Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles – March 18, 2016
I hope you enjoyed your spring break—although the term “break” may not apply! We had students active in conferences: the Women Student Union attended the Women in Tech Summit in D.C., and the Viking News attended the College Media Association Convention in New York City. We hosted 325 high school students and teachers who were part of the BOCES Young Authors Conference, more than 100 guests attended the Native Plant Center’s landscape conference, and our own staff participated in Staff Development Day that included a keynote from IBM Vice President and SUNY Trustee Stan Litlow. I appreciate staff’s commitment to professional development and their contributions to making this college great.
Staff Development Day included the presentation of Staff Excellence Awards made possible by the Westchester Community College Foundation. This year’s recipients are Associate Registrar Roselle Simonetti and Division Secretary John Sheridan. Roselle is a 19-year veteran of the college who completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees while working full time. She has been involved in key college committees such as Middle States and various others and has been instrumental in PeopleSoft system administration. John has seven years of experience in student services and business operations across a variety of settings including the English Language Institute, Ossining Extension, Extension Services, Department of Business, and now the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
The Board of Trustees met on Wednesday and adopted a new shared governance policy called Collaborative Decision Making. The policy was developed collaboratively among the trustees, administration, faculty, staff, and students and is attached.
Trustees also approved emeritus status for two distinguished faculty members: Professor John Christensen and Professor Lou Rotando. Professor Christensen has served this college for 41 years and has made an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of students. He has held important posts as curriculum chair, department chair, and has been honored with a SUNY Chancellor’s Excellence Award in Service. Professor Rotando has served for 50 years as a teacher, scholar, and campus leader that consistently kept the best interests of students at the forefront. He was twice recognized with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for both Teaching and Service. The Board unanimously approved emeritus status in recognition of their significant service and contribution to the college’s mission. We join them in honoring their service and look forward to recognizing them further in more public ways.
Thanks for making it a great week.
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President