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College Matters
| December 2012
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Davis honored as Outstanding Philanthropic Fundraising Professional of the Year
Award presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Ozarks Region Chapter (AFP Ozarks) has presented the Outstanding Philanthropic Fundraising Professional of the Year Award to OTC's Cliff Davis, vice chancellor and executive director of the OTC Foundation. The award was presented at the 2012 National Philanthropy Day awards program, held Friday, November 16, at Highland Springs Country Club in Springfield.
Along with the OTC Foundation Board of Directors and staff, Davis led the college's first-ever Major Gifts Capital Campaign to great success, bringing in $14,409,713, approximately $4.4 million above the original goal of $10 million. Under Davis' leadership, the funding for scholarships, student support programs, and facilities has been dramatically increased, offering more opportunities for the community and its students.
AFP Ozarks, in collaboration with Ozarks Health Advocacy Foundation (OHAF), sponsors the annual Philanthropy Day awards program to recognize the outstanding achievements of individual, foundation and corporate philanthropists, fundraising volunteers and professional fundraising executives. Along with the Philanthropic Fundraising Professional honor, this year's award categories included Philanthropic Media Organization, Philanthropic Foundation, Philanthropic Business/Corporation, Volunteer Fundraiser, Philanthropist and Youth Philanthropist. For more information about AFP Ozarks, visit www.afpozarksregion.afpnet.org.
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Santa to send Christmas Letters for Relay for Life
Annual fundraising event going on now
Through a special arrangement with the North Pole and the OTC and Friends Relay For Life Team, Santa Claus will send letters to children in the Ozarks during this holiday season. For a $5 donation, Santa will send your child or grandchild a Christmas letter and talk about his or her wish list, pets, hobbies, and the "naughty/nice" list.
Come by the Information Desk in the Atrium any time after December 1 and pick up a special form. Santa is very busy this time of year, so you must turn in the completed form and donation by December 14.
For information, contact Elf Tracy by emailing pondert@otc.edu or calling 447-8173, or Elf Faith by emailing mannf@otc.edu or calling 447-8949.
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Student Learning Committee Corner
Focusing the LENS on student learning
Last month we featured the Developmental English Program and the BCS IF-AT projects that received LENS Mini-Grant funds. This month, we will feature two more of the LENS Mini-Grant recipients' projects:
Money Matter$
The Budget and Finance office's project focuses on addressing the need identified by the Financial Literacy Committee: student financial literacy. The project will use a variety of avenues to reach students outside of the classroom, including a student task force, presentations, newsletters, email, an interactive webpage, moderated forums, and individualized counseling.
Mapping Psychology Courses to American Psychological Association's Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major
Monies for the Psychology Department's project will be used to fund two day-long retreats for its full-time faculty. At these retreats, the faculty will align the learning outcomes for each of OTC's psychology courses to the newly released 2012 APA Guidelines, which now include foundational level outcomes and assessments appropriate to two-year institutions.
Look for all LENS Mini-Grant recipients to present the results of their projects to the college community by the end of the SP 13 semester. Questions? Comments? Email studentlearning@otc.edu.
The Student Learning Committee is OTC's faculty-led Assessment Committee. Please see our folder on the R: drive for more information, meeting minutes, etc.
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OTC Fine Art Gallery: December ArtWalk
Student art to be featured
The OTC Fine Art Gallery is proud to present the Student Showcase Fall Exhibition 2012! Join us during First Friday ArtWalk on December 7 for an opening reception in the gallery, located on the third floor of the historic Gillioz Theater complex in downtown Springfield, from 6-10 pm.
In addition to the art on display, this month's opening reception will also feature musical and theatrical performances from students in OTC's Fine Arts programs.
The OTC Fine Art Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information contact Kat Allie at 417-447-8977, alliek@otc.edu, or finearts@otc.edu.
Pictured: A sample of the student art that will be on display in December.
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Partnership for Sustainability Notes:
Be Careful What You Burn
Did you know that how you warm your home can impact our air quality?
OTC is a member of the Partnership for Sustainability, a local organization designed to encourage sustainable practices in businesses, homes, and everyday life throughout our area. The organization has deemed 2012 as "The Year of Clean Air" and, in support, we will include tips and information periodically in this newsletter.
As the holidays approach, the weather continues to turn colder. Many of us use wood burning as a residential heating source in appliances such as fireplace inserts, stoves or furnaces. As more residents heat their indoor air by burning firewood, this can cause the smoke outdoors to adversely affect our air quality. Burning firewood on colder days and nights increases atmospheric inversions which trap the smoke at lower elevations for longer periods.
Improper burning of "green" or unseasoned firewood emits smoke and gases that contain impurities which are released into the air. These impurities, known as hazardous air pollutants, are called PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Other harmful air pollutants (fine particulates or PM2.5) are made in higher concentrations from burning firewood. The associated carbon monoxide is also unhealthy for persons in sensitive groups.
Watch the local Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast for the Springfield area at AirNow.gov. Springfield's daily AQI forecast allows residents to view days when air quality may become unhealthy.
Here are a couple tips for cleaner wood burning:
- Burn only clean, uncontaminated firewood - never plywood, particle board or treated lumber.
- Season firewood outside for at least six months after cutting into logs or split firewood.
- Don't burn "green" freshly cut tree firewood.
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Seen at OTC...
A quick look at what's happening around the college
 Winners of the 2012 Excellence in Education awards were honored at the Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, November 12. This year's award recipients were: (pictured, left to right) Director of the Tutoring and Learning Center Jacob Lewellen, Dental Assisting Program Director and Instructor Janet Sell, Secretary to the Director of Counseling and Advising Becky Dalton, Facility Maintenance Technician Lawrence Lininger, and Adjunct Instructor of Humanities Thomas McCune. Not pictured: Mathematics Instructor Daniel Kopsas. Congratulations to all of this year's winners!
 The annual Legislative Breakfast was held Tuesday, November 27, at the Tower Club in Springfield. OTC Chancellor Dr. Hal Higdon spoke about community colleges and the need for working with the legislators, and touched on current hot issues like equity funding and the college's recent ad outlining the cost difference between OTC and local for-profit institutions. Pictured: OTC Board of Trustees Member J. Howard Fisk speaks with the assembled legislators and OTC administrators.
 The students of OTC's "Society and the Modern Zombie" class hosted a Disaster Preparedness Event Friday, November 30, in the IC Atrium. Booths showcased student projects, including how to filter water, store food safely, make your own household cleaning supplies, prepare a bug-out bag for your home and car, make your own candles, use common household items for short-term survival, and much more. As the Director of the Center for Disease Control points out, "If you are generally well equipped to deal with a zombie apocalypse, you will be prepared for a hurricane, pandemic, earthquake, or terrorist attack."
 The annual Veterans Celebration was held at the OTC Springfield Campus Monday, November 12, in honor of the Veterans Day holiday. This year's featured speaker (pictured) was former Army Staff Sgt. Terry Buckler. Other speakers included Special Forces First Sgt. (Retired) Jim Ringland and Air Force Lt. Col. (Retired) Loren Lundstrom. Lundstrom is OTC's Assistant Dean of Enrollment Services and Assistant Registrar. Thank you to all of the SGA students and related staff who helped put together this year's event - and very special thanks to all of our veterans for their service to our country.
 The students of the OTC Honors Program hosted the "Scratch the Surface: Serve a Purpose" informational event in the IC Atrium Thursday, November 15. The event offered students and employees an opportunity to learn more about a variety of issues in our community and beyond. Some of the educational booth topics included Hunger in the Ozarks, Education of Homeless Youth, Mental Health for Veterans and Their Families, and Survival After Sexual Abuse.  The students, faculty and staff of the OTC Lebanon Center brought in 34 coats, jackets and sweatshirts in support of the Lebanon Rotary Club's "Koats for Kids" project. This yearly project collects new and gently used items to be distributed to needy children in the Lebanon school system. Thank you to all who participated in this effort!
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The Same 10 Questions We Always Ask
Gary Dollens, Supervising Dentist - OTC Dental Programs
Describe what you do at OTC in 50 words or less.
My teaching incorporates both clinical and didactic performance theory in the areas of Head and Neck Anatomy, Oral Histology, Local Anesthesia, Pharmacology, and Periodontics.
How long have you been at OTC, and where were you immediately prior?
After dental school I was employed by the United States Public Health Service in the Bureau of Prisons for 8 years, then private practice in Springfield for 8 years. I have been at OTC for the past 5 years.
What do you hope to accomplish in your position or department in the coming year?
My position is regulated by the Missouri Dental Board which states that all dental hygiene treatment be performed under the general supervision of a dentist. My goal is to elevate the level of critical thinking regarding general dentistry as it relates to our dental programs.
What is your favorite thing about working at OTC?
My favorite thing is being around the students. They keep me on my toes.
What is your favorite thing about living and working in the Ozarks?
By far the thing I like most about the Ozarks is the attitude and culture of the people who live here. I have lived in Kansas City, Tucson, and Colorado Springs, but during my time in each of those places, I kept thinking about the wonderful people back in Springfield. That is why I came back in 1999.
Tell us about one person who had a significant impact on your professional life or career choice.
The reason I am a dentist today is because of my High School Anatomy and Physiology teacher, Mr. Hill. He made the body come alive as he taught, explaining each body part and function and applying that knowledge to our everyday surroundings.
What do you have on the walls of your office?
My diploma from the University of Missouri - Kansas City Dental School.
If you could have dinner with three famous people, alive or dead, who would they be?
Hercules - Was he myth or was he real? I think real. Moses - He talked face to face with God. I would ask him what He looked like. Jesus - To see the face of God!!!
If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
I would write about my favorite subject, Biblical prophecy. For the past 10 years, I have studied current events and how they coincide with certain scriptures in the Bible, and I am amazed at the timely way in which everything is coming about. I have been watching three main areas that could usher in the end - the European Union and the Illuminati connection, the Islamic faith and their belief in the al-Mahdi's return, and Alien hybridization. I might even call the book "European, Muslim, or Alien - Would the Real Anti-Christ Please Stand Up? "
What were the last three songs played on your iPod?
Chris Tomlin's "Our God" and "I Will Follow," and Hillsong's "For All You Have Done."
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Campus Notes
- An important note from Shipping/Receiving/Distribution: The mail room has been receiving shipments from vendors with only the address stated. This makes delivery very difficult because we then have to search databases or call departments to locate the owner. When placing an order, please notify the vendor that we have several departments and that we must have at least the department name, and preferably the customer name, clearly stated with the address. For example, if you order from Amazon and your name or department is not on the label, we have to wait for you to contact us, as Amazon now has security protocols that do not allow them to share information about the package. We will be able to speed up deliveries if we all work together to improve this process.
- A fundraiser for next year's OTC trip to China will be held Monday, December 2, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., in the IC Atrium. The sale will feature a wide range of affordable gift items and Christmas ornaments from China. For further information about the fundraiser or the trip, contact Jessica Gerard at gerardj@otc.edu.
- The Fine Arts Department of Ozarks Technical Community College will present an Evening of Music on Thursday, December 6, at the OTC Springfield Campus. This event will be the debut performance for the colleges newest ensemble, the Chamber Singers. The program will begin at 7 p.m., and will be held in Lincoln Hall, room 211. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. Along with the Chamber Singers, the concert will also feature performances from the Concert Choir. The music will include selections from Handel, Tchesnokov, and Stopford, as well as traditional holiday classics.
- A message from Secretary to the Provost Brenda Woods and her family: "Thanks so much to all my friends at OTC for the beautiful peace lily, cards and expressions of condolence. We cherished your thoughts and prayers for our family as we grieved over the loss of my mother. Words cannot express how grateful we are. A special thanks to my co-workers, too, for the extra acts of kindness and helping hands that made my return to work much easier. Again, thank you."
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Local Happenings
- Now through December 31: Springfield Festival of Lights, downtown Springfield. This six-week celebration of the winter holidays features sights and events for the whole family. This year's festivities include fireworks, free ice skating, free carriage rides on the square, a Midtown Victorian Christmas Homes Tour, and much more! For more information, call (417) 864-1010 or visit www.itsalldowntown.com. For a schedule of free ice skating days, call (417) 866-7444 or see www.parkboard.org. For information on the homes tour, call (417) 873-7149.
- Now - December 29 (Saturdays Only): Civil War Christmas Lantern Tours, Smallin Civil War Cave, Ozark. As you drink hot cocoa around a campfire, hear the stories of American soldiers at Christmas during the Civil War. When you've finished your cocoa, enjoy a lantern-lit tour of the cave. For more information, call (417) 551-4545 or see www.smallincave.com.
- December 1: "Candyland at the Footbridge," Jefferson Avenue Footbridge, Springfield. The Footbridge plaza will be transformed into a festive holiday setting for children as they visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Hosted by The Kitchen, Inc., and the Urban Districts Alliance, this event is open to all children in the Springfield community. Each child attending will receive a small toy, a book, and candy, while supplies last. For more information on the event or on how you can donate toys and winter gear for kids, check out www.itsalldowntown.com or call (417) 831-6200.
- December 1: Wreath-Making Workshop, Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center. Come and make a holiday wreath of your own design! For $25, all materials and supplies will be provided for you. Incorporate dried hydrangea, roses, pine cones, peppers and more! For details, call (417) 891-1515 or see www.parkboard.org.
- December 7: Evangel University's 29th Annual Christmas Concert to Benefit the Salvation Army, Evangel University Chapel Auditorium. This year's program will include performances by the Evangel University Orchestra, Chorale, Chorus, Jazz Orchestra, Handbells and Marching Band Drumline, plus the Boys Choir of Springfield. More than 350 Evangel students and faculty are involved in the production! The show begins at 7:45 p.m.; admission is one nonperishable/canned food item or cash donation to benefit the Salvation Army. The event will be hosted by two Evangel graduates: Steve Grant, Emmy award-winning news anchor at KY3, and Brandon Beck, KY3 Stormteam meteorologist. For more information, call (417) 865-2811 or check out www.evangel.edu.
- December 14-16: Springfield Ballet Presents "The Nutcracker," Landers Theater, downtown Springfield. For the 27th holiday season, the Springfield Ballet presents this timeless classic for all ages! The story follows Clara and her Nutcracker Prince from an extravagant Christmas party to a fierce battle with the evil Mouse King, then off on a magical journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. For details, call (417) 862-1343 or visit springfieldballet.org.
- December 31: First Night Springfield, downtown Springfield. First Night is a family-friendly New Year's Eve Event that takes place in multiple venues in downtown Springfield. This year's event will feature over 20 performances at 10 different venues. Highlights will include great local bands, activities for kids and a fireworks finale with a performance from America's Got Talent contestant Jake Wesley Rogers. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information, check out www.firstnightspringfield.org.
- January 25 - February 10: "Oliver" at the Landers Theater, downtown Springfield. The musical adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens novel "Oliver Twist" is the account of an orphaned boy in 19th century London. Dickens' timeless characters come to life with a sensational score, including numbers like "Food Glorious Food," "I'd Do Anything," and "Consider Yourself." Bring the whole family to this delightful show! For showtimes and ticket information, call (417) 869-1334 or visit the Springfield Little Theatre website.
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Birthdays
December
2 Thomas Love
4 Annette Burtin
Sarah Voorhees
5 Ginger Smith
6 Staci Burton
Kathy Perkins
Kayla Porter
7 Jon Herbert
J'Neal McCoy
Kelly Miller
Jayna Spindler
Andrea Twyford
8 Jennifer Snyder
9 Jennifer Thompson
10 Anita Maylee
11 Vivian Elder
12 Carol Brand
Eugenia Royer
13 Sabra Mitchell
Nancy Sanders
15 David Walker
Trisha White
16 Jennifer Dunkel
17 Danny Gutirrez
Sheila Taylor
19 Rosalind Pride
20 Donna Bryant
21 Jeff Ford
23 Angela Shreckhise
24 James Borowiec
John Curtis
Phillip Litton
25 LaRaine Bauer
Dana Gambriel
Linda Johns
27 Robert Leone
28 Kevin Buening
Jan Fleischman
29 Vicki MacDonald
30 Karen Foresee
JD Landon
January
2 Rebecca Dalton
Samuel Thomas
3 Brittny Stansfield
4 Philip Bowles
Joseph Siler
5 Paul Trout
6 Christopher Przybylski
7 Donna Pritchard
10 Lisa Marks
Max Trader
12 Terry Pridgeon
13 Lesley Cash
Lisa Tessier
14 Sheila Hunter
Vasile Iacob
15 Douglas Dashnaw
16 Marylynne Abbott
Matthew Scott
18 Michael Adamek
Trixie Braden
Dana Mason
Sheila Sperry
19 Philip Arnold
Nathan Colba
Cheryl Feller
Kelly Hampton
20 Marla Moody
24 John Boburka
Janet Sell
25 Randy Brock
Christie Cathey
Glynette Hubach
26 Kelly Anthony
Gabriela Florea
Lisa Jacks
Bradley Maples
27 Bera Nichols
28 Gary Burns
Jonathan Drozdowski
29 Vanda Chism
Gary Dollens
31 Jacque Harris
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New Employees, Transfers and Promotions
New Full-Time Temporary Employees:
- Jessica Yonkers, Secretary - Career Counseling and Assessment. Began October 16.
- Synetha Collins, Programmer Analyst. Began November 26.
Transfers and Promotions:
- Matthew Eubanks, Customer Service Registration Technician - Community Enrichment. Began September 26.
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Next Newsletter Deadline: Friday, January 25
The employee newsletter is sent out on the first of each month. The deadline is one week prior, so mark your calendars if you have news you would like us to include. There will be no newsletter in January. The deadline for the February newsletter is Friday, January 25.
In the meantime, be sure you are putting your events on the campus calendar for inclusion in the weekly "Upcoming Events" emails.
Send your newsletter submissions to either of the following email addresses, and we'll get the word out!
clips@otc.edu
masond@otc.edu
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