Maricopa Gold | Winter 2015

MARICOPA News from the Maricopa Community College Retirees Association

Issue Highlights: 2 Where are they now?

3 Faculty Association News 4 Protect your Estate 5 At the Colleges 6 Fall Movies 8 Study and Travel Winter 2015

Message From the Chancellor In September, the Maricopa Community Colleges’ Governing Board voted 5-1 in favor of a resolution supporting the ONE Maricopa Initiative. This resolution supports a system redesign that enables us to achieve a fully-realized ONE Maricopa model. This vision, of a unified and forward–thinking Maricopa, will now transform the organization from one of great possibility to robust reality.

Chancellor Rufus Glasper

This resolution includes a charge to standardize and consolidate programs and services; a commitment to data-driven decision making; and a commitment to transparent, open communication. The resolution also includes a charge to research, evaluate and provide recommendations as to the viability of Maricopa moving to a single-accreditation model.

By passing this resolution, our Governing Board sets forth a clear purpose for all of us, as they foster the spirits of a Maricopa that is both innovative and nimble, and that anticipates and responds to the needs of our community.

Our purpose is simple: to create a consistent, seamless and enriching experience for all students that continues to prepare them for success.

I know that great change is often accompanied with some anxiety and fear. We will have moments of discomfort in

Check out The Maricopan https://administration.maricopa.edu/the-maricopan If you haven’t seen it before, please meet The Maricopan, a new vehicle to share important news and information with Maricopa employees. It contains important announcements about human resources, events information, and student success stories, among many other topics. If you want to keep up with what’s going on at the community colleges, log on to the online newsletter, The Maricopan.

the months to come as we begin to ask tough questions about the way we do business in support of student success.

But I am confident that by harnessing the talent, experience and creativity of our employees, we will navigate the challenges ahead, and we will be stronger for it. I invite each of you to begin to frame this journey, not as a time for fear and reticence, but a time to re-engage with your colleagues, to think differently, to imagine, and even, to dream.

In my time with Maricopa, I have been proud of many things. I am proud that we came together during financially challenging times to navigate uncertainty both during the recession and during the most recent action by the state to disinvest in the Maricopa Community Colleges.

I am proud of the ways in which we continue to shape our system into one that meets our students and community where they are. But today, I can say that I am most proud of what we are committed to become. I am proud that we are willing to step out of our collective comfort zones, to revitalize and revolutionize who we are, so that we can continue to change the lives of the 240,000 students who walk through our doors each year. I can think of no organization of which I would be more proud.

Join the MCCRA Board We need your expertise and ideas for how MCCRA can better represent retirees. Nominations are open for seats on the MCCRA Executive Board for 2016-19.

Refer to the enclosed Nomination Form to designate your interest in serving on the Board or to nominate someone else.

Where are they now?

The Hogans Chase their Ancestors

Betty’s Bed & Breakfast www.oliverhousebnb.com

After several years of research, taking several workshops at the Irish Cultural Center and dialoging with fellow “genealogists” in Ireland, Jim and Margaret Hogan thought they were ready for the big trip of their lifetime: Ancestor-chasing in three countries —Ireland, England and Scotland.

They finally took the trip in September, spending one week in each country, visiting home sites and cemeteries, the location of two massacres (one of members of Jim’s family; one of members of Margaret’s family) and major “not to be missed cites” such as Edinburgh, Stratford Upon Avon, the Kings Cross area of London, and the Cliffs of Moher. They had great fun meeting their internet ancestry acquaintances and consider it the highlight of their trip. Margaret retired from the District Office in 2002; Jim retired the next year from Scottsdale Community College.

After working at Mesa, South Mountain and retiring from Rio Salado in 1999, Betty Elliott moved full time in 2007 to Prescott where she lives in her two-story home in the small community of Groom Creek. She has served on various community boards to keep her skills in place. This year she opened the Oliver House Bed & Breakfast in the two-bedroom, walk-out basement of her home. It is a quiet place with a great breakfast area on the main floor overlooking the pines where the deer graze through a small creek. Her motto is “Life begins at 70, so let’s get moving.”

