Presidential Report May 18, 2004
Legislative Update
As you all know, there is GREAT news from Tallahassee ...and here to deliver it is SCC's own man in Tally town ...Don Payton. Report from Don on the allocations to community colleges and SCC.
Good News/Bad News
Yes, there is good news from Tallahassee ...and we await the Governor's signature that will make our funding possible. But, there is also good and bad news here at home as we are losing three of our key people. Shirley Range has accepted a position as Director of Development at Bethune-Cookman College; David Harrison has accepted a position as Vice Provost for Regional Campuses at UCF; and Pam Weber is taking a break and pursuing a career as a full-time wife, daughter and mother. Plus, tonight is Hank Hurley's last Board meeting before he gets his own Board.
"Artist of the Year"
The Seminole County Commissioners have recognized Dr. Karen Copp as "Artist of the Year." A formal ceremony bestowing this honor on Dr. Copp is planned for May. Congratulations, Dr. Copp!
Softball Honors
Several SCC softball players were recently honored for their athletic performance during the past season, highlighted by Freshman Sherri Rabenold, who was named Co-Player of the Year in the State, a first for a SCC fastpitch player. Sherri was also named Player of the Year in the Mid-Florida Conference. Sophomore catcher, Megan Miller, was honored as the 2003-04 Outstanding Female Student-Athlete at Seminole Community College's Athletic Awards Banquet. Sherri and Megan were also named First Team All-State, which qualifies them for All-American consideration.
SCC's Fastpitch team qualified for the FCCAA/NJCAA State Fastpitch Tournament. While our ladies played long and hard, they did not win the state championship. However, they were noted for their sportsmanship.
Student Recognition
Congratulations are in order for Marissa Kessler, Brenda Ruch, Abbasali Walimohammed and Michael McConville for their successful presentations at the Southern Regional Honors Council Conference, hosted by UNC, in Wilmington, NC, April 15-17. I understand that these students spoke without notes. Congratulations to our Honors students!
Also, congratulations are in order for Roberto E. Rodriguez who has just received the Dr. Robert W. Sims Memorial Scholarship awarded by the Florida Association of Educational Data Systems in the amount of $2,000 to a freshman majoring in computer science/information technology.
2004 Leadership Seminole Graduation Luncheon
This year, Leadership Seminole is honoring Sally Sherman, the Deputy County Manager for Seminole County. If you would like to attend this May 20th luncheon, which will feature a keynote by Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings, please notify Linda.
Council of Presidents and Board Chairs
On May 27, the Council of Presidents will hold a legislative debriefing meeting in Orlando for Trustee Chairs. Sid Miller will be representing our Board.
Brown vs. Board of Education
Many thanks to Dede Schaffner for attending last night's incredible program - and to Annye Refoe and Michael Garlich for working with Judge Donna McIntosh to set up the program. The program was planned by the Judges in the County and featured a PBS special ..."The Road to Brown." The panelists included not only the judges, but also the first black student to integrate a school in Seminole County. With about 300 people in attendance, it was an incredible evening. Thanks to the faculty and staff who attended and encouraged their students to attend!
Thank You
Many thanks to each of you for attending our multiple graduations and to Sid Miller for journeying to the American Association of Community Colleges national conference where our graduate, Colonel Frances Martin, was honored.
Upcoming Events
Just a reminder that next month's June 15th Board meeting will also begin with a workshop from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
The Bookstore has been renovated and is now ready for the Grand Opening, which will be Monday, May 24, at 1 pm. You are definitely invited.
And we will be hosting an Appreciation Breakfast for our CFADA partners on Tuesday, June 15, at 7:30 am. Please let Linda know if you plan to attend.
Note to SCC Family: I also spent some time discussing the reorganization/redesign strategy with the Board. You have already received much of that in yesterday's e-mail, but there will be more information to follow. ann
