Fall 2011 Newsletter - Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood
ALUMNI & FRIENDS NEWSLETTER
FALL 2011
[
events reconnect news success stories
[
[ COUNCIL members[
Dear friends!
Michael Abdalah
Save the Children USA, Egypt
“We are the Community’s College.”
Those words ring true for all of us at Kirkwood every day. We have been living that
spirit since our founding days in the mid-1960s. By receiving this newsletter, you play
a personal part of that ongoing story. You are part of about 70 thousand graduates who
found skills, knowledge and opportunity since those earliest days.
As I think about the journey we’ve taken together, I’ve noticed how similar some
experiences of our earliest students are to those of our newest alumni in the past couple
years. Consider these parallels:
Kirkwood has been here to help during Eastern Iowa’s economic ups and downs. From the
farm economy to globalized markets and whole industries rising, falling and sometimes
relocating, the need for flexibility and new skills has always been true. Each decade has
seen crises evolve into new opportunities. In the last ten years, thousands of our students
have discovered new chapters in their lives, whole new career paths they never imagined
a few years before. The recent economic trials in our area were reflected by a one-third
increase in the number of Kirkwood students over the age of 25 from 2007 through 2009.
Many of those students are now in entirely new careers, making the most of learning for
new earning choices. That role is at the core of our commitment to identifying community
needs as quickly and positively as we can.
Another dynamic part of Kirkwood’s mission is making opportunities for those who
served our nation on the front lines. Some of our earliest students in the 1960s were
Vietnam veterans moving beyond their military service to new careers. Fast forward 40
years and the memories and stories shift from Asian jungles to Iraqi sand and Afghan
mountains. But their dedication and sacrifice follow the same path, and our commitment
to helping them move to new chapters in their lives remains the same. As more than 3,000
Iowa veterans returned from the Middle East and elsewhere this year, we know hundreds
of them are in Kirkwood classrooms this fall.
Carol Babbitt
C.B. Technical Services LLC
Chad Bosch
Bosch Financial, Inc
Kristine Chiafos
Linn County
Michele Doyle
Wartburg College
Tim Evans
America’s Ball Game &
Kirkwood Community College
Melanie Ewalt
Kirkwood Community College
Shawn Gallagher
Ladco, Inc
Megan Green
Kirkwood Community College
Michael Ivester
ITC Midwest
Dennis Jordan
Priority One /
Cedar Rapids Area Chamber
Patrick Kettmann
Rockwell Collins, Inc
Mary Klinger
United Way of East Central Iowa
Finally, Kirkwood is committed to welcoming our neighbors to new learning choices. Over
the past decade we have seen a consistent trend in our college welcoming students from
right here in Eastern Iowa. We know that out of every 20 students, about 19 of them come
from within 50 miles of Cedar Rapids. That twentieth student could be from Des Moines
or Dallas—or Denmark. The campus life is enriched with the mix of students from across
the nation and around the world, but the core service we provide is first and foremost to
Iowans, for the future of Iowa.
Brenda Moore,
Retired,
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
We thank you, the people who know best how Kirkwood changes and enriches lives. Your
contributions and dedication are setting the pace for more amazing things to come at Your
Community’s College.
Jessica Johnson
Brad Marcus
US Bank
Craig Mrkvicka
Retired, Rockwell Collins, Inc &
Kirkwood Community College
Andy Petersen
WMT Radio
Stephanie Roberts
Rockwell Collins, Inc
Kristie Fisher, Vice President, Enrollment
Kirkwood ’90
Mary Schneekloth
Guaranty Bank & Trust &
Kirkwood Community College
Traci Weber
First Avenue Wine House
Chris Wheeler
Point Builders, LLC
Jen Wilson
Kirkwood Community College
Virginia Wilts
Guaranty Bank & Trust
[ALUMNI events[
FAMILY DAY
October 1, 2011
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
1
Hayrack rides, walking tours, live
demonstrations, entertainment, alumni
baseball & softball games, free BBQ lunch!
RSVP at www.kirkwood.edu/alumnirsvp
CELEBRATION OF BASEBALL
ALUMNI & COACH LEWIS
October 1, 2011
4 – 8 p.m.
