Dear colleagues,
As we all celebrate the winter holidays in various ways, I wanted to send warm wishes for a nice break for each of you, whatever your plans might be.
Around the college, it’s been nice to see a lot of end-of-term festivities and celebrations. I enjoyed visiting with many of you at last week’s end of term reception; thank you to the Culinary Arts Co-curricular for the lovely treats. The AAWCC’s silent auction raised over $1,700 for student scholarships, and there were some really fun and creative gift baskets. It looked like a competitive bidding war when I left to attend a meeting - thanks to all who donated and who “won” baskets.
I also appreciated the chance to dialogue with many folks in early December during our Fireside Chats, which were held in person and on zoom. The winter Fireside Chats are scheduled for February 24th at 1pm (in-person) and February 25th at 1pm (Zoom call). During these sessions, I present a few key updates about the legislature, budget, federal policy, and key events, but most of the time is devoted to Q&A. Join us if you can!
On December 9, I spent the day in Portland at the Oregon Business Leadership Summit with a large gathering of other leaders invested in improving our state’s future. A bipartisan panel of legislators presented, as did numerous business executives and the presidents of Oregon State University and University of Oregon (read more about this event here). I was pleased that OSU President Murthy referenced community colleges in her remarks. It was helpful to speak about community colleges with the Governor and several legislators (including Rep. David Gomberg, who represents a redistricted part of rural Benton County). We have a lot of ground to cover in the upcoming legislative session, so please stay tuned for information and/or testimony requests from Linnea Everts or me.
Last week, at the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission meeting, a number of transfer and degree requirements were on the docket. As is often the case, LBCC was in good shape in those reports, and our data team continues to shine in the shared services model that the legislature would like to see more of. Also, our Nursing BSN degree again moved forward, an accomplishment that is among many key highlights we will discuss in the long session starting next month.
At home, we are (almost) breathing a collective family sigh of relief as winter break approaches. With the girls, Allison and I have been baking, and without them, we’ve been busy shopping, cleaning and preparing to host relatives from around the Northwest. I will take some time off to rest in advance of the long winter ahead . . . and the long legislative session too. Whatever your winter break plans might be, I hope they are festive, restful, or a combination of both, whichever you are hoping for.
Thank you for your work in support of our mission.