Projects  |  Campus News  |  Faculty & Staff News  |  Student News   In This Issue … September 7, 2007 Welcome back … Uncommon status quo … Meet Mick Fitchett… New hardware and software … We're here to pump you up… New music season opens... A breath of fresh air... Amazing coincidence... Pumas start season with a roar... Alumna scores big... Ongoing projects    Campus News   Welcome back! A warm welcome back to Yolanda Reynoso who returned to her Student Services desk after being away on a medical leave. Uncommon Status Quo--Computer Commons The next time you walk through E-Building hallway, check out the new “Cyber Walk,” three wireless Internet stations, in front of the Computer Commons area.  This new service for students mirrors the computers already available in the cafeteria’s Cyber Café.  The Cyber Walk will grow to six stations very shortly, and Mary Lou Goff reports they’ve already become a favorite with students. Meet Mick Fitchett A new addition to the Computer Commons staff, Mick will serve as the New Student SIS Helpdesk staffer, supporting both student SIS questions and Blackboard.  Mick is a full-time temporary employee whose hours will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.  For other hours the Helpdesk is open, the Commons’ lab techs will be his back up. New Hardware, New Software In order to keep up with ever-changing technology, the Computer Commons has installed 100 new Dell PC computers in three classrooms and in the central area.  One classroom now has Microsoft’s new VISTA operating systems.  Microsoft Office 2007 is loaded on the Commons’ machines, as is the just-released Adobe Creative Suite 3. We’re Here to Pump You Up! Great news from our Division of Exercise and Health Science.  Our new Strength and Personal Training Certificate, just launched last year, already has 89 students in the program. Faculty & Staff News   New music season opens PVCC faculty/musicians Dr. Christopher Scinto, Division Chair for Fine and Performing Arts, and Brett Reed, faculty, along with the new music ensemble, Crossing 32nd Street, will be showcasing the works of James Tenny on the one-year anniversary of the composer’s death. The concerts will take place 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7 and 24, at the Icehouse, in downtown Phoenix; and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22, at PVCC’s Studio Theatre. On hand will be Larry Polansky, noted composer and Tenny scholar, who will provide commentary for the concerts. “It’s a great way to open our season,” said Scinto. Admission is free for all the concerts. For more information on these concerts, log onto www.crossing32ndstreet.com A breath of fresh air PVCC employee Angela Puckett and her family were recognized by the American Lung Association of Arizona in their newsletter for being one of the top 10 family teams to raise money for the Asthma Walk.  The Puckett family raised $2,000.  Congratulations to Angela and her family on their outstanding success.  It’s gratifying to see PVCC employees involved in our communities in a positive way. Student News   Amazing coincidence Debbie Voll, Education faculty, shared this heartwarming story with us about her past and present student, Matt Hoie.  Matt agreed that his story be disclosed:      When Matt Hoie , 20, entered PVCC, he found himself taking a college class from his former kindergarten teacher. A high-functioning autistic, Matt had been in Debra Voll’s special education class 15 years earlier. Now both have moved on – Voll to teach at the college level, and Matt to work towards a degree in special ed so that he can help others with similar conditions.      “Like everyone else, individuals with disabilities want to achieve and to make an impression on society,” Matt says. “Our paths just may be different. I went to a special ed pre-school, then with Miss Voll’s support, switched over to mainstream. I had a personal aide who helped me through school until a couple of years ago, after I’d gained enough confidence to go solo.”      Matt is now able to get back and forth from school on his own, handle his own assignments, and organize his schedule. “As they grow more assured, people with mental disabilities can take bigger and bigger steps,” he says. “That’s the message I want to teach others, to show them there is hope.”      The reunion between Matt and his former kindergarten teacher in her Introduction to the Exceptional Learner class was joyous. “I was very pleased,” Matt said. “PVCC is a long way from kindergarten, but now the person who helped me become high-functioning will help me help others to become high-functioning.” Pumas start season with a roar The PVCC Men’s Soccer Team set a school single game scoring record in their game against Southwestern College. They won by an astounding 10-0, led by freshman Cesar Mexia, who had four goals and two assists. And in late-breaking news, PVCC Men’s Soccer won 2-1 against Scottsdale on Wednesday. Not to be outdone, PVCC Women’s Soccer trampled Scottsdale 10-0.  Go Pumas! Alumna scores big Jo Radcliffe, 2006 Puma Women’s Soccer star, continues her winning streak. She scored two goals in under 40 seconds for her new team, the University of Texas at El Paso Miners, against Sam Houston State. While at PVCC, she set two individual records in one season with the Pumas, and was named First-Team All-Conference, and was the first All-American in soccer for PV. Her leadership and skills led the Pumas to their 13-2-2 record-breaking season and Co-ACCAC Championship title. Let’s all applaud this wonderful athlete and our college’s coaches who helped to launch her successful career. Projects Update   Our Facilities Services Department reports progress with a number of projects: 1.    Security Systems have been upgraded for Administration Building and IRTS. 2.    A new central fire alarm system for campus and also one for Q-Building will be proposed to the District’s Capital Development Advisory Committee and the Governing Board.  If the project gains approval, installation is forecast by the end of the year. 3.    Landscaping for the Center for the Performing Arts is in its final phase.  The unique slanted landscape walls are complete, and ground materials are 90% in place.  Take a walk by and check out the beautiful new look for our CPA. 4.    Replacement of 300 classroom chairs for M-Building is in process.  Several models will be tested for their suitability. Cordially, Mary Kay President Do you have an interesting program, or outstanding accomplishment or student to highlight? If so, e-mail the News Desk at pvcc.news@pvmail.maricopa.edu A publication of the Paradise Valley Community College Office of the President 2007 © Maricopa County Community College District