Dear Faculty and Staff:

Most of you are probably aware that SCC’s Pandemic Committee has developed an incentive program to increase awareness related to the importance of vaccinations in protecting against COVID-19. A total of 8 iPads and 24 Amazon gift cards ($150 each) were given away at two different drawings. I am pleased to announce the winners of the drawing held on November 22.

iPads – Janet Long, Carol Green, Alice Klem, Ginny Tiller

$150 gift cards – Donna Archer, Michaela Salyer, Jacquelyn White, Kelly Schoonover, Sarah Muir, Olha Lazarieva, Gretchen Carranza, Beth Finders, Nicholas Mangum, Rae’Jean Alford, Laura Grant, Christine Holtz

Congratulations to our winners! Please know, SCC strongly encourages all faculty, staff, and administrators to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Our last President’s Council meeting of 2021 was held on December 9. Among the productive discussions was the topic of building names facilitated by Vice President Galbierz. We were fortunate to have student representatives at the meeting who made valuable contributions to the conversation. It was truly a pleasure to listen to their thoughts. Following this discussion, feedback was sought from Council members and guests on the proposed building names. At the first President’s Council meeting on January 25, 2022, we will share all the feedback and move forward in finalizing the names.

At this last meeting the Council also selected the winners of the President’s Award. These employees (one faculty and one staff member) are nominated for providing outstanding service to our college.

December’s awardee for Staff is Kennedy Tipton, Academic Advisor, Academic Advising. The awardee for Faculty is Jackie Radle, Chair, Developmental Mathematics Department. Congratulations Kennedy and Jackie!

Please join me in congratulating our All-American Athletic Award winners. Jonah McHaffie was a first team All-American for our cross-country team. He participated in the 8k race (5 miles) and ran the course in 26.29 which is a school record. Jonah placed 3rd overall in the national tournament race and was awarded first team All-American honors. Daniel Enberg was a third team All-American for our cross-country team. He also participated in the 8k race and ran the course in 28.09, finishing 25th overall. Daniel received third team All-American honors.

Pablo Costa was a second team All-American for our men’s soccer team. Pablo was our goalkeeper who led our team to a national semi-final appearance which is the first semi-final appearance in SCC men’s soccer history. This is Pablo’s second time receiving All-American honors as he was a second team All-American last year. Pablo is the first student athlete in SCC history to be a two-time All-American.

(Pictured: Jonah McHaffie; Daniel Enberg; Pablo Costa)

Winter Social Highlights

I would like to thank everyone who attended the Winter Social on Monday, December 13. The festivities included being served delicious food prepared by our Culinary Arts Students and Chef Brian Manhardt, Director – Field to Table Institute. There were gifts and games and good fellowship. I would like to extend a special “thank you” to the staff in Human Resources. They assembled the holiday gifts and assisted in transforming the culinary center into a beautiful winter wonderland.

With the final days of the semester coming to an end and we prepare to welcome a new year and a new semester, I invite you to reflect on our accomplishments this fall and to acknowledge all that we have achieved together. Everyone should be commended on their hard work and dedication to a successful HLC site visit and to a successful fall semester. As educators, we are in the business of helping students recognize their own value – to develop their skills and talents. Through education they gain a better understanding of their worth and the impact they could make in the world. If you were not there to guide them on their journey, they may never reach their full potential. So, for all of us, it is a wonderful life at St. Charles Community College.

My wish is that you have a joyous and restful holiday break and that you ring in the new year with the knowledge that we are making a difference for our students, our college, and our community.

Best wishes and Happy Holidays!

Barbara