Untitled 1

July 2, 2009

CHIPOLA PHI BETA LAMBDA WINS NATIONAL AWARDS

ANAHEIM, CA—The Chipola College chapter of Phi Beta Lambda won three major awards at the recent PBL National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, CA.

Chipola students Adam Duren, Jordan Hatcher, Chris Shah, Michael Ingram and Zach Jones along with adviser, Vikki Milton, attended the conference. Chipola brought home three coveted national awards. Michael Ingram won fifth place in Economic Analysis and Decision Making and ninth place in Macroeconomics. Adam Duren won sixth place in Cyber Security.

Chipola students competed with more than 1,700 top state winners from colleges and universities across the nation.

In addition to competitions and workshops, students and advisers heard keynote speaker, Frank Maquire, who as senior vice president of FedEx, helped turn the phrase "absolutely, positively overnight" from a promise to a guarantee. Maguire also served in the Executive Office of the President under both John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.

Phi Beta Lambda is a national business organization with a chapter at Chipola College. The organization strives to develop competent, aggressive business leadership, as well as, strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work. Students need not be business majors to join, as business skills are necessary in nearly every profession today.

For more information about Phi Beta Lambda, contact adviser Vikki Milton at 850-526-2761, Ext. 3371.

####

Cutline:

Chipola Photo

CHIPOLA PHI BETA LAMBDA WINS NATIONAL AWARDS—The Chipola College chapter of Phi Beta Lambda won three major awards at the recent PBL National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, CA. Michael Ingram won fifth place in Economic Analysis and Decision Making and ninth place in Macroeconomics. Adam Duren won sixth place in Cyber Security. Pictured from left, are Adam Duren, Jordan Hatcher, Chris Shah, Michael Ingram and Zach Jones.

####

July 2, 2009

CHIPOLA’S ‘BACK TO THE 80’S’ EARNS SUPERIOR RATING FROM FCCAA

MARIANNA—The Chipola College theatre’s spring performance of “Back to the 80’s…The Totally Awesome Musical!” received a Superior from the Florida Community College Activities Association.

Charles Sirmon, Chipola Theatre director, said, “We never take receiving such a great honor lightly. We are a small college that continues to succeed just as larger colleges. I’m very proud of the students and their hard work and dedication to produce such superior work.”

Respondent Jason Hedden said the Chipola show “had excellent comic timing” and noted the directing was “well structured” and the overall form and execution of the production was “extremely well done!”

FCCAA once again recognized guest choreographer Chris Manasco, noting, “The choreography was extremely impressive, well-rehearsed, creative and fun. The students demonstrated a mastery of dance skills with flawless execution and many strong vocals.”

FCCAA also gave special recognition for outstanding students Aven Pitts, Garrett Brolund, Kyndall Covington and Grace Bailey for acting and Chris Manasco for outstanding choreography.

For more information on Chipola Theatre contact Charles Sirmon at sirmonc@chipola.edu.

####

Cutline:

Chipola Photo

CHIPOLA’S ‘BACK TO THE 80’S’ EARNS SUPERIOR RATING—The Chipola College theatre’s spring performance of “Back to the 80’s…The Totally Awesome Musical!” received a Superior from the Florida Community College Activities Association.

####

July 2, 2009

SWIM LESSONS SET AT CHIPOLA

MARIANNA—Chipola College offers swimming lessons for ages four and up.

Lessons are based on a combination of nationally-recognized methods. The following sessions are scheduled: Session 3: July 13-23; and Session 4: Aug. 3-13. Classes are available at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. Sessions are Monday through Thursday for two weeks of 45-minute lessons. Cost is $45. Pre-registration is required with a $5 late registration fee.

Infant and Preschool Swimming lessons for children 3 and under will meet July 27-29 with classes available at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Cost is $30. An Adult Swimming class may be scheduled by request with 5 or more students.

For information, call pool manager Rance Massengill at 718-2473.

####

July 2, 2009

Cutline:

Chipola Photo

FRIENDS OF SAM MITCHELL PREPARE FOR EVENT—“Friends of Sam Mitchell" (pictured) gathered recently to kick off plans for a dinner and dance celebrating Big Sam’s life set for Aug. 29 at the National Guard Armory in Marianna. “Big Sam,” developed a larger than life persona during his 40-year career as a coach, principal and father figure to thousands of children in Vernon and Washington County. The event is sponsored by the Chipola Appreciation Club with proceeds going to establish a scholarship in Mitchell’s honor. For information, call at 850-718-2375.

