A PUBLICATION OF THE COCHISE COLLEGE FOUNDATION
FALL 2011
Cultivating the STEM Workforce Page 2
BOARD PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Friends of Cochise College‌ As a lifelong supporter of education, and having enjoyed a career in education that included employment at two of Arizona's premier community colleges, I have always had an interest in the welfare of community colleges and their students. Serving as assistant to the president at Central Arizona College, and later as dean of Extended Campus at Cochise College, allowed me to have a strong awareness of the importance of a college foundation and the many opportunities it has to interact with its students, its supporters and members of the communities the college serves.
Cover: Mechatronics student Chris Rae learns about closed-loop controls used in manufacturing and other processes. The program, funded by a grant from Science Foundation Arizona, is part of the college's science, technology, engineering and math initiative. Photo by Rick Whipple.
The Cochise College Foundation has been fortunate to have continued its growth with a widening donor base and increasing assets. We can look forward to strengthening what we already have as we work together to reach out to more of our community, and to provide additional resources to the college and our students. I look forward to working with my fellow board members as we move forward together to strengthen the foundation's mission of supporting student success, and making a college education possible for even more students.
Yolanda Anderson Board President Cochise College Foundation
NORTHROP GRUMMAN SPONSORS INNOVATION CAMPUS This fall, the Cochise College Foundation awarded five $1,000 Northrop Grumman Innovation Scholarships to full-time students pursuing an education in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) or a related field. The scholarships are one piece of the Northrop Grumman Innovation Campus, which the defense industry giant established in Sierra Vista to nurture and grow the STEM workforce of the future. The Innovation Campus also includes company-sponsored internships, teacher fellowships, workshops, tours and other support, as well as scholarships for University of Arizona South students. The concept may help address an issue with which the Continued on page 4
2
“Accolade” inspires charitable contributions in support of Cochise College by raising awareness about competitive advantages of the college and the activities of the Cochise College Foundation. Board Officers Yolanda Anderson, President Jan Guy, Vice President Cindy Hayostek, Secretary Mark Battaglia, J.D., Treasurer Board Members Chuck Chambers Shirley Gregory Karen L. Justice Gene Manring Dan Rehurek, Ph.D. Linda R. Staneart Bob Strain Ruben Teran, J.D. Gail Zamar Ex-Officio Members J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D. (ex-officio) Honorary Members Marsha Arzberger Cochise College Foundation Staff Denise Merkel, Executive Director Sheila Selby, Foundation Coordinator Rose Berumen, Administrative Assistant Carmen Moreno, Student Aide “Accolade” is published by the Cochise College Foundation, 4190 W. Highway 80, Douglas, AZ 85607. (520) 417-4100 Editorial Contributors Denise Merkel Liz Manring Design Rick Whipple Photography Mary Fogleman Liz Manring Denise Merkel Rick Whipple Printing/Mailing Keith Ringey Carol Riggs Juan Zozaya The Cochise College Foundation promotes student success through scholarships, facilities development, and program support. By supporting Cochise College, the Foundation endeavors to increase the college's accessibility to our diverse and changing communities.
FROM THE COCHISE COLLEGE PRESIDENT It has been a tremendous few years since I arrived here in Cochise County. Last spring the college was named among the Top 120 community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute. “GI Jobs” magazine has ranked the college among the top 20 percent of all colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide, recognizing our efforts to serve the active and veteran military population. Soon we will be engaged in a new accreditation process in which we will conduct an assurance study and carry out an improvement project that should result in another 10-year accreditation. I believe we are participants in this new process because of the excellence of our recent accreditation history and reputation. In addition, all of our campuses and centers now convey that higher education is valued in Cochise County. Yet at times, Cochise College remains a “best kept secret” locally. We do have our faithful cheerleaders. But there have been many times when we’ve discovered that the average citizen knows little about what’s happening at the college next door. The Cochise College Foundation is stepping in to help us. Over the last year, the foundation has added new and well-recognized board members whose expertise complements what it already has. The board soon will begin a project to bring news of the college and foundation to community groups across the region. And in September, the foundation filled the Sierra Vista Campus Community Room with supporters and scholarship recipients attending its annual and social meeting, a friend-raising event that sets the stage for future activities that demonstrate community support for and the gratitude of the college. So while I’m tremendously excited about what’s happened in the recent past, I am even more excited to be part of what will happen next. Thanks to you, our ambassadors, Cochise College will continue its work to enhance its mission of providing accessible educational opportunities that are responsive to a diverse population and lead to constructive citizenship, meaningful careers and lifelong learning.
