Fall 1998 AAWCC Oregon Newsletter

American Association of Women in Community Colleges Oregon Chapter	N E W S L E T T E R
		To Inspire, Champion, and Celebrate the talents within each of us!
F A L L 1 9 9 8

PRESIDENT’S CORNER by Marcia Keith

Welcome back to a new academic year! As I write this at the end of August I reflect that Fall to me has always been the season of beginnings. I cling to this belief in spite of some strong evidence to the contrary. When I walk in the mornings, it stays dark for about half of the walk now, for example. My glorious geraniums are ever so slightly past their prime. My long (Well, maybe not so long), lovely, luscious summer of golf, golf, golf is all but over. The outdoor concert season wails to a close. My four-day work week reverts to the normal five days . Every bad thing that has happened to me in my life has happened during the Fall -- all of my cancer operations, the death of my teen-age brother, a marriage ( some may not consider this a bad thing. Believe me, it was) , one of my two divorces ( one was good , one was bad), two automobile accidents - but you get the picture. So why this looking forward, why this sense that something is about to begin? Why do I always get this delightful sense of nervousness and anticipation?

Because school starts in the Fall. And the beginning of a new school year is truly a beginning to celebrate. Think of the potential inherent in a new school year. Think of the lives that will be changed. Think of the potential for positive change that you possess, the impact that you can have on the lives of students. If you help students register, if you take their money or help them set up a payment system, if you sell them books, if you clean their classrooms, if you help them decide on a career, if you counsel, advise, bully, cajole to
keep them in school, if you facilitate a student loan or a grant or a scholarship, if you provide food for them, if you provide information for them, if you fight battles for them that will never know about progress, if you help them learn or help them in their quest to learn - even if you rarely see them, as I rarely do anymore, they, the students, are what we are all about. Their excitement, anticipation, nervousness, trepidation signifies a beginning in their lives and therefore in mine and, I bet, in yours.

Inside... C.C. Excellence Award... Carolyn Desjardins Leadership... OILD Report... Oregon AAWCC Board Election... Twelfth Annual Conference

Vote On Proposed By-Law Changes

At the Fall Conference in November, Oregon AAWCC members will be asked to approve several changes to our by-laws. The majority of the changes are “housekeeping” changes which clean up inconsistencies or out-of-date provisions, such as removing the word “Junior” from our title. The Board is, however, proposing several significant changes to the by-laws.

1) We propose to substitute our new mission statement for Article II -- Purpose Statement.

2) We are asking to modify the definition of eligibility for membership in Oregon AAWCC to include anyone who supports our mission.

3) We seek to amend the duties and responsibilities of each Board member. The most significant of these changes is the proposed transfer of responsibility for being the Region X Coordinator from the Past-President to the President-Elect.

4) We propose to add a category called “Ex-Officio Member(s).” These people would be appointed by the Board to work on specific projects.

5) We suggest that we change the quorum of the Board from three members to five members.

6) We are asking to establish an Executive Committee which will handle critical business when it is impossible to call an emergency meeting of the Board.

7) We seek to establish in the by-laws our practice of electing new Board members at the annual conference.

The proposed By-Laws revisions will be a part of the packet distributed at the Fall conference. If anyone would like to see a copy of the proposed changes before the Fall conference, please call Marcia Keith at (503) 657-6958, ext. 2420, or e-mail marciak@clackamas.cc.or.us.

FOND MEMORIES OF THE 1998 OILD

25 participants enjoyed the 1998 Oregon Institute for Leadership Development, which was held in Silver Falls last June. The following are testimonials from some of the participants.

Personally, I considered the group's ability to participate spontaneously, in all of the situations presented to them, to be outstanding. More than twenty women, gathered from diverse backgrounds, shared thoughtful insights, discussed solutions to dilemmas, and best of all, provided caring support for each other throughout a very busy three and a half days. The OILD Conference has turned out to be one of my favorite events of all time.
- Joan Bailey, PCC

Summer Retreat in Yachats Worthwhile!

