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May 2008 Casper College News Releases
ANOTHER T-BIRD SIGNS WITH DIVISION I PROGRAM
For the second straight year, Casper College's women's basketball team will be sending a player to the University of Texas-San Antonio to play Division I basketball.
Valencia Cottom, a 6-foot forward from Gary, Ind., signed her letter of intent Monday to play for the Roadrunners. Cottom will be reunited with Magdalena Pawlaczyk, a T-Bird All-American who played in San Antonio this past season.
The Roadrunners are a program on the rise and made their first trip to the NCAA tournament this season.
"This is a tremendous opportunity both athletically and academically for Valencia," said coach Angelo Hill. "I hope she takes full advantage of it. It is exciting for her."
Cottom averaged 6.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game as a sophomore, and helped lead the T-Birds to a 20-11 record. She played on the 2007 Region IX championship team as a freshman.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
DANCERS SHOWCASE TALENT AT CASPER COLLEGE
The graduating class of dancing majors at Casper College will present a dance program on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 13 and 14 in the Leland and Barbara Scifers Dance Performance Theatre.
According to Jodi Youmans-Jones, dance instructor, the sophomores have choreographed the dances that they will present during the program. "These dedicated students are ready to give the audience an evening of fun, exploration, and entertainment. Though this dance program is a bit informal, the work is intriguing, genuine, and well worth everyone's time."
The dance program will begin each night at 6:30 p.m. A free-will donation will be accepted at the door.
The Leland and Barbara Scifers Dance Performance Theatre is located on the south side of the Gertrude Krampert Theatre Complex.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
ACTING AND MUSICAL THEATRE TALENT DISPLAYED IN SPECIAL SHOWCASE
An acting and musical theatre showcase will be presented in the Black Box Theatre on Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m.
"This showcase will feature second-year students in scenes from modern American musicals as well as plays by Ibsen, Chekhov and Shakespeare," says Rich Burk, Casper College theatre instructor.
The showcase, which is part of the assessment process, allows the faculty of the department of theatre and dance an opportunity to sit back and watch the outcome of the work the sophomore performance students have done in classes at Casper College, according to Burk.
The acting and musical theatre showcase is free and open to the public.
The Black Box Theatre is located on the south side of the Gertrude Krampert Theatre Complex.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
HILL FAREWELL PARTY SET
A farewell party for Angelo and Michelle Hill will take place on Thursday, May 15 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Casper Country Club.
Hill, head coach for the Thunderbird women's basketball team for the past five seasons, announced his resignation as head coach on April 16.
Hill and his family will return to New Zealand, where he met his wife Michelle. "It has been a great run. We talked about some day going back. Our family situation here has changed and we have decided the time is right," Hill said.
The farewell party will feature light snacks and a cash bar.
For more information contact Judy Griffin, athletics administrative assistant at 268-3000.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
BARRASSO TO SPEAK AT CASPER COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT
United States Senator John Barrasso will be the commencement speaker for Casper College's commencement ceremony on Friday, May 16. The graduation ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. at the Casper Events Center.
Of the 578 graduates receiving a total of 704 degrees for the 207-08 academic year, 265 will march at commencement.
Known by many as "Wyoming's Doctor," Barrasso was sworn in to the U. S. Senate on June 25, 2007, to fill out the term left vacant by the passing of Senator Craig Thomas earlier in the year. Prior to his appointment to the U.S. Senate, Barrasso spent the past five years representing Natrona County in the Wyoming State Senate.
A practicing orthopedic surgeon in Casper for the past 24 years, Barrasso has served as president of the Wyoming Medical Society and was named Wyoming Physician of the Year.
The commencement ceremony is free and open to the public.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
ETSS PROGRAM OFFERED IN PAINTING AT CASPER COLLEGE
A new class to teach commercial painting is being offered through the Center for Training and Development (CTD) at Casper College beginning May 19.
"The Commercial Painting Program will be provided at no cost to eligible individuals with a dependent child or children who meet income criteria," says Michele Jozwik, case manager for CTD.
According to Jozwik, the Employment and Training for Self-Sufficiency (ETSS) program provides employment and training opportunities to help income eligible individuals develop skills to find employment and increase wages. "Participants will learn safety skills, site preparation, tool use and lab techniques, material selection and on-site application," she says.
