News Update -- Fall 2015

The new SMCC simulation lab at the L.L.Bean Learning Commons and Health Science Center

A new academic year:
new spaces for teaching and learning

The L.L.Bean Learning Commons and Health Science Center at SMCC's Midcoast campus was dedicated in September in honor of major support to the campus by L.L.Bean, Inc. and Leon and Lisa Gorman.

It is one of two new spaces that opened this fall at Maine's community colleges and that are providing students access to state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, support services, and more.

The SMCC building is an academic and social hub for the growing student body on the Brunswick campus where enrollment is up 10% this fall and 37 students are now living on campus.

CMCC's new organic chemistry lab in The Learning Tower

Earlier this month, CMCC officially opened The Learning Tower, a four-story, 25,000 square foot, academic building that serves as the new main entrance to campus. The building houses a new admissions suite, classrooms, an organic chemistry lab, a student lounge, and more.

Construction and renovation costs for both buildings were funded by a combination of voter approved bond funds, designated capital funds, and generous gifts to the colleges.

Spotlight on student success

TRIO grants help colleges empower students

The U.S. Department of Education has recently awarded $270 million in grants to 968 institutions of higher education to support efforts to increase the number of low-income and first-generation college students that complete their degrees.

For the first time, all seven of Maine's community colleges were among the recipients. The grants will fund programs at the colleges that help students with academic tutoring, assistance in course selection, information about financial aid, and other support services.

"Receipt of the TRIO/SSS grant is a clear indication that the federal government recognizes how important the work is that [Maine's community colleges do] to offer opportunity to students who have traditionally encountered barriers to higher education," said WCCC President Joe Cassidy.

New MCCS chief academic officer

Dr. Janet Sortor has been named the first full-time chief academic officer for the MCCS. She previously served as vice president and dean of academic affairs at SMCC for more than 13 years.

Dr. Sortor will work closely with the academic deans and presidents at each of the colleges to strengthen and sustain the academic quality of MCCS programs and services. A primary focus of her work will be on transfer, remediation, and student success.

At YCCC: a future in precision machining

Through the MCCS Future for ME program, high school juniors and seniors interested in a career in precision machining are provided academic support and a direct pathway to a college credential from YCCC's new precision machining technology program. The program is modeled on a successful pilot initiative at CMCC and is supported by the Wildflower Fund. Learn more >>

For Brett Brockway, transfer was a smart start

Brett Brockway graduated from Winslow High School in 2006. At 18, he was unsure what to do next. Not wanting to accumulate debt while he figured things out, he enrolled in KVCC's liberal studies program and began exploring his options. He quickly became interested in the business programs at the college. When he completed his degree at KVCC, he immediately transferred all of his credits into the business program at the University of Maine at Augusta. By the time he was 22, he had graduated from UMA and soon after began work at athenahealth where he is now an analyst and dreams of someday starting his own company.

I'm thankful to have travelled down this path. Transfer makes it possible to get a good education and do it affordably.

It's venison for dinner

Just in time for hunting season, EMCC is offering a special Wild Game Cooking Class on October 24th that will focus on preparing venison. Cooking methods, flavor profiles, and appropriate beverage pairings will be discussed. Three dishes will be prepared and sampled, and attendees will leave with recipes and detailed instructions on how to prepare each of them. Learn more>>

News Briefs

KVCC launches new program in Timber Frame Carpentry
KVCC's new Associate in Applied Science degree in sustainable building and design is the first of its kind in Maine. It is targeted at meeting the growing demand for builders with an understanding of sustainable design, building envelope trades, and traditional timber frame construction. The program is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's TAACCCT IV program. Learn more>>

L.L.Bean, Inc. pays tribute to Leon Gorman and his commitment to MCCS students
The Board of Directors of L.L.Bean, Inc. has announced a $125,000 gift in memory of Leon Gorman to support Maine community college students who exemplify Mr. Gorman's long-standing commitment to community service and academic achievement. The gift has been directed to the Leon A. Gorman Endowed Scholarship Fund at The Foundation for Maine's Community Colleges. The Fund was established by the children of Leon and Lisa Gorman on the occasion of Mr. Gorman's 80th birthday last spring. The longtime President and Chair of L.L.Bean, Inc., Leon Gorman was a generous supporter of the community colleges and was instrumental in the creation of The Foundation for Maine's Community Colleges. "These funds will help to secure a college education for Maine students who might not otherwise have access to higher education," Shawn Gorman, L.L.Bean's chairman, said. "I can't think of a better way to honor Leon's memory." Learn more>>

YCCC turns 20
YCCC recently celebrated its 20th anniversary at Village by the Sea in Wells, where it held its first classes in 1995. In attendance were Dr. John Fitzsimmons who was recognized for his vision and leadership in the college's founding. Today, the college enrolls nearly 3,000 students in certificate and associate degree programs, continuing education, career and professional development, and workforce training programs.

SMCC gets state-of-the-art ocean observation system
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has provided $85,000 toward an ocean observation system at the SMCC pier that will be used to evaluate the threat of coastal acidification from excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Besides providing invaluable data for scientists, the system is being used as a learning tool for students in SMCC's marine science program. Learn more>>

EMCC's Interim President Joe Cassidy welcomes Literacy Volunteers of Bangor's Executive Director Mary Lyon to the EMCC campus.

Literacy Volunteers moves to EMCC
The new offices of Literacy Volunteers of Bangor are now housed on the EMCC campus, a move that will help introduce adult students to the idea of going to college. EMCC Interim President Joe Cassidy said in welcoming the organization to campus: "Literacy Volunteers of Bangor are tireless advocates for raising educational goals for adults. We are excited to work with them in helping adult learners achieve their post-secondary aspirations."

NMCC, EMCC partner with adult ed programs to train workers
NMCC and EMCC are part of a new collaborative with adult education programs that will focus on training people in the specific skills that are needed by local businesses. The training is being provided through a federally funded Integrated Education and Training Pilot Grant. Learn more>>

Maine Community College System
207-629-4000 | info@mccs.me.edu | www.mccs.me.edu

323 State Street | Augusta, ME 04330