Columbia College believes it’s on track to increase full-time enrollment of June high school this fall due to a new program that pays tuition for the first year.

About 120 students who graduated from high school this spring in Tuolumne County or Angels Camp have enrolled for the fall semester, according to Amy Nilson, the college’s director of development.

Nilson said between 75 and 80 percent will get their first year free thanks to a new fee-waiver from the state, while the rest are expected to qualify for free tuition through the Columbia College Promise program.

The numbers at this point give Nilson and others involved with the program optimism that they will at least meet their goal of getting 25 percent of all graduating seniors from schools in Tuolumne County and Angels Camp enrolled in the fall.

“We’re hearing from parents and counselors that this has really been an encouragement to them and helping to make college seem doable,” Nilson said. “We’re really looking to encourage them to start right out of high school at building their skills or preparing for transfer.”

Eligible students must have graduated in the spring from a high school in Tuolumne County or the Bret Harte Union High School District based in Angels Camp, because those are the schools that lie within the boundaries of Columbia College.

When the Columbia College Foundation conceived of the program, it used the percentage of graduating seniors from local schools in 2015 who had enrolled full time at the college that fall as a benchmark for improvement.

There were 711 graduating seniors in 2015 who graduated from a school within the college’s footprint, and 114 of those enrolled for a full-time schedule at the college that fall, which was about 16 percent.

A full-time schedule is considered 12 units per semester, though the Promise program offers to cover up to a total of 30 units between two semesters.

Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools Margie Bulkin, who serves on the foundation’s Board of Directors and as chairwoman of the Columbia College Promise committee, said there were about 485 seniors who graduated in the county this year.

Nilson said the school is still working to get the number of graduating seniors this year from the Bret Harte Union High School District for tracking purposes.

The total number of incoming freshmen enrolled at the school for the fall was not immediately available, but Nilson said that number is expected to increase between now and the enrollment deadline a week before the semester begins on Aug. 27.

“It’s just not precise at this point,” she said.

A full year of study at the college typically costs between $1,200 and $1,500 for tuition, as well as an additional roughly $1,700 for books and other related fees and costs. The Promise program cover tuition only.

About one in five students enrolled at public high schools in Tuolumne County take classes and necessary requirements to make them eligible to be accepted at a four-year university after graduation, but Bulkin estimated the cost of tuition is a barrier for about 75 percent of the county’s population.

“For a lot of people in our community, the option of going to state university is a challenge, least of which is capability and most of which is financial,” Bulkin said. “We wanted to promote this concept that you can get to college and we will remove that barrier to open the door for an opportunity at a two-year degree or transfer to a four-year university.”

Bulkin said statistics show students are more likely to graduate in four years if they start at a junior college and transfer to a university. She added that studies also show that they’re more likely to finish if they enroll full time, which is why that’s a requirement of students who receive free tuition through the Columbia College Promise program.

There will also be a counselor to provide specialized guidance and support for students in the program.

“We are investing in their success not just financially, but we’ll also have a support system at the college,” Bulkin said. “The college is really interested in increasing their two-year completion rate.”

The program is funded entirely through grants and donations from the community.

Nilson said the foundation was about $65,000 away from raising the $270,000 it estimated is needed to cover the number of eligible students over the next three years.

A more than $2 million endowment gift was also bestowed upon the college from the Wise Family Charitable Trust in September to provide support for the Promise initiative as well as a mini-grant program.

Last month, the Sonora Area Foundation provided a $20,000 grant to support the Columbia College Promise program as well as a mini-grant program.

Sonora Area Foundation representatives presented the $20,000 check to outgoing College President Angela Fairchilds at a reception on May 24 in honor of her retirement at the end of this month.

Fairchilds will be replaced in mid-July by Santanu Bandyopadhyay, who most recently served as executive vice president of educational programs and student services at Cypress College near Long Beach.

Half of the $20,000 grant comes from a number of funds at the Sonora Area Foundation, including the Black Oak Casino Resort Community Fund, Comazzi Family Fund, Comcast Community Fund, McMillen Jacobs Associates Community Fund, Boyd Family Fund, Geer Family Fund, Reb and Susan Silay Fund, and the Sonora Sunrise Rotary.

All of the funds were matched by a $10,000 donation that came from an anonymous donor.

Story by Ike Dodson, PIO
Office of Public and Employee Communications

Former CAL FIRE Deputy Chief Lee Winton left his expectations at home in his favorite chair when he ditched retirement to teach a semester of Fire Science 1 for Columbia College at Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp in early February.

Sixteen weeks and 17 passing grades later, Winton isn’t sure who learned from whom.

“I knew going in the door that I had never talked to an audience like this, and that it would be a challenge to work with people who have struggled so much in their lives,” Winton said. “But it was a good challenge, and it became a very rewarding endeavor.

“I may have gotten more out of it than they did.”

Transfers and discharges can make the cast of a correctional classroom fluctuate, but 17 of the 23 students who enrolled in Winton’s class stayed the course and etched three units on their Columbia College transcript April 25.

“The results were much greater than I had anticipated,” Winton said. “I was very pleased they hung in there.

“It was challenging for them, but I saw them grow as we worked through the semester. I saw lights coming on in their heads once they were used to the routine and my expectations.”

The challenges were remarkable.

Sixty-six youthful offenders at Pine Grove work with CAL FIRE in state and county parks during the day, performing stream clearance, wild land fire prevention tasks and restoration work. During the fire season, youth crews are involved in wild land fire suppression throughout the state.

Pine Grove youth also combat area flooding and in 2017, put in over 80,000 hours on fire lines and over 200,000 hours of community service.

They arrive at class amid the dogged pace of those camp duties. To successfully complete a college course, youth must demonstrate tireless resolve.

The reward rationalizes the effort.

“The Fire Science 1 class was most beneficial since being a firefighter is the career I want to pursue,” youth firefighter Julian Rodriguez-Ortiz said. “The information and the visitors Chief Winton provided were inspiring and informing. Chief Winton taught me so much and encouraged me to go after my goal 100 percent.”

Those visitors’ ― representatives from CAL FIRE, the US Forest Services and local government ― encouraged youth to stay out of trouble and pursue rewarding fire service careers.

“This class opened my eyes to what is really available to me, since I want to pursue firefighting as a career,” student Alexander Romano said. “Chief Winton brought a variety of people representing different areas of firefighting. The most inspirational was Armando Perez, a ‘hotshot’ from El Dorado National Forest. I identified with his life story and realized I could accomplish success after all the struggle.”

A hotshot crew is an elite team of highly- trained wildland firefighters, tasked to battle the most serious fires in the country. Many consider the crews to be the “Navy Seals of firefighting.”

Youth firefighter Chance Pike said interactions with the hotshot crew member was his most inspiring moment in the 16-week class.

“I started out taking this class with no intention of enjoying it,” he admitted. “Instead, it turned out to be a class that opened my mind to possibly going on to become a firefighter.

“The people and equipment Chief Winton brought to class were exciting and changed my mind about becoming a firefighter.”

Students supplemented the course with study sessions with Pine Grove instructor Judy Levenson three times a week. She also participated in classes and was ecstatic when 17 of the youth completed the course in April.

“I believe the most important thing Chief Winton brought was encouragement and support of these young men,” she said. “He opened a future none thought possible and I’m sure several will pursue firefighting as a career.”

Winton said his curriculum followed the same path he developed when teaching the class at Modesto Junior College, pre-retirement, but he modified his delivery.

“I had to adjust the pace of the class that was appropriate for the students, because you really couldn’t make any assumptions about anything,” he explained. “They have experienced a lot, and their reading comprehension, word comprehension and understanding of basic theories is just different than other students.

“The kids seemed to embrace it, and the support from staff was amazing. Everyone was super supportive.”

Winton said Columbia College has asked him to teach more Fire Science 1 classes at Pine Grove. After the success of this year’s course, his retirement may take another vacation.

Columbia College has named 158 students to the spring 2018 semester President’s List. This honor is reserved for students completing twelve or more units of coursework in a single semester at Columbia College and earning a cumulative grade point average between 3.5 and 4.0, with no grade lower than “C.”

The spring 2018 President’s List honorees are listed below by hometown. We are pleased to formally recognize their exceptional academic achievement.

Dr. Santanu Bandyopadhyay has accepted an offer by the Yosemite Community College District (YCCD) to become the new president of Columbia College, effective July 16, 2018. YCCD Board Chair Darin Gharat formally announced Dr. Bandyopadhyay as Columbia College’s next President at the YCCD Board of Trustees’ May 9 meeting. Chair Gharat reported, “The decision was unanimous. The Board looks forward to Dr. Bandyopadhyay’s leadership and is confident in his commitment to serving the students and community within the Columbia College service area.”

Bandyopadhyay will succeed Columbia College President Dr. Angela Fairchilds, who is retiring after 38 years in higher education. “I am thrilled to be the next President at Columbia College. The natural beauty of the campus and friendliness of people I met during the forum left a lasting impact. I am looking forward to working with campus folks and the community,” commented Bandyopadhyay on the announcement.

Dr. Bandyopadhyay has over 21 years of experience in higher education including 13 years as a leader in community colleges where he was involved in national initiatives such as Achieving the Dream, Foundations of Excellence, and Survey of Entering Student Engagement.  Dr. Bandyopadhyay is currently the Executive Vice President of Educational Programs and Student Services at Cypress College.  Prior to that he worked as the Director of Institutional Research and Planning, also at Cypress College; Director of Institutional Research at Zane State College; and, Budget & Policy Analyst at Ohio University.  He served 4 years as a full-time faculty in Computer Science at the National Institute of Information Technology.  He has a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Ohio University, an MBA from Ohio University, and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Kolkata University.

As an educational leader, Dr. Bandyopadhyay states, “I have great opportunity to work with the local community and leaders from other educational institutions. When community and educators work together, great things happen: not only does it increase college participation, completion, and workforce development, but also helps reduce crime rate, decrease racism and hate crime, improves understanding of civic issues, and develops good citizens. I call that collective impact work. I love that type of work and look forward to joining the Columbia College Community to bring lasting change.”

According to YCCD Chancellor Henry Yong, “Dr. Bandyopadhyay is an excellent fit for Columbia College. His teaching experience, background in research, and years in higher education, specifically in community colleges, will serve the College well.”

Bandyopadhyay’s selection comes after a nationwide search conducted by PPL, Professionals.  The search began in January. Columbia College Presidential forums were held in April, prior to Chancellor Yong interviewing finalists for the position.

Columbia College will hold its 49^th Commencement on Friday, April 27 at 6:00 p.m. in the Oak Pavilion. A brief reception for the graduates and guests will be held immediately after the ceremony in Carkeet Park next to the pavilion.

The 297 students in the 2018 graduating class have earned a total of 136 Associate of Arts Degrees and 149 Associate of Science Degrees. Forty students will graduate with Distinction (cumulative grade point averages of 3.75 or better) and 35 with honors (between 3.5 and 3.74 grade point averages).

Twenty-five graduates earned more than one Associate degree:   Jamie Akins, Clifford Armstrong, Sarah Ashlock, Ian Austin, Sean Bell, Barbara Bryan, Ayla Buck, Ryan Christopher, Brett Dolan, Elizabeth Ekstrum, Shane Ekstrum, Derek Goodrich, Jamie Guerrero, Jennifer Hamrick, Kierin Harrison, Ronald Hawkins, Amanda Hummel, Elizabeth Jurado, Carmen Kelly, Stephanie Manthei, Mary McDermand, Alex McDonald, Mason Mendoza, Ryan Moyles, Taylor Moyles, Hayley Mutchler, Rachelle Palomino, Elias Pepito, Josephine Price, Fanjaharilanto Rasoavero Drake, Francesca Rodriguez, Michael Sturgis, Monica Taylor, Rachel Taylor, Kevin Tillery, Rachel Van Winkle, Jonah Vassar, Megan Vistica, Karen Williams, and Christian Wilson.

The following students have earned both an associate degree and a certificate will be presented to Nolan Adam-Chinn, Miles Aguilar, Gwendolyn Craig, Hayley Gorden, Denise Hinshaw, Benjamin Homberg, Katie Landis, Mary McDermand, Rita May Merritt, Daniel Navarro, Cody Salvador, and Jasmine Van Lehn. In addition to conferring of degrees, eighty-four students will be presented with Certificates of Achievement at the ceremony.

By hometowns or residing cities, members of the Columbia College graduating class of 2018 are:

 

 

Alameda, CA

Mason F. Mendoza

Altaville, CA

Michael B. Keller

Karina Ortega

Amy Alexis Sanchez

Angels Camp, CA

Ryan-Alexander ArceJaeger

Trenton Lee Bennett

Bria M. Calhoun

Sally Diamanti-Wilson

Jordan C. Gomez

Hayley Lynn Gorden

Ryan Parker Jones

Ashlen Hope Mayben

Ethan Christian Moes

Marisol Rodriguez

Michael Alan Barden Wilmshurst

Christian Arthur Wilson

 

Antioch, CA

Miles Damian Aguiar

 

 

Arnold, CA

Bailey Michael Amburgey-Wilkes

Paxton Sally Mae Fassbender

Ronald S. Hawkins

Austin Noel Smith

Monica Maria Taylor

 

 

Belleville, IL

Candace L. Turner

 

 

Big Bear City, CA

Gwendolyn Craig

 

 

Buena Park, CA

Jarrod Duane Garrison

Mayada Tranel-Chachere Leonard

 

 

Chinese Camp, CA

Robert Michael Behee

 

Coalinga, CA

Charlie Jeanne Cites

 

 

Coarsegold, CA

Alexandra Devon Long

 

 

Columbia, CA

Kai John Bannister

Sarah Audrey Elizabeth Gaestel

Louis Gregson Huntley, III

Molly L. Olson

Fanjaharilanto J. Rasoavero Drake

 

 

Copperopolis, CA

Megan Nicole Graham

Summer Brianna Hansen

Darrell B. Lucas

Alyssa Danielle Mascote

Sarah L. McGee

Alinda Rahn

Elizabeth Ingrid Rand

Jennifer A. Roe

Steven L. Rose

Vaughn E. Warriner

Kristina Rae Zimmerman

 

Coulterville, CA

Sean M. Bell

Brooke Lyn Bozzo

Kimberly A. Busby

Magnum L. Godfrey

Mary Jane McDermand

 

Cupertino, CA

Charles R. Christ

 

 

Douglas Flat, CA

Kenna Nicole Evans

 

 

Downey, CA

Jamie Christina Guerrero

 

Eden, ID      

Amy Lynne Alves

 

 

Escalon, CA

Audrey Layne Sabina Orr

 

 

Fullerton, CA

Hayley Elizabeth Winters

 

 

Jamestown, CA

Joseph J. Campbell

Efrain Corral

Brett James Dolan

Bo Jacqueline Gonzalez

Kierin A. Harrison

Kristi Jane Insilan

Ryan J. Lacasse

Erin Lee Nichols

Ryder Lewis Richards

Peter Tidball

Rachel D. Van Winkle

Boclaire Vaughn

Melvin Robert Wignall

Nicole Marie Wilkins

Ben Darrel Williams

 

La Grange, CA

Tristan Clay Avalos

Kennedy F. Bruce

Arianna R. Dias

Danielle L. Trotter

 

Lathrop, CA

Samantha Marie Jones

 

 

Livermore, CA

Andrew Gordon Hall

Kirsten Elizabeth Hall

 

Lodi, CA

Samuel Lewis Brumm

Kurt Jeffrey Johnson

David W. Ring

 

Los Angeles, CA

Courtney Erica Young

 

 

Mariposa, CA

Patience A.K. McCoy

Hanna Rose Olson

 

Merced, CA

Bryce A. Bernat

 

 

Mi Wuk Village, CA

John Joseph Contreras

Rachelle Irene Palomino

 

Modesto, CA

Anthony R. Berbena

Abby Margaret Breitzman

Emily Marie Chavez

Garrett Ryan Johnson

Kyler Garrett Machado

Alexander Jason McDonald

Tamara Dawn McLain

Sarah F. Miser

Kayla A. O’Connell

Anton Daniel Sonke

Sarah Arlene Wallace

 

Mokelumne Hill, CA

Taylor Nichole Bratcher

 

 

Mountain Ranch, CA

Bryce Gabriel Dorflinger

Mackenzie L. Dwight

Karen Michelle Williams

 

 

Murphys, CA

Justin David Barnes

Shane K. Clifton

Kailyn Arlene Finley

Gabriela Gomez

Katie Mae Landis

Joshua Michael Massal

Alicia J. Mcdaniel

Daniel J. Navarro

Andre M. Sage

 

Oakdale, CA

Raeleen D. Cone

Dustin Edward Costello

Kaylee Reann De Ruyter

Crystal Ann Dyrcz

Benjamin G. Eagleton

Austin Tyler Echols

Samantha Elizabeth Esquivel

Alicia Jeanette Farris

Brandon Lee Finley

Trae Matthew Folla

Raymond Tyler Gerdes

Nathanael M.E. Higle

Kimberly Brooke Kraus

Stephanie Marie Manthei

Kelsey Giulianna Marino

Virginia Montes

Lisa Marie Morris

Breanna Marie Perez

Carley Autumn Ross

Tanner Wesley Smith

Megan Renee Tackett

Kevin M. Tillery

Courtney Lynn Voelker

Samuel Patrick Walker

Kendra Kathlyn Whorton

 

Oakmont, CA

John Alexander Clark

 

 

Oroville, CA

Virginita Marie McGrath

 

 

Pine Grove, CA

Cody A. Salvador

 

 

Redwood City, CA

Danny Lee Harthun

 

 

Rescue, CA

John E. Wheeler

 

 

Riverbank, CA

Micayla Dalene Nelson

 

Sacramento, CA

Grant Patrick Duran

 

 

San Andreas, CA

Jared M. Cragun

Shasta Marie Garcia

Michelle Marie McBride

 

San Jose, CA

Eric A. Cancilla

Amanda Olivia Lancaster

Natasha Sarah Sanchez

Jeremiah R. Wilson

Jacob W. Woodford

 

Santa Cruz, CA

Nolan P. Adam-Chinn

 

 

Sonora, CA

Alexander Dennis Adam

Alaric Bradley Adams

Jacob Ryan Alvarado

Mikaela Elizabeth Amayawood

Clifford J. Armstrong

Sarah Rene Ashlock

Ian Fraser Austin

Robert C. Bannwarth

Abrianna Barrera

Christa Lee Bartels

Emily Ann Beluardo

Keeley Marie Benton

Patricia G. Bibal

Michayla Marie Botts

Karla Bowman

Isabella Christine Boyack

Alaina Nicole Brosnan

Christianna Joy Bush

Aleyah Cordoba

Brendan Edmond Lee Danicourt

Ryan Patrick Dies

Courtney Anne Divine

Natasha Jean Eaves

Sierra R. Engle

Kelley O. Figley

Chris Michael Forster

Jenine Danika Frost

Gregory L. Gayle

Michaela M. Goellner

Jennifer L. Hamrick

Sierra Dawn Hartsog

Denise K. Hinshaw

Benjamin Robert Holmberg

Amber L. Isnec

Jeffrey D. James

Quinlan Kenneth Joyce

Elizabeth Jurado

Timothy Patrick Justice, II

Ashley Janelle Kennedy

Hanna C.E. Kentta-Brown

James Michael Kress

Hillary A. Liljedahl

Dalton Moreno Lyons

Rita May F. Merritt

Mark Lloyd Mills

Melissa Murry

Sabrina Dawn Nash

Samuel Jeffery Nash

Elizette Soto Nelson

Brooke Nielsen

Derek Oliver Nilsen

Jessica Leigh Nosanow

Jose I. Paz, Jr.

Elias J. Pepito

Shylynn Angelique Pollard

Josephine May Price

Natalie Forrest Rade

Jacob W. Ramsey

Treasure E. Ratcliff

Kerry A. Rice

Francesca J. Rodriguez

Tony Jay Rogers

McKenzie Leigh Rollins

Samuel A. Savage

Emily L. Schmittle

Dylan Michael Skutches

Maddison Leann Stevens

Michael Joseph Sturgis

Gabriella R. Taylor

Devin Robert Terrill

Stephanie Lynne Teuton

Rayanna Faye Torok

Melissa Anne Tuck

Isabel Mia Valadez

Logan Frasier Van Bezey

Jonah J. Vassar

Mason Cruz Verde-Green

Stephanie Lyka R. Viceral

Sal Villafana

Megan Renee Vistica

Bryon Thomas Walker

Dawn Michelle Warfield

Sienna Nichole Weeks

Kara Louise Wessel

Ryan J. Whalen

Summer N. Williams

Stephanie A. Wise

Keeley Anne Wivell

Rachel Olivia Wyatt

Evan Ryan Young

 

Soulsbyville, CA

Hailey May Danicourt

David J. Ervin

Abraham J. McDonald

Arissa Jade Tischman

 

 

Steven Point, CA

Lamu S. Ryavec

 

 

Sutter Creek, CA

Amanda N. Hummel

 

 

Tollhouse, CA

Stephanie Hope Valenzuela

 

 

Tuolumne, CA

Brianna L. Barclay

Evelyn Diane Blue

Melody J. Brown

Jonah Matthew Funk

Carmen Kelly

Analycia Renee Miervalle

Mason Taylor Montgomery

Margie N. Peau

Aaron Rasmussen

Susie B. Sugg

Rachel Ann Taylor

Adam Michael Walker

 

Turlock, CA

Samuel D. Ewing

Efren Joe Northcutt

Andrew Vincent Preuss

 

 

Twain Harte, CA

Jamie Lee Akins

Sheila Blackburn

Michael D. Brautovich

Barbara L. Bryan

Ayla Rose Buck

Ryan J. Christopher

Sean J. Griffith

David C. Heston-Sanders

Kathleen Nicole Hobbins

Hayley Christina Mutchler

Brian Christopher Winters

 

Union City, CA

Derek Kevin Goodrich

 

 

Vallecito, CA

Carter T. Christian-Billings

Elizabeth A. Ekstrum

Shane A. Ekstrum

 

 

Valley Springs, CA

Jacob A. Evans

Karli N. Gerlinger

Carrissa Marie Gomez

Jasmine N. Van Lehn

Amber Elizabeth Arvin

 

Wallace, CA

Ryan Joseph Moyles

Taylor John Moyles

 

Waterford, CA

Quentin Howard Muncy

The Columbia College Presidential Search Committee has selected two finalists who will participate in community open forums scheduled for April 18 and 19, 2018 at Columbia College.

The finalists (with most recent position held) are listed below with forum times:

 

Dr. Santanu Bandyopadhyay – (Wednesday, April 18, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Dogwood Forum Building)

(Executive Vice President of Educational Programs and Student Services, Cypress College – Cypress CA)

 

Dr. James Todd – (Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. in the Dogwood Forum Building)

(Vice President of Student Services at Modesto Junior College – Modesto, CA)

The search committee was chaired by Dr. Melissa Raby, Vice President of Student Services, Columbia College. Initial interviews were completed April 6, 2018 and the names of the two finalists have been forwarded to Chancellor Yong and the YCCD Board of Trustees.

Open forums have been scheduled on April 18 and April 19 in the Dogwood Forum, Columbia College, 11600 Columbia College Drive, Sonora. The forum on April 18 will be from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., the forum on April 19 will be from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Each finalist will be given an opportunity to discuss their preparation for the position, their education and leadership philosophy, concluding with a time to respond to questions from the forum attendees. The forums are open to the public and community members are warmly invited to attend.

Profiles:

Dr. Santanu Bandyopadhyay

(Forum date/time: April 18, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

Education:

• Ph.D. in Higher Education, Ohio University
• MBA, Ohio University
• B.S. in Physics, Kolkata University

Professional Experience:

• Executive Vice President of Educational Programs and Student Services, Cypress College
• Director of Institutional Research and Planning, Cypress College
• Budget and Policy Analyst, Ohio University

 

Dr. James Todd

(Forum date/time: April 19, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)

Education:

• Ph.D. and M.A in Cultural Anthropology, University of California, Santa Cruz
• M.A. in Anthropology, The George Washington University
• B.A. in Anthropology, New College of the University of South Florida
• A.A. in General Studies, Brevard Community College

Professional Experience:

• Vice President of Student Services, Modesto Junior College
• Professor of Anthropology and Academic Senate President, Modesto Junior College

The Symphony of the Sierra 2018 Spring Concert will be held at Columbia College, Dogwood Forum, at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. The repertoire provides a wonderful introduction to orchestral music for children, while being complex enough to satisfy the seasoned classical ear.

