Community - Spring 2014

EARLY START The rewards of college in high school, page 3

CONTENTS 2

Fans of MCC

3

College advantage

5

Summer fun

7

Experts in training

8

Meet-cute

9

Ahead of the game

Friends and Alumni Network connects College, community

Key to college success: start early

After 30 years, College for Kids and Teens still going strong

5

CNG training enhances industry-responsive education

Culinary students fall in love, get engaged on campus

High school sports enthusiast juggles busy schedule

11

Reading the right way

13

A high school alternative

15

Student-leaders

17

See the world

19

Great Plains Theatre Conference

20

Achieving ‘Zinn’

21 22

Around the College

9

Read Right at MCC helps struggling readers improve

Gateway to College program offers path to high school diploma

Meet the Student Advisory Council

13

Study abroad program invigorates learning, leaves lasting impression

Performances to push boundaries of theatre

Soon-to-be grad channels creativity to help others

17

Location spotlight: Sarpy Center

Center offers classes, library, video conferencing and more

Spring 2014

Volume 1, Issue 4

“Community” is a quarterly publication of Metropolitan Community College.

Contact the editor at 402-457-2414 or marketing@mccneb.edu.

Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Statement—Metropolitan Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, disability or sexual orientation in admission or access to its programs and activities or in its treatment or hiring of employees.

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FANS OF MCC

Friends and Alumni Network connects College, community

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cornerstone in the community for 40 years, MCC has helped thousands of students get degrees, enhance career skills and make a better life for themselves. Chances are, virtually everyone you know who resides in MCC’s four-county service area has some connection to the College. To foster an even greater sense of connection among the College and its constituents, MCC created the Friends and Alumni Network in 2012.

More than just an alumni association, FANS is open to anyone — current and former students, graduates, employees, retirees and community members. “We wanted to be inclusive,” said Lisa Bradley, development manager.

“Anyone can engage with the College — we really offer something for everyone.”

Members receive invitations to campus events, quarterly news updates and networking opportunities. Additionally, alumni members retain access to the MCC libraries and the Career Services office.

Register today!

Visit mccneb.edu/foundation and click Friends & Alumni to complete the online form. For more information, email fans@mccneb.edu or call 402-289-1215.

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COLLEGE ADVANTAGE Key to college success: start early

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arim Won, 17, wanted to beef up his math and science skills to prepare for college. At his principal’s suggestion, the high school student enrolled in a handful of courses at MCC and earned credits to transfer to a four-year university.

But the rewards didn’t end there. Won’s early college experience prompted a career decision, opened doors to a job shadow, gave him a taste of college life and developed him as a person — all at a fraction of the cost of regular tuition.

“Even though I’m only taking two classes per quarter so far, it has helped me mature,” he said. “My education has been taken to the next level. It feels more real than high school.”

In Nebraska and beyond, high school students like Won are getting a head start on college in record numbers. According to the U.S. Department of Education, about 1.3 million students took classes for college credit before finishing high

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Early college options MCC offers multiple opportunities for high school students to earn college credits. » » CollegeNOW!: Nebraska resident high school students receive half-off tuition for any MCC class, on campus or online, through the quarter after graduation. » » Dual enrollment: Students take classes at their high school and receive both high school and college credit. » » Career Academies: High school juniors and seniors explore various career fields with a cohort of their peers, usually at an MCC location.

To learn more, visit mccneb.edu/secondary.

school during the 2010–2011 academic year — a 67 percent increase since 2003. At MCC, high school students filled 6,611 seats in 2012 — a 44 percent jump from 2010.

Some of the top reasons for the increase: time and money, according to Connie Eichhorn, MCC director of secondary partnerships. Faced with rising tuition costs at public and private four-year universities, many students see early college at MCC as a way to cut costs and speed toward degrees — and jobs — as quickly as possible. MCC offers half-price tuition for Nebraska resident high school students, and credits are transferrable to many four-year institutions.

Students also reap the benefits of exposure to college-level work. Students who take college classes in high school are more likely to stay in college once they get there, earn higher grades and eventually graduate, according to a study by the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Eichhorn notes that early college can expose students to career areas or topics not available at the high school level.

