October/November ~ 2008
Greetings!
Welcome to the October/November edition of the SCC Insider. After the first issue of the Insider was delivered, many of you shared with me that you enjoyed learning more about our academic programs -- and the people involved in those programs. It's great to know what's going on in all corners of our campus. Many were even more intrigued to learn what our students are doing and what our former students have been up to since graduation. With this feedback in mind, I will make sure to shine a spotlight on these areas as often as possible.
This issue we're shining that spotlight on science, engineering, community service, theatre, and world languages, for starters - including the faculty, staff and students making news in these arenas. From nanotechnology and robotics, to a small New Hampshire town and a Costa Rican adventure, I urge you to sit back, relax, and learn about our SCC faculty and students who are exploring some very fascinating territory - on a large and (very) small scale. Hang on... here we go!
Thank you for reading The SCC Insider. Enjoy your day!
Denise Kronsteiner
Director, Marketing & Public Relations
A Message from our President - Dr. Jan Gehler
Welcome to fall at SCC. The evening air is crisp, the daylight hours are bright and the campus hums with energy and intention. The Artie Spirit is everywhere as students enjoy the outdoor gathering spaces, cheer on our men’s and women’s athletic teams, rehearse for the upcoming music and theatre performance season, and gather for the many on campus events – from the Clothesline Across Campus to the Veteran’s Day celebration. SCC students are committed to service and civic engagement.
While the next phase of our new iStart Smart student success initiative will launch by late October, our faculty and students are already taking smart steps to success. Several hundred students are getting the help they need from our new Accounting and Statistics Learning Center. Our Biology faculty have designed a new team approach for early intervention to make sure their students get the help they need to be successful. And our Math faculty have developed a peer-led supplemental instruction program to support the success of their students.
As we continue to communicate through our new Leadership Team, we are preparing to roll out our Planning and Budgeting Advisory Council (PBAC), and begin drafting a timeline and milestones to build our new SCC Strategic Plan. Our roadways and parking lots are working well, and plans for the new BU remodel continue to take shape as we watch the new science building emerge on the north side of campus. Later this fall we’ll see a much-needed refresh of our sidewalks and pathways. Our safety and security plan is moving along, and by now we’ve all signed on for the Rave Alert cell phone system – haven’t we? Follow this link to sign on - www.scottsdalecc.edu/alerts. Enjoy October!
SCC's Education Abroad Program Immerses Spanish Language Students in Costa Rican Culture
For many Costa Rican’s, Pura Vida is a common expression of satisfaction often used to indicate good spirits, good life, and good times. For SCC Spanish instructor John Ellis and his 13 students who visited Costa Rica this summer, the experience of Pura Vida was one of the many take-aways from their 4-week intensive program in Spanish language and culture.
During their trip, Ellis and his students were immersed in the culture continuously. Opportunities to share food, leisure time, and events with host families – and to do so within a Spanish speaking context was an invaluable experience.
“The goal of the trip was to become aware of the context in which the language is used,” he said. “The experience cannot be easily replicated by learning Spanish in the US.”
Ellis explained that the exposure to other cultures and overcoming any fears were as valuable as the linguistic benefits. Another benefit of the program was to help students become confident interacting with people of other cultures and traveling to other countries. For full story, click here: SCC's Costa Rican Adventure.
Scottsdale Community College Takes Robotics Program 'To the Club'
SCC took its robotics program on the road for six weeks this summer – to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale where six students from the college’s engineering and math programs served as mentors to the club’s 9 and 10-year old youth. The first few weeks of the program were structured in order to teach the basics. Later, the kids had an opportunity for freeform activity with their robots. According to Bill Johnson, SCC Math instructor and coordinator of the mentoring program, the kids really caught on to the robotics concept.
“Kids were programming movements after the second week,” he said. “And the ones that caught on quick started teaching the other ones.”
To introduce club members to the basics of robotics, SCC’s mentors began by playing Simon Says. When asked to turn to the right, the kids turned to the right as instructed. The kids who kept turning without stopping, however, were the first to understand the nature of the robot: without further programming, they would continue to turn. Through the game, the kids learned that robots will only do what they are programmed to do, and it was up to them to make them do it.
Imagination Moves Nanotechnology into the Forefront of Current Scientific Exploration
“What are nano-pants?” I asked a curious 11-year old. “Very tiny pants?” she guessed.
Although her answer was technically incorrect in that nanotechnology will not shrink pants, her thinking was headed in the right direction. Nanotechnology involves the shrinking of scientific substances into the nanoscale (1 nm = 10-9 m), and building substances at the atomic level to create new materials and devices, explained Beth Baumert, SCC Chemistry instructor. “It is the study and control of matter on an atomic and/or molecular scale,” she said.
As for the pants, they do exist. Just ask SCC Computer Science instructor Gerald Thurman.
What do nano-pants, the newest sunscreens, and cell phones have in common? They are commercial products that include components or materials that are made of substances that have been reduced into the nanoscale in order to make the product better, more functional, or more appealing to the consumer. For full story, click here: Nanotechnology at SCC.
SCC's Vortex Honored by Community College Humanities Association
Vortex, SCC's student anthology of art and writing, was recently awarded first place in the Southwest Division of the Community College Humanities Association. SCC's creative writing and art competitions are run every spring, and Vortex publishes the winners. The competition and awards dinner is held every May, with nearly 100 in attendance. The artwork used for the cover of the award-winning Vortex, pictured here, was generated by art student Cindy Millikin.
“Producing Vortex requires a huge amount of effort in a short amount of time," said Sandra DeJardins, the project's advisor. "I am exceptionally proud of SCC's students who work very hard on their writing and art as well as the beautiful anthology created by John Fitzpatrick. They have done such a great job by achieving first place!"
Vortex is distributed every May and then throughout the school year. This year marks the 10th anniversary for the anthology. Copies of Vortex can be picked up at the secretaries desk in the LC building or from Sandra DeJardins (LC 351). For more information about Vortex, contact Sandra DeJardins.
Scottsdale Community College Theatre Arts Performs Our Town - Pulitzer Prize-Winning Drama by Thornton Wilder – November 6-8 and 13-15 – Under the Stars in SCC’s “Center Green”
“Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it—every, every minute?” The Stage Manager, the story’s ever-present narrator, is asked this question at the end of Act III of Our Town, the Pulitzer prize-winning drama by Thornton Wilder. One of the most frequently produced plays by an American playwright, Our Town is currently being produced by Scottsdale Community College Theatre Arts.
The Stage Manager, who watches over and interacts with the residents of the fictional New Hampshire town of Grover’s Corners, explains that humans, in fact, do not realize life while they live it, except for the “saints and poets, maybe.” Perhaps the play's best-known passage, these words emphasize the value of everyday events. Throughout the story -- which spans the years 1901 – 1913, the characters place value on moments of ceremony and consequence, such as a wedding or a funeral, yet they do not seem to value or make an emotional connection to the daily activities of their everyday lives.
“We all know that something is eternal. And it ain't houses and it ain't names, and it ain't earth, and it ain't even the stars . . . everybody knows in their bones that something is eternal, and that something has to do with human beings. All the greatest people ever lived have been telling us that for five thousand years, and yet you'd be surprised how people are always losing hold of it. There's something way down deep that's eternal about every human being.”
The Stage Manager's words highlight Wilder's interest in finding the eternal among the details of daily life. The story of Our Town - an allegorical representation of all life, insists that the eternal exists on Earth during each and every moment of human interaction. For full story, click here: SCC's Our Town.
Campus Happenings
Hocus Pocus Halloween - October 29
Hocus Pocus Halloween is Wednesday, October 29 from 10 AM – 2 PM on the east patio of the Student Center. Student Leadership Forum has hosted the event in the past, but it’s evolving this year to include a service component. SCC students and employees are invited to carve a pumpkin (at no charge) for themselves or for a donation. Pumpkins carved for donation or left behind at the conclusion of the event will be delivered by our student leaders at 3 PM that same day to Scottsdale Village Square. Student leaders will arrive in Halloween costumes escorted by Artie bearing pumpkins and candy for the residents. For more information, contact Jorge Rodriguez in the Student Life office.
SCC's Poll Workers - November 4
On November 4, SCC students and staff (open to all SCC Artichokes) will be working at the election polls. SCC students will facilitate this project to encourage voter registration and turnout for the upcoming election. We will be transporting students to and from SCC all day. Coordinated by the Psi Gamma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. For more information, contact Jorge Rodriguez in the Student Life office. And remember...election Day is November 4th. Your voice matters... so be sure to vote!
Volunteer Fair - November 5
SCC's Volunteer Fair brings community agencies on campus to let SCC students and employees know the many volunteer opportunities available with them. This year’s event is on Wednesday, November 5 from 11 AM – 1 PM on the east patio. We’ll have agencies that address environmental awareness, animal welfare, hunger and homelessness, and more. Students that visit at least five tables will earn a free lunch at the event. For more information, contact Jorge Rodriguez in the Student Life office.
Veterans Appreciation Program - November 5
Staff, faculty and students are cordially invited to participate in the Veterans Appreciation program - "Remember, Honor and Thank Our Military Veterans" - November 5 from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM in the Center Green just east of the Student Center. We know veterans never forget their time serving in the military--please help us acknowledge your service! If you are a veteran, please come and be recognized. Sponsored by the Veteran's Office, Diversity Committee, and the Student Life & Leadership office. For more information, contact Alice Boothby in the Veterans office.
Our Town - under the stars at SCC - November 6-8 and 13-15
Experience Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about the value of cherishing the small moments in life. For more information, or to reserve your complementary tickets, contact Mackenzie Kolander -Wheatman in the Theatre Arts Office.
International Education Week - November 17-21
International Education Week is a nationally recognized week put forth by the U.S. Departments of Education and State and is celebrated by colleges all throughout the U.S. SCC’s International Education Programs office will host several events on campus during the week for students, faculty, staff, and community members. For more information, contact Bonnie Gass in the International Education office.
The SCC Insider is an e-publication for SCC employees from the Department of Marketing & Public Relations
Scottsdale Community College, 9000 E. Chaparral Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85256
MCCCD and SCC are EEO/AA institutions
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