PHCC Perspectives Magazine Winter 2008

Perspective PHCC Volume I, Issue II Winter 2008

PASCO-HERNANDO

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Hometown Heroes The College and the Military

Evolution of "e" Welcome to iTunes U!

It's a Draw

Summer Sketches

Bon Voyage Passport to Culture

because of “ It’s people like you

that many students have a chance to fulfill their life dreams and aspirations.

”

Create a Lasting Legacy You can make a personal impact on the students of Pasco-Hernando Community College with a planned

gift. Gifts may be designated for buildings, equipment,

academic chairs, lecture series, laboratories, scholarships, or unrestricted to be used where the need is greatest.

Donors who include the PHCC Foundation in their estate planning and notify the college will be members

of the Heritage Society. For more information, contact the PHCC Foundation or return the enclosed postagepaid information envelope.

Please consider the various ways to support the college in

your estate planning, and benefit from the tax advantages associated with certain types of charitable gifts: • Bequests

• Annuities

• Tangible Personal Property

• Life Insurance

• Real Estate

Have you remembered the PHCC Foundation in your will?

Arla Altman Executive Director foundation@phcc.edu

727.816.3410 II Perspective

Pasco-Hernando Community College Foundation, Inc. • 10230 Ridge Road • New Port Richey, FL 34654

in Perspective

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8 10 14 16

Winter 2008

Volume I, Issue II

F E AT U R E S Drawing students host summer art exhibit

This summer, drawing class students showcased artworks of selfportrait, still life and landscape in a special summer gallery exhibit.

Page 16

on iTunes U

Student Soldiers, Silent Heroes

PHCC recognizes the many students, alumni, faculty and staff that have served in the U.S. Military through memorial celebrations, flag raising ceremonies and an active Veterans Club.

From London to Paris

Journey with PHCC’s study abroad program as they explore the museums, castles and famous landmarks in London and Paris.

On the Cover:

The two sides of Mark Bomgardner: serving in Afghanistan with the National Guard and working at PHCC as a network and telecommunications technician.

Learning on the go

As technology evolves, PHCC keeps pace with a growing population of students who require a more tech savvy environment.

About PHCC Perspective

PHCC Perspective is published by Pasco-Hernando Community College Lynn Rothman, Executive Editor Courtney Boettcher, Managing Editor Christal Hice, Foundation Writer Marcia Kielar, Contributing Writer Karen Kielar, Graphic Designer Pasco-Hernando Community College Marketing and Public Relations 10230 Ridge Road New Port Richey, FL 34654

Phone: 727.816.3448 Fax: 727.816.3450 For address changes, send email to: boettcc@phcc.edu

www.phcc.edu

D E PA R T M E N T S

2 From the President 3 Community 4 College Update 19 Student Profile 20 Alumni Profile 21 Athletics 22 Foundation News 24 Flashback

Winter 2008 

Pasco-Hernando Community College

President Katherine M. Johnson, Ed.D. 2007–2008 PHCC District Board of Trustees Chair Irvin Homer Vice Chair Thomas E. Weightman Members Judy R. Parker Jeanne M. Gavish S.K. Rao Musunuru, M.D. John S. Church Deborah G. Kilgore Gary Worthley Wilton Simpson

2007–2008 PHCC Foundation Board of Directors

Executive Committee Chairman Edward C. Blommel Vice Chairman John A. Dougherty Secretary Kenneth R. Burdzinski Treasurer Marc W. Bowman

Members at Large Niles H. Kinnunen, Jr., D.D.S. Irvin Homer Monica Mills Donald K. Vierling, M.D. Richard C. Williams, Jr.

Directors

Russell Adams Timothy C. Baldwin Tom Barnette Jackie Campbell John D. Couris Patrick L. Epting Robert F. Fertig Joel H. Goldberg, D.D.S. Gus Guadagnino Leonard H. Johnson James H. Kimbrough, Jr. Seth Mann Ronald J. May Michael Murphy Steve Rector Kathy Riley Larry M. Starnes N. John Stewart, Jr. Ronald G. Thornton Nina Vaznelis Executive Director Arla Altman Perspective

from the president…

O

ne of the key missions of a community college is to preserve an open door to all students, regardless of academic background or financial circumstances. Pasco-Hernando Community College remains steadfast in its commitment to this ideal.

This past year, the state of Florida faced the dual challenges of a budgetary shortfall and an increased demand for higher education. In the face of budgets cuts and the inability to raise tuition, the public universities elected to cap their enrollment.

This cap was one of several factors that caused community college enrollments to swell throughout the state. Another factor includes a weak economy, stimulating the need for vocational training and re-training. Community colleges, historically, see enrollments go up when the economy goes down. This inverse relationship creates the “double whammy” of more students during tight budget years. Affordability is another factor. Traditionally, community colleges provide students with the greatest value for their education dollar. Additionally, Bright Futures Medallion Scholars receive a 100 percent tuition scholarship at a community college, compared with 75 percent at a state university. Finally, we need to look at shifting demographics and population growth. PHCC has been particularly impacted by these changes in our two county service area. This past fall, PHCC faced a six-percent enrollment increase coupled with a fourpercent budget cut. Statewide, the overwhelming demand on community colleges resulted in an additional 50,000 students. This is the equivalent to a large urban university.

Despite these difficulties, our community colleges pulled together and remained steadfast to our open-door policy. During the last legislative special session, we approached the governor with one voice to request a five-percent tuition increase. So great was our need to serve students and keep our doors open, that even the community college student government groups supported our request. We are happy to report that the governor was responsive to the needs of our students, and approved the increase.

Universal access is a fundamental quality of all American community colleges. We remain one of the few public institutions to provide a ladder of social mobility to all who seek to improve their lives. In order to preserve access, we must continue to grow to meet the demand. This year we are building a University Center on our West Campus which will open this fall, providing greater access to four-year degrees for our local students. Our new Spring Hill campus master plan has been completed and we anticipate offering classes at this location in fall 2010. PHCC is also in the planning stages for an eventual campus presence in Wesley Chapel to serve the needs of that fast growing community.

This year, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that Florida’s community colleges are the top producers of the nation’s associate’s degrees for the fifth year in a row, and that a third of our state university graduates started at a Florida community college. I am proud that PHCC plays a part in a system that serves so many, so well.

Katherine M. Johnson PHCC President

Community

Community leaders attend PHCC’s first Summit

Over 100 community leaders from local government, business, education, and the healthcare industry attended Pasco-Hernando Community College’s first Community Summit on June 22.

T

his past summer, PHCC hosted the first Community Summit. The goal was to assess community needs and identify ways for the college to support local organizations, enhance economic development and improve the quality of life in Pasco and Hernando counties through instructional programs and additional services.

“As the college looks ahead, we are conscious of the evolving needs of Pasco and Hernando counties, including the convergence of shifting demographics, increasing global competition, rapid innovations in technology, and demand for employees with comprehensive technical skills and a strong knowledge base,” said PHCC President Katherine Johnson. “The expertise and knowledge of our community leaders is vital to the continuing development of our college and the community.”

Following an opening session which included comments and project overview

by President Johnson and District Board of Trustees Chair Dr. S.K. Rao Musunuru, the participants were divided into three groups. Participants engaged in facilitated dialog regarding community challenges, environmental issues, the education system, government, cultural challenges and community partnerships.

Issues and challenges faced by region were discussed by the participants. Improvement of the transportation infrastructure and managing growth of the region were

identified as the top community challenges facing our region over the next five years.

The most important environmental issue cited was water availability, quality and limitations. Funding educational system needs was identified as the top issue facing the community’s educational system over the next five years. Additionally, many of the participants believe that one of the best ways to improve the region’s success is to increase workforce training programs at the College.

PHCC contracted with the Clements Group, L.C., consulting firm to facilitate this process. Robert LePage, Executive Vice President (pictured at top right) led the group. The Clements Group is a fullservice institutional advancement, resource development, and workforce development consulting firm specializing in assisting community colleges to change lives and change communities.

The resulting information will assist PHCC to be more proactive in meeting the workforce needs of the community by possibly revising curricula, enhancing career services, or providing additional professional and cultural programs. The insights shared at the Summit will also assist in identifying opportunities that strengthen PHCC’s instructional initiatives and identify additional services that will support the region’s business and industry organizations, as well as enhance the economy and the quality of life of the region.

Winter 2008

CollegeUpdate

Welcome Back students

Fall classes began on August 22 with the PHCC Welcome & Engagement (WE) Team positioned at all campuses to welcome new students, provide directions and offer information. The WE Team included over 70 staff members and 10 Student Ambassadors dedicated to student engagement and success. Following the first week of classes the student activities office hosted a Welcome Back event for students on each campus.

Students get airbrushed tattoos at Welcome Back on East Campus.

The welcome back celebration featured food, fun and entertainment. Students enjoyed the music of singer-songwriter Lorna Bracewell, (pictured at right) one of Creative Loafing’s “Top Ten Women Musicians in Tampa Bay.” Students learned the meaning of their names and showed school spirit with a temporary airbrushed PHCC tattoo.

Student organizations were present to encourage students to get involved.

Review of spring ’07 Peace Corps visit

The Peace and Social Justice Institute and the Student Activities Office sponsored an on-campus visit of a Peace Corps representative and recruiter last March.

The Peace Corps representative made presentations in select classes and an open forum was held at the Quista Café.

Women’s history celebrated

Photo courtesy of The Tampa Tribune.

Photographer: Andy Jones.

Earth Day festival

Earth Awareness Day was celebrated at West Campus on April 16, with exhibits, three live animal shows, (including the one pictured above on conserving native Florida species,) a butterfly garden of paper butterflies decorated by children from PHCC's TodayCare children’s center, and an art from recycled materials contest.

Perspective

The Women’s Resource Group sponsored an event to celebrate Women’s History Month last March. Several local organizations made presentations and distributed information. The Clothesline Project of Tampa Bay displayed T-shirts bearing witness to the violence against women and children.

Promoting health careers

PHCC hosted its annual High School Health Careers Conference for local high school students in April.

The conference offered an overview of health professions including nursing, radiology, dental hygiene, dental assisting, EMT and paramedic, and human services.

Celebration of poetry

The fifth annual Celebration of Poetry was held on April 20. Faculty, staff, students and the community listened to and participated in an evening of poetry reading.

CollegeUpdate

Construction abounds

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he college is expanding to meet demand with building construction underway on one campus and construction plans approved for another. The master plan has been approved for the new, permanent Spring Hill Center which tentatively includes six buildings. Construction will take place between 2008 and 2010 off U.S. 19 near Beverly Court in Hernando County. Meanwhile, a new University Center on the West Campus in Pasco County is scheduled for completion this fall.

The $8.6 million University Center complex will consist of two buildings. The first will be a three story structure containing classrooms, faculty offices and a computer lab, as well as an area to house PHCC’s university partners, including USF, Hodges University and St. Petersburg College. The second building will be a conference facility for hosting campus and community events. The 34,000-square-foot center is scheduled for completion in July 2008. This building project was designed by ShenkelShultz Architecture with Skanska USA Building, Inc., as the construction company.

Winter 2008 

CollegeUpdate

Peace seminar

This past summer, Associate Professor of English Karen Davis, along with 17 other nationwide community college instructors and administrators, attended the Global Peace and Security in Community Colleges and the Communities They Serve seminar in Washington, D.C.

Iraq war discussion

On April 23, the Peace and Social Justice Institute held a townhall meeting for people to express their views on the Iraq War and to listen to other views. Guest speakers lectured on opposing viewpoints regarding the war. The lecture was followed by a discussion session with audience participation.

Law enforcement Sgt. Brett Landsberg speaks to fifth-grade students from Mary Giella Elementary.

Perspective

Photo courtesy of The Tampa Tribune.

Photographer: Andy Jones.

Pathways career day

Fifth-grade students from Mary Giella Elementary School toured the West Campus on May 14, for the Pathways Career Conference.

The students learned about a variety of careers including law enforcement and the importance of staying in school.

Shakespeare on the Hill On April 28, the North Campus hosted the first annual Shakespeare on the Hill Festival.

Fair goers enjoyed the sights, sounds and beauty of the 16th century with a village marketplace, jousting tournament and performances of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.”

Manufacturing training

Through a partnership with the Employ Florida BANNER (Business Assistance Now for New Economy Results) Center for Manufacturing, PHCC worked to develop and offer a series of manufacturing training courses as part of a statewide initiative aimed at improving the skills of entry-level and advanced manufacturing employees.

Business club excels in national competition

Six members of the Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) club participated in the National Leadership Conference competition in June. Three team members placed in the top ten. Over 1,600 participants from around the country attended the conference in Chicago.

CollegeUpdate Classes at WRHS

Through a partnership between PHCC and the new Wiregrass Ranch High School, the college began offering classes at the high school this fall. College classes offered at Wiregrass Ranch include American History, English, Introduction to Psychology and College Success Skills.

Conquistabees participate in spelling bee

The two-time defending champion Conquistabee spelling bee team participated in the annual West Pasco Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Scholarship Spelling Bee on August 23. Although the Conquistabees didn’t win this year, the spirited contest raised more than $20,000 for the Pasco Education Foundation.

Student Assistance Program introduced

This past fall, the office of student development and enrollment management introduced a PHCC Student Assistance Program (SAP) to provide support to students in dealing with personal, academic, or relationship problems. SAP services, provided by BayCare LifeManagement, assist students with accessing referral services through managed care benefits and other community resources.

Kudos PHCC student Diane Dunn was named Big Sister of the Year for her service as a school based mentoring volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The Human Services Club received an award for “making a difference in the lives of victims of domestic violence and their children” from the West Pasco Domestic Violence Task Force of the Salvation Army.

PHCC’s literary and arts magazine, Mobius, received awards in two categories from the Florida Community Press Association Publications Division. Awards were first place for cover design and third place for staff page.

The Dental Hygiene Program received a perfect program review during their re-accreditation visit.

Gary Worthley, new trustee

Wilton Simpson, new trustee

Thomas Weightman, Vice Chair

Maria Fiene, financial aid advisor, received a National Association of Veterans Program Administrators (NAVPA) service award in September 2007.

Katherine Hoover, health laboratory assistant, and Karen Lotz, health programs laboratory assistant, gave a presentation on how to build a simulation hospital entitled “Simulate the Solution!” at the state Nursing Summit, May 2007.

Karen Kielar, graphic artist, won a first place gold award in the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 2 Medallion Awards in the sports brochure category for the basketball program.

Trustee appointments and elections

This summer, Gov. Charlie Crist appointed two new members to the District Board of Trustees and reappointed four members.

In June, the Governor appointed Gary Worthley of Land O ’Lakes to the Board and reappointed Jeanne Gavish and Judy Parker.

Board terms for these three members will run through May 31, 2010.

In August, the Governor appointed Irvin Homer, Wilton Simpson Chairman of Trilby to the Board and reappointed Irvin Homer and Thomas Weightman.

Homer was elected to serve as chair and Weightman as vice chair for the 2007-2008 academic year.

Board terms for these three members run through May 31, 2011.

John Collins, auxiliary services manager, PHCC Bookstore, earned the designation of Certified Collegiate Retailer.

Gloria Barreto de Rodriguez, senior office assistant, (above) won second prize in the 21st Anniversary Art Poster Contest sponsored by Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. in September 2007.

Carmine Bell, Ph.D. professor of language arts, is the recipient of the 2008 John Brubaker Memorial Award for her article “Libraries and Human Rights Education” published in Catholic Library World, Vol.77 No.2 (December 2006). This award will be presented at the Catholic Library Association (CLA) Convention in March 2008.

Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach Robert Bowman successfully completed the 2007 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Professional Development Series certification requirements.

The Marketing and Public Relations department won three first place awards and one second place award in the Institutional Advancement Commission of the Florida Association of Community Colleges 2007 awards competition.

Melissa Langone, Ph.D., ARNP assistant professor of nursing, authored the book entitled “The Health Plan for Overweight Children: A Parent’s Guide to Raising a Healthier Child,” published in July 2007.

S.K.Rao Musunuru, M.D., District Board of Trustees member, was named the American Heart Association’s 2007 National Volunteer Advocate of the Year.

Winter 2008

It’s a draw . . .

Julie Lovero-Fox, PHCC adjunct faculty and art class instructor, who has been teaching art for seven years, compared learning to draw with learning to cook. While cooking begins with a recipe that contains the list of ingredients and a set of instructions, art translates into a list of tools for creating, and instructions on the elements of art and principles of design. When combined, this ‘artistic recipe’ inspires critical thinking and creativity which produces drawings unique to each student. Regardless of previous experience, style and the creative process are distinctive to each personality. Whether they pursue the arts, nursing or business, this manner of thinking will serve students throughout their lives.

The Drawing I and Drawing II classes offer students an introduction to the basic discipline of drawing through the use of still life, landscape and the figure. According to Lovero-Fox, “there is a broad range of experience in the drawing class— from students who have never taken an art class to those who are looking to refine their skills and build on an existing art foundation.”

She adapts class assignments to each student’s skill level, which fosters personal interpretation and individual creativity.

Art by Christiana Keffer Perspective

On the first day of class, students in Drawing I are asked to sketch a self portrait, according to LoveroFox. Class assignments apply the principles of design through self-portrait, still life and landscape. One still life assignment was designed to tell a story and imply content that additionally explored composition,

balance, texture and line. The students selected objects that were meaningful to them.

Among the students in the class was Valerie Balogh, 48, of Ridge Manor, who found favorite toys from each of her five children. Her drawing entitled Ecclesiastes 3:1 is a toy box filled with all those favorite toys and memories of her children growing up. For 17 years she has home-schooled all of her children, two of which are still at home. Balogh has a bachelor’s degree in art education from USF and took the drawing class as part of her teacher certification renewal. Another meaningful drawing was created by Melissa Meyer, 19, of San Antonio. An Aerosmith fan, Meyer, created an ink portrait of Steven Tyler. Meyer has been a student at PHCC for one year and this fall she transferred to the University of Central Florida to pursue her degree in art.

Drawings from these students and others were part of a special Summer Student Drawing Exhibition held in July at the Alric C.T. Pottberg Library Gallery. “For those students going on into the field of art, the exhibit offered an amazing opportunity and a crucial part of the educational experience,” said Lovero-Fox.

Art by Crystal Bates

Art class instructor Julie Lovero-Fox with students from the drawing classes during the Summer Student Drawing Exhibit closing reception. From left to right are Meike Groh, Heather Alston, Hillary Howell, Lauren Woodward, Lovero-Fox, Melissa Meyer, Amee Thompson-Reed, and Valerie Balogh.

Alric C.T. Pottberg Library Gallery Art Exhibit Schedule 2007-2008 Art by Valerie Balogh

Upcoming Exhibits Wisdom of the Ages February 1–28, 2008 Plein Air Cottage Artists Helen Tilston, Mary Rose Holmes and Violetta Shtumeyzen March 13–April 15, 2008 West Pasco Art Guild Member Artists April 17–May 20, 2008

Art Art by Amee Thompson-Reed

Plein Air Cottage Winter 2008

Student Soldiers, Silent Heroes O

PHCC cadets and military war veterans Ernest Johnson, Ricky Clotter, Daniel Dick and Corey Weinstein offer memories of their past military experiences during the 9/11 memorial and celebration of the U.S Constitution held at the East Campus.

n September 11, 2007, PHCC held a memorial and celebration of the U.S. Constitution at the East Campus in Dade City.

The memorial began with a flag raising ceremony by PHCC law enforcement cadets followed by a constitutional address by Major Royce Decker of the Hernando County Sheriff ’s Office. To commemorate the sixth anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center, a special presentation was made by a group of four PHCC student cadets who are military war veterans. They shared their personal recollections from the morning of September 11, 2001 and their military service in response to the attacks. Cadet Ricky Clotter, a 20-year veteran, lost an aunt in the 9/11 attack. He recalls having 72 hours to get ready before being shipped out for six months of duty. “We sometimes take freedom for granted.

Freedom is priceless,” he said. Cadet Daniel Dick, a Navy rescue swimmer, was on a ship at the time. Nine days later he was in South Pakistan where he spent the next 10 months. Cadet Corey Weinstein was a PHCC student at the time. He enlisted in the Army in response to the attack and was sent to Ft. Hood where he waited with 30,000 other soldiers, until he was deployed to Baghdad for Iraqi Freedom II for 12 months of patrols. “The news doesn’t tell the whole story,” he said, 10 Perspective

adding that one minute things could be normal and the next everything could be blowing up. Cadet Ernest Johnson served in both Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

These four represent thousands of young men and women on college campuses who have served their country in Iraq and other foreign wars. According to the August 2007 issue of Opportunity for Service Members and Veterans newsletter, approximately 25 percent of deployed Army National Guard/Reserve Soldiers are full-time or part-time students while on active duty. Many joined the military in the first place as a means of financing college. Nationally about 250,000 veterans are currently using the educational benefits of the GI Bill. Military service and higher education funding have been integrally connected since the mid-1940s.

Prior to World War II, higher education had been largely a privilege of the upper classes. It was WWII that originally opened higher education to the masses.

According to Wikipedia, “the 1944 Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, or G.I. Bill of Rights, has been praised as one of the most significant pieces of social legislation of the twentieth

century. Academics and politicians credit the benefits offered by the bill with forestalling a widely feared post-World War II economic depression, expanding the home-owning middle class, and forever changing the nature of higher education in the United States.” The percentage of war veterans who have attended college is significant: WWII (51 percent), Korean conflict (43 percent), Vietnam (72 percent). The government invested over $38.5 billion into higher education under the Vietnam-era bills, almost two-and-a-half times the cost of the World War II G.I. Bill (when adjusted for inflation). Today’s veterans are entitled to educational benefits through the Montgomery GI Bill—Active Duty (MGIB). In order to participate in this program, active duty members accept a pay reduction of $100 per month for 12 months. In return, they receive, as of 2007, $1,101 monthly stipend for a maximum of 36 months of education benefits.

This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs at colleges and technical schools. This benefit is good for up to 10 years.

PHCC has 243 students who are collecting financial aid assistance through the Montgomery GI Bill. This number includes not only reservists, active duty

soldiers, airmen and veterans, but also wives, widows and dependents of disabled military veterans and those killed in action. There is no way of knowing for sure how many servicemen and women are on campus. Since the benefits are good for ten years, many may be saving them for future education beyond the community college.

Unlike the first Gulf War where service people strolled college campuses in military fatigues and berets and camouflage became a fashion statement, the current war in Iraq and Afghanistan is almost invisible to the largely civilian population on the campus. There are few, if any, uniforms, protesters, or petitions to be seen. Only the occasional buzz cut reminds you that there’s a war going on.

The one place at PHCC with an active military presence is PHCC’s Veterans Club. Club advisor Maria Fiene is a financial aid advisor who also specializes in Maria Fiene veteran’s financial aid benefits. She’s the college’s go-to person for all things military—the intermediary between the veterans and the VA. “The veterans come to me because they know if I don’t have the answer, I can send them to the right person. I’m often the

first point of contact.” Many PHCC student veterans reportedly appreciate that PHCC has dedicated staff people to look out for their interests, as opposed to an office or department. Fiene has been a veteran’s advisor for the past eight years and oversees VA representatives on each campus. In 2006, she was recognized by the National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrator with a service award for her dedicated service to veterans.

“I’ve seen it all”—everything from the heartbreak of military widows, disabled vets and purple hearts. Fiene reports a big increase in interest and activity in the veterans club since 9/11 and a bigger increase in services and active duty students since the war in Iraq, particularly among Florida National Guard troops who have been impacted more than reservists in other parts of the county. In terms of today’s current crop of student soldiers, she says “most are family people working full or part-time, not young students living at home.” The effect of recent combat on their lives remains a question mark—unasked and unknown.

“You risk bringing up bad memories. You don’t want to go there.”

Many student soldiers/vets are struggling, she reports. Some are not academically ready for college. Some struggle with

post-traumatic stress disorder. “Some students don’t come back, but there’s no way of knowing if it’s service-related.”

MSNBC has reported that there is a huge emotional gulf between young veterans and their peers. Concerns about fraternity parties and Paris Hilton seem trivial to those with battlefield experience.

On the plus side, veterans are looked to as classroom and campus leaders. Their respect for rules can rub off on students and they can make firsthand contributions to classroom discussions on topics that even professors can’t provide. This assertion is confirmed by Mike Long, PHCC assistant professor of history and political science. Long, a retired military officer, has a number of veterans in his classes. “Veteran students have very good classroom attendance records, and are motivated to learn. They also seem more organized and more eager to volunteer for extra credit and go above and beyond what is expected in class.”

Beyond the current conflict, student soldiers will likely remain a fixture on campus, their numbers ebbing and flowing with the tide of politics and history. Mike Long is dubious about the future: “Wars are an inevitable part of history. As long as nation states compete for resources, we will always have conflicts.”

PHCC law enforcement cadets during the East Campus flag raising ceremony held on 9/11.

Winter 2008 11

Snapshots of a few of the many PHCC students, alumni, faculty and staff who have served or are serving our country.

ROBERT BAUER, PHCC student Robert Bauer joined the Marine Corps in September 2001. He is currently in the inactive reserve after serving four years in active duty. During this time, Bauer spent eight months in Kuwait and Iraq where he provided security for helicopters and disposed of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). While in Iraq, Bauer realized that “we really do live in the land of opportunity and we should never take that for granted.”

Through help from the GI Bill he is pursuing an AA degree at PHCC. MARK BOMGARDNER, Network and Telecommunications Technician Mark Bomgardner has been in the Army for 13 years, the last nine with the National Guard. Bomgardner, a staff sergeant, recently returned to PHCC after having been in Afghanistan from July 2005 to June 2007 and Kuwait from January 2004 to March 2005. He provided convoy security in the Kandahar, Helmand, and Zabul districts of southern Afghanistan.

During his last six months, Bomgardner did security/training with the Afghan National Army, Afghan Auxiliary National Police and Afghan Border Patrol in the Kandahar and Helmand districts.

12 1 Perspective

MICHAEL CLARK, PHCC alumnus Michael Clark is a disabled veteran who served in the Navy for 12 ½ years.

Clark sustained a severe brain injury upon returning from a humanitarian mission to Kosovo in 1999. Clark utilized the Veterans Benefits Administration’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) service which offers vocational rehabilitation services to veterans with service-connected disabilities. He went on to earn his AS degree in business administration from PHCC and a bachelor’s degree in management from Hodge’s University (formerly International College). He plans to use the GI Bill to earn a master’s degree.

Bomgardner during his last mission with an American embedded training team, Afghan Border Patrol Assets and a US Special Forces A team in the Maruf Valley along the Afghan/ Pakistani border.

WAYNE HANNAH, Student Records and Admissions Specialist Wayne Hannah, a 12 year Army Veteran, served during Desert Storm. He was deployed to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, then out to training bases near King Fasad City in the middle of the Saudi Arabian Desert.

During this time, Hannah served as an M1A1 Tank Commander (pictured above.) He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1992 with the rank of staff sergeant.

MARY FENIMORE, Ed.D., Director of Nursing Mary Fenimore was a major in the Air Force Nurse Corps, serving for three years, from 1981 to 1984. In addition to bedside nursing, Fenimore did flight nursing in the Pacific, flying medivac from Guam, Japan and the Philippines.

She also provided base health education working with prevention type activities including hearing loss on flight lines and changes in physiology at altitude.

MICHAEL HARRES, former dualenrollment student and son of Burt Harres, Ph.D., Vice President of Instruction and West Campus Provost Michael Harres joined the Marines to make a difference.

During his first tour of duty to Iraq in 2005, he stated “I had the opportunity to go to college, but I wanted to feel like I’d earned the right first.

I wanted to be able to say that I was actually out there, in the fight, on the front lines.” Harres then served a second tour of duty to Iraq where he was stationed in Ramadi. He was recently promoted to the rank of corporal.

MICHAEL LONG, Assistant Professor of History and Political Science Michael Long is a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served a total of 27 years in both the Regular Army and Army Reserve during the period 1970 to 1997.

He was transferred to the Army’s Retired Reserve with the rank of major in 1997.

His final assignment was that of acting battalion commander of the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), a troop program unit of the Army Reserve located in Riverdale, Maryland.

SHIRLEY MERSON, PHCC student Shirley Merson was a sergeant in the Army, serving for nine years. Merson spent one year in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm. During this time she drove transports of ammunition and supplies.

Merson is pursuing her AS in paralegal and raising three daughters while her husband, Staff Sergeant Harold Merson, has been deployed overseas since September 2006. “It’s hard to be separated, but we are fortunate to have regular contact,” said Shirley.

Shirley Merson preparing for overseas deployment.

Corporal Michael Harres, USMC with a Mark19 automatic grenade launcher atop a Humvee turret in Ramadi, Iraq.

NATALIE MOSES, PHCC alumna and daughter of Debby Strasser, Human Resources Assistant Sergeant Natalie Moses, of the US Army Reserve, has been serving in Afghanistan since December 2006. Moses, who typically volunteers her summers at the U.S. Coast Guard Station Yankeetown in St. Petersburg still finds time to volunteer in Afghanistan. Every three months Strasser sends her daughter, Moses, a care package of collected donations including toys and stuffed animals. Moses distributes these items to the children at local hospitals.

Veterans Day Flag Ceremony The Pasco-Hernando Community College Veterans Club honored Veterans Day and our military veterans by hosting a Veterans Day Flag Ceremony. This annual event was held on Thursday, November 8, by the flagpole outside of building A on PHCC’s West Campus.

The flag ceremony included performances by the River Ridge High School Junior Air Force ROTC and the Ridgewood High School Junior Naval ROTC teams. Musical performances included Ridgewood band member Paulo Claudio, the PHCC Chamber Singers and PHCC

Above: Sergeant Natalie Moses at Egyptian Hospital on Bagram Air Base distributing donated toys to young patients.

student Darrin Seamster. Guest speakers included: Jack Plant, a retired U.S. Army colonel and PHCC instructor for the drafting and design program; Jonathan Gaver, staff sergeant, U.S. Army; and other veterans. A reception was held at the Quista Café to conclude the event.

Winter 2008 13

From London… to Paris E

ach year PHCC’s study abroad program offers an educational experience beyond the classroom during the college’s spring term. Students, families and friends of PHCC are welcome to participate in the annually sponsored study abroad experience to sight- see and learn about countries and cities included in the tour. Last year, trip participants explored the museums, castles and famous landmarks in London and Paris.

The tour group began their travels in London where they enjoyed a guided tour of the city and an excursion to Windsor Castle, and saw a seasonal performance at a local theater.

From London the group traveled to Paris via the Chunnel, the famous rail tunnel beneath the English Channel at the Straits of Dover.

In Paris, the group itinerary included a guided tour of the city and a Siene River cruise followed by a day at the Louvre, the world’s largest art museum (pictured above) and home to the Mona Lisa. From Paris, it was on to the Loire Valley. Often called the “Garden of France,” this area is an enchanted land of vineyards, flowers and rolling green hills dotted with more than a thousand chateaux. On the last full day in Paris, the group journeyed to Versailles to visit the palace of King Louis XIV, the Sun King.

It was a week filled with the study and exploration of great works of art, architecture, music, drama, religion and philosophy.

Nighttime at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

14 Perspective

PHCC Professor of Humanities, Carla Kranz, a member of the tour group, shares her photos and a few memories of this time abroad.

Above: An excursion outside of Paris took us to the Loire Valley to visit Chambord Chateau just miles from where the great Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci spent the final years of his life under the patronage of the French king.

Below: On our last full day in France, we took a train to Versailles, the beautiful Baroque palace built by Louis XIV. A small group of us braved the cold, wind and rain to journey through the gardens behind the palace to the hidden area containing Louis XV’s Petite Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s farm village.

We noticed an abundance of beautiful yellow daffodils scattered all over London, especially in the many parks.

As our guide led us through Hyde Park near Buckingham Palace, we asked about the fields of yellow, and were told that each school child was given a daffodil bulb to plant in one of the parks or gardens around England. These were in honor of their memory of Princess Diana, who cared greatly for the welfare and education of children.

Munich, Venice and Rome in 2008

Students Erica Livengood (left) and Brittni Murphy (right) with Buckingham Palace guard in London.

This year’s study abroad program is a showcase tour of Munich, Venice and Rome. Students, family and friends of PHCC are invited to participate in this 9-day study abroad experience from February 29 through March 8, 2008. This tour will include visits to Hofbrauhaus, Neuschwanstein Castle, Dachau, Doge’s Palace, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and city tours of Munich, Venice and Rome.

Individuals can participate in PHCC’s study abroad program on a credit or non-credit basis. For class credits, students must enroll in Overseas Study in the Humanities, HUM 2700, for spring 2008.

For additional information on PHCC’s study abroad program, please contact Burt Harres at 727.816.3490 or by email at harresb@phcc.edu.

Winter 2008 15

Learning on-the-go

eLearning, virtual classrooms, wireless campus and iTunes U!

Look around a typical college campus.

You’ll see them everywhere.

Echo boomers, the baby boomer’s offspring—born between 1982–1995.

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here are nearly 80 million of them—the youngest still in grade school and the oldest barely out of college. They’re the ones with the dangling headphones, carrying the omnipresent electronic gadgets, who live online and communicate via text messaging. They’re the 18-24 year old “traditional” college age demographic. More than half of PHCC’s students can be classified as echo boomers, millenials or generation Y. Born to multitask, they grew up in the fast paced digital universe of cable TV, and the World Wide Web and have come to expect immediate access to information anywhere, anytime.

Because of their preferences and propensity, they are changing the nature of classroom teaching and the operation of educational institutions.

16 Perspective

Traditional classroom teaching tools like paper and pencil, chalkboards and transparencies are being usurped by digital technology. Most PHCC classrooms in the newly-renovated Anne Bucy Classroom Building are equipped with high-tech bunkers. These bunkers are capable of projecting all forms of instructional material onto a screen: everything from Powerpoint presentations, DVDs and interactive web pages. Most classrooms teachers also use ANGEL, a web-based

course management portal. ANGEL, referred to as myPHCC, helps educators communicate with their students quickly and easily. Instructors can customize their courses on myPHCC to allow their students to take surveys, quizzes and tests, send and receive course mail, post to threaded discussions and chat rooms, upload assignments, and create team projects or committee work. “It (myPHCC) is beautiful thing,” exclaims Phyllis Wrench, an instructor of office administration. “Once it is set up correctly, you plug in the grades, it uploads and distributes them to students.

I am a night owl; I can post information to students anytime, anywhere.” Instructors can also track when a student logs onto myPHCC, how long the student stays, what the student submits, and if they have viewed any assigned links.

While logged onto myPHCC, students can access other kinds of information. They can get club news and events, online tutoring services through SMART THINKING, technical support, and important announcements from the college. myPHCC also provides access to the college’s telecourses. Before myPHCC, telecourses were broadcast via Bright House Networks, and students needed to watch television at specified times. Now they can log onto myPHCC and view the course at their own convenience. myPHCC also is the vehicle used for the college’s many online and web-enhanced hybrid courses. eLearning is the centerpiece of the digital education transformation on college campuses. It is quickly becoming the preferred choice of instructional delivery among today’s traditional aged students. Seventy-eight percent of colleges that award associate’s degrees believe that elearning is critical to their long-term strategy. In a recent survey of PHCC students, 98 percent indicated they want greater access to elearning courses. Twenty percent of our total full time equivalent credits are via online classes. Over the past four years, PHCC has increased its online classes by 900 percent.

