Richland College Green Commons

To: Larry Polk, HAD; Aliene Pylant, Disabilities Services; Randy Conine, WLCC; and Bill Matter, WLCC
From: Erin O’Brien, student

This past Thursday, on my birthday no less, Columbia called me to let me know I have been accepted! I have since received my acceptance packet, and I am still finding out about scholarship payments, but I am definitely going to New York, one way or another! I just wanted to write to you all to let you know that every one of you was vital in helping me make this dream a reality. Thank you for all the inspiration, advice, guidance, and support. I could not have done this without help, and I will always remember my time at Richland with happiness and fond memories. As I journey forward into this new realm, I will never forget how I got here, and who helped me. Thank you all! New York or bust!

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To: Kristyn Edney, RCHS
From: Trudi Swedlund, WLCC
I was surprised Monday at how many RCHS students enrolled in my May Term Spch 1311 class. There are about 19 or 20 of them out of 25. I admit I had some trepidation because I had not had much experience with that huge percentage (a few scattered here and there in regular term classes) except to substitute for a colleague when her mother was dying. After the first day of class and somewhat shell shocked, I wondered if I could make it through until June 4.

Then yesterday… a great day. Today…a greater day (most made As and Bs on their first exam and their speeches blew me out of the water). Enthusiasm, idealism, humor, smart, quick, kind, helpful.. the list goes on. And then in looking over this crop of juniors and hearing their speeches about their transformations this last year, I realized why your high school is exemplary and deserves to be so. These students are “getting it” on a deeper level than most of my college students. Know that you and your staff (and of course the teachers) are making a huge difference in their lives. With this booster rocket and the trajectory you have set them on, they will make our world better for their having been in it, I am sure now.

I told Sherry Dean on the first day of class that I felt like I was in the midst of stepping over a bunch of frisky puppies while corralling kittens. True, with this lot. But they are thoroughbred puppies and kittens.

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To: Fonda Vera, Bao Huynh, and Mary Jo Dondlinger, Institutional Effectiveness
From: Zarina Blankenbaker, Administration

On behalf of Academic Council, I would like to express a special thank you for the outstanding job you do each day. You are indeed the epitome of servant leadership. You are obliging, accommodating, and exemplify excellence in responding to the myriad of requests/questions/thoughts/ideas that come from us. More importantly, you ask the hard questions that cause us to reflect on our role in how we affect student success and improve performance. Please know how much we appreciate you!

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To: Mary Jo Dondlinger, Institutional Effectiveness
From: Susan Barkley, WLCC

Thank you so much for leading the appreciative inquiry session at our ESOL discipline retreat. We found it to be both inspirational and motivating. We appreciate your taking time out of your busy schedule during convocation week to help us envision possibilities for our discipline. This is a comment from one of our faculty members, “I just want to thank you for the wonderful work you did with our ESOL team on Thursday. You have a real gift for facilitating discussion and for making people feel valued and real.”

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To: Janet James, Administration, and Bethany Wright
From: Debi Ruiz Esparza, Humanities, Fine & Performing Arts

I wanted to commend Bethany Wright for solving a crisis today. I went to check the classroom for my Film Appreciation class only to find that it had six windows (and of course the blinds didn’t work). Very difficult to teach a Film class when the screen is washed out with light. I spoke with Janice in the Humanities Division Office who recommended that I talk to Bethany. By then it was 4 p.m. on the first day of class and not only did she answer the phone with a pleasant, helpful tone but she was able to find a classroom in Del Rio that perfectly suits the class. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciated her attitude and assistance.

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To: Nancy Rice, Educational Information Technology
From: Randy Conine, WLCC

My class met today in D212 (where you moved it from the too-small M214), and, sure enough, there it was — available. What wonderful and helpful service you provided my students and me! I bow before you! I bow before you!

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To: RCHS
From: Roland Le Grand, former RCHS student

School is going great here at the University of Illinois. I am enjoying every minute of it. Although I was unsure if this was the right school before I got here, five weeks in I am glad I am here. Academically this university is much harder than any class I took at Richland, however I believe taking 18+ hours each semester at Richland has helped prepare me for U of I. As a matter of fact I am only taking a meager 17 credit hours this semester, imagine all the free time I must have! Although U of I lacks in the quantity of classes it more than compensates by the quality and difficulty of classes. It is a challenge here, but a mountain worth climbing. Good luck RCHS ‘10 and I wish to express my gratitude to all the counselors and advisers in the RCHS office.

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Letters

Dear Martha Hogan (School of Engineering, Business and Information Technology),

Jeremy Roden and Casey came to our career day at Weaver Elementary last week and they were the hit of the day. Jeremy did an excellent job of explaining to our fifth graders his presentation and they really enjoyed it! They also like seeing the ‘game in progress’ that Casey explained to them. It is obvious that Jeremy is a great teacher and he was able to pull the students into his presentation. Our teacher’s knew he must have been trained as a teacher as it was so evident as he spoke with our students. We are so thankful that Richland allows opportunities for their faculty to speak outside of the campus setting.

Sincerely,
Stacey Dupree
Weaver Elementary

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Dear Stephen Mittelstet (Administration),

I wanted to let you know what a pleasure it has been working with you on the Richland College Science Building. Richland College continues to be one of the most outstanding community colleges in the country and the new Science Building will add to that recognition. The faculty and professional staff at Richland are a great resource to our community. I hope our office has the opportunity of working with you again.

Sincerely,
Linda Tycher
RLA, ASLA, Principal

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Dear Stephen Mittelstet (Administration),

I want to thank you for taking part in the Broader Middle East and North Africa Community and Technical College Symposium. Your presentation was an integral component of a dynamic agenda and inspired a very constructive conversation about promising strategies for expanding quality postsecondary education and training options in the BMENA region. The depth of your knowledge and expertise was evident in the insights, recommendations and stories that you shared. Many BMENA representatives approached me to comment on your expertise and expressed their appreciation for having had the opportunity to learn about your work.

I am honored to have been part of such a distinguished delegation of community college leaders. The work that you do every day is a testament to the inherent strength of our community and technical college system and our shared commitment to educational excellence and equity. We could not have assembled a more qualified cadre of educational ambassadors to represent the United States and to extend President Obama’s message about new beginnings and new partnerships in the Middle East. To the extent that our symposium was the first significant event in the wake of President Obama’s historic speech to the Arab world, you participate in an important piece of history.

I am encouraged by the level of interest in community colleges and career and technical education among our BMENA colleagues and have confidence that the partnerships that were forged in AMMan will grow and flourish.

Sincerely,
Glenn Cummings

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Dear Bonnie Hueston (Educational Transitions),

My daughter Grace graduated from RCHS last week. She not only got her high school diploma but an Associate’s degree. During the graduation celebration, photographs of the past two years were projected on the big screen and signaled the end of her high school years. At that moment, my eyes filled with tears as memories came to mind. Time flies. I recalled the Grace took her Accuplacer because she wanted to take Government during Summer 1 at Richland College two years ago. She took her exam results to your office for course enrollment. At that time, we saw a lot of students lining up across the hall and asked you why they were there instead of enrolling for a summer class. You then introduced the concept of RCHS in a detailed way to us even though some students were waiting outside your office for summer classes enrollment. We were pretty amazed by such a new concept. At that time, I struggled a lot in deciding if RCHS was the right fit for my daughter. I asked you a question: Do you think a 16 year old girl can finish 2 years of classes and simultaneously get her Associate’s degree? Your answer was, “If she is determined to do it, she can make it.” Now Grace has proven your words to me by graduating with an Associate’s degree. She has even been admitted to Rice. I am taking this chance before the school closes to express our sincere thanks to you. If you had never provided your words of encouragement, I don’t think Grace would have had a chance to get into her dream university. Even though you are not lecturing in classes, you still provide good guidance to students. Thank you once again.