Both men and women interested in increasing their employment opportunities and earnings are encouraged to apply. "If an individual's child qualifies for the Free and Reduced Lunch Plan, then they will probably qualify for this training provided by Casper College," notes Jozwik.
The Commercial Painting Program is scheduled to run from May 19 through June 13. For more information or to register, contact Jozwik at 268-3313.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
CASPER COLLEGE PTK SPONSORS "PROJECT GRADUATION"
Again this year the Casper College chapter of PTK is asking community residents and graduates to bring a can of nonperishable food or a children's book to the Casper College commencement ceremony on Friday, May 16.
PKT - Phi Theta Kappa - is an international honor society for two-year colleges. "Project Graduation. Feed a Body. Feed a Mind." was started in 2002 as a way to alleviate hunger and illiteracy across the country.
"In past years the members of the Casper College PTK have donated to the Salvation Army's food bank and the books have gone to the Childhood Development Center. But it was decided that this year if the response was great the group would divide the food received between the food banks in Casper," says Swedberg.
Collection boxes will be at the entrances on the concourse for those attending the ceremony and in the hallway on the ground floor for students and others participating in the ceremony. Boxes will be available at both the commencement rehearsal at 10 am on Friday, May 16th and the commencement ceremony later that evening at 7.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
TILE INSTALLATION OFFERED AS ONE-WEEK COURSE
A one-week course on tile installation is being offered at Casper College for the summer semester.
"Floor Tile Installation" (CMSV 0332 01) will be taught by Jim Sears, Casper College construction technology instructor, June 23 through June 27 from 6 to 9:30 each night.
"Participants will learn about measurement, materials, hand and power tools, basic layout, installation, and safety," says Sears. According to Sears, students will perform an actual installation at an off-campus location.
The cost for the class is $60 per person, and seating is limited.
To register call Casper College at 268-2206 or log onto www.caspercollege.edu.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
UW/CC COMMENCEMENT HONORS GRADUATES MAY 15
The University of Wyoming/Casper College (UW/CC) Center will honor 160 graduates at the commencement ceremony on May 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Casper Events Center.
This year, the UW/CC Center will graduate four cohorts, in which students complete their degrees as a collective group. These programs offer candidates for graduation once every two to three years. This ceremony will include 24 master's degrees in counseling graduates, 12 master's degrees in special education graduates, six bachelor's degrees in technical education graduates, and the first six graduates of the new secondary science education bachelor's degree, which began in 2005.
Gail Zimmerman, executive vice president of Kaiser and Company, will give the commencement address at this year's ceremony. Zimmerman taught at Casper College from 1965 to 1988. He was an anatomy and physiology instructor for the UW/CC Center, one of the first teachers employed by the off-campus UW institution in 1976. Teaching courses on radiation biology, mammalogy, and the effects of chemotherapy on one's biology and psychology, he became an advocate of science education.
Currently, Zimmerman helps support the UW/CC Center and its students by donating funds for the UW/CC Center's Student Emergency Fund and Student Leadership Fund. He also established the Non-Traditional and First Generation Scholarship and the Zimmerman Secondary Science Education Award.
"Dr. Gail Zimmerman is a former faculty member, a long-time supporter of UW/CC, and a leading member of the Casper community," said Brent Pickett, associate dean and director of the UW/CC Center. "I'm proud and excited to have Dr. Zimmerman as our commencement speaker, especially since we are graduating our first secondary education science students through UW/CC."
Peggy Laughlin, assistant professor of elementary and early childhood education, will offer the faculty reflections during the ceremony, and Katharine Schneider, master's of science in counseling graduate, will give the student address.
Students participating in the commencement exercises represent majors in art, communication, criminal justice, elementary education, English, humanities/fine arts, journalism, mathematics/science, secondary education/biological sciences, secondary education/English, social science, biology, business administration, technical education, nursing, and social work. The largest group of graduates will be in the field of elementary education, followed by social work.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
LARGE NUMBER TO MARCH AT GED CEREMONY
Nearly 100 GED graduates will march during the GED graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 17 at 2 p.m. in the "Swede" Erickson Thunderbird Gymnasium on the Casper College campus. Lesley Travers, Casper College addictionology instructor will be the guest speaker.
