PWA
December 6, 2004
Vol. 17, No. 12
In love with education
When she was in third grade, communications instructor Paula Usrey (pronounced "Ush-ree") wanted to be a teacher when she grew up. Then, she said, "For the next 20 years, I didn't want anything to do with education. My feelings were entirely negative. I walked out of high school brushing my hands of the whole matter, got married two months later and had two children by the time I was 21."
Having children and working at a variety of jobs including construction, free-lance art and teaching piano, made Paula rethink the value of education. "I realized there were a lot of skills I needed to learn," she said. She began taking classes at Mt. Hood Community College. "I got hooked," she said. "It truly was a life-changing experience. My speech teacher, Larry Hawkins, was particularly inspiring."
She went on to Portland State University where she got her bachelor's, then started work as an insurance adjuster. From there she quickly moved into various communications-related work including marketing consultation and organizational re-design. "The importance of communication skills in corporate life can't be overestimated. It reflects on every aspect, internally and externally, of every organization."
Returning to her original interest in education, Paula took a job teaching English at a private junior high school. "It was the longest year of my life," she said laughing. The experience sent her back to PSU to get her master's in communication in 1994. She then obtained a scholarship to pursue a doctorate in adult education.
Even while taking classes, Paula continued to teach part-time at several community colleges and universities, while simultaneously working in other education-related positions. "I had to take other jobs so I could afford to keep teaching," she explained, laughing. What she wanted most of all was to teach full-time, which is why she jumped at the chance to take the position vacated by John Vannice when he retired.
She and her husband of six years, Claude, have already bought a home in Sutherlin. "Claude is a champion," she said. "He taught high school history for 30 years until he retired. He's totally supportive." The couple's blended family includes five adult children, four "children-in-law" and three grandchildren. They have one 'child' at home, a three-year old black Lab named Ranger who Paula admits is thoroughly spoiled.
The couple loves to golf and fish, but Paula says that more of her time needs to be spent working on her dissertation and reading research. "I don't read much fiction," she said. "I love research though.
"The field of communications is absolutely fascinating. People think of speech classes, but they don't realize what an interdisciplinary field this is. It incorporates sociology, anthropology, psychology, linguistics. I love teaching so much! Giving people tools, choices and awareness to improve their communication skills. Teaching listening skills is as important as teaching them how to speak. Students learn essential social and 'soft' skills in these classes. It's fascinating and rewarding. Can you believe that I get paid to do this? I love it!"
Holiday Party
All offices will be closed Thursday, Dec. 9., 3-4 pm during the party so that everyone may attend.
Madam President
Joanne Hayes, director of human resources, is the newly elected President of the Winston-Dillard Chamber of Commerce. Three cheers
to Joanne.
Congratulations
Recently, Kathy Thomason, lead computer support technician, received the Excellence Award from UCC at the American Association
of Women in Community Colleges annual conference. Way to go!
Spirit Pass, employee benefit
Spirit Pass events you can take advantage of this week include three basketball games and the play “Rumors.” To use your pass
for theatre productions, please buy tickets from the Fine Arts Office three days in advance of the show you would like to attend.
PERS workshop
You’re invited to attend a free workshop sponsored by PERS Help. This workshop is open to the public and will be on Wednesday,
Dec. 8, 6 to 8 pm, in Campus Center, Indian Rm. Attendees will discuss changes in PERS system and individual retirement options.
Pre-register at www.pershelp.com.
“Rumors” opens
Neil Simon’s "Rumors, a Farce" is play filled with cover ups, mix ups and infidelities. The author is a Pulitzer Prize winner
and has been nominated for both Academy and Tony awards for his plays.
Evening performances begin at 7:30 pm and run Dec. 9 to Dec 18. Matinee performances on Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 at 2 pm. Rated PG
for language. Student and staff Preview Night is Wed., Dec. 8, at 7:30 pm when tickets are only $4. After Dec 8, tickets $9.
Buy tickets at While Away Books, Hanson Jewelers in Roseburg, Sutherlin Drug, and the Fine Arts Office. Call 957-4502.
Does UCC need help hosting the Dec. basketball tourney?
You bet! Dec 17-19, we need ticket takers, scorekeepers, 30 second clock operators and more. If you’re interested in watching
some great ball and don’t mind helping, call Dave/x513 or Donna/ x686 to sign up.
Need Money?
Sell back your books this week, Wed thru Fri., from 8:30 am to 3 pm, in Campus Center, Lobby.
Dave Stricklin's 500th win!
With UCC’s women’s basketball win this weekend, the win brought coach Dave Stricklin’s overall career record to 500-76.
Wow, what an achievement. Congratulations coach.
Calendar
Monday, December 6
1pm Enrollment Mgmt Mtg, CC, Club Union Rm
Tuesday, December 7
8:30am TOP Mtg, CC, Club Union Rm
10am T-TEN Mtg, Library, Moody Rm
11am Community Relations Mtg, ESB, Umpqua Rm
11am Associated Students of UCC, CC, Club Union Rm
11am Phi Beta Lambda, Jacoby Auditorium, Lobby
Noon Engineering Club, JH, Rm 15
Noon Academic Secretaries Potluck, Admin, Board Rm
1pm TOP Weekly, CC, Club Union Rm
1pm Instructional Council, CC, Timber Rm
2pm Title III Funding Mtg, Library, Moody Rm
7pm UCC Men’s Basketball vs Willamette University JV’s, Gymnasium
Wednesday, December 8
8am Book Buy Back, CC, Lobby
9am Army Recruiting, CC, Lobby
Noon Computer Club Mtg, ESB, Rm 33
3pm Faculty Association Mtg, PE, Rm 10
6pm PERS Help Workshop, CC, Indian Rm
7pm UCC Men’s Basketball vs Linfield College JV’s, Gymnasium
7:30pm “Rumors,” Preview Night, Centerstage Theatre, Whipple Fine Arts
Thursday, December 9
8am Book Buy Back, CC, Lobby
3pm UCC Holiday Staff Party, CC, Dining Rm
7:30pm “Rumors,” Centerstage Theatre, Whipple Fine Arts
Friday, December 10
8am Book Buy Back, CC, Lobby
7:30pm “Rumors,” Centerstage Theatre, Whipple Fine Arts
Saturday, December 11
4pm UCC Men’s Basketball vs College of the Redwoods, Gymnasium
7:30pm “Rumors,” Centerstage Theatre, Whipple Fine Arts
Sunday, December 12
2pm “Rumors,” Centerstage Theatre, Whipple Fine Arts
Birthdays
Janet Neptune 12/06
Missy Olson 12/07
James Epley 12/09
Jennifer Bean 12/09
Beryl McClelland-Luckey 12/12
Hire dates
Kristin Moser 12/07/98
Brenda & Brenda's Deli
located in Campus Center
December 6 to December 10
Cook's Surprise!
Cafeteria will close at 1 pm, this Friday only.
Happy Holidays from the Campus Cafe.
Hours
Monday-Friday, 7:30am-2pm