Arnette Scott Ward Returns Home After retiring as President of Chandler-Gilbert Community College ARNETTE SCOTT WARD in 2002, Arnette S. Ward returned to her home state of Florida back to the college town where she met her husband. Meeting in college at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Arnette and John have been married 52 years. They built a home with lots of land in Tallahassee, still support the athletic teams at FAMU and of course, Arnette is still singing in church.

What are you doing in your retirement?

Send us a paragraph about your adventures or activities and we will share it with other Maricopa retirees. Email: patti.n.johnson@cgc.edu.

Three Worthy Students Awarded MCCRA Scholarship For fall, 2015, the Scholarship Committee reviewed applications and selected three students to receive $1,200 each.

Kathryn Banning, PC Kathryn is a 41-year-old re-entry student studying Nursing at Phoenix College. She is a single parent of six children, five of whom live at home. Maintaining a 3.9 grade point average, she works part time for the PC Development Office and also as a supplemental instructor for which she received a Leadership Award.

Susan Barger, MCC Maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Susan is also a re-entry student majoring in Engineering at Mesa Community College. The 47-year-old Asian/Pacific Islander is a displaced aerospace worker who is re-careering into Civil Engineering. Her goal is to complete her Associate of Science degree in 2016 and then transfer to ASU to complete her Bachelor’s degree.

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She is active in two honor societies, and Math and Geology Clubs, which she expects, will help her advance her career.

Federico Poloni, Rio Salado Federico is a 27-year-old Hispanic student returning to college to study Education at Rio Salado. With a current GPA of 3.7, he plans to apply to the Pathway program and complete his Bachelor’s degree in Education. He works full time as a teacher/mentor for a non-profit organization entitled “Elevate Arizona.”

Your donation to the MCCRA Endowed Scholarship fund makes these scholarships possible.

Donate any amount by contacting Ann Oehmke at aoehmke@cox.net or 602.265.9497. You may donate using a credit card at the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation at 480.731.8400.

News from the Faculty Association Hello Fellow Maricopans! As we finish up the first month and half of the new academic year, across our ten colleges, the business of educating is booming. Both returning and new students have settled into their seats ready to learn. The faculty have returned from another Arizona summer where they have been hard at work creating lesson plans to foster greater student success and engagement. In their classrooms, faculty share the love of their discipline with their students in cultivating an environment of learning.

The hard work being invested this fall throughout Maricopa continues the history of effort and achievement put in by the numerous faculty and staff who have come before.

The Maricopa Community College Faculty Association (MCCFA) is committed to maintaining this trend of quality throughout the district.

As the current Faculty Association leadership, we stand united with those who have come before in continued pursuit for Maricopa Community College excellence. This year, the Faculty Association is focusing on issues affecting Maricopa Community College employees, with emphasis on supporting and promoting student learning.

We want to thank all the Maricopa Community College Retirees who have worked so hard to champion great community college education throughout the district. In an effort to maintain our connections to the past, present, and future, the MCCFA would

Emeritus Status

February 2015 Janet Joransen, Medical-Surgical, Mesa Community College March 2015 Dr. Douglas Ferguson, Counseling/Wellness, South Mountain Community College April 2015 Richard Effland, Anthropology, Mesa Community College James R. Daugherty, Biology, Glendale Community College

August 2015 Dr. Karen Hardin, Counseling; and John Michael Sims, Jr., Physical Science, Mesa Community College September 2015 Dr. Lois Roma-Deeley, Creative Writing; Patti Marsh, Business and Information Technology; and Surrendra Gangadean, Philosophy. Paradise Valley Community College.

The work of the Maricopa Community College Faculty Association is made stronger by your membership and support. And although a thank you just does not seem like enough, the faculty association would like to say a clear and loud Thank You, MCCRA! We are here because of what you’ve done and we are grateful.

Douglas Deiss, Ph.D. Communications Officer Maricopa Faculty Association

MCCRA Changes Its Calendar

The Governing Board grants Emeritus status at its monthly meetings based on nominations of recently retired faculty and executive staff.

