MARICOPA News from the Maricopa Community College Retirees Association
Issue Highlights: 2 Engaged Campuses 3 In Memoriam 3 New Board Members 4 Valley Partnership Award 4 MCC and GCC: 50 years 6 Study Abroad Spring 2015
Hello, Retirement! Now What?
Mark Your Calendar
Are you asking yourself, “What’s next?” At some point we all find ourselves looking for meaningful ways to stay connected and use our talents to make a difference.
MCCRA Pre-Retirement Planning Seminar Monday, April 13, 2015
We’d like to introduce you to Experience Matters, a nonprofit that matches the passion, skills and experiences of adults age 50+ with nonprofit organizations tackling our most pressing social issues. Come hear more at the MCCRA pre-retirement planning meeting on Monday, April 13.
A planning for retirement meeting hosted by MCCRA is set for Monday, April 13 at the Rio Salado Conference Center located at 2323 W. 14th Street in Tempe, next to the District Office. A continental breakfast will be served starting at 8 a.m., where Q & A with retirement and health care representatives will begin and will continue immediately following the meeting. The formal meeting is scheduled from 9 a.m. – 12 noon.
Later in April, we’ll begin hosting Experience Matters’ highly interactive and thought-provoking series of workshops designed to help you explore your plan for a purpose-driven second or third act. Your skills and experiences are valuable and we invite you to think about how you will use them to transition into new and meaningful opportunities. Want to learn more now? Check out the calendar at www.experiencemattersaz.org and register for a free Coffee Talk to start exploring!
Don’ t forge t!
Retirement information and updates on legislation relative to changes in pension funds will be provided. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with experts from the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), United Healthcare, and MCCCD Human Resources. Please RSVP to Jim Hogan: jhoganaz@msn.com.
Countdown:
Top 10 Reasons Why MCCRA is Important
is the official group for retired 10 MCCRA Maricopa Community College employees providing a voice to MCCCD. The Chancellor has sanctioned the activities of MCCRA to support our mission.
dues are inexpensive, only 9 Membership $25 per year payable each April. you to other retiree groups from 8 Links colleges and universities such as ASURA (the
including political action, lobbying and basic legal services. Affiliate Membership is available for $10 annually, or choose a Lifetime Membership for $75. For a membership application, contact the FA at (480) 894-8700 or log into www.mccfa.org and click on “Join Us.”
connected to the Maricopa 6 Stay Community Colleges through email, newsletter and Facebook. Email accounts are provided to retirees so you can keep up with college news. Maricopa Gold retiree newsletter keeps you informed of issues of concern to MCCD retirees. Follow MCCRA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/maricopa.edu.retirees
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Arizona State University Retiree Association) and ASU’s OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute). Participation in travel and educational programs are just some of the benefits of this connection.
faculty can join the MCCCD Faculty 7 Retired Association and reap the benefits of membership
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Countdown: Top 10 Reasons
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opportunities are open to you 5 Mentoring to become a working partner in student success and achievement. Research shows that students who are connected and feel comfortable at an institution of higher learning are more likely to graduate. Share your experience, knowledge and skills.
to student success through 4 Contribution MCCRA’s endowed scholarship program, which has raised over $100,000 to date. Scholarships are awarded annually to deserving students.
is looking out for you. Concerns about 3 MCCRA legislation, retirement and pension plans on the local and national level are monitored by MCCRA to insure our benefits are preserved.
Annual Meeting gives you the opportunity 2 The to join with other retirees and reps from Arizona State Retirement and health care providers.
And the Number 1 reason MCCRA matters is:
Y
all about YOU – addressing your issues, 1 It’s your concerns, your needs; and providing an outlet for your knowledge, your talents and your contributions.
MCC and CGCC Named “Community Engaged Campuses” The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has recognized Mesa and Chandler-Gilbert community colleges by awarding each a 2015 Community Engagement classification, a significant MESA Community College and competitive recognition that highlights dedication to community service. This is the first classification for MCC and a renewal of CGCC’s initial 2006 designation. The colleges represent two of only three Chandler-Gilbert Community College Arizona schools and just 361 colleges and universities nationwide that currently hold the designation. Between MCC and CGCC, more than 5,000 students performed upwards of 115,000 hours of community service last year. Both MCC and CGCC have long been recognized for exceptional community outreach; collectively, the colleges collaborate with more than 250 community partners, including the American Cancer Society, local United Way agencies, A New Leaf, Paz de Cristo, Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley, Special Olympics as well as local senior centers and school districts. “It is heartening to see this level of commitment and activity,” wrote Carnegie Foundation President Anthony S. Bryk in a notification letter to the colleges. “Clearly, higher education is making significant strides in finding ways to engage with and contribute to important community agendas.” 2
Two Maricopa Programs are Bellwether Award Finalists The Community College Futures Assembly selected South Mountain Community College and the Maricopa Community College District from more than 1,000 community college programs as finalists for the SOUTH MOUNTAIN Community College Bellwether Award. SMCC was chosen for the program “From Rhetoric to Reality: Innovating for Success at a Hispanic and Minority Serving Institution.” MCCCD was chosen for its “Maricopa Millions” project for Maricopa community college district use of Open Educational Resources (OERs) saving students more than $1.4 million in the 2013-14 academic year. Congrats to the innovation demonstrated by Maricopa Community Colleges.