####

July 8, 2009

CHIPOLA COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID PROCESSING DEADLINE IS AUGUST 3

MARIANNA, FL— The Chipola College Financial Aid Office strongly encourages students to file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete their financial aid file by August 3, 2009.

“The first step in obtaining financial aid is for students and families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA),” says Dr. Jayne Roberts, Dean of Enrollment Services at Chipola College. “The FAFSA form will determine eligibility for financial aid, such as Pell Grants, work-study programs and student loans.”

“It is very important that students and families pay attention to deadline dates when applying for financial aid and scholarships,” reminds Roberts. “Some college financial aid options have limited funding; therefore, the ‘early bird gets the worm’ philosophy will apply.”

To meet the processing deadline, students and families are encouraged to submit their FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure it is processed by the deadline date. Tax information for both the college-bound student and parents is needed when completing the FAFSA form. The FAFSA form can be completed electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Chipola College school code is 001472.

All students seeking Financial Aid at Chipola College must have applied to FASFA and submitted the required paperwork to the Financial Aid Office by August 3 in order to use financial aid to pay tuition for Fall 2009. If a student is not eligible for financial aid or if they have not completed their financial aid file by August 3, other arrangements must be made to pay for tuition and books.

Financial Aid Checklist to be completed by August 3:

1. To avoid delays, apply at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

2. Complete the application thoroughly, carefully and promptly.

3. Keep a copy of all documents used to complete the application.

4. Submit additional requested information to the Chipola College Financial Aid Office promptly.

For more information, contact the Chipola College Financial Aid Office at 850-718-2366.

####

July 13, 2009

CHIPOLA TO HOST GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY TUESDAY

MARIANNA—The Chipola College District Board of Trustees will host a Groundbreaking Ceremony, Tuesday, July 21, at 4:30 p.m., to mark the beginning of construction of the Chipola Center for the Arts.

The ceremony will be held on Prough Drive just off River Forest Road.

For information, call 718-2264.

####

July 16, 2009

CHIPOLA STUDENTS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW SCHOLARSHIPS

MARIANNA—Chipola College students may get some help with tuition and books this Fall thanks to a new grant for students interested in computers and information technology.

Officials from Florida’s Great Northwest on July 13 announced the organization’s investment of $1,150,000 to be used for scholarships in information technology (IT) and engineering programs at seven community colleges and universities in the Panhandle.

Chipola is participating in the scholarship program along with the University of West Florida, Pensacola Junior College, Northwest Florida State College, Gulf Coast Community College, Tallahassee Community College and Florida State University.

Chipola is the recipient of $50,000 to promote and fund scholarships for students enrolled in several computer-related programs. Scholarships are available for Associate in Arts (AA) degrees in Computer Science and Information Technology. AA students typically take classes for two years and then transfer to a university to complete the junior and senior years of a bachelor’s degree.

Associate in Science (AS) degrees in Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Information Technology, and Networking Services Technology are also included among the eligible programs. AS degrees are designed to prepare students for careers after taking one to two years of courses.

Scholarships are also available for Workforce Certificate program in Computer Systems Technology which can be completed in as little as one year.

Chipola president Dr. Gene Prough, said, “These scholarships couldn't come at a better time for our students. This is a positive example of what can happen when the Panhandle colleges work together for the good of all. Such cooperative efforts can help ensure that Chipola and other regional colleges get their fair share of resources during tough economic times. We look forward to working with the Panhandle colleges on other joint projects in the future.”

Florida’s Great Northwest provides leadership in economic and workforce development in 16 counties in Northwest Florida from Pensacola through Tallahassee. The group’s primary mission is to help create a diversified and sustainable economy that creates nationally and globally competitive advantages for the development of key industries, increases the income and prosperity of workers and families, and preserves the region’s vibrant quality of life.

