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ALSO
IN THIS ISSUE Life Down Under Word Power Doggone Helpful Greetings from Costa Rica Taking Technology into Account(ing) Lucky Fall CurricuNet Chancellor's Column Development News Factoids Newsmakers Accomplishments
by faculty and staff… |
DEVELOPMENT NEWS Hewlett-Packard Gives $100,000 to City College MESA Program San Diego City College’s MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) Program has received a grant valued at more than $100,000 from Hewlett-Packard Company in the form of a mobile wireless computer lab. This grant project from technology giant Hewlett-Packard targets programs that support engineering and science majors who are African American, Latino and Native American as a way to continue to infuse its industry with promising young technicians and innovators. The MESA Program, with its focus on supporting minority and women students in math, engineering and science, fits perfectly into that strategic plan. “We are very appreciative of this grant, and will put the computers to good use,” said Rafael Alvarez, MESA Program director, who put together the grant proposal with assistance from District Advancement. Included in the HP grant are the MobiLAN ONE motorized wireless computer lab, 35 HP notebook computers, a digital camera and a combined printer-scanner-copier-fax machine. The MobiLAN ONE can provide a classroom that’s not hard-wired for technology with multiple portable workstations. The whole cart is wheeled to its charging station each night, utilizing off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower and the building’s power capacity isn’t tapped out. Made of 14-gauge steel with industrial grade locks, the unit is also very secure. “In the classroom, the HP system will be the cornerstone in the instructional delivery of a MESA workplace competencies course. Then in the MESA center, the HP system will expand the existing computer resources for student projects and research,” Alvarez said. He also plans to launch a users’ network with other MESA programs that have received similar HP grants to share best practices using the equipment. Alvarez estimates the HP system will directly benefit 150 MESA students at City College. $200,000 in Scholarships Awarded Rewarding accomplishments of the past and fueling promise for the future, $200,000 was awarded to district college students at the scholarship galas for City, Mesa and Miramar colleges this spring. These annual scholarship events salute academic achievement, and combine monetary awards from college scholarship funds, community programs and industry trade associations. Begun in the 1990s, the events have grown significantly in their short lives. At City College, for example, only $7,500 was awarded the first year, 1991. This year more than $70,000 in 235 awards, ranging from $250 to $1,200 each, will go to 160 recipients. Mesa College awards approached $90,000 this year, up from a meager $2,400 just seven years ago. Ninety students will share in awards ranging from $250 each to the President’s Award of $3,000. At Miramar College more than $40,000 in awards, ranging from $100 to $1,000 each, went to total of 90-plus students. Each year the colleges seek individual and corporate underwriters for these events in order to keep the ticket price affordable for both students (recipients attend free) and college faculty and staff. The college foundations as well as the office of District Advancement, which manages scholarship funds benefiting students at the three colleges, encourage individuals and companies to learn what a big difference their contributions can make in the academic futures of community college students. For more information, contact the college president’s office or District Advancement at 619-388-6914. Council Member Named Exemplary Business Partner Corporate Council member Tom Hawthorne, founder of Hawthorne Equipment Co., was named the ED>NET Exemplary Business Partner of the Year by the State Chancellor’s Office. The annual statewide recognition program seeks nominations of business/industry partners for economic development projects that demonstrate excellence in their innovative and responsive contributions to community college programs. Hawthorne was honored for his significant donations of time, expertise, equipment and facility space to Miramar College’s diesel and advanced transportation technology programs. Lunch Bunch More than 50 district colleagues and friends gathered at the DoubleTree Hotel, Mission Valley, in February for the third annual Retired Administrators’ Luncheon, hosted by the office of District Advancement. Chancellor Augie Gallego spoke about what’s planned for the district, crediting his audience with laying the groundwork for future growth.
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