FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                  May 16, 2012

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

Dennis Jacobs (307) 674-6446 ext. 2802/Email djacobs@sheridan.edu

Watch progress of the Edward A. Whitney Academic Center online

Beginning this week, you will find a few more changes at the Sheridan College main campus in preparation for the new 53,000 square-foot Edward A. Academic Center.

Changes include the repaving of a parking lot and the addition of a work-cam to check construction progress online.

The main parking lot for the current Whitney Building will be closed for repaving, and should be open in late July.  The North entrance to campus will remain open except for a short period of time in late June.  Visitors are encouraged to park in the lot behind the Griffith Memorial Building and/or in the student housing parking lot along Dome Loop Road.

College officials also installed a work-cam to record the progress of the construction of the new center.  Go online to http://www.sheridan.edu/site/sc/work-zone-webcam/ to see the updated images.  A photo is taken by this camera every thirty minutes.

“Our official groundbreaking was last week, and now it is full-speed-ahead,” said Vice President for Administration, Cheryl Heath.  “We are happy with our progress so far and we invite everyone to check for updates and on the progress online.”

The general timeline for the project remains as follows:

SCHEDULE

Wednesday, May 9, 2012                   Groundbreaking celebration 4:00 pm

Monday, May 16, 2012                      Start demolition faculty wing

Tuesday, August 21, 2012                  Faculty wing complete

Friday, August 9, 2013                       New building complete

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                  May 16, 2012

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

            Dennis Jacobs (307) 674-6446 ext. 2802/Email djacobs@sheridan.edu

Join Sheridan College to learn about the sun

Science instructor, Dr. Rob Milne, wants everyone to be aware of two special events in our solar system happening soon.

This coming Sunday, May 20, a partial annular eclipse will be visible from Wyoming.

The public is invited to Sheridan College’s Museum of Discovery, located in the Mohn’s Center on the main Sheridan campus from 6-8 p.m. to witness this unique event.  A solar telescope and viewing glasses will be available to enable safe viewing by all interested.

On Tuesday, June 5, the planet Venus will pass between Earth and the Sun—an event called a transit. Once again, experts from Sheridan College will be available from 6-8 p.m. at the Mohn’s Center to share in this monumental event.

Please be aware that it is not safe to directly observe either event without an appropriate form of protection for the eyes. Regular or polarized sunglasses will not provide sufficient protection for extended viewing.

The Museum of Discovery will be open during the event and light refreshments will be provided.

According to Milne, the next chance to see a solar eclipse in our part of Wyoming will be a total eclipse on August 21, 2017. The next transit of Venus won’t occur until December 2117—so here’s your chance. “We hope to see you at the College on Sunday, May 20^th and again Tuesday, June 5^th,” said Milne.

For immediate release:                 May 7, 2012        

Contact:
Jamie Chacon
307-686-0254
jchacon@sheridan.edu

Two Students from GEAR UP Wyoming at NWCCD Named Recipients of Daniels Scholarship

[Sheridan/Gillette, WY] – GEAR UP Wyoming at NWCCD announced today that two students involved in its program have been named recipients of the Daniels Scholarship and will be attending colleges and universities across the United States in the fall. Ransom Bearden of Sheridan and Jordan Largent of Kaycee were nominated for and received this prestigious scholarship.

Daniels Scholarship recipients are selected based on strength of character, leadership, a record of accomplishment in community service, and other qualities.

The Daniels Scholarship is not “full ride,” but is supplemental to all other financial aid resources available to the student. After other financial aid resources have been applied, the Daniels Scholarship covers all required tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies and a variety of other miscellaneous expenses. Students also receive a laptop computer and a printer.

Bill Daniels, a cable pioneer known for his kindness and generosity to those in need, established the Daniels Fund to provide grants and scholarships in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. When he died in the year 2000, his estate transferred to the Fund, making it the largest foundation in the Rocky Mountain West.