Sincerely,
Samuel Chow

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Dear Jennifer Owen, Cris Bay-Andersen, Scott Kelly (Humanities, Fine & Performing Arts),
I want to thank you for giving us the best sound we’ve ever had on stage (at the Emeritus Kickoff). We’ve had good and we’ve had bad; but you are the best. I feel the program went real well, and we had high CD sales. I hope I have the chance to work with you again sometime in the future. Also, tell your assistants they were great.

Sincerely,
Lu Mitchell

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Dear Tameika Williams (Multicultural Center),

You helped my son register for classes last night and I wanted to say thank you again. You are the true spirit of what a counselor should be! I feel like you did everything you could for my son and then some. You offered options, were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, just the best. Please forward this email to your supervisor so they will know what a valued employee they have in you! The entire school system everywhere, needs many more people like you! Thank you again!

Best regards,
Louann and Dillon Krause

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Dear Roy Bond (Administration),

Thank you for assisting me in learning more about Richland’s amazing accomplishment in earning the Baldrige Award. I sincerely appreciate your willingness to help me.

Thank you for everything,
Tiffanie Douglas

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Dear Cindy Castañeda (Ethnic Studies, Social Science and Physical Education),

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to you for arranging for our TexPREP students to visit your campus and enjoy your facilities. They were clearly engaged in listening to your personal journey and your message encouraging them to continue their education. You are inspiring.

One student, Jessica, stated that the field trip to Richland College and “swimming” was her favorite moment. Another student, Nellie, wrote that her favorite moment was “bonding with her brother in the pool.” Two other students, Eduardo and Stephan, claimed that swimming was their moment because they had lot of fun. Other students were impressed with the Planetarium.

I’m grateful for the opportunity for our young students to enjoy Richland College campus. Thank you for your excellent leadership at Richland College and for supporting our TexPREP program at Cedar Valley College.

Sincerely,
Edna White
Cedar Valley College

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Dear M.T. Hickman (HAD),

As chair of the June 4 Meeting Professionals International D/FW Chapter Technology Seminar held in the Richland College Del Rio lab, I would like to congratulate you, Nancy, the TEMM registration students, Brian and our lab technicians for a very successful educational session.

Not only was everything set up in advance and properly per our conversations, but when we needed to load all the session documents on each computer before the class, you solicited your AV staff that immediately jumped in and made it happen with us.

What a professional job you displayed to a room full of meeting professionals. Everything was fabulous and you and your staff were outstanding!

Sincerely,
Sherri Cook
Sherri Cook & Associates

To: Kenneth Hart (and staff), Facilities
From: Lorrie Anderson, Academic Advising

Jackie Reynolds, Mike Bell, and I were so thankful for the help you gave us on the spur of the moment when we needed something to accommodate our larger-than-expected crowds for our Health Professions Week. Thanks to you and your great staff for your kindness and understanding about last minute emergencies!

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To: Information Technology staff
From: Jada Hill, Math, Science & Health Professions
I just wanted to take the time to thank the wonderful people within out RLC IT Department. Ron, Dan, and Jeff were absolute jewels in helping to repair my computer (due to my being careless, I might add)! I know their “plates are always full” with very pressing issues, but these gentlemen took the time to help me and I am so grateful.
I just want to thank them for not only the work they did on my computer last week and today, but for what they do everyday — working very hard behind the scenes to make sure things run smoothly.

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To: Whitney Rosenbalm, College Communications & Marketing
From: Carol Castillo, Academic Advising

I just wanted to take a moment and give a little praise and appreciation to one of your design team members. Dianna Kozlowski is awesome. Last year she designed the brochure for Working Wonders/Gender Equity and it was exactly right on for what we wanted the brochure to be. She listened to what we wanted and was willing to make changes and very patient. This year we wanted to keep the original design just some program changes and she was so easy to work with and right on time with everything. Even when I had to call for a last minute change it was no problem. I can’t thank her enough for making this process so easy for me and the end result having a great brochure. Three cheers for Dianna.

While I’m at it let me give some cheers to your Web team as well. Randy Jensen and Leslie Wendling are great to work with and have set up a forum for us and our single parents. It’s fantastic. You rock!

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To: Whitney Rosenbalm, College Communications & Marketing
From: Eddie Hueston, Facilities

We enjoyed working with Jennifer Curtiss (on the soccer banners). She is creative, flexible, and worked well with all who were involved with this project.

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To: Keysha McCloud, Disability Services; Melinda Weaver and Candy Tafolla, Continuing Education; Luz Villegas, Community Outreach; and the student volunteers from Rising Star
From: Hilda Della Sera, Rising Star

I want to extend a very sincere thank you to those of you that gave up their Saturday to meet with the GISD support group for Hispanic parents that have children with disabilities called PHASE (Padres Hispanos Ayudando a Sobresalir los niños Especiales).

The information they received was very much appreciated and will be shared with those that were not able to attend. Thank you once again!

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To: Sherry Dean, Chuck Sheffield, and Deborah Ruiz Esparza, Humanities, Fine & Performing Arts
From: Dru Bookout, Humanities, Fine & Performing Arts

Please share with your director, cast and crew how very much Gramma Doo and the Bookout boys enjoyed Charlotte’s Web! The show was darling.

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To: Richland College
From: Chip Izard, International Business & Trade

I would like to thank the Richland staff that spent many hours working with me on making this event, the first ever hosted at Richland, a great success. This event is a creation by the US Department of Commerce and draws business from all over the country to one day events on topics of interest in International Business.

This particular event discussed Export Compliance and had panel discussions that included speakers from China, South America and Europe. The event drew over 80 business people from companies like AT&T, Baker Hughes, Camgemini, Dresser, Fujitsu, Healthpoint, L3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Mary Kay, Texas Instruments and others.

The comments heard from the attendees ranged from praise for the campus and our programs to surprise at not knowing Richland even existed. I believe we accomplished two objectives. One was to reach out and start the development of relations with the area business community, second was to make them aware of just how much of an impact Richland has in the world of International Education.

I am confident that both were accomplished. We handed out over 50 packets of material on Richland and the International business program. Richland was well received by the Department of Commerce and they have indicated that they want to include Richland as host for other events going forward. There are many who helped make this event a great success and I would like to recognize them for their dedication and hard work.

Whitney Rosenbalm and her team
Maria Chobany – She single-handedly pulled off the wonderful meal coordination including a first ever for that event, having a pianist at the lunch.
Kenneth Hart and all of Facilities for setup and breakdown of the tables
Roy Bond – for working with myself and Dr. Mittelstet on the opening remarks that were very well received by all as a tested to by the many comments I heard.
Martha Hogan for her support and guidance and participation in the event
The Richland International Business students that did an outstanding job of volunteering
Jennifer Owen and her team that provided the audio and visual with a professional flare that would rival any conference center
Bethany Wright

This was truly a campus effort and I thank you all for your support of the International Business Program.

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To: Steve Mittelstet, Administration
From: Ray Canham, Math, Science & Health Professions

At the beginning of the semester I called one of our adjuncts, Jasmina Jenciragic, to let her know that her MATH 1316 class would have a heavy contingent of RCHS students in it–that we would be violating the 25 percent guideline in that class. She replied that she did not object to that. Today she stopped me in the parking lot, on her way from the final exam, beaming, to tell me how much she had enjoyed the class, how much the RCHS students had added to the class, and how well overall that they had performed.

I frequently stop in to the Physics lab (S205) that houses the PHYS 1405 and 1407 classes that RCHS 11th grade students take, where they typically make up 80-100 percent of the class, and invariably find them working enthusiastically on their experiments. I believe the students, with their youthful exuberance, have added greatly to the Richland campus, and applaud those who have brought them here, and subsequently helped them succeed.

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To: Gary Duke, Library
From: Dru Bookout, Humanities, Fine & Performing Arts

Thanks for speaking to my public speaking class last week! You gave them valuable information in an engaging and clear presentation. I thoroughly enjoyed the session – I learned tons! I know that our LRC is the best. You are all truly “user friendly!”

