Announcer: In the endless reaches of the universe, there is a place known as California Community Colleges, a center of existence that once burned like a star in the distant heavens. The people of that place were civilized (mostly), but in great need of common sense and direction. And so, among them emerged a race of "SuperPIOs," whose mental and physical powers were developed to the absolute peak of human perfection.

 

However, there came a day when severe budget cuts, nonsensical state mandates, and curmudgeonly employees threatened to destroy California Community Colleges forever. The CCC leader, sensing the approaching doom, gathered his SuperPIOs into a bus and sent them hurtling forward. The rescue vehicle sped down I-5, landing safely at the 112 California Community Colleges with its precious cargo ready for action.

 

As the years went by and the PIOs applied their immense drive, exceptional communicative skills and CEO-saving insights, they found themselves singularly possessed of amazing powers: faster than a speeding negative news story, more powerful than a Facebook comment gone viral, able to leap (tackle and remove) a floundering keynote speaker in a single bound. The SuperPIOs pledged to use these powers in the never-ending battle to tell the story of the California Community Colleges. They have forever banded together in their quest for truth, access and improved completion rates!

 

 

Corny, yes. But not so far off. In fact, I think the perfect job description for us should skip some of the rhetoric and read something like this:

Communications (and other duties as assigned) Superstar

• Positive attitude: a must
• Multitasking: a given
• X-ray vision into future: required
• Thick skin: if you don't have it, grow it fast
• Master communicator: duh
• Devotion to the college and to the CCC mission: essential
• Easily fatigued and seeking a 9-5 job: don't bother to apply

 

Thank you to my colleagues who recognized me last year as the 2012 CCPRO All Pro. It is an honor. I think after 29 years in the business, I earned it through longevity and sheer stubbornness. I am still alive and kicking, and still devoted to the important work we do. Each of you has been an inspiration, and I continue to learn from and be amazed by you, every day. Keep up the good work, SuperPIOs.

 

You truly are the men and women of steel!