One of the more unusual courses offered online at PHCC is a public speaking class. It is delivered in two different styles. There’s a hybrid version of the class—where all of the class work is completed online and students attend only five class meetings to deliver their speeches—and another version offered entirely online. Students log onto myPHCC and into a website. There, they video chat with each other and the instructor. The instructor breaks them into groups and sets up different speech delivery times. Judy Deisler, a language arts professor, has taught several versions of the online speech class. “I don’t think the online speech class is any easier on the students, in some ways it’s harder. They not only have to set up for their speech, but they also have to set up the technology for the speech,” Deisler explains. “They are still very anxious.

No one likes talking into a camera!” Deisler has been teaching close to 30 years and she has watched the

evolution of technology in her classrooms. “It takes a more dedicated student to be successful in an online environment. The student must be diligent enough to read and follow instructions, learn by reading and pay attention to the details. They have to be self-motivated because no one is physically there reminding them of different due dates.”

Karen Lederer, associate professor of information technology programs, uses the software program Elluminate Live in her classrooms that allows student to collaborate with students overseas. Elluminate products are used to add synchronous (students and instructor viewing at the same time) interaction to asynchronous (students viewing whenever it is convenient for them) distance learning. It extends the boundaries of the physical classroom by connecting remote students and teachers, and creates online communities that foster social networking. Lederer is in her third year of teaching Principals of Information Security in a hybrid format. She allows students to participate in her classroom, synchronously online, or asynchronously online at a more convenient time.

Through Elluminate, she displays herself and the class through a web camera and fosters two-way communication with her synchronous students via microphones. This semester 25 percent of students attend the classroom, 15 percent attend synchronously, and 55 percent attend asynchronously. Lederer holds virtual office hours, in addition to physical office hours, so students can instant message her with any questions.

Through Elluminate, Lederer’s students collaborate with institutions in other countries—University of Munich, located in Germany, and the University of Aarhus, in Denmark—to complete group projects.

Synchronous time slots are set up, typically late at night for PHCC students and early in the morning for the other colleges, so the groups can complete the tasks they are assigned. “As an instructor, I think it is wonderful that our students get the experience of global collaboration. They work together with students from different cultures, different environments, with different experiences to complete one common goal.”

Winter 2008 17

This year, PHCC will unveil another eLearning enhancement:

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will be able to download the required content from admissions iTunes U directly to their Apple, PC, or iPod. online and t presentations, performances, lectures, is s Now, instead of restricting learning to a returning t demonstrations, debates, tours, and en desk or classroom environment, learning students can much more. Linked to Apple’s iTunes becomes truly on the go. register for classes, store, iTunes U is cataloged the same pay fees, and drop way, except that its content is FREE! Beyond academic applications, classes online via the PHCC is currently working with PHCC is working hard to foster Web Information System Apple programmers to build their a more tech savvy environment to for Education or WISE. own iTunes U site. Once accommodate what the younger “I find WISE to be very s completed, faculty and generation expects and the cla helpful, especially when e staff can upload an h older generation appreciates. of t I am very busy and don’t audio or video file to e r In the last year, the college tu have time to wait in line in u f the college’s iTunes became a wireless campus, The the Student Development Office U site and students to facilitate laptops, as. or at the bookstore for a cashier. I can log can access the Blackberries, iPhones on, make adjustments and log out,” explains content. Content and other devices.

Jeanie Christy, SGA president of West Campus. may be username Prospective PHCC and password students can g As technology evolves, colleges, like other businesses the protected or open for apply for and institutions, are quickly losing their brick and ir b public viewing. Students r ic k mortar exclusivity. Instruction can occur at any time an d from any location for the convenience of both mo rtar students and teachers, who have the option exc lus of attending class from the comfort of ivit home, in their pajamas. The future of y. I ns the classroom environment is still tru cti unclear, but, as Lederer says, “I on don’t foresee the classroom ca disappearing.” Just as the Internet has yet to kill off the Sunday newspaper and the latest paperback, it’s doubtful that the virtual classroom will cause the demise of the physical one.

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18 Perspective

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studentprofiles Jim Greig, Assistant Dean of Student Development, North Campus

The Best and the Brightest

Pictured left to right: Tim Beard, Ed.D. vice president of student development and enrollment management, and Bob Bade, associate dean of student activities and engagement, with student ambassadors Faith Franz, Seraine Page, Sarah Roman, Megan Wynn, Heather Bradley, Manyel Montenegro, Nathan Witherell, Milene Crossman, Richard Duran and Amanda Napolitano, and Katherine Johnson, Ed.D. president.

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Sonia Rodriguez, Information Center Coordinator

e started with a card box of old flyers and an assistant. No office. It was back in 1992, when PHCC first opened its student activities office. Bob Bade, a PHCC advisor, was named student activities coordinator. He worked out of his pick-up truck, driving to all three campuses to host events. A year later, Bade initiated the college’s first Ambassador Program and selected its inaugural group of 10 student ambassadors. As part of their training, he rented a van and took the new ambassadors on campus tours. The group helped out at college events, including a retreat at Saddlebrook, where they participated in a fashion show modeling PHCC clothing. Over the next few years, the original program faded out.

The new West Campus ambassadors are Richard Duran, Faith Franz, Seraine Page and Sarah Roman. Duran, 19, of New Port Richey, came to the United States in 2004 and had to overcome a language barrier. He has over 1,000 volunteer hours teaching English to children in Spanish speaking communities. Franz, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society, volunteers with her church children’s program and plans to become an elementary school teacher. Page, 18, of New Port Richey, is a full-time student in addition to running her own Avon business. An aspiring journalist, Page is a former dual enrollment student. Roman, 21, of Port Richey, is pursuing her AA degree and volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club and Salvation Army.

Last year, the Ambassador Program was revitalized. In August, PHCC inducted nine students into the new and improved program. The competition was stiff, as the nine students were selected from a pool of over 100 qualified applicants. Like the original Ambassadors, these students will assist with special activities and PHCC sponsored events. They each receive an Ambassador’s Scholarship and must maintain a 3.0 or higher grade point average.

Student Ambassadors for the North Campus are Milene Crossman, Amanda Napolitano and Nathan Witherell.

Crossman, 43, of Spring Hill, returned to college after 23 years. A member of the PTK honor society, she works part time at Pathways Counseling Center and volunteers at her church. Napolitano, 18, of Weeki Wachee, an aspiring attorney, is a former dual enrollment student who volunteers at her church and the YMCA. Witherell, 18, of Spring Hill, is a former dual enrollment student who plans to pursue a career in management.

Remarkably, the program has come full circle—indicative of PHCC’s penchant for longevity. Bob Bade is now the associate dean of student activities and engagement and oversees the new Ambassador Program. Two of the original Ambassadors now work for PHCC: Jim Greig, assistant dean of student development, and Sonia Rodriquez, information center coordinator.

