INSIDE SFCC S A N TA F E C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E | S P R I N G 2 0 1 6
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Transforming Early Childhood Education 2016 Commencement Speakers Boundless Opportunity Scholarships and more ...
FEATURE
Dr. Jennifer Duran-Sallee with pre-schoolers. On the cover: Jacob Salazar-Iverson.
Mikayala Goff (left) and Diego Lopez (right) with teacher Charlene Gonzalez.
SFCC’s Early Childhood Center of Excellence
Improving Child Outcomes by Transforming the Early Childhood Workforce in New Mexico Great things are growing at SFCC’s Early Childhood Center of Excellence (ECCOE), which opened last fall and already has reached milestones in its mission to improve the quality of early childhood education across New Mexico.
Other initiatives include a workshop series for infant care providers and home visiting and another, offered in English and Spanish, for people interested in opening a business in early childhood education such as a day care center.
From transforming the early childhood workforce — including teachers, day care operators and home providers — to offering year-round care and education to children attending the on-site Kids Campus, ECCOE is making a difference in children’s lives.
A Perkins grant for early childhood education will be used to develop the Family Infant Toddler Track to certify home visitors along with grandmothers, aunts and others in the Friends and Family Network to work with new mothers.
“The only way to improve child outcomes is to expand the professional development we’re delivering to the adults who teach them,” says ECCOE Director Dr. Jennifer Duran-Sallee, who brings a wealth of experience to the job, including eight years in Santa Fe public schools as a principal and administrator. “One of the center’s principal goals is to provide continued support for the development of early childhood leaders in New Mexico.”
OTHER INITIATIVES INCLUDE A WORKSHOP SERIES, OFFERED IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH, FOR PEOPLE INTERESTED IN OPENING A BUSINESS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SUCH AS A DAY CARE CENTER.
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Although there are 10 child care centers located on higher education campuses around New Mexico, SFCC launched the first Center of Excellence focused on early childhood education. Opened last
November, ECCOE worked closely with SFCC’s Foundation to become the first to endow a position dedicated to early childhood education. The endowment of $1.4 million is comprised of funds from several foundations as well as the State of New Mexico. The center was especially proud to be awarded a matching grant of about $400,000 — the highest amount given to a community college — from the New Mexico Higher Education Endowment Fund.
As a leader in early childhood education, the Early Childhood Center of Excellence in August will host a free professional development institute on early childhood, culture and diversity, and best practices in
CAMPUS NEWS education. Another will be held at the end of September on transforming the early childhood workforce. Now under the ECCOE umbrella, the college’s early childhood development center, Kids Campus, provides a nurturing, positive learning environment for children 8 weeks to 5 years old. Recently re-accredited, Kids Campus is a 5-Star center, earning the Platinum level. Since joining SFCC, Duran-Sallee has made significant positive changes and is developing best practices for Kids Campus to become a demonstration site and a robust research site. “Children develop by exploring their environment, making discoveries, asking questions and forming ideas about the world around them,” says Duran-Sallee. “Our goal is to honor each child and his or her family by working with them as partners to create an enriching setting for the children. We are committed to the
Cartoonist, Student Chef, TMP Graduate to Give Commencement Remarks Ricardo Caté, whose popular “Without Reservations” cartoon runs daily in the Santa Fe New Mexican, will address SFCC’s 2016 graduates at the commencement ceremonies on Sat., May 14 at 2 p.m. at the Santa Fe Indian School Pueblo Pavilion. Caté of Kewa/Santo Domingo Pueblo is the most prominent Native American cartoonist working today. He creates the only Native American cartoon to appear daily in a mainstream newspaper.
Ricardo Caté, Courtesy Santa Fe New Mexican/ Photo by Clyde Mueller
Caté says, “My Dad always said, ‘Don’t speak unless you have something to say.’ My cartoons have something to say.” His cartoons are known for their wry, poignant humor. “Some people speak out by protesting and carrying placards. I let my cartoons state what I have to say about issues.”
In addition to his work as a cartoonist and artist, Caté is a filmmaker, comedian and popular speaker. He lives at Kewa/Santo Domingo Pueblo and participates in Feast Day dances and cultural events.
Student speakers: Kyle Pacheco and Antonieta Portillo Kyle Pacheco, who received an Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts in December, will give the student speech. The Kewa/Santo Domingo resident is the sous chef at the East Wing Eatery and recently won First Place at the New Mexico SkillsUSA competition in the culinary arts category. Pacheco noted that attending SFCC has had a huge impact on him. “Chef Michelle Chavez has stood by me since I came to the college and I wouldn’t be who I am without her. Chef Patrick Mares saw my potential and he’s molded me into becoming a leader. Attending the college has changed my life. I came in feeling like a shy stranger and now I’ve gained confidence and feel accomplished,” Pacheco said.
Jayvin Herrera
diverse population of our center and the community, and respect and respond to the needs of each family.” Duran-Sallee’s enthusiasm for her work is apparent in all of the ECCOE’s accomplishments in mere months. And while she loves her job with a passion, there’s another reason she enjoys coming to work every day. “My four-year-old daughter is here,” she says, with a big smile. “It’s definitely rewarding to see her experience the quality that I see, and there’s no better way for me to support the center than to bring Violet here.”
Also speaking at commencement is Antonieta Portillo. The 17-year-old will graduate with a Certificate of Academic Transfer from SFCC one week before her graduation from The MASTERS Program. She plans on returning to SFCC to earn an associate degree in Business. “I love attending classes at the college,” she said. “I enjoy studying with people from all different age groups.” Last year, Antonieta was selected to join the World 360+ Leadership Collective’s trip to India where she participated in a number of educational and service opportunities. The public is invited to the SFCC Commencement. No tickets are required, people are encouraged to arrive early because seating is available on a first come, first-served basis.
Kyle Pacheco, Antonieta Portillo
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CAMPUS NEWS MARIA L. SANTA-MARIA, PH.D., HUMAN SERVICES, TO RETIRE Maria L. Santa-Maria, Ph.D., Lead Faculty of the Human Services program, will retire after the 2016 commencement with 17-years of service at the college. “I came to the college just as the Human Services program was starting and it’s been lot of fun,” Santa-Maria said. “The most gratifying work I’ve done in my whole career has been here at the college.” Santa-Maria, who came to SFCC with 27 years of experience, said watching the impact and growth of the Human Services program has been like tossing a pebble into a pond and watching as one concentric circle touches and influences another. “Our students are so committed and really want to make a difference in the community. I’ve seen many go on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Several former students are now heads of social service agencies.” Much of Santa-Maria’s life work was shaped by the coping skills she acquired through her life experiences and education. She arrived in this country as child refugee who fled from Cuba. That experience inspired her to write her doctoral dissertation on the impact of trauma on unaccompanied Latin American immigrant children. At SFCC, SantaMaria says the Traumatic Stress Aide Certificate, which she developed, fills a growing demand for workers who can deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “Today PTSD affects so many people – not just those who have gone to war, but also those who were victims of violence or survived disasters such as fires and floods.” “The students who go through the Human Services program amaze me,” she said, noting that the Human Services program has the highest number of graduates in the School of Liberal Arts. “The program’s internships give students real life experience such as volunteering at homeless shelters, hospice programs, the state’s Children, Youth and Families Department and many other agencies. About a quarter of our students are offered a job as a result of contacts made during an internship,” Santa-Maria said. To read more about the Human Services program visit www.sfcc.edu/programs/human_services/student_testimonials. 4
Kyle Pacheco and Erica Lichin Tai
SFCC WINS THREE MEDALS AT STATE SKILLS USA
Kyle Pacheco to compete at national event in June
Three Santa Fe Community College students earned medals at the New Mexico SkillsUSA event during the recent statewide competition. Kyle Pacheco received a first-place gold medal in the culinary competition, Erica Lichin Tai won a secondplace silver medal in the culinary arts competition and Paul Quintana earned a second-place silver medal in the welding sculpture category. Pacheco will advance to the national competition. SkillsUSA provides educational programs, events and competitions that support career and technical education students. Kyle Pacheco, who is the student speaker at the college’s 2016 commencement, said he felt incredible pressure during the timed-competition, but relied on his skills learned in Lead Instructor Chef Michelle Chavez’s and Chef Patrick Mares’ classes to get him through to the first-place finish. (Read more about Kyle Pacheco on Page 3). He plans to work his way up to become an executive chef at a Santa Fe restaurant. Erica Lichin Tai, who won the second place silver medal, said it was not unlike the pressure of one of the national TV cooking shows. “We were given a limited amount of ingredients, with limited time to prepare our dishes,” she said, adding, “I’m very interested in the science and psychology of food. I love it when you can look at a plate of food and it can tell a story.”
Daniels Fund Awards SFCC Foundation $20,000 for Boundless Opportunity Scholarships The Daniels Fund has awarded the Santa Fe Community College Foundation $20,000 for Boundless Opportunity Scholarships. Paul Quintana, a 37-year-old welding student, from Cochiti Pueblo, who won the second place medal in the welding sculpture category, said he’s learned much since enrolling in the welding program this year. “I had studied diesel mechanics and was familiar with welding, but I’ve learned so many practical skills at the college.” He will continue studying next year to earn an Associate in Applied Science in Welding Technology.
Paul Quintana’s award-winning welding sculpture, “Corn Dance.”
“Boundless Opportunity Scholarships benefit non-traditional students who desire to create a better life by investing in their education,” explained Linda Childears, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund.
At SFCC, the Boundless Opportunity Scholarship will focus on adult learners enrolled in the Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) Program. I-BEST provides a way for first-generation students to obtain a high school equivalency while simultaneously earning certifications to help them succeed economically. Most of these students are underserved, at-risk members of the community who come from difficult socio-economic situations. “Many adult learners face significant barriers to entry for education,” said Meghan McGarrity, Scholarship Coordinator at the college. “The scholarship helps support the students in a program that opens doors to opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.” The Boundless Opportunity Scholarship will support students who have few or no options to pay for college and stimulate them towards academic and work success. Eligible students who demonstrate financial need may receive up to $1,000 to pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies and transportation expenses. Additional funding may be awarded to students who continue their studies at the college. Instead of requiring students to fulfill all basic adult education requirements before moving on to workforce training, I-BEST students are placed directly into
credit career pathways taking workforce training courses at the same time. I-BEST faculty and staff provide students individualized academic and study skills support; financial aid guidance; résumé development and job interview skills; job fairs and employer networking opportunities; career guidance and job placement support. Program offerings are matched to industry demands, and keep pace with local high-growth occupational opportunities. According to the Community College Research Center and Workforce Training Coordinating Board, I-BEST students are three times more likely to earn college credits, nine times more likely to earn a workforce credential, employed at double the hours per week, and earn more per year than similar adults who did not receive I-BEST training and support. To keep students on track, strategies include
MOST OF THESE STUDENTS ARE UNDERSERVED, AT-RISK MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO COME FROM DIFFICULT SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATIONS. “intrusive advising” and cohort building. Intrusive advising is structured, with check-in sessions to make sure the student is accomplishing their identified goals and receiving necessary support. Cohort building is achieved through events and team-building activities. Research shows that when students feel like they are part of a larger group with common aspirations, they are more likely to be successful. The Daniels Fund is a private charitable foundation that continues the legacy of generosity established by its founder, Bill Daniels, through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 505-428-1268 or financialaid@sfcc.edu.
Paul Quintana
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KUDOS
NOTEWORTHY
Vice President for Student Success Carmen Gonzales,Ph.D., was elected to the Board of Directors of the Online Learning Consortium. The OLC is devoted to advancing quality online learning by providing professional development, instruction, best practice publications and guidance to educators, online learning professionals and organizations around the world.
Director of Disability Services Vaune Hegmann was voted President Elect of the New Mexico Association on Higher Education and Disability. NM AHEAD is a state affiliate of the national organization which envisions, “… a postsecondary experience that embraces disability and is free from barriers.” Hegmann, who earned degrees from Louisiana State University and Loyola University New Orleans, has worked with special needs populations for 28 years. After Hurricane Katrina, she coordinated the disaster recovery efforts of the Presbytery of South Louisiana. For more information about NM AHEAD or the Office of Disability Services, contact Vaune Hegmann, 505-4281071 or vaune.hegmann@sfcc.edu. SFCC art and woodworking students showcased their work in the Design Competition at the Santa Fe Homebuilders Show, hosted by the Santa Fe Area Home Builders Association and sponsored by the Public Service Company of New Mexico. Congratulations to the nine students who won awards across several categories. 6
The conference focused on ideas around Language, Culture, and Identity. Read more about Wink’s experience at the Conference on her blog.
Director of Assessment and Accreditation Jill Carlson co-presented on the topic “AQIP Pathway Systems Portfolio Wins and Try-Agains: Pounding and Heckling Parliamentary Style” at the Higher Learning Commission annual meeting in Chicago. President Randy Grissom, Vice President for Academic Affairs Margaret Peters, and several others from SFCC attended the fun and informative session. Director of Teacher Education Dawn Wink presented at the TESOL International Conference in Baltimore.
SFCC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter of Alpha Kappa Xi hosted the regional spring convention for 18 chapters from around the state. Professor of Speech Communications Andrew Lovato, Ph.D., gave the keynote address, “Understanding Cultural Differences and Reducing Ethnocentrism.” Vice President for Student Success Carmen Gonzales, Ph.D., received the international administrator’s award for supporting and helping to grow Phi Theta Kappa at SFCC.
Assistant Professor in Film Production and Media Studies Monique Anair and Emily Stern, Coordinator for Diversity and Integrated Learning, participated in the New Mexico Film Office’s Film and Media Educational Summit. They addressed the topics of diversity and equity in film and media education in New Mexico.
The April program of the School of Liberal Arts’ “Readings at the Library” featured Associate Professor of English, Speech and Reading Miriam Sagan. Sagan founded the college’s Creative Writing department, and established and directed the student-run Santa Fe Literary Review. Sagan is the author of 25 books, including poetry, fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent works include the novel Black Rainbow and the collection, Geographic: A Memoir of Time and Space. Those who also read from their work are student Johnathan Perez (Nambe Pueblo), who is working toward a degree in Creative Writing, and Director of Food Services Behzad Dayeny. Dayeny is originally from Iran and has been living in Santa Fe since 1984. He began writing at an early age and has been published in the Santa Fe Literary Review. From left, student reader Johnathan Perez, Associate Professor of English, Speech and Reading and author Miriam Sagan, Santa Fe Literary Review non-fiction editor and SFCC student Holly Baldwin, Director of Food Services Behzad Dayeny and Assistant Professor of English Kate McCahill.
Spring Fling
Students, staff and faculty members enjoyed this year’s Spring Fling with music by Polyphony and the Santa Fe Wadaiko Drummers. Thanks to the Student Government Association for sponsoring the event.
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