Career Academies, such as those offered at Millard Horizon High School, are one way students can experience careers in an active learning environment and even earn the entry-level credentials to work in those fields. MCC offers academies in distribution and logistics management, culinary arts and health sciences at Millard Horizon. The exposure to a career path is invaluable, said Stacey Ocander, dean of health and public services. “What better way to discover what you want to do?” Other Career Academies are offered at various MCC locations.

Won credits his decision to pursue medicine to the supportive environment he found at MCC. “It’s a fantastic way to springboard yourself to a college atmosphere,” he said. “The time I’ve been able to spend there has been invaluable in developing me as a person and in the education sphere.”

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SUMMER FUN After 30 years, College for Kids and Teens still going strong

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ow do you keep a summer program fresh and attract generations of kids year after year? For MCC’s College for Kids and Teens programs, which have been offering educational summer classes for youth ages 3–17 for more than 30 years, the recipe for success includes quality instructors and interesting, off-the-wall classes. Last summer’s Experiment with the Brain class — where kids dissected sheep brains and learned about protecting their noggins with helmets — is just one example.

“Hands-on activities like these plus cooking, science experiments and art are perennially popular,” said Tina Morgan, MCC community education program planner. Last year, enrollment approached 3,000. Morgan said instructors keep the program fresh by coming up with new and exciting ideas each year that mix fun with education and are unlike anything kids get in school.

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“Some kids start with us when they are 3 years old and come back every summer. It’s a fun, affordable option,” Morgan said.

Classes for kids are 9 a.m.–noon, Monday–Friday. Teen class times vary and offer youth 12–17 a chance to learn new skills such as sailing, acting, broadcasting, guitar and Webbased game design.

Both programs give youth exposure to the lifelong educational opportunities offered at MCC. By connecting children at an early age to educational experiences, MCC hopes to become their natural choice for continuing their education into adulthood.

College for Kids June 2–6

Arbor Park Middle School (Blair)

June 9–13

Grace Abbott Elementary (Millard)

June 16–20

Heritage Elementary (Bennington)

June 23–27

Gretna Elementary

July 7–11

Palisades Elementary (Gretna)

July 14–18

G. Stanley Hall Elementary (La Vista)

July 21–25

MCC’s South Omaha Campus

College for Teens Dates and locations coming March 24.

How to register Registration opens in April.

To register, call 402-457-KIDS or visit myway.mccneb.edu.

For more information, call 402-457-2620 or visit mccneb.edu/ce.

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EXPERTS IN TRAINING

CNG training enhances industry-responsive education

Partnering with NC3 should supercharge MCC’s development of industry-relevant certification in advanced and emerging fields”

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ith interest in natural gas-powered trucks growing nationwide, MCC is developing new instructional resources that address critical industry needs for training and credentialing.

Compressed natural gas offers a cleaner and cheaper way to fuel heavy-duty vehicles. CNG costs on average 40 percent less than diesel, and the savings are driving an industry shift toward natural gas-powered trucks. About 5 percent of all heavy duty trucks sold this year will run on natural gas, up from around 1 percent in 2013, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Locally, businesses such as Truck Center Companies say they need trained technicians to service the CNG-powered trucks in their fleet. MCC’s future workshops and resources will make that training and certification more accessible.

A leader in training

As a new member of the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), MCC has a stronger platform to provide leadership in technical education, including in the area of compressed natural gas vehicles.

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MCC is the 30th educational institution to join the NC3 network. The network was established to promote industryresponsive training through strong partnerships between industry and educational institutions. Members aim to develop, implement, share and sustain industry-recognized portable certifications that have strong validation and assessment standards.

“Partnering with NC3 should supercharge MCC’s development of industry-relevant certification in advanced and emerging fields,” said Tom Pensabene, executive director of workforce innovation.

Coupled with MCC’s ongoing work with the National Alternative Fuels Training Coalition and Automotive Service Excellence, membership in the NC3 network will enhance MCC’s ability to create quality training standards and industry-recognized certifications in compressed natural gas technology. The CNG initiative is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.