Research conducted by the group has identified information technology and engineering as critical support industries for growing a knowledge-based economy in Northwest Florida and for supporting the growth in technology-based businesses such as aerospace and defense, medical technologies, health services, and renewable energy. The study revealed a dramatic shortage of graduates from certification through graduate degrees in computer engineering, industrial engineering, computer specialist programs, and engineering technician programs in Northwest Florida as well as at state and national levels.

The study also revealed that while sufficient IT and engineering courses are already offered throughout the region, there are not enough graduates from the programs to meet the region’s growing demand. Florida’s Great Northwest developed the post-secondary scholarship program to spur enrollment in the region’s existing IT and engineering programs.

“IT and engineering are driving forces in the expansion of Northwest Florida’s increasingly high-tech, knowledge-based industries,” said Al Wenstrand, president of Florida’s Great Northwest. “The businesses in the region have identified a critical workforce need, confirmed by the Haas Center study. Through partnerships with the region’s post-secondary institutions, we are attempting to meet that need by growing a workforce from within Northwest Florida.”

A unique college alliance, the Northwest Florida Consortium, will use the grant to award some 378 scholarships to IT and engineering students. Eligible programs range from certification to master’s degree and span programs such as Master of Science in Software Engineering and Database Systems, Associate’s in Computer Engineering, Networking Services, Technical support as well as Certificates in Technology Systems, Information Technology Management, Web Development, and Computer Programming, among others. The consortium will match the $1 million grant with $2,631,935 for a total program investment of more than $3.5 million.

At Chipola, WIRED Scholarships may fund all or part of costs for tuition, fees, textbooks and software. These funds may be awarded only to students in technology or computer-related majors or programs of study. The new scholarships may be awarded in addition to other scholarships or grants. However, the selection panel will also consider other funds available to students through the Foundation or Financial Aid Office. The scholarships will be available only for the 2009-2010 school year and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as qualified applicants are identified.

For information about WIRED scholarships at Chipola College, contact Gail Hartzog or Pat Barfield at 850-718-2342 or email: hartzogg@chipola.edu or Nancy Burns at 850-718-3210 or email: burnsn@chipola.edu

####

Cutline:

Chipola Photo

CHIPOLA STUDENTS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW SCHOLARSHIPS—Chipola College students may get some help with tuition and books this Fall thanks to a new grant for students interested in computers and information technology. Officials from Florida’s Great Northwest on July 13 announced the organization’s investment of $1,150,000 to be used for scholarships in information technology (IT) and engineering programs at seven community colleges and universities in the Panhandle. Pictured from left, are: Dr. Ed Meadows, President, Pensacola Junior College; Dr. Gene Prough, President, Chipola College; Al Wenstrand, President, Florida’s Great Northwest; Dr. Judy Bense, President, University of West Florida; Dr. Jill White, Interim President, Northwest Florida State College; Dr. James Kerley, President, Gulf Coast Community College; and Fred Leopold, Chairman of the Executive Committee. For information about WIRED for Technology scholarships at Chipola College, contact Gail Hartzog or Pat Barfield at 850-718-2342 or email: hartzogg@chipola.edu or Nancy Burns at 850-718-3210 or email: burnsn@chipola.edu

####

July 16, 2009

Chipola Financial Aid Processing Deadline is August 3

MARIANNA—Students planning to enroll in Chipola College this Fall are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete their financial aid file by Aug. 3.

“The first thing students and families need to do in order to apply for financial aid is to complete the FAFSA,” says Dr. Jayne Roberts, Chipola Dean of Enrollment Services. “The FAFSA form will determine eligibility for financial aid, such as Pell Grants, work-study programs and student loans. It is very important that students and families pay attention to deadline dates when applying for financial aid and scholarships,” reminds Roberts. “Some financial aid options have limited funding; therefore, the ‘early bird gets the worm’ philosophy will apply.”

To meet the Aug. 3 processing deadline, students are encouraged to submit

the FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure it can be processed by the deadline. Tax information for both the college-bound student and parents is needed when completing the FAFSA.

The FAFSA can be completed electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Chipola College school code is 001472.

All students seeking Financial Aid must have completed the FASFA and submitted the required paperwork to the Chipola Financial Aid Office in order to use financial aid to pay tuition for the Fall 2009 semester. Students who are not eligible for financial aid or who have not completed their financial aid file by Aug. 3, must make other arrangements to pay for tuition and books.