Six women from the Clackamas CC's Customized Training & Development Services department attended the summer AAWCC retreat in Yachats. We utilized the opportunity to get to know each other as individuals. We rented a house in Yachats and participated in some group bonding exercises, along with attending the AAWCC retreat. We all found the experience to be personally and professionally rewarding .

- Lisa Tomlin

My experience at the 1998 OILD conference has motivated me to be the best that I can be at my present position and strive for greatness for my future. I thank OILD members for a life searching opportunity to evaluate where I am at, where I have been, and where I am going.
- Jeroldine Rhodes, LBCC

I found the session on ethics particularly helpful. We talked about the different roles we play and how to delineate between what's friendship and what's professional. That session helped me to realize which role I needed to act from in a situation I was dealing with at work. It really gave me the courage to carry through with what I needed to do once I got back on campus.
- Susan Brenner, PCC

My experience at the OILD conference was very uplifting. I found it a soul searching experience because I think we all went into it with preconceived notions as to how we were going to learn about being a leader. When, the reality was we entered already leaders and the conference helped us to realize this. Now that we are enlightened as to our already existing leadership qualities, I now enjoy embracing them, strengthening them, tapping into them regularly. I whole heartedly recommend that if any community college woman is thinking about applying to attend, DO IT! You'll treasure the good time and memorable learning experience.
- Anita North, Chemeketa

Community College Excellence Award

The AAWCC Board of Directors wishes to celebrate an individual, chosen by local AAWCC membership, whose accomplishments made a difference for women at his or her own community college* over the past year. The Board will issue a certificate to honor that person at the state AAWCC conference in November. The recipient need not be a member of AAWCC to receive the award.

There is no official nomination form. Simply send the name of your honoree to Dawn DeWolf via one of three methods: U.S. mail to Oregon Coast Community College, 332 S.W. Coast Hwy., Newport, Oregon 97365; by fax (541) 265-3820; or e-mail to ddewolf@occc.cc.or.us.

AAWCC TO UNVEIL NEW LOGO!

The winner of the AAWCC Logo Contest is Carolyn Gurthrie from Chemeketa Community College! Carolyn will help unveil the new logo at the Annual Fall Conference.

Mentoring Program To Be Highlighted At The Annual Conference Reported by Lisa Tomlin

The AAWCC has been asked to explore the options of offering the membership a formal mentoring program. In response to this request, two programs on mentoring will be offered at the 12th Annual AAWCC Fall Conference.

One program, featuring Alice Jacobson of PCC and Linda Gerber of MHCC will feature their unique mentor mentee relationship, offering intimate and unique insights into a mentoring relationship. In addition, the program will offer
information on what mentoring is. The second program will focus on the mentoring concept through open discussion. Objectives include coming to a common language on exactly what mentoring is, how to be one, and how to chose one.

Finally, there will be discussion regarding the need for AAWCC to set up a formal mentoring program. If you're wondering about mentoring either finding one or being one, please be sure to attend these two dynamic breakout sessions at the Conference.

CAROLYN DESJARDINS LEADERSHIP AWARD

The mission of the Oregon Chapter of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges is to inspire, champion, and celebrate the talents within each of us.

A 1998 state leadership award, chosen by the AAWCC Board of Directors, will be given to someone who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and made a significant contribution to community colleges. The prestigious state leadership award, given to an outstanding leader each year, is being re-named to honor a woman who touched many of us personally and who contributed greatly to the development of woman in leadership roles in community colleges nationally. The award will be called “The AAWCC Oregon Chapter Carolyn Desjardins Leadership Award.” Carolyn influenced many of our lives and we want our memory of her and her contributions to continue in a way that will inspire other women to see the possibilities in the world and within themselves. The recipient does not have to be an AAWCC member. Criteria for receiving the award will include demonstrated ability to inspire, champion, or celebrate women as leaders.

Dr. Carolyn Desjardins’ career included twenty-six years in the Maricopa Community College District where she served as Dean of Women/Associate Dean of Students, Chair of College Counseling Services, faculty member and counselor. Many of us remember her best as the Executive Director of the National Institute for Leadership Development (NILD). She was the recipient of numerous awards and honors. Her greatest award, however, was knowing that over 3000 women and many men saw their lives enriched, enabled, and changed forever through the programs, scholarships, articles, and presentations she sponsored or made, as well as through her powerful hugs, deep caring, and strong advocacy for all of us to be the very best we could be.