J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D. President Cochise College jdr@cochise.edu
3
Innovation Campus Continued from page 2 college already is familiar; Northrop Grumman has recruited employees from the Cochise College aviation faculty, leaving vacancies thatcan be a challenge to fill. “Our goal is to enable a strong pipeline for the STEM-based technical workforce, which is necessary to refresh the needs of the aerospace and defense industry, Department of Defense customers, and educators,” said Dr. Ray M. Haynes, a Kevin Goates, left, of Northrop Grumman reNorthrop Grumman, prestiree who facilitated ents a check for scholarthe development of ships to Dr. J.D. Rottweiler, the Innovation Campus. college president. “Ideally, many of these students will remain in Arizona and come to work for the aerospace and defense industry, academe or government sector.”
‘Friendly faces’ of college raise thousands for scholarships By Liz Manring Mary Fogleman likes to credit the members of the Classified Association for "putting a smile" on the face of Cochise College. They are not the most visible employees, but you'd sure notice if they weren't there. They are the administrative assistants. They are part of the custodial staff. They are the ones who mostly remain in the background, but play a big part in keeping the college running smoothly. Members of the Classified Association are also some of the most generous employees at the college.
An initial project that falls under the umbrella of the Innovation Campus is the development of an unmanned aerial systems training program at Cochise College. The college has offered credit to soldiers through their military occupational specialty training, but the new UAS program would help meet job demands in areas outside the armed forces. The Innovation Campus announcement occurred on the same day that the college and university signed agreements that formalize the process for student transfer without interruption and without the threat of losing completed credit hours. Agreements were signed for degree pathways in anthropology, commerce, computer science, family studies and human development, history, human services, intelligence studies, mathematics, network administration, psychology, and supervision.
Terry Ortiz, left, student services, and Helen Lehman, library, prepare raffle ticket bags for the spring 2011 Classified Association drawing. Photo by Mary Fogleman
For years, the association has raised money to give back to students. Since they started keeping track in 2007, the organization has raised almost $17,000 in scholarships for 57 students. In addition, the group has contributed to the annual Cochise Community Creative Writing Celebration and to an emergency scholarship. "For me, it's a very gratifying thing (to be a part of ), because in my job, I don't have a lot of contact with students," said Fogleman, the current president of the Classified Association and the principal administrative assistant in the library. "So this is something that makes me feel like I'm helping." This money comes from fundraisers that have been in place for at least the last 15 years, and probably before. The Classified Association puts on a raffle each spring, when members head to their respective local communities and solicit prizes from businesses. Classified Association members themselves often donate hand-made crafts or services.
4
Lately, they've collected more than 100 items to raffle, which has brought in anywhere between 3,000 and 4,000 prize-specific ticket stubs. Oftentimes, a few extra prizes come in past the raffle deadline, so Classified Association employees raffle them off at the group's spring luncheon. That means spending their own money, which gets donated back into the association's scholarship fund. "It's probably the largest group of employees on campus," Fogleman said, recalling her email distribution list that contains more than 130 addresses. "And they're always generous and willing to volunteer. I am so happy to be part of this group."
Azlin Villa
Rose Berumen
Cristina McGinnis
Karolyn Garcia
In the past, the Classified Association has put on other fundraisers, like food drives, but the focus is on the raffle and the holiday door decorating contest, which has been at the Douglas Campus for the last three years and will be offered at both main campuses this year. "We sell votes for a penny, and half goes to a food gift card and half is a cash prize for winners," she said. "It's not necessarily the best-decorated door. It's about recruiting votes for your door." While most of the money goes into its regular scholarships, the Classified Association sets aside money each year for an emergency scholarship, which is given to a student with a one-time need. Last summer, it went to a student who had to take one more class over the summer before officially graduating, but a mix-up put her on the graduation list for the spring, leaving her ineligible for financial aid for her last class. Fogleman is in her sixth year with the Classified Association and almost at the end of her two-year term at the helm of the group. She said besides the fundraising that gives back to students at the school, the most fulfilling part of being in the Classified Association is the great sense of camaraderie that grows between its members. "We meet in the fall at convocation, then have a spring meeting in Naco, halfway for Douglas and Sierra Vista employees. Being off campus is nice," she said. "We have a fun group."
AWARDS RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING SERVICE Besides scholarships, the Classified Association also presents its members with ACE (Achieved Classified Excellence) awards every year. ACE award winners are nominated by their peers, who provide details about each nominee's service to the college, including working as a team member, interacting with students, exhibiting leadership and initiative, participating on committees, mentoring and working on special college projects. Each award recipient receives a letter of commendation from the college president, a plaque and a monetary award. There were four winners in the 2011 ACE awards. Rose Berumen, who works in the administration building, is a strong supporter of Apache basketball teams, has worked the college's booth at the annual county fair and is a key ambassador for the college's Wellness Program. Cristina McGinnis works in the ADA office and finds time to support SGA activities, as well as organize high school counselor days. Karolyn Garcia has represented the Classified Association as a Wellness Program ambassador, volunteers at career fairs and represents the nursing department at numerous functions. Azlin Villa, who works in financial aid, serves both the community and college by volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club and joining scholarship committees.
5
The Cochise College Foundation celebrated the accomplishments of FY11 during its Annual & Social Meeting Sept. 7. About 100 scholarship recipients, donors, board members, and college personnel attended the event in the Student Union at the Sierra Vista Campus. They enjoyed live music and food and were addressed by a donor, scholarship recipient and the college president. Dr. Joanna Michelich, former provost, talked about the passion she shares for the college with Dr. Karen Nicodemus, president emeritus. The two established the Nicodemus-Michelich Fund for Teaching and Learning, which this year will provide grants to faculty implementing innovative classroom practices. Alexis Brown shared her reasons for enrolling in the nursing program and talked about how the Alice P. Chancellor Memorial Scholarship is helping her pursue her goals. Dr. J.D. Rottweiler, college president, presented “The Cochise College Story,” which covered strategic priorities, the college’s financial position and funding, and the ways that donors help. Following the general program, outgoing foundation board President Chuck Chambers provided an overview of the foundation’s work in FY11, including the following highlights. The foundation: • awarded 629 scholarships totaling $ 271,882; • provided $132,970 in support of adult education, art, athletics, aviation, creative writing celebration, library, music, rodeo, Tech Prep, and tutoring; • supported All-Arizona Academic Team scholarships; Cochise Community Creative Writing Celebration scholarships; YES Fair scholarships; Miss Sierra Vista Pageant scholarship; and Project Graduation events; and • established nine new annual scholarship funds, three scholarship endowment funds, and five program support funds, and accepted 11 capital donations from local businesses.
Alexis Brown, left, recipient of the Alice P. Chancellor Memorial Scholarship, talks with Foundation board member Cindy Hayostek.
Scholarship recipients, family members, friends and donors gathered at the Cochise College Foundation Annual and Social Meeting held at the Sierra Vista Campus in September.
Donor Joanna Michelich, a Cochise College retiree, talks about the passion she feels for higher education.
Story and photos by Denise Merkel and Liz Manring
6
Attendees enjoyed specialties prepared by the college's food service and tunes performed by local musicians.
Dr. J.D. Rottweiler thanked donors, congratulated scholarship recipients, and provided an overview of the college's priorities and funding.
