Photo Album: MC Music Department presents Student Ensembles Concert.

The Department of Music at Midland College presented its Ensembles Concert - featuring MC's Jazz Ensemble, Chap Choir, and Orchestra - this past Friday night in Wagner & Brown Auditorium, Allison Fine Arts Building.

CLICK HERE to enjoy a photo album from that evening

MC Chemistry Department to celebrate National Chemistry Week

By Rebecca Bell
Dean of Community Relations & Special Events

Saturday, October 27
2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Midland Park Mall (J. C. Penney Court)

It’s a big celebration of small things! Tomorrow, the Midland College Chemistry Department will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of National Chemistry Week by demonstrating the applications of nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology (sometimes shortened to "nanotech") is the manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally, nanotechnology works with materials, devices, and other structures with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometers.

Midland College Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Pat Nandakumar explained, “At tomorrow’s demonstration, we will be showing a video demonstrating the power of nanotechnology and will be demonstrating how chemical properties change when materials are made in “nano” size. Visitors to the exhibit will receive a newsletter explaining the importance of nanotech and how it has become a key technology for the future.”

Through its National Nanotechnology Initiative, the United States has invested $3.7 billion in nanotech research and its applications in medicine, electronics, biomaterials and energy production. Midland College faculty and students will be showing some of these applications as part of Saturday’s mall exhibit.

Midland College Volleyball Captures 2012 WJCAC Title, Top Seed in Region V-West Tournament

CLICK HERE for a photo album

By Forrest Allen
Midland College Athletic Director

After jumping out to a two set advantage, it appeared the Midland College Lady Chaparral volleyball teamwas poised to secure the 2012 WJCAC championship with relative ease. However the OC Lady Wranglers had other plans. Odessa College rose to the challenge and wrested control of the match by winning sets three and four, forcing the match to a fifth set. Midland College trailed for much of the fifth, but saw daylight when they rallied to tie the set at 11-11. The Lady Chaparrals emerged with the hard-fought, five game victory 3-2. Midland College 21-6 this season and 8-1 in the WJCAC, took the early match lead with scores of 27-25 and 25-22. Odessa then responded by posting scores of 25-19, 26-24, sending the match to a fifth and deciding game. Ultimately MC ended the match on a tip shot by Victoria Smith, an Odessa native, to win the final set 15-13. The loss dropped the Lady Wranglers to 17-13 overall and 5-2 in conference.

The win by the Lady Chaps was significant for a few reasons aside from area bragging rights. The win secured the 2012 WJCAC title, the third consecutive for Midland College. It gave MC the top seed in next week's NJCAA Region V-West Tournament in Lubbock (Rip Griffin Center @ Lubbock Christian University) October 31-November 1. The win also served as revenge for a five set loss to OC back on October 19th in the final match of the Midland College Volleyball Classic.

MC will receive a first-round bye and will open play in the 2012 NJCAA Region V-West Tournament on Thursday, November 1st in a 10:00 a.m. match. A Lady Chap win in the 10:00 a.m. match will land MC in the tournament's 4:00 p.m. finals also on Thursday.

Midland College won the 2010 Region V-West Champion and finished as the runner-up in 2011. This year's Region V-West Tournament will involve a six-team field for the first time ever. The second place team in the final WJCAC standings, will also receive a first round bye.

Midland College was led, in Wednesday's MMA grudge fight, by a record setting performance by freshman setter Kristina Gafford. Gafford chalked up an astonishing 55 assists in the contest. Gafford broke the record, previously held by former MC player Sawyer Schaedig.

Freshman middle blocker Gaby Nieto led all players with 18 kills to pace the Lady Chaps. She was followed by Naomi Posada with 12, Smith's 11 and Dragana Cvoric's 10. Defensively MC saw several solid performances including 15 digs by Cvoric, 12 digs apiece by Gafford and Marina Salazar and ten digs by Sarah Allen.

Congratulations to MC coaches Tammie Jimenez and Darren Taylor and to the Lady Chaps on their 2012 WJCAC Championship.

Next Match: New Mexico Military Institute @ Midland College, Saturday, October 27th @ 2:00 p.m. The match will be the final home match for sophomores Victoria Smith and Dragana Cvoric. Smith and Cvoric will be honored prior to the start of Saturday's match.

Local foundations help fund student leadership training

Members of the 2012-2013 MC Students in Philanthropy club with trustees from the Abell-Hanger Foundation and the Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust

By Rebecca Bell
Dean of Community Relations & Special Events

Many Midland College student organizations believe in “giving back” to the Midland community, and the MC Students in Philanthropy (SIP) club is certainly no exception to this rule. Through dedicated fundraising efforts and the generosity of two local foundations that sponsor this organization, MC students are able to improve the quality of life for many Midlanders.

The club’s main objective is for members to learn about the importance of philanthropy and the role of nonprofit organizations in the community. Each year, SIP students raise funds through various means—one of which is the annual Holiday Evening Frito Pie Supper scheduled for December 6. Proceeds from these fundraising projects are then used to award grants to local nonprofit agencies. By doing so, the students gain leadership and stewardship training through a structured program designed to educate, support and promote philanthropic leadership in the community.

Up to 20 students are selected each year during an intensive application and interview process led by the club’s sponsor Julia Vickery, MC coordinator of student development. These students then participate in the program activities for a full academic year and attend weekly meetings designed to enhance their knowledge of the nonprofit and philanthropic communities.

Michael McCarver lights candles during MC Student in Philanthropy Commissioning Ceremony

On Thursday evening, October 11, SIP members observed their annual commissioning ceremony. The purpose of the ceremony is for the SIP members to formalize their commitment to their sponsoring organizations, Abell-Hanger Foundation and Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust, and to each other. It is also an expression of their appreciation to these foundations, a demonstration of how seriously they take their stewardship and the commitment to the “call of their heart.”

SIP Students and Abell-Hanger Foundation staff.  Pictured from left to right are Sarah Eaton, Hannah Eaton, Abell-Hanger Foundation SIP Coordinator Suzanne Thomas, Tyler Fincher and Allison Brown

Both the Abell-Hanger Foundation and the Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust contribute funds for SIP club operations at Midland College, Odessa College The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, and Midland County and Ector County public high schools. In addition, the two sponsoring foundations match the proceeds from student fundraising efforts. SIP members use these funds to award grants to local nonprofit agencies. Last year, the MC Students in Philanthropy club raised $8,000. This represented the largest amount raised by any SIP club ever! Abell-Hanger Foundation and Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust matched the funds with $10,000, which meant that 11 nonprofit agencies benefitted from $18,000 worth of grants!

MC Volleyball Wins Tough Match at WTC, Faces Lady Wranglers

By Forrest Allen
Midland College Athletic Director

Coach Tammie Jimenez felt strongly that the Midland College Lady Chaparral volleyball team's match at Western Texas College would be a five set contest. In fact, she expressed that very sentiment in a local newspaper interview prior to last Saturday's match against the Lady Westerners in Snyder. Entering the match Midland College had won four consecutive matches, including two straight in the WJCAC. That conference win streak included a five set thriller against WTC, in Midland on October 10th.

Midland College (20-6, 7-1) came out in impressive fashion in the first two sets versus Western Texas (19-7, 4-4). The Lady Chaps were dominant in the first (25-18) and strong throughout the second set (25-21) to spurt to a two games to none lead in the match. In the third and fourth sets, the Lady Westerners showed a determination and fortitude that eroded Midland's two set lead. WTC won the third by a score of 25-18 and fourth, 25-20, to level the match at two game apiece. In the fifth MC jumped out to an early lead and reasserted themselves to close out the match 15-12.

The Lady Chaps are currently alone in first place in the conference standings, 1.5 matches ahead of second place Odessa College. The Lady Chaparrals will travel to Odessa on Wednesday, October 24th for a 7:00 p.m. match with the Lady Wranglers. A Midland College victory will cement the 2012 WJCAC title (third consecutive), and more importantly, will give the Lady Chap's the #1 seed in next week's NJCAA Region V Tournament (October 31-November 1) in Lubbock, TX at the Rip Griffin Center located on the campus of Lubbock Christian University.

MC was led by the freshman tandem of Raiza Kochhann and Gaby Nieto who recorded 16 and 14 kills respectively. Lady Chap sophomore Victoria Smith also contributed seven kills in the contest. Freshman setter Kristina Gafford led everyone with 44 assists, while sophomore mainstay Dragana Cvoric chipped in 11 digs to lead the Lady Chaps in that category. Cvoric was followed by Sarah Allen, Marina Salazar and Gafford who each recorded eight digs. As a team, the Lady Chaps blocked a total of 15 WTC attacks, led by Nieto's five (two solo, six assists).

Next Matches: Wednesday, October 24 @ 7:00 p.m. Midland College @ Odessa College at the OC Sports Center; Saturday, October 27 @ 2:00 p.m. New Mexico Military Institute @ Midland College (Sophomore Day) at the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center.

Let's get frenzied!

The Lady Chap basketball team has once again hit the court running and preparing for the 2012-2013 season. The Lady Chaps look forward to the season and would like to ask for your support. Expectations are high and we are hoping that you will join us for the challenges and excitement that lie ahead.

While the Lady Chap Basketball Program has enjoyed great success, this annual fundraising effort helps to enhance our program. It is not only the players and the coaches on the court, but people like YOU that make a difference. The Lady Chaps will be hosting the 10th Annual Free Throw Frenzy on Sunday, October 28th at 2:00 pm in the PE building. Funds raised will help the Lady Chap basketball program with its many financial needs they encounter throughout the season and in the future. Please consider sponsoring a Lady Chap and thank you for your support in advance.

The Free Throw Frenzy will be held in the P.E. building at Midland College. Each individual Lady Chap player will be shooting a total of 100 free throws. Now here’s your challenge…you may make a pledge toward every made free throw that the player completes out of 100 attempts.  Please complete and return the form below right away!!!!! If you happen to miss the date and/or cannot attend the Free Throw Frenzy, we welcome any donation you would like to offer!

Donation form available at http://www.midland.edu/docs/events/freethrowfrenzy.pdf 

For questions contact:
Ginger Gatliff, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach
(432) 685-6469ggatliff@midland.edu

Mmmmmmmm .... doughnuts

By Pervis Evans
Upward Bound Director

Can't you just taste a sweet, warm, fresh Krispy Kreme doughnut melting in your mouth? The Upward Bound Parent Coalition wants to satisfy your sweet tooth and "raise some dough" for student activities by selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts!

If you would like to place an order, they are $8.00 a dozen (glazed only). You will need to pay at the Upward Bound Office (Portable building #5, behind the PE Building) by Friday, October 26, 2012.

The freshly baked doughnuts will be ready for pick up from the same location (UB Office) at 8:00 am, Thursday, November 1, 2012.

Feel free to reply ( 432-686-4221 or pevans@midland.edu )if you plan to come by and place an order.

Thank you!

WFCE October 2012 Lunchtime Learning sessions continue with ...

The 2012 Lunchtime Learning series at Midland College Workforce Continuing Education  continues with:

"IMPROVING MOTIVATION"

This session provides a brief overview of how you can keep yourself motivated even during the most mundane office activities and inspire motivation in those around you. The session discusses the following topics: what is motivation; is it motivation or training you need; techniques for motivating those around you; developing a motivational plan for yourself and your office.


Wednesday, October 24, 2012
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
ATC 140
Pricing: ONLY $29!
REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR LUNCH !

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or you would like to register for this session!　

Daniel L. Johnson, Marketing Representative
Workforce Continuing Education, Midland College
djohnson@midland.edu
www.midland.edu/workforce
Office (432)681-6330

Lady Chaps Win Five Set Thriller, Assume First Place in WJCAC

By Forrest Allen
Midland College Athletic Director

The match between the Midland College Lady Chaparral volleyball team and Western Texas College match featured the two top teams in the WJCAC. Each entered the contest with 4-1 records in conference and each knew a win would send a strong message to the rest of the league. When the dust settled the home Midland College Lady Chaps got the victory in a five set thriller that was not a match for the faint of heart.

MC 18-6 this season, including 5-1 in the conference portion of the season, survived the slugfest and in the process dropped the Lady Westerners to 19-5 and 4-2. Scores from the contest were 19-25, 25-20, 14-25, 26-24, 15-13 (3-2). The win moved the Lady Chaparrals to the top of the WJCAC standings a full game ahead of WTC.

Midland College received strong offensive performances from sophomore outside hitter, Dragana Cvoric who led the Lady Chaps with 14 kills. She was followed by teammates Gab Nieto, Naomi Posada and Raiza Kochhann who recorded 13, 10 and 10 kills respectively. Midland's Kristina Gafford posted an impressive 44 assists and seven digs in the contest. Defensively MC's Sarah Allen led the Lady Chaps with 14 digs and three service aces. Allen's three aces led both teams. Cvoric, Posada and Marina Salazar chipped in with 13, 12 and 10 digs in that order. The Lady Chaps recorded 96 service receptions with only 5 errors, 64 digs and 9 total blocks.

Next Match: Wednesday, October 17 @ 7:00 p.m. Frank Phillips College @ Midland College (Lady Chap Breast Cancer Awareness Night). Everyone is encouraged to wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

Your College is teaching healthcare through real-world applications

By Rebecca Bell
Dean of Community Relations & Special Events

When the F. Marie Hall SimLife Center at Midland College was built in spring 2012, it was seen as a collaborative learning environment for Midland College students, Texas Tech University Health Sciences students and Midland Memorial Hospital employees; however, other groups—from those who are just beginning to think about a career in healthcare to those who are currently practitioners—are also participating in classes at the Center.

On Thursday, July 26, Permian Basin high school students participated in various medical training scenarios at the center, including a simulated exercise involving a patient having a seizure. The high school program entitled Youth Health Services Corps is a partnership between the Area Health Education Consortium and Midland Memorial Hospital. Students have an opportunity to attend extracurricular classes, seminars and workshops, as well as shadow healthcare professionals.

During the simulation exercise, Center Director Lea Keesee programmed one of the Center’s sophisticated manikins to exhibit neurological symptoms, and the high school students made bedside observations and reported the symptoms to Keesee and Kim Kincaid, executive secretary of PCS Administration for Midland Memorial Hospital. After going through the exercise, students were given the opportunity to “debrief” with Keesee in one of the Center’s conference areas.

AeroCare flight paramedic Joe Harper (left) and AeroCare flight nurse Rick Moore (right) assess adult medical patient during simulation exercise at the F. Marie Hall SimLife Center at Midland College.

“This was really awesome!” said 15-year-old Amanda Bell, a sophomore at Greenwood High School. “The manikin patients were so life-like—their eyes blinked, they breathed, and they spoke to us about how they were feeling. One of our manikin patients even started to shake his left hand and arm when he was seizing. Going through the simulated exercise helped me realize the importance of making sound assessments. I think this experience will help me properly react when I am put in similar situations in real life. My goal is to be a medical doctor, so this was a great learning experience for me.”

Youth Health Services Corps:  Standing from left to right are Youth Health Services Corps students and mentors:  Yara Carrasco, Midland High School 12th-grader; Alexandra Rodriguez, Odessa High School 10th-grader; Amanda Bell, Greenwood High School 10th-grader; Kim Kincaid, Midland Memorial Hospital executive secretary of PCS Administration; and Lea Keesee, director of the F. Marie Hall SimLife Center at Midland College

More recently, on October 8 and 9, nurses and paramedics employed by AeroCare Air Ambulance Service were at the facility for healthcare training relating to air transportation. AeroCare is a nationally recognized and accredited provider of worldwide air ambulance and medevac services. The organizatiohn’a air medical transport services also include commercial flight nurse escorts throughout the world.

Keesee said, “We were delighted to have AeroCare use our facilities for this training. The sophisticated manikins and equipment will enable the nurses to get hands-on training in a simulated environment that is as close as you can get to the ‘real thing.’”

The AeroCare training consisted of several scenarios, such as a pediatric burn case, where a manikin was programmed to simulate a 2-year-old child who had third-degree burns to both legs, his left arm and face. Working in the center’s computerized control room, Keesee manipulated the vital signs of the manikin so that AeroCare nurses and paramedics could intubate the manikin and administer drugs for transporting to the hospital.

Rick Moore, flight nurse, from left, Kenneth Hawley, EMT and flight paramedic, and Joe Harper, EMT flight paramedic, perform intubation on manikin designed to simulate pediatric burn patient.

Another simulation exercise was taken from a real-life situation that AeroCare had encountered in Big Bend National Park several years ago. The adult patient was suffering from heart abnormalities. Keesee programmed the manikin’s vital signs, and AeroCare administrators were in the control room speaking through a microphone as if they were the patient. Paramedics and nurses assessed the patient and successfully prepared the manikin for air transport.

From left, Dannie Chandler, technician, and Lea Keesee, center director, manipulate manikin vital signs in one of the high-tech control rooms of the F. Marie Hall SimLife Center at Midland College.

This was not the first time for some of the AeroCare employees to be in the building. Before being renovated into the state-of-the-art SimLife Center last spring, the building housed Midland College’s registered nurse and EMT/paramedic classrooms and labs. AeroCare flight nurse Rick Moore, RN, BSN, started his medical training at Midland College in the same building. He later received his bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Tech, and is now working on a master’s degree from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. Gary Valeriano, AeroCare program director, said he took paramedic classes in the building.

Both Moore and Valeriano agreed that the high tech transformation of the building was truly amazing.

Moore said, “Having these simulated exercises is great practice. We can see how patients react in a controlled environment, and that makes us much better practitioners.”

Lady Chap Volleyball to Host Breast Cancer Awareness Event

By Forrest Allen
Midland College Athletic Director

The Midland College Lady Chaparral volleyball team will observe their annual Breast Cancer Awareness event on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 just prior to their 7:00 p.m. match against Frank Phillips College. This will be the fifth consecutive year the Lady Chaps have worked to bring attention to the scourge that is breast cancer.

Facts related to the disease include:

* Someone, including men and women and young women as young as 20, being diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes.
* Every 14 minutes, a life is lost to the disease.
* Out of the expected 40,000 breast cancer deaths that will occur in 2012, 400 of them will be men.
* 85% of all diagnoses have no family history.
* Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40-55.

All female members of Midland College's three sports teams (volleyball, basketball and softball) as well as the cheerleading team, will be present at the match and will be wearing specially designed Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirts. We're asking our fans and supporters to wear pink in support of the evening's activities.

Former Midland College Volleyballers Return for Alumnae Match

CLICK HERE for a photo album accompanying this story

By Forrest Allen
Midland College Athletic Director

For the third consecutive year, former members of the Midland College Lady Chaparral volleyball team returned to the Midland and the familiar surroundings of the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center. This year 15 former team members comprised two teams affectionately called "Team Green" and "Team Gold" to square off for a friendly yet competitive contest of wills and bragging rights. Also joining the night's festivities was former head coach Kimberly (Boone) Weaver. Weaver is currently the head coach at Liberty Christian School in the DFW area and coached the team from 2007-2010 (four seasons).

2012 is the 10th anniversary of the program which was created after Midland College dropped their highly successful women's golf program. The roster of Alumnae game participants included players from the inaugural team in 2002. From that first-ever team in '02 was Tori Perkins. Perkins will forever be known as the first volleyball athlete to sign with the Lady Chap program. Other returning players were Jamie Thomas (2003), Jessica Martinez (2004), Tiffany (Edwards) Jack, Holli Reyna and Taryn (Rogers) Parker each of whom ended their MC careers in 2006. Additionally there was Nikki (Stokes) Springer (2007), Brianna (Ausdenmoore) Tunnell (2008). Rounding out the returnees are Karen Compton, Samantha Salazar, Kristen Beck and Sarah Otwell (2009), Callie Stewart (2010) as well as Sarah Sawyer and Trinity Walker of the 2011 team.

Interestingly six of the 14 players are currently coaching on the club, high school or college levels. Reyna (MC 2004-2006) is the currently coach at fellow Western Junior College Athletic Conference member school, Clarendon College. She is in her first season at Clarendon.

Opening Reception for MAA Fall Juried Art Exhibition at MC

 

The Midland Arts Association and Midland College present the 35th Annual Fall Juried Art Exhibition

October 12 – November 16, 2012
McCormick Gallery · Allison Fine Arts Building
Midland College

An opening reception for the exhibit takes place Friday, October 12, at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

This year's juror is Tina Fuentes, Associate Professor of Art at Texas Tech University. Awards Cash awards totaling at least $4,000 will be presented at the juror's designation.

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Born in 1949 in San Angelo and raised in Odessa, Texas, Tina Fuentes earned B.F.A. and M.F.A degrees at North Texas State University in Denton, Texas where she trained in painting, drawing and printmaking. Much of her teaching experience has been teaching art within the Texas Public Schools, Waco Art Center, University of Albuquerque, and the University of New Mexico. Presently she is Professor within the School of Art at Texas Tech University and is serving as Director. She has numerous one woman, group, museum and gallery exhibitions to her credit from throughout the U.S. and particularly Texas and New Mexico. She has participated extensively as an exhibition juror and has served as a member of the Visual Arts Panel’s of the New Mexico Arts Division and the Texas Commission on the Arts. She has also served as juror and board member of the Albuquerque Arts Board, 1% for Art Program. She has served as grants reviewer for the Lubbock arts Alliance, served as member of the Texas Tech Museum Acquisition Sub-Committee, served on the University Public Arts Committee and serves on several committee’s for the School of Art. Davis & Cline Gallery, Ashland, OR, presently represents her work. Tina Fuentes maintains a studio in Lubbock, Texas.

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The purpose of MAA, as stated in the by-laws, includes : to encourage a community of interest between professional and lay people in all forms of art; to widen the scope of potential experience in art by sponsoring art events; to offer artists opportunities to display their work and to offer the public a means of witnessing what is being done; to encourage amateur artists and to create an atmosphere of coordinated effort between the amateur and the professional; and to promote other educational, charitable, civic and educational objectives.

MC Chap Basketball Spends Afternoon at Boys and Girls Club

CLICK HERE for a photo album accompanying this story

By Forrest Allen
Midland College Athletic Director

After 90 minutes of work with the children of the Boys and Girls Club of Midland, the Midland College Chaparral basketball team showed their hearts and a sense of community. The only thing that remained unclear is who got the most enjoyment out of the day's activities.

This project was the inspiration of Katie Singleton of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Inc. of Midland. Singleton initially contacted the Chaps with the idea of a fun afternoon for the kids who regularly attend the Boys and Girls Club each afternoon following the conclusion of their school day. The final product was a combination of basketball skill instruction, and exhibition of athleticism and command of the finer points of the game as well as a healthy dose of fun.

Midland College head coach Chris Craig, assistant Jeff Mailhot and the entire 16-man roster traveled to the Boys and Girls Club following their afternoon practice. The team arrived, as scheduled, at 5:30 p.m. to see 40 highly charged and enthusiastic campers. The activities ended at approximately 6:50 p.m. and in-between the Chaparrals performed a few basketball drills, gave instructional tips to the kids and finished up with a thrilling slam dunk contest and autograph session.

As the team left the Boys Club one unidentified camp participant could be overheard saying to the Chaps, "Thank you so much for coming to play with us!"

Scientific research — not just for graduate students

By Rebecca Bell
Dean of Community Relations & Special Events

Scientific research is usually regarded as a function of graduate institutions of higher education. Occasionally major universities have research projects being performed by undergraduate students. One certainly does not associate research projects with community colleges; however, Twenty-eight-year-old Justin Hunt explained, “I was always interested in science. I grew up in Abilene and graduated from Abilene High School. When the opportunity presented itself to move to Midland and attend Midland College, I immediately took advantage of the excellent opportunities that MC’s science program offers.”

On Friday and Saturday, October 5 and 6, Hunt was joined by more than 140 fellow undergraduate science enthusiasts at the Midland College Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) Conference. Thirteen West Texas and New Mexico universities and community colleges were represented at the two-day conference. Hunt, who graduated from Midland College in May 2012, is continuing his studies at Texas Tech University and majoring in cell and molecular biology. His goal is to become a pediatrician. During the two years that Hunt attended MC, he worked with Biology Professor Dr. Paul Mangum in a DNA comparison project.

Like Hunt, 33-year-old Benjamyn Ortiz, is also performing genetics research under the tutelage of Dr. Mangum. During the STEM Conference, Ortiz presented the results of his project entitled “Analysis of the PMCT118 VNTR Allele Frequency.”

“My interests lie in population genetics and virology,” explained Ortiz. “My Midland College research involves DNA testing of various people to explore similar genetic traits among several ethnicities.”

Ortiz, who was working in the retail industry before moving to Midland about two years ago, said that he plans to remain in Midland and take classes through Sul Ross State University (SRSU) when he graduates with his associate degree from MC. The MC/SRSU Science Initiative allows for SRSU students to remain on the MC campus and take courses via computer and video conferencing. Hands-on SRSU science labs are taught by MC faculty.

Both Hunt and Ortiz are not traditional college students in that they are a few years older than the average community college attendee. However, the men said that they have found their niche in scientific research and are glad to have started their genetics analyses with Dr. Mangum. Both explained that Professor Mangum helped them to appreciate science and explore career opportunities in the field. Mangum is leading another genetics-based research project, which is being funded in part by the Midland-based Yarborough Foundation. The research focuses on modifying the procedure for PTC DNA fingerprinting from 24 hours to 2 hours. PTC is a substance that tastes bitter to some people, while others do not taste it at all. By using DNA fingerprinting to identify and evaluate the genetic information of a person’s cells, MC research students are able to predict whether the test subject can or cannot taste PTC. The efforts of the student research will hopefully reduce the procedure time so that a traveling demonstration kit can be developed for use in MC’s community outreach program.

In addition to Dr. Mangum’s genetics project, the Yarborough Foundation is also helping to fund MC research that will have a direct impact on the Permian Basin environment. Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Miranda Poage and her research students are attempting to identify microbes capable of degrading hydrocarbons in soil found in the Permian Basin. The genomes of these microbes will be analyzed in hopes that they can be used to remediate soil contaminated by petrochemical activity.

During a recent interview with the Midland Reporter-Telegram, MC Dean of Math and Natural Science Dr. Margaret Wade explained, “[Research] is a fairly new emphasis for us, and I owe so much credit to the faculty. They are solid in their teaching and then they research and serve as faculty mentors for the students. They truly are phenomenal, and Midland College is so fortunate to have such dedicated and caring professionals!”

Flight nurse training exercise at Midland College

By Rebecca Bell
Dean of Community Relations & Special Events

When the F. Marie Hall SimLife Center at Midland College was built in spring 2012, it was seen as a collaborative learning environment for Midland College students, Texas Tech University Health Sciences students and Midland Memorial Hospital employees; however, other healthcare organizations are also using the center for simulated medical training.

Today and tomorrow, nurses employed by AeroCare Air Ambulance Service will be at the facility for healthcare training relating to air transportation. AeroCare is a nationally recognized and accredited provider of worldwide air ambulance and medevac services. AeroCare’s air medical transport services also include commercial flight nurse escorts throughout the world.

Lea Keesee, director of the simulation center, said, “We are delighted to have AeroCare use our facilities for this training. The sophisticated manikins and equipment will enable the nurses to get hands-on training in a simulated environment that is as close as you can get to the ‘real thing.’”

Bobby Sanchez and Gary Valeriano with AeroCare explained that at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 9, the nurses will be in flight suits going through an exercise that is designed to duplicate flight training healthcare in every way possible.

Lady Chaps Fall to 15-6, 4-1 in the WJCAC

By Forrest Allen
Midland College Athletic Director

The Midland College Lady Chaparral volleyball team suffered their first conference loss of 2012 following a 25-22, 25-21, 23-25, 22-25, 8-15 (3-2) defeat at the hands of the Clarendon College Bulldogs. Midland College, 15-6 overall and 4-1 in the WJCAC, are currently tied for the conference lead with Western Texas College. The loss to Clarendon saw the Lady Chaps suffer their second consecutive defeat after losing to Odessa College in the final match of the Midland College Invitational (September 28-29), which ended the Lady Chaps' seven match win streak dating back to August 12th.

The Lady Chaps return home on Wednesday, October 10th @ 7:00 p.m. in a critical match versus conference co-leader Western Texas College of Snyder.

An awesome 'wrap' to a busy week at Your College

Remember that busy week I was anticipating LAST Friday? Well we've had it ... er ... I mean, we're HAVING it! Activities this weekend include a regional STEM conference, student club meetings, athletics, community outreach and so much more ... wrapping-up tomorrow night with a performance by the National Circus of the People's Republic of China, coming to MC as part of the Phyllis & Bob Cowan Performing Arts Series. More on events at Your College, at http://www.facebook.com/MidlandCollege/events

A touch of pink ...

Hearing from J. Michael Fields, Director of the Cosmetology Program here, at Midland College ... "We are offering a small temporary pink hair extension for a $5.00 donation to breast cancer awareness. Call 685-6721 to schedule an appointment."

This has become a popular annual activity for raising funds for, and awareness of, breast cancer. Here is a shot from last year's activity ...

UT-Austin, College of Fine Arts rep's to visit Midland

By Tim Jebsen
MC Drama

The University of Texas at Austin College of Fine Arts and the Department of Theatre and Dance invite you to meet Dr. Brant Pope, Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance; and Karoline Liu, College of Fine Arts Director of Recruitment and Admissions.

Monday, October 8, 2012
Midland Community Theatre
2000 West Wadley (across the bridge from MC Campus, behind the chapel)
4PM-5PM

If you have students who might be interested in transferring to the University of Texas (Austin) in any of the Fine Arts, this meeting will be helpful. Please pass this information along to those who might be interested - thank you.

A death in the family ...

We extend our sympathy to the family of Dr. John Martinez, former counselor with the MC Business & Economic Development Center. John passed away Monday afternoon. He is survived by his wife Corine and two sons John Michael and Javier. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 4, at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 4601 Neely Avenue, Midland, Texas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chaparral Circle Endowment Fund, c/o the Midland College Foundation and sent to Rita Ramirez in the Pevehouse Adminsitration Building, or they can be made online at https://www.midland.edu/foundation/how/gift/

LATEST UPDATE: ATC Situation

LATEST UPDATE: ATC Situation
Tuesday, October 2, 2012, 3:43 p.m.

The Midland College Advanced Technology Center (ATC) located at 3200 W. Cuthbert will re-open at 5:00 p.m. today. ATC evening classes and tomorrow's classes and events will resume as scheduled.

This morning's potentially dangerous situation has been averted. However, as a precaution, the only access to the ATC will be through the main front doors for the remainder of the week.

As required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the MC Police have issued the following statement:

Midland College Police Department
3600 N. Garfield
Midland, TX. 79705
Office 432-685-4734 Fax 432-685-4998

Midland College Police Department Timely Warning
October 2, 2012

On 10-02-2012 a female MISD student was threatened by a person known to her.

As a precaution, the Midland College Advanced Technology Center (ATC) was placed on Lock Down.

A warrant has been issued for the suspect’s arrest; however, at this time the suspect remains at large.

Access to the ATC will be limited to the front doors for the remainder of the week; otherwise activities at the ATC should be unaffected.

Normal schedule will resume 10-02-2012 at 5:00 p.m.

MC police encourage everyone to report any suspicious activity to the Midland College Police Department at 432-685-4734

_________________

From Dr. Ryder Warren, MISD Superintendent
Tuesday, October 2, 2012, 1:48 p.m.
By Rebecca Bell
Dean, Community Relations & Special Events

The Midland College Advanced Technology Center (3200 W. Cuthbert) will remain closed until further notice. Dr. Ryder Warren, Midland ISD Superintendent, has released the following statement:

"This morning, a Coleman High School student received a perceived threatening text message from an adult acquaintance. Because of the content of the message, we made the decision to place Coleman HS in lockdown. Also, this student attends classes in the afternoon at our Advanced Technology Center (ATC), so we worked with administrators at Midland College and also placed it in a lockdown situation."

"I want to hold up the efforts of our staff members at Coleman, as well as the staff at ATC for acting professionally today to make sure our kids remained safe. I also want to recognize the efforts of Midland ISD's PD, Midland PD, and Midland College PD - they all worked together today to support our campuses and our children."

"We are going to maintain security at both campuses throughout the day."

Honoring veterans in the MC family ...

No surprise, really, that there are many veterans of the United States Armed Forces among the students, faculty and staff at Your College. But while we may not be surprised, we ARE appreciative of them and their service.

Midland College is hosting a ceremony to recognize MC students who served in the military. We are honoring their service, patriotism, committment, and dedication. We will share stories, fellowship, and provide cake and refreshments. We want to extend our appreciation to MC's military community and pay homage to Veteran's Day.

Thursday, November 08, 2012
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Club Rooom, Dorothy & Clarence Scharbauer, Jr. Student Center

The event will also be open to all faculty/staff. Some military related services in the community will also be invited.

For more information, please contact Deborah Hamilton, MC's VA Coordinator, at (432) 685-4511, or dhamilton@midland.edu

Rain Delay - 09/28/12

There has been rain in Midland overnight - LOTs of it - and it's continuing this morning ... MIDLAND COLLEGE IS ON DELAYED START TODAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28. All Midland locations are closed until 10:00 a.m. due to extreme high water. Please take care and take your time on the streets today!

A visitor from Howard College?

From MC Athletic Director Forrest Allen ..."The photo shows a hawk in a tree in front of the MC campus. The hawk swooped down and picked up a squirrel and flew with it up into the tree and rested it on the branches of the tree."

 

 

MC Lady Chap Volleyball to host invitational tournament

Midland College Invitational
September 28-29, 2012
Al G. Kangford Chaparral Center, Midland College, Midland, Texas

ADMISSION
Friday Only: Adults $5.00, non-MC Students/Seniors (65+), Free with current MC student or employee ID
Saturday Only: Adults $5.00, non-MC Students/Seniors (65+), Free with current MC student or employee ID

SPECIAL NOTE
Third Annual Midland College Lady Chap Volleyball Alumnae Match will be played on Saturday, September 29th @ 7:00 p.m.

TEAMS
Midland College
Odessa College
Colby Community College
St. Louis Community College
University of Chihuahua

SCHEDULE

Friday, September 28, 2012
Chaparral Center, Midland College

11:00   St. Louis Community College vs. Odessa College
  1:00   University of Chihuahua vs. Colby Community College
  3:00   St. Louis Community College vs. Midland College
  5:00   University of Chihuahua vs. Odessa College
  7:00   Colby Community College vs. Midland College
 
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Chaparral Center, Midland College  

  9:00   St. Louis Community College vs. University of Chihuahua
11:00   Colby Community College vs. St. Louis Community College
  1:00   University of Chihuahua vs. Midland College
  3:00   Colby Community College vs. Odessa College
  5:00   Odessa College vs. Midland College

ALL MATCHES WILL BE THREE OUT OF FIVE SETS. WE WILL PLAY RALLY SCORE TO 25, WITH THE DECIDING SET BEING PLAYED TO 15.

CONTACT

Forrest Allen, MC Athletic Director/Sports Information
(432) 685-6436
fallen@midland.edu

DREAMers Workshops at Midland College

By Liz Zenteno, Associate Director
MC Cogdell Learning Center

Midland College Cogdell Learning Center is hosting two workshops to provide information about recent changes in immigration guidelines for undocumented individuals attending or interested in attending college. This event is being coordinated by Alfredo Chaparro, and speakers include MC employees and board certified immigration and nationality lawyers.

Thursday September 27th from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ~ for program, schools and agency reps and community members who provide services or information to undocument...ed individuals or their families.

Saturday October 6th from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. ~ for individuals/students/families interested in access to higher education.

Both sessions will take place at the Cogdell Learning Center lecture hall, located at 201 W. Florida. For more information, please call Alfredo Chaparro 559-1372 or me at 684-4518/413-2916.

All interested individuals are welcome at either session. Please help us spread the word by passing this information along to students and others in the community who may benefit.

CLICK HERE for more information about the workshops.

"Reach Out and Read" at Your College

The Texas Tech Physician Assistant class of 2014 at Midland College is hosting a book drive, and has partnered with the organization Reach Out and Read to make an impact in the Midland community.

They will be collecting books through October 12th, and collection boxes can be found near the Student Life office, in the Dorothy & Clarence Scharbauer, Jr. Student Center, and in the lobby of the Murray L. Fasken Learning Resource Center (library), both on the MC Main Campus.

They are specifically needing books for age range of 5 months to 6 years. All donated books will go towards combating illiteracy right here in Midland. A local Midland medical clinic will be recieving the books. Staff at this facility understand the goals of Reach Out and Read and are committed to fulfililng the parameters set forth by the organization.

More information about the program, and its mission is available at the Reach Out and Read website .

Reminder from the MC Police Department

By Richard McKee, Chief of Police
Midland College Police Department

In the past 2 weeks MC Police have investigated 3 vehicle burglaries that occurred on the main campus. In all cases the vehicle was either left unlocked or a window was left open. At this time no suspect has been identified.

Just a reminder, please secure your vehicle and make sure there are no items of value in sight. If you see any suspicious activity please report it to MC Police immediately at 685-4734.

CLICK HERE for additional crime prevention tips from the Midland College Police Department.

Community Programs CE offering entertainment industry courses at Your College

Brenda Cordero, Associate Director of Community Programs Continuing Education at Midland College, reports, "We have partnered with Faith in Dreams Edutainment in providing entertainment industry courses. The TV Screenwriting, Makeup, Producing, Film Screenwriting, Casting, and Fashion Stylist courses are all 100% online."

You may register for these courses online at https://www.midland.edu/cpce/registration  or by calling Community Programs Continuing Education at (432) 685-4518.

CLICK HERE for more information on the entertainment courses available through MC's Community Programs CE (Adobe .pdf file)

Watch the video below for more from Faith in Dreams Edutainment ...

A death in the family ...

The Midland College family is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Aline Collins, who recently retired in August, after 30+ years of service as an MC librarian. Aline had a brief illness due to cancer.

The Midland College flag is flying at half-staff.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 18, at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, 800 W. Texas Avenue, Midland, Texas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chaparral Circle Endowment Fund, c/o the Midland College Foundation and sent to Rita Ramirez in the Pevehouse Adminsitration Building, or they can be made online at https://www.midland.edu/foundation/how/gift/

Midland College announces the dedication of the David E. Daniel Residence Hall

By Lesley Isaacs

“Dr. David E. Daniel had an exceptional vision during his 17-year tenure as president of Midland College. His accomplishments affected not only the students, but also our quality of life in the Permian Basin,” said Spencer Beal, chair of the Midland College (MC) Foundation Investment Committee.

Beal recently led efforts for the MC Foundation in raising over $1.2 million for the Chaparral Circle Endowment Fund to recognize the accomplishments of retired MC President Dr. David Daniel. Now, the fundraising campaign will culminate in the dedication of the David E. Daniel Residence Hall, one of four student housing facilities on the MC campus.

Dedication of the David E. Daniel Residence Hall
Friday, September 14, 11:00 a.m.
Follow the directional signs to dedication location. Reception to be held immediately following dedication ceremony in Scharbauer Student Center's Carrasco Room

During Daniel’s tenure as MC President, the college saw a 50 percent increase in enrollment, a $41.8 million bond pass with 70 percent approval and the creation of a baccalaureate degree. (MC is one of only three community colleges in the state to offer such a degree.)

Other David Daniel accomplishments include the establishment of the Midland College Advanced Technology Center, which provides state-of-the-art computer and technical skills training to over 14,000 high school (MISD) students, college students and employees of Permian Basin businesses; the establishment of the Cogdell Learning Center serving South and East Midland; the creation of the Davidson Distinguished Lecture Series and the Phyllis & Bob Cowan Performing Arts Series; and various campus expansion projects including the Dorothy and Todd Aaron Medical Science Building, the Leona G. and John E. Fox Science Building, the F. Marie Hall Academic Building and the Dollye Neal Chapel. In addition, Daniel was instrumental in expanding facilities and in increasing enrollment in MC’s nursing and allied health programs.

Before he retired from Midland College in August of 2008, Daniel said, “I am proud of MC’s place among other community colleges, the development of which has helped to keep this nation at the top of civilization as we know it! People often say to me, ‘We’re so proud of our college.’ That sense of ownership means everything.” Midland College is still proud of the fact that it is Midland’s college. “Never has a college enjoyed such amazing community support as that given to Midland College,” noted current MC President Dr. Steve Thomas. “One would think that after 40 years, the ‘honeymoon’ would be over; however, the Midland community and Midland College continue to appreciate a mutually supportive relationship.”

Thomas continued, “It is very fitting that we dedicate one of our residence halls as a tribute to David Daniel who gave 17 years of service to Midland College and the Midland community! I am privileged to continue to lead MC in its tradition of excellence.”

About David E. Daniel
Dr. David E. Daniel retired as the third president of Midland College in August 2008, after 17 years. He came to Midland from Harrisburg, PA, where he served as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commission on Community Colleges and the Pennsylvania Federation of Community College Trustees.

He received his B.A. degree from Furman University, Greenville, SC; his M.Div. Degree from Colgate-Rochester Divinity Schools, Rochester, NY; and his Ed.D. in Community College Education from North Carolina State University.

In 1991-1992, Dr. Daniel was Chair of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the highest elected office among America’s community colleges. He was a member of the AACC Board from 1988-1993, and in 2005, Daniel was chosen by the AACC trustees as the Outstanding Chief Executive Officer for the Western Region. Daniel’s service to Texas higher education includes serving as president of the Texas Association of Community Colleges and as a member of the Texas Council of Workforce and Economic Competitiveness.

Dr. Daniel’s past board affiliations in the Midland community include the Petroleum Club, Midland Country Club, Midland Chamber of Commerce and FirstCapital Bank of Texas. In 2001, he was named Fundraiser of the Year by the Permian Basin Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and in 2005, he was given the Boy Scouts of America, Buffalo Trail Council’s “Distinguished Citizen Award.”

Dr. Daniel has authored and co-authored numerous publications, most of them about the role of the community college.