MomentumISSUE VI -FALL 2014

A Sister Act

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT GEHLER

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha…in our house growing up my oldest sister took full advantage of her birth order and ruled the roost. Back then, perhaps a few sibling rivalries, but, today, Marsha and I are as thick as thieves. The sisters on our cover, Jordan and Bella Hibbs, admit they’re as different as can be, but their sisterly bond is solid and they made the most of their time together as students at SCC. I know you’ll enjoy their story.

Also in this issue is a story featuring my favorite Artichoke, Dr. Art DeCabooter, whose footsteps I had the pleasure of following when he retired after 30 years as SCC’s president. If you know Art, the story will bring a knowing smile to your face and, if you don’t know Art, the story will fill you in on his dedication, commitment and leadership, not only at SCC but also in our community. Art’s wit and wisdom are unending. He has forgotten more than most here will ever know - on second thought, I don’t think Art has forgotten ANYTHING.

For the rest of what this issue holds, you’ll just have to turn the pages and discover for yourself the exciting news, features and events that we are proud to share.

Another source of pride is our Commencement Ceremony. On May 9, nearly 300 Scottsdale Community College graduates participated in Spring Commencement. Prior to the ceremony, our graduates, along with proud family members and SCC faculty and staff, enjoyed a reception at the East Patio of the Student Center to celebrate their achievement. Then came the traditional and symbolic procession of graduates and faculty into the North Gym…it is always a wonderful sight to behold. We were pleased to have as our commencement speaker Diane Enos, tribal president of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

And now, we are at the beginning of a new semester, welcoming returning and new students who are on their educational journey to a bright future.

The spirit of the Artichoke is alive and well, and ever present.

Jan L. GehlerSCC President

Momentum is published by the Office of Institutional Advancement and Community Engagement at Scottsdale

Community College.

_________________

EDITOR/WRITERNancy Neff

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSKristine Burnett

Jonathan Higuera

GRAPHIC DESIGNERMagdalena Soto

PHOTOGRAPHYProvided in part by:

Mark SkalnyJonathan Higuera

Nancy Neff

ON THE COVERJordan and Bella Hibbs made the most

of their time as students at SCC.Story on page 5.

_________________

CONTACTNancy Neff

Nancy.Neff@scottsdalecc.edu480.423.6567

_________________

STAY CONNECTED WITH SCCwww.scottsdalecc.edu

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A massive structure installed to shade the redesigned outdoor amphitheater at Scottsdale Community College is nearly complete, with the placement of 16 free-spanning, high-strength tensile panels that serve as a canopy for optimal shade.

According to Jacob Schwartz, a director with International Tension Structures (ITS), the amphitheater shade canopy at SCC has more architectural and structural detail than any other project the Fountain Hills based company has done for the Maricopa County Community College District.

The structure incorporates the following materials:

• 28 cubic yards of concrete supporting nine caisson footings

• More than 43,000 lbs., or 21.5 tons, of structural steel

• More than 250 yards of high density polyethylene fabric

• More than 440 yards of structural webbing

Schwartz said, “We have received amazing feedback from people both on and off campus who have observed this structure being erected. It is an impressive architectural feature, and we are really looking forward to seeing the college use this large amphitheater space to get the benefits of the newly shaded area.”

The $400,000 amphitheater redesign is part of a more extensive xeriscape project that spans the northwest

quadrant of campus and includes the installation of more environmentally friendly landscaping and other shading elements for walkways.

The xeriscape project is one of the final capital improvement projects at SCC funded by the 2004 bond approved by Maricopa County residents. Carl Couch, vice president of Administrative Services, said the decision was made to leverage funds for the xerscape project to upgrade the old amphitheater and provide a more comfortable venue with shade for spectators as well as actors.

The amphitheater, which also will feature synthetic grass covering the ground beneath the shade structure, is slated for completion in late September.

Massive canopy shades SCC’s NEW OUTDOOR amphitheater

CAMPUS XERISCAPE PROJECTSCC is pleased to be nearing the end of an important xeriscape project that will help modernize the campus as well as be more environmentally friendly. The goal is to improve the visual image of the campus and better identify the major campus entries viewed from the outer perimeter. The new design will feature arid landscaping at the campus perimeter/boundary area and transition to green landscaping in the middle of campus.

Photo by: Jacob Schwartz

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“I was just broken.” That’s how Justin Echols describes feeling right before turning the corner toward sobriety and embarking on a journey of self-discovery rooted

in educational excellence. The high school dropout turned Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University alum is now a doctoral research fellow studying under one of the most prestigious scholarship programs: The National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship.

While Echols may have always had the intellect to achieve great things, it took the time, talent and teaching of professors at SCC to help him discover his passion and realize a future brighter than he ever thought possible.

“I struggled with substance abuse and dropped out of high school my junior year,” recalled the Mesa native. “I eventually got my GED and went to a local community college for about a year and a half studying music theory, but I started slipping and couldn’t maintain my grades. I was still using.”

Unable to pinpoint his decision to get sober on a single defining moment, Echols describes being incredibly lonely and miserable. “I couldn’t accomplish the things I wanted to. I had other stints of sobriety, but it finally got to a point where the thought of continuing on seemed unbearable. That’s when I enrolled in and completed a 28-day inpatient rehab program.”

Though rehab was just the first step on the path to sobriety, it was an important step. Now more than seven years sober, Echols continues to push himself to be better.

NEW DISCOVERIES AND NEW BEGINNINGS After completing rehab in 2007, Echols enrolled at SCC. Though his major was undecided, he began taking business courses along with an influx of math classes to catch up on what he missed in high school. “Some of the classes weren’t even worth college credit, but I had a lot of making up to do.”

When Echols realized his math classes were the only ones he found challenging and interesting, he began thinking about a future in engineering. He credits his SCC instructors with igniting that passion.

“A lot of my instructors had PhDs, and they all had high expectations,” he said. “They each held me to a high standard and challenged me in different ways. They’ve all played a huge part in my life.”

Echols described how the traits of each professor impacted him saying, “Dr. James Vicich taught precalculus as if he knew we were all going to be engineers and he prepped us for the university setting. He taught me to be a serious student and to think both conceptually and analytically (See sidebar, pg.4). Dr. Phillip Clark was a young guy who defied the stereotype of a math professor. He is very smart and very cool. It was inspiring to see someone so young with a PhD. Dr. Frank Attanucci is a brilliant man who got me interested in the theoretical and rigorous aspects of math. I’m pretty sure many of the concepts he introduced weren’t being taught at most other community colleges.”

After three years at SCC, it was time for Echols to move on. He transferred to ASU in the fall of 2010, and began studying electrical engineering.

“I remember being really afraid that I wouldn’t have the same success at ASU that I experienced at SCC, and being older than most of the other students added to my anxiety,” admitted the now 27-year-old. “Being in classes with 300 students was new for me, but what really stands out is how prepared I felt. I was comfortable with the material. I watched my peers who didn’t come from SCC struggle.”

Early on in his tenure at ASU, Echols was awarded the Motivated Engineering Transfer Student Scholarship. The award put him in contact with transfer students from virtually every community college in Arizona. “It seemed like the students who came from SCC were better prepared mathematically for the challenges in science and engineering.”

Echols went on to earn another scholarship. The Daniel Zusman Award for Engineering Excellence covered the cost of his final year at ASU. He graduated Suma Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering in May 2013.

ALUM CREDITS SCC WITH:

Igniting the passion within

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TOUGH DECISIONS Shortly before graduating, Echols applied for the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship. “It’s a big scholarship that covers grad school tuition, medical insurance and even pays a stipend. There are a huge number of applicants. I truly didn’t think I’d get it.”

With no other funding options at ASU for his area of research interest, Echols began the job search. Always looking ahead, he limited his search to companies like Raytheon and General Dynamics that valued advanced technical knowledge and were willing to pay for graduate school. When he landed both a job offer and the NSF fellowship, it was time for Echols to make some tough decisions.

“I had a job offer with a great starting salary, which made the choice really hard,” he said. “Once I calmed down about the salary and the quality of life it would allow me to have, I realized a fellowship would give me the ability to focus all of my efforts on research and obtain a level of knowledge beyond what industry experience could provide. It would also take me where I ultimately want to be in the long term, which is a research or industry position in aircraft flight control system design.”