Yolanda Anderson
Gail Zamar
New Officers Elected The board elected officers for 2011-2012. Yolanda Anderson, a retired Cochise College educator from Bisbee, was elected president. Taking over Anderson's position as last year's vice president is Jan Guy, a Hereford resident who is also the chair of the Cochise College Governing Board. Mark Battaglia, an attorney from Benson, and Cindy Hayostek, a Douglas author and historian, retained their positions as treasurer and secretary, respectively. Gail Zamar (’71), retired Douglas Unified School District superintendent, is the board’s newest member. Zamar said her two years at Cochise provided a solid foundation when she continued her education at the University of Arizona, where she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education, and Northern Arizona University, where she earned her master's degree. "I believe in Cochise College and support its mission to increase the number of students who can benefit from its exceptional programs, especially during these challenging fiscal and financial times," Zamar said.
Outgoing Cochise College Foundation board President Chuck Chambers welcomed guests.
7
Family values: Learning a top priority It's never too late. Jennifer Shiver, an online advisor with the Cochise College Student Development Center, is a textbook example of that old saying. So are the members of her immediate family, who have all learned firsthand what kinds of doors a college education opens, at no matter what age. "The students I see, who aren't in the military, they're typically older and coming back with the same kind of story I had," Shiver said. "They had kids, started school, didn't finish, and what I think is so great about Cochise is that we don't limit when your credits expire. Except for certain programs, most students could have come here 20 years ago, come back now and be able to apply those credits to a degree." Shiver's story begins with her graduation from Buena High School in 1980. She lasted a semester in the Cochise College nursing program, where she didn't fare so well in biology. No, she didn't fail. But the D prevented her from moving on in the program. She had married young and started school before having kids. But children soon took priority, and Shiver got a full-time job as an aide within the Sierra Vista Public School District, where she was able to raise her two kids while watching them grow up. She continued taking classes here and there, and soon switched her major to elementary education. She wouldn't end up with that degree, either. "When I came out of high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do," she said. "My husband was the main breadwinner, and the whole reason I was in that position was we wanted someone to be with our kids all the time. My kids went to the
Ed and Jennifer Shiver’s pursuit of education after starting a family inspires others, including their family and the students Jennifer assists through her job at Cochise College.
8
same school where I worked when they were little. We made that choice." In 2000, Shiver took a job at the Cochise College switchboard, where she was near the offices of the former president Karen Nicodemus, vice president Joanna Michelich and dean Yolanda Anderson. Between those three role models and the college encouraging its clerical staff to complete their associate degrees, Shiver was motivated again, and since her kids were older, finishing school became a little more feasible. Four years later, Shiver earned her associate degree in general studies, but the year 2004 wasn't just an important one for her. Her son, Jonathan, also graduated at the same time as his mother, but from WyoTech, with an associate degree in automotive technology. Their degrees are dated the very same day. To add to coincidences, Shiver's husband, Ed, who was a delivery driver for vending companies, had been a half credit short from graduating from Buena years ago. Using her college connection, Jennifer found out the details on Cochise's adult education classes, and Ed earned his GED at the same time their daughter, Danielle, graduated from Buena High School, also in 2004. Continued on page 10
Story and photo by Liz Manring
NEWS OF ALUMNI & FRIENDS
Maria Amador (’04) played basketball at Cochise College and transferred to earn a bachelor’s degree. She is senior pricing analyst for Liberty Power. “Little did I know that Cochise helped me with my first step toward an MBA and a great job. It changed my life and my family’s life, and for that I am eternally grateful.” • Tamara L. Arnwine (’96, '99) attended the Sierra Vista Campus and today is a Maryland resident and a lead accountant for the Department of Justice. “My most memorable event at Cochise College was attending the Phi Theta Kappa induction, researching the words to the song, and singing it with my daughter.” •
Dr. Victoria M. DeFrancesco Soto, who attended Cochise College as a Buena High School student and went on to earn her doctoral degree from Duke University, is a political scientist whose research analyzes how social identi-
ties shape political behavior. She is a political analyst for Univision and CNN en Espanol and she appears on MSNBC, FoxNews, NPR, and Sirius XM. She is a visiting scholar at the University of Texas at Austin. • Omar Gallardo (’00) is a teacher for Omega Alpha Academy in Douglas. Larry (Russell) Jones (’84) pursued a bachelor’s degree at the University of Arizona and works with the information technology team of Swiss firm Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd. At Cochise, Jones made friends from around the world and remains in touch with several from India, Japan, the U.S., and Mexico. He also worked as a tutor, nursing center assistant and resident assistant. He spent 14 years in the U.S. and seven in Japan and has been in Europe for the past 10 years. “Cochise College gave me a plethora of fond memories. Cochise was very much a crossroads in my life, and I'd do it all over again.” • Sue Krentz (’74) submitted her information at the 2011 Cochise County Fair and is a rancher at the Krentz Ranch east of Douglas. • Talia Retana of Bisbee last attended Cochise College in 2002. Today, she is an administrative assistant with the Boys & Girls Club of Bisbee. • Betty (Rachilla) May, who last attended Cochise College in 1965, continued
school in California and is a registered nurse at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas. • Erin (Unger) Tingle (’09) works for Healing Hearts Animal Rescue and Refuge. She also describes herself as a photographer, housewife and horse handler. Cochise College memories? Graduation and snack bar runs during summer ceramics class. • Terry Tingle (’04) is an EMT/firefighter for the Sunsites/Pearce Fire District. • RETIRING Patricia Fuller, administrative assistant in the Math & Sciences Department, retired in October. • Women’s Basketball Coach and Social and Behavioral Sciences Instructor Steve Lane retired in May. • Janice Mersinger, who last served as an administrative assistant in the former Sierra Vista Campus dean’s office, retired in June. • Gail Shaughnessey, a faculty member in the humanities, retired in May. •
Mark von Destinon, whose father worked at the college during its early years, retired from his position as an instructor in the Social and Behavioral Sciences in June. Von Destinon held both administrative and faculty positions during his tenure at the college.
FROM OUR READERS
Dear Accolade, The unidentified person in the photo on the back page of the Summer 2011 Accolade is Theron Healy of Douglas. She was, as I recall, a cheerleader on the Douglas High School squad and graduated from there in the early 1970s. The other people in the picture were all Bisbee-Douglas cheerleaders. Cindy Hayostek (’72) degree from Wayne State University in three years and joined the Navy WAVES in 1944. She earned a master’s in business administration from the University of Michigan even after she was advised “to give up her place to a man who would not quit the program because he got married.” Malik also earned a master’s in English literature. She went to Columbia University on a full scholarship to complete a doctorate in psychology.
IN MEMORIAM
Kathrine T. Johnson, a career and academic counselor who last worked with the TRiO Student Support Services program at the Douglas Campus, passed away in June. Johnson worked at the college for approximately 10 years. •
In 1964, Malik drove her two children from Ann Arbor, Mich., to Bisbee, with only the name of a realtor in hand. She arrived in time to celebrate the opening of Cochise College and to settle into her new job teaching English. She was a fixture at the school for 24 years.
Alicya Malik, one of the college’s first faculty members, passed away Sept. 12 in Phoenix.
Share your news and updates at www.cochise.edu/alumni or email alumni@cochise.edu.
Born in Rossford, Ohio, Malik earned a bachelor’s
9
NEW FUNDS
The Dr. Kerry Henrickson Memorial Scholarship will provide funds for full-time health sciences students. Henrickson, former department chair for the Physical and Biological Sciences, left Cochise College in 2009 to pursue a research and teaching position at Northern Arizona University. She passed away in 2011. During her time at Cochise, Henrickson introduced “clickers,” or classroom response systems, and embraced blended learning courses, in which students participate in class both on campus and online.
Family Values Continued from page 8
The Anita Zimmerman Scholarship will support full-time students pursuing a degree in administration of justice (AJS). Zimmerman worked at the Sierra Vista Campus Testing Center and also was an adjunct faculty member in AJS. She passed away in March. • The Cochise College Alumni Fund will support the needs of Cochise College, advance the alumni organization, and provide scholarships.
The Dr. John and Mary Eaton Scholarship will support full-time science, technology, engineering and math students who plan to go into teaching. • The Student Services Scholarship will be awarded to full- or part-time students who maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or higher. • The Wilda Kuntz BPO Does #230 Memorial Scholarship will provide funds for full-time students with documented financial need who are Valley Union High School or Douglas High School graduating seniors, or students from those areas who are home schooled.
