Monthly Highlights
September 2004 Highlights
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER MIKE ROSE was recognized for his past year of service as chair, at the board's September 8 meeting. He has served on the board since 1999.
PRESIDENT MARY SPILDE received an outstanding annual evaluation for the third straight year since becoming president in 2001. The Board of Education approved her evaluation by 7-0 vote at its September 8 meeting, and commended Spilde for exceptional leadership, strategic direction, open communication, fiscal stewardship, and inclusive governance. The evaluation included board member review and upward review by staff.
INSTRUCTION AND STUDENT SERVICES welcomed Sonya Christian as Vice President for Instruction and Student Services. She won appointment after a competitive national search and previously was associate vice president for instruction since January 2003. Patrick Lanning was appointed Interim Associate Vice President for Instruction. He is a former Lane student and has worked at the college since 1992, most recently as division chair for Health, Physical Education and Athletics and Interim Division Chair of Art and Applied Design and Music, Dance and Theater Arts.
FORMER STUDENT JOE BASEY was appointed to the State Advisory Council on Special Education by State Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo. Basey earned an associate of general studies at Lane in 1999. He represents the disability community and works with youth involved in transition in the Eugene and Springfield area.
NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS from Lane joined Native peoples from across the Western Hemisphere at the opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian official opening on September 21 in Washington D.C.
LANE'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY year kicked off at fall in-service with the presentation of a testimonials DVD titled "Transforming Lives," a 12-month calendar featuring archival and current photos and information, and an historical photo exhibit prepared by college archives. Lane was established on October 19, 1964, when Lane County citizens voted for a community college district by a 5-to-1 margin in a special election. The next celebration is the 40th Anniversary Community Open House on Tuesday, October 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Center for Meeting and Learning, Building 19, main campus.
THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS inspired activity across main campus. Daniel Ellsberg, Norman Solomon, and Medea Benjamin spoke on the presidential election at a forum on September 25. On September 30, the first presidential debate was televised in Forum 307 for all interested students and others, followed by discussion, sponsored by the departments of English and Social Science. Finally, a student coalition including the Associated Students of Lane Community College launched a voter registration drive.
SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS are continuing. A Foundation account was opened to support sustainability projects. Anyone may contribute by visiting the Lane Foundation webpage at http://www.lanecc.edu/foundation. Staff also may contribute through payroll deductions. Meanwhile, the Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrid is cutting motor pool costs. The Prius gets 50 to 60 mpg compared to similar-sized motor pool vehicles that get 19-26 mpg. The hybrid's fuel efficiency is estimated to save 566 gallons of gasoline and $1,035 per year. The higher purchase cost of alternative fuel vehicles typically are offset by energy savings in about four months.
THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE ONLINE EMPLOYEE DIRECTORY went live September 24. For the next few weeks, employees and Information Technology staff will be reviewing and updating entries. The directory is available only to employees via ExpressLane.
THE ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE daytime program moved to main campus from downtown, bringing about 300 new students to main campus. ESL students come from more than 40 different nations, range in age from 16 to 93, and possess a wide variety of educational levels. The department is engaging all staff in welcoming and orienting our news students to campus life.
FOOD SERVICES now offers a food court arrangement, featuring outlet-style counters such as Crustano's Deli and the Chef's Carving Board, replacing the old self-service cafeteria approach. Foods are healthier, fresher, and cooked on site every day. There are no fillers, preservatives, powdered soup bases, or other pre-made food products.Excerpted from Lane Weekly and news sources by Joan Aschim, public information officer, Marketing and Public Relations, (541) 463-5591, September 2004.