Cedar Rapids Horsemen’s Club
2
4
3
[ ALUMNIscrapbook [
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Jazz Under the Stars
Freedom Festival
Farmer’s Market
Freedom Festival
Farmer’s Market
Jazz Under the Stars
Jazz Under the Stars
Family Day
RSVP at www.kirkwood.edu/alumnirsvp
CELEBRATION OF SUCCESS
2012 DISTINGUISHED
ALUMNI & FRIENDS
April 5, 2012
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
Help us celebrate successful alumni by
joining us on Thursday, April 5, 2012,
from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. for dinner,
cocktails and conversation at the
world-class Hotel at Kirkwood Center.
For more information, visit
www.kirkwood.edu/alumnirsvp
Thank you
5
6
to the 1,000+ alumni who have
pledged over $35,000 in our
recent phone-a-thon. Your
contributions will make a
significant difference to current
and future students who
will be receiving scholarships
with these gifts.
[FACULTY feature [
Listen & Learn
Warm. Genuine. Caring. These are words generally not associated with the person
in charge of handling problems.
However, in the case of Dean of Students
Bob Burnes, these descriptions are the
chorus in his song.
Perhaps his candy jar being always
full and his door always open are two
reasons for this. His personal policy, “If
you’re not talking with the people you
work with all the time, you’re not doing
your job,” describes his communication
style. Burnes is engaging; he listens
carefully. This instinctive tactic spills
into his exchanges with students, as
well. He’s proud to have never once
needed to raise his voice to his students
in 35 years at Kirkwood. Burnes notes
that his interactions with them are less
sympathetic and more aware. Most of the
time he simply listens to students’ stories
and asks, “What do you want me to do
about this?” Many times, the student just
wanted to be heard.
It should be noted that Burnes certainly
is capable of being firm with a student.
His two black belts (one in Tae Kwon Do,
one in Okinawan Goju) and his boxing
and kickboxing instruction prove that.
Still, his Masters in Counseling seems
to trump his physical abilities when
coming to conflict resolution. Before
being tapped to serve our country in
the Army Airborne sector in Vietnam,
Burnes had always wanted to teach. After
returning from war, he felt community
colleges’ philosophies matched his own
– especially Kirkwood’s. “Kirkwood is
the most student-oriented place I’ve ever
been,” he says. “You won’t find any place
in the college that isn’t student-oriented.
And community-oriented. Every time we
have a need for some sort of bond issue, it
passes… I take community very seriously.
It comes back in a lot of ways. The
community sees Kirkwood as a positive
influence, and not just in Cedar Rapids.”
Burnes is going to have more time to
dedicate to the community he loves
when he retires in December. However,
he had to look at a calendar to remember
his retirement date (December 22). He’s
already having a hard time leaving –
he’s aware his successor will have to
implement the processes Burnes is signing
off on today. Until his successor is in
place, Bob Burnes will have been the
only Dean of Students that Kirkwood has
had. “I intervene on problems quickly
and take care of them. I’ve evolved the
position into what it is now.” And soon,
he’ll evolve into learning to take care of
himself first ~ by landscaping around
his home and taking time to read and
write. Perhaps his favorite anonymous
haiku is foreshadowing his own evolution
beginning this fall: “Maple leaves falling
down/ turning front/ turning back.”
[ DEPARTMENT feature [
Reap What You Sow
For a long time standing, Kirkwood athletics have come together to excel.
In every sport, Kirkwood coaches are continually lauded for their
student guidance and teamwork, with at least two inducted into
their respective coaching association halls of fame (John Lewis,
Kim Muhl). Athletes are honored while playing for the Eagles, and
even more, for their academic aptitude. These students then go on
to be recruited by notable organizations such as Big Ten schools
and the major leagues. As is shown with one of our alumna
featured in this issue, Danita Bradshaw-Ward, some star players
go on to accomplish major academic feats in their lives while
continuing to pursue health and athletics in a competitive fashion.
With the renovations, Johnson Hall’s facilities now reflect the
abilities of its many gifted student athletes. Just in time for
the 2011 fall semester, Johnson Hall has been rejuvenated and
polished. Some of the upgrades to the facility include: a larger,
new, secure weight room reserved for Kirkwood athletes; tailored
locker rooms according to sport; a second-floor press box; a shiny,
new gym floor installation and a new office addition at the front
of the building, complete with an appropriately intimidating eagle
mascot in the entryway.
“The renovations are a win-win for everyone involved – current
and future athletes, coaches and the whole of the Kirkwood
athletic community. Johnson Hall is the cornerstone of the
athletics department. The upgrades met some serious needs with
the new locker rooms, the offices, classrooms and the weight
room,” Athletic Director and Coach Doug Wagemester says. “I’m
most excited about how this will lay the blueprint for the next 15
– 20 years. Anyone associated with Kirkwood will carry this pride
factor. The renovations are all functional; the money has been
well spent. Everything new ties in with the college’s philosophy.
It speaks to the level of commitment [to greatness] from top to
bottom.”
New head baseball coach, Tim Evans agrees: “The renovation is
great for recruiting and current student athletes – it shows the
progress of where we’ve come from. Our programs are second to
none, with top facilities.”
[ALUMNI feature [
Get Involved
Walking into his office, Chris Wheeler, Kirkwood ’87, is poised and approachable.
This impression lends to his stature as president of Point Builders, LLC, a Cedar
Rapids-based general contractor.
Point Builders’ mission states the company
is, “committed to our customers by
working together as a team with a passion
for understanding our customers’ needs,
delivering innovative solutions and
exceptional service.” It’s clear Wheeler is
passionate about his company, in addition
to many other facets of his life. Wheeler’s
own family team is made up of his wife
of 24 years, Krista, a spinal consultant at
Medtronic; their son, Logan, 22, a sailor in
the Navy; and daughter, Paige, a freshman
at St. Ambrose, running track and cross
country.
Wheeler’s past reads like a one-man
booster club: he was captain of multiple
athletic teams in high school and
continued playing golf in college. After,
he volunteered for everything from his
church’s parish council to multiple school
boards of directors and even his local
day care board of directors in Wilton, IA,
before becoming their president. Now he
volunteers as liturgy minister at St. Mary’s
Church in Wilton. It’s clear he lives his
company’s mission in and out of the office,
which he describes as having a “teamformulated atmosphere.” “It’s not a me
thing, it’s a team thing,” he stresses.
Kirkwood Community College played
an integral role in nurturing his natural
leadership skills. “Kirkwood lets you
explore and develop your own skills,
knowing it relates to what you want to
do at the end of the day.” When Wheeler
attended Kirkwood, CAD (computer-aided
design) was a newer program, and he
enjoyed “taking and adapting my skills in
a team environment. Knowing you have a
horizon line you can reach at a relatively
quick point was a valuable lesson I
learned during my time there.” Seven
of his classmates are all now in similar
occupations. Today, he still meets and
networks regularly with them.
Graduating with an associate’s degree in
Architectural Drafting, Wheeler spent
three defining years at Louis Rich as a
CAD draftsman. That experience led him
to Design Build Associates in Davenport.
After 12 years, Wheeler was the company’s
vice president. Point Builders soon
recruited him to be their general manager
for their Davenport branch, and he rapidly
moved up to the vice president position.
In 2010, Wheeler took over as president
of the company. But becoming president
wasn’t his most memorable moment in
his career. His most memorable moment
was getting his first job. “Accelerating
through what I wanted in Kirkwood and
getting in the market with the skills I’d
built – putting the college experience to
the test – that was my most pivotal point
for me in my career.” Wheeler holds that,
“In anything you pursue, knowing what
you want to get has to be what you put into
it. Maintain focus. Explore opportunities
around you. Get involved. That’s the
recipe for success.”
[ALUMNI feature [
Stay Curious
If ‘Start Here, Go Anywhere’ wasn’t a Kirkwood motto
when Danita Bradshaw-Ward, Kirkwood ’96, attended,
then maybe she was the inspiration for it.
Currently a biology professor at Eastfield
ever leaving. “I like to teach,” she asserted.
Community College in Mesquite,
“At the university level, especially in
Texas teaching Anatomy & Physiology,
biology, emphasis is not put on teaching...
Microbiology and Genetics, Bradshaw-Ward
I want to teach. I’m happy where I am,
holds multiple science-based degrees. She
teaching at a small college where I can have
also coaches her oldest daughter’s track
personal relationships with my students
team and competes with her husband of
and engage them individually.”
ten years, Korley Ward, in bodybuilding
competitions. The Wards have two
daughters: Kadia, 6, and Kyleigh, 3.
