2019 Community Magazine Volume 8 Issue 3

COMMUNITy the magazine of Metropolitan community college Volume 8, Issue 3

DRIVEN TO SUcCEED page 12

CONTENTS 1 2

A letter from the MCC Foundation

Produce aplenty during cooler months

MCC instructor shares winter recipe

4

5

Program Spotlight: Theatre As good as gold

Construction Science student takes top SkillsUSA prize

9

Serving the town

5

As good as gold

Former MCC student Joel Mahr brings culinary skills to rural Iowa

12

Driven to succeed

14

A South Omaha Campus update

MCC alum makes her way in transportation

15 “I make a way”

GED grad, mother of seven, achieves academic success

16

9

Serving the Town

Q&A with Aubrey Schuurmans

Industry coordinator

18 PROTO Design Lab allows community to imagine and create 20 Practice is mission critical

Area firefighters look to MCC for continuing education

22 Beyond the classroom

Students reflect on extracurricular activities

16

Q&A with aubrey Schuurmans

18

Proto design lab allows community to imagine and create

24 Around the College

Volume 8, Issue 3 Community is a publication of Metropolitan Community College. Contact the editor at 531-MCC-2876 or darayment@mccneb.edu.

Metropolitan Community College affirms a policy of equal education, employment opportunities and nondiscrimination in providing services to the public. To read our full policy statement, visit mccneb.edu/nondiscrimination.

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Credits Lead editor and contributor: Derek Rayment Assistant editors and contributors: Katherine Leszczynski and Jenny Milligan Lead art direction: Trevor Pikop Art contributors: Jade Dyer and Susana Ruiz-Morales

A Letter from THE MCC Foundation It is officially 2020 and each year brings with it a new opportunity to set a resolution and aim to achieve it. Metropolitan Community College students are busy achieving goals and inspiring those around them. Regardless of where students find themselves or where their paths are headed, MCC is a trusted partner in student success. This issue of Community is filled with stories that inspire. We hope these stories resonate with you and motivate you to achieve resolutions you may have set for the new year.

Student Naydeny Chuol, the MCC 2019 GED graduation speaker, came to the United States from South Sudan. Her journey in earning her GED, getting a job, and her intention to continue her education is inspirational.

Likewise, MCC SkillsUSA Nationals Gold Medal winner, Bret Gleason, tells a story of determination during timed skill competitions. He won gold in Carpentry while racing against the clock and his competitors. A Commercial Driver’s License graduate, Cassandra Wright, obtained her credentials and has aspirations of owning her own trucking company.

MCC Fashion Design student, Agustin Delgado, had a gallery exhibit at the Gallery of Art and Design at the Elkhorn Valley Campus. He continues to secure accolades such as participating in Omaha Fashion Week as an elite designer and as a featured designer.

Our positive impact begins with students, but also reaches deep within our communities. We take the “community” in our name seriously. As such, we hope to see more of you at our campuses and locations this year. In 2020, the Metropolitan Community College Foundation resolves to continue advancing the mission of MCC to deliver relevant, student-centered education to a diverse community of learners. The Foundation does this by creating community awareness, building and nurturing meaningful relationships, and connecting community partners with giving opportunities that fulfill their philanthropic objectives. We welcome you and invite you to participate in all that is MCC. Thank you for investing in teaching and learning opportunities for our students and communities. Because of your generosity, MCC students continue to benefit from abundant opportunities to learn, grow and excel.

Happy New Year!

Jacqueline C. Almquist, Ph.D.

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Produce Aplenty

during cooler months MCC Culinary instructor shares winter recipe

T

he changing of seasons doesn’t mean an end to fresh produce gracing our tables.

Produce such as squash is planted in the spring, grown in the summer, harvested in the fall and is often stored and used throughout winter. Because squash is plentiful during this time of year, it is perfect for the salad MCC Culinary instructor Erik Rickard has suggested.

