FEBRUARY 2012

Ricky Goldbolt, program director of the Construction Energy Institute, was keynote speak­er at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Roger R. Blunt Lecture Series where he presented "The Green Building Environment," which highlighted resources and services of construction track at the TeamBuilders Academy.

Joanne Weinberg, professor and chair of the Mathematics Department, attended the Change the Equation meeting at the White House. Change the Equation is a coalition of more than 100 CEOs unified to build a national movement to improve STEM education.

(www.changetheequation.org)

Michael Gavin was appointed senior academic administrator. In this position he plans to emphasize the importance of life-long learning and the notion that education is a journey, increase the diversity of course offerings, and work to enhance students' experiences selecting their programs of study.

Board of Trustee Member, Faculty, and Staff Honored for Exceptional Contributions to Prince George's County

Aimee Olivo, Prince George's Community College trustee, Risikat I. Okedeyi, associate professor of English, and Carolyn Malachi, college employee, were among the Prince George's County Social Innovation Fund's inaugural Forty UNDER 40. The list includes young adult leaders making an impact in business, education, public service, arts and humanities, science and engineering, and athletics in Prince George's County. Olivo, Okedeyi, and Malachi were recognized for exceptional contributions in public service and arts and humanities. To view additional photos from the Forty UNDER 40 Awards Reception, click here.   

Pathways to Student Leadership Travels to Jacksonville 

Pathways to Student Leadership, a comprehensive development project sponsored by the Office of College Life Services, participated in its first Alternative Winter Break in Jacksonville, Florida. In support of Beaches Habitat for Humanity, students and employees helped build and rehab homes for families in need. Pathways to Stu­dent Leadership offers training and educational programs throughout the academic year including leadership institutes, conferences, and alternative service trips. Beaches Habitat for Humanity's mission is to eliminate substandard housing in Jacksonville Beach. 

Yerodin Anthony Shares His Story with the World

Yerodin Anthony came to the United States from Guyana at the age of 10. Initially, Anthony had trouble fitting in and was often teased because of his accent, but his sense of humor and desire to connect with others helped him through those early years. By the time he graduated from high school and began taking classes at Prince George's Community College, Anthony had an interest in helping people and dreamed of becoming a cardiologist. He joined Kaleidoscope and the International Education Center, groups that celebrate cultural diversity. He also joined the STEM Collegiate Center, continuing to excel academically and capture the attention of professors in science, technology, engineering, and math. This spring, Yerodin will transfer to University of Maryland College Park to study biological anthropology and learn how natural herbs can be used to cure diseases.

Prince George's Community College Congratulates Inaugural Leadership Institute Cohort

In January, President Charlene M. Dukes selected 14 employees to participate in the first Prince George's Community College Leadership Institute. The 2012 Leadership Institute will focus on organizational strategy, resource management, communication, collaboration, community college advocacy, and professionalism. The yearlong program will include individual leadership assessments, team building activities, and simulations designed to enhance employee leadership skills. The inaugural class is comprised of employees from all areas of the college including Administrative Services, the President's Office, Workforce Development and Continuing Education, Academic Affairs, Student Services, and Technology Services.

Purpose, People, Possibilities Raises More Than 6.5 Million

The Prince George's Community College Foundation, Inc. is pleased to partner with the college to ensure the necessary resources are obtained to assist students, enhance current programs and infrastructure, and enable the development of new innovative projects through its Purpose, People, Possibilities major gifts campaign. Purpose, People, Possibilities focuses on the college's commitment to its mission and vision, an investment in students and employees, and the realization of a thriving and economically viable county, state, and region. With a goal of $15 million, Purpose, People, Possibilities is the most ambitious fundraising effort the college has ever undertaken. The campaign gives organizations and individuals an historic opportunity to recognize the college's value and the potential of its students. More than $6.5 million has been raised from corporations, foundations, and individuals to include the college's Board of Trustees, senior team, faculty, staff, and alumni. For more information on the campaign, click here.

New Registered Nurses Pinned

Nearly 100 students successfully completed the college's two-year registered nursing program and were recently pinned. Jerri Scarzella, vice president and chief financial officer/treasurer at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring delivered the keynote address and students recited the International Pledge for Nurses. Registered nurses, who receive associate degrees, are prepared to function as care givers and work with other health care professionals to implement comprehensive health care plans. According to Maryland's 2010 Annual Workforce Investment Act Title 1-B Report, health services ranks among the state's top 15 industries. Students graduating with nursing degrees are well equipped to gain employment and give back to the community providing direct care to patients and their families in hospitals and outpatient settings.