Campus Update — September, 2016
Office of the President
Dear Colleagues,
Today marks my 34th day on the job. I have had the opportunity to meet and listen to many constituency groups both on campus and off. There appears to be a theme emerging and that is one that focuses on caring for students. I continue to be impressed by FCC’s dedicated faculty, staff and administration. Below are a few highlights I would like to share…
Like you, I was disheartened to learn that once again another private college is closing its doors on students. KMJ interviewed me on the radio about our efforts to assist ITT Tech students who had the doors of opportunity shut on them. A special thanks to all involved in putting together ITT to FCC Assist held this Saturday from 9:00 and to noon. We have created a special web page to help these students, please help us spread the word! In Wednesday’s Fresno Bee, my column was published regarding this issue.
During the New Employee Orientation, I had an opportunity to get to know Rodney Murphy, the Coordinator for SYMBAA and IDILE. Did you know that we are currently at maximum capacity for both programs? Did you know that in spring 2016, students at Fresno City College were awarded more than $250,000 HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) scholarships? I was pleased to learn this and more! Be on the watch for events that Rodney and company are working to expand awareness of HBCUs.
College Night was a HUGE success thanks in large part to Emilee Slater and over 70 faculty and staff, plus 10 student ambassadors. The FCC team collected 742 contact cards. Our counselors and faculty will be busy following up with these “soon to be RAMS.”
A special thank you to John Cho and Michael Takeda who shared with me the many engaging activities that the Asian American Faculty and Staff Association are planning for this year. Thanks also to the Lijuan Zhai and IR Department who prepared specific research for my meeting with Hmong Community Leaders. Your efforts helped me to be better informed when meeting with our community partners.
Thanks to the Academic Senate for giving up some of their time to meet with me. I enjoyed the conversation and learned from Sharon Ferrer that FCC offers nine foreign languages! WOW!
#WeLoveFresno
Eric Nitzche, Don Lopez and I attended the annual Habitat for Humanity (HFH) Breakfast. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit International organization that seeks a world where everyone has a decent place to live. We learned from Matthew Gundy, Fresno HFH Executive Director that the Fresno chapter has provided affordable housing solutions to 150 families to date. I am certain that Eric and our building trades faculty will be exploring possibilities for our students to get involved. Check out their website habitatfresno.org/connect or follow them on Twitter at @Fresno_Habitat
Coffee with Carole
Thanks to all of you who attended. This was a special highlight of my “listening tour” to learn more about our hopes and challenges. I appreciated hearing about your accomplishments, concerns, hopes and ideas to make this a better learning environment for our students. We will be planning several more of these sessions throughout the academic year.
Ram Sports
If you have a chance, go check out the FCC Women’s Soccer team playing today at
5:00 against Sierra College. Tomorrow the men’s team plays at 1:00 against Feather River. Our women’s volleyball team is also playing tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. in the gym against Merced College.
Next Week… 2016 Women’s Conference
I am looking forward to joining the FCC team at the Women’s Conference on September 20, 2016. This year we worked to expand this opportunity for FCC women. Thanks to the following women who agreed to join me at this event: Donna Chandler, Jennifer Dorian, Jacquelyn Fargano, Susana Garcia, Sabrina Gray, Victoria Martinez, Angela Jones, Jodie Steeley, Tabitha Villalba, Sandra Velazquez, Monica Armenta, Elizabeth Davitian and Susie Mosqueda.
Piano Concert
Next Friday, September 23, at 7:30 p.m. there will be a special piano concert featuring Vladimir Horowitz’s Piano in the OAB Auditorium! Admission is free to this special event and this famous piano is on loan from Steinway & Sons. We appreciate the efforts of piano instructor Brandon Bascom in obtaining this piano that Horowitz’s utilized on his tours the last four years of his life, including his return to his native Russia in 1986.
Unity Walk and Oath
Please join me on Wednesday, September 28th at noon as the Fresno City College Associated Student Government and my Office will be sponsoring a Unity Walk. We will start at noon in the Free Speech area where students (and community members) will partake in a Unity Oath. The oath was drafted by our students. Following the oath, we will walk together to the west lawn of the Old Administration Building and celebrate with cake the 100th Anniversary of the OAB. It would mean a lot to our students if you could make the time to join us for this special occasion.
CityFest
Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the 2nd Annual CityFest celebration on Friday,
September 30, 2016. Join me as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the historic Old Administration Building with a wine and beer tasting fundraiser in the courtyards and welcome back alumni, retirees and community members for a festive evening complete with food, silent auction and dancing under the stars. Proceeds will benefit FCC student scholarships! Guests will be able to sample wine and beer provided by local companies and will receive a souvenir glass. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased in the Business Office.
Dr. Carole Goldsmith, President
Fresno City College
Phone: (559) 489-2212
www.fresnocitycollege.edu