“This dish is rich with color and flavor. Squash is readily available during the colder months and is a great choice for family dinners. I added quinoa to the salad for the texture and protein component,” says Rickard. “The bacon may be omitted for those preferring a vegetarian option,” Rickard adds.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND QUINOA SALAD Serves 4-6 4 cups roasted butternut squash 4 tbsp. chopped fresh sage 1 cup fresh baby kale ¼ cup dried cranberries 4 oz. cooked bacon 2 oz. toasted walnuts 2 oz. shaved parmesan cheese 2 cups cooked red quinoa 8 oz. lemon vinaigrette

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ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH Set oven to 375 degrees. Cut squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Place the squash in roasting pan with the cut side down. Bake for 30-45 minutes, until it is fork tender. It should feel similar to a baked potato. Let the squash cool before removing the skin and dicing into medium pieces.

Refrigerate until you are ready to assemble the salad.

LEMON VINAIGRETTE 2 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice 2 tsp. dijon mustard 6 oz. olive oil Salt and pepper to taste In a mixing bowl, mix the lemon juice and dijon mustard. Then slowly add the olive oil to mixture in a steady stream while whisking. Once the oil is incorporated, season with salt and pepper. Set aside for dressing the salad.

QUINOA 1 cup red quinoa 2 cups vegetable stock Begin by rinsing the quinoa in a mesh sieve until the water runs clear. After rinsing, place the quinoa and vegetable stock into a medium stockpot with salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer until all the stock is absorbed, which will be roughly 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, fluff with a fork.

Refrigerate until you are ready to add to the salad.

ASSEMBLY Begin by placing cooked quinoa in medium mixing bowl. Dress with part of the lemon vinaigrette. Place dressed quinoa on bottom of serving plate.

Combine roasted squash, sage, kale, dried cranberries, bacon and walnuts in mixing bowl and dress with lemon vinaigrette. Place dressed vegetable mixture on top of quinoa. Garnish with fresh shaved parmesan cheese.

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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

THEATRE

S

tudents who study theatre learn more than just how to perform on a stage. The MCC Theatre program is a blend of visual arts, design, music, literature, research, technology, business and physical expression. Theatre studies strengthens interpersonal communication and public presentation skills, while developing critical thinking and collaborative skills.

Students who study within the MCC Theatre program will also gain knowledge in interdisciplinary arts, social awareness and an appreciation of diverse cultures.

There are three areas of study within the MCC Theatre program: the associate of Arts degree, Playwriting career certificate and the Theatre Technology certificate of achievement.

Graduates of the MCC Theatre program have seen success as writers, directors, performers and backstage managers of large national productions. Behind-thescenes theater jobs require a diverse skill set such as the ability to use power tools, lift heavy objects, create visually interesting sets and costumes, understand lighting and electrical principles and how to run an audio board. Students learn these skills while building strong communication skills necessary for any job.

For more information, visit mccneb.edu/theatre.

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S AD O O S G AD L O G

Construction Science student takes top SkillsUSA prize

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A

S AD O GO ASD L O G

t the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, in June, the nation’s top trades talent gathered to compete for gold. The national conference represents a chance for trades students to test their skills against the best of the best.

This prospect alone might make some nervous, but not Bret Gleason.

After sizing up the competition, the Metropolitan Community College Construction and Building Science student was ready to prove not only that he belonged there with the top students, but that he was the best of them all when he competed at the national conference.

SkillsUSA is a career and technical organization for high school and college students who are involved in trade, occupational and technical skills programs with more than 350,000 students nationwide. At MCC, there are roughly 150 students who participate in SkillsUSA throughout the College’s career and technical education programs, as well as some Arts programs.

Gleason had been named the gold medal winner at the SkillsUSA Nebraska Leadership and Skills Conference in Grand Island, Nebraska in April. The state and national competitions are a stage for trades students to display their skills, Gleason says.

“SkillsUSA gives students the opportunity to show their skills,” he says. “You get to compete and show your craftsmanship.”

For his Carpentry competition, Gleason had to show that he had a full understanding of not only building something, but all the work leading up to a build as well.

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“You have to read blueprints and know how to analyze them,” he says. “You have to put it together and complete it compared to what the blueprints show.”

“SkillsUSA gives students the opportunity to show their skills.

You get to compete and show your craftsmanship.”

The confidence Gleason had going into his competition didn’t waver. During the awards ceremony, he knew he had done well.

“I had that same confidence. I thought I was getting the gold,” he says with a laugh.

He was right. Gleason took home the gold medal, becoming the national champion in Carpentry.

Willis Kennedy, a Construction and Building Science instructor at MCC, says Gleason demonstrates the valuable skills and traits that go into being a strong trades student and hold medal winner.

“Bret is diligent and humble,” Kennedy says. “It’s one thing to be a carpenter. It’s another to shoulder up against 23 other students and come out on top. We are very proud of him.”

Gleason credits his education at MCC with helping him become a strong carpenter and helping him find the right career path.

“I wanted to get into construction and a friend was in a career academy at MCC,” he says.

Gleason enrolled in the Construction Technology Career Academy at 16. After high school, he enrolled in MCC. After graduation, he hopes to become a foreman and start his own construction company. He also wants to continually prove that, while he has won the gold medal, there is always room for improvement.

“My goal is always to be better the next day,” he says.

MCC student Bret Gleason received encouragement to participate in SkillsUSA from his father and mentors.

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NEW SCIENCE ON A SPHERE BRINGS SCIENCE TO LIFE. Learn about important topics in: • Animal migration • Climate change • Geology

• Space • Weather • And more

For more information, visit mccneb.edu/sos.

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Former MCC student Joel Mahr brings culinary skills to rural Iowa

THE

SERVING M

TOWN

any contemplate making the move to small-town life and leaving behind the big city. Few make the move a reality.

Chef Joel Mahr has made the switch. Two years ago, he and his wife, Jill, picked up and moved to Corning, a small town in southwest Iowa with a population of around 1,600. He had a vision of opening an approachable, but refined restaurant in the town. community • mccneb.edu • 9

Mahr is a former Culinary Arts student at Metropolitan Community College. After going to school for graphic arts, he realized it was not his passion and started working in restaurants. He decided to enroll in classes at MCC and hone his craft in the kitchen.

“I thought it was important to have an education that followed with this trade,” he says. “It was very one-on-one with the students and they answered the hows and whys of certain things.”

After his time at MCC, Mahr was working in upscale kitchens around Omaha such as Lot 2 and Au Courant.

He was often making trips to rural Iowa for fruits and vegetables that he would share with Omaha eateries.

“My wife’s family lives 20 minutes away from [Corning],” he explains. “We have our farm and our garden there that we grow produce on. We had always been doing that

and taking this produce to Omaha restaurants. I was looking at the town a little bit and thought it had a cool little vibe.”

As luck would have it, a building opened up for sale. The Mahrs purchased and refurbished it, and opened their restaurant in 2017, with Joel on the food side and Jill on the beverage side. They called it Primrose, a name inspired by a Jim Harrison poem.

“We wanted something that was kind of Midwest,” Mahr says. “It was in this poem and it was kind of a depiction of rural America and rural life.”

Mahr wanted Primrose to fill a gap he felt was missing, not only in Corning, but in surrounding cities. The menu features classic American cuisine, but with a twist or a slightly elevated flavor. Mahr says he tries to buy as much local meat, vegetables and dairy as possible.

“I thought it was important to have an education that followed with this trade ... It was very one-on-one with the students and they answered the hows and whys of certain things.”

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“We wanted to create a family restaurant that was affordable and served as much local as possible,” he says.

“We want to flip things on their head a little bit so people are a little outside of their comfort zone.”

The menu changes weekly, Mahr says, depending on what is in season and looks the best, an idea he liked after working at Au Courant.

“I said ‘What better way to challenge yourself?’ This is an opportunity to serve ultra-local and good quality produce.

If you have the same stuff on your menu for three months, you get into a repetitive movement. I wanted guests to eat something that was picked out of the garden 24 to 36 hours ago and know this is how these things are supposed to taste and not like what we get at the grocery store,” says Mahr.

Initially, he was worried the community might be wary of a menu filled with things they aren’t used to. However, it was the opposite.

“During our first lunch service, we ran out of food in 90 minutes,” he says with a laugh. “I’m not going to say it was an overnight success, but we have the trust of the townsfolk. They are so willing to try anything we create

now. It has to say something when we see the same people here three times a week.”

And, the word has spread beyond Corning. Mahr says they get visitors from Des Moines to Omaha who come to dine. People from other small towns such as Clarinda, Atlantic and Stanton also make the drive, as they don’t have a similar restaurant in their areas.

“People from other towns are coming to us and asking what it would take to get a restaurant like this in their town,” he says.