May 2015 Dr. Bryan K. Tippett (posthumously), Vice President of Academic Affairs, Estrella Mountain Community College

like to offer a chance for retirees to continue contributing to Maricopa faculty and staff. This opportunity comes in the form of our Affiliate Membership. For only $10 a year, your commitment to Maricopa helps to ensure our continued history of excellence.

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embership in the Maricopa Community Colleges Retirees’ Association is free for the first year after a community college employee retires. New retirees will receive the benefits of MCCRA membership at no cost.

Benefits include activities for retirees, updates on issues affecting retirement and pensions, the Maricopa Gold newsletter, email through MCCD, special benefits by joining the Faculty Association and more.

Also, MCCRA is changing its membership year to a fiscal timeframe from July 1 through June 30. If you paid your $25 annual dues in the traditional April timeframe or after, you have been moved forward to the 2015-16 membership, that’s up to three months free this year.

HELP WANTED A retiree with computer experience in MS ACCESS databases to help with MCCRA lists.

Contact Jim Hogan at jhoganaz@msn.com

If you have not paid your annual dues, it’s not too late. Use the enclosed Dues Form to renew, or join, your participation in MCCRA. It is your Retiree Association, be active.

Be sure to “Like” the MCCRA Facebook page so you will receive timely updates on retiree issues and activities.

www.facebook.com/maricopa. edu.retirees 3

American Association of Retired Persons Check out the “Real Possibilites” for retired folks in our local area at aarp.org/Phoenix

Connect to ASU Retirees

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heck out the ASU Retirees Association Newsletter, Prime Times for news about university retirees, programs, cultural events, activities and travel. https://asura.asu.edu/sites/default/files/PrimeTimes/ fall2015_pt-final_color.pdf

Maricopa Corporate College moving to Tempe in 2016

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he Governing Board approved a new five-year lease to allow the Maricopa Corporate College (MCOR) to move from its current 7,600 square foot facility in Scottsdale at the end of its lease in February. The Tempe location has 16,336 square feet to allow MCOR to expand. It is centrally located and has great access to public transportation. The lease is with Phoenix Investors #25 L.L.C.

Go4Life

https://go4life.nia.nih.gov/ What is Go4Life? It’s an online site to help seniors set realistic fitness and movement goals and provide tools to help them achieve their goals.

Sponsored by the National Institute on Aging, Gof4Life focuses on all four types of exercise – endurance, strength, balance and flexibility. The website includes suggested exercises, a workout log, motivation, success stories and other help for you. It’s all free.

Social Security Turns 80

http://www.ssa.gov/80thanniversary/ Eighty years ago, on August 14, 1935, President

Protect Your Estate

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oney Magazine reports that “In Probate, 5-10% of your estate will be lost to court costs and attorney’s fees.” Even with a will, your assets could be subject to costly and time-consuming probate processes. Having a will alone does not prevent probate, it only gives the judges a record of your intended desires that they do not have to follow, whether contested or not. An alternative to a will or the probate process may be a living trust. Review your will and trust documents to ensure they will be followed as you intended. Speak to your attorney or estate planner.

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Franklin D. Roosevelt marked the signing of the Social Security Act into law with profound and relevant words: “Today, a hope of many years standing is in large part fulfilled…We have tried to frame a law which will give some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age.”

Since 1935, the agency has served the American public with distinction, delivering critical benefits to support customers at points of transition and loss in their lives.

It is one of the largest government programs in the world, disbursing almost $1 trillion in federal benefits per year with a consistently high accuracy rate and with an administrative cost of only 1.3%. In April, the Social Security Administration announced Vision 2025, illustrating its commitment to its mission and to securing the trust of future generations: Proudly serving Social Security customers throughout their lifetime, when and where they need us.

At the Colleges New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning

PVCC Engages Seniors

http://newfrontiers.mesacc.edu/

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ew Frontiers for Lifelong Learning is an organization dedicated to adults wishing to continue their pursuit of knowledge and learning. Founded in 1995, New Frontiers is offered by Mesa Community College.

Membership costs $80 for a full year, from Sept.1 to August 31. If you’re in the area only a few months out of the year, a semester rate of $60 for either the spring or fall might be what you need. Individuals can sign up for as many classes as they want. Additional costs may apply for supplies.