"Because some of our students have known someone who had an addiction, or have been personally affected by an addiction, the staff here felt that Dr. Travers could relate to our students' backgrounds," says Kelsee Miller, ABE/GED instructor.
"Dr. Travers intends to provide a speech that will keep us all on our toes, literally, and hopes that audience members will walk away with a new sense of enthusiasm," notes Miller.
The GED graduation ceremony is free and open to the public. A reception will follow the ceremony.
Friday, May 9, 2008
FORENSICS TEAM SCORES NATIONAL AWARDS
The Casper College Forensics Team has returned from its final competition for the 2007-08 school year with six national awards.
The National Phi Rho Pi Tournament, held in St. Charles, Ill., attracted 71 community colleges from around the country with nearly 700 participants. "This tournament was more competitive than the last three years, which makes our national wins even more special," says Jessica Hurless, director of forensics at Casper College.
The team was led in winnings by freshman Erica Cushmore, (Cheyenne) who came away with three national awards. "Erica received a silver in Prose Interpretation, a bronze in Speech-to-Entertain, and a bronze in Parliamentary debate," Hurless says.
Cushmore won the bronze in Parliamentary debate along with her partner, sophomore Shelley Dolinar (Evanston). The Parliamentary debate, with 96 teams competing, was the largest event at the tournament.
The other wins came from sophomore Michelle Anderson (Morrill, Neb.), who won a bronze in Dramatic Interpretation, and freshman Jacob Cooper (Casper) who took a bronze in the newest debate at Nationals, the National Association of Forensics Association Lincoln-Douglas (NFA LD), which requires one person to debate both sides of the proposition.
Despite the end of tournament season, Hurless says the team is already preparing for next season. "We have had a strong recruiting season and I can hardly wait to see what out ream can achieve next season with the leadership of these freshman national champions," she says.
Friday, May 9, 2008
TWO-WEEK CLASS TO TRAIN EMERGENCY DISPATCHERS
A two-week class to train individuals to become emergency dispatchers will begin on Monday, June 2 at Casper College.
The Casper College Center for Training and Development (CTD) was contacted by the Casper Police Department, which is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified applicants for its Public Safety Communications Center.
"This is an excellent career," says Kenyne Schlager, Casper College workforce specialist. "The pay is good, and those working fulltime are eligible for full benefits."
The two-week, half-day classes will cover a variety of topics and include basic law, civil liability and ethics, leadership, conflict resolution, 10-code/abbreviations, gathering information in emergencies, map reading, incident command, interpersonal communications, and radio, telephone and computer procedures. Students will also tour emergency operation locations. The two-week course will end with testing and a certificate ceremony.
A former dispatcher herself, Schlager notes that anyone who thrives on adrenalin will love the job. In addition, she says it is also a great job for fire science and criminal justice students who could do the job on a part-time basis.
"Emergency dispatchers are life savers, and believe me, saving a life is a pretty impressive feeling. As a dispatcher, you are part of a team, and you make a difference. Without people to do this job, the city would have a hard time functioning. Dispatchers are the lifeline of the community," Schlager says.
The class is limited to 20 students and the cost is only $260 per person, which includes all training, materials, ride-alongs, direct observation opportunities and classes.
For more information or to register contact Schlager at 268-3847.
Friday, May 9, 2008
FRESHMEN JUDGERS TAKE FIRST AND SECOND OVERALL AT LAST SHOW
The Casper College Freshman Livestock Judging Team ended the judging season on a high note with impressive wins, including both first and second place overall at the Grand National Stock Show.
In addition to the overall wins, the team took home the top two team spots in reasons; won first and second in cattle and first in sheep judging. "We set goals to strive for excellence in practice, and these students give 100 percent. By striving for 100 percent in practice, winning just naturally follows," says Kolby Burch, freshman livestock judging coach and agriculture instructor.
Individually, the team excelled as well with Samantha Ufford (Vernal, Utah) claiming the "high spot" and winning a "beautiful buckle." Erin Marvin (Keensburg, Colo.) took second overall and Megan Brumfield (Shepherd, Mont.) was third overall and tied for first in reasons with Kaylee Kerbs (Saratoga, Wyo.) who also finished sixth overall.
