Dear Faculty and Staff:

Congratulations to the SCC Foundation team who hosted their first ever virtual gala, “Be Transformed,” on Saturday, April 10. The event raised approximately $47,000 for student scholarships and academic enhancements. Some 116 viewers watched the live event via YouTube and more than 100 participants bid on 100+ items. I would like to the thank the Foundation staff and Foundation Board for their good work, especially Betsy Schneider, executive director, and her team, Peggy Schnardhorst and Jessica McLaughlin, and Foundation Board President Scott Leibel.

Congratulations also goes out to two of our own at SCC who prevailed at the election polls last week. Bob Ronkoski (left), executive director of public safety and facilities, was elected as the mayor of Cottleville. Fortunately, he will remain at SCC while fulfilling his mayoral duties. Also winning in Cottleville – SCC Foundation Board member, Dr. Stephen M. Thompson, with FocusON St. Charles County Magazine. He was elected as the Alderman for Ward 2.

On the heels of March’s accomplishments of two of our track and field student-athletes, our Athletic Department has more great news to share. For the first time in SCC history the Men’s Soccer Team is nationally ranked! The Cougars are ranked 14th in the preseason by the NJCAA. Watch the men take on Mineral Area College on SCC’s soccer pitch at 4 p.m. tomorrow

Did you know that community colleges serve 41% of undergraduate students in the United States? April is Community College Month which makes it a best time to reflect on the great work you do at SCC for our students. For many years, community colleges have served their local communities as the primary source for workforce education and retraining – making community colleges critical to local economic vitality. I encourage you to share your community college stories of success on your personal social media platforms with the hashtag #ccmonth and #EndCCStigma.

April is also Celebrate Diversity Month! It was started in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity surrounding us all. By celebrating differences and similarities during this month, the hope is that people will gain a deeper understanding of each other. To celebrate, consider sharing your culture with others, supporting a minority-owned business, attending a virtual art exhibit, or streaming a movie with diverse or global themes.

And finally, I would like to share that early plans are underway for all faculty, staff, and administrators to return to campus this fall. The Pandemic Team will provide complete details on how and when – more than 30 days in advance of our full return. It’s exciting to know that in just a few months we will be back together again. It’s an important step forward!

Have a great week,

Barbara

Here is this week’s COVID-19 update: