President's Message: November 17, 2011

Dear Faculty and Staff:

I had an opportunity to share the College’s story at the 48th Annual Service Clubs Luncheon at the Alliant Energy Center yesterday. I focused on the history of the College, the challenges we currently face and those we’ve overcome, and our strong bond with the community. I also spoke of how we work with business and civic leaders to provide well-educated and skilled graduates ready to help communities of South Central Wisconsin grow and prosper.

It’s always an honor to be able to tell our story as we affect so many people’s lives. The person introducing me actually got choked-up as she spoke about how our faculty members have helped her son.

Cabin Fever
Our Construction and Remodeling students just finished a 500-square foot cabin and are working on a larger one. The cabins are earth-friendly and energy-efficient. They feature one or two bedrooms, a full bathroom, kitchen, loft and living/dining space. Both cabins are for sale. They make perfect hunting cabins, vacation cottages or even a modest home. Click here for more information. 

Marvels
Here are names of instructors given to me recently by students:
Carrie Anderson, Marketing
Sarah Banner, Math
Eric Knapp, Information Technology
Laura Osinski, Logic
Rebecca Parish, Architecture
Andrea Thalasinos, Sociology
William Yazbec, Arts and Sciences

More Mavels
Madison College information technology instructor Andy Czerkas won a national AARP Inspire Award for his work at The River Food Pantry, which he co-founded with his wife Jenny. Andy will receive $15,000. He plans to use the money to buy two truckloads of food for the pantry, which desperately needs donations. If you would like to help, there are donation drop-off barrels near Student Life and Human Resources. 

Holly Walter Kerby, Jonathan Pollack and Kelly Kotewa-Veldey contributed to “Talking Out of School” for Mercury Players Theatre. The series of short plays, entirely written by Wisconsin teachers, shares their experiences. “Talking Out of School” opens January 6 at the Bartell Theatre.
Click here for more information.

Recent Activities
• Attended a Facilities project team meeting;
• attended a Foundation event;
• hosted legislators and community leaders at the President's Tables in the Gourmet Dining Room this week;
• led a Microinvesting Team meeting to discuss opportunities for students and graduates;
• attended a community leaders reception at the Overture Center before a showing of the play, “Farnsworth Invention”; and
• participated in the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Board meeting.

Remembering Peter Vlisides
We have so much for which to be grateful. This year I’m especially grateful for the many wonderful people whose paths I’ve crossed here at the College. One of those is Peter Vlisides, who passed away this week. When I think of the many lives Peter and his wife Mary touched and the help they gave to so many students, I am appreciative. Please click here for more information on Peter's funeral. 

Following is a quote from Oprah Winfrey. “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”

So thank you for everything you do for our students and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

Bettsey