Blake Kawcak (Craig, Colo.) finished first in placings "with an impressive low drop of eight points and finished fourth overall," says Burch. Josh Johnson (McDonald, Kan.) placed fifth overall.
The Grand National Stock Show was held in San Francisco at the legendary Cow Palace. "Going to San Francisco was a lifetime experience for many of these judgers. These freshmen haven't been out much, they have mostly been here at the college working in preparation of their sophomore year as judgers. They have been very successful at the handful of contests they did compete at," notes Burch.
According to Burch those contests were the Iowa Beef Expo where the team placed ninth and tenth against sophomore judgers; the Oklahoma Panhandle State Contest where the team won the freshman contest; and the West Texas A&M Contest where the team placed third and the four top-placing individuals were all Casper College judgers.
"I am really looking forward to next year with these judgers," says Burch. "It looks to be a promising one."
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
GREENHOUSE SETS OPEN HOUSE FOR MAY 24
The open house for the Casper College greenhouse will be held on Saturday, May 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This year visitors will find a large selection of both tomato and pepper plants as well as a variety of herbs. "Our long-season plants look good and are ready to plant. This gives them a jump on Wyoming's typical short growing season," says Evert Brown, greenhouse director and biology instructor.
Tomato varieties that will be available at the open house include Brandy Wine, Mortgage Lifter, Big Boy, Celebrity, Cherokee Purple, Yellow Pear, Heirloom, and others. The peppers for sale will include Habanera (hot), Marconi (an Italian frying pepper), Red Chili Pepper, California Wonder (bell peppers), Orange Bell, and more.
The herb varieties that will be on sale include popular ones such as basil, oregano, and sage, and others, according to Brown.
The open house is free and open to the public and refreshments will be available.
The greenhouse is located on the west side of the Loftin Life Science Center on the Casper College campus.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
COLLEGE ANNOUNCES MAJOR EXPANSION TO MEET WORKFORCE AND ACADEMIC NEEDS OF COMMUNITY
In a process over the past two years, campus and community members have brainstormed about what they would like to see as the campus grows to remain current and dynamic during the next 20 years. The college plan recognizes exciting partnerships that we have forged with local employers. It will tie together a number of important goals developed in many campus meetings:
More space is needed to respond to the changing professional needs of Wyoming's economy and the students who want to fill those jobs. We are increasing our course offerings in the fields of medical services, technology and energy production.
To support the crucial academic work of the outstanding Casper College faculty, an important goal is to group related disciplines more closely together in academic districts.
Residence halls and instructional space will receive much needed updates and expansions to make them effective for the current and future learning needs.
Doing the homework
The architecture firm Gould Evans was retained to help develop a facilities master plan, and the first steps involved conducting workshops to help define where we go from here. Community members, students, faculty, staff, City of Casper leaders, University of Wyoming representatives and the surrounding communities worked with us to formulate our plan.
As we tell the story of the plan in the community, we find that many community leaders are surprised to learn how many new programs are working in partnership with local businesses to educate a workforce.
Since 2004, the college has added more than 20 new career training majors, including Medical Lab Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Paramedic Technology, Robotics, Manufacturing Technology, Web Design, Hospitality Management, Entrepreneurship, Extractive Resources Technology, and Electric Power Technology. In fact, we could add three highly valuable healthcare programs - physical therapy assistant, surgical technician, and medical coding - that were requested by local businesses right now if we had the space. This need for classrooms and labs that are tailored for the programs is urgent, and we are pleased with how the new master plan will address the problem.
We believe that we'll miss out if we don't act quickly on these important needs of our local economy. This is one of our major missions, and we need to help Natrona County build the diversified economy that is essential to a vibrant community.
First steps
The proposed Gateway Building/Center for Training and Development will provide much-needed space for the new majors that respond to Wyoming's changing economic development needs and a permanent home for our fast-growing partnerships with business. It will also provide a centralized location with one-stop services for all student and administrative services. Opening this building will free up to 30,000 square feet of instructional space throughout the campus, allowing expansion of the health-related programs at a location convenient to the currently overcrowded Life Science Building.
Groundbreaking is imminent on the Sharon D. Nichols Auditorium wing of the McMurry Career Studies Center. This will create what is described as an unmatched workforce training facility, supported in an exciting business partnership with the Wyoming Trucking Association, which raised a share of the funding in record time.