Heather Bradley and Megan Wynn are the East Campus ambassadors. Bradley, 20, of Wesley Chapel, is a full time student pursuing the dental hygiene program. Megan Wynn, 20, a member of the PTK honor society, works full time at Florida Medical Clinic in Zephyrhills.

Winter 2008 19

Alumniprofiles

2007 Graduates

Cynthia Austin, of Chiefland, got married, managed a movie store, cared for her two daughters, and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa during her last semester at PHCC. Since graduating in May, she has bought a house.

Tracy Harmon, of Dade City, is now a full time student at Saint Leo University pursuing a bachelor’s degree through weekend and evening courses.

Valerie Herron, of Spring Hill, is working part time at the PHCC North Campus in the computer lab. This fall she began classes toward her bachelor’s degree with Hodges University.

Reaganne McFarland, of Ellenton, accepted a job at St. Joseph’s Childrens Hospital in Tampa as a graduate nurse.

Class Notes

Welcome to our first installment of Class Notes, where we post the achievements of our alumni. We polled our most recent graduates, some of whom have shared their recent achievements, transitions and other significant life happenings.

Jackie Butler, of Masaryktown, recently passed the nursing National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) on the first try.

Suzanne Nahass, of Floral City, and Dawn Nally, of Brooksville, went through the medical coder program together and earned their technical diplomas together.

They are also working side by side in the same local doctor’s office.

Nichole Dubuisson, of DeFuniak Springs, is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Okaloosa Walton College.

Elena Rodgers, of Zephyrhills, plans on continuing her education at USF in January.

Charlie Harris, of Weeki Wachee, is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in management at Hodges University.

Shambi Semrau, of Holiday, is currently working at Neuroscience Associates of West Pasco as a part-time office assistant. She is also a full-time mother to oneyear-old son, Lakota Hayden.

2006 Graduates

Christine Mowry, of Fort Myers, was a student at PHCC 20 years ago. Last year, she did a degree audit at PHCC and realized she was only one physical science class short of her AA degree. Although she was living in Fort Myers, PHCC’s online classes allowed Mowry to complete her AA degree. She is currently taking prerequisite courses for the online BSBA degree program at the University of Florida.

“Thank you for offering online programs for those of us who would have never come back and finished because our lives have moved in other directions and the task of going back to school seems so enormous. I am now proud to say I’m a college graduate!” ~ Christine Mowry

20 Perspective

Amy Morgan, of Hudson, received her medical coder technical diploma and has accepted a position as a medical biller with a local doctor’s office.

What have you been doing since your PHCC graduation?

Lisa Silva, of Hudson, completed her associate in arts degree and has continued on to pursue an AS degree in nursing.

Christine Woerner, of Oak Grove, Kentucky, is currently attending Austin Peay State University with the goal of entering the ultrasound program next summer.

We’d love to hear from you!!

If you are a PHCC alumnus, please share your recent achievements, transitions and other significant life happenings. While space limitations prevent us from publishing every item we receive, we do love hearing from you. Visit www.phcc.edu/alumni and submit your news online or send an email to: alumni@phcc.edu.

Photograph submissions: Color or black-and-white photographs may be submitted along with your news details. We ask that you identify people in each picture and provide a contact phone number. Electronic photographs in JPEG or TIFF formats are preferred.

They should be a minimum resolution of 300 dpi or 300 pixels per inch, and at least 3x3 inches. Please email pictures to alumni@phcc.edu. Photos will be published on a space-available basis.

Athletics NY Mets Pick PHCC Catcher The New York Mets chose sophomore catcher Norberto Navarro in the 23rd round of the Major League Baseball Draft on Friday, June 8, 2007.

Navarro batted .315 in 35 games this past season with nine doubles, one triple, two home runs and 26 RBIs. Within days, he was drafted, talking to pros and off to the minor league.

Navarro didn’t disclose any details of his contract, but said the Mets included college costs should he ever return to school.

Suncoast Conference Champions The Lady Conquistador volleyball team finished their conference schedule with wins against Polk Community College (3-0) and Hillsborough Community College (3-1) for a conference record of 9-1. This record gave the team a first place finish as 2007 Suncoast Conference Champions. The team competed in the Florida Community College Activities Association (FCCAA) state tournament at Polk Community College in November.

The team went 2-2 at the state tournament and finished tied for third in the state.

The Lady Quistas took a loss on the first day of competition to Hillsborough (0-3). They battled back with two wins over Gulf Coast Community College (3-0) and St. Petersburg College (3-2).

Finally, they lost to Hillsborough in the semi-final match (0-3). The Lady Quistas finished the season with an overall record of 26-11 and tied for third in the state.

Conquistador Academic Achievement Award PHCC President Katherine Johnson with the women’s cross country team as they receive the 2006–2007 Conquistador Academic Achievement Trophy. This award is given to the athletic team with the highest overall grade point average. The cross country team had an overall GPA of 3.0.

Winter 2008 21

PHCC Foundation News…

Above top: First prize award in the total inches fishing category went to Chuck Rudd of Terra Excavating Inc. From left: Arla Altman, executive director of the PHCC Foundation; Frank Rygiel, senior project manager for Skanska; Chuck Rudd and Tom Anderson, vice president of operations for Skanska. Bottom: Monica Mills, co-owner of Gulfside Docks, Inc. and James "Jimmy" Pritchard, a local attorney, were among the many guests at a Captain's Party and silent auction held at Catches Waterfront Grille in New Port Richey.

Fish were biting during annual PHCC Foundation fundraiser “40 inch trout… 39 inch snook… 28 inch redfish!”

The shouts from the Coastal Conservation Society judges could be heard across the gulf waters bordering Port Richey at PHCC Foundation’s First Annual Catch and Release Fishing Tournament sponsored by Skanska USA Building and held at Catches Waterfront Grille. “Over the past couple of years, Skanska and PHCC have enjoyed a successful relationship working together to fulfill PHCC’s construction needs,” said Frank Rygiel of Skanska. “It was nice to be able to take the opportunity to help PHCC with such an exciting fundraiser.”

22 Perspective

The tournament, held June 1, awarded prizes for first, second, and third place for combined total inches and also for the largest in length in each of the three species categories of snook, redfish and trout.

A Captains’ Party, held May 31 at Catches Waterfront Grille, kicked off the fishing tournament. The party featured themed hors d’oeuvres, an array of libations and a silent auction with more than 30 unique items and packages including a fishing excursion with Maverick Team Tournament member, Captain Geoff Page, who appears on Sunshine Network’s Chevy Florida Fishing Report as the regional expert for the Tampa Bay area.

Together the Fishing Tournament and Captain’s Party netted $40,000 for PHCC Foundation. Its success is creating a wave of excitement for the next Fishing Tournament fundraiser, planned for spring 2008.

Contact the PHCC Foundation for information regarding sponsorships and angler teams.

Support PHCC’s libraries with a tribute gift

PHCC Foundation’s Library Development Fund Tribute Gifts offer a unique opportunity to provide support for the libraries while honoring or memorializing a special person, loved one or client. A gift of $30 or more will be matched on a two-to-three basis through the Florida Legislature’s Dr. Philip Benjamin Matching Grant Program for Community Colleges. Through this grant program, a $30 gift translates to a $50 gift. The gift will be used to purchase a book and bookplate inscribed with the special person’s name and will be placed in a campus library.