Individual engagement is obviously a
factor that affected her when attending
Kirkwood. Eastfield’s basketball team has
Despite attending multiple schools
played Kirkwood’s in the past, and, “I root
during her academic career, Bradshaw-
for Kirkwood. I still wear my Kirkwood
Ward maintains that Kirkwood tops the
shirts.” This consistency is another of her
list. “Kirkwood, out of all my education,
own successful traits she emphasizes to her
was my best experience. I loved being
students. “It’s all about consistency. You
at Kirkwood,” she said. “Education-
can’t pick up a book today and then again
wise, it set a foundation for me. All the
a week from now. It’s the same with music
instructors were very knowledgeable and
and learning lyrics. You have to listen to
engaging. I had the opportunity to be a
the song over and over to learn the lyrics.
student ambassador as well as a basketball
To learn the classroom information, you
player. Coach Kim Muhl provided a great
have to consistently pour the information
experience for me,” she said, noting the
into you. As long as students are consistent
current NJCAA Hall of Fame coach. “I
in their studies and try to absorb and
cannot speak more highly of (Dean of
not memorize the material, they’ll be
Admissions and Student Life) Doug Bannon
successful. Students have to think about
or Coach Muhl. They made being on a team
what else they have going on in their lives
feel like a family atmosphere. It meant a
and how that will affect their ability to
lot to me, having that family on campus.
be successful. A mistake many students
Coach Muhl instilled family values in his
make is taking too many hours, along with
players, but also instilled a work ethic and
having a family at home, working full time
sense of responsibility.”
and other relationships. Students must be
The family feel and accessibility meant
so much to her that she now teaches at a
community college – and doesn’t plan on
smart about their workload. They must be
realistic and consistent and committed.”
[ALUMNI feature [
Give
Respect
There are times in life when instructors
make an unforgettable impact. Larry
Erickson, Kirkwood ’72, remembers two
finance professors from just one year
at Kirkwood Community College: Dale
Simon and Chuck Cunningham.
“Despite the fact that I didn’t want to go into accounting initially
at Collins (Rockwell Collins), I had a true respect for what the
financial acumen was and needed to be,” Erickson recalls. “The
names that stuck with me from my time at Kirkwood are Dale’s
and Chuck’s. They shaped my future and where I wanted to go
and what I ultimately wanted to do.”
And he’s done it with rigor, producing impressive results. After
receiving his BS in Accounting from Mount Mercy, Erickson
started as a procedure writer and was eventually named the chief
financial officer of Rockwell Collins. For well over 20 years,
Erickson served as vice president and controller in both the
government and commercial divisions of Rockwell before retiring.
He proudly recalls that the first Global Positioning System (GPS)
receiver was developed at Rockwell in Cedar Rapids circa 1984,
and even earlier, that Collins’ (Rockwell Collins) radios were used
for communication with earth on the first Apollo mission to the
moon.
As it was with Collins (Rockwell Collins) growing during
Erickson’s time there, he also noted Kirkwood’s rapid growth and
steadfast service to the surrounding community. “I’m surprised
at what I’ve seen in the last few years. It was a small campus
when I started school there – only two buildings. The size was
such that you could meet a lot of people on campus. I believe
that the campus growth reflects the success and strength of the
educational opportunities available at Kirkwood. I think it’s now
at the optimal size to serve the community and surrounding area,
providing those educational opportunities and activities. Thank
you, Kirkwood, for providing my direction in life.”
[ Celebration of Success [
save the date
2012 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI & FRIENDS
2012 KIRKWOOD ALUMNI & FRIENDS
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI EVENT
Thursday, April 5, 2012
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
Ticket: $25
Join us for a formal dinner and an
evening of celebrating successful alumni.
TO NOMINATE AN ALUMNUS FOR CONSIDERATION
visit www.kirkwood.edu/alumnicelebration
To be considered for a 2012 Kirkwood Distinguished Alumni and Friends Award, the following
criteria must be met:
3 Participated in college credit course work at Kirkwood Community College.
3 Demonstrated success within their chosen career or field of expertise.
3 Provided significant community-based service.
3 Must be able to attend the Celebration of Success Kirkwood Alumni & Friends awards ceremony on April 5, 2012.
AWARD CATEGORIES
President’s Award
President’s Award is presented in recognition of extraordinary support of academic programs
and student success at Kirkwood Community College.
Trustee’s Award
Trustee’s Award is presented in recognition of outstanding leadership in higher education.
Kirkwood Distinguished Alumni Award
Kirkwood Distinguished Alumni Award is given annually to Kirkwood alumni who have
achieved success in one of the following categories:
• Academia
• Athletics
• Community Involvement/Leadership
NOMINATION DEADLINE
QUESTIONS
December 15, 2011
Call 319-398-5442 or visit www.kirkwood.edu/alumnicelebration
[
retirees [
2010–2011
Sherry Black
Iowa City Campus
Barbara Dobling
Social Science
Harley Downs
Continuing Education
Sherri Erkel
Print Services
Marvelene Foreman
Academic Affairs
Dominick Franco
English
Mary Jane German
Academic Affairs
Wendy Johnson
Horticulture/Floriculture
Linda Levy
Student Development
Clay Lifto
Business & IT
Wendy Lingo
Student Development
Paulette Montague
Allied Health
Sandra Nulle
Heritage Area Agency on Aging
Dennis Owen
Industrial Technologies
Charles Parker, Jr.
Telecommunications/Media Services
Larry Poulakos
Iowa City Campus
Nancy Rash
Washington Center
Curtis Rawson
Business & IT
Ken Riha
Business & IT
Cynthia Root
Academic Affairs
Nancy Sauerman
Social Science
Elizabeth Selk
Heritage Area Agency on Aging
Robert Sessions
Iowa City Campus
Arthur Sibold
Business & IT
Janet Slimak
Continuing Education
Susan Spraker
Information Technology
John Steele
Facilities
Lorna Trachta
English
[KIRKWOOD past [
[
CALENDAR
of EVENTS
[
OCTOBER
1
1
11
16
20
25
26
27
Alumni Softball & Baseball Game 1 p.m.
12th Annual Blues Concert 7:30 p.m.
Volleyball vs. Southeastern CC 6:30 p.m.
Women’s BB Kirkwood &
Mount Mercy Jamboree
10 a.m.
Women’s BB vs.
Iowa Wesleyan College
6 p.m.
Men’s BB vs. Ashford University 7 p.m.
Volleyball vs.
Indian Hills CC-Ottumwa
6:30 p.m.
Women’s BB vs.
Mount Mercy University
6 p.m.
NOVEMBER
3
4
4
5
5
6
8
12
18
18
19
19
22
30
Kirkwood Performing Arts
presents Children of Eden
Kirkwood Performing Arts
presents Children of Eden
Women’s BB vs. Kishwaukee College
Kirkwood Performing Arts
presents Children of Eden
Women’s BB vs. Joliet JC
Kirkwood Performing Arts
presents Children of Eden
Men’s BB vs.
Grand View University
Fall Jazz Concert ’11
Women’s BB vs. Mineral Area College
Vocal Jazz Concert
Women’s BB vs.
John Wood CC
Men’s BB vs.
Southeastern CC
Men’s BB vs. Clinton CC
Women’s BB vs.
William Penn University
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
8 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
8 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
7 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
4 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
2 p.m.
6 p.m.
7 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
DECEMBER
9
10
14
17
[
Chorale Concert
Concert Band Concert
Men’s BB vs. John Wood CC
Women’s BB vs.
Iowa Western CC
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7 p.m.
2 p.m.
about yourself [
TELL US
We look forward to featuring successful
alumni from all over the world. E-mail your
story and photo to [email protected].
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Cedar Rapids, IA
Permit No. 94
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
PO Box 2068
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406-2068
Welcome back!
Each and every day, I am fortunate to encounter Kirkwood alumni. It
amazes me how Kirkwood impacts so many people. I may share a
conversation with someone at an event or establishment, or even
discover a friend of mine is a Kirkwood graduate. Everyone is eager to
reflect upon their time as a Kirkwood student, talk about a faculty person
who impacted their life, or the success they have had because of their
education. It makes me proud to be a Kirkwood alum and to be able to
work as the Alumni Director—reconnecting, bringing you back to campus
and keeping you informed of what’s new and who’s who. With the start
of a new school year and twenty-five thousand students continuing their
educational journey, I hope you will join me in congratulating them on
their choice to attend Kirkwood. We will soon be welcoming them to the
remarkable classification of Kirkwood Alumni! And to each of you, I wish
you continued success and fond memories.
Jody Donaldson, Alumni Director
Send us your email for
Help
us
be
green!
[
future newsletters to [email protected].
[