Contact:
Wendy Smith (307) 674-6446 ext. 2801/Email wsmith@sheridan.edu                              Dennis Jacobs (307) 674-6446 ext. 2802/Email djacobs@sheridan.edu

 Sheridan College Students benefit from Foundation Grant

Sheridan College Construction Technology instructor Josh Michelena recently announced the SC Construction Technology department was awarded a Sheridan College Foundation Opportunity Grant in the amount of $1,200. This grant allowed the department to purchase specialized tooling equipment.

The Construction Technology program used the funds to add a Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) router at the Brooks Street construction Lab. By providing such high-tech tooling, students will be able to work across disciplines to learn and manipulate CNC router equipment, according to Michelena.

“The real opportunity here lies within the interdisciplinary coordination,” said Michelena. “Acquiring more high-tech tooling allows students in machining, Computer Aided Drafting, and construction to more effectively use the CNC router. Our students are developing and producing projects that have been designed in Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Machine Tool technology classes; then these students come together to troubleshoot and solve CNC problems that they will face in industry, after which the students complete their final product. Teaching students to communicate across disciplines is imperative to real world work situations.  We are fortunate to have such support from the SC Foundation and we thank them.”

For more information about Construction Technology at Sheridan College please contact Josh Michelena at 674-6446, ext. 3516.

Photo Caption:

Grant Belton a machine tool technology student at Sheridan College works on a digital caliper case, using the CNC Router at the Construction Technology lab on Brooks Street. He is specifically using tools purchased by the SC Foundation Opportunity Grant to complete his project which was drawn in the Auto Cad program.

Contact:
Wendy Smith (307) 674-6446 ext. 2801/Email wsmith@sheridan.edu
Dennis Jacobs (307) 674-6446 ext. 2802/Email djacobs@sheridan.edu

College President to Teach Philosophy Class this Fall

While many college students are busy making plans for after graduation, Paul Young, President of Sheridan College, is feeling a little nervous about the start of classes this fall.  Young, who began his career in higher education as a philosophy professor will teach “Hegel’s Phenomenology of Spirit starting August 27.

“When I was a teacher I was always nervous and anxious about upcoming classes and I’m starting to get that feeling again,” said Young.

Georg Wihelm Freidrich Hegel was a German Philosopher who did his major work at the beginning of the 19th century.  Young claims that Hegel’s book, The Phenomenology, is one of the greatest works in the history of philosophy and certainly of the last two hundred years.

“Everything that has come since, either in politics or in philosophy, is at least to a degree a reaction to Hegel,” said Young.  “Wherever you look — existentialism, positivism, communism, communitarianism — these are all things which either follow from or are a reaction against Hegel.  Hegel’s thought is comprehensive in that he tries to create an account which can capture and explain every aspect of human experience and history including things like art and religion, which get passed over by many philosophers.”

The class will meet twice per week, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2 to 3:15 p.m.  Young explained that the class is open to anyone and there are no prerequisites.

“Reading a difficult book like this will be hard work, but after a semester I can promise those who participate a whole new perspective on life and history,” said Young.

The course is open to current college students as well as members of the community.

Young will also teach a weekend workshop at the Spear-O-Wigwam Mountain Campus this summer, July 19-21, on Immanuel Kant’s Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics.  For more information or to register for either course, call the Registration and Records Office at 674-6446, ext. 2822.

Contact:
Wendy Smith (307) 686-0254 ext. 2801/Email wsmith@sheridan.edu
Dennis Jacobs (307) 686-0254 ext. 2802/Email djacobs@sheridan.edu

Over 230 students will graduate from Gillette College Friday 

Gillette College’s 23^rd Annual Commencement Ceremony will begin at seven o’clock at the Cam-plex Spirit Hall on Friday, May 10.  Over 230 students will complete their degree requirements at Gillette College this year.  Other graduates being recognized at GC Commencement are those earning General Education Diplomas as well as Bachelor and Master degree candidates.

“Graduation represents a milestone in our students’ lives,” said Gillette College Vice President, Mark Englert.  “Congratulations to the class of 2013.”

The Commencement Ceremony will include performances by the Colorado Celtic Pipes and Drums, the presentation of the GC President’s Award, and a commencement address by former Wyoming Governor, Jim Geringer.

The event is free to the public.

For more information, contact Gillette College at 686-0254.

Contact:
Wendy Smith (307) 674-6446 ext. 2801/Email wsmith@sheridan.edu
Dennis Jacobs (307) 674-6446 ext. 2802/Email djacobs@sheridan.edu

Over 310 students will graduate from SC Saturday 

Sheridan College’s 64^th Annual Commencement Ceremony will begin at one o’clock at the Bruce Hoffman Golden Dome on Saturday, May 11.  Over 310 students will complete their degree requirements at Sheridan College this year.  Other graduates being recognized at SC Commencement are those earning General Education Diplomas as well as Bachelor and Master degree candidates.

