haul equipment out of storage rooms, and put it all back again at the end of the evening.  Well, after lots of hard work by our maintenance and athletic department staff, their goal has been realized.  The “Beaver Bytes Cyber Café” was dedicated on December 2, 2003.  The name was chosen via an all-campus contest, and the café features PCC sports memorabilia and internet access terminals.  It is now the prime spot for employee get-togethers.

 Pratt Education Support Professionals (E. S. P.) co-hosted the December monthly celebration with the Business Department.  The highlight was the official lighting of the PCC Christmas tree by the president, Dr. Wojciechowski.  The activity of December did not end there as we also hosted an all-employee and student Goodie Day over finals.  Everyone was invited to contribute to and enjoy the pot-luck of snacks.  Also accompanying finals was our traditional “Survival Pack” fundraiser.  This fall E.S.P. sold 90 bags, with a profit of about $630.  Preparation begins again for the spring finals “Packs”.

By mid December, the final office shuffled as a result of the fire made its way home.  The new Advising and Counseling Services Office remodel was complete and they were very grateful.

This year E.S.P. has 12 members and new officers have been elected as follows: Lora Lobmeyer-President, Crystal Scherer-Vice President, Sharon Barrett-Treasurer, Laura McGovern-Secretary and Diane Thompson-Reporter.  The members have voted to put another $1,000 towards the E.S.P. pre-endowed scholarship, leaving us just $1,000 away from the $5,000 needed to complete the endowment.  It was also decided that E.S.P. will participate in the auditorium renovation project sponsored by the PCC Foundation.  Chairs can be endowed at $200 and E.S.P. will put $100 towards a chair this semester with another $100 after the spring “Survival Pack” fundraiser.

 Seven members of E.S.P. are planning on attending the AKCCOP conference at Johnson County Community College.  We can’t wait!

 Seward County Community College

Terri Barnes, Reporter

tbarnes@sccc.edu

 Warm greetings from Seward County Community College.

 Seward County Community College experienced a heartbreaking event in October 2003 with the unexpected loss of Dr. James R. Grote, SCCC president. His death left the campus and the community stricken with grief.    

 In November Dr. James Tangeman was named as interim president, and the process of selecting a new president for Seward County Community College began.  Students, staff and faculty moved forward as Dr. Grote would have wanted us to, finishing the fall semester.

 Campus News:  June 2004 Doralia Reynolds, business division chair, will be retiring. Doralia has taught at SCCC for thirty-four years. Marcia Hatcher, marketing instructor, was named as the new Business Division chair. Larry Wade, criminal justice instructor, will be retiring at the same time. 

The office technology program officially changed its name to Administrative Professionals, to reflect what the program can do for all career choices. The courses offered by this program are foundation courses for any career, such as keyboarding, word processing, note taking and voice and handwriting recognition.

 Following an on-site preliminary visit from the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the Business Division received recognition to begin the accreditation study process for the ACBSP. ACBSP has 372 members with 160 of them being two-year community colleges. The vocational department of SCCC is undertaking this self-study because the accreditation should improve transferability and help promote SCCC and the vocational department. The purpose of the accreditation standards is to assist member institutions of the ACBSP in achieving performance excellence in business education.  It also signifies that the business unit is committed to serving students, other institutions, and industry as defined by the bylaws of ACBSP.  An on-site visit is scheduled for March 2004.

 Catherine Collins moved from the Saints Bookstore to a part-time instructor position at the Colvin Adult Learning Center. Michelle Armstrong is the new sales associate at the Saints Bookstore.  Allison Lyon is the Assistant Wellness Center Director and Kristal Farrow is the Wellness Center secretary. 

 Two Title III staff have been hired.  Teresa Wehmeier, Student Services Support, will move into the new position of Title III Student Tracking Specialist March 1, leaving her position vacant.  A new face and former graduate of SCCC, Bronwyn Smith, will begin her employment within the next week as Title III Secretary.  This takes on the meaning of “growing our own employees.”  There are two Title III positions yet to be filled.

 Ty Hughbanks, biology instructor/PTK Co-sponsor and an awesome photographer, has resigned effective at the end of this academic year.  He is a “free spirit” who has plans of traveling for a couple of years to South America and Australia.  He has a dream of linking up with Steve Irwin and doing a documentary on him.  If anyone can, it would be Ty.  He has commented that “he will be back.”  We will miss him.

 The 2003 Telolith, SCCC’s literary and art magazine, received a 1^st place from the American Scholastic Press Association. (Fourth consecutive year to be so recognized.)  Telolith 2003 received 940 out of a possible 1,000 points. 

 SCCC’s survivor theme is still going strong.  One of the physical challenges last semester was for each tribe to fill two paper boxes with non-perishable food for a local food cupboard. 

 Photo: Representatives from each SCCC tribe with the 21 food boxes that were delivered to the Liberal food cupboard.

 News from SCCC Office Professionals (SCCCOPS):  SCCCOP members worked on a fund raiser for scholarship money by selling products from the World of Product catalog. Mr. William Bryan, chemistry instructor, and his wife sell merchandize from this catalog.  Mr. Bryan was willing to let our group sell from the catalog, and to give the group 40% of the sales before taxes.    Since William could deliver the items to the college, he was very nice and forego the shipping charges. SCCCOP’s members sold the merchandize before Christmas. SCCCOPs raised $274.86. Ten percent went into our general fund with the remaining balance being placed in our scholarship fund. The group is discussing the feasibility of selling Easter baskets for a spring fund raiser.

 On October 21, SCCCOPs arranged a Bosses Day Luncheon.  Office professionals provided a pot luck meal, and each supervisor was given a gift.  This was a celebration and a sobering event in light of Dr. Grote’s death the week before.

 The SCCCOP’s scholarship committee is in the process of reviewing scholarship applications for the spring. SCCCOPs provide three $100 scholarships per semester to applicants who meet all the requirements.

 SCCCOP’s members and spouses met at the home of Gayle and Don O’Kane for the annual Christmas party. Fun and good food were in abundance.

 In the fall 2003 newsletter, I wrote about a special BUNCO membership drive party that SCCCOPs hosted. The Bunco party was so much fun that staff from SCCC have met three more times to play. The Bunco parties are scheduled once a month. Hostesses volunteer and provide the place to meet. Other players help provide food and drinks.  Gifts are given to the players with the most Buncos, the most wins, the most losses, and the person with the last Bunco.  This is a special and fun way to become better acquainted with fellow employees away from the stressful workplace.

 For the SCCCOP’s January meeting, we met at the Colvin Adult Learning Center.  The wonderful ladies there provided lunch. It was great to move away from the main campus to hold the meeting in another area; moreover, it was an opportunity for the office professionals at the Colvin Building to attend a meeting which is difficult for them during the lunch hour.

 Photo:  Monthly SCCCOPs meeting at the Colvin Adult Learning Center. From the left Pam Perkins, Diane Heiers, secretary, and Betty Glenn, president. 

 A small group of SCCCOP’s members are planning on attending the AKCCOP conference at Johnson County Community College, and hope to see many of you there. 

Have a good semester and summer.