Looking ahead, Mahr says he is not ready to stop adding more to his plate. Upstairs from Primrose are apartments he and Jill are renovating and plan to lease in the future.

They are also discussing getting a food truck. The adjustment to rural Iowa was tough at first, Mahr says, as he misses the convenience of things being so nearby in Omaha. But he says it’s all been worth it.

“We live on 110 acres of land. You can go home at night and crack open a beer, look up and see the Milky Way. It’s quiet and serene. I think I needed that in my life. You have half your life that’s a tornado and half that’s crickets chirping and fresh air.” community • mccneb.edu • 11

DRIVEN

TO SUCCEED MCC ALUM MAKES HER WAY IN TRANSPORTATION

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“We are a minority in a male-dominated field and I want to do what I can to draw more women into the industry.”

M

any students pursuing a degree in Business Management have dreams of owning their own business one day. Count Metropolitan Community College student Cassandra Wright among them. She started her journey at MCC knowing that one day she wanted to own a transportation business. While working through her general education and business courses, Wright met with academic advisor Hans Rudin to map a path that included business and CDL courses.

“I already had a Class B commercial driver’s license and wanted to obtain a Class A CDL through the College to allow myself more job choices. Hans made sure the CDL courses I’m taking tied in with the Business Management program so I wouldn’t have to complete two separate programs,” Wright says.

Wright credits the instructors for preparing her for her current job as a driver at Wynne Transport Service, Inc. “The instructors at MCC have years of real-world trucking experience and pass those skills on to the students. By the second week of CDL training, I began mastering skills such as backing up and parallel parking,” says Wright. “Because they have so much experience in the industry, I’ve been able to talk to them about the pros and cons of different kinds

of jobs. What are the benefits of working as an over the road, regional or short haul driver, or working for a larger company versus a smaller company? I was able to pick their brain, which provided the insight that I needed to decide what I wanted to do.”

In addition to taking classes and working at Wynne, Wright is a single mother of three teenage boys.

“I chose MCC because it is cost effective and offers flexibility with day and evening classes. This makes it possible for me to work, take classes and still be there for my boys,” she says.

As a working mother, Wright recognizes the challenges of juggling work and motherhood.

“My long-term goal is to own a transportation business that caters to those with a family, specifically women. We are a minority in a male-dominated industry and I want to do what I can to draw more women into the industry.”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COMMERCIAL TRUCK DRIVING PROGRAM, VISIT MCCNEB.EDU/CDL.

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A South Omaha campus

project uPDATE F

rom the outside, the Metropolitan Community College South Omaha Campus appears untouched, but inside it's a different story.

In December 2019, the MCC Board of Governors approved the purchase and installation of furniture to outfit a newly renovated academic facility, a remodel of the Industrial Training Center. The furniture is designed for classrooms, offices and labs, and will give the Center for Advanced Manufacturing a clean, modern feel similar to other new MCC academic buildings.

“The idea behind the design for the Center for Advanced Manufacturing is to give students the sense that manufacturing isn’t dirty like you see in the movies. It can be a clean, safe and respectable career path,” said Scott Broady, associate dean of Industrial Technology. “The corridors of the new facility will be bright, with well-lit study areas and windows to different labs, showcasing the type of high-demand training MCC offers to prospective students passing by in the hall.”

The multi-million dollar project has already seen much progress, with the completion of the MCC Veterans Center. The new center was partially unveiled during the College’s Veterans Day Celebration event and is

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ready for students this winter quarter. The MCC Veterans Center houses the College's Military Veterans Services as well as Veterans Upward Bound, a federal TRIO program.

Students will find friendly faces, along with comfortable study areas in the new Veterans Center. Other portions of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing are also finished, with students returning to a select few classrooms.

The second phase of the South Omaha Campus project is the Automotive Training Center, a two-story academic building that will bring Automotive Technology and Auto Collision Technology together under one roof.

While this phase won’t be completed until spring 2021, foundation work is already well underway, as evident to drivers on Edward Babe Gomez Avenue. Planned soil work began last fall and the project is progressing.

To complete the finishing touches, the College has set aside funds to acquire art. In collaboration with the Nebraska Arts Council, the MCC Public Art Committee will issue a request for student artists and artist-at-large to submit proposals to display art at the Automotive Training Center.

