Updates from Region D

Big Bend Community College

Congratulations to Kathy Aldrich and Nancy Theis.  Not only did we celebrate these veteran employees retirement after 45 years, they were also recognized for their years of service at the year end-celebration on June 7.  Both received the Presidential Award for Meritorious Service.  In true tradition of BBCC retirees, Kathy and Nancy were presented a personalized quilt handcrafted by a variety of talented BBCC colleagues.

Both of these ladies began their classified staff career at Big Bend Community College in 1974.  They are loyal, trustworthy, and committed to the Mission, Vision, and Values of the college.  Both have served on numerous committees over the years and shared their talent and skills in many ways.  From teamwork or leadership, to sewing quilts for retirees, organizing and decorating for the many celebration events, or serving as a buddy while onboarding new employees.

Both have been known to say BBCC is their exetended family.  Although they will miss seeing colleagues every day, they are excited for the journey and adventures they have planned.

Nancy worked in Business/Finance and Human Resources before transitioning in December 1995 to Maintenance and Operations.  She is looking forward to spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, and finishing some of her own home projects.

Kathy worked for the Dean of Instruction, Educational Division and Word Service departments before transferring to the Library in January 1984.  Kathy will continue enjoying traveling with her husband and friends on their motorcycle and finish some quilt projects of her own.

The construction for the Workforce Education building continues to be on schedule.  Automotive, Industrial System and Welding technology programs will be the first programs in by fall 2019.  Fundraising by the BBCC Foundation continues to complete classroom and labs on the second floor.

Community Colleges of Spokane

Spokane Falls Community

On July 5, Carrie Kirby-Dietrich arranged to host a STTACC “Meet and Greet” for the Region D Coordinator, Barbara Collins

As new employees continue to join the SFCC and SCC teams, it is helpful to learn about professional development and training resources.  STTACC is just one way to consider leadership opportunities.   Participants, who attended a workshop, learned about responsibilities and commitment of the STTACC leadership roles.  Barbara also shared her leadership journey, walked through the menu features on the STTACC website, and provided resources for starting a professional development plan.

A new transit station is under construction at SFCC. Target date for completion is September.  The new station will provide safety for students utilizing the service, and improve traffic flow off Fort George Wright Drive, the main road for students entering and leaving the campus property.

Spokane Community College

Construction and remodel of the Old Main Building continues.  All the work is scheduled around the college breaks for the least amount of interruptions. The interior space will provide additional room for departments to expand.  The building exterior will be modernized to attract visitors. The target date for completion, late 2019.

Walla Walla Community College

On July 15-16 Corinna Whitehurst, Walla Walla Campus, and Jackson Jackson-Vance, Clarkston campus hosted a STTACC “Meet and Greet” of the Region D Coordinator, Barbara Collins.

Over the two days, she presented “Stepping up to the challenge.”  Workshop objectives included her leadership story, an introduction to STTACC and the website features, how to get started in any leadership training or role, and what to expect at a STTACC conference.

We are excited to report; WWCC is sending a team to the 2019 Annual Conference at Pierce College in August.  This is a great opportunity to network with other WA State college employees and share best practices.

Starting Fall 2019, WWCC will begin classes for a second Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program in Applied Management & Entrepreneurship.  The first program began last Fall for a BAS in Agricultural Systems.  The new programs will allow students with an AAS degree to continue to a baccalaureate degree.

Wenatchee Valley College

In June, WVC celebrated all outstanding employees at the annual awards ceremony.  Anna Reyna, custodian, received the Alcoa Classified Staff Award.  Others whom received awards, Scott Bailey, Faculty Member of the Year, Dr. Dave Bennett and Xiaowen Zhao from the biology department received the Alcoa Excellence in Teaching.  Janet Franz, esecutive assistant to the president, received the Anna Pieratt Spirit of WVC award.

On July 9, WVCC collaborated with Confluence Health and first responders to host an emergency training exercise.  The intent of the exercise was to better prepare the college for an emergency and practice emergency response procedures of all partnerships in the Wenatchee area.  The exercise included a lockdown drill on the campus in the early morning.

Wells Hall replacement is taking place at WVCC.  The new building will serve many different purposes.  Classrooms, faculty offices, a conference center, an emergency on call center, and support for mechanical and electrical spaces will be all be contained in the new building.  The three-story structure will be 70,000 square feet in total, with a 24,000 square foot footprint. Four of the five wings that make up Wells Hall will be demolished, with the fifth wing remaining as a stand-alone building.