“The achievement of a college diploma or certificate is a milestone in the life of a college student. Graduation is an example or our long tradition of academic excellence in Sheridan County.  Congratulations to the class of 2013,” said Dr. Paul Young, NWCCD President.

The Commencement Ceremony will include performances by Sheridan College’s Chamber Choir and Collegiate Chorale; the presentation of the 2013 Distinguished Alumnus award to Ryan Mulholland, the presentation of the SC President’s Award, and a commencement address by former Wyoming Governor, Jim Geringer.

The event is free to the public.

For more information, contact SheridanCollege at 674-6446.

Contact:
Wendy Smith (307) 674-6446 ext. 2801/Email wsmith@sheridan.edu
Dennis Jacobs (307) 674-6446 ext. 2802/Email djacobs@sheridan.edu

Sheridan College students present undergraduate research

Sheridan College students Duane McMurtry, Joe Graves and Deo Lachman recently traveled to Washington D.C. to present their undergraduate research to the Wyoming’s congressional delegation for “Posters on the Hill” sponsored by the Council on Undergraduate Research.

They shared their research on “Anticoagulant and antimicrobial activity of an enzyme from Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus (Eastern Cottonmouth)” with 60 other presenters invited out of more than 800 applicants from across the country. The three students looked at various aspects of an isolated snake venom protein and its potential for medical applications.

“We are happy for an experience like this that keep us competitive with four-year universities and thanks to funding from INBRE [IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence] and Sheridan College faculty like Dr. Milne,” said Lachman.

The students and Dr. Rob Milne traveled to D.C. early in the week and then joined other SC students in Laramie for Undergraduate Research Day.

For the presentations, students did their research in Milne’s chemistry research class. After a combination of looking at other research and also independent testing students compiled and revised their materials to make them more accessible to a broader audience. They created a large poster summarizing their work and findings.

Other SC Students presenting at UW’s Undergraduate Research Day were Ashley Stimson presented on “Veterinarian Recommendations — Vaccinating for Clostridial Diseases.” Courtney Dixon covered “Clostridial Diseases in Cattle.” “Reversible Electrochemical Behavior of Transition Metal Compounds” was presented by Kenny Markley. And Heather Kenyon researched “Advanced Oxidation of Produced Water.”

“All of these students were excellent representatives of NWCCD at an event largely populated by juniors and senior from the University,” said Milne, SC Science Area Coordinator.

For more information about the presenters’ trip to Washington D.C. please contact Dr. Rob Milne at 674-6446 ext. 3106.

Contact:
Wendy Smith (307) 674-6446 ext. 2801/Email wsmith@sheridian.edu
Dennis Jacobs (307) 674-6446 ext. 2802/Email djacobs@sheridan.edu

Sheridan College announces Spear-O-Wigwam Mountain Campus Schedule

Sheridan College is looking forward to the third season full of activity at the Spear-O-Wigwam Mountain Campus.

“The purpose of our Mountain Campus is to enhance existing academic programming as well as provide new opportunities for students and the community,” said Campus Manager, Micah Olsen.  “In addition to the menu of courses and lectures open to the public, we are thrilled to have groups of students and educators from throughout our region coming to Spear-O for various educational activities.  This is exactly the intent and we can’t wait for the summer to arrive.”

Events happening throughout the summer include a full menu of Learn Outdoors courses open to the public including a Wilderness First Responder course taught by NOLS, the community CiViC leadership workshop, various youth opportunities, a series of three mountain lectures, a Saturday University program, a Teton Science pilot program; and college courses, educational field trips, and strategic planning meetings.

“We are excited about the menu of courses and lectures available this summer,” said Learn Outdoors Coordinator, Julie Davidson.  “We have received so much positive feedback from the programming of the past two summers; folks have been particularly appreciative of the quality of instruction and the affordability of the experience.  We invite everyone to surrender to what nature can teach you; embrace the experience of learning out of doors – enjoy the absence of a computer and a desk and let the experience be your textbook!”

Registration is now open for the following classes:

Course                                                                                                           Instructor                           Dates

Location, Location, Location: Writing “Place” in Fiction                    Christine Fadden               June 11-14

Writing Our Way Outside: A Poetry Writing Retreat                            Laurie Saurborn Young    June 11-14

Birding from your Backyard to the Bighorns                                         Dr. Julie Rieder                  June 14-16

Self-Renewal & the Art of Relaxation                                                     Kristin Douglas                  June 15

Wilderness First Responder                                                                       NOLS                                   June 20-29

The Powder River Basin: Geology, Energy & Dinosaurs                      Dave Nicolarsen               July 6th

Intro to Canoeing                                                                                        Hermes Lynn                      July 6-7

Kant’s Prolegomena to any Future Metaphysics:                                 Dr. Paul Young                  July 19-21

A Critique of Pure Reason for Average People

Young Writer’s Camp                                                                                 M. Wyatt, C. Fadden        July 27- Aug 2

& Kara Bacon

Women’s Pack Trip                                                                                     Spear-O Staff                     July 29 – Aug 2

Dutch Oven Cooking                                                                                   Steve Pattison                   Aug 3

Maps, GPS & Geocaching                                                                          Rob Livingston                  Aug 10

Intro to Rock Climbing                                                                               Tom Johannesmeyer       Aug 10-11

Spanish Language Immersion Workshop                                               Emily Betzler                      Sept 20-22

Mountain Lecture Series                                                                          Free and Open to the Public                      

Wildflowers of the Bighorns                                                                     Dr. Dick Birkholz               June 30

Saturday University                                                                                     Univ. of Wyoming            July 20

& Sheridan College

Bear Attacks, Caddy Shacks, Dude Girls:                                                Sam Morton                      Aug 11

Gold Mines of Bad Decisions in the Bighorns

Invasive Weeds of Wyoming Rangelands:                                             Dr. Julie Rieder                  Sept 8

From Theory to Case Study

To register for classes, please visit www.spearowigwam.com or contact Davidson directly with any questions at 674-6446, ext. 8350

We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Contact:
Dr. Michael Flynn (307) 674-6446 ext. 3009/Email mpflynn2@sheridan.edu
Wendy Smith (307) 674-6446 ext. 2801/Email wsmith@sheridan.edu
Dennis Jacobs (307) 674-6446 ext. 2802/Email djacobs@sheridan.edu

Sheridan College Wind and Jazz Ensembles to Perform

The Sheridan College Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. Michael P. Flynn, will perform their fourth and final concert of the year on Sunday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sheridan High School auditorium. Admission is FREE!  Dr. Flynn will be discussing the works to be performed at 6pm. Please note the change of location for this final concert.  We are pleased to present the performance right here in Sheridan!

The the jazz ensemble will begin the concert with five selections including the newly composed, “A Walkin’ Thing,” by Benny Carter, “Jive at Five,” by Count Basie, a beautiful work entitled “Chris,” by Gene Thorne, featuring Garth Moline on Tenor Sax, “Willowcrest,” by Bob Florence, as performed by the Buddy Rich Big Band, and an up tempo burner entitled, “Hit and Run,” from the Maynard Ferguson Big Band Library.

Following a brief intermission, the wind ensemble will perform two works, the first of which is composed by Michael Sweeney and is entitled, “Wilderness Scenes.”  This work represents the travels of Lewis and Clark across our beautiful country.  The final work “Lincoln Portrait,” by Aaron Copland and is the title piece for the concert.  This masterpiece is written for wind ensemble and narrator.  The music is meant to reflect the noble simplicity of Lincoln while the narration incorporates quotes into the texture of the music.  Brett Burtis, Director of Veterans Services at Sheridan College will be the narrator.

Dr. Michael Flynn has recently won the section trumpet job with the Billings Symphony Orchestra, and currently holds the auxiliary trumpet position for the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, Cheyenne Symphony, Bozeman Symphony Orchestra, and the Casper Brass.

Prior to joining the SC Faculty Flynn worked at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in Jerusalem and Bethlehem as an instructor, conductor and performer. He also performed as principal trumpet in the Palestine National Symphony Orchestra and the Edward Said National Conservatory Orchestra.

Admission to the Sunday performance is free and the public is cordially invited to attend.

For more information please contact Dr. Michael P. Flynn at Sheridan College, (307) 674-6446 (ext. 3009).

Contact:
Wendy Smith (307) 674-6446 ext. 2801/Email wsmith@sheridan.edu
Dennis Jacobs (307) 674-6446 ext. 2802/Email djacobs@sheridan.edu

SCOPE program will graduate six participants on May 3, 2013

Six participants in the Sheridan/Johnson County Opportunity Project for Education program (SCOPE) are slated to graduate during a ceremony beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the auditorium located at the VA Medical Center:  building 61.

“We have 6 students graduating:  Dusty Crabtree, Turner Schroth, Kodie Lusk, Mercedes Myers, Gus Schroth, and Gabe Waddington,” stated Sarah Riehn, the SCOPE Coordinator.

The SCOPE program, which began eleven years ago, is a community partnership between Sheridan College, the Department of Workforce Services, and other local community foundations and businesses. It offers a 13-week program in the spring and fall and is designed to provide employment training to its participants while preparing them to take the General Education Development (GED) exam to earn a Wyoming High School Equivalency Credential.