Follow ongoing progress and project updates on MCC official social channels.

“I make a way” GED grad, mother of seven, achieves academic success

T

o many, education is seen as the norm. To Naydeny Chuol, it is a privilege. It is an honor. It is everything.

“It means freedom and security,” Chuol says. “I can do anything with it. It means everything to me.”

Chuol’s educational journey with Metropolitan Community College started in 2012. After moving to Omaha from Sudan and not knowing any English, she wanted to better herself and learn. Coming from a nation where women often aren’t allowed to attend school, she enrolled in the College’s GED program and slowly worked her way forward.

“I tried a couple of places before MCC, but they weren’t the right fit,” Chuol says. “I started at MCC and went little by little. I’m different in many ways. In Africa, I didn’t have access to education. I needed to fill in those gaps.”

The next seven years saw ups and downs for Chuol. She chipped away at her GED while also earning MCC credits toward a Business-Transfer degree, but there were times when things got tough. She is a mother of

seven children, ages 15 to less than a year old. Making sure they are taken care of, working two jobs and school filled her plate. Sometimes she needed to take a quarter off or take a lighter class load, but she never gave up.

“It’s not easy,” Chuol admits. “But life does not guarantee easy. You can make an excuse or you can make a way. I make a way. My kids come first, but I am in this for the long run. By doing both, I know it will pay off.”

And it did. Chuol not only walked across the stage at the MCC GED graduation ceremony, but was chosen to speak to the room about her journey. Her inspiring message led to a standing ovation.

“It’s my time,” she says of completing her GED after seven years. “I have seen people come and go. I am so

happy to be able to better myself and to be the first to attend college in my family.”

Chuol says it was the flexibility and affordability that helped her not only complete her GED, but earn college credit as well. With all her credits stacked up, she hopes to graduate from MCC in 2020.

“The classes were flexible and affordable for me,” she says. “The flexibility was really the key for me so I can better myself.”

Chuol hopes to help students in a similar situation one day. She plans to transfer to a four-year institution so she can receive her bachelor’s degree.

She isn’t done learning yet, she says.

“I’m not slowing down,” she says with a smile. “Time is crucial. Now, I’m using my time wisely.” community • mccneb.edu • 15

Q &A with

Aubrey Schuurmans Industry coordinator

Q What is your role at MCC and how do you serve the mission of the College?

A I am the industry coordinator for the Career and Technical Education programs here at Metropolitan Community College. I feel that I serve the mission of the College by connecting industry partners to our programs through events, advisory committees and being part of community groups.

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Q You work in the Construction Education Center among students in trades. Why is it important for students to learn about and enter the trades field?

A Growing up in a small town in South Dakota, I was told that I have one path to success—a four-year college degree. It worked out fine for me, as I now have a Master’s in Counseling and Human Resource Development, but I was brought up around the trades. It’s where I fit in best.

I wish someone would have made sure I knew all of my options while making career choices. I have a passion for making sure students know all of the opportunities they have specifically in the trades. There is a dire need for these skilled trades workers. Those students who love working with their hands and problem-solving should be celebrated and directed to MCC, where they can take advantage of the great facilities, programs, faculty and staff.

Q Talk to us about your experience in what is still a largely male field and why it is important for women to learn trades.

A There are many instances when I am the only or one of just a few females in the room. I notice it, but it doesn’t bother me. I know that we are all working together to solve the very real issue of labor shortage within the construction, manufacturing and transportation industries.

There are many successful women in the Omaha area that are great role models for me and young women interested in the Career and Technical Education programs. Women are sought after for these careers and should be led to them.

Q What do you love most about your job?

A The thing I love most about my job is the people I work with. Our staff, faculty, administration and industry partners within the Career and Technical Education programs are an amazing group of people. I never dread coming to work; I truly enjoy what I do here at MCC and have found a passion for it.

Q What are some of the highlights of your time at MCC or what has had the biggest impact on you?

A One highlight was being awarded the Heart of Metro [award]. I take pride in what I do and recognition of my hard work by the College was appreciated. Another highlight is our Construction Career Day event that we host. In the fall, we had more than 400 area high school students on campus rotating around 30 industryled, hands-on stations, learning about the incredible opportunities within the construction industry. We have around 650 people involved with the event. It is wonderful to see students’ faces light up when they realize they can be successful working with their hands and that a four-year degree is not the only path that leads to success.