Classes are offered in fall and spring including over 60 classes such as learning to play the piano, reducing cancer risks, women of the Bible, hiking on nearby trails, bird watching, gardening, world’s greatest structures, myths and science about the Northern Lights and many more.

Other activities include social functions, including the Out to Lunch Bunch at different restaurants on the second Friday of the month, a picnic in April, theatre and bowling. The MCC-sponsored New Frontiers is a peer-led organization to expand learning, increase social resources and provide volunteer opportunities for the college and the community.

The program is operated by a board of community and college members.

New Frontiers offers organizations a speaker’s bureau program with presentations on the benefits of staying active, socializing and continuing to activate the mind in a learning environment. Volunteers are needed for the speaker’s bureau.

Even though she retired from MCC in 2011, Barbara Thelander continues to be involved in college programs and serves on the New Frontiers communications committee. “If you are looking for a group that has just about everything, New Frontiers is for you.”

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aradise Valley Community College (PVCC) is engaging the senior community of the Beatitudes in Elder Learning and is recruiting retirees to teach the courses. The senior community is so receptive to our involvement.

The first event will be a concert with The PVCC Big Band and music from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s. The sounds of Duke Ellington, Count Basie will be featured along with other great sounds. This will take place on Tuesday, October 6 from 7–8 p.m. at the Beatitudes campus on 17th Avenue and Glendale Avenue.

In the spring, Paradise Valley will also have a Book Review with John Nelson, an English faculty retiree from PV. Along with the Book Review group there will be a series of lectures TBD. With the Beatitudes, there will be an organ concert.

My hope is to involve Honors students with pairing senior and student almost like being a mentor.

Sue Isackson, PVCC Campus Rep

Colleges Receive Federal Funds for Key Programs GateWay Community College

South Mountain Community College

received a five-year, $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) for the Student Support Services (SSS) program named PROSPER (Providing Resources and Opportunities to Students Pursuing Educational Rewards) for low-income, firstgeneration, and disabled students.

GateWay also received DOE funding ($262,485) to continue its TRIO Upward Bound Program, which helps low-income, first generation high school students get through high school and postsecondary institution.

received DOE funds ($231,103) for Year One of an anticipated five-year TRiO-SSS grant that will help students with academic development and basic college requirement assistance and will motivate students towards the successful completion of their postsecondary education.

Both Mesa and Scottsdale Community Colleges received grant funding ($206K and $216K, respectively) for the Community College Initiative Program, a consortium with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and six other community colleges to provide an academic year of study for students from developing countries.

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Elsner Still Helping Community Colleges

ormer Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Paul Elsner has published a revised edition of his critically acclaimed work: Global Development of Community Colleges, Technical Colleges, and Further Education Programs.

From the book jacket: We live and thrive in a global society and economy where education and training is essential to a nation’s competitiveness and to the standard of living of its people. Opening the doors of higher or further education beyond the enrollments in elite or select universities has become a greater necessity. This has spawned a movement to develop or expand institutions that are more affordable, accessible, flexible, and tied to business and industry.

_____________________ Dr. Elsner was Chancellor of the Maricopa Community Colleges from 1977 – 1999.

This revised edition covers systems that have been developed in over 35 countries worldwide that were

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Fall Movies Rated: Senior Adult

designed to meet these needs.

Historical development of each system, as well as the strategies for addressing national mandates for preparing a workforce for the global economy, are described throughout each chapter. Our contributing authors provide contrasting samples of countries with mature, large economies and those who might be considered to have less developed economies, as well as those with newly emerging, robust economies. This edition points out trends and patterns since the release of the first edition.

Also, includes extensive international research and resource guide.

Learning to Drive – Patricia Clarkson as a divorcing woman taking driving lessons from a Sikh instructor played

by Ben Kingsley. This meeting of cultures movie portrays the strength allowing them to keep going down the road.

90 Minutes in Heaven – Pronounced dead by rescue workers after a car accident, a pastor believes he visited Heaven before coming back to life.

Ricki and the Flash – Meryl Streep as a rock musician in a band with Rick Springfield, sounds like a party already.