The orchestra is excited to be performing the fourth movement of Beethoven’s 5^th Symphony, Gershwin’s American in Paris, Gounod’s Judex from Mors et Vita, and Williams’s English Folk Song Suite.

The symphony is delighted to introduce the Symphony of the Sierra Beginning Strings (a Community Education course) — performing in their first concert.  This is a free event open to the public and all are welcome.

Columbia College Foundation HONORS STUDENTS – More than $120,000 in Scholarships AWARDED

The Columbia College Foundation and its community partners will present more than $120,000 in scholarships to qualified and deserving students at the annual Columbia College Scholarship and Awards Celebration on Thursday, April 12.  The event, 4:30-5:30 pm at the Dogwood Forum on campus, features student and community speakers, musical performances and presentation of the Student of the Year awards.

Speakers at Thursday’s event include Elsie Bruno, a retired Columbia College counselor who was the college’s first scholarship coordinator, nursing student Melissa Murray who was selected 2018 Student of the Year, and re-entry student Matthew Burbey who will share his story of starting a support program to help students like himself who were formerly incarcerated.

In the 2017-2018 academic year, the Foundation and community partners awarded more than 150 scholarships to more than 90 students, totaling more than $120,000 in support for their educational expenses. Many of these scholarships are contributed by community organizations and individuals, many are offered annually through the Foundation’s endowed funds, and more than 20 each year are funded through the Foundation’s Osher Scholarship Endowment, established in partnership with the Bernard Osher Foundation, the Foundation for California Community Colleges and community donors.

Columbia College students are encouraged to apply for scholarships each fall. Criteria for awards vary depending on donors’ preferences, which include area of study, academic excellence, volunteer involvement or financial need.

“I deeply appreciate the generosity of our donors who help support the success of our students through scholarships,” noted Dr. Angela Fairchilds, College President. “For many students, this kind of support is critical in helping them persevere.  Their personal stories are very compelling”

It is a point of pride for the college to have many internal campus donors – three student clubs sponsor annual scholarships, as well as all employee groups and dozens of individual faculty members and staff.

Colette Such, Columbia College Foundation President added, “Though it’s a great amount of work for all who read scholarship applications and choose scholarship recipients, it is truly a labor of love. Their stories often bring us to tears, their work inspires us, and their futures give us hope”

 

The Columbia College Foundation is a community nonprofit established in 1972 to promote quality higher education that enriches the academic, economic, and cultural life of our community. The Foundation’s mission is to promote student success by providing community resources that support and expand educational opportunities for Columbia College students. Donations to the Columbia College Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Questions about the Foundation should be directed to Amy Nilson, Director of Development, at (209) 588-5055 or nilsona@yosemite.edu.

Columbia College will host several hundred high school students for the 18^th annual Occupational Olympics to be held on Friday, March 16, 2018. The contests will run from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with the award ceremony immediately following.

Students from Tuolumne County will compete in twelve separate events that challenge them to think critically in a contextual environment.  The events include automotive, child development, computer business applications, cosmetology, digital photography, law enforcement, entrepreneurship, hospitality management, health occupations, fire technology, forestry & natural resources, and welding.

Dr. Klaus Tenbergen, the Dean of Career Technical Education & Economic Development at Columbia College says, “The Occupational Olympics allows regional high school students to develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly, and perform effectively through CTE competitions. Over the years the number of participants has been increasing and so has the number of competitions.”

Students from Tuolumne and Calaveras County high schools are competing. The Superintendents from the participating high schools and the Columbia College President, Dr. Angela Fairchilds will be presenting the awards.

 

For more information, contact:

Dr. Klaus Tenbergen

Dean of Career Technical Education & Economic Development

tenbergenk@yosemite.edu

Office: 209.588.5142

Cell: 559.994.6434

http://gocolumbia.edu/career_technical

http://www.gocolumbia.edu/career_technical/apprenticeshipinitiative.php