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Letters

Dear Whitney Rosenbalm (College Communications & Marketing),

I said something to my staff about how I don’t understand Twitter. Next I know, one is emailing me the link to Richland College labs and the demonstration on Twitter and how I can set up to be twittered by RLC on my cell phone.

Unbelievable! How, how, HOW do you continue to be timely and brilliant!! You guys rock!

Betheny Reid
DCCCD Associate Vice Chancellor & Foundation President

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Dear Patricia Spence (Humanities, Fine & Performing Arts),

We just wanted to let you know how much this class has blessed us. We have learned so much and feel so much more confident about speaking in public now than we did before this class. Many people told us before we started this class that we would not overcome our fear of speaking in public if we took the class online but they were definitely wrong. We had to give a presentation in another class and from all that we have learned from this class, it was a breeze. You did an excellent job in organizing this online class and it was very effective. We enjoyed having you for our instructor and appreciate everything that you have done for us!

Peace and Love,
Jeremy and Jacqueline Hicks

To: Various Thunderducks
From: Wayne Loucas, Photography

Last Friday, the Richland College Photography Department and Student Programs brought internationally known photographer Keith Carter to Dallas for a student seminar and evening lecture presentation. I would like to thank all those who contributed to the success of this Richland College Photography Presentation Series event:

Lennijo Henderson for use of the Lago Vista Gallery in the Library for our morning seminar, as well as her participation in the event.
Eddie Hueston and Jerry Owens for their assistance with seating in the Arena Theater.
Richard Grimes for ordering the Keith Carter books from the publisher for our book sale and book-signing.
Mark Murray for the addition of this event on our Web page.
Jennifer Owen for the use of the Arena Theater and technical training of our faculty.
Jenni Gilmer, Whitney Rosenbalm and Anitra Cotton for getting the word out to the public.
Randall Garrett for sending out press, arranging for food and tables for the reception, securing the library and Performance Hall lobby space, and for an excellent introduction of our guest for the evening lecture.
Anna Fritzel-Shows for the transportation and distribution of the Keith Carter books, as well as assisting in the book sales.
Robert Galindo for arranging for the use and configuration of the Arena Theater, acquiring multimedia equipment, and assisting our guest in preparation and implementation of a flawless presentation.
Roy Cirigliana for assisting with presentation materials, photographs, and hospitality of our guest.
Tim Jones for morning seminar pictures.
Bobbie Harrison for her gracious and continued support.

Thanks to all of you for your participation, expertise, and enthusiasm!

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To: All Thunderducks
From: Luz Villegas, Community Outreach

I want to extend a very sincere thank you to the everyone who gave up their Saturday to help families, particularly Spanish-speaking parents, fill out FAFSA forms at the Hands-On Financial Aid Workshop. It took an incredible group effort from us as well as the GISD Hispanic Administrators and the Garland Association for Hispanic Affairs to be able to serve the more than 300 people in attendance. The volunteers who dedicated themselves to meet this challenge were:

From Los Patos Listos: Robert Galindo, Cindy Castañeda, Ray Canham, Jamie Hardy

From Rising Star: Hilda Della-Sera and about a dozen Rising Star college students

From Thunderducks at large: Howard Clapper, Susan Wehe, Anne Leazar, Laura Moguel, Mercy Fernandes, and Miriam Leyva

And last, but not least our Financial Aid Staff: Bruce Anderson, Vicki Goux and Tayyaba Shahdad.

Thanks for being a great team! If I have left anyone off, please forgive me.

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To: Charles Wells, Jeff Williams, Steve Dupuis and Don Partin, Educational Information Technology
From: Sherry Dean, School of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts

Thanks to Don, Charles, Steve and Jeff for your excellent work in retooling the Photography and music labs. You have been wonderfully responsive to our many division requests for assistance… and always with a smile. You guys are terrific!

To: Richland College
From: Earlene Bond and Sue Jones, CRWHE

The weather was beautiful, the setting serene, the group delightful. Thanks to all of the Thunderducks and friends from around the DCCCD who attended the reception for Center for Renewal and Wholeness in Higher Education, honoring Ann Faulkner, Garth Hill, Guy Gooding, Elaine Sullivan, Bill Tucker, and Bill Wenrich. We’d like to extend special thanks to all who made the reception possible: Chancellor Wright Lassiter, President Steve Mittelstet and ThunderTeam, Roy Bond, Maria Chobany, Suzy Hogue, Eddie Hueston and Facilities Services staff, Chief Robert Baker and College Police, Whitney Rosenbalm and College Communication & Marketing staff, Rainey Agent, and Jeremy Haldeman. It feels great to be at Richland College!

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To: Rainey Agent, Maria Chobany, Steve Mittelstet, Sue Jones, Zarina Blankenbaker, Ron Clark, Mary Darin, Sherry Dean, Brent Donham, Kay Eggleston, Martha Hogan, Bao Huynh, Nancy Kammerer, Brent Kesterson, Finney Varghese, Adriana Vega, Donna Walker, and Gloria Washington
From: Roy Bond, Administration

I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for all that you did to make sure that Richland College aspired to its vision – to be the best place we can be to learn, to teach, and to build sustainable local and world community – as we hosted the students of the UT Austin Community College Leadership Program recently. As they departed us, the group members were effusive in their praise, telling us that we not only met, but exceeded their every expectation with our organized, coherent, and focused schedule; comprehensive documentation packets; and informative yet enthusiastic presentations. They especially enjoyed the wonderful lunch, with the opportunity it provided for them to engage in conversations with you! Thank you again for doing what you do and for your willingness to share it with others. Your efforts with these future community college leaders ultimately strengthen the larger higher education community to which we all belong.

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To: Richland College
From: Lisa Eades (Captain Quacker), Math, Science & Health Professions

I would like to thank all of the Thunderducks who participated on the Komen Race For the Cure and Sleep In For the Cure team this year. Together we raised nearly $1,800 and pledges are still coming in. I also wanted to thank Jay Wooldridge in SPAR and Jennifer Curtiss, Sharon Wright and Whitney Rosenbalm in College Communications & Marketing for getting T-shirts and other goodies together for our team members. Next year we hope to get more students involved and to have a larger team. There were many people along the route who shouted out, “Yay, Richland College!” and we responded with a round from our quackers. Thanks again, Thunderduck team and supporters. You rock!

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To: Richland College
From: Diane Graifemberg, ACCESS

Thanks to each of you for your prayers, cards, e-mails, flowers, donations to her favorite charities, hugs, and love when my mother died. I would not have gotten through this without my family and friends. I treasure each of you and wish you peace.

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To: Leslie Wendling, College Communications & Marketing
From: John Harwood, Academic Advising

You are great and I really appreciate all you and your colleagues do to keep us up and running. Also thanks for the quick (less than 1/2 hour) turn around on the fix.

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To: Shannon Ydoyaga, Math, Science & Health Professions
From: Konley Kelley, Corporate Services

Shannon Ydoyaga is always on the lookout for corporate training opportunities that can be served by Richland. In August, Shannon met a manager and RN from Trailblazer Health Enterprises. She introduced me to the client and, with Shannon’s help, we found a qualified instructor to teach Medical Insurance Coding to 16 RN’s at Trailblazers. The client’s need was met, the class was conveniently held on-site, and the instructor customized the content. Additional income and contact hours were earned for Richland. Thank you, Shannon!

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To: Various Thunderducks
From: Aliene Pylant, Disability Services

Phi Theta Kappa students and advisors wish to thank those who contributed to the panel discussion, “The Paradox of Affluence: Choices, Challenges and Consequences.” Professors Michael Iachetta, Fred Newbury, Parker Nunley, Aditi Samarth and Curtis Thomas presented diverse yet balanced viewpoints which held the standing-room only audience spellbound. Appreciation is extended also to media, facilities, RLC Rooms, TOLI and SPAR which, as members of the RLC team, helped make the event possible. Thanks, all!

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To: Richland College
From: Tony Summers, Administration

It is with great pride that I extend a grateful thank you to the numerous faculty, staff and students who volunteered during the National Junior College Athletic Association Men’s and Women’s National Soccer Division III Championships (Nov. 7-9, 2008). We were able to share Richland hospitality with colleges from New Jersey, New York, Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts and Connecticut. The student-athletes, faculty, staff, administrators, parents and loved ones representing the following community colleges were amazed with our Thunderduck culture, service and hospitality: Broome C.C, Ocean County C.C., Holyoke C.C., Rochester C.C.,Herkimer County C.C., Manchester C.C., Triton C.C., and the County College of Morris. A major thank you to the tournament planning team: Deb Somero, Andy Tubbs, Paul Baldwin, Kyra Ayres, Kurt Albach, Alfred Banks, Glenn Childs, Sean Worley, Scott Toups, Phil Key, Anitra Cotton, Wilfred Manyango, Gerald Napoles, Jeremy Haldeman, Vicki Spawn, Bethany Wright, Greg Thomas and the Chamber Classic Soccer Alliance, Inc. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. It was indeed a pleasure to work with everyone. Richland is indeed a special place.

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To: Gary Hearn, Facilities Services
From: Patricia Benter, College Communications & Marketing

Thank you for putting up the shelves in Room B207! I know your workload is heavy and you squeezed in my request. You really helped me make my new employee’s work station more workable.

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Letters

Dear Tony Summers (Administration),

I want to take this opportunity to thank you and Scott Toups for the “assist” you gave our women’s soccer team. Heather Cairns tells me that we were in quite a pinch and that you stepped up to help us during a critical time. On behalf of Utah State University Athletics, thank you for being so helpful.

S. Scott Barnes
Director of Athletics,
Utah State University

To: Susan Wehe, WLCC
From: David Canine, RCHS

Thanks to Susan Wehe for arranging the presentation by “Birds Of the World.” Not only were the birds, pictures, and videos thrilling, the message was right on target for Thunderduck students and colleagues. I learned more than in many agonizing hours of graduate school!

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To: Stan Katz, Career Services
From: Jan Parrish, Math, Science & Health Professions

I spent this past weekend golfing with my friend, Tonya Settles, who is the HR Director at the Hilton at Lincoln Center. She asked if I knew you and then sang your praises regarding the Career Fair. She was very pleased with how well organized you are in planning the event especially in providing lots of timely info, details and reminders. Just wanted to share that positive feedback from one of your customers!

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To: Amber Westmoreland, RCHS
From: Jenni Gilmer, College Communications & Marketing

Thank you so much for your help in our efforts to publicize the RCHS students honored by the National Merit and National Achievement Scholarship Programs. We truly could not have done it without you. I know this doesn’t necessarily fit into your typical job description… except maybe under “other duties as assigned!” We can’t do our job to tell RLC/RCHS’ story without help from T-ducks like you so again, thanks.

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To: John Carmichael, Academic Advising
From: Jan Parrish, Math, Science & Health Professions

Many thanks for providing your MBTI workshop for the Health Professions staff. Knowing that the Meyers Briggs Type Indicator is a psychologically sound instrument and that our types may change over time, I felt that it would be a good instrument to help us better appreciate the preferences of our co-workers in areas that can be challenging to a small work group. I certainly encourage other work groups to invite you to present your workshop — even if the staff members have taken the MBTI in the past. Your warm manner and lively style made it most enjoyable for us!

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Letters

Coach Bill Neal, Physical Education

I don’t know if you remember this little Mexican from Laredo, Texas, but I was one of your former students in 1974. Yes, 1974 at Richland. My name is Mario Garcia. I went to Richland to play baseball for you but I came back home for personal reasons and never went back. Coach, but I do remember taking class with you and also playing intramural flag football on your team. My niece is enrolled at Richland and she told me you were still there. I just wanted to say hi and thank you for the way you treated me. I will never forget! You made a big impact in my life. Even though I was there for only one semester, I have fond memories of Richland. I am currently beginning my 31st year in education. I am a health education teacher and the head baseball coach at Alexander High School in Laredo. Thanks again and I hope to find you in good health.

Mario Garcia
Former student

To: Lisa Graef, Educational Transitions
From: Debbi Richards, Educational Transitions

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the help you provided to me and the students of RCHS on July 9 (at 7:00 a.m.!) I couldn’t have survived without your willingness to assist and genuine concern for all the students at RLC. Thank you again!

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To: Anitra Cotton, Randy Jensen, Leslie Wendling, Information Services
From: Whitney Rosenbalm, Information Services

Thank you for the extra hours and hard work on the last minute Summer I registration ad campaign that culminated in the well thought out “gas promotion.” The campus recognized your work and marketing savvy, and I wanted to let you know publicly how much I appreciate your fast-paced, can-do attitudes.

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To: John Pollock, Information Services
From: Kristyn Edney, RCHS

Thank you, thank you for taking the pictures, bringing them by my office, and just plain being a really patient man! Very little makes my job easy, but you certainly go out of your way to help me and others. Thank you for working around my “nutty” schedule. I appreciate all the times you helped me personally and when you helped the RCHS staff, parents, and students. You are a true joy to work with!

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To: Cesar Sena, College Police
From: Eddie Hueston, Facilities

Please accept our appreciation for your professional and compassionate response on the morning of Sept. 11 when one of our Facilities employees was injured on the job. Your swift action in calling for a Dallas ambulance and making sure they were escorted to the front of Thunderduck Hall added measurably to the employee’s recovery. Thanks for working smoothly with everyone involved.

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To: Patricia Benter, Information Services
From: Becky Witherspoon, Admissions

Thanks so much for assisting me with getting my certificates. I love the new paper; they look so much better!

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Letters

Dear RLC Math Faculty,

Thank you for sharing this excellent work with a strong research base in the analysis. I congratulate you, Gary (Penner), Celeste (Hernandez), and the RLC Math faculty on developing this very deliberate, well-thought-out approach to student success.

Herlinda Martinez Glasscock
President, North Lake College

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To: Eddie Hueston and the Facilities Staff
From: Pam Quinn, LeCroy Center

Just sending a HUGE thanks to you, facilities, tech support and purchasing for helping with the generator problem at the LeCroy Center. You stepped up immediately to help us get this problem solving process underway. Our big concern with losing the generator and UPS was with the uncertainty of the possible bad weather Hurricane Gustav might have created. It we have a power failure, eCampus and the rest of the LeCroy Center goes down. Even losing power for a few minutes would cause a major problem with our online servers, and since all our students depend on eCampus, this was critical. This effort was all done with a concern for students which was demonstrated both at DSC and from the unrelenting work at this end. Thanks to you for helping us get this replacement process moving quickly and efficiently.

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To: Bob Mims, Math/Science/Health Professions
From: David Edlund, student

I just wanted to take a minute to thank you, for the wonderful time I had while attending your lectures. The way you lecture, really had a significant role throughout my learning experience. I’ve been attending college for the past two years, and so far this has been the greatest class I’ve taken. Not only I learned a lot about geology, the universe, animals, lifeforms, geography, and so on, but I also learned to feel good about myself. What I thought would be another class to drop, became the most affordable to conquer. The way you teach was increasingly making me feel good about myself. Overall I had a feeling of “Yes, I CAN do it.” The option you gave us to get some extra points by using cue cards, was so simple to do, yet, very helpful. The mini-quizes, were very helpful as well. And you really gave us all the notes for the tests. It was up to us to get a good grade. You handed to us all the tools to get a good grade, while at the same time learning a lot. We just needed to do our part. You never tricked us – I really liked that about your class. Everything was clear and fair. I also enjoyed the PowerPoint presentations. You could even teach art! It was fun, really fun. And the jokes were great, too!

Thank you for all the time, intention, effort, and care that you put behind every lecture. I am sure that I am just one among hundreds of students benefiting from your great lectures. Thank you, Dr. Mims. I had a wonderful experience!

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To: Peggy Little, WLCC
From: Charles Huff, former student

This is Charles Huff, a student of yours from about two years ago. You may remember me as one of the DTS students who bumbled through your course, barely making sense of most things. At any rate, some of what you taught got through my thick skull, because I just received word today that I high-passed the University of Chicago German competency test for the Ph.D. It’s notoriously hard, and some of my colleagues don’t pass it until their third year (it’s my first). I like to give credit where credit is due, so thank you!

I’m happily studying ancient Semitic languages, which I don’t have to try to speak with anyone. My focus is Hebrew and Ugaritic, but I’m also studying Akkadian, Aramaic, and other minor Semitic languages. I don’t escape scot-free, however: I do have to speak Arabic, and I’ll be spending the summer in Jordan trying to achieve that. My German will mostly be reserved for trying to work my way through articles and Akkadian grammars, but I’ve been reading some German poetry lately, and enjoying it. I hope you are well. Danke schön!

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To: Ray Canham, Math/Science/Health Professions
From: Angela McCaskill, former student

I am writing to give my highest accolades to a very deserving Professor in the Department of Math and Science. This semester (Spring 2008) I had the opportunity to learn from one of the most effective and interesting instructors I have had in my academic history (a long history which includes a master’s degree). This unique instructor, Ms. Jackie Reynolds, is a true asset to the department and an example for professors everywhere.

Importantly, Ms. Reynolds truly cares about the subject matter. She truly enjoys talking abut bacteria, fungi, worms, bioterrorism, healthcare, and a myriad of related microbial topics. Her enthusiasm in contagious and makes students want to learn. It is easy to remember her lectures and facts presented because she puts a lot of effort into making them applicable, lively and current.

It is obvious that Ms. Reynolds truly cares about the success of her students. Most of us, including my self, are aspiring healthcare workers. She constantly provides us with information that will help us get accepted to healthcare programs, information that helps us pass entrance exams, and interesting news abut various healthcare trends and professions. I truly believe that, had in not been for Ms. Reynolds teaching, I would not have done well on my nursing school entrance exams. I am proud to say that I have since been accepted to two nursing schools!

Finally, Ms. Reynolds is a challenging and fair professor. It is well know among students that Ms. Reynolds has high expectations and she delves deep into the subject matter. Nonetheless, students still want to take her classes because we also know that we will actually learn the material. She is very clear as to her expectations of us ans she sticks to the curriculum and her promise to follow the syllabus, return our grades in a prompt manner, and let us know learning objectives ahead of time. There are neither surprise nor disappointments with Ms. Reynolds.

It is my sincere hope that Ms. Reynolds receives the recognition and appreciation which she so deserves. She has been true asset to my educational experience at Richland College.

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To: Gary Smith, Adjunct Faculty
From: Paul Stauffer, student

I hope this letter finds you and yours well here at the end of another semester at Richland College. I am graduating on May 2 with my Associates in Peace Studies and have been accepted to the University of Texas at Dallas, where I plan to continue my undergraduate studies in Sociology.

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help on my college path thus far. Your expertise in using the computer as the tool it was intended and more importantly how having the computer skills you shared with me can affect positive change has made a great impact on my life. The way you were always able to compare new concepts and ideas with things we already knew will stay with me forever and it was a teaching style only someone who truly knows what he is teaching can attempt.

I can’t apologize enough for the hassles I fueled in your class, but I simply could not believe what you had to endure as an educator from those disrespectful youth. Once again, thank you for all you have done for me and all you are doing as a professor at Richland.

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To: Richland College
From: Dwayne Carter, Business and Information Technology

Lea Ann Munkres from RCHS indicated the video presentations at their Senior Event on May 29 were a real hit with the audience and that RCHS was very pleased. The seniors were excited to receive their copy of the Video Yearbook that was delivered on time for the event.

I want to thank everyone for their special efforts in completing this successful project. Special thanks in particular goes to Joe Vines for his extra effort to keep the project organized and moving ahead and to instructor Robert Flowers for his technical troubleshooting and guidance of the RCHS students in their Mayterm Video class.

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To: Anitra Cotton, Patricia Benter, Dianna Kozlowski, Suzy Hogue and Katie Harwood, Information Services
From: Whitney Rosenbalm, Information Services

Thanks to you all for your coordination and team work on the Richland Collegiate High School for Mathematics, Science & Engineering Graduation Party. Dr. Eggleston was very pleased with the program, DVD cover, tickets and photographer — as was I. Your hard work and dedication was brightly shining! Thank you!

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To: Suzanne Sarbofsky
From: Fatma Qashmar, student

I miss you so much! I wanted to thank you so much for all you taught me because I took my SAT on Saturday and every single English question was just like the stuff you taught us, and I remembered everything you taught us for the essay. It was a piece of cake, thanks to you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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To: Chief Robert Baker, Captain Alfred Banks, College Police; and Ron Clark, Administration
From: Debbi Richards, Educational Transitions

Just a brief note of thanks for 2 wonderful officers, Jason (Pierce) and Cesar (Sena). I was walking over to Alamito and found an elderly couple (yes there are people older than me) having difficulty with the gentleman’s wheelchair. He had improvised by using PVC pipe for leg supports on his personal wheelchair and they had malfunctioned/broken. I went to the police office and Jason and Cesar brought the RLC wheelchair out, assisted the gentleman from one chair to the other and escorted the couple to their car. If not for them, I do not know how they would have been able to get to their vehicle.

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To: Charles Wells, Information Technology
From: Ron Hill, Testing Center

Charles, you are always helpful when it comes to our problems with our labs, but I want to especially thank you for your immediate help when I called you with problems on Friday, Aug. 22. You were given very short notice to respond, but as usual, but you were right there on the spot, helping us out of a jam and allowing us to serve many more students than we could have without those “fixed” computers. Thanks for all you do for us – we do appreciate you.

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Letters

Dear Ms. (Sharlee) Jeser-Skaggs,

Thank you so much for volunteering to present to Richardson ISD teachers and librarians. The feedback for the staff development session Preparing the Secondary Student for College was overwhelmingly positive. Several teachers said it was the best session they had ever attended. I
also heard more than one person say that all teachers and curriculum directors need to hear the information that was presented.

I feel confident that the session attendees will be able to transfer what they learned from you into the classroom, providing students with stronger, more meaningful instruction.

With great appreciation,
Julie Briggs
Director of Library Media Services, Richardson ISD

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Dear Bonnie Hueston, Jean Carter, and RLC Police

On behalf of the DCCCD Department of Outreach, Recruitment and Community Engagement, I want to congratulate all of us on the success of the 2008 Keepin’ It Real Youth Empowerment Summit.

Jean, thank you so much for taking the leadership of this event at RLC. You and Richland’s staff did a phenomenal job welcoming what must have been over 500 youth to your campus. Please extend our appreciation to the wonderful facilities, maintenance, theater, Richland Collegiate High School and especially security staff who did everything they could to make the day great.

Sharon, thank you so much for giving RLC and the DCCCD the opportunity to host this incredible event. You and your volunteers did a wonderful job! I know the youth and parents that attended were blown away by the program. What a great way to get them empowered and ready to face another school year.

Big thanks to the DORCE staff and particularly Eva de Gutiérrez, David Robinson, Belinda Cuellar, and Mary Norman for all of their tireless work on this event.

Sincerely,
Molly Bewley
DCCCD District Director of Outreach, Recruitment and Community Engagement

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Dear Steve (Mittelstet):

Richland College has reaped many richly deserved accolades in the last few years, and now I would like to add one more. Minor though it might be, its impact will ripple through institutions across the country for years to come. So congratulations for hosting probably the mos successful CRD Resource Development Specialist Training… ever!

Our interns’ evaluations of each individual session and the two weeks total speak volumes: their brains are stuffed with useful and practical information, their hearts glow with the pride of their work, and their souls have found a network of like-minded colleagues to support them professionally and personally. This kind of growth does not happen by accident. There is something special at Richland.