MEET-CUTE

Culinary students fall in love, get engaged on campus

Albert Billman Line cook at Firebirds Novelty cake baker and amateur gardener Former guitarist/lead singer in a band

Hailey Vinter Lead prep cook at Brix Garde manger expert (cold food presentation) Cake baking and decorating enthusiast

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lbert Billman slipped into class just in time — 8 a.m. on the dot. It was a Saturday morning in September and the first day of culinary school orientation. Class commenced with introductions, and most students expressed their desire to work in a restaurant one day. Not Billman.

“My name is going to be on the door,” he said, self-assured as usual.

A quick-witted, dark-haired student turned her head.

“I guess I’ll be working for you,” she said.

“If you’re lucky,” Billman said, uttering his first words to his future wife, Hailey Vinter.

Billman and Vinter were soon inseparable, carpooling to class and conversing over coffee. “I knew the moment I met him

that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him,” Vinter said.

Fast forward 15 months; the couple got engaged back where it all began: the Mule Barn on Fort Omaha Campus.

No stranger to putting on a show, Billman — who “performs” as a line cook in an open kitchen most evenings — planned a real show-stopper. His surprise proposal included a serenade, a heart-felt speech, a “yes” (thank goodness) and a celebratory dinner at the Sage Student Bistro. Joellen Zuk, culinary arts instructor, was in on the surprise, as were several of their friends.

“I started shaking and crying,” Vinter said. “He put a lot of thought into that day and made it really special for both of us.”

The wedding is set for September. After that, “The sky is the limit,” Billman said. The couple plans to open a bakery and café one day.

“Hailey is my other half,” Billman said. “Together I think we’re going to be able to do a lot.” community • mccneb.edu • 8

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AHEAD OF THE GAME High school sports enthusiast juggles busy schedule

Student: Xavier Shiu Age: 18 (started MCC at 16)

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or Xavier Shiu, working toward his associate degree is just a small part of what keeps him busy. A textbook scholarship recipient, Shiu also volunteers, serves on the advisory board for the UNMC Community Academy and represents MCC as a student ambassador. He also plays competitive flag football, select basketball, co-recreational volleyball and men’s softball — all things that help him “balance life,” he says.

A home-schooled student, Shiu is ahead of the game and will graduate with an associate degree this summer. He plans to attend a four-year university in the fall.

He chose MCC because he felt it was “a great option to complete college classes as a home-educated, high school student.” Shiu answered a few questions about his MCC experience: Why is MCC a good fit for you?

It offers a wide variety of classes. I was able to take classes like basic electricity and sculpture welding just for fun. Plus it’s in Omaha, where I live. There are really good professors and nice students, and my tuition is half-price because I am still in high school. It’s also nice that other home-schooled students take classes at MCC. What are your goals?

I plan to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering and then go on for a master’s. Many of my credits will transfer, so I still should be able to earn a bachelor’s degree in less than four years even though I hope to do a study abroad and an internship in the next couple years. I am also very thankful that my ambassador boss and several professors are writing letters of recommendation for me for college.

What would you tell other people about MCC?

The number of home-schooled students enrolled in CollegeNOW!, getting a jumpstart on a college education with half-price tuition, in the 2012–2013 year.

MCC is a great place to take classes whether you plan to start college soon, need a change in career or just want to explore something new. Advisors and professors will go out of their way to help students find what they are good at.

For more information on CollegeNOW! or dual enrollment, call 402-457-2213 or visit mccneb.edu/secondary.

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READING THE RIGHT WAY Read Right ® at MCC helps struggling readers improve

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f you can’t read, it’s hard to learn. If it’s hard to learn, it’s hard to find a job that provides a family-sustaining wage.

Nearly half of all students entering MCC each year need additional reading assistance. To help these students succeed, both in their occupational programs and in the workplace, they need a strong foundation in reading. Whether it’s a textbook, work manual or doctor’s instructions, reading skills make a difference at home, work and school.

With the Read Right program, MCC is transforming poor readers into successful ones. The program is based on Dr. Dee Tadlock’s assertion that reading problems are caused by misaligned neural networks. The Read Right method works to correct these problems by compelling the brain to rewire the network and focus on meaning, not just words.

Thanks to support from generous community donors, MCC’s Adult Education program began using the curriculum more than two years ago at the South Omaha Campus and later at MCC Express. The results were impressive. On average,

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students taking Read Right gained 1.2 grade levels after just one quarter of successful participation.