GEAR UP Wyoming is a statewide program that serves 2,000 7^th-12^th grade income-eligible students each year. Wyoming’s seven community colleges provide services to these students and encourage them not only to complete high school, but to enter and succeed at a post-secondary institution. The GEAR UP Wyoming program also supports students through their first year of college.

For more information about GEAR UP Wyoming at NWCCD, call Jamie Chacon, Site Coordinator, at 307-686-0254, extension 1433, or Denise Scammon, Assistant Site Coordinator, at 307-674-6446, extension 2010.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                                                                     May 10, 2012

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

Dennis Jacobs (307) 674-6446 ext. 2802/Email djacobs@sheridan.edu

First semester of Farrier Science a success at Sheridan College

Final exams are complete for Sheridan College’s first Farrier Science Certificate students.  Eight students from all over the intermountain west, including one student from Canada, completed the program which included three required courses over the 15-week semester.  ANSC 1400 Equine Anatomy & Locomotion and EQST 1210 Introduction to Farrier Science were completed in the first five weeks of the semester, followed by the 10-week class, EQST 1835 Practical Farrier Science.

Throughout the program, students gained hands-on experience working with horses in the Sheridan area.  “This area is really unique because of the base of horses we have to work on and the support from the community that we have here,” said Steve Stephenson, Sheridan College Farrier Science Instructor.

All eight students are now ready to take the American Farrier’s Association (AFA) Exam that will be hosted by Sheridan College May 18-19 at either the classification or certification level, depending on whether or not they had farrier experience before enrolling in the certificate program.

Stephenson has heard repeatedly from horse owners in the area about “a shortage of qualified farriers in Sheridan and Johnson counties.”  This new program prepares students to work in the industry not only by equipping them with the knowledge and skills for horseshoeing, but by also giving them the vocabulary necessary to talk about equine anatomy and physiology with horse owners and veterinarians.

The Farrier Science Certificate will give Sheridan College students a competitive advantage when applying for agricultural jobs and further, achieving AFA certification will give them nationally recognized credibility.  According to Ami Erickson, Sheridan College’s Dean of Ag and Technical Careers, “Adding Farrier Science to our offerings at Sheridan College allows us to provide a truly hands-on, practical-skills program that ties in neatly with our other agriculture degree programs. The students are immersed in this program for one semester, and when they finish the semester the students have a keen sense of what it means to be a farrier.”

For more information about the Farrier Science Certificate please contact Ami Erickson, Dean of Ag and Technical Careers at 307-674-6446 ext. 3104.  Registration is now open for fall semester and is on a first come, first served basis.  Students new to Sheridan College can apply online at http://services.sheridan.edu/sc/admissions/ or in person.

Photo Caption: Farrier Science student Dillon Barkshire (left) holds the horse as fellow student Tate Schwagler performs hotshoeing for his final exam.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                                                                     May 9, 2012

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

Dennis Jacobs (307) 674-6446 ext. 2802/Email djacobs@sheridan.edu

Farrier Certification Exam to be hosted by Sheridan College

Sheridan College will host the American Farrier’s Association certification exam May 18-19, 2012.  The exam is the final step in Sheridan College’s Farrier Science certificate program but is also open to the public.  Participants are coming from across the United States to complete the standardized exam, designed to assess hoof trimming skills and techniques to meet everyday demands of correct hoof care, the skills to apply horseshoes and other appliances to exacting prescriptions, and forging skills needed to modify or make a variety of horseshoes.  In addition to testing these “hands-on” aspects of competency, there is also a written portion of the exam designed to test comprehension of equine anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics.

Certification provides an avenue for farriers to distinguish themselves—to themselves, to the horse owning public, and to others—and to establish that they have a quantifiable level of knowledge and competency in hoofcare.

For more information or to register for the exam please contact Sheridan College’s Farrier Science Instructor, Steve Stephenson, at 406-208-8466.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                            May 11, 2012

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 Griffith Memorial Library receives gift

Sheridan College’s Griffith Memorial Library recently received a gift including several monographs on economic geology, a twenty five year run of the journal Economy Geology, United States Geological Services bulletins and professional papers, as well as unique papers and maps from Zimbabwe (Southern Rhodesia).

The collection was gifted by Mr. Greg Thurow, a retired geologist now living in Sheridan.

“I am proud to provide the Sheridan College library with my collection,” said Thurow.  “This is a great way to allow others to use this resource.  My hope is that this will also encourage students to consider careers in the earth sciences.”

A Certified Professional Geologist, Thurow has 37 years of geologic experience, including seven years supervising coal bed methane drilling programs in the Powder River Basin.  He has also worked on a range of metal exploration projects throughout the nation.

“This is a significant resource for our students and community,” said Katrina Brown, Director of Library Services.  “We have not collected on the subject of economic geology in the past.  Mr. Thurow also reviewed our existing collection of USGS documents and filled in some gaps for us.  This material will be of particular use to our students and regional geologists.”

Thurow has a Master’s degree in Economic Geology from the University of Colorado.

Photo Cutline:  Dr. Paul Young, NWCCD President, Mr. Greg Thurow, and Katrina Brown, Sheridan College Director of Library Services, pose for a photo Tuesday during a small gathering celebrating the gift from Mr. Thurow.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 29, 2012

Contact: Debi Isakson
Sheridan College Foundation
(307) 674-6446 ext 4302
Email: disakson@sheridan.edu

SC Alumni Relations Office announces selection of 2012 Distinguished Alum

Sheridan College President Dr. Paul Young announced his approval of the Sheridan College Alumni Committee’s recommendation of The Honorable Fred Dollison as the 2012 Sheridan College Distinguished Alum.

Fred Dollison enrolled at Sheridan College in 1973, newly released from 6 years of military service.  At SC, Fred earned honor books in Humanities and Social Science, served on the Student Senate, played intramural sports, was a member of the Chess Club, Phi Theta Kappa, and Veterans’ Club, all while working nights as the Head Custodian in the Whitney Building.  After graduation Fred transferred to the University of Wyoming, earning a B.S. in Political Science, with honors and was inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha (The National Political Science Honor Society), Phi Beta Kappa, and Pi Sigma Alpha honors societies.  Fred continued his education with a J.D. degree from the College of Law in 1980.He will be honored during the Sheridan College Commencement ceremony on May 12, 2012, which will be held in the Bruce Hoffman Golden Dome at 1:00 PM.

When selected as the SC 2012 Distinguished Alum Fred said that, “I am shocked and surprised.  It’s an honor.  Sheridan College gave me a solid foundation upon which I was able build my life and career.”

After graduation Fred moved back to Sheridan and joined the firm of Badley, Rasmussen and Shoumaker.  In 1985 Fred started a solo practice which continued until 1990 when he formed a partnership with Mike Shoumaker.  A year later their partnership joined with Virgil Kinnaird and Rene Botten to form Northern Wyoming Law Associates and continued in practice until January 2002, when he was appointed as the first Circuit Court Judge in Crook County, Wyoming.  In January 2003 became the Circuit Court Judge in Weston County, Wyoming.

Fred’s achievements are impressive by all standards.  He represented Sheridan County School District #2 for 9 years and was a member of the National Association of School Board Attorneys, The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, The National Organization on Legal Problems in Education, as well as serving in all offices of the Sheridan County Bar Association.

He intuitively combines compassion with objectivity in his adherence to the law, revealing his respect both for others and for laws which must be applied dispassionately to all.  He is proof that Sheridan College can attract and educate the best and the brightest, remarked Lynn Mavrakis.

Fred married Cheri in 1972 and together they have raised a wonderful child, Erin.  Erin and her husband Mark Nitschke are both currently employed at Sheridan College.  It seems the whole family has been employed at the college in one capacity or another. Cheri was administrative staff and managed the bookstore, while her father (Harold Gilbert) was one of Sheridan College’s first agricultural faculty members.

