As one of the Aspen fellows, Dr. Z煤帽iga was selected through a competitive process to represent the next generation of college leadership. In this fellowship, he will work closely with highly accomplished community college presidents and thought leaders over ten months to learn from field-leading research, examine demographic and labor market conditions in their communities, assess student outcomes at their colleges, and advance a clear vision for excellent and equitable outcomes for students while in college and after they graduate. Rising Presidents Fellows aspire to enter a college presidency within five years of completing the fellowship.

鈥淚’m honored to be selected for Cohort 9 of the Aspen’s Presidential Fellowship,鈥� said Dr. Z煤帽iga. 鈥淭his opportunity is a chance for profound professional growth and transformation. I’m excited to engage with national community leaders and colleagues who share our commitment to innovation and creativity that will inspire new ideas that I can bring back to campus.鈥�

Dr. Z煤帽iga also received the 2024 ILACHE Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors a leader whose lifetime body of work and commitment serves as a model for other educators. ILACHE said the award is reserved for a person whose contributions to Latinos in higher education are inspiring and whose trajectory they want others to emulate.

Earlier this week, 香港最快开奖现场直播 and Millikin University formed a collaborative partnership to better serve public constituents, ease the transfer process, minimize duplication of instruction, and build upon community college and university learning experiences. The institutions came to two agreements.

The first one states 香港最快开奖现场直播 students who have above a 2.0 GPA and have completed an Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Fine Arts (AFA), Associate in Engineering Science (AES), or have completed necessary courses (outlined in more detail at ) will be automatically accepted to Millikin. 香港最快开奖现场直播 students wishing to attend Millikin will be provided with a four-year plan, as well as automatic acceptance into the Millikin baccalaureate degree programs. Students will still have to meet specific core requirements and criteria to enter certain programs. Along with this, 香港最快开奖现场直播 graduates that have successfully completed the requirements of the Honors Opportunities Program will be automatically accepted into Millikin鈥檚 James Millikin Honors Scholars program. 香港最快开奖现场直播 students can visit to learn more and submit their free application for admission.

鈥淲e are proud to partner with Millikin to provide 香港最快开奖现场直播 students a direct pathway to pursue their bachelor鈥檚 degree. This collaboration embodies community, showing that when institutions unite, we can create a bridge to degree completion for every student choosing a four-year path. Together, we are forging pathways that empower our students to achieve their academic dreams,鈥� said Dr. Cris Valdez, President of 香港最快开奖现场直播.

Millikin President Dr. Jim Reynolds stated, 鈥淲e are grateful to our partners at 香港最快开奖现场直播 for joining us in creating pathways for 香港最快开奖现场直播 students to complete their four-year degree at Millikin.聽Our community is fortunate to have collaborating institutions who see education as transformative and choose to help deserving students with their dreams of better lives for them and their families. Partnerships like this take down barriers to success for all students who wish to continue their education and seek a four-year degree and we are proud to be of service to those community members.”

Dr. Isaac Zuniga, Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Success at 香港最快开奖现场直播, said, 鈥淎t 香港最快开奖现场直播, fostering community transfer partnerships is paramount to empowering students in pursuing their career aspirations. Under Dr. Valdez’s leadership, we’ve focused our efforts to support local industry partners and enhance collaboration with esteemed institutions like Millikin University. This strengthened partnership aims to dismantle educational barriers, providing local students with a direct pathway into Millikin鈥檚 programs. Such initiatives not only fortify our community but also cultivate a diverse, skilled workforce, fueling prosperity for all.鈥�

In the second agreement, Millikin students who previously attended 香港最快开奖现场直播 without receiving their associate鈥檚 degree can apply for a reverse transfer 鈥� which would allow them to earn the associate鈥檚 while at Millikin. The university will notify former 香港最快开奖现场直播 students enrolled at Millikin with a minimum of 32 transfer credits that they can request a reverse transfer transcript request/release form (RTTR/R). If they sign the form, Millikin will forward a transcript to the Registrar at 香港最快开奖现场直播. The Registrar will verify if the student completed an associate degree based on coursework already completed at 香港最快开奖现场直播 and Millikin. There will be no cost to the student for these transcripts. If there is a break in attendance at Millikin, the student will need to submit a new RTTR/R when they re-enroll at Millikin.

鈥淭his agreement between Millikin and 香港最快开奖现场直播 represents the commitment of both institutions to providing affordable and accessible higher education opportunities for students across the region. It will make the transfer process seamless, and make it easier for 香港最快开奖现场直播 students to take advantage of the Millikin Tuition Promise and the Big Blue Pledge Illinois Free Tuition programs. The agreement ensures that students who transfer from 香港最快开奖现场直播 to Millikin with completed associate鈥檚 Degrees can be sure their university studies coursework is already complete. They can focus on the courses required to complete their major, and graduate on-time,鈥� said Mary Black, Millikin University Provost.

The event will be held in the Shilling Community Education Center Salons on the College鈥檚 campus. Doors will open at 11:45 a.m. with a buffet lunch served until 12:15 p.m. At that time, the program will begin. Campus tours will be offered immediately following the program.

Luncheon tickets are $20 per person or $160 per table of 8. Limited seating is available. Tickets can be purchased here:

WHAT: 2024 State of the College
WHEN: Wednesday, April 10, 2024

• Doors Open | 11:45 AM
• Buffet Lunch Served | 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
• Program Begins | 12:15 PM

WHERE: Shilling Community Education Center Salons, 香港最快开奖现场直播
One College Park, Decatur, IL 62521

This year, the Foundation retired their annual Culinary Scholarship Dinner, which solely supported the Culinary Institute, to create the Bright Futures Gala. With this gala, the Foundation can use the funds to support programs across the College. While the name and funding source changed, the spirit of the event remained the same with students from Bistro Five Thirty Seven serving a 3-course Surf n鈥� Turf meal and the crowd bidding on silent and live auction items.

Along with those activities, the Foundation highlighted the stories of six students: Aerianna Stevens (EnRich HVAC & Construction), Billi Zombro (Nursing), Michael Chandler (Culinary & EnRich HVAC), Michael Horn (EnRich Industrial Job Skills), Shiann Currie (Horticulture), and XuMeng Liu (Accounting). Each one has a different story, but they all agreed on one thing: 香港最快开奖现场直播 has changed their lives.

Shiann Currie, a Horticulture student, said, 鈥淚 look forward to changing the world, and I know there are so many other individuals out there like me who simply need an opportunity, need someone to care, need someone to show them what is possible or even believe I can get a degree as a single parent. So, don鈥檛 hesitate. Give, and I look forward to giving back.鈥�

Michael Horn, who recently graduated from EnRich Industrial Job Skills, shared a similar sentiment.

鈥淚f it wasn鈥檛 for people like you, I wouldn鈥檛 be in the position I am today to chase my new aspirations and dreams. You鈥檝e given me a way to make ends meet while educating myself. You are changing my life. You are amazing people. I鈥檝e never met you, but I appreciate you so much,鈥� he said.

This event was sponsored by:

• Presenting Sponsor | DCC Marketing
• Auction Sponsor | Hickory Point Bank
• Silent Auction Sponsor | Texas Roadhