There's Just so Many Activities

Throughout that first week, things began to get easier. Pathways that seemed so confusing at first, now made sense and I finally had each of my classrooms memorized. It was not as intimidating anymore now that I had gotten used to it. Now that I was situated and comfortable within my classes, I had a new interest that I was dying to know more about. I kept seeing and hearing commercials on the TV and the radio about all the student activities Midland College has to offer, it sounds like so much fun that I wanted to research just what exactly I could get myself into.There was everything from cheerleading, to an anime club. The decision now was which one to become part of. One group in particular stood out the most to me, and that was the Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society. Being a known book worn in my family, this was right up my alley. But of course it was by invitation only, with strict academic and behavioral standards. After researching a bit more about exactly how to become involved with this honor society, determination set in.Being an incoming freshman, I didn't have many credits that helped my GPA reach that much needed 3.5 to be invited to join Phi Theta Kappa. So I convinced myself to hit the books this semester. Time will tell if that all works out or not. This college has so many organizations and activities to become involved with, I am positive I can find something that equally sparks my interest.

Lady Chap Volleyball on a Roll as Regular Season Nears End

The following report on last night's game comes from MC Athletic Director Forres Allen ...

After a week of basking in the glory of last week's match, the MC volleyball team squared off against Clarendon College Monday night at the Chaparral Center. MC, 29-5 overall and 5-1 in conference, quickly disposed of the Lady Bulldogs in three games 25-16, 25-10, 25-16 in only 58 minutes. The win also extends the Lady Chap's current win streak to seven matches.

Midland was led by sophomore Marta Machos who recorded 11 kills while setter Sawyer Schaedig also had 20 assists in the contest. Each member of the MC team played in the contest.

Match statistics were as follows:

Kills: Machos 11, Marcella Braz 8, Sarah Sawyer 8, Jordan Latham 5, Karolina Sawaniewicz 4, Trinity Walker 2, Brittany Serrano 2, Sawyer Schaedig 1, Chayla Garza 1
Digs: Gabby Garcia 13, Jordan Latham 6, Addie Zaya 4, Machos 4, Braz 4, Schaedig 4, Garza 3, Serrano 3, Callie Stewart 2, Walker 1
Assists: Schaedig 20, Garza 12, Stewart 1, Machos 1, Latham 1, Serrano 1, Sawaniewicz 1
Blocks: Machos 2, Braz .5, Sawyer .5, Serrano .5, Sawaniewicz .5
Service Aces: Stewart 2, Machos 1, Braz 1, Sawaniewicz 1, Schaedig 1

Lady Chap Volleyball returns to home court Monday, November 1, 7:00 p.m. at the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center, where they'll host Western Texas College. This will be the FINAL game of the regular season, with the Regional Tournament set to begin November 6 in Roswell, New Mexico.

Upbeat Education at Your College

It would be IMPOSSIBLE for me to select just one MC student group, in particular, that gives back to Your College and your community, in so many ways and on so many occasions. They ALL do a wonderful job ... and not just the students, but their faculty and staff advisors, as well. But if you twisted my arm, and made me come up with a short list ... then one of the groups I would have to include is MC's Music Department. Here's a postcard I prepared of a student ensemble entertaining visitors to our campus, earlier this month, during MC's Community Open House ...

... and that was just the latest occasion - and it won't be the last. There are plenty more opportunities between now and the end of the year, to enjoy music performed by students at your college ...

● MC Ensembles 2010: A Scholarship Benefit Concert, October 28
● Music Recital: MC Students in Performance, October 29
● MC Music Faculty Recital: Jacob Porter, Guitar, November 18
● MC Student Guitar Recital, December 7

And there will be more. Our music programs will be an important part of MC's annual Holiday Evening Celebration, taking place December 2 (more details on that event, as they become available). And during the spring semester, listen for a student pep band playing in the Chaparral Center stands during Chap and Lady Chap basketball games. Also this spring, the combined MC Music Programs (instrumental and choral) go onstage to end the school year in an up-tempo and lyrical manner.

Our music programs also keep busy developing and expanding the opportunities for following generations of music students to pursue their education, and their dreams. This past month, Midland College achieved All-Steinway designation - becoming only the fourth school in Texas to be granted that designation. “Our vision has always been to put excellent higher education opportunities within reach of all our students, regardless of background,” said Dr. Nicholas Elderkin, director of piano studies at MC. “Becoming an All-Steinway School is helping our vision become a reality and helping our students achieve their dreams.”

Another significant development occurred this year when the Rea Charitable Trust announced it would help establish the Bryce and Isabel McClintic Rea Center for Music Technology and Creativity. “The CMTC will thrust students into a world of endless creative possibilities. It will allow students to compose, edit, and record music in a riveting hands-on learning environment,” said Elderkin.

And sometimes. there's no telling just where your experience will take you. MC Professor Rabon Bewley took his baritone sax and love of jazz to the people of Volgograd, Russia. For ten days this summer, he was with 25 musicians from across the United States who went with Global Missions Project, a Christian mission organization of musicians who minister to people around the world.

An introduction on the Music Department's website says, "from Bach to Bebop, Symphonies to Swing, Classical to Cool Jazz, let us introduce you to the incredible possibilities for performance and study at Midland College." Whatever your age, whatever your goal, whatever your interest or level of expertise, it's an invitation you might consider accepting.

The Big Day

Everyone has their own opinion of how college will be. But in reality, the actual experience is completely different. Freshman anxiety sets in early for many people; at least it certainly did for me. Trying to figure out where to go, which building, which classroom, where to sit, who to talk to, and so many other factors rushed through my head the morning of the big day. Every pathway looked the exact same to me and had something in common; I had no idea where it would take me, and if it was the direction I needed to go. With a map in hand and after a couple of 360 turns in the campus courtyard, I finally figured out which building to go to for my first class.

After obsessively checking my schedule to make sure I had the right room and building, I finally found my first classroom for Business Math. Hoping to find a familiar face at some point, I wandered into the classroom. Carefully scanning over the people to see if i knew anyone, it quickly set in that I would have no such luck. I took a seat toward the back of the room so I could have a good view of anyone I knew that walked in. Again no such luck.

Impatience set in as the entire class sat silently waiting for our teacher. It was five after nine when Mr. Dixon finally walked in looking like a student himself and apologizing for being late due to his previous class in another building. He wasted no time and began explaining about his class and what we could expect to learn. Since I'm absolutely no good at math, I felt completely intimidated by the material. The "what have I gotten myself into" thought crossed my mind quite frequently during that short fifty minute class. Not only was it math, but it also had business aspects as well. It sounded complicated.

However, over the past month I must say I have learned a lot. He is a great explainer and I actually understood what is being taught (most days) which is a HUGE shock to me. It seems that in the beginning I was so nervous and uptight about getting lost and the complexities of my classes, that compared to now everything is so laid back. I no longer have to leave my place twenty minutes before class starts just to make sure I get where I need to be on time, I can sleep late and leave just minutes before and still have time to spare. Anticipating college life and actually going through it turned out to much more relaxed than I ever expected, and I must say I really like it!

Chomp!

There's a saying about "all work and no play ..." Add "no hot dogs" to that saying, and Jack would be a dull boy indeed! Here's a postcard I prepared for a recent hot Dog Eating Contest sponsored by MC's Student Life/Student Activities office.

Spiking It, Killing It, Loving It

A "very volleyball" weekend at Your College began with an announcement from the MC Athletics Office, about a milestone reached by an MC volleyball Coach.

Coaching Kudos

"In what can only be considered as an impressive milestone in her career, Midland College volleyball coach Kimberly Boone recorded her 100th win at the helm of the program," MC Athletic Director Forrest Allen wrote. "Boone and fourth-year assistant Tammie Jimenez got the victory in a, tougher than expected, four game win over fellow WJCAC member Western Texas College in Snyder on Wednesday night. Scores from the contest were 18-25, 25-22, 25-14, 25-14 (3-1)."

"The gym in Snyder, on the WTC campus, was raucous which seemingly took MC by surprise falling behind 18-9 in the first game. After regaining their composure the Lady Chaps were able to tighten the score, but fell nonetheless. In game two the Lady Westerners played point for point with the Lady Chaps up to the 22-22 point match. It was then Midland wrested control of the game winning 25-22. From the end of the second game until the end of the match Midland College found its groove and sailed in the final two games by twin scores of 25-14."

"The Lady Chaps were led in kills by Marta Machos (16), Marcella Braz (13), Jordan Latham (11) and Karolina Sawaniewicz (10). Braz and Gabby Garcia chipped in with 18 and 12 digs respectively while MC setter Sawyer Schaedig dished out a whopping 52 assists in the contest."

"In typical Boone fashion she credited the players for the milestone, "It came with a fight. It wasn't an easy 100th win, but it's a real credit to the players for making it happen."

Tournament Time ...

The Lady Chaps are back at it this weekend, this time on their home court, when they host the Midland College Invitational Volleyball Tournament, October 15-16 at Chap Center.

Friday, October 15

9:00 a.m. Cisco vs. Coastal Bend

11:00 a.m. Dodge City (KS) vs. Western Texas

1:00 p.m. Coastal Bend vs. Midland

3:00 p.m. Cisco vs. Dodge City

6:00 p.m. Western Texas vs. Midland

Saturday, October 16

10:00 a.m. Cisco vs. Western Texas

12:00 p.m. Midland vs. Dodge City

2:00 p.m. Coastal Bend vs. Western Texas

4:00 p.m. Midland vs. Cisco

6:00 p.m. Lady Chap Volleyball Alumnae Match

Old School ...

The Alumnae Match on the 16th will be a special feature of the tournament this year. It's the first-ever Lady Chaparral Volleyball Alumnae Match. The match was the brainchild of several former MC volleyball student-athletes and is being spearheaded by Nikki Stokes, Tori Perkins and Jamie Thomas. CLICK HERE for more on that match.

Flying Off Into the Sunset

A special moment in last week's volleyball match between the MC Lady Chaps and Ranger College, was the retirement of old Pépe Paisano, the MC mascot, who took a final bow to fans, then headed off into the sunset with a bag of golf clubs on his shoulder. But it was also an occasion to welcome the new Pépe Paisano, ready to get this party started. Here's my own tribute to this changing of the feathery guard at Your College.

The Wide World in the Tall City

Quick ... think of a city that offers a taste of the world in its own neigborhoods. How about New York? ... or San Francisco? ... or Miami?

Or, how about Midland? ... yes, Midland ... about as far from a major seaport or immigration center as a community can get. Yet, the fact remains - there is a bit of the wide world in the Tall City. And education - especially that to be had at Your College - is one reason Midland has developed a small, but vibrant international community.

"Eight-One international students representing 31 nations are currently enrolled at Midland College with student visas," Professor Michael Makowsky writes in the 2010/2011 edition of the MC International Student Fact Sheet. "Over the years, international students have come to MC from all over the globe, representing over 90 nations."

Our list of MC Student Clubs and Groups includes the International Student Club, dedicated to promoting the international spirit among our fellow students, the campus community and the local community at large, and to building a truly international community of students at Midland College. Membership is open to any Midland College student, staff, family member, or friend who has an interest in the student life issues of international students ... and that includes those of us born in the U.S.A.

This week, we'll have a chance to enjoy - quite literally - a taste of the world. Members of MC's International Students Club will be preparing and serving their favorite dishes and desserts from their native countries, at the MC International Food Fair.

The fair begins at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 13, in the Amistad Atrium of the F. Marie Hall Academic Building. It is scheduled to run until 1:00 p.m. ... or until all the food is gone! The fair operates on a donation basis. All proceeds benefit the club's field trip to McKittrick Canyon this fall.

For more information, please contact Michael Makowsky, the International Student Club's faculty advisor, at (432) 685-6828, or mmakowsky@midland.edu

And some of our students go on to make this community their home. An example of this can be found in the MC Student Success Story of Matt Tseng. Matt began taking evening English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in January 2007, with Lynda Webb, Director of MC’s Adult Basic Education program. Since then he has become an integral part of the program as student, mentor and semi-instructor to the ever-growing contingency of Chinese students taking MC’s ESL classes.

Matt and his wife, Diana Wang, arrived in the United States from Taipei, Taiwan in late 2006. They opened MD Pizza Factory (the M is for Matt, the D for Diana) in September of 2007. Located at 4706 N. Midkiff Road (Suite 13, NE corner of Midkiff and Loop 250), their restaurant has gained quite a following and was included in “The 40 Best Small-Town Cafes” feature in the December 2008 issue of Texas Monthly.

Your College ... Your Heroes

So, what do heroes look like? Here are a couple I came across while covering last week's MC Student Activities Blood Drive ...

Donating blood is safe, it’s simple, and it saves lives. Most donors find it a painless and heart-warming experience. To learn more about the Donation Experience, please visit this page at the United Blood Services website. That page will also link you to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) you might have about blood donation.

You may also contact the UBS Midland office at (432) 520-4592 for more information.

Find the hero in you. Give blood three times a year!

The Education of Business, and the Business of Education

This is a the perfect time to highlight the Business & Economic Development Center at Your College. The BEDC promotes economic development in the community by providing comprehensive management, financial, and technical assistance and training to individuals, small businesses, entrepreneurial ventures, and non-profit organizations in the form of seminars and free, confidential counseling.

This month, there are numerous examples of how Your College is serving your community through the BEDC.

On Tuesday, October 12, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., the BEDC will co-host the West Texas Small Business Forum at the Clarion Convention Center in Midland. Texas Senator Kel Seliger will deliver the keynote address, and the Forum will include several workshops that are of interest to small business owners, such as obtaining bank financing, surviving in a down economy, advertising through social media, and exporting goods and services. The cost of the Forum is $25, which includes all workshops and lunch.

On the third Tuesday of each month, the BEDC hosts a small business Networking Breakfast. This month’s breakfast will be held on Tuesday, October 19, and the topic is “Roadmap to Success in Government Contracting” featuring a presentation by Otilo Castellano, Director of the Procurement Assistance Center in Lubbock. All of the BEDC’s monthly Networking Breakfasts are held from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. in Rooms 110/111 of the F. Marie Hall Academic Building on the Midland College Campus. No reservations are required. The cost of each monthly breakfast is just $1.

On Tuesday, October 26, the Midland College BEDC will announce the 2010 Asset Building Award honorees. The purpose of the awards is to spotlight individuals, entities and/or partnerships performing asset building work. "Asset Building" is any initiative that encourages individuals to save, reduce expenses, or build productive assets. A productive asset is an asset that increases in value over time or generates income. The announcement of this year's awardees will take place Tuesday, October 26, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Lecture Hall (Room 101) of the F. Marie Hall Academic Building.

For more information on these events and for further information regarding the Midland College BEDC services, contact Betsy Seanard, BEDC Associate Director, (432) 684-4309, or bseanard@midland.edu

And Their Names Are ...

Last month, I offered this post about a "Name the Mannequins" Contest being held at the MC Bookstore. Well, according to Bookstore Manager Stephanie Brown, the results are in, and we have a winner ...

"Anna Ponczoch wins the 'Name the Mannequins' contest," Stephanie tells us."Cool MC for the guy, and Chappa for the girl."

"We had lots of creative names submitted. Some I could not pronounce, some of a political nature, some from the rich and famous, a few from literature, a few from the movies, a couple from the wide world of sports, and a just a few I'm still scratching my head over. If someone had entered Barbie & Ken, I would have been really tempted."

"Thank you for your interest and participation!"

Look! ... Up In the Sky! ... It's .....