For the students
The student services part of the Gateway Building fulfils the idea of creating a "Heart of Campus" services core in the upper campus. Other immediate priorities include new residence halls that work for today's students, funded by a revenue bond paid for by college-produced revenues, not tax revenues. A new student union would be built as part of a building to house the CC/UW program, which currently uses 21 offices and numerous classrooms on campus. UW has pledged to pay for half of that building.
Quality learning environment
We are dedicated to nurturing the quality instruction which is our most notable asset as a premier educational institution. Excellent education is what attracts students and allows us to retain professionals in Natrona County. One exciting part of the plan groups similar disciplines together in districts. A new music building close to the other arts buildings is part of this idea, and it frees space at the Aley center for science classes that will coordinate with classes at the adjacent Wold and Loftin science buildings. Grouping educational offerings greatly improves efficiency, communication and the ability to coordinate education.
What's next?
Accomplishing this ambitious plan may take from five to seven years, depending on resources. A community education campaign is beginning, which will include opinion surveys of the level of support in Natrona County, whose citizens have repeatedly shown generous support of the college. In the next months, you will hear more about this education effort and conclusions reached about our next steps.
One of the several funding possibilities that could pay for approximately 40% of the early master plan projects would be a voter-approved general obligation bond issue. The maximum the college could request via a bond question--which could be placed on the ballot as soon as this fall-would be approximately $41 million. The estimated tax impact of a bond this size would be approximately $2 per month per $100,000 of a home's market value. The current proposal under consideration would allocate the proceeds of a bond to help fund a portion of the Gateway Building, Student Union and Music Building, with additional funding coming from outside supporters who are interested in the important missions that each of these projects support.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
GREEN RECEIVES EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD
Annette Green, a senior in the elementary education bachelor's degree program at the University of Wyoming/Casper College (UW/CC) Center, received the Sue Jorgensen Excellent Student in Education award at a recent ceremony. She became the 12th recipient of the prestigious award, recognized as one of the center's highest honors bestowed upon prospective teachers.
To receive this honor, a candidate must earn a minimum 3.5 grade point average while enrolled in the elementary education degree program through the UW/CC Center, exhibit professional disposition toward mentors and peers, contribute to the education field through leadership and community service, and display a positive attitude to promote excitement and curiosity about learning. Based on these criteria, candidates are nominated and selected by the elementary education faculty and staff.
"It was incredibly humbling to receive the nomination, and then to be awarded the honor," said Green. "When you work so hard and put in so much, it is inspiring to receive the confidence from others."
For Green, teaching has been a long-term goal.
"Twenty-five years ago, in high school, I knew I wanted to teach," said Green. "But I started working in business and it was sensible to get a business degree. But then I decided to follow my dream."
Green was honored with a plaque that will hang in the center's main office, featuring the names of all recipients of the award.
Thursday, May 14, 2008
RECEPTION HONORS UW/CC EDUCATION GRADUATES
Fifty-three graduates who have earned education degrees through the University of Wyoming/Casper College (UW/CC) Center, along with their mentor teachers, were honored recently at a pinning ceremony and reception.
Brent Pickett, associate dean and director of the UW/CC Center, began the evening by thanking the center's partners in education, including Casper College, the Natrona County School District, and the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), as well as the faculty and staff that support the students through their educational career.
The reception's speakers were selected in order to reflect the important roles of the center's partnerships. Faculty speaker Rod Thompson encouraged the audience to recognize the gifts within themselves, and to pass their gifts to others. Student speaker Annette Green, elementary education graduate and the recipient of the Sue Jorgensen Excellent Student in Education Award, spoke of reaching goals, and quoted associate professor John Kambutu from a journal she kept of her educational experiences.
Following Green, Natrona County School District superintendent Jim Lowham talked of the futures that await the graduates, stating: "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." After remarks from Marcia Patton, partner schools facilitator, the education graduates and their mentors were called to the podium to receive their pins.
"The graduate and the mentor teacher pin each other," explained Patton, "to symbolize that we are a community of life-long learners. As teachers, we learn from our students. Mentor teachers pin the graduates, and the graduates pin their mentors, because they have been co-teachers."
Following are the graduates who earned their elementary education pins, along with their mentor teachers and the school where they performed their residency:
Sagewood Elementary: Victoria Greet with Susie Strom, and Tausha Willard with Shawn Galles; Verda James Elementary: Andra Arnold with Lauri Rail, Shyla Graves with Susan Schilling, Ronald Hall with Lynn Lange, Rosanna Maxwell with Annie Kepler, and Tamillia Moore with Claudia Grigg; Willard Elementary: Alicia Alger with Tina George, Veronica Gallegos with Jodie Frazier, and Charity Harkins with Kristi Smith; Crest Hill Elementary: Alisha Adelman with Rick Black, Meghan Creel with Lynne Murray, Alicyn Davis with Ann Cornell, Krista Hiebert with Haylie Wendland, Tricia Muller with Amy Sorensen, and Denise Steffens with Cathy Quinlan; Glenrock Grant Elementary: David Rawlings with Corinne Sibrel; Glenrock Middle School: Colleen Zeglin with Sue Calmes; Manor Heights Elementary: Sierra Barber with Kim Carpenter, Stephine Becker with Shannon Kersenbrock, Jeanine Fillinger with Angie Geiger and Wendy Johnson, Heather Gilmore with Cindy DeLeeuw, Erika Hooper with Judy Royer and Linda Heberlein, Caroline Mooren with Brenda Foy, Alana Sheffield with Jane Brown and Sheila Ker, and Denise Smiley with Susie Mayhue; Paradise Valley Elementary: Gary Bass with Deanna Brownell and Christy Garner, Zachariah Becker with B.J. Becker, Kayla Bockman with Dana Berg, Tatiana Curtis with Diane Watson, Annette Green with Robyn Chivers, Talia Munsell with Lisa Talbott, and Amanda Puls with Marcee George; Park Elementary: Melanie Brandon with Laura McCleary and Sue Berchenbriter, Aubrey Hazen with Nicole Latka and Barbara Maguire, Jenny Martin with Lynn Ahrndt and Lori Bluemel, Kelly Peak with Cindy Hill and Maggie Jolly, Tara Realing with Jennifer Christensen and Kala Williamson, Kimberly Sabus with Angela Ourth and Sarah Rowland, and Heather Sides with Lynn Ahrndt and Lori Bluemel; University Park Elementary: Jennifer Bowden with Cathie Hedlund and Tarra Wright.
Following are the graduates who earned their secondary education pins, along with their mentor teachers and the school where they performed their residency:
Centennial Junior High: William Jaeger with Ernie Smith in technical education, and Kayci Stripling with Shane Palmer in secondary science education; Dean Morgan Junior High: Rebecca Murray with Carolyn Jacobs in secondary science education; Glenrock High: Stephen Jacobsen with Ed Katen and Cory Yingling in technical education, and Jamie Short with Joanne Schubert in secondary science education; Kelly Walsh High: Timothy Brown with Jerry Realing in secondary science education, Stephanie Jensen with Todd Trupp in secondary science education, and Ryan Owens with Dave Davis in technical education; Laramie High: Mark Estes with Ed Elliott in technical education; Natrona County High: Tricia Larson with Lynn Bell in secondary science education, Nathanial Penn with Scott Schutte in technical education, and Jacob Zeller with Chris Iselin and Doug Urban in technical education.
The evening's events were concluded with a fable offered by Lynn Kahler, mentor facilitator for the Natrona County School District, inspiring graduates to go forth and achieve greatness.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
COLLEGE ANNOUNCES MAY MEETING TIMES
The Casper College District Board of Trustees will hold its May board meeting on Tuesday, May 20 beginning at 7 p.m. in the Strausner Student Center, Room 217.
Prior to the board meeting the board will hold its work session and finance meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Strausner Student Center, Room 207.
All meeting minutes and schedules for the board are available on the Casper College Web site at www.caspercollege.edu/community.
Both meetings are open and the public is invited to attend.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
MORNING OLLI SESSION TO LOOK AT RELIGIOUS ICONS
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Casper College is offering a short class on the origins of the sacred art form of religious iconography and its importance to the Eastern Orthodox Church.