Ed didn't stop at the GED. He'd been thinking about a career change and saw an opportunity in firefighting, so at age 45, he went through the training academy and joined the Fry Fire Department more than four years ago. He used Cochise for its 18month paramedic program that he said solidified his career path. He graduated from that program last November and is set to graduate in May with his Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology.
Online Campus, and she earned her bachelor's degree in business administration from Wayland Baptist University in 2009.
While at Buena, Danielle took dual credit classes through Cochise and had a leg up on credits when she left for Arizona State University. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees, and she now works as a CPA in the Phoenix area. She's also one of Cochise's online instructors for Business 201.
"In fact, I told a lady this morning, she's, like, four classes away from her degree, and I said, 'I didn't get my degree until later. My husband is 50 and is still working on his degree,'" Jennifer said. "I do tell students that all the time, because I see students like myself all the time."
"Seeing both my parents go back to school at the age they were at, when I was still in school, was actually really inspiring," she said. "It showed me I can always decide to take a different path in my career if I choose to and I can always be bettering myself and working toward a new goal, if that's what I desire to do."
Danielle said she has deep admiration for her parents, and after watching them selflessly put their family first for all those years, they deserved to finally make themselves a priority.
Like the rest of her family, Jennifer didn't stop at just taking one next step. She moved into an administrative assistant position with the college's Small Business Development Center, then
10
She had a wealth of student contact while working for Online Campus, which became invaluable when she moved up to her current position within the Student Development Center. That knowledge combined with her own personal experience, she said, makes coming to work every day an absolute joy.
"I appreciate Cochise so much," Jennifer said. "From the beginning, I was treated like Cochise is a family. I had good experiences in my jobs and it's been great for me. Now, I'm in the ultimate job of being one-on-one, helping students, and I just think that's what we're all about. That's what Cochise is about and that's what I get to do every day."
Cochise College Foundation
2010-2011 ANNUAL REPORT Growth of Total Assets at Year End
Fund Balances at Year End Unrestricted $799,657 15%
$5,000,000 $4,000,000 Dollars
Temporarily Restricted $2,744,877 51%
$3,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000
Permanently Restricted $1,835,683 34%
Total = $5,380,218
2006
2008 2009 Fiscal Year
2010
2011
Total Assets = $5,409,445
2011 Expenditures
2011 Income Unrestricted $598,486 58%
2007
Temporarily Restricted $366,733 36%
Program Support $73,489 16%
Scholarships $341,751 76%
Administrative $33,473 8%
Permanently Restricted $60,000 6% Total Contributions = $1,025,219
Total Expenditures = $448,713
Includes investment and gift income. Unrestricted includes net assets released from restriction.
WAYS TO GIVE
OUR MISSION
Donor contributions help provide thousands of dollars in scholarships and program support each year. You can help support these and other college activities in a variety of ways.
Cochise College provides accessible educational opportunities that are responsive to a diverse population and lead to constructive citizenship, meaningful careers and lifelong learning.
• Establish an Annual or Endowed Fund • Planned Gifts • Personal Property • Real Estate • Cash and Pledges • Matching Gifts
The Cochise College Foundation promotes student success through scholarships, facilities development, and program support.
Check our website to give online, or contact us at (520) 417-4100 to determine an appropriate use for your gift.
11
REMEMBER WHEN...? This photo was spotted in the 1968 El Recuerdo, the fourth volume of the Cochise College yearbook. In the center is Joanna (Kurdeka) Michelich, who was crowned the Red and White Ball queen. Rudy Wagner, pictured to Michelich's right, was king of the ball, themed "Les Fleurs." Michelich graduated that year and later returned to her alma mater as the vice president/provost of Cochise College from 1998 through 2009. In the photo posing after the coronation, from left, are Dave Breen, Charlotte Dempster, Sally Holmes, Larry Matson, Joanna Kurdeka, Rudy Wagner, Mary Lou Gannon, Carrie Andress and Eddie Bond.
4190 W Highway 80 Douglas AZ 85607-6190 DOUGLAS, AZ PERMIT NO. 16
PAID NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE