PWA
November 22, 2004
Vol. 17, No. 10
Call me Blaine
UCC's new president, Dr. Blaine Nisson, ("Please, call me Blaine") demonstrates a ready smile and an open, confident demeanor, and he is clearly focused on the purpose of college–"Providing high-quality education for students is the bottom line. I'm passionate about this. Opening doors for students is a very affirming experience, and we all need to focus on this."
Blaine was raised in a small rural Idaho town where his father managed a grain elevator. "I learned a strong work ethic there," he said. "I bucked hay, pulled rye, picked potatoes. I was also active in 4H, learning forestry and raising calves and lambs which taught me a lot about being responsible."
"When I graduated from high school [in 1967] and moved to Pocatello to go to Idaho State University, it was a bit of a culture shock–moving to the big city–but I really enjoyed college." Though the youngest of five, Blaine was the first in his family to graduate from college. "My parents strongly believed in education and were very supportive. I have a deep personal appreciation for the value of education, which is why I have devoted my professional career to helping individuals realize their educational goals."
He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at ISU and also worked there for several years, and, though he deeply appreciated the university, he said he became frustrated that many students "fell through the cracks. Lots of them were bright and had great potential but they just needed a little extra help, tutoring, or whatever that they didn't get from the university. I came to appreciate the community college model that is less elitist, that works for the success of every student."
Blaine also makes it clear that he is committed to being an active member of the community and the UCC family. He notes that his wife of 25 years, Bev, is leaving her long-term position as an ultrasound technician, adding that they are putting their Beaverton home on the market and looking for a home here. "Believe me, making the decision to uproot ourselves was not made lightly. We plan to buy property here. We aren't just going to stay a year. I plan to join the Rotary and be active in the chambers of commerce and be active in the community as well as at the college."
The couple has two grown children. Jessica, age 22, is graduating from Portland Community College and plans to go into nursing. Tyler, 18, is taking a year off from academics after graduating from high school, working at Fred Meyer and looking into various options for the future.
Blaine said that he and Bev are exceptionally close, and they go to extra effort to include time with each other in their busy schedules. "We exercise together," he said, "and we enjoy golf, cross-country skiing and hiking. My kids are impressed that I can identify tree species when we're in the woods–I learned it in 4H."
As a leader, Blaine said he is open and accessible and, he expects the best of employees, and he is willing to work hard with people to help them achieve their best. "I believe in treating people with respect, just as I want to be treated respectfully. We're all adults. When there are disagreements, we can sort through things. Ultimately I have to make decisions based on what is best for the college, which won't always please everyone. But people need to know that I will really listen to them and consider their viewpoints respectfully." He continued, "In my short time here I've been really impressed by how dedicated and invested in UCC the staff is. This is a great group of people, and I'm confident we will work well together for the good of the college and the community."
Expressing thanks
In September a student found a hearing aid on the walkway to Campus Center and turned it in to Linda Stinnett, receptionist
in Admin. Just last week the owner claimed it. Linda says, “The gentleman was so grateful that I want to share with the
anonymous student who turned it in, how much it meant.” Good job!
Neil Simon's "Rumors”
The stage is set for a hilarious good time as UCC’s Centerstage presents Neil Simon's "Rumors, a Farce," Dec. 9 through Dec.
19, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm.
"Rumors, a Farce" was written by Neil Simon, a Pulitzer Prize winner and one of the world's most successful playwrights.
Simon has been showered with both Academy and Tony nominations for his plays.
Join us for a riotous romp into an evening filled with a medley of cover ups, mix ups and gossipy infidelities. Rated
PG-13. All tickets are $9 and available at While Away Books, Hanson Jewelers, Sutherlin Drug, Fine Arts Office or at
the door.
For more information on this and future shows, call the Centerstage Hotline at 957-4502.
Unsung hero
Tim Johannes, welding instructor, was honored by Cascade Community Credit Union as it’s November 2004 Unsung Hero.
They presented him with a plaque, $100 grant for UCC, and a Beef & Brew dinner certificate.
The Unsung Hero program was started in 1996 as a celebration of school employees who are not typically recognized.
The award is a peer recognition for outstanding work. It was noted that Johannes has contributed to the college in
many ways including installing several campus sculptures and working on lights in Jacoby Auditorium. Bill Bachman
noted that “A lot of people may not know this, but Tim has served as scorekeeper at every home basketball game–forever.”
The staff congratulates Tim.
What should UCC’s logo be?
Attend a focus group for developing a new UCC logo in the Campus Center, Indian Room. Faculty will meet on Monday, Nov. 29, 3-4 pm and
Admin/Classified on Tuesday, Dec. 14, noon-1pm.
Holiday baskets
The party committee is challenging each building to put together a holiday basket to be auctioned off as a fund raiser for the Roseburg
Rescue Mission. Last year 18 baskets were donated, raising $1500. We hope to do as well this year.
The auction will take place at the staff holiday party with Ron West as auctioneer. Watch for your building to be announcing its theme
soon.
Free to good home
Golden Cocker Spaniel, 9 yrs old, fixed. Call 680-5188
The UCC “turkey trot” tradition continues
Both students and staff are welcome to particpate in the annual "Turkey Trot." Meet in front of Admin. at the flagpole, Wednesday,
Nov. 24, noon.
The trot is actually two events –a one mile walk and a two mile jog. All participants have their names put into a drawing for prizes.
You may even win a turkey!
Calendar
Monday, November 22
9am Information Mangement Systems, CC, Timber Rm
3pm Lean Manufacturing Training, CC, Indian & Timber Rms
3:30pm Self Study Chairs, Media, Studio
4pm Teacher Ed College Fair, PE, Rm 10
Tuesday, November 23
8am Lean Manufacturing Training, CC, Indian & Timber Rms
11am Associated Students of UCC, CC, Club Union Rm
11am Community Relations Mtg, ESB, Umpqua Rm
Noon Engineering Club, JH, Rm 15
1pm TOP Weekly, CC, Club Union Rm
1pm Economic Policies, ESB, Umpqua Rm
3pm Staff Development, Library, Eleanor Moody Rm
2pm Title III Funding Committee, Science, Rm 10
Wednesday, November 24
9am Army Recruiting, CC, Lobby
Noon Campus Crusade Mtg, CC, Club Union Rm
Noon Computer Club Mtg, ESB, Rm 33
Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26
Thanksgiving Holiday, UCC Closed
Birthdays
Marguerite Garrison 11/22
Joel Smith 11/22
Cat Feral 11/22
Connie Dell’Anno 11/23
Ron West 11/24
Daniel Gamboa 11/24
Roxanna Conner 11/26
Susan Lester 11/26
Dee Winn 11/27
Michael Cay 11/28
Diana Kelley 11/28
David Johnston 11/28
Hire dates
Donna McGeehon 11/22/00
Heather Freilinger 11/25/02
Marty Garrison 11/27/00
Brenda & Brenda's Deli
located in Campus Center
Monday, November 22
Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup
Oven Roasted Turkey Noodle
**Beefy Bacon Wrap
Tuesday, November 23
Wild Willy’s White Bean Chili
Pasta Fajioli Soup
**Fisherman’s Wharf Salad
Wednesday, November 24
Beef Barley Soup
Italian Wedding Soup
**Sandi’s Thanksgiving Special
The cafeteria will be closing at 1 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 24.
Have a safe holiday.
Thursday and Friday, November 25 & 26
Cafeteria Closed
** Indicates a daily special
Hours
Monday-Friday, 7:30am-2pm