Dr. Constance M. Carroll
NILD Newsletter, Fall 1997

If you are interested in nominating someone for this award, please complete the nomination form on the next page and send it to Dawn DeWolf at Oregon Coast Community College, 332 SW Coast Hwy., Newport, Oregon 97365 by October 30, 1998. Dawn may be contacted by phone (541) 574-7114, fax (541) 265-3820, or e-mail (ddewolf@occc.cc.or.us).

1998 AAWCC Oregon Chapter
CAROLYN DESJARDINS LEADERSHIP AWARD

Nomination Form

I nominate:

Name: _________________________________________________

Title: _________________________________________________

College Affiliation: _________________________________________________

College Address: _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Telephone No: _________________________________________________

My Name: _________________________________________________

My Phone: _________________________________________________

On a separate document (not to exceed two pages), please describe in detail the leadership contribution(s) possessed by this nominee that made a significant difference in community colleges.

Deadline: October 30, 1998

TWELFTH ANNUAL AAWCC CONFERENCE TARGETS THE NAMASTÉ RETREAT CENTER

Dear AAWCC Sisters & Supporters:

Almost a year has past since we last gathered for our annual conference. It is almost time for us to come together to renew our friendships, strengthen our professional lives and renew our spirits. This year the program committee has once again spent many hours of planning and creative energy to prepare a conference which will be meaningful for all participants. We have many exciting workshops, keynoters, excellent presenters from across the state and a new location.

Please make sure you set aside November 19 and 20, 1998 to join us at the conference's new location, the Namasté Retreat Center in Wilsonville. The serene and peaceful country setting will allow us to retreat in a more relaxed setting. Leave your business suits and high heels at home because this will be a casual time for us all! Lodging is very affordable and comfortable. Each room has a set of bunk beds, so if you are rooming with someone the negotiations can begin for who gets the top bunk. The retreat grounds have an indoor swimming pool, nature paths, reflection pools, and great meetings rooms to meet our needs.

We have many exciting programs. Our first keynote speaker, Lorene Garret Browder, will present her work on "Women as Allies: Using the Richness of Our Differences and the Power of Our Commonalities." She has published a book titled Sista' Women in the Tapestry of Life. She will also facilitate a breakout session on the same subject for those who'd like to explore the "Women as Allies" subject further.

Our Thursday Luncheon with the Presidents will feature a few student success stories. We will have a few students present their personal stories and success they have achieved in community colleges from across our State. We will also hear from a couple of our presidents about the success and impact that AAWCC has on our organizations. Plan to stay with us Thursday night for a gathering fireside at the main lodge for an evening of food, fun and karaoke.

Friday morning, Oregon's only Female Community College President, Dr. Nicki Harrington, President of Blue Mountain CC, will inspire us with her perspectives of Women in Community College.

Jana Stanfield, an author, recording artist, and motivational speaker will present a performance that is guaranteed to inspire, encourage and empower all with in hearing range of her music and message. Her style is engaging, her voice is enthralling, her songs are encouraging and program is an experience that I think we all will enjoy!

This year's breakout session are also power packed! Presenters from within our community colleges and from across the State have prepared outstanding presentations for this conference. These presentations are designed to inspire, to be thought provoking, to be applicable and appropriately challenging.

Please take a moment now to read through the enclosed conference brochure, complete your registration form for yourself and/or register someone else whom you think might benefit from this conference. Encourage or support others in your college family to attend. This is an affordable, conference which will benefit women across our organizations, across our state. This year's conference will also have door prizes, a women's bookstore, the unveiling of our new logo, leadership awards and more fun than you've had in a long time! Please come inspire and be inspired. Come celebrate and champion the women of Oregon's community colleges! Hope to see you all there!