I can’t help but think that your mascot, R. Möbius Thunderduck, says it all. There’s a culture at Richland which each of your employees embodies: the incalculable value of the mind-body-spirit in human development. Debbi Richards and David Canine, the coaches for CRD’s “Snowducks” infused that principle into every moment of intern training. Leading by that creed, Debbie and David guided 26 individuals with disparate expectations, needs, and abilities and fused them into a mighty force for the advancement of the community college mission. Across this nation, 26 institutions will feel the effect of this experience immediately.

Debbie and David further evidence the Richland credo by the seamless integration of the members of the team in resource development at your college. Sandy Hawkins and Shellie Heard, integral teachers and models during both weeks, were much appreciated and praised by the interns as well. Theresa Roffino (by default a Thunderduck?), added with her inimitable style her deep and varied expertise.

Than you, Steve, for sharing your staff and your credo with CRD.

Sincerely,
Polly Binns,
Executive Director, CFRE

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Dear Dr. (Steve) Mittelstet,

We are pleased to announce that Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Richland College received special commendation during the Texas Regional Convention. Your Phi Theta Kappa chapter fulfilled all requirements to the distinction of being named a “5 Star Chapter.” This commendation recognizes your chapter’s successful attainment of goals as presented in the Society’s Five Star Chapter Development Program.

In addition to the recognition received regionally, your chapter and college will also receive international recognition. Your chapter’s achievements will be cited on the Phi Theta Kappa Society website www.ptk.org, and in the Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Progress Report mailed to all college presidents in the summer. Participating chapters are also recognized at the Society’s International Convention.

Your support and the support of your administration and faculty are key to unleashing the potential success of your Phi Theta Kappa members. On behalf of the outstanding chapter members and advisors of the Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter, we express appreciation for efforts given toward providing rewarding educational experience inside and outside the classroom.

Sincerely,
Rod. A Risley
Executive Director of Phi Theta Kappa

To: Sharon Wright & Nancy Gomez, Information Services
From: Lorrie Anderson, Advising

I’ve been meaning to tell you how much I (and those involved in the science department) appreciated all the gifts you all donated to our Health Professions Days. I know the speakers liked getting the nice goodies for all their efforts!

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To: Delores Elder-Jones, Community Outreach
From: Susan Wehe & Ann Moy, WLCC

As always, thank you for being a marvelous inspiration to our students. When you came to speak to our class with your special animated retelling of life in Memphis, on the road, and in business for yourself, you quickly got the attention of even the most cool, “you-can’t-make-me-interested” students in the class. Thanks for a great job and thanks for your motivational presentation.

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To: Various Thunderducks
From: David Canine, Administration

Thanks to so many people for helping make “Time to Shine” a memorable event for our high-achieving RCHS Class of 2008. Special thanks go to…

Dianna Kozlowski for creating that marvelous “Bald Moby”
SPAR for supplying the popsicles,
Sharon Wright for bringing “The Chair,”
Information Services for coordinating with St. Baldrick’s and providing artwork and banners,
Kenneth Hart and his dynamite crew for setting up the site and cleaning afterward,
Bethany Wright for assuring that Mobius R. Thunderduck attended,
Debbi Richards for hosting, and…
Everyone who attended and contributed $200 to St. Baldrick’s.

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To: Carole Lester & Ed Luter, Academic Enrichment; Stacy Klenova, RLC Fulbright Scholar from Russia
From: Susan Barkley, WLCC

Thank you for inviting me to judge the final project of your learning community which focused on sustainability. What a joy it was to witness the outstanding collaborative endeavors of the class which culminated in producing an exemplary capstone project. Undertaking the difficult challenge of designing a space in which people can live in harmony with others while having minimal impact on the natural environment, students exhibited outstanding comprehensive planning involving housing, transportation, power, waste systems, micro-financing, and personnel in developing a community. The students’ strong research, creative thinking and ingenuity in tackling difficult problems as they created this model community were wonderfully supported with a power point presentation, diorama and brochure they had created to promote their community.

In your class I saw the best of our youth with their vision, dedication, enthusiasm and determination in creating a sustainable world. Thank you for your commitment to our institution and its values; your dedication to helping students successfully achieve high standards of performance; and your course design that gave students the opportunity to envision a better planet.

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Letters

Dear William Matter,

Hello! I took your 1302 class in spring of 1996. I wanted to tell you that you are the best professor I ever had and you changed my life! Witnessing your teaching style inspired me to become a teacher myself. I’ve been an elementary school teacher for the last eight years in grades Pre-K, 4th and 5th. Thank you so much for all that you do!

Joy Francis

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Dear Thunderducks,

It’s great to hear from everyone. When I called Deb this morning to see if everyone was OK with all the storms in Dallas, I said, “Deb, this is Yvonne Amundson Snowduck.” As only you can imagine, there wasn’t a second of hesitation recognizing who I was.

The kind of focus we need in our work rarely, if ever, allows us the time to gain a holistic understanding of the development world. My sincere thanks to Richland and CRD for providing such a comprehensive view of both the foundation and grants sides of development, plus new tools to function all the more effectively in it. I started back in the office Monday, all fired up. And it’s all y’all’s fault! “Specialist Training – it’s ALL it’s quacked up to be!”

Yvonne W. Amundson
Coordinator, Grants and Projects
Santa Fe Community College

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Dear Dr. (Steve) Mittelstet,

Thank you so much for participating in our Leadership Richardson Public Education Day. This card is a fun reminder of how much education has changed since we were kids!

As moderator of our “Presidential Conversation,” (not debate) I was most inspired about you key point that we should educate instead of incarcerate our juvenile offenders. If you and Richland are thinking about gathering sources to take that problem, I’ll love to help.

The interplay between you and Dr. Daniel was truly the high point of our day, and on behalf of the entire class, we are deeply appreciated.

Once again thanks!

Sarah L. Riehm
Leadership Richardson
Class XXIII

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Dear President (Steve) Mittelstet,

On behalf of AAC&U, I write to express my most sincere appreciation for your leadership and participation in AAC&U’s conference Integrative Designs for General Education and Assessment. With nearly 800 participants, the meeting was a terrific success, thanks first and foremost to the quality of the presentations and rich opportunities they provided.

The feedback we received, both formal and informal, was overwhelmingly positive. Individuals and campus teams were able to take away new ideas to enrich their general education curricula, and to make valuable new connections with others working on similar agendas.

We thank you for your part in making this meeting such a success, and hope that AAC&U can call on you in the future to share your experience and expertise.

Sincerely,

Karen A. Kalla
Co-Director, Network for Academic Renewal

To: Whitney Rosenbalm, Information Services
From: Sam Tinsley, M/S/BS

I attended the performance last night and was thoroughly impressed and entertained. The show was fantastic and I’m still humming the tunes. Congratulations to our great music, dance and theater departments for providing us such an excellent production. Please pass my congratulations and thanks along to the whole cast and crew.

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To: Leslie Wendling, Mark Murray, and Randy Jensen, Information Services
From: Jaime Chaney, Health Professions

Please extend my thanks to all three of you for your input and expertise (on my current project). I had a prospective student that I am working with come by today and she told me that her boss (they work at Chase) had been to our Health Professions web site and loved it. She said that the colors, content, links, information, etc. were excellent. Thought I’d just pass that feedback along.

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To: Emily Gray, Humanities
From: Sherry Dean, Humanities

Congratulations to you and your students on the performance of “Radio Show.” Morgan Hardage was especially memorable as Hercule Poirot – she had the French accent down perfectly. I also enjoyed reading the entertaining student bios.Emily, these students have blossomed under your solid teaching and mentoring. I was very proud for Richland College tonight.Thanks also to the production staff – Jennifer Owen, Dustina Reasons, your husband Matt, Andrew Van Horn, Justin Peachee, Jason Tamez, Juan Perez and Thomas Nanthavongdouangsy. Well done, everyone!

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To: Sherry Dean, Humanities
From: Lois Parrott, Humanities

You and your staff presented a beautiful and eloquent retirement reception in the Brazos Gallery for Gordon Young May 6. Tears came to my eyes as Gordon spoke, and I was touched by your kindness. I love this college and all of our wonderful friends and staff. We are truly blessed with our leadership. I am happy that we are able to celebrate events like this. The talent that is displayed at our college and in our Division is really outstanding. I sometimes “sit down and wonder” how it is possible to have so much in one place.

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To: Lt. Jason Pierce, College Police
From: Susan Wehe and Ann Moy, WLCC

Thank you, Lt. Pierce, for sending Sgt. Robert Benavidez and Corporal Cesar Sena to speak to our ESOL Learning Community class this semester. The students loved the visit and the chance to ask questions. They especially loved the chance to pose next to the Campus Police car.The two officers made a wonderful presentation and provided many interesting and useful pieces of information about what police officers do, how to get training, and what students can do to protect themselves on campus. Thank you for the opportunity to hear from these officers.

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To: June Cheatham, Humanities
From: Lois Parrott, Humanities

Thank you for all that you did for Gordon’s party. After I spoke with my friends today, I found out more about all those things that you had done that I seemed to not even be aware of for some reason or another.You did a beautiful job with the tea, decorations, flowers and that wonderful power point about Gordon Young’s life and career. I did not even realize that those flowers were from your yard and gardens. How outstanding. I am so glad that I found that out because that makes it even more special to me.Thank you for having this event for all of us in our division. You just did a fabulous job.

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To: Donte Hoover, Facilities
From: Celeste Hernandez, M/S/BS

Last Friday afternoon, Donte was replacing lightbulbs in Medina. I mentioned that I didn’t have a work order but that my light was flickering yet one more time. He had changed out the bulb two to three times just since December. This time, Donte changed the ballast, and WOW! The light doesn’t flicker anymore.This is wonderful service, especially on a Friday afternoon. I really appreciate it. Thank you so much, Donte!

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To: Anitra Cotton, Jenni Gilmer, Randy Jensen, John Pollock and Whitney Rosenbalm, Information Services
From: Steve Mittelstet, Administration

Congratulations on so effectively demonstrating the T-Value of Cooperation (not to mention several others) with the superb team effort leading to the on-going fresh approach to inviting our Richland community to start our days inspired to do our best work toward student success in the context of our student-employee developed organizational ThunderValues. Please pass along my gratitude to everyone involved in this on-going cycle-of-improvement Richland success story. Thanks, Thunderducks!

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Letters

Dear Dr. (Steve) Mittelstet,

The purpose of this letter is to let you know the Garland High School appreciates the time and effort given by Luz Villegas to introduce our Achievement Academy Seniors to the possibilities for higher education at Richland College and beyond. The experience proved invaluable in spawning enthusiasm amongst our students. Some of our students have difficulty believing that a higher education is possible or necessary. After the program, some of our kids were dreaming of bigger and better lives for themselves. It is nice to know that Richland College continues to play a vital role in the creation of opportunity for people from all backgrounds and circumstances. Thank you for your continued investment in our community by creating programs that help people dream of better lives, and by helping them to reach that dream.

Sincerely,

John Morris,
Gilbert Duran
At-Risk Administrator

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Dear Debbi (Richards),

I want to thank you again and again for all you did for our intern class. You are truly a conference-organizer extraordinaire! Richland College sets the bar for excellence and innovation. The presenters were incredible. Each of them had suck great experience and were willing to give up their time to share with us. Thanks to David, Sandy and Theresa for all the love and attention they gave us.

I learned more than I expected and have returned home with so many things I want to do to position our Foundation for greater success. My challenge will be setting priorities and measuring the amount of change I can introduce at a time. Thank you for the Burton Talmadge Scholarship. Our budget is so meager, it meant a lot to our college.

You will mostly be remembered by us as “Mother Duck” not because of your Thunderduck heritage, but by the way you cared for each of us and looked after our needs.

Warm Regards,

Dennis L. O’Neill
Director of Foundation
Umpqua Community College

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Hello John (Carmichael),

I had the pleasure of attending a Career Counseling course you taught back in the early 90s at Richland College and saw the news paper article about you on March 9. I believe I saw you on TV as well, in the past…You gave me good advise back then, some 15 years ago. To do something I enjoy, continue my education and at the same time look for a career in areas that have a sustainable future. Occupational Therapy was one idea. I finally chose Property/Building Management and today, at 50 years of age, I work for one of the leading Architectural Design firms in the state.

Thanks again for your guidance and the human touch approach you take to teaching.

Respectfully,

John Schneider

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Dear Steve (Mittelstet),

Richland College has reaped many richly deserved accolades in the last few years, and now I would like to add one more. Minor though it might be, its impact will ripple through institutions across the country for years to come. So congratulations for hosting probably the most successful CRD Resource Development Specialist Training…ever!

I can’t help but think that your mascot, R Mobius Thunderduck, says it all. There’s a culture a Richland which each your employees embodies: the incalculable value of the mind-body-spirit in human development. Debbi Richards and David Canine, the coaches for CRD’ s “Snowducks,” infused that principle into every moment of intern training.

Thank you, Steve, for sharing your staff and your credo with CRD.

Sincerely,
Polly Binns, CFRE
Executive Director

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Dear Dr. (Steve) Mittelstet,

Thank you for your congratulatory message on my section to the prestigious All-USA Academic First Team. This achievement is not simply a result of my own endeavors, but instead a strong combination of the support and guidance received from Richland College faculty, staff and fellow student. I am extremely grateful to you and the entire college for providing an environment and the resources necessary to pursue excellence in scholarship, leadership and community service. I believe that I am a leaf of success, a growth from a powerful tree of Teaching, Learning and Community Building here at Richland College. The root that support this tree are the administration, faculty and staff including a special mention to the following.

I am truly proud to represent Richland College as one of the top twenty national students in the All-USA Academic First Team and will build on this foundation as I continue my pursuit of lifelong learning and service to my community.

Yours sincerely,
Dharmesh K. Patel

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Dear Steve Mittelstet, Kay Eggleston, Jean Conway, Fonda Vera, Donna Walker, Finney Varghese, Eddie Hueston, Mary Darin, Zarina Blankenbaker, Greg Thomas and Roy Bond,

Heartfelt thanks from all of us Longhorns to you and your hard charging Thunderducks for such terrific learning experience you provided our 63rd CCLP cohort. They came away much impressed with the quality and direction of leadership in which you and the team have the college headed. They loved their time with you, especially Sunday afternoon.

Steve, we will look forward to staying in touch and to continuing our good work together in these community college vineyards. All of you Richland point the way for all the rest. With every good wish…

Sincerely,

John E. Roueche
Professor and Director, Community College Leadership Program
The University of Texas at Austin

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To Kay Coder,

I wanted to thank you for the excellent class you gave us on Diversity Training on the 16th of April here at the City of Plano. It was much different than I had expected it would be. I suppose that I felt no one could teach this old goat anything regarding other cultures. I’ve been all over the world and have seen examples of literally everything you discussed and it brought back memories, but I was still able to learn from your class and I think that your class will help me to do my job better.

I wish every City of Plano employee could take your class. I think that you said that there were six or eight more sessions that you teach. I really appreciated your first session that you taught to us. Thank you so much for your time and effort in making us better City of Plano employees.

Ron Underwood, ASLA
Landscape Architect, City of Plano

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To Sherry Dean,

I am a DCCCD student and took Government 2301 and 2302 here at Richland. I have never had an interest in politics or our government in general, but I was so impressed with Lehman Marks‘ teaching methods that I ended up taking both of his courses.

Mr. Marks always finds a way to make the course interesting and worthwhile, and I never dreaded going to his class. I appreciate the opportunity to take courses with Mr. Marks. I want you to know what a great teacher you have on your staff. I’ve never seen students more willing to work in groups.

Please let him know how much his students really do appreciate his efforts to teach with such passion and knowledge and that we really do learn as opposed to memorization.