SMCC and Its President Receive Entrepreneurship Awards Dr. Shari Olson, President of South Mountain Community College, was named Entrepreneurial President of the Year by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship, (NACCE) Chancellor Rufus Glasper informed the Governing Board last fall. During the awards ceremony, Dr. Olson was honored for, among other things, developing a partnership with the Gila River Indian Community, inviting the founder of a growing clothing company to speak at the college, and developing the South Mountain Community Entrepreneurship Center.
MCCRA Remembers Board Members To recognize the contributions of these retirees who served on the board of directors, MCCRA will plant two trees at Phoenix College with a plaque bearing their name in honor of both of these folks.
Sheila Contreras Sheila Contreras arrived at Phoenix College in 1963, retired in 1994 and passed in November 2014 at age 77. Working as secretary to Dr. Mildred Bulpitt, Dean of the Evening Division, Sheila initiated the evening student government organization and served as chapter advisor and later founding advisor of the alumni chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. In 1981, she became the Non-Credit Community Services Coordinator creating classes and programs to strengthen the college ties to its constituents. After Sheila retired, she continued to work part time for seven years in the college Alumni and Development Office. In 2008, she received the PC Alumni Hall of Fame Champion Award. She served on the MCCRA board of directors as recording secretary for more than 10 years.
MCCCD Governing Board Grows For the first time in its 52-year history, the Maricopa County Community College District has some Governing Board members who were elected by voters across Maricopa County. Two at-large members have been elected to serve with the five members elected from districts around the county.
Martin “Pug” Marich An Arizona native, respected educator, coach, professional baseball scout, grandfather, father, and friend passed away peacefully on December 1, 2014. Born on July 7, 1920, as a young man he played football for ASU and received recruitment letters from major league teams. Martin was also contacted by the Los Angeles Pacific Coast League Angels to play baseball in 1940. He completed his bachelor’s degree in social studies with a math minor in 1941. In 1960, he accepted a job at Phoenix College as an assistant football coach and head baseball coach. In 1964, the football team won the National Championship. As head baseball coach he won three national championships (1960, 1962, and 1965.) In addition, he was a baseball scout for the Brooklyn Dodgers/LA Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies. The American Association of College Baseball Coaches named Pug Coach of the Year in 1982. He was also the first junior college coach inducted into the American Association of University Coaches. The baseball field at Phoenix College was named Marich Field after his retirement. Pug was a founding member of the MCCRA board of directors and served as the legislative liaison until his death at 94.
A change in state law and subsequent court decisions allowing the law to go into effect means that the two at-large members joined the five district-elected members effective Jan. 1, 2015.The Maricopa County Community College District located in the Phoenix, Arizona area is one of the largest community college systems in the country, serving more than 230,000 for-credit and 30,000 non-credit students annually.
“This is a time of great change in higher education, so it’s fitting that we have a significant change in the makeup of our Governing Board as well,” said Chancellor Rufus Glasper. “I want to welcome our four new Board members. I look forward to serving with them as we continue to promote student success.” The two at-large representatives are Tracy Livingston and John Heep. Other new representatives are Johanna Haver, elected in District 3 and Jean McGrath, from District 4. Incumbent Alfredo Gutierrez was elected in District 5. Throughout its history, the District was governed by a five-person Governing Board, whose members were elected from districts that elect county supervisors.
Maricopa County Community Colleges Governing Board Members: (back row): Tracy Livingston, John Heep, Alfredo Gutierrez, Dana Saar (front row) Doyle Burke, Jean McGrath, Johanna Haver
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East Valley Partnership Award Goes to Dr. Glasper The East Valley Partnership has awarded Chancellor Rufus Glasper the Dwight Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award, Partnership President Roc Arnett told the Governing Board. Arnett said the Chancellor was given the award because of his strong leadership of the largest educational institution in Arizona and his contributions to the community. He said the award also is fitting because Dwight Patterson, for whom the award is named, was one of the first Arizonans to propose community colleges in the Phoenix area and was an early Governing Board member.
MCC and GCC Celebrate 50 Years Mesa Community College (MCC) began in 1963 as an extension of Phoenix College. Over the years, MCC has grown from 330 students to more than 40,000 learners annually. The college opened its 160-acre campus at Southern and Dobson Roads in 1966. Visit mesacc.edu/50 Glendale Community College began classes in 1965, also as an extension of Phoenix College. That same year, ground was broken for the college’s 147-acre campus, at 59th and Olive Avenues. Classes began at the new facility the following year. On its first day of classes at the new campus, 4,082 students were enrolled and taught by a faculty of more than 100.
ASU Founder’s Day 2015 Founders’ Day on March 5, 2015 honored alumni, faculty and university supporters who actively engage in innovation and principled practice to create a more sustainable world. From individual responsibility to corporate behaviors, ASU is committed to the education, research, and practical work in finding the solutions necessary to achieve a sustainable world. The ASU Alumni Association celebrates Founders’ Day annually to showcase ASU faculty, staff, alumni and university supporters who exemplify the spirit of the founders of the Territorial Normal School of Arizona, ASU’s predecessor institution. Awards are presented at the Founders’ Day Dinner to honorees who have made significant contributions in solving the challenges that will shape the world’s future. Also, Founders’ Day 2015 featured a University Address presented by ASU President Michael M. Crow. 4
Chancellor Rufus Glasper
Emeritus Status
The Governing Board grants Emeritus status at its monthly meetings based on nominations of recently retired faculty and executive staff. Nov 2014 Ruth Callahan, English; Marla DeSoto, English; Elizabeth (BJ) Jacobs, Psychology; Rita McCarthy, Reading; and posthumously to Rodney Brooker, Accounting – Glendale Community College Dec 2014 Doug Ferguson, Counseling/Wellness; and Helen Smith, Math – South Mountain Community College Jan 2015 Debra Dorr, Drafting Technology – Phoenix College
Harper-Marinick Re-elected ACSFA Chair Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost of the Maricopa Community Colleges, has been re-elected as Chair of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance (ACSFA). U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan first appointed Dr. Harper-Marinick to the committee in 2012. Created by Congress in 1986 to provide advice and counsel on student aid policy, the ACSFA makes recommendations that will result in the maintenance of access for low- and middle-income students. Members are experts in higher education and student aid policy and are appointed by members of the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Secretary of Education.
Maricopa Community Colleges Retirees’ Association
2015–16 Dues Renewal Name______________________________________________________________________Check if any info is new _____ Address_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Street ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Phone: Home (
) _________________________________ Other (
) _________________________________
Email address_________________________________________________________________________________________ Membership Dues are $25/year; dues for 2015 are valid until April 2016. Dues $____________ Make check payable to: MCC Retirees’ Association Margaret Hogan, Treasurer MCC Retirees’ Association (MCCRA) 2411 W. 14th Street Tempe, AZ 85281-6942 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maricopa Community Colleges Retirees’ Board
Nomination or Self-Nomination Form In nominating someone other than yourself, please confirm the nomination with the nominee. Be sure to indicate the appropriate employee group and contact information. I nominate: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ to be a candidate for the 2015–2018 MCCRA Board. Please check employee group:
Contact info/e-mail:
_______ Faculty _____________________________________ _______ MAT/CEC _____________________________________
_______ M&O/Crafts/Public Safety _______ PSA
Nomination form can be mailed with dues form or mailed to: Ann Oehmke Or e-mail information to: aoehmke@cox.net 500 W. Clarendon, E13 Phoenix, AZ 85013
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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX, AZ PERMIT NO. 449
2411 W. 14th Street Tempe, Arizona 85281
Gold Nuggets The State Press After 120 years in print, ASU’s student newspaper, The State Press, is going out of print. The daily will be available online. www.statepress.com
Hollywood’s Greatest Year 2014 marked the 75th anniversary of classic movies released in 1939 including Best Picture winner “Gone with the Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz.” The other nominees were “Dark Victory,” “Goodbye, Mr. Chips,” “Love Affair,” “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” “Ninotchka,” “Of Mice and Men,” “Stagecoach,” and Wuthering Heights.”
50 Years of Connecting Communities ASU Gammage celebrated its 50th Anniversary last fall with an open house which offered visitors tours of the theater and backstage and viewing a 60-minute video about the history of Gammage. Checkout activities at www.asugammage.com
50 Years at Sea Sailing a single ship to Mexico in 1965 was the start of an ocean empire, Princess Cruises has expanded to a fleet of 18 vessels cruising to 350 ports around the globe. Don’t miss the activities, check out www.princesscruises.com
“Live from New York” for 40 years TV’s classic comedy program “Saturday Night Live” celebrated its 40 anniversary with a special broadcast in February 2015.
Study and Travel Abroad Opportunities 21-day trip to China is being offered by ASURA (ASU’s retiree association) from May 18–June 9, 2015. Contact Gary Anderson at gwander16@gmail.com or 480.839.3542
Learn Spanish in Madrid, Spain from June 26–July 28, 2015 with GCC. Info sessions are on Tuesday, March 10 and Wednesday, April 15 at 3 pm. Call 623.845.3744 for more information.
See the World with CGCC faculty Cynthia Bingham who is offering educational tours to Turkey and Greece, May 16,
2015; Guatemala, March 10, 2016; and Best of British Isles, May 16, 2016. www.cfbworldtours.com
MCC’s International Education offers study abroad programs to Belgium/European Union, Britain, Ireland, Mexico and Namibia. More information can be found at www.mesacc.edu/study-abroad or by calling 480.461.7870. MARICOPA GOLD Maricopa Community College Retirees Association (MCCRA) 2411 W 14th Street • Tempe, AZ 85281 Ann Oehmke, President • aoehmke@cox.net • 602.265.9497 Patti N. Johnson, Newsletter Editor, patti.n.johnson@cgc.edu MCCCD Marketing, Newsletter Production laura.carr@domail.maricopa.edu Send your email address to jhoganaz@msn.com Join us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/maricopa.edu.retirees
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