In Sista Spirit,

Angela Ritchie, State Vice President of Professional Development
Manager, Training & Development Special Projects at Portland Community College

OREGON AAWCC BOARD ELECTION

The Oregon Chapter of the AAWCC has four Board positions open for election this year. The positions and their duties are listed below, along with space for you to volunteer or nominate someone you think would be a good candidate. Please nominate others only after you have received their permission and know that they are interested in serving.

These are two-year positions. The Board generally meets four to six times per year and conducts business by telephone, mail, or e-mail. A person elected to the Board will be expected to support the travel expenses associated with Board activities.

Vice President Professional Development
Ascertains professional development needs of membership, coordinates conferences and workshops, works with VP of Communications to publicize workshops sponsored by other organizations, chairs annual conference planning committee, promotes membership and interaction among women in community colleges. (*)

Vice President Special Projects
Coordinates recognition of outstanding women in Oregon community colleges, coordinates data-gathering efforts as deemed necessary by the Board, carries out other special projects assigned by the Board, promotes membership and interaction among women in community colleges. (*)

Vice President Finance
Deposits dues and other funds in Chapter’s account, prepares annual budget for Board to approve, disburses funds, maintains proper financial reports for the Board and presents a statement annually to the president to be in the report given at the annual meeting and to the national AAWCC treasurer, promotes membership and interaction among women in community colleges. (*)

Member-at-Large
Promotes membership and interaction among women in community colleges and carries out any other special projects assigned by the Board. (*)

(*) Language subject to confirmation by the members attending the annual meeting.

BALLOT

Nominee: _________________________________________ Phone: (___)_________

Nominee’s College or Organization: ________________________________________________________

Position Seeking: [ ] Vice President Professional Development
[ ] Vice President Special Projects
[ ] Vice President Finance
[ ] Member-at-Large

Your name, if nominating someone else: ___________________________________________________

Your Phone: (_____)____________________________________

Submission deadline date: October 16, 1998. You may fax this form to Shirley Anderson, (503) 977-4144 or mail to Shirley at Portland Community Coll., PO Box 19000, Portland, OR 97280-0990.

“When Hell Freezes Over - Ice Skate,” by Dr. Patt Schwab -
Reported by Miriam A. Castellón

Dr. Patt Schwab was a Keynote Speaker at last year’s Conference. Dr. Schwab’s degree is in Higher Education Administration. After 20 years as a Student Affairs administrator at Penn State, the University of California, and the University of Washington, Patt is now owner of FUNdamentally Speaking, a speaking and consulting business.

Dr. Patt Schwab outlined examples of how overwhelming the speed of progress in this information age has been to many people and offered insights to improving our emotional well-being as we continue to strive to meet change head on. Education is a place where people want to receive support, knowledge, and services that will help improve their quality of life. Change is a part of life, good or bad. “Are you going to be a change processor or be a victim of it.”

Schwab shared her experience with adversity, when the horse she was riding on reared up and threw her over backwards. She suffered a torn liver and a broken back. She was told that she may not be able to walk again. Her determination, perseverance, and extensive physical therapy brought back her ability to walk. Admittedly, healing included humor. “The truth is,” said Schwab, “we are not hurt by what happens to us but by how respond to it. Bad things happen to good people. Keep the horse on the bottom.” Schwab used humor throughout her presentation to address common human experiences. (A cartoon was shown, depicting two moose. One has a bulls eye on his chest. The other moose says, “bummer of a birthmark, Hal.”) She talked about the challenges of working with difficult people. “I know someone in my department who was so full of himself, he needed a travel agent for his ego trips. He looked in the mirror, fell in love, and has remained faithful ever since.” When Schwab turned 50, she said to herself that she was now “too old to die young.” Other stresses she acknowledged was the fight to stay healthy. She emphasized that it was all right to acknowledge negative feelings, to own them, but then to let it go.

Scream. In order to relieve the pain, she recommends screaming. Process this privately, however, then move on. Put the fun back into dysFUNctional. “Not every thing that can be counted counts and not everything that counts can be counted.” Other options to relieve stress include throwing a pity party, exercising, and yelling in the car. Do not snivel as it drains the energy out and does not reduce the tension. White House Correspondent Sam Donaldson once said, “Only the amateurs stay mad.”

Keep your perspective--kiss it off. “Just ‘cause you lost your monkey, doesn’t mean the circus is over.” Humor is a marvelous tool to handle situations. Schwab said that to keep your perspective in unpleasant situations, to use the biggest marker you can find and write the name of the unpleasantness on the bottom of your shoe. Name a conference room like Tahiti or Total Bliss. “I’m going to be in Total Bliss.” Or “I’m going to Reno (renaming the rest room).” As she pulls out a rubber chicken, Schwab noted that there is something about a rubber chicken that puts things in perspective. Set it out on top of your desk and people will leave you alone.

Analyze what went wrong and accept what you have to do. What would be your contribution? Focus on a specific project. We are who we are because of the choices we have made in our lives. “Folks who don’t have a sense of control won’t go back to the ball they dropped.” Accept choice as your responsibility. Take ownership for the choices made.

Think of the good things. People do not adapt gracefully to change if they’re not feeling good about themselves. It is important to validate the role that you play and practice flexibility. Make a victorious recovery from adversity. We all have survived insurmountable tragedies and have figured out tough situations before. Work with new technologies and personalities. Blessed are the flexible, because they will never bend out of shape. It is imperative that you talk about the good things we all do.

It is important that what we have meaning and significance in our lives. We cannot have a democracy without an educated society. The demand for knowledge requires mastering new technology, retraining workers, and re-establishing and reconnecting the family. Community colleges are doing it all--providing opportunities to change our lives. Students really are our future. Train them to care for and respect their elders. The ideal ambassadors are the classified staff of the community colleges. These are the most credible spokespersons. Take advantage of that respect. Count them on the good stories. Tell them about good things. “If you don’t blow your own horn, someone will think you have a dead battery.”

Evaluate your options and energize yourself to move on. Focus on: “Which option will do me the most good in the long run. What do I need to get there. Where do I want to be at the end of this crisis.” Stop redesigning the past and plan for the future. People should be more selfish in living a quality life.

We forget that strength isn’t only in ourselves but also in others--friends, colleagues. Be available for someone who might need you. “Employability Security is what it’s about.” Commitment is lifelong learning for all of us. Drop a note to one new friend. Apply at least one new idea on campus. Have at least one conversation about a specific workshop with someone who did not get to go.

Schwab closes with a parable: One man is out in the desert when a voice spoke to him, “Pick up pebbles and put them in your pocket. Tomorrow you’ll be happy and sad.” And so he did. The following day, the man looked at his pebbles, which turned to precious gems. He was both happy and sad. Happy to have picked the pebbles, sad that he did not pick up more of them.

It Important to gather pebbles-- diverse people, diverse skills, etc. Have a thirst for knowledge. The knowledge will show themselves at the end.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Blue Mountain Community College
Reported by Cynthia Hilden, Campus Contact for Blue Mountain

Blue Mountain continues to add women to its staff. Late spring, Dr. Gail Pincus was hired to be the Dean of Professional Technical Programs. Dana Young, former Registrar, was promoted to new position called Associate Dean of Enrollment Management. Cynthia Hilden is now the Director of Special Programs; she works closely with Karen Reeder, who is the Coordinator of Adult Basic Skills Development. Diana Hammon is now the Coordinator of Continuing Education, and Valerie Fouquette is assuming the position of Director of Professional and Organizational Development. Mary Van Etta has assumed the position of Human Resources Assistant, and Theresa Bosworth was promoted to become the Coordinator of Financial Aid. Dr. Shannon Overbay is a newly hired member of the math faculty. Lisa Stich from Winconsin is our new Administrator of Institutional Advancement. Amy Spiegel, formerly the BMCC TALN specialist, has just been hired for the position of Special Services
Provider and will work with students with disabilities who request accommodations. Joanna Goff is the new speech and drama instructor. Deborah Aroldi is the new high school student recruiter. So, from all these personnel changes, you can tell that under the leadership of college president, Dr. Nicki Harrington, there are no dull moments.

Everywoman's Money Conference was held via ed net on our campus Sept. 14. There were about fifty women in attendance. In addition, plans are being made for the second annual BMCC Women's Gathering, which is an all day conference held in the spring. This conference will have a wide variety of offerings, including a women's art show and celebration with women performers, and a variety of groups. The year ahead promises to bring more change, so those who fear risks, which come with the unknown are going to be in trouble! Not only is institutional governance being totally restructured, but so are the college's organizational chart and the infrastructure. All this is being fueled by our new five year strategic plan.

Clatsop Community College
Reported by Lois Tivey, Campus Contact for Clatsop

Julie Brown, a writing instructor at Clatsop Community College, has published two books in the past two years: AMERICAN WOMEN SHORT STORY WRITERS and TECHNICITY AND THE AMERICAN SHORT STORY. Julie's poem, "Degrees of Gray in Astoria" recently appeared in the Alaska Fisherman's Journal. Florence Sage, counselor and instructor for human services at CCC, and Julie Brown (mentioned above) were instrumental in organizing the first annual FISHERMAN'S POETRY FESTIVAL in Astoria last February.

OREGON AAWCC BOARD MEMBERS

President: Marcia Keith Clackamas Community College (503) 657-6958, ext. 2420 marciak@clackamas.cc.or.us	President Elect: Shirley Anderson Portland Community College (503)977-4406 sanderso@pcc.edu	Past President: Linda Ericksen Lane Community College (541) 741-3075, ext. 2159 ericksenl@lanecc.edu
VP Finance: Julie Walker Linn-Benton Community College (541) 917-4304 walkerj@qw.lbcc.cc.or.us	VP Membership: Dawn DeWolf Oregon Coast Community College (541)265-2283, ext. 114 ddewolf@occc.cc.or.us	VP Communications: Miriam A. Castellón Lane Community College (541) 741-3075 castellonm@lanecc.edu
VP Professional Development: Angela Ritchie Portland Community College (503) 977-4950 aritchie@precast.com	VP Special Projects: Ellen Levine Chemeketa Community College (503)399-5239 ellen@chemek.cc.or.us	Member-At-Large: Lisa Tomlin Clackamas Community College 503/652-3523 ltomlin@precast.com
CAMPUS CONTACTS
Blue Mountain CC: Cynthia Hilden (541)278-5796 childen@bmcc.cc.or.us	Lane CC: Miriam A. Castellón (541)741-3075 castellonm@lanecc.edu	Portland CC: Joan Hayward (503)978-5383 jhayward@pcc.edu
Central Oregon CC: Bonnie Olson (541)383-7741 bolson@cocc.edu	Linn-Benton CC: Julie Walker (541)917-4304 walkerj@gw.lbcc.cc.or.us	Rogue CC: Jeanine Hawk (541)471-3500, ext. 205 jhawk@rogue.cc.or.us
Chemeketa CC: Anita North (503) 399 6979 nora@chemek.cc.or.us	Mt. Hood CC: JoyLynn Woodard (503)491-6927 woodardj@mhcc.cc.or.us	Southwestern CC: LaRae Morton (541)888-7957 l.morton@southwestern.cc.or.us
Clackamas CC: Lynda Graf (503)657-6958, ext. 2242 lyndamg@clackamas.cc.or.us	OCCA Colleen Levin (503)399-9912 clevin@teleport.com	Tillamook Bay CC: Betty Conrad (503)368-TBCC bet@tbcc.cc.or.us
Clatsop CC: Lois Tivey (503)338-2371 ltivey@clatsop.cc.or.us	OCCS Annette Franulovich (503)378-8648, ext. 369 annette.franulovich@occs.state.or.us	Treasure Valley CC: Cathy Yasuda (541)889-6493, ext. 202 cathy_yasuda@mailman.tvcc.cc.or.us
Columbia Gorge CC: Karen Carter (541)298-3111 kcarter@cgcc.cc.or.us	Oregon Coast CC: Michele Garcia (541)265-2283 mgarcia@occc.cc.or.us	Umpqua CC: Jan Shipley (541)440-4615 shiplej@umpqua.cc.or.us