To avoid delays, students are encouraged to: (1) apply at www.fafsa.ed.gov; (2) complete the application thoroughly and promptly; (3) keep a copy of all documents used to complete the application (4) submit additional requested information to the Chipola Financial Aid Office promptly.

For information about Financial Aid, visit www.chipola.edu, or phone 850-718-2366.

####

July 16, 2009

CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES SET AT CHIPOLA

MARIANNA—Chipola College will offer a variety of short courses in the coming weeks.

A Child Growth & Development course will meet Mondays, Aug. 24 through Dec. 7 from 6 to 9:00 p.m. Cost is $210. An Internship course will meet Thursdays, Aug. 27 through Dec. 10 from 6 to 9:00 p.m. Cost is $210. An Early Care & Education Administrative Overview course will meet Tuesdays, Aug. 25 through Dec. 8 from 6 to 9:00 p.m. Cost is $210.

Chipola also offers custom workshops. The following are available: Eat That Frog: Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done; Whale Done: The Power of Positive Relationships; The Pygmalion Effect: Managing the Power of Expectations; Discussing Performance; The Attitude Virus: Curing Negativity in the Workplace; Team Building: What makes a Good Team Player?; and After All, You’re the Supervisor!

Gatlin Education Services (GES) offers, open enrollment, online courses in: health care, internet graphics/web design, business, law and travel. Register online at www.gatlineducation.com/chipola.

Education To Go offers online programs in: computers, photography, languages, writing, entertainment, grant writing, business, sales, accounting, test prep, finance, health, child care, parenting, art, history, psychology, literature, statistics, philosophy, engineering, law and nursing. For dates and course outlines, visit www.ed2go.com/chipola .

For information about any of these non-credit courses, call 850-718-2395.

####

July 16, 2009

THE EMBERS TO PERFORM AT BIG SAM EVENT

MARIANNA—National recording group The Embers, a Raleigh, NC, band renowned for its exciting renditions of nostalgic beach music, will perform at a dinner and dance celebrating the life of the late Rep. Big Sam Mitchell on Aug. 29 at the National Guard Armory in Marianna.

For decades The Embers have been making music by playing a mix of rhythm and blues and heart and soul. Best known for symbolizing “beach music,” they have opened for the Rolling Stones, done commercials for Budweiser, played the Olympics and President Clinton's inauguration, and created the soundtrack for endless summers.

The Sam Mitchell event is sponsored by the Friends of Sam Mitchell and the Chipola Appreciation Club with proceeds going to establish a scholarship in Mitchell’s honor.

Tickets are $75 per person. For information, call at 850-718-2375.

####

Cutline:

Chipola Photo

EMBERS TO PERFORM AT SAM MITCHELL EVENT—National recording group The Embers, a Raleigh, NC, band renowned for its exciting renditions of nostalgic beach music, will perform at a dinner and dance celebrating the life of the late Rep. Big Sam Mitchell on Aug. 29 at the National Guard Armory in Marianna. For information, call at 850-718-2375.

####

July 16, 2009

CHIPOLA TO HOST GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY TUESDAY

The ceremony will be held on Prough Drive just off River Forest Road.

For information, call 718-2264.

####

July 16, 2009

Chipola Financial Aid Processing Deadline is August 3

MARIANNA—Students planning to enroll in Chipola College this Fall are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete their financial aid file by Aug. 3.

To meet the Aug. 3 processing deadline, students are encouraged to submit

the FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure it can be processed by the deadline. Tax information for both the college-bound student and parents is needed when completing the FAFSA.

The FAFSA can be completed electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Chipola College school code is 001472.

For information about Financial Aid, visit www.chipola.edu, or phone 850-718-2366.

####

July 16, 2009

CHIPOLA TO HOST GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY TUESDAY

The ceremony will be held on Prough Drive just off River Forest Road.

For information, call 718-2264.

####

July 20, 2009

CHIPOLA TO HOST GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY TUESDAY

The ceremony will be held on Prough Drive just off River Forest Road.

For information, call 718-2264.