With Adult Education students seeing significant progress in their reading abilities, MCC’s credit-level reading faculty realized Read Right could work for their students, too. “If our students can improve their reading skills, even just slightly, they’ll have a much greater chance of being successful in college,” said reading instructor Teri Quick. Over the last several months, Read Right at MCC has expanded to include two credit reading courses, Power Reading 1 and Power Reading 2, at the Fort Omaha Campus.

In the future, proponents hope to expand the program to additional MCC locations and reach even more students.

Additional course offerings would boost MCC’s overall efforts to improve student persistence and completion. “Our ultimate goal is to effectively integrate Read Right into our curriculum to serve students at all reading levels, giving them the tools they need at each level to move on to the next,” Quick said.

On average, students taking Read Right gained 1.2 grade levels after just one quarter of successful participation.”

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They will help you through any problem.They won’t belittle you.

They stand by you because they really want to see you succeed.”

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A HIGH SCHOOL ALTERNATIVE Gateway to College program offers path to high school diploma

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harlie Dockweiler was struggling to stay afloat in her local area high school classes. Recently diagnosed with a chronic thyroid condition, she was exhausted at school and too tired after school to complete homework. She was falling behind and butting heads with teachers.

“It was really hard to get my work done,” she said.

“The teachers didn’t seem to believe my health issues.”

That’s when a friend told her about MCC’s Gateway to College program. Part of a national network, Gateway to College provides an alternative way for students who have been unsuccessful in traditional high school to complete their diploma. In addition to earning a diploma from their high school, students in the program also earn college credits toward an associate degree.

Dockweiler joined the program as a senior. Right away, she noticed a difference between her high school classes and college classes. Her instructors cared about her success, and she could manage her schedule and health needs better. “The classes themselves lasted longer, but the whole school day wasn’t as long,” she said.

Like all Gateway students, Dockweiler received support from Gateway to College staff. Two full-time resource specialists provide intensive services to help students achieve their goals.

Their encouragement and understanding made an impression.

“They will help you through any problem,” she said. “They won’t belittle you. They stand by you because they really want to see you succeed.”

Dockweiler graduated with her high school diploma in December 2012. She was proud to walk across the stage. Now, her interest in engineering and medical research has led her to pursue an associate degree in a science field, followed by a bachelor’s degree. The many locations and class times make MCC the perfect fit. “I’m still loving it,” she said.

The Gateway to College program is offered free to accepted students ages 16–20 from any high school in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge and Washington counties. MCC is the only college in Nebraska to offer the program.

For more information, visit mccneb.edu/gtc.

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STUDENT-LEADERS Meet the Student Advisory Council

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even student-leaders were elected in November to MCC’s Student Advisory Council.

Each member represents a specific college location, connecting with students and staying involved in campus life. Members also attend monthly professional development meetings to learn about the College, discover their strengths and talk about upcoming events. Get to know these friendly faces — and say “hello” when you see them on campus.

Darrick Bruning

Thomas Burns

DaTrina Cain

Billi Herman

Sarpy Center

Applied Technology Center

Fort Omaha Campus

representative at large

“My aim is to show others that they can be a catalyst for positive change.”

“I want to make students feel at home and know they have someone on their side.”

“Students at MCC really inspire me. No matter what is going on in their lives, they still attend school and try their hardest.”

“While serving on SAC, I want to help students out and show them what direction to take.”

»» International relations and economics »» From Carroll, Iowa

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»» Liberal arts »» From Bellevue, Neb.

»» Culinary arts – baking and pastry »» From Omaha, Neb.

»» Criminal justice »» From Mission, S.D.

Hirona Homma

Kimberly Keane

Mary Killian

South Omaha Campus

Elkhorn Valley Campus

“I want everyone who walks through the doors at MCC to have a fun experience.”

“SAC is the perfect opportunity to use my passion for education and make a difference.”

Board of Governors student ex-officio and online student representative

»» Liberal arts »» From Tokyo, Japan

»» Early childhood education »» From Omaha, Neb.

“At MCC, it is easy to feel like you have a big extended family.” »» Liberal arts »» From St. Louis, Mo.