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PROTO PROTO DESIGN LAB ALLOWS COMMUNITY TO IMAGINE AND CREATE

t

he PROTO Design Lab at Metropolitan Community College is a space to create with machines and gadgets that bring ideas to life. The lab is a hands-on area where faculty and staff welcome visitors to interact, learn and create using the lab's tools.

The PROTO Design Lab is open to all to experience its machines and equipment for themselves, whether it be in a degree program or just for fun.

“The PROTO Design program that utilizes the lab prepares students for the jobs of tomorrow,” says instructor Mike Guericke.

“Students become jacks of all trades,” he says.

“They discover how to learn. They have to identify the problem and learn how to solve it.”

Students in the degree program take competencybased classes at the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology on the Fort Omaha Campus, either in the PROTO Design Lab or across the hall in a classroom. Guericke says they are at or around the machines a majority of the time. They also interact with different robots and build machines as well.

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“They have created selfies with a 3D printer. They have done some rapid prototyping where they build 3D printers from scratch,” Guericke explains.

Students who have graduated from the program have gone on to work for such names as the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Sympateco and First Data.

For those wanting to try their hand at fabrication or prototyping, the PROTO Design Lab offers noncredit classes and open labs for as little as $25 a month. Users have built all kinds of things in the lab such as guitars, cutting boards, furniture and more.

“We have laser cutters that are popular. You can weld and cut metal with plasma. There is a five-axis mill that can carve metal and wood. We have the 3D printers that are popular, too,” says Ken Heinze, PROTO Design Lab coordinator.

Heinze says that while other places in Omaha have some of this machinery, the lab has more that is available immediately and staff on hand that are eager to help people learn how to operate everything.

“[Other locations] have some 3D printers and laser cutters, but it can be hard to get in,” he says. “We also offer the training to make sure people know what they’re doing and feel comfortable.”

Heinze says the lab attracts all kinds, from art students to entrepreneurs, to people who are simply curious.

“Architects have come in and built models. We have a lot of artists that use the space. It’s exciting to have artists around because they really engage with everyone,” Heinze says.

The PROTO Design Lab is unique, says Angela Baker, a PROTO career skills coach.

“There is no other place where you’re going to find this all under one roof,” she explains. “We are all-encompassing.

MCC does a great job of asking ‘What’s next?’”

To learn more about the PROTO Design Lab, the PROTO Design program and more, visit mccneb.edu/proto. To schedule a tour of the lab, email Mike Guericke at maguericke@mccneb.edu.

To see a current list of Continuing Education classes in the lab, visit mccneb.edu/ce.

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PRACTICE IS MI

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SSION CRITICAL area firefighters look to mcc for continuing education

F

irefighters and emergency response teams are the public’s first line of defense against loss of life and property. They’re frequently the first ones at the scene of car accidents or emergency situations, ready to treat injuries and perform life saving techniques. Knowing those techniques and tactics doesn’t come naturally, though. Hours of training are required, and much of that training is hosted by the faculty of the Metropolitan Community College Fire Science Technology program.

The program offers an associate degree for students looking to get into the field. In addition, program faculty lead critical training exercises for both paid and volunteer fire departments across Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties.

Irvington, Omaha, Papillion, Ralston and more. Strawn says firefighting is inherently dangerous and the more training scenarios that a responder can encounter, the better. “[Training] makes the actual response to the emergency event safer because they are better prepared,” he says.

“The motto, ‘train like your life depends on it … because it does’ certainly holds true.”

“train like your life depends on it…because it does.”

An example of the training exercises hosted by MCC is the grain bin rescue simulation. The exercise takes place on a mobile trailer, which includes a scaled down replica of a grain silo. The silo is filled with grain and a rubber dummy is placed in the enclosure to simulate a trapped individual. Accidents in grain bins can occur when an individual falls into the grain from above, creating a serious life and death situation.

“Continuing Education is invaluable to firefighters as the emergencies they are responding to are constantly changing and becoming more dangerous due to the materials that are being burned,” says Jeff Strawn, Fire Science Technology and Emergency Services program instructor and director. “MCC offers a variety of courses to keep area responders safe and prepared to meet this changing environment.”