Debi Isakson, Alumni and Community Engagement Coordinator at Sheridan College said, “Fred is an excellent role-model for our students at Sheridan College.  He is an inspiring example of the fine things that can occur in a person’s life when there is a foundation on which achievement can be built.”

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                    May 7, 2012

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

       Dennis Jacobs (307) 674-6446 ext. 2802/Email djacobs@sheridan.edu

About 300 students will graduate from SC Saturday

Sheridan College’s 63^rd Annual Commencement Ceremony will begin at one o’clock at the Bruce Hoffman Golden Dome on Saturday, May 12.  Nearly 300 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 2012,” said Dr. Paul Young, NWCCD President.

The Commencement Ceremony will include performances by Sheridan College’s General Delivery and Collegiate Chorale; the presentation of the 2012 Distinguished Alumnus award to the Honorable Fred Dollison, the presentation of the SC President’s Award, and a commencement address by United States Senator, Michael B. Enzi.

The event is free to the public.

For more information, contact Sheridan College at 674-6446.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                                                      May 3, 2012

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 at Undergraduate Research Day

Seven Sheridan College students presented their respective research projects April 19-21 at the Undergraduate Research Day hosted by the University of Wyoming.

“Our students worked very hard to prepare for this event,” said Chemistry Instructor, Rob Milne.  “They were excellent representatives of our College and held their own alongside juniors and seniors from the University.”

According to UW’s web site, Undergraduate Research Day is designed to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of undergraduate student researchers. The event showcases undergraduate students’ research in a wide variety of subject areas, including agriculture, business, education, engineering, health sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematical sciences, social sciences, and the arts and humanities.

Sheridan College Students participating:

Jeremy Byers (Faculty Mentor: Dan Bergey) Molecular Evolution: Exon Shuffling and Alternative Splicing Generates New Calmodulin Variants in Plants

James Draine (Faculty Mentor: Rick Landeis) Parasites That Are Detrimental Cattle Health and Methods for Best Parasite Control

Andrea Hespen (Faculty Mentor: Rick Landeis) Weaning Stress of Beef Cattle

Olivia Alley, Taira Graves and Duane McMurtry (Faculty Mentor: Rob Milne) Isolation of L-amino acid oxidase and anti-coagulation activity from Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus (Eastern cottonmouth)

Kenny Markley (Faculty Mentor: Rob Milne) Reversible Electrochemical Behavior of Electrodes Modified with Sandwich Compounds

For more information, please contact Milne at 674-6446, ext. 3106.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                 April 20, 2012

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, UW partnership would create University Center in Sheridan

Following an executive session during last night’s Northern Wyoming Community College District monthly board meeting, Kati Sherwood, Board Chair, made the following statement:

The board has been presented with an exciting opportunity to further collaborate with the University of Wyoming and Whitney Benefits to enhance UW’s agricultural and horticultural programs in Sheridan that will benefit students from both institutions and our community.  As part of the collaboration, the board is considering the transfer of the Watt Ag Building to UW.  Board action will be taken at the May 17^th board meeting.

The partnership between Sheridan College and the University of Wyoming would lead to the creation of an agriculture education ‘hub’ on the South end of the current SC campus.  The University purchasing the current Watt Agricultural Center as well as committing to at least $2 million in improvements including upgraded laboratories and additional outbuildings would greatly enhance existing academic programs as well as provide opportunities for additional offerings.

“The University of Wyoming is a great partner. We have been discussing ways to increase services and opportunities for the citizens of Northeast Wyoming for quite some time,” said Sheridan College President Paul Young. “The idea that we can create an agricultural epicenter right here, accessible to all of our students and to the community is exciting.”

The University of Wyoming is currently located in three separate locations throughout Sheridan County including an Extension Office located downtown, the Sheridan Research and Extension Center located approximately seven miles east of the City of Sheridan, and UW Outreach Offices located in the Whitney Building on the Sheridan College campus.  This partnership would bring all efforts to a central location.

The board will take action during the May 17, 2012 meeting.