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SEE THE WORLD Study abroad program invigorates learning, leaves lasting impression

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ulinary students studying international cuisine stepped out of the kitchen and traveled to Asia last summer for an immersive, palate-pleasing adventure. The class trekked across Japan and Thailand — feasting on local fare, exploring different cultures and honing their craft.

The study experience started in Tokyo. First stop: the Tsukiji Market, the world’s largest wholesale fish and seafood market.

Jet-lagged students watched a live fish auction and nibbled on sushi, fried squid beak and mochi (a Japanese rice cake). Over the next few days, the chefs-in-training made soba noodles from scratch, visited Shibuya Crossing (Tokyo’s version of Times Square), slept on woven mats at a traditional Japanese guest house in Hakone and sipped on miso soup.

A few weeks earlier, another group traveled to Antigua, Guatemala for intensive Spanish language instruction and service-learning projects. The students lived with host families; served in rural communities; and explored Lake Atitlán, the Pacaya volcano, Monterrico and more on weekend excursions.

MCC makes these life-changing adventures possible, offering several short-term, faculty-led excursions every summer. “Students come back and have so much more energy for study because of what they did,” said Barbara Velázquez, coordinator of international and intercultural education.

The trips allow students to go off the beaten path and gain new world perspectives, often shattering stereotypes and instilling independence. “We’re not only providing academic experiences, we’re building global citizens,” Velázquez said.

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We’re not only providing academic experiences, we’re building global citizens.”

Although students must pay for their travel expenses, financial aid is available. Students earn course credit and complete assignments, including research projects and journaling.

“Students feel they are learning in ways that are more inspiring than just being in a classroom,” Velázquez said.

2014 excursions China Aug. 1–15 Galapagos Islands

July 19–30

Ghana Aug. 1–15 Guatemala

June 22–July 7

Japan and Thailand

July 30–Aug. 13

London and Scotland

June 8–22

Rosebud, S.D.

Aug. 17–23

Learn more about credit courses abroad at mccneb.edu/studyabroad.

Metro & More - Credit Courses Abroad at MCC:

Scenes from the 2013 Guatemala trip:

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GREAT PLAINS THEATRE CONFERENCE Performances to push boundaries of theatre

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CC’s ninth annual Great Plains Theatre Conference, May 24–31, offers a week of exciting events for the Omaha community and visiting playwrights from around the country. Free and open to the public, GPTC encourages participants to experience theatre, movement, design and playwriting from a uniquely personal perspective. In addition, play readings, educational workshops and panels are held throughout the week as GPTC’s honored playwright, featured guests and local theatre artists immerse themselves in the world of theatre.

This year’s honored playwright is Kia Corthron. Corthron’s works have been produced around the world and garnered awards including a Writers Guild Outstanding Drama Series Award and Edgar Allan Poe Award for her work on HBO’s “The Wire.”

GPTC planning begins in January when its selection panel, headed by producing artistic director Kevin Lawler, selects the best 25–30 plays from more than 600 submissions from across the country. Selections are read by local actors during the Conference and receive critiques from national artists and educators as part of GPTC’s daytime PlayLab and MainStage readings. All GPTC daytime events are free and open to the public at MCC’s Fort Omaha Campus.

Another GPTC highlight is PlayFest, a free community theatre festival that travels each night to a new Omaha location. This year, performances include a new theatre movement piece at KANEKO, directed by choreographer David Neumann; an evening showcasing Corthron’s work outdoors at the Malcolm X birthsite, directed by MCC instructor Denise Chapman; and a new play by New York-based St. Fortune Productions at the historic Florence Mill, directed by visiting theatre artist Elena Araoz.

MCC presents GPTC with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. To learn more, connect with GPTC on Facebook and Twitter or visit mccneb.edu/gptc.

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ACHIEVING ‘ZINN’ Soon-to-be grad channels creativity to help others Drew Zinn, 27 Studying interior design Graduates in May 2014 Received the Peter Kiewit Foundation Scholarship

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alancing a full-time management job and three classes, interior design student Drew Zinn can arrange his jampacked schedule as well as he can style a room. He’s always had a knack for design — and a go-getter attitude.

Zinn originally enrolled at MCC after high school, planning to study graphic design, but he didn’t get very far. Battling illness and questioning his career choice, he decided to take a hiatus. “Life happened,” he said. “It allowed me to reexamine myself.”