Respectfully,

Taleen Ketron

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Hello (Bill Matter),

I took your 1302 class in spring of 1996. I wanted to tell you that you are the best professor I ever had and you changed my life! Witnessing your teaching style inspired me to become a teacher myself. I’ve been an elementary school teacher for the last 8 years in grades Pre-K, 4th and 5th. Thank you so much for all that you do!

Joy Francis

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Dear Dr. (Ray) Canham,

I am writing to give my highest accolades to a very deserving professor in the Department of Math and Science. This semester (Spring 2008) I had the opportunity to learn from one of the most effective and interesting instructors I have had in my academic history (a long history which includes a Master’s Degree). This unique instructor, Ms. Jackie Reynolds, is a true asset to the department and an example for professors everywhere.

Importantly, Ms. Reynolds is passionate about her subject matter. She truly enjoys talking about bacteria, fungi, worms, bioterrorism, healthcare, and a myriad of related microbial topics. Her enthusiasm in contagious and makes students want to learn. It is easy to remember her lectures and facts presented because she puts a lot of effort into making them applicable, lively, and current.

It is obvious that Ms. Reynolds truly cares about the success of her students. Most of us, including my self, are aspiring healthcare workers. She constantly provides us with information that will help us get accepted to healthcare programs, information that helps us pass entrance exams, and interesting news about various healthcare trends and professions. I truly believe that, had it not been for Ms. Reynolds’ teaching, I would not have done well on my nursing school entrance exams. I am proud to say that I have since been accepted to two nursing schools!

Finally, Ms. Reynolds is a challenging and fair professor. It is well know among students that Ms. Reynolds has high expectations and she delves deep into the subject matter. Nonetheless, students still want to take her classes because we also know that we will actually LEARN the material. She is very clear as to her expectations of us and she sticks to the curriculum and her promise to follow the syllabus, return our grades in a prompt manner, and let us know learning objectives ahead of time. There are neither surprises nor disappointments with Ms. Reynolds.

It is my sincere hope that Ms. Reynolds receives the recognition and appreciation which she so deserves. She has been a true asset to my educational experience at Richland College.

Thank you,

Angela McCaskill

To: Sharon Wright, Suzy Hogue, and Nancy Gomez; Information Services
From: Andy Tubbs, ACCESS

I want to thank each of you for your help with the 2008 District Conference Day. We staged one incredible day and each of you played a very important role in the day.
Without your help, it would not have been such a memorable day and our work would have been so much more difficult.

Thanks to each of you for your hard work for Conference Day.

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To: Zarina Blankenbaker, ACCESS
From: Tracy Dorsey, Adjunct Faculty

The ACCESS office staff is wonderful! As a new adjunct instructor, I have truly appreciated all the help and patience Andy Tubbs and the other weekend staff have given me. Andy and his team answered many of my questions, helped me use the Scantron machine and assisted me with any other concerns I had during the Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 semesters. They were both very patient and kind, even when I showed up needing assistance 20 minutes before the office closed.

The ACCESS office staff is so supportive of adjunct instructors, particularly those who only teach at night. Please acknowledge Andy and his staff with some type of appreciation or customer service award for their efforts.

I also thank you for instilling in the ACCESS office staff a customer service team spirit.

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To: The Web Team, Information Services
From: Jaime Chaney, Health Professions

Please extend my thanks to all three of you for your input and expertise (on my current project). I had a prospective student that I am working with come by today and she told me that her boss (they work at Chase) had been to our Health Professions Web site and LOVED it. She said that the colors, content, links, information, etc. were excellent. Thought I’d just pass that feedback along.

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TO: Various Thunderducks
FROM: Fonda Vera, Bao Huynh, Babs King, and Gloria Washington; Office of Planning and Research for Institutional Effectiveness

The Office of Planning and Research has just completed the 2008 Community College Survey of Student Engagement. We want to express our thanks to the advisors, Andy Tubbs and Roy Bond, who helped to administer the survey in a timely and efficient manner. Our thanks also go to the division deans and faculty; your cooperation made the process run very smoothly this year. All of you contributed to giving students an opportunity to enhance their educational experience by providing useful feedback to the college.

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To: Various Thunderducks
From: Dwayne Carter, Multimedia

On April 4, Richland hosted 75 students from Nimitz High School. Students attended events sponsored by SPAR, Multimedia and the new ISGT Game program as part of the 16th Annual Computer Arts Festival. I wanted to add my thanks to those from Educational Transitions, Media Services, Theater, and Forensics who helped make the events a success.

Additionally, I want to give special thanks to risk takers Vice Chancellor Andrew Jones and President Steve Mittelstet, who were willing to offer their time and support of virtual ground breaking activities for the DCCCD Second Life Island. Their comments are available on the District Website http://www.dcccd.edu/SecondLife.

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To: Various Thunderducks
From: Luz Villegas, Community Programs

This is a belated THANK YOU to all the volunteers who showed up at the Financial Aid Fair, which arose from a partnership between the GISD, the Garland Association for Hispanic Affairs (GAFHA) and our Community Outreach and Financial Aid departments. Collectively, we were able to assist 35 families with filling out their Financial Aid forms online. This is in addition to the 50 plus families, which we helped at last month’s event. Special thanks to Hilda Della-Sera for stepping up to advise Noriega Students and to Nancy Rice for letting us use the computer labs.

Our wonderful Richland volunteers included Chinweolu Greer, Teresa Love, Gwen Hester, Bao Huynh, Sandy Campos, Lang Dinh, Zina Gardner, Susan Calhoun, Becky Jones, Robert Galindo, Randy Waterman, Jamie Chaney, Susan Stolarczyk, and Cindy Berry.

We had awesome bilingual volunteers from GAFHA: Joe Olivares, Alex Rivera, Michael Gonzales, Jennifer Miley, Minerva Moreno and Debra Rangel.

Our very helpful Financial Aid staff included: Bruce Anderson, Marisa Gutierrez, Bernice Zepeda, Cherry Brown, Sharon Shaw, Tayyaba Shahdad, Bill McMullen and Lindy Henrie.

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Letters

Dear Richland,

I’ve been bouncing around all day talking to everyone about how wonderful this program was. Thank you! I really appreciated all the time and effort that everyone in Richland put into this program. You really did make it special. I look forward to seeing/working with you in the future. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you.

Thank you,

Lisa M. Watson, M.Ed.
River Parishes Community College

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Debbi (Richards) and crew,

Thanks again for the best professional training I have had in quite awhile. I am trying to write a trip report and being brief won’t cut it!

Janice Keimig
Guildford Technical College, Jamestown, NC

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Dear Dwayne (Carter) and everyone,

Just a short note to say “thank you” for hosting my high school students. They really enjoyed today’s visit. Many are now interested in Richland College.

Yours sincerely,

Angela Warr, CTE Instructor
Computer Multimedia Animation Technology and Computer Applications
Nimitz High School

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Dear Dr. (Kay) Eggleston,

On behalf of the Greater Chamber, thank you for your Silver Sponsorship of the 2008 State of Education in the Region Luncheon. The luncheon was a huge success and serves to reaffirm the importance of business involvement in education.

Your support of this endeavor is a clear indicator of your pledge to improve the caliber of education our students receive. We appreciate your commitment to education initiatives in the region and look forward with you again in the near future.

Sincerely,

Patti Clapp
Vice President
Talent, Workforce, Education
Greater Dallas Chamber

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Dear Dr. (Stephen) Mittelstet,

The purpose of this letter is to let you know the Garland High School appreciates the time and effort given by Luz Villegas to introduce our Achievement Academy Seniors to the possibilities for higher education at Richland College and beyond. The experience proved invaluable in spawning enthusiasm amongst our students. Some of our students have difficulty believing that a higher education is possible or necessary. After the program, some of our kids were dreaming of bigger and better lives for themselves.

It is nice to know that Richland College continues to play a vital role in the creation of opportunity for people from all backgrounds and circumstances. Thank you for your continued investment in our community by creating programs that help people dream of better lives, and by helping them to reach that dream.

Sincerely,

John Morris and Gilbert Duran
At-Risk Administrator