Today, Echols is studying control systems, with a research interest in control of aircraft, quad copters, hypersonic vehicles (vehicles that travel more than five times the speed of sound) and complex phenomena in general. He hopes to eventually parlay his research into a career in flight control system design.

As part of his fellowship, Echols will publish his research findings. His first publication, “Integrated Design and Control of Hypersonic Vehicles,” which was written with additional authors, was accepted for publication and presentation at the 2014 American Control Conference in Portland, Ore. He completed an internship at Raytheon’s Guidance, Navigation and Control Center Flight Sciences Department this summer.

Despite working seven days a week and hitting the gym five to six times a week to relieve stress, Echols says he’s happier than he has ever been.

“All the research I do is so fulfilling that I haven’t had a moment where I have regretted my decision to forego going into the industry,” he shared.

Echols is scheduled to graduate with his PhD in either May 2016 or May 2017, depending on the trajectory of his research. Regardless of when, there is no doubt Echols will achieve his goals and continue defying the odds.

“A lot of my instructors had PhDs, and they all had high expectations. They each held me to a high standard and challenged me in different ways.” - Justin Echols

SCC students who have taken a math course led by Dr. James Vicich are familiar with the phrase, “go to the board and tell me what your

thinking is.”

It’s one of several ways Dr. Vicich has helped his students clarify their understanding of a math equation. But the learning doesn’t stop there. For nearly 19 years, he has been helping SCC students clarify their thinking well beyond solving math problems.

Many of his former students say he helped them unlock their potential and take responsibility for their learning. In essence, they learned how to learn after taking his classes.

“Dr. V really opened my eyes about how everything is connected to mathematics, and I was really motivated to go to class and learn more,” said Daniel Che, who went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from ASU in 2009 and now is one year away from receiving a Ph.D. in Water Resource Systems Engineering.

Vicich’s in-class practices are based on theories that come from academic training and classroom experience. In a conversation about math instruction, you will hear him use learning theory terms such as metacognitive reflection, constructivism, resource knowledge, conjecture in planning and other terms.

“When I teach a class, I want to empower my students,” he says. “I don’t want it to just be a calculus class. I want them to learn to learn. I want them to think about their thinking.”

He melds academic rigor with high expectations, despite knowing that many students leave high school without the rigorous math instruction needed to succeed at the university level.

Two-year colleges can help those students transition into adults who are accountable for their learning, he believes.

“In my class, the minimum expectation is A-level work,” he says. “And we don’t stop there, they are expected to add to it.”

Math instructor empowers students

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“I’m a really creative person and Jordan is very smart and driven.” That’s how 22-year-old Bella Hibbs describes herself and her younger sister, Jordan. Both

graduates of Scottsdale Community College, the sisters say the school catered to their individual needs while affording them the opportunity to learn and serve alongside one another.

After touring the college, meeting with professors and talking to student volunteers, enrolling at SCC after high school seemed like a natural next step for Bella. “Visiting really gave me a feel for the campus lifestyle and made the thought of going to college less intimidating.”

Bella became a student at SCC in the fall of 2010. Jordan joined her the following semester.

One year younger, Jordan graduated high school early, becoming a full-time SCC student in the spring of 2011. Having completed a hefty portion of her required courses during high school thanks to SCC’s popular Dual Enrollment Program, she was on a fast track from the day she stepped on campus as a Fighting Artichoke.

“I don’t like to waste time,” said the tenacious Jordan. “I’m the kind of person who wants to get it done and keep moving.”

That drive was evident from the very start. Having been part of student government in both middle school and high school, Jordan sought out and applied for student government at SCC on her first day of class.

Always looking for ways to spend time together, the sisters both became active in student government through SCC’s Student Leadership Forum, part of Student Life.

“We have very different interests, but we both like helping people,” explained Jordan. “This was something we could do together.”

Echoing those sentiments, Bella says the experience gave them an opportunity to hang out and have fun.

“Student Leadership was a really good fit for both of us,” she said. “Of course it was a resume builder, but it was also a really exciting way to be involved on campus and in the community.”

Among the many activities the sisters participated in, they helped plan SCC’s homecoming festivities, spring fling and graduation. They also took part in a host of off-campus events and volunteer opportunities. As vice chair of Student

Sisterly support

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Leadership Forum, Jordan was instrumental in planning community events, including SCC’s participation in the Walk Like MADD fundraising event for the nonprofit organization, Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

“By volunteering, we learned so much about the campus and we became really close with our advisors,” noted Bella. “The president of the college and the deans even knew us. Being able to give back like that with my sister was awesome.”

In addition to Student Leadership, Bella and Jordan both benefited from the learning and development programs offered through the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

“Jordan was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and I went with her to a lot of the lectures and other events,” said Bella. “They always had great speakers and there were a lot of takeaways for me.”

Though the sisters were on different educational tracks – Bella studied hospitality, whereas Jordan studied psychology and political science – they found ways to stay connected in the classroom.

“We took an astrology class together and it was really fun,” explained Bella. “We’re both good students and taking the class with my sister meant I had a built-in lab partner.”

While their time together at SCC was short, the sisters made the most of it.

Jordan, always looking ahead, graduated from SCC just a year and a half after becoming a full-time student.

Both sisters earned degrees in May 2014. Bella earned an associate degree in hospitality from SCC while working full-time at her mother’s casting company. Jordan, 21, graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in psychology where she minored in political science.

WHAT’S NEXT? Currently focusing on her career, Bella says she may go back to SCC to earn a bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University through a partnership between the schools known as SCC2NAU. The program would enable Bella to continue attending class on campus at SCC while earning credit through NAU. Until then, she plans to

stay connected to SCC by serving as a volunteer mentor for incoming foreign exchange students.

Jordan will return to ASU this fall to earn a master’s in science and technology policy, saying, “I ultimately want to work in an arena where I’m shaping public policy. I’m currently working on a political campaign and have thought about running for public office one day.”

The paths ahead for Bella and Jordan may be very different, but both agree that SCC prepared them for the future in ways that far exceed most other community colleges.

“I’ve had friends who started at other community colleges before coming to SCC and they all said it was much more professional here,” noted Bella. “Some other colleges are like high school all over again, but not SCC. Our instructors bring so much industry experience and real-world knowledge to the classroom. That makes such a difference.”

Also thankful to have begun her college journey at SCC, Jordan says the instructors prepared her for the university setting, both academically and mentally. She credits one professor in particular with giving her the skills to be a successful student.

“I had Dr. James Vicich for calculus and even though the class was totally out of my major, he took such a different approach that it stuck with me,” explained Jordan. “He called it ‘learning how to learn.’ I haven’t seen that from any other professors. I don’t think I would be the same person today without having gone to SCC first.”

Jordan and Bella Hibbs6

“I don’t think I would be the same person today without having gone to SCC first.”

- Jordan Hibbs

More than 200 Scottsdale Community College students fanned out across the campus and into the community on March 28, 2014, to make a difference for others as part of the 2nd annual “Artie Has Heart” day of service.

Teams of students went to 11 locations on and off campus to lend hands-on support to service projects, including weeding and tilling a community garden, assembling furniture for refugee families, building nests for burrowing owls, packing food boxes for the hungry, cleaning up animal shelters and a host of other projects.

The event was coordinated by SCC’s Service-learning and Leadership Office and focused on students participating in community service in order to enhance their education, said Becky Bradley, who directs the office.

“Service learning is the balance between service to the community and learning for the student,” says Bradley.

Service-learning is a national educational trend that has taken root at SCC. It melds community service with classroom teaching to give students a more focused service experience that reinforces their classroom studies.

Serving to learn, learning to serve

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When Art DeCabooter talks about Scottsdale Community College, he likes to say, “Community is our middle name.” He’s right, of course, but

one could say the same thing about him. DeCabooter retired in 2008 following 30 years as President of SCC, but he is still a very active leader in the community and a member of numerous boards, organizations and committees.

A list of his community involvement spills over five pages of his resume, much of it still current, including leadership roles with Community Celebrating Diversity, Scottsdale Rotary, Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, Scottsdale Charros, and Scottsdale Leadership to name a few. DeCabooter also is still active at SCC, serving on the President’s Executive Community Advisory Board and participating in numerous college events each year.

DeCabooter’s long-time friend Jim Bruner, a senior vice president with Mutual of Omaha Bank, said, “Art doesn’t just participate, he leads and is an advocate for positive and significant change. He has a unique sense of humor and a sharp wit that serves him and the community well.”

One significant example of DeCabooter’s humor and wit, and something he still remembers vividly, has to do with the infamous mascot incident from the mid-70s. As the story goes, SCC students were not happy that funds they felt should be going toward academics were being spent in support of athletic programs. When it came time to select a new mascot, students voted for the artichoke in hopes of demeaning the college.

DeCabooter said shortly after he arrived as president of SCC, student leaders came to his office and asked if he knew about the mascot. “I said, oh, you mean the Armadillos?” It was this humorous quip that broke the ice with students and signaled to them their new president had no intention of challenging the mascot. “I believed philosophically in their principle and it has turned out to be very positive for the college,” DeCabooter said.

DeCabooter came to Scottsdale in 1977 from Kewanee, Illinois, where he had served as Provost/Vice President of Black Hawk College – East Campus. He was one of 247 people who applied for the position of President of Scottsdale Community College and was the first president to be hired from outside the Maricopa County Community College District.

“People thought I had an inside track to the Chancellor at the time, but I didn’t know him from Adam,” said DeCabooter.

DeCabooter did, however, share then Chancellor Paul Elsner’s preference for decentralization, having come from a multi-college system in Illinois that was decentralized. In short order, DeCabooter worked with the Chancellor and others to have previously centralized District functions, such as Finance, PR, Security and others moved to report to the colleges.

DeCabooter also was instrumental in establishing the still-in-place collegial model of governance at SCC, with Division Chairs and Department Chairs working together with college Administration on governance and decision making.

Under DeCabooter’s leadership, SCC became known for academic excellence, “because we have the best faculty and staff and that makes all the difference,” he said. He was instrumental in starting many of the programs that remain strong today, including Culinary Arts, Motion Picture & Television (Film School), Computer Sciences and Administration of Justice.

It is due to the strength of the college and DeCabooter’s leadership that SCC has enjoyed tremendous support from the community. “Dr. DeCabooter is well respected and beloved by the entire community of Scottsdale,” said Rachel Sacco, president and CEO of the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau. “He leaves a huge legacy of good deeds, great accomplishments and visionary leadership.”

DeCabooter’s leadership and reputation came in handy in times of need. “I often found myself in a position of soliciting

THE ORIGINAL HEAD ARTICHOKE IS ALL HEART

money for scholarships, and there was always positive response,” he said.

Virginia Piper was an early supporter of SCC. She met DeCabooter through Scottsdale Rotary and appreciated what he did in the community. To this day, the Piper Scholarship is the largest endowment at SCC, supporting Piper Scholars each semester. “There is a whole array of scholarships built on huge community support,” said DeCabooter.

When, after 30 years as president of SCC, DeCabooter decided it was time to retire, he embraced incoming president Jan Gehler.

“I continue to be so pleased with Jan because she is so much a community person,” DeCabooter said. “The transition went very well. She is committed to the college and the community and has no ego…we would meet every couple weeks just for background.”

Gehler said, “Under normal circumstances following an icon like Art would give even the most

confidant newcomer pause. As I approached my first days at SCC more than one person reminded me I had very big shoes to fill. Art likely understood this dynamic and to help me have a successful beginning, he invited me to join him for breakfast about every two weeks, to ‘chat.’

At our first meeting and from then on, while waiting for our food to arrive, Art pulled out stacks of papers, reports, documents, etc. from his many briefcases. He carefully described each one, such as ‘pay attention to this...just remember this.... you don’t have to worry about this, etc.’ Eventually, his stacks diminished and mine grew. It was my orientation to SCC from his perception, coupled with great advice, and I learned so much from Art…and still do.”

“ He leaves a huge legacy of good deeds, great accomplishments and visionary leadership.”

- Rachel Sacco

SUPPORT THE TRIMBLE SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENT ATHLETESIn 1992, Marshall Trimble launched the Trimble Scholarship for Student Athletes at SCC. His contributions to the endowment have continued over the years and countless student athletes have benefitted from Marshall’s mentorship and generosity. Please help us honor Marshall by contributing to his scholarship in recognition of his 37 years of teaching and leadership.

$37 Cowpoke $3,700 Trail Boss$370 Wrangler $37,000 Cattle Baron

Contributions will be acknowledged in future donor recognition materials. Donations can be made online at mcccdf.org/trimble; in person at the Cowboy Breakfast; or by mail to:

Scottsdale Community CollegeOffice of Development9000 E. Chaparral RoadScottsdale, AZ 85256

A Cowboy Breakfast to honor Marshall Trimble’s

37 years of teaching

October 9, 20147:00 - 8:00 a.m. ChuckwagonBreakfast8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Program

Scottsdale Community CollegeTwo Water’s Circle

Honorary Co-ChairsMr. Jim Bruner and Dr. Art DeCabooter

Emcee: Mr. John Avianantos

Seating is limited.RSVP: Donna.Cole@scottsdalecc.edu or

480.423.6310

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with Dr. Jan Gehler

Scottsdale Community College academic departments work closely with members of the community for input and advice on academic program development and

success. This is achieved primarily through the College’s 30+ Community Advisory Committees (CAC) with community members from local business, industry and government joining faculty to provide direction for instruction and service based on evolving community need.

Q. How are the Community Advisory Committees formed?

A. Advisory committees are formed to help SCC deliver quality education and student services, and respond to a changing world, as well as provide valuable fundraising support for student scholarships and programs. Advisory committee membership should reflect populations and elements of strategic importance to the community. It is important that the advisory committee be directed by a community member, therefore, the chair of each advisory committee is a community representative.

An SCC department or division chair may be co-chair of the advisory committee as needed. Some attributes identified for advisory committee members include:• Effective means to align the college to the needs of the

residents it serves• Source of advice, support, and advocacy to the institution’s

programs and services• Community leaders and others with expertise uniquely

important to specific programs and services• Multi-generational and ethnically diverse• Student and/or alumni

Q. What support do the advisory committees provide?

A. Advisory committees provide many important functions as a group. The goal of the committee is to improve instructional programs and student services provided by SCC. Some of the ways committees meet this overall goal is by:• Establishing direct community involvement with college

programs and services• Promoting programs and services provided by the college

• Providing input into program curriculum development and/or revision

• Participating in strategic planning and program review• Facilitating development of experiences for students

including internships, job shadowing, and service learning opportunities

• Assisting with program and service assessment and evaluation

• Assisting with scholarship development and other sources of funding for students

• Identifying and supporting goals established by the advisory committee

• Supporting the mission and goals of the college

Q. How are Community Advisory members selected?

A. Potential advisory committee members may be identified by faculty, staff and administrators of SCC, or a current committee member. Members are chosen based on expertise and knowledge in a related area, as well as willingness and capacity for active committee membership. Common characteristics of advisory committee members include:• Demonstrates competence in an area or specialty• Expresses an interest in program area and/or educational

outcomes• Commits to goals and outcomes for student success• Volunteers at industry, business, tribal, government agency

or other area that functions within the college geographical area served

Q. What is the time commitment for a community advisory member?

A. Advisory committees should meet at least twice during the academic school year, however the appropriate number of meetings will be determined by the scope and goals of individual committees. The term of each member will be for a period of two years, beginning July 1 and ending June 30 of each year.

If you’re interested in joining a CAC, call the President’s office: 480.423.6310.

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CULINARY ARTS LAUNCHES EVENING PROGRAMScottsdale Community College Culinary Arts has introduced an Evening Program designed to meet the needs of working adults seeking to join or move up in the growing restaurant industry and for others who simply wish to pursue their passion for cooking.

The formal Evening Program launched in the Fall 2014 semester and provides students an opportunity to earn a certificate with 18 credit hours (which can be earned in a single academic year), take courses that lead to a two-year degree or simply gain skills to be better cooks.

The Evening Program offers two areas of study for students: Culinary Arts Foundations and Commercial Baking and Pastry Arts. Evening students also can pursue course work that will lead to an Applied Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts, Culinary Arts Foundations or Commercial Baking and Pastry Arts.

“We are very pleased to offer an evening option to students who may work in the industry or in another career during the day, and wish to pursue formal culinary training,” said Bill Collins, the Culinary Arts Evening Program director.

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN AMP MATH CAMPThe first AMP Summer Math CAMP coordinated and sponsored by the Arizona Mathematics Partnership (AMP) and its lead partner Scottsdale Community College gave more than 100 middle-school students an opportunity to learn and reinforce math concepts that lead to STEM careers.

The week-long camp was held in June at Grand Canyon University. It was developed to impart greater understanding of math concepts, make the student campers more aware of math’s practical and societal value and let the students relax with fun activities, including robotics, hot air balloon demonstrations and building birdhouses, as well as classroom instruction.

The middle-school students, from six school districts, participated in the camp free of charge. AMP, which was established in 2012 as part of an $8.7 million five-year grant from the National Science Foundation, covered the costs of the camp as part of the grant’s community outreach goal.

“It is well documented that students’ attitudes and beliefs about mathematics shift significantly in the wrong direction during their middle school years,” said April Strom, AMP principle investigator and math faculty member at Scottsdale Community College.

“AMP is designed to build teachers’ conceptual knowledge of math and instill confidence in teaching it. We want them to be excited about teaching math to middle-school students so that we can begin to reverse the decline in achievement.”

CCIP SCHOLARS POISED TO MAKE THEIR MARKThe fifth class of the Community College Initiative Program (CCIP) has arrived at Scottsdale Community College as part of a 10-month program to study specific academic areas and soak up U.S. culture. This year’s cohort includes 12 students, hailing from Brazil, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and South Africa.

The international students are sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Each student studies in a field they have chosen. This year’s students will take classes in business, international business, journalism, film, graphic design, accounting and human resources.

“Every group develops their own identity,” said Megan O’Connor, who recently joined SCC as the interim CCIP coordinator. She previously served as a host to students in the program. “Different dynamics play into that identity, including the fields they choose, the mix of countries and the individuals themselves.”

The students arrived July 19 and will depart to their home country May 20, 2015. Under the program’s requirements, participants will return home with a goal of making a difference using their new-found skills and experiences. During their stay, they will develop business plans and grant proposals as part of a plan of action.

NEWSBRIEFSNEWSB R I E F S

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2014By the NumbersSPRING

LEARN. GROW. ACHIEVE.

EDUCATIONALPLANS

* Students may take more than one type of class

TOTAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT: 9,762

26.7% Full-time

73.3 % Part-time 53.3% Female

46.7% Male

79.5% of SCC students come from Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, and Tempe. 77 international students from 32 countries

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 19 STUDENTS

14.5% online classes68.1% day classes17.3% evening classes

Top Occupational Certificates: • Nursing Assisting • Culinary Arts • Film Production • Editing

Top Occupational Degrees: • Nursing • Interior Design • Hospitality and Tourism Management • Motion Picture/Television Production

AWARDED CERTIFICATES & DEGREES: 1,939

67% Faculty have master’s degrees28% Faculty have doctorate degrees

FACULTY

NEWSBRIEFS

Transfer to Four Year College

45%

Personal Interest 18%

Learn or Improve Career Skills without Degree or Certificate

10%

Enter or Advance in Job Market

21%

High School Dual Enrollment

Concurrent HS 4%

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SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE9000 E. Chaparral RoadScottsdale, AZ 85256

The college of you.An EEO/AA institution.

Save the date for these

upcoming events:DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION

Sept. 11-Oct. 9 varies Drawing Exhibition Art Building

Oct. 11 7:05 p.m. Football Homecoming Game SCC vs. PC FB Field

Oct. 16 7:00 p.m. China Town Hall Live Webcast Turquoise Room

Oct. 17 & 18 7:30 p.m. The Palace PAC (sit-com performed and filmed with live studio audience)

Oct. 24 & 25 7:30 p.m. The Palace PAC (sit-com aired on big screen, followed by Q & A)

Nov. 14-16 7:30 p.m. Cabaret PAC

Nov. 20-22 7:30 p.m. Cabaret PAC

For all events at SCC visit: www.scottsdalecc.edu

The Rise of Artie

OCTOBER 8 - OCTOBER 11