A bittersweet movie about the consequences of choices we make in life.

A Faster Horse – A documentary of the 50-year history of the Ford Mustang.

Suffragette – “Mothers, Daughters, Rebels.” A historical

Bridge of Spies – Tom Hanks (enough said) stars as a

drama about the foot soldiers of the early feminist movement in England features Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter and a brief role for Meryl Streep.

lawyer thrust into the cold war when the CIA sends him on an impossible mission.

Everest – Inspired by the attempts to reach the summit

Truth – Newsroom drama about the 2004 CBS “60

of the world’s highest mountain, this movie follows two expeditions facing this challenge during one of the worst snowstorms in history.

Minutes” report investigating President George W. Bush’s military service and the outcomes that cost Dan Rather (Robert Redford) and producer Mary Mapes (Cate Blanchett) their jobs.

The Intern – Retired and widowed, Robert DeNiro takes

A Walk in the Woods – Take a hike along the

a turn as a “senior” intern in a growing internet company.

Quotable quote “gray is the new green.”

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Appalachian Trail with Robert Redford and Nick Nolte as old friends with a history.

Maricopa Community Colleges Retirees’ Association

2015–16 Dues Renewal Name______________________________________________________________________Check if any info is new _____ Address_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Street ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Phone: Home (

) _________________________________ Other (

) _________________________________

Email address_________________________________________________________________________________________ Membership Dues are $25/year; dues for 2015–16 are valid until June 2016.

Dues $____________ Make check payable to: MCC Retirees’ Association Margaret Hogan, Treasurer MCC Retirees’ Association (MCCRA) 2411 W. 14th Street Tempe, AZ 85281–6942 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maricopa Community Colleges Retirees’ Board

Nomination or Self-Nomination Form In nominating someone other than yourself, please confirm the nomination with the nominee.

Be sure to indicate the appropriate employee group and contact information.

I nominate: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ to be a candidate for the 2016–2019 MCCRA Board.

Please check employee group:

Contact info/e-mail:

_______ Faculty _____________________________________ _______ MAT/CEC _____________________________________

_______ M&O/Crafts/Public Safety _______ PSA

Nomination form can be mailed with dues form or mailed to: Ann Oehmke Or e-mail information to: aoehmke@cox.net 500 W. Clarendon, E13 Phoenix, AZ 85013 7

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX, AZ PERMIT NO. 449

2411 W. 14th Street Tempe, Arizona 85281

Study and Travel Opportunities

The ASU Retirees Association travel and cultural programs are open to MCCD retirees.

Interested in visiting Cuba next March? You will want to check out ASURA Cuba 2016.

Locally, the Tovrea Castle Tour in Phoenix April 1, 2016.

ASURA https://asura.asu.edu/

Have Passport - Will Travel, Phoenix College fall 2015 Liberal Arts Lecture. Paula Cullison, Travel Writer and Photographer Member of the Sonoran Arts League, October 20, 2015 from 10–11:15 a.m., Vista Room, Phoenix College Library (2nd floor).

For more information: Call 602.285.7651 http://www.paulacullison.com

See the World with CGCC faculty Cynthia Bingham, who is offering educational tours to Guatemala over spring break, March 10, 2016; and Best of British Isles, May 16, 2016. www.cfbworldtours.com MCC’s International Education offers study abroad programs to Belgium/European Union, Britain, Ireland, Mexico and Namibia. For information: Call 480.461.7870 www.mesacc.edu/study-abroad

Road Scholar educational adventures were created by Elderhostel a not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning since 1975. Road Scholar offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. ://www.roadscholar.org/

Save the Date Thursday, April 21, 2016

Early Retirement Program (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Retirees Annual meeting (10:00 a.m.) District Office Governing Board Room

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MARICOPA GOLD Maricopa Community College Retirees Association (MCCRA) 2411 W. 14th Street • Tempe, AZ 85281 Ann Oehmke, President • aoehmke@cox.net • 602.265.9497 Patti N. Johnson, Newsletter Editor, patti.n.johnson@cgc.edu MCCCD Marketing, Newsletter Production Send your email address to jhoganaz@msn.com Join us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/maricopa.edu.retirees