ACC alumna Linda Schmale (right)

Arapahoe Community College alumna Linda Schmale, who teaches art at Gateway High School in Aurora, has been named High School Art Teacher of the Year by the Colorado Art Education Association.

Trinidad State Junior College President Felix Lopez

     The Trinidad and Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce named Trinidad State Junior College President Felix Lopez Businessman of the Year at its annual banquet Saturday night.

     Lopez has served as the president of the college since 2009.  Previously, he has worked for TSJC for almost eighteen years in the positions of Director of Purchasing, Executive Vice-President, and Chief Financial Officer.

     While Trinidad State Junior College is a public institution of higher learning, and not a “typical” business, it is an influential economic force in the Colorado cities of Trinidad and Alamosa in which its two campuses are located, as well as in the eight rural, southern Colorado counties it serves, Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Las Animas, Huerfano, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache.

     Like many businesses, TSJC has felt the crunch of the economic downturn of recent years and the challenges of shrinking resources. President Lopez has been forced to look for new, more economical ways of doing business while continuing long term planning, innovation and growth.

     Influenced by Lopez’ leadership, Trinidad State Junior College has expanded educational offerings by increasing enrollment with K-12 partners, and has developed programs to serve industry needs and utilizing technology to enhance the educational experience for students.

      Programs like the Rocky Mountain Line Technician Program in Colorado Springs (2009), Brownells Advanced Gunsmithing Program (2010), Robotics Team (2010), Nursing Simulation Lab (2010), and STEM and Math Lab Expansion (2012) are examples of exciting industry-responsive training that provide TSJC graduates with gainful employment in growing industries.

      President Lopez has been an instrumental leader for the development of the community Development Resource Center project in Trinidad.  The CDRC project was initiated by Trinidad State Junior College and its Educational Foundation and brought together the Trinidad and Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce, Trinidad/Las Animas County Economic Development, South Central Council of Governments, Small Business Development Center, and the Trinidad Housing Authority to serve the business and training needs of the community.

   Projects like the business incubator, business planning, financial planning and resource collaboration have been coordinated through the project.  President Lopez has participated in this project since its inception including the original project design, grant application, fiscal sponsorship and infrastructure resources to transition and project sustainability.  His strong leadership, vision, and financial expertise was invaluable in leading the project forward successfully.

    Lopez graduated with an A.A. in Accounting Business Administration from Trinidad State Junior College, a B.A. in Social Science from the University of Southern Colorado, and an M.A. in Human Resources and Education from Colorado State University, Fort Collins.  

    He currently serves as a member of the Third Congressional District Judicial Nomination Commission; as a board member of the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) San Luis Valley; Southeast Regional Council Member, El Pomar Foundation; and on the Southeast Region Workforce Investment Board.   

Registration will begin at 7:00 a.m. This is a free event for the South Metro Denver Community and seating is limited, and a light breakfast will be served. Please RSVP in advance to Marilyn Manning at marilyn@manningbizsolutions.com or 303.763.1865.

Please join FirstBank and other members of your community for a “state of our community” discussion. Topics will include:

* Opportunities and Challenges in 2012 and beyond
* Education
* Economy
* Legislation that will affect our local governments, businesses and neighborhoods

ACC President - Dr. Diana Doyle

ACC President Dr. Diana Doyle will serve as the event moderator as five featured speakers will address five questions. Featured speakers will include:

Mayor Debbie Brinkman, Littleton
Debbie Brinkman was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Northern Colorado. Debbie enjoyed a 24-year career in adviertising and marketing. Currently, she operates her own business, Simple Order Design, Inc. Debbie moved to Littleton in 2002. She became active in the community when she battled a re-zone in her neighborhood and then ran for City Coucil in the fall of 2007. Debbie served as Mayor Pro-Tem from 2009-11, and her term as Mayor will run 2011-13. Debbie currently serves as Littleton’s representative for Metro Mayors, Highline Canal Working Group, and Arapahoe County Comminssioners, Mayors and Managers.

Mayor Jim Gunning, Lone Tree
Jim earned a degree in Aerospace Engineering that launched him into 20 years of combined service on active or reserve status in the United States Air Force. In 2001, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and currently works for United Airlines as an Airbus A-20 Captain. Jim was elected to the Lone Tree City Council in May 2006, and then elected Mayor in 2008. He is credited for advocating $10 million in recreation amenities and for building a new city-owned $18 million 500-seat performance venue that opened in 2011. He is married and has two children.

Mayor Cathy Noon, Centennial
Cathy is the second Mayor to the city of Centennial. In 2001, she served as Chair for the committee to pass three initiatives to fund the new city and served on the task force to write Centennial’s first Comprehensive Plan. Cathy served as Chair of the Home Rule Charter Commission which wrote the city’s charter. Cathy is the Founder of the Centennial Council of Neighborhoods (CenCON), consisting of approximately 60 neighborhoods and representing more than 22,000 households. Uniting neighborhood and civic associations in municipal decision making proves her passion to enhance Centennial’s identity and unite the community. She serves on many state, regional and local committees and boards. She is married, has two children and grandchildren.

Mayor Randy Penn, Englewood
Randy retired in 2008 after 35 years as a physical education teacher, head football coach and head track coach. Randy was elected to the Englewood City Council in 2007 and since that time has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Englewood School/City Committee and the Denver Regional Council of Governments. He also served as the Executive Director of the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce for four years and continues to serve on the Chamber Board. He was elected as Mayor in November of 2011 after being elected to a second Council term. Randy has lived in Englewood since 1953. He has three children and four grandchildren.

Allen Dreher, Treasurer of Highlands Ranch Metro District
A Denver native, Allen received his Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He worked for 18 years at The Denver Post, then transitioned to become a business owner of Creative Arts Marketing and Printing. He sold his company and began his career in real estate in 1992. He is the Managing Broker for Preferred Professionals Real Estate in Highlands Ranch. In May of 2000, Allen was elected to the Highlands Ranch Metro Districts Board of Directors and was elected Chair of the Board in May 2010. He now serves as Treasurer of the Board. Dreher has four children and eight grandchildren.

Fara Tolno, director of Kissidugu, a West African Drum and Dance ensemble that will perform at OJC on Feb. 22.

LA JUNTA — In celebration of Black History Month, Otero Junior College will be hosting Kissidugu, a West African Drum and Dance ensemble on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. in the Ed Stafford Theatre. The group will be performing in traditional costumes a variety of numbers which will include vocals, dance, drums and dialog.

 The Kissidugu troupe is made up of students from the University of Colorado, Boulder’s music and dance program who have earned their master of fine arts degrees. The group is under the direction of Fara Tolno.

 Kissidugu is not only a drum and dance group they are also humanitarians, with a portion of their proceeds going to support education. Their objective is to build a School of Music, Dance and Education in Guinea, West Africa.

 “The popularity of West African music and its influence on the western world has offered many African musicians and dancers an amazing opportunity to move and teach abroad,” said Fara Tolno, director of Kissidugu. “Unfortunately, this has created a situation where many of Guinea’s finest teachers leave Guinea permanently, taking with them the history, roots and foundations of this important part of their culture,” he said.

 Tolno explained that Kissidugu’s vision for their school is to create a place where master drummers and dancers can support their families without having to leave Guinea, keeping the knowledge of the traditional music and dance alive and thriving for generations to come.

 “The school will provide the opportunity for work, the chance to study, and a space for local educators to teach. It is our hope the school will provide a consistent way for international students to travel to, experience, and study the rich culture of West Africa. Most importantly, the school can provide scholarships and education opportunities to the youth of Guinea,” he explained.

 He said the long-term goal is for the school to double as a community center, providing a space to host community workshops on health care, AIDS awareness and prevention, sustainable living and smart environmental development practices.

 Kissidugu will be performing an outreach program for area students at 12:45 p.m. on Feb. 22 in the Ed Stafford Theatre. Students will have the opportunity to watch the dances of West Africa, hear the music, drums and learn the meaning of each song that is performed. Kissidugu will be an interactive opportunity for students as they will be encouraged to asked questions and be inquisitive.

 The public performance concert will be Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ed Stafford Theatre.

 “This colorful and exciting concert will give attendees an uplifting experience. The music is vibrant and moving.” said Debbie Phillips, coordinator of campus and community events. “Kissidugu is not only preserving valuable facts about the culture of West Africa they are working to bring opportunities to children who otherwise would not have means to do so.”

 Advanced tickets are available by calling 384-6863 or by stopping by Humanities Center room 119. Tickets are $10 for the public. Tickets will also be available at the door. OJC students will be admitted free with a valid OJC student I.D.

Last year, LCC honored world champion barrel racing champion and Olympic athlete Marlene (Schiffer) McRae as its alumna of the year. And in 2010 the college selected ag businessman Mike Callicrate. In the past, it has recognized Cheryl Sanchez, LCC’s current vice president of Academic & Student Services, and former LCC instructor LeRoy Brase as well. In total, the college has honored approximately forty former students in the past twenty-five years.

Nominees can be either male or female and must have attended Lamar Community College for a minimum of 24 credit hours or one year (two semesters). The recipient will be recognized at LCC’s Antelope Night celebration on April 27, 2012. The Alumnus and his/her guests are also encouraged to attend LCC’s 73rd Commencement the next morning.

Founded in September of 1937, the college is making plans to celebrate a decade of its existence each month between September 2012 and April 2013. Past students, alumni of all ages, and former staff are encouraged to register electronically on the alumni page, so the college and the LCC Foundation can invite them to activities that might interest them.

Morgan Community College (MCC) partnered again this year with Northeast Colorado Health Department (NCHD) for healthy child clinics. The Fort Morgan campus hosted two clinics this week, offered free health screenings to families with children aged 6 months to five years.

“We had 33 first year nursing students taking part over the two days,” said Carol Johnson, MCC nursing faculty. The students were on hand to help parents through the clinics—we’re like your personal valet, noted one first year participant. The students gained skills in patient relationships and also work towards needed clinical hours for their nursing program.

In past years, the clinic has focused on developmental screening only. This year’s event expanded to include vision, hearing, a dental check-up with fluoride treatment, immunizations, along with height and weight measurements. “What a great opportunity for our students as well as a wonderful outreach to the community,” noted Johnson.

For more information about the clinics, contact Michelle Pemberton at (970) 522.3741 x 1239 or email michellep@nchd.org. To find out how to enroll in the nursing program or a health care related degree, visit www.MorganCC.edu or call MCC Advisor Gwen Steffen at (970) 542-3224.

    KAYA is a musical organization that was founded in 1997 to provide Korean-American children the opportunity to learn as well as share their dual heritage through song and dance.

KAYA has toured all over the U.S., performing in such places as California, Hawaii, Florida, Georgia, New York, and all over South Korea and Japan, as well.

    Currently, KAYA consists of forty boys and girls from southern California.  They rehearse every Saturday, working on singing, dancing, Korean traditional drumming, and also flute ensemble. Every year they give an annual concert, in addition to being invited as guest artists at numerous performances throughout the year. 

    In a happy twist of fate that brings KAYA to perform in Trinidad, Colorado, TSJC Music Department instructor Sharon Suh is the daughter of KAYA’s founder and music director, Chi Hye Suh.

    A native of Seoul, South Korea, Chi Hye Suh is truly a multi-faceted musician.  Specializing in children’s music education, Suh splits her time educating the youth and also writing Korean children’s songs. Suh has had her music played all over the U.S. as well as South Korea where she received the Grand Prize at the KBS Children’s Song Competition in Pusan, South Korea.  She has published a book of Korean children songs entitled, “Children of the World.’

    KAYA has a wonderful team of musicians and assistants who aid Suh in her overall musical direction, including Helen Park who will be accompanying KAYA in their concerts this weekend.

    KAYA will perform both Friday, February 17 and Saturday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Massari Performing Arts Center.  Tickets are $10 for Adults, $ 6 for Seniors; and Children and Students will be admitted free of charge.  The box office will open at 6:45 p.m. Seating is limited, first-come, first served.  For more information, please contact TSJC Music Department Director, Alison England at 846-5652 or Josephine Chacon at 846-5650.

Korean American Young Artists

Schooler, a full-time instructor and department chair for Emergency Medical Services and Fire Sciences Technology, was deemed by the Colorado Community College System as having done cutting-edge work both in the development and use of simulation technology at CCA’s EMS Learning Studios and Disaster Management Institute.

His leadership, expertise and support allowed for increased use of learning simulation software, hardware and human patient simulation mannequins by faculty. Instructors used low-fidelity mannequins to help students with skills training and performance evaluation and high-fidelity mannequins in simulation studios to improve critical-thinking, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Schooler also has used his technical know-how to develop complex curriculum and is in the process of converting various EMS courses to online format while retaining the use of state-of-the-art equipment and tools.

The use of simulation technologies has made CCA’s EMS program one of the region’s premier training sites for first responders and led to a growing number of partnerships and training exercises with state, regional and national emergency management agencies and military units.

Schooler also played a pivotal role in setting up the advanced teaching and learning technologies at CCA’s Disaster Management Institute, which housed a major mass casualty exercise, Operation Mountain Guardian, in Sept. 2011

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About the CCCS Jerry Wartgow Teaching and Technology Award

Given out since 1998, it is named after the founding president of CCCS. Wartgow was a strong advocate of technology and its application to teaching and higher education and was instrumental in the creating of the Colorado Electronic Community College, which is now CCCOnline. Wartgow also oversaw the design and construction of the all-digital studio that now houses CCA’s Colorado Film School.

Five prominent business and political women will be part of the examination of the film’s overriding themes: Barbara Bridges, founder of Women+Film; Katie Groke Ellis, Rocky Mountain Regional Director for the White House Project; Rosemary Rodriguez, former Denver City Council President and current state director for Sen. Michael Bennett; Kip Hughes, former chair of the Advocacy Task Group of the National Board for Girl Scouts USA and Elizabeth Wolfson, founder of Girls Athletic Leadership School.

A $7 registration fee is required and payable at: http://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/activities.
The movie includes interviews with politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists and academics, a group including Condoleezza Rice, Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Margaret Cho, Rosario Dawson and Gloria Steinem.
But the piece also examines the viewpoints of teenagers, whose worldview has been shaped and shifted by the gender typing they’ve witnessed while growing up.