The SCOPE program has been located at many different sites before settling into building #1 at the VA Medical Center in July 2007. Since 2007, the VA personnel, residents, and police force have been generous with their time and provided the SCOPE participants opportunities to utilize many of their facilities and to meet with veterans in the senior Community Center while delivering flowers as their community service project.

As a non-profit program established through a partnership of local agencies eleven years ago, SCOPE has benefitted from strong community partnerships with local foundations and businesses. The Department of Workforce Services funds the majority of program costs, provides training stipends, funds a portion of the ABE instructor salary, funds the life skills trainer, and various support services for the participants. Sheridan College’s Adult Basic Education program funds the salaries of the ABE instructor and the SCOPE Coordinator including in-kind technology support services and grant oversight. There are also many other local businesses, foundations, and individuals that have donated their time, services, and provided gifts in support of the participants’ successful completion of the program. It is these partnerships that empower the program’s participants to graduate with practical skills which assist them to remain successful, self-sufficient, civic-minded, employable citizens in Sheridan and Johnson Counties.

“SCOPE is designed to establish career and educational goals for the participants and to empower them to attain self-sufficiency,” Riehn said. “Each participant receives employment training, life skills instruction, and further instruction to successfully obtain a Wyoming High School Equivalency Credential.”

Riehn said participants ages 16 to 21 who did not graduate from high school and who reside in Sheridan/Johnson County are eligible to enroll in the program.

SCOPE not only offers its participants employment training services, but also coordinates internships with area businesses. Christina Bourzenski and Lanette Pinkerton, Workforce Specialists at the Department of Workforce Services in Sheridan, arrange internships in areas of interest for the participants.

“These internships not only enable participants to determine whether a particular field is the career path of their choice, but they also provide necessary job skill training,” Riehn said.

The graduation ceremony is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Sarah Riehn at 674-6446, ext. 2703.

Contact:
Wendy Smith (307) 674-6446 ext. 2801/Email wsmith@sheridan.edu
Dennis Jacobs (307) 674-6446 ext. 2802/Email djacobs@sheridan.edu

SC Twisted Stair Theater Company presents night of comedy

The Sheridan College Twisted Stair Theater Company will present Twisted Stair Night of Comedy on Thursday, May 2 at the Sheridan College Whitney Presentation Hall (C-TEL) at 7 p.m. and Friday, May 3 at the Carriage House Theater at 7:00 p.m.

The comedy will be performed and produced by Sheridan College students and will feature two different one-act plays “Check, Please” and “If Men Played Cards as Women Do.”

The Sheridan College student’s performance will be followed by an improve performance by Pick Your Poison Theater, hosted by Aaron Odem.

Both presentations of Twisted Stair Night of Comedy are free of charge, but donations will be graciously accepted. For more information about the Twisted Stair Theater Company contact DannyLee Hodnett at (307) 674-6446 ext. 3001.

Contact:

Wendy Smith (307) 674-6446 ext. 2801/Email wsmith@sheridan.edu

Sheridan College Trustees call for August election to support Technical Education Center

During a special meeting Monday night, the Northern Wyoming Community College District board of trustees (the board) unanimously voted to call for a special election for a $15.85 million general obligation bond to renovate and expand the current Technical Education Center on the main Sheridan College campus. The special election will take place on August 20.

In the summer of 2010, the board directed the creation of a new master plan to deal with the aging state of the core campus facilities, most of which date to the 1950s, 60s and 70s.  The board adopted the new master plan in the winter of 2012 and published “Our Plan to 2020” in May of 2012.  That plan calls for the renovation and expansion of the Tech Center as the next critical project for the college.

In January of 2013, the board hired George K. Baum and Company (Baum) to conduct a study gauging public interest for such a project.  An experienced bond finance firm and one of the nation’s top underwriters of negotiated municipal bonds, Baum uses a phased approach including a needs assessment, community outreach and community comment.  Baum representatives presented an update during the trustees’ meeting in March, explaining the steps taken and emphasizing the importance of respecting taxpayers and inviting them to be part of the process.

The outreach process guided by Baum included informational letters to all registered voters, public informational sessions, and a scientific poll of Sheridan County registered voters conducted by Baum.

“We began our information gathering process in January, and the board is gratified that we have a good level of support in the community,” said Kati Sherwood, board chair. “We believe this means that the community is open to hearing our message and we’ll work hard to communicate our needs to them between now and August 20^th.”

At Monday’s meeting, representatives with Baum presented the results of the polling efforts.  According to their research, 60% of the people polled indicated they would support the renovation and expansion of the tech center.

“This project is about creating more opportunities for our students,” said trustee Bruce Hoffman. “We turn away students in programs where there are employers waiting to hire them.”