####

July 21, 2009

CHIPOLA BOARD BREAKS GROUND FOR CENTER FOR THE ARTS

MARIANNA—The Chipola College Center for the Arts moved one step closer to opening night Tuesday when the Chipola District Board of Trustees broke ground to begin construction of the $16 million project.

Chipola president Dr. Gene Prough, said, “The new center for the arts is the largest building project in the history of the college. This will be a showplace for the performing arts in the Panhandle. We want to thank Rep. Marti Coley and the rest of our legislative delegation for supporting this project for our students and community.”

The center is to be constructed on the college’s new access road, Prough Drive, just off River Forest Road.

According to Joan Stadsklev, Chipola Director of Fine and Performing Arts, the theatre within the center will seat around 650 with a balcony, and will include new dressing rooms, a scene shop and costume shop. An art gallery and reception area is planned, along with a small concession area. The most intriguing feature of the new complex is a “black box” theater especially for theater audiences of 100 or less.

“The public will enjoy the fine and performing artistic work of our students in theatre, music, and art in the new 650-seat proscenium theatre, black box theatre, recital hall, and art galleries. The space also will provide a strong artistic venue for the Chipola Artist Series and visiting art exhibits. Arts patrons will truly enjoy an aesthetically-pleasing and total artistic experience from the moment they enter the center grounds through the final curtain,” Stadsklev said.

Chipola Capital Projects and Contracts Administrator Louy Harris reported that the 56,000 square foot center has an estimated 600 days for completion. “This is what’s known as a ‘design-build’ project which brings an architect and contractor together to complete the project from conception to completion within the budget,” Harris said. The construction firm of Allstate/Southland of Tallahassee was selected as the Design/Build Team to provide design, permitting, and construction services for the two-year project.

Chipola Theater Director Charles Sirmon says, “This is the culmination of five years of planning and dreaming. The larger theater will enable us to stage big musicals and accommodate large crowds. The size of the theater will also enhance our educational theater outreach program so that more students will be able to enjoy theater. I’m very excited about the black box theater which will give students the opportunity to work on a smaller stage and produce their own work.”

Sirmon says the technical side of theater also will be greatly enhanced with state-of-the-art systems for rigging, hanging, lighting and set construction facilities.

The college enlisted the services of Theatre Consultant Robert Lorelli of New York, who has assisted with a number of major theatre design plans.

The new center will replace the current 350-seat theater which was constructed in 1958. The old theater is short on space and even shorter on restroom facilities. Set construction is now performed outside weather-permitting. Insufficient dressing room space and the absence of a costume shop are just some of the challenges in the current theater.

The Chipola Theater is a busy place with an estimated 10,000 visitors per year. In addition to three annual college theater productions, the theater also is home to four annual artist series events and other performances for thousands of area school children.

####

Cutline:

Chipola Photo

CHIPOLA BOARD BREAKS GROUND FOR CENTER FOR THE ARTS --The Chipola College Center for the Arts moved one step closer to opening night Tuesday when the Chipola District Board of Trustees broke ground to begin construction of the $16 million project.

####

Attachment—Artist’s rendering of the new Chipola Center for the Arts.

July 23, 2009

CHIPOLA FALL APPLICATION DEADLINE IS AUG. 3

MARIANNA—Aug. 3 is the application deadline for new students planning to enroll in Fall semester classes at Chipola College.

Chipola's open-door policy guarantees acceptance to any student with a standard high school diploma or its equivalent. Prospective students should complete a college application which is available in the Office of Admissions and Records, or online at www.chipola.edu. Students also must provide an official high school and college transcript.

College officials recently announced the addition of two condensed terms to help students in scheduling. Terms A and B both begin Aug. 24. Term A runs Aug. 24 through Dec. 16. Term B classes are Aug. 24 through Oct. 15. Term C runs Oct. 16 through Dec 16.

In addition to new terms, the college will continue to offer most courses on a four day schedule with Fridays off. Friday-only classes also are scheduled which meet only one day per week. The college also has added a dozen new online courses.

Chipola offers day and evening courses, as well as independent study and online courses. Chipola has expanded its offerings to include more than 40 individual programs, including BS, AA, AS, AAS, Workforce Certificates and Continuing Education programs.