Here's a shot I took early last night, as I was heading across the Chap Center parking lot, getting ready for the College Fair - an event organized by the Midland Independent School District, taking place at MC.

My grandfather would have been thrilled! He served with the 102nd Balloon Company, US Army Air Corps, part of the American Expeditionary Force in France during World War I. He would have loved to watch the blimp pass overhead, especially one bearing that particular likeness of Snoopy, suited-up to do battle with that great nemesis of World War I - the Red Baron!

All of which provides a PERFECT segue for one of the booths at the College Fair! In addition to tables manned by members of our Admissions Staff, we also had a table devoted to MC's Aviation Programs - our Professional Pilot Program, and our Aviation Maintenance Technology Program.

The Professional Pilot Program prepares students for careers as airline pilots, and is designed to train students for pilot licenses and ratings in the following: Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Multi-Engine Rating. Specific areas of training include private and commercial flight training, air navigation, aviation meteorology, aerodynamics, aviation safety, and aircraft systems.

The Aviation Maintenance Technology Program prepares students for careers as aviation airframe technicians, or aviation powerplant technicians. Specific areas of training include aircraft structure inspection and testing; federal aviation regulations; aircraft and electronic flight instrument systems; aircraft auxiliary systems; aircraft welding; aircraft electrical systems; hydraulic, pneumatic, and fuel systems; and occupational safety and health codes.

CLICK HERE for more information about these programs, or call, toll-free, (866) 749-2376.

Come Visit Your College ... Pt. 5, Helen L. Greathouse Children's Center

You are invited to celebrate the completion of Midland College’s $41.8 million bond package approved by Midland voters in May 2005. MC will be holding and Open House of New Facilities on our Main Campus, Thursday, October 7, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Admission is FREE, and the public is invited. Refreshments will be served at various locations, and the Midland College Jazz Band performing in Scharbuaer Student Center. Transportation will be provided for campus tours of other new facilities, leaving from Scharbauer Student Center.

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The Helen L. Greathouse Children's Center (HLGCC) was originally located in the Davidson Family Health Sciences Center. In 1996, the facility was rededicated and named for Helen L. Greathouse in recognition of her generous gift to the Midland College Foundation's Chaparral Circle Endowment Fund.

As part of the 2005 bond, the HLGCC was expanded into a new larger facility to better serve the needs of Midland families. Licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Child Care Licensing, for children ages 4-months through 5-years, the new facility offers high-quality child care and developmentally-appropriate curriculum for children of Midland College students, employees and the Midland community. The HLGCC also provides instruction and training to MC's child development, psychology, and nursing students as well as area child care providers.

Keeping in Touch ...

We are blessed to have a wide variety of media at our disposal, with which we can share news of Midland College with the Midland community ... and with the world.

In addition to this blog, Your College also has a Twitter account, and one for Facebook, as well. We also have our own YouTube Channel.

And we have eNews from Midland College, a weekly review of the top news stories at MC, plus a look ahead at developing stories and coming attractions, showing up in your e-mailbox every Thursday during the noon hour. I'm in the process of putting together this week's issue, which will be going out in just a few hours. CLICK HERE to get your FREE subscription to eNews from Midland College.

Come Visit Your College ... Pt. 4, Physical Education Building

You are invited to celebrate the completion of Midland College’s $41.8 million bond package approved by Midland voters in May 2005. MC will be holding and Open House of New Facilities on our Main Campus, Thursday, October 7, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Admission is FREE, and the public is invited. Refreshments will be served at various locations, and the Midland College Jazz Band performing in Scharbuaer Student Center. Transportation will be provided for campus tours of other new facilities, leaving from Scharbauer Student Center.

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The Physical Education Building was originally built in fall 1975. Funds from the 2005 bond were used to expand the facilities to include new classrooms, locker rooms, and a state-of-the art fitness center. Midland College's physical education curriculum is designed to allow students to experience conditioning activities, cardio training, strength training, individual/dual sports, team sports, toning classes, yoga, and general health and nutrition classes and workshops.

POW !!! ... SMASH !!! ... BAM !!! ...

Here is a postcard I created, having some fun with the "Car Smash Fundraiser" held by a team of MC students, staff and faculty, and benefiting the American Diabetes Association. The MC Hammers will be at it again, Thursday, October 7, in the Chap Center parking lot. CLICK HERE for details.

"Hat-Tip" to The Huffington Post ...

... for the following post on distinguished educational achievements and professional careers, that began in community college classrooms.

"In honor of the White House's inaugural Community College Summit -- at which President Obama called community colleges the 'unsung heroes of America's education system' -- consider this list of prominent community college grads who would surely make the president proud (even Ross Perot).  Is there anyone we missed? Let us know." CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post.

By the way, one of those noted is Col. Eileen Collins, USAF (retired), an American astronaut who recently visited Midland College as part of the Davidson Distinguished Lecture Series at MC.

Come Visit Your College ... Pt. 3, Leona G. and John E. Fox Science Building

You are invited to celebrate the completion of Midland College’s $41.8 million bond package approved by Midland voters in May 2005. MC will be holding and Open House of New Facilities on our Main Campus, Thursday, October 7, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Admission is FREE, and the public is invited. Refreshments will be served at various locations, and the Midland College Jazz Band performing in Scharbuaer Student Center. Transportation will be provided for campus tours of other new facilities, leaving from Scharbauer Student Center.

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Thanks to the 2005 bond, Midland College students now have access to labs and equipment that offer the latest technology in science curriculum. The new Leona G. and John E. Fox Science Building contains biology labs, chemistry labs, and specialty scientific labs such as labs for microbiology and anatomy and physiology.

Midland College offers Associate of Science degrees in math and science with core courses transferable to four-year colleges and universities. Math and science articulation agreements exist with various universities such as Texas Tech University and Sul Ross University that provide a seamless transition for Midland College graduates transferring to these institutions. In addition to the transferable Associate of Science degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Math and Physics, Midland College now offers a new Associate of Applied Science degree in Chemical Technology with an emphasis toward chemical purification processes and analyses.

MC Student Success ... Artist Joyce Howell

Joyce Howell earned a business degree from the University of Tulsa in 1973. That one she did for her parents. It was not until many years later, until her own kids were in college, that she got the art degree. That one she did for herself.

It's a well-known fact in the oil and gas industry that if you work for a major oil company — which Joyce's husband, Jim, does — you might be moving a lot ... the entire time, through all the moves, through all of the parenting, Joyce has been painting. "Every time I moved, I took art classes," she said.



"Private Property" by Joyce Howell

Joyce started taking classes at Midland College in the 90s (her second time in Midland) and those were with Photography Instructor Kent Moss where she learned the basics of photography, enjoying the training in the darkroom, before digital photography. "I loved Kent. I loved his classes. He is an excellent instructor. All classes that provide good structure, good design principles are helpful. If you have a good teacher ... all of these classes translate," she said.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Joyce's story.

Come Visit Your College ... Pt. 2, F. Marie Hall Academic Building

You are invited to celebrate the completion of Midland College’s $41.8 million bond package approved by Midland voters in May 2005. MC will be holding and Open House of New Facilities on our Main Campus, Thursday, October 7, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Admission is FREE, and the public is invited. Refreshments will be served at various locations, and the Midland College Jazz Band performing in Scharbuaer Student Center. Transportation will be provided for campus tours of other new facilities, leaving from Scharbauer Student Center.

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Among the facilities open for the public to visit during the Open House, is the F. Marie Hall Academic Building. This was the first new building that was built with funds from the 2005 construction bond. It was opened in August 2008 in honor of MC Foundation Board member and Texas philanthropist, F. Marie Hall.

The 79,000 square-foot facility houses a two-story atrium at its entrance. The "Amistad Atrium" serves as a gathering space for people before and after events in the tiered, 102-seat lecture hall. The two-story building also provides 36 large classrooms, distance learning technology, a first-class mathematics laboratory, faculty offices, a snack bar, and open-air patio.

Roomsa 110/11, the Lecture Hall and the Amistad Atrium, all located inside the F. Marie Hall Academic Building, are available to the public for meetings and other events.

Open House guests are invited to join Midland College faculty in Amistad Atrium for refreshments. Also located in Amistad Atrium, are MC Cosmetology students who are offering complimentary face painting for children of all ages.

White House Summit on Community College

On October 5, 2010 (that's TOMORROW) Dr. Jill Biden will chair the first-ever White House Summit on Community Colleges. President Obama asked Dr. Biden to convene this event to highlight the critical role that community colleges play in developing America’s workforce and reaching our educational goals. Your College will be among those, nationwide, following developments in our nation's capital.

According to the official White House website, "the summit is an opportunity to bring together community colleges, business, philanthropy, federal and state policy leaders, and students to discuss how community colleges can help meet the job training and education needs of the nation’s evolving workforce, as well as the critical role these institutions play in achieving the President’s goal to lead the world with the highest proportion of college graduates by 2020."

Summit organizers go on to say, "we want Americans across the country to submit their thoughts, questions and challenges for discussion as part of the summit dialogue. There are a number of ways to participate:

• Submit a Video.  How has the community college experience affected your life? Please let us know by submitting your stories via YouTube or our webform.
• Join the Dialogue.  We’ve set up an online dialogue to bring together community college administrators, students and stakeholders from around the country to discuss these ideas.
• Plan an Event.  You can host a group or watch the live webcast of the plenary session of the summit on October 5.  Much of the day’s content will be available online here at whitehouse.gov, and it will be a unique opportunity to be a part of this important and ongoing discussion." ( Download a toolkit for hosting an event )

In closing, they note, "community colleges are the largest part of America’s higher education system enrolling more than 8 million students each year. Last year, President Obama proposed the American Graduation Initiative to usher in a series of new innovations and reforms to expand and strengthen opportunities at America’s community colleges."

Related Posts from whitehouse.gov ...

Community Colleges: The Backbone of Our Public Workforce System , by Jane Oates, Assistant Secretary for the Employment and Training Administration at the Department of Labor

Getting Ready For Summit Day , by Dr. Jill Biden

Looking at the Summit on Community Colleges, as an Educator and a Mother , by Jennifer Lara, a Professor of Education at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, MD

What's One Life Worth?

A lot of time and effort has gone into developing the National Save A Life Tour, and scheduling it's stop in the Tall City, today ... we think it's time and effort well spent.

The National Save A Life Tour is an event that has been praised by thousands. “Every school should require this education,” said one visitor to an earlier stop on the tour. “Your tour made me think twice before driving home that night,” said another.

The tour is coming to Midland College on Monday, October 4 (TODAY) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center. The event is FREE, and the public is invited to attend.



"The Save a Life Tour is a hard-hitting, eye-opening, in-your-face experience with the reality of drunk driving and underage drinking," said Stephanie VanCuren, MC's Student Activities Coordinator. "Presenters will give students a first-hand account of losing someone to drunk driving, as well as the affects of underage drinking. Students will also have an opportunity to 'drive' a simulator allowing classmates to see them losing control of a vehicle due to the deceptive judgment and delayed reaction time of virtual alcohol impairment.

Also attending the event are Stop DWI and B.U.S.T. (Buckle Up and Stop Texting). Stop DWI will bring SIDnE, a simulated, impaired-driving go-cart. Stop DWI will also have games to show students the affects of distracted driving.

According to Van Curen, Jeanne Brown, of B.U.S.T., will tell students her story of losing her 18-year-old daughter to texting while driving. Mrs. Brown travels nation-wide with her daughter's crumpled pickup showing young adults what can happen when you text and drive.

There will be two hour-long presentations - 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. (Simulators and activities will be available during the breaks.) Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for only $5 per person!

"Having any alcohol in one’s body increases the chance of crashing five times," Van Curen noted. "This may be the one event that saves a life."