At 25 and with a better grasp of his goals, Zinn decided to go back to school. “I knew I was going to be challenged,” he said, praising his previous experience at MCC. The second time around, Zinn has thrived. He’s active in the American Society of Interior Design, serving as MCC’s chapter president in 2012. He also interned at The Designers Furniture Gallery last fall, working alongside owner Marilyn Hansen while earning class credit. Dabbling in the day-to-day gallery operations as well as attending client meetings and helping with furniture and fabric selections, Zinn was able to build his résumé and perfect his design aesthetic, which he describes as eclectic/modern.

With graduation quickly approaching, Zinn plans to continue his education and study what he loves — a passion that goes deeper than aesthetics. “I believe the environment we live in can improve who we are,” Zinn said, describing his craft as humanitarian. “It’s a creative outlet and a way to use my analytical thinking to serve other people and improve lives.”

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AROUND THE COLLEGE Retired MCC official earns new distinction

MCC grad earns driver award

David Ho, MCC’s former vice president for academic affairs, was named an emeritus member of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. During his time at MCC, Ho worked directly with 11 academic deans, more David Ho than 250 full-time instructors and more than 1,000 adjunct faculty members. He also successfully led the College’s reaccreditation with the Higher Learning Commission.

Former student Sam Botsios, who graduated from the CDL truck driving program, received Crete Carrier’s 2013 rookie of the year award. He was selected from all rookie drivers hired nationwide by the company in 2013.

Almquist appointed to national board

Jackie Almquist, development director, was named to the Board of Directors for the Council for Resource Development in Washington, D.C., for a three-year term.

Serving as development director since February 2013, Jackie Almquist Almquist is responsible for enlisting advocates to support the College’s capital campaigns and funding initiatives.

Auto technology receives reaccreditation

MCC’s Automotive Technology program received reaccreditation by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. To achieve this recognition, the program underwent rigorous evaluation by the NATEF, demonstrating compliance with nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities and equipment.

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Arts council recognizes instructor

Artist and instructor Steve Tamayo received the Nebraska Arts Council Heritage Arts Award for exemplifying authenticity and excellence within a cultural tradition. In addition to teaching, Tamayo serves on the Fort Omaha Steve Tamayo Intertribal Powwow committee and coordinates a study program in Rosebud, S.D. He also led the collaborative buffalo robe project in 2012.

Forss named Fulbright Scholar

History and human relations instructor Amy Forss will be teaching overseas in 2014 as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar at Kecskemet College in Kecskemet, Hungary. Her first book, “Black Print with a White Carnation: Mildred Amy Forss Brown and the Omaha Star Newspaper, 1938–1989,” was published by University of Nebraska Press in January 2014.

State approves insurance courses

The Nebraska Department of Insurance approved MCC to offer the courses necessary to become a licensed insurance provider, making MCC the only accredited academic institution in Nebraska to meet this standard in providing this curriculum. The approval means students who take the two state-approved courses will qualify to take the exam required to become a licensed insurance provider.

LOCATION SPOTLIGHT:

SARPY CENTER

Center offers classes, library, video conferencing and more

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ince 1999, the La Vista Public Library and MCC have shared a space to serve students, library users and the community at the Sarpy Center. Located on Giles Road, the location replaced the previous center in Brentwood Crossing, which opened in 1993.

With nearly 35,000 square feet and an abundance of natural light, the Sarpy Center supplies an ideal atmosphere for studying. Nearly 200 general education, academic transfer and career education courses are offered through this location each quarter. The center shares the joint library with the city of La Vista and houses classroom and lab space, computer labs, student services, a bookstore, and a commons area with coffee and snacks for long study sessions or breaks between classes.

The center also has two rooms designated for video conferencing and course sharing. This technology connects students to other MCC locations and allows for simultaneous communication and document sharing. It is also an effective way for the College to hold meetings among locations and can be used among many other colleges and businesses. To learn more, contact John McAdam at 402-457-2869 or jmcadam@mccneb.edu.

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Metropolitan Community College P.O. Box 3777 Omaha, NE 68103-0777

Stay informed. Connect with your ‘Community.’ mccneb.edu/community @mccneb