"Reflections of Heaven: The Art and History of Religious Icons" will be taught by Rev. John Cusulos at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Casper on Tuesday, May 28 from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
"Father Cusulos will show students how Eastern and Western sacred portraiture styles diverged from one another, and talk about the fascinating church history and theology that explain why this occurred," says Vicki Pollock, lifelong learning specialist.
OLLI at Casper College is a program for adults age 50 plus who want to continue learning and exploring for the sheer joy of it, according to Pollock. OLLI membership is available for as little as $15 for the summer session, and includes one free class. The cost for nonmembers is $27 per class.
To register or for more information contact Pollock at 268-2097.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
ALUMNI CHOOSE WAYNE B. HUNTER AND JEANINE JONES
The Casper College Alumni Association has chosen Wayne B. Hunter as this year's Distinguished Alumnus and Jeanine Jones as this year's Commitment to Excellence honoree.
Hunter received his A.S. in wildlife management from Casper College in 1983. He then went on to earn his B.S. in biology from Central Missouri State University, his M.S. in entomology from the University of Columbia-Missouri and his Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Hawaii-Manoa.
Hunter is the lead scientist, and a research entomologist, on Pierce's disease and the glassy-winged sharpshooter, in the Subtropical Insects Research Unit, at the U.S. Horticultural Research Lab in Ft. Pierce, Fla.
Former Casper College Director of Student Health Services, Jones was selected as this year's Commitment To Excellence honoree. Established in 1991 by the Casper College Alumni Association, the award honors "those who have given exemplary service to and have made a significant difference in the growth and development of Casper College.
Beginning her job in September 1967, Jones was a familiar face to Casper College students until her retirement in 1994. During her time at Casper College, Jones was the medical person on duty during the annual Ropin' and Riggin' Days Rodeo, sponsored the Miss Casper College Pageant for several years, served during the 80's as president of the Casper College Association, was a member of the Casper College Alliance Social Committee, and in the 80's established the physician's clinic providing students with physician care at no charge - a program still in existence today.
Both Hunter and Jones will be officially recognized during the 2008 Alumni and Friends Banquet to be held on Friday, October 6 at the Casper Petroleum Club. Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased through Linda Nix, alumni coordinator, at 268-2218, toll free 800-442-2963, ext. 2218 or by emailing her at alumni@caspercollege.edu.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEWING KEYS TO BE EXPLORED IN SUMMER CLASS
A class designed to develop and enhance interviewing skills for both the interviewer and the interviewee will be offered for the summer semester at Casper College.
"Interviewing" (CO/M 2260) will teach successful interviewing skills "through a combination of lecture/discussion, practical application, role playing, and analysis," says Ebba Stedillie, communication instructor at Casper College.
According to Stedillie, students taking the class will learn communication theory as it applies to a variety of interview situations, and how to develop and prepare various types of interviews, such as the job selection interview, the information-gathering interview, and the problem-solving interview.
"Whatever a person's major or career choice, developing their interviewing skills can give them the edge that makes the difference both in job application and applicant selection, in performance appraisal, in marketing, in gathering information, in client analysis, and in problem-solving," says Stedillie.
"Because our primary focus will be with the application of up-to-date principles and techniques for immediate practice both inside and outside the classroom, this course is valuable to both beginning students and to seasoned interviewing veterans," Stedillie notes.
"Interviewing" (CO/M 2260) will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning each day at 1 p.m. starting June 10. For more information or to register call Casper College at 268-2206 or log onto www.caspercollege.edu.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
COLLEGE THEATRE BOARD SEEKS MEMBERS
The Gertrude Krampert Theatre Community Advisory Board is seeking applications to fill three board positions.
"This is a working board, and meets once a month," says Tom Empey, theatre department chair. "The board members participate in the yearly Patron's Gala fundraising event, spend all the patron funds raised each year, act as community liaisons for the theatre, and select the works to be performed each season."
The money raised and then allocated by the board is an important component to the running of the theatre and dance programs at Casper College. "Currently, thanks to the generosity of our patrons, the board is able to award 20 theatre and dance scholarships to deserving students," says Empey. The board also uses patron funds to pay guest artists, supplement the cost of producing plays, and purchase needed equipment.
Anyone interested in becoming a board member should submit a letter of interest and background to Tammy Frankland, board nominee committee chair, c/o Casper College, 125 College Dr., Casper, WY 82601. The deadline to apply is Monday, June 2.