The college offers eight Bachelor of Science (BS) degree programs, including: Business Management, Elementary Education, Mathematics Education (5-9 or 6-12), Science Education (5-9 or 6-12), Exceptional Student Education and RN to BSN in Nursing. The Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) offers Teacher Certification for those with a B.S. in a non-teaching field.

The majority of Chipola students are enrolled in the Associate in Arts (AA) Degree program designed for students who plan to complete their first two years of college work at Chipola and then transfer to a four year program at Chipola or another college or university. Credits earned are transferable and are applicable toward a bachelor’s degree. Curriculum guides which outline requirements for specific majors are available from Student Services and are located on the college website at www.chipola.edu.

Workforce Development Certificate programs, include: Automotive Service Technology, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Computer Systems Technology, Correctional Officer, Cosmetology, Corrections, Firefighting and Law Enforcement. Some workforce and certificate programs feature open enrollment which allows students to enroll whenever the college is in session.

Chipola offers more than a dozen Associate in Science (AS) degrees which provide professional training associated with specific careers. These include: Business Administration, Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Information Technology, Criminal Justice Technology (Corrections/Law Enforcement and Crime Scene Investigation), Culinary Management, Early Childhood Education, Fire Science Technology, Networking Services Technology, Nursing (RN and LPN) and Recreation Technology. One Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree program in Criminal Justice Technology is available.

Three College Credit Certificate programs are offered in Child Care Center Management, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic.

A variety of continuing education programs are available on campus in areas ranging from Child Care to Real Estate. Through partnerships with www.ed2go.com and www.gatlineducation.com, Chipola offers online courses in courses such as health care, internet graphics/web design, business and law.

For information about enrolling at Chipola, call the Admission and Records office at 850-718-2311.

####

Cutline:

Chipola Photo

CHIPOLA FALL APPLICATION DEADLINE—Aug. 3 is the application deadline for new students planning to enroll in Fall semester classes at Chipola College. Here, a group of students study in the college ACE lab. Terms A and B both begin Aug. 24. Term A runs Aug. 24 through Dec. 16. Term B classes are Aug. 24 through Oct. 15. Term C runs Oct. 16 through Dec 16. For information, call the Admission and Records office at 850-718-2311.

####

July 23, 2009

CHIPOLA BOARD RESOLVES BARGAINING IMPASSE

MARIANNA—The Chipola College District Board of Trustees resolved the impasse in negotiations between the administration and the college faculty during the board’s regular monthly meeting on July 21.

The board unanimously adopted a motion imposing the language proposed by the college administration for Article 6 which covers faculty work hours and article 12 which covers compensation.

The board agreed with the magistrate’s rejection of the faculty proposal to reduce faculty workload from 72 to 60 point workload. The board also agreed with the magistrate’s rejection of the faculty’s proposal to reduce the faculty work week from 35 to 25 hours. Under the contract approved by the board, the faculty workload will remain at 72 points and faculty will continue to work 35 hours per week in the Fall and Spring terms and 30 hours per week during summer sessions.

The board also approved the magistrate’s recommendation on “first-right-of refusal” which prevents a faculty member from replacing or “bumping” an adjunct instructor that has been employed to teach a class.

The board also approved language in the contract which provides that the total number of hours on campus for nursing faculty in overload status shall be equal to the scheduled hours of assigned classes, labs and clinicals. The board also authorized the college president to add up to 15 % to the base contract of faculty employed in areas of critical need.

Chipola president Dr. Gene Prough said, “We are pleased that the Board of Trustees acted in the best interest of our students. We agree with the special magistrate’s report that funding the faculty’s proposals would not have been in the best interest of the employees, or the students and community they serve.”

####

July 23, 2009

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR BIG SAM EVENT

MARIANNA—“Big Sam,” Mitchell as he was known for more than 40 years of state service, will be honored at a ceremony, dinner and dance celebrating his life on Aug. 29 at the National Guard Armory in Marianna.

The event will pay tribute to the former Florida legislator’s legacy while raising funds to create a perpetual scholarship in his name at Chipola, where he played on the college’s first football and basketball teams in 1947.

Mitchell was a life-long friend of the late Chipola coach Milton H. Johnson. Both attended Livingston College (now the University of West Alabama) in the late 1940’s.

            Mitchell began his coaching duties at Campbellton High in 1952-53 off with a bang with a first-year season record of 24 wins and only two losses. His coaching job was short-lived at Campbellton, however, as he was called to service in the United States Army.
            Returning home from military duty, Mitchell established himself at Vernon High School, where he completed an overall career record as a basketball coach of 396-59. As a football coach, Mitchell compiled an impressive record of 113 wins and only 17 losses.
            He distinguished himself as the only coach in Florida to coach both the basketball and football All-Star Games. He was chosen Florida Coach of the Year in 1957, and in football in 1960-61. Mitchell’s basketball team won the state basketball championship in 1957.
            Mitchell was appointed principal of Vernon High School during the school year 1967-68 and served until 1977. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Florida High School Activities Association from 1968-1975, and was elected vice-president form 1975-1977.
            He served in the Florida Legislature for more than 20 years, receiving many legislative awards. He completed his term as speaker pro tempore during the 1988-1990 sessions. After retiring in 1994, he worked with the Florida Lakes Department for three years.
            Mitchell was born in Chipley in 1929. He married Nellie Henders on Sept. 4, 1951, and they had two children, Brenda and Sammie Jean. After retirement he settled down in Vernon, where he ran a small seafood business as a hobby, which allowed him to make new friends until his death in 2003.

The event will begin with a social at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Entertainment will begin at 8 p.m., featuring the world-famous Embers, the Raleigh, NC, band renowned for its exciting renditions of nostalgic "beach music.” Also appearing will be a 1960’s era band, the Villagers, which includes several Chipola alumni.

Tickets are $75 per person which includes a smoked-steak dinner and social hour.

For ticket information on the event, call Lillie Hamil at 718-2375.

####

July 23, 2009

Cutline:

Chipola Photo

O’Bryan IS TOP EMPLOYEE—Shanda O’Bryan is Chipola College’s Career Employee for August. O’Bryan serves as a Director of Accounting Services in the Business Office and has worked at the college since 1994. Here, O’Bryan is congratulated by Chipola Vice President of Finance Steve Young.

####

July 23, 2009

CHIPOLA BOARD RESOLVES BARGAINING IMPASSE

The board unanimously adopted a motion imposing the language proposed by the college administration for Article 6 which covers faculty work hours and article 12 which covers compensation.

####

July 30, 2009

CHIPOLA SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR COMPUTER MAJORS

MARIANNA—College students interested in computers and information technology are encouraged to apply for a new scholarship program at Chipola College.

Chipola is the recipient of a $50,000 grant to promote and fund scholarships for students enrolled in several computer-related programs.

Officials from Florida’s Great Northwest recently announced the organization’s investment of $1,150,000 to be used for scholarships at seven colleges, including Chipola, University of West Florida, Pensacola Junior College, Northwest Florida State College, Gulf Coast Community College, Tallahassee Community College and Florida State University.

Scholarships are available for Associate in Arts (AA) degrees in Computer Science and Information Technology. AA students typically take classes for two years and then transfer to a university to complete the junior and senior years of a bachelor’s degree.

Scholarships are also available for Workforce Certificate program in Computer Systems Technology which can be completed in as little as one year.

The new Scholarships may fund all or part of costs for tuition, fees, textbooks and software for students in technology or computer-related majors or programs of study. The scholarships may be awarded in addition to other scholarships or grants; however, the selection panel will also consider other funds available to students through the Foundation or Financial Aid Office. The scholarships will be available only for the 2009-10 school year and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as qualified applicants are identified.

Registration for Fall classes at Chipola is Aug. 19-21. Classes begin Aug. 24.

For information about the scholarships at Chipola, contact Gail Hartzog or Pat Barfield at 850-718-2342 or email: hartzogg@chipola.edu or Nancy Burns at 850-718-3210 or email: burnsn@chipola.edu

####

Cutline:

Chipola Photo

CHIPOLA SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR COMPUTER MAJORS--College students interested in computers and information technology are encouraged to apply for a new scholarship program at Chipola College. Here, Robbie Glawson of Chattahoochee, works on a campus computer. For information about the scholarships, contact Gail Hartzog or Pat Barfield at 850-718-2342 or email: hartzogg@chipola.edu or Nancy Burns at 850-718-3210 or email: burnsn@chipola.edu

####