Each of PHCC’s three libraries feature 19,000 square feet of books, periodicals, microforms, electronic databases, and audio-visual materials that meet the research and reference needs of a diverse student population. The libraries also provide computer terminals with Internet access for students needing to access the World Wide Web, and computer resources with cutting edge applications such as an online periodical index and an electronic newspaper database.

Contact the PHCC Foundation for more information regarding the Library Development Fund Tribute Gifts.

PHCC Foundation Partners with Pasco Education Foundation and Fortune Education Foundation Three local foundations aimed at helping students with their educational expenses have joined together to support students who have chosen to attend PHCC. For the 2007-2008 academic year, PHCC Foundation matched student scholarships dollarfor-dollar from Pasco Education Foundation and Fortune Education Foundation.

“We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with the Pasco-Hernando Community College Foundation in providing additional financial support to these deserving young men and women who want to better themselves and their future,” said Chip Wichmanowski, Executive Director of the Pasco Education Foundation. “This extra support will give many students the ability to direct their focus 100 percent on their studies.”

The partnership has resulted in 26 PHCC students receiving more than $25,000 in scholarship awards.

Dental care in Russia and Poland

Assistant Professor of Dental Programs Deborah Nastelli was awarded a PHCC Foundation Faculty Chair to focus on dental hygiene in Russia and Poland.

Nastelli joined a delegation of dental hygiene professionals traveling to Russia and Poland to visit local facilities and meet with oral health leaders. The exchange included discussions on Russian and Polish oral health care systems; how the educational systems in Russia and Poland train oral health professionals; and public health measures for disease prevention and health promotion in Russia and Poland.

In Russia, dental hygiene is a new profession and the government has not yet recognized the value of dental hygienists in the prevention of oral disease. “There are no dental hygienists in St. Petersburg, yet a

dental hygiene school in Moscow employs many hygienists,” said Nastelli.

“The oral health care system in Russia consists of public facilities and a growing number of private dental facilities.”

Dental hygiene in Warsaw, Poland is more prevalent than in Russia. The delegation met with educators from the Medical University of Gdansk and the Warsaw Medical Academy that train dental hygienists.

“We also had the opportunity to visit two orphanages and teach the children brushing and flossing and discuss good snack choices,” said Nastelli.

Surgical room at the Dental Polyclinic #29 in St. Petersburg, Russia.

This Faculty Chair was funded by Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative.

The trip was coordinated by People to People Ambassador Programs.

Winter 2008 23

Flashback… PHCC Foundation from the beginning

The PHCC Foundation was established on June 19, 1975, at a dinner meeting in Guido’s Restaurant in Port Richey. The founding Board of Directors consisted of 17 members, chaired by James Kimbrough and vice-chaired by the Honorable Wayne Cobb.

As a founding board member Cobb helped draft the Foundation’s Articles of Incorporation.

Community support of the Foundation grew and the Board of Directors was increased to 25 members. In 1979, Cobb was elected chairman of the Foundation.

It took eight years or more for the Foundation to generate the first million dollars in contributions.

During this period, Cobb was elected a Circuit Judge and moved to Dade City, but continued to work with the college and the Foundation.

Members of the first Foundation Board. President Emeritus, Dr. Milt Jones is pictured center top and Judge Wayne Cobb is lower right.

“I value true freedom which means having the capacity to choose correctly, a capacity that presupposes an adequate knowledge of the relative merit of possible choices. One attains an adequate knowledge of the relative merit of possible choices through education. I have felt a duty to support the educational process in my state and nation which is why I have supported PHCC throughout these years. I have only done my duty.” ~Judge Wayne Cobb

Judge Cobb served the Foundation from 1975-99 as chairman, vice-chairman, treasurer and member. He received the “Foundation Director Emeritus” award at the 1999 Foundation annual meeting for his pivotal role in its genesis. The Foundation recognized his wisdom and counsel in helping it to grow and prosper, and his support of the college for nearly a quartercentury. In addition to his work as a board member for the Foundation, Judge Cobb also served as a member of the District Board of Trustees from 1971-1977.

Foundation Board salutes lifetime honorary members Judge Wayne Cobb was the first person to be named a lifetime honorary member of the PHCC Foundation Board. Judge Cobb was recently joined by Wayne Coulter, Robert Barnett and Judy Case as they were also honored as lifetime honorary members.

Wayne Coulter of Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A., in New Port Richey served the Foundation from 1983 to 2006. Robert Barnett of Capitol City Trust Company in Spring Hill served the Foundation from 1989 to 2006. Both of these long-time board members were instrumental in strengthening the endowment and implementing the Planned Giving Committee.

The Foundation Board unanimously approved Judy Case to be a lifetime honorary member during the July 19, 2007, board meeting. “All I ever wanted was to see the college here,” said Case. “Wow, have I seen it grow.”

Case has been involved with the Foundation Board since 1988. In 2000, she made a donation of $10,000 to establish an endowed scholarship. Case also served as a member of the District Board of Trustees from 1999-2003.

PHCC Presidents, Dr. Milton Jones, Dr. Katherine Johnson and Dr. Robert Judson with Judy Case (seated.)

24 Perspective

“These four dedicated Directors have been intimately involved in the Foundation’s friend-raising and fundraising activities,” said PHCC President Katherine Johnson. “Thanks to their diligence and willingness to connect benevolent individuals to PHCC, our Foundation has amassed scholarship endowments that have significantly enhanced our student’s ability to achieve an education at PHCC.”

Winter 2008  25

“As a single mother of two wonderful children, I dreamed to find a career that would allow me to provide for my children as well as a secure future for myself…

2004 found me enrolled in the PHCC practical nursing program. I can honestly say that was the hardest year of my life. Financially, it was almost devastating. Spiritually, I struggled with constant selfdoubt. At that time, it had been 17 years since high school…by the end of the year, I not only became a nurse, but was voted president of my class.”

“I am currently enrolled in the LPN to RN bridge program at PHCC…your generosity not only allows me to achieve my dream, but to ultimately give back to the community that helped support my family and me.”

Erin K. Ferri recipient of the Rotary Club of Brooksville Scholarship

Pasco-Hernando Community College 10230 Ridge Rd. New Port Richey, FL 34654-5199

Dr. Philip Benjamin Doubling Your Donation Brings Big Bucks for PHCC

You don’t have to hit it big in the lottery to see your money double. Thanks to the Florida Legislature’s Dr. Philip Benjamin Matching Grant Program for Community Colleges, donations to PHCC Foundation designated for scholarships are matched dollar-for-dollar. That means a $500 donation translates to a $1,000 donation, providing a full scholarship for a PHCC student. All other contributions can be matched on a two-to-three basis.

During the period from July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007, PHCC Foundation received nearly three-quarters of a million dollars to fully match generous donations from PHCC Foundation’s Board of Directors, PHCC’s District Board of Trustees, staff, faculty, local businesses, civic organizations and individuals.

Take advantage of this tremendous opportunity double to your money and support PHCC. Contact the PHCC Foundation for more information.

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 6374 TAMPA, FL