BOARD PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE It’s been about a year since I vacated my seat on the Cochise College Governing Board and turned my full attention to “retirement” and serving as chair of the Cochise College Foundation board. The foundation has grown dramatically since I joined some years ago, when board members brought their checkbooks to meetings in order to keep it going. We’ve done well, thanks to all the people who have pledged their support of student success during the last 46 years. We now manage more than 100 scholarships that provided in excess of $340,000 to students last year. However, Cochise College needs you now more than ever. At this writing, it anticipated a reduction in operating dollars in excess of more than $1 million. This is partially due to a recent decrease in full-time student equivalent, upon which state funding is based, and a reduction in equalization funds available to colleges in areas with low property values. It also follows steady declines in state funding per student, which now stands at $259 but exceeded $1,000 six years ago. It’s difficult to stand out in the crowd when you’re receiving the same (or less) funding as everyone else, and while scholarships are greatly appreciated and beneficial to students, no amount of them can help the college recoup losses in areas that impact services. Gifts in support of academic or capital needs can. If you or someone you know is considering a charitable contribution, I urge you to take a long look at the most accessible higher education in your community, Cochise College. Consider the services provided, your favorite program, or something new you think would be relevant and make a significant impact on your community. You can help purchase equipment, enhance instruction, and expand programs that prepare students for realworld jobs; these, too, support student success. You can help Cochise College come out on the other side of these budget challenges a stronger and even more viable institution.
Jan Guy Board President Cochise College Foundation
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Cover: A Douglas Campus gym renovation that united the weight room and fitness lab helps the college showcase one of its competitive advantages - its athletics program.