“We have several opportunities for those interested in firefighting and emergency response fields,” says Strawn.

“We host a 10-week exploring course twice a year with area fire departments for kids ages 16-19. Additionally, we have a high school career academy for area juniors and seniors.”

MCC has helped train fire departments in area communities and cities such as Arlington, Bellevue, Bennington, Blair, Boys Town, Fort Calhoun, Fremont,

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MCC FIRE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM, VISIT MCCNEB.EDU/FIST. community • mccneb.edu • 21

Beyond the Classroom Students reflect on extracurricular activities

G

etting the most out of college comes down to engagement—studying, completing assignments and attendance. But is that all there is to the successful college experience? We asked several Metropolitan Community College students how they benefit from being involved in student organizations and clubs. Their responses ranged from personal growth to giving back to the community.

Trenton MihM

GLORIA CHAVEZ

ARAN Oleary

chanell langford

General Studies

PreMedicine

Business Management

Human Services

“I think it's very important to be active in student organizations. It’s a great way to gain new skills and an opportunity to grow personally and professionally.”

“It’s important to be involved because we have a chance to make history. We have the chance to change things. It’s the best time in history to be part of an organization or club and do things that matter.”

“Being part of a student group or a club helps you to become a betterrounded student.

You not only meet new people, but you grow your knowledge and self-confidence.”

“When you’re part of a group, it allows you to come to campus for more than classes. You are able to get a fuller experience of college life, not to mention having the opportunity to volunteer in the community.”

To learn more about student clubs and organizations, visit mccneb.edu/studentorganizations.

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Nominate an outstanding graduate for the Distiguished Alumni Award today!

Nominations are due March 6. For more information or nomination forms, visit mccneb.edu/foundation or call 531-MCC-2346. community • mccneb.edu • 23

Around the

College City Sprouts honors MCC with the 2019 Community Cultivator award MCC was named the 2019 Community Cultivator by City Sprouts. The annual award recognizes individuals or organizations that have been supportive of the mission of City Sprouts—Omaha's first community gardening organization. MCC partners with the local nonprofit in many areas, including helping students with the City Sprouts internship program find a pathway to an associate degree.

“Through the internship program, students are able to collaborate with expert chefs from the MCC Culinary program, helping them gain knowledge in many areas of horticulture, culinary arts and workforce development,” says Roxanne Williams Draper, City Sprouts executive director.

Fremont Area Center adds new GED class The College added an additional GED class to its Adult Education lineup at the Fremont Area Center earlier this fall. Noncredit GED classes at MCC are free and offer instruction in basic skills and GED preparation.

The College expanded classes at the location due to high demand, and now offers daytime sessions in addition to evening classes.

“MCC GED programming makes it possible for individuals to earn a high school credential and opportunities to pursue higher education, obtain jobs or job promotions, achieve personal goals and enlist in military service,” says Tammy Green, director of Workforce and IT Innovation-Career Skills.

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Annual powwow returns to Fort Omaha Earlier this fall, MCC hosted the 28th annual Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow, an annual celebration of Native American culture with traditional dances, music, artistry, oral history and foods of regional tribes.

This year’s theme was “We are Still Here.” HawkQuest, a raptor rehabilitation program from Denver, provided audience members the opportunity to interact with eagles, falcons and hawks. A demonstration of the traditional art of porcupine quilling was led by the Pomani/Benally family of Crow Creek heritage from Rapid City, South Dakota.

The annual powwow is free and open to the public and consistently draws thousands of attendees.

MCC art gallery features work of fashion student MCC Fashion Design student Agustin M. Delgado had his work featured in the exhibit, “DREAMS: Works by Agustin M. Delgado J,” in the College’s Gallery of Art and Design at the Elkhorn Valley Campus earlier this fall.

Delgado is a Mexican-born fashion designer and artist.

Now based in Omaha, Delgado designs clothing for local entertainers and events. His inspirations come from a variety of artistic styles, historical eras and fashion elements from across the globe. He has been invited to various fashion weeks around the United States and internationally, and was extended an invitation to be part of the hit shows and competitions, “Project Runway” and “World of Wearable Art.” Delgado is currently working on his associate degree in Fashion Design.

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