5/02/2002 • Issue #70

News & Views

BCC Hosts Visiting Groups
National and international educators flocked to campus last week to meet with administrators and get a closer look at several BCC programs. A delegation of 20 representatives from community colleges, a technology institute and a university in China visited in connection with a US-China Education Foundation project to promote educational exchange between the U.S. and China. BCC administrators presented sessions on workforce development, college transfer, international programs, and BCC’s Business and Professional Training Institute. Senior administrators and the president of Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina came to campus during a reciprocal visit last week to learn more about BCC programs. Last year, BCC staff learned about Piedmont’s best practices during a visit to Piedmont Community College. Group members were impressed with BCC’s collaborative governance structure and liberal arts and technology programs. A group of Ph.D. candidates from the University of Texas Community College Leadership Program, which prepares participants for administrative or presidential positions at community colleges, toured the NWCET and interviewed college leaders on topics including student services, pedagogy and employee relationships.

Alliance Expands IT Training Opportunities for Educators
The National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies Educator-to-Educator (E2E) IT Institute has joined forces with Microsoft and the American Association of Community Colleges to establish a Working Connections IT Faculty Development Institute. The new Institute, modeled after the successful Microsoft IT Institute held on the BCC campus for the last four years, will provide software training for information technology (IT) instructors at community and technical colleges across the country. The goal of the project, which was funded by a donation of $1.3 million cash and software from Microsoft, is to keep IT instructors updated with training in the most current software applications. This summer, intensive week-long training programs will be held in Washington and Texas, with a goal to expand similar training programs to all 50 states within the next five years. For more details, contact E2E Director Duncan Burgess at 564-4224 or via campus e-mail.

Community Raises Funds for Student Scholarships
Last month, over 250 friends of the college gathered at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bellevue to support the academic goals of BCC students. The annual “Opening the Door” fundraising luncheon, sponsored by the BCC Foundation, raised over $70,000 to fund scholarships and help students achieve their educational and professional goals. Eastside Journal columnist Patti Payne, BCC trustee Ruthann Kurose and several inspirational students spoke about the dramatic difference scholarships can make in reaching educational dreams. Last year, proceeds funded scholarships for merit and need, set up internship stipends for the Career Education Options program, contributed to the General Scholarship endowment, created student ambassador scholarships and increased the emergency loan fund.

Grant and Business Contributions Fund New Telecom Program
In connection with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, BCC recently received grants and other support totaling $326,000 to launch “Wired & Wireless Communications Technology,” a new telecommunications program. The contributions, received from the Washington State Employment Security Department and from area employers, will provide student tuition and program assistance for the innovative Continuing Education Fast Track program. The Wired & Wireless program is designed to meet current and future workforce needs by preparing students for careers as cable and cellular technicians. Its entry-level curriculum covers cellular technology, point-to-point wireless networks, installation of telecommunications hardware, and traditional and Internet protocol (IP) telephony. The course, which lasts approximately four months, is being offered this spring.

BCC's Commitment to Green Energy
Last month, Director of Campus Operations John Carroll participated in a “Green Power” event at Westlake Center to celebrate Earth Week - and BCC’s commitment to the environment. BCC is participating in Puget Sound Energy’s new “Green Power” program to use clean, renewable sources of energy - primarily wind and solar energy generated in Washington state. BCC currently purchases 1,000 kilowatt hours per month of power generated from wind farms in Yakima.

Movers & Shakers
Two thumbs up for:

Instructor Nancy Gonlin just returned from a month of archaeology fieldwork in the town of Teozacoalco in Oaxaca, Mexico. She conducted an archaeology survey of a mountainous region known as the Mixteca Alta. A 16^th century Spanish map, called the Mapa de Teozacoalco, was used as a guide to locate pre-Hispanic sites and colonial ruins. Nancy and her colleague found over 50 sites and documented a previously unknown region of Oaxaca. They will present their findings in an upcoming archaeology conference and hope to return for more survey work.

Elmira Yusupova, fiscal technician in the Finance Office, was named the “Employee of the Month” for April by the classified staff association. Colleagues say they couldn’t do their jobs without Elmira’s dedication and helpfulness. “Elmira is an amazing worker. She works tirelessly on her accounts…she has been given several new and large tasks and has taken them on with enthusiasm,” raves one co-worker.” Congratulations Elmira!

Sociology Program Chair Elaynne Rousso was selected as a member of a research institute sponsored by the Community College Humanities Association (CCHA) and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Twenty scholars from various disciplines will study some aspect of "Cities and Public Spaces in Comparative Cultural Contexts," and distinguished scholars will lend their expertise. Elaynne will compare the faces of urban homelessness in Japan and the United States during a sabbatical in Japan next year. CCHA aims to establish a collegial and intellectual community that extends beyond the life of the 16-month Institute.

Shairose Gulamani, Administrative Office Systems instructor, recently earned a Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) master instructor certificate. Obtaining MOUS certification demonstrates a high level of expertise with Microsoft Office business productivity programs. Shairose’s technical knowledge will be beneficial when she joins a group educators from across the country as an advisory board member for Course Technology.

Two BCC students received the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) this spring. The scholarship award, which honors outstanding achievement, leadership and community service in vocational-technical education, covers tuition for six quarters of undergraduate study. Congratulations to students Adriann Wade (interior design) and Tracy Broomhead (nursing).

As part of an interesting, real-world project, BCC Interior Design students in Melanie Corey-Ferrini’s public space planning class are creating addition and renovation plans for Hokum Hall in West Seattle. Students researched the history of Hokum Hall, which is a silent movie and vaudeville theater, met with clients and prepared detailed plans. The class will make their final presentations to Hokum Hall staff on June 10 and 12.

Coming Attractions
So many great events, so little time…..

Budget Hearings -- Provide your feedback on the campus budget proposals by attending one of the hearings scheduled from 2:30-4 p.m. on May 6 or 9:30-11 a.m. on May 7 in the Board Room. You may also share your feedback by writing to Barbara Martin or any member of the Planning Council or President’s Staff. An official record of the feedback will be compiled and shared with the campus at a later date.

Walk & Talk for Health - Coach and instructor Stella Orechia is organizing “Walk & Talk/Run for Fun” activities for employees beginning May 6. Join Stella every Monday (at 9:30 a.m.), Wednesday (at 1:30 p.m.) or Friday (at 12:30 p.m.) for a 45-minute walking session where she will share information about improving cardiovascular fitness and body composition through aerobic exercise. If you are interested, show up outside the gym, near the women’s locker room, in Building G at the listed times, or contact Stella at 564-2353 or via campus e-mail for more details.

eBook Lecture - Learn more about the world of electronic books, or eBooks, at 10 a.m. on May 11 during an informational lecture in Room W108 (North Campus). Nathan Everett, Program Manager for eDocuments at Microsoft will discuss the evolution and future of eBooks’ evolution. Art-Zones Director Cheryll Leo-Gwin will provide background information regarding the development of the eBooks project at BCC, and opportunities for artists, writers, photographers and design professionals to participate in the project for potential inclusion in an eLibrary. The cost of the lecture is $29. To register, please call 564-2263, (item # G9579).

KBCS Pledge Drive - Help support great music and programming at KBCS 91.3 FM by participating in the spring pledge drive May 8 - 12! To donate, call 564-2424 or visit www.kbcs-fm.org and help the station reach its fundraising goal of $55,000 for equipment and operating expenses. For more details, contact KBCS Development Director Diane Cornell at 564-2427.

May Festival of Arts - Student artwork, poetry and photography will be featured in the L Building walkway from 11 a.m.-3p.m. on May 13-15. Stop by to see the creative endeavors of our talented BCC students!

Disability PRIDE (Promoting Routine Inclusion of Disabilities in Education) - U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner Paul Steven Miller will be the featured speaker when BCC Disability Support Services (DSS) presents its second-annual “Disability PRIDE” event from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Carlson Theatre on May 15. Commissioner Miller, who was appointed by former President Clinton and has been reappointed to two terms in office, will discuss his journey to success as a person with a disability. He will also share his perspective on the evolution and future of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event also features speeches and performances by BCC students and employees. For more details, contact DSS Director Susan Gjolmesli at 564-2392 or DSS Program Coordinator Julie Freeman at 564-2699.

Spring Barbecue - Join co-workers and students when ASBCC Student Government presents its annual spring barbecue! Enjoy music, game, entertainment and free food from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on May 16 in the courtyard between Buildings L, R and G. Take a break and celebrate spring!

Welcome & Farewell
Welcome to new BCC staff and faculty:

Emily Coward, Program Coordinator/Outreach Worker, Worker Retraining/ WorkFirst

Congratulations on recent promotions or changes:

Hoan The Tran, Snack Bar Lead, Food Services

A fond farewell to departing BCC employees:

Steven Allen, Chief Engineer, KBCS
Kae Hamilton, Director, Student Information Technology Services

Campus Calendar

Now - May 9             Gallery Exhibit: The Berlin Work, BCC Library Gallery
May 2-4                 Eastside Moving Company Performance, 8 p.m.,                                    Carlson Theatre
May 3                   Philosophy Club Nietzsche Forum, 1 p.m., Room C130
                        Junoon Benefit Concert, 8 p.m., Ingraham High School
May 4                   International Night Dinner, 6 p.m., Student Union
May 6                   Budget Hearings, 2:30 - 4 p.m., Board Room
May 7                   Budget Hearings, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Board Room
May 8-12                KBCS Pledge Drive      
May 9                   International Lunch Hour, 11:30 a.m., Garden Room
May 11                  eBook Lecture, 10 a.m., Room W108
May 13-15               May Festival of the Arts, L Building Walkway
May 15                  Disability PRIDE Event, 11:30 a.m., Carlson Theatre
May 16                  ASBCC Spring Barbecue, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
May 21                  CEABCC General Meeting, 2 p.m., Room R310
May 22                  Margin of Excellence Awards, 3 p.m., Carlson Theatre
June 14                 Spring Quarter Ends
                        Commencement
June 24                 Summer Quarter Begins

       
College Relations Corner

In the News
An April 22 article in the Eastside Journal mentioned a group of BCC students efforts toward salmon habitat restoration in celebration of Earth Week. Botany instructor Mike Hanson and his students rescued and repotted native plants, which will be replanted at a later date along salmon streams, as part of King County’s Native Plant Salvage Program. Read the article online at

http://www.eastsidejournal.com/sited/story/html/89860

The BCC Foundation Scholarship Luncheon was mentioned in an April 18 column by Patti Payne, Eastside Journal columnist and host of the event. Read more online at http://www.eastsidejournal.com/sited/story/html/89464

The new Working Connections IT Faculty Development Institute created through an alliance between the NWCET’s Educator-to-Educator Institute, Microsoft and the American Association of Community Colleges was mentioned several times in news publications. Articles appeared in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Eastside Journal, the Chronicle of Higher Education website (http://chronicle.com/free/2002/04/2002042601t.htm), and the Community College Times website . The Institute was even mentioned by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer during a speech at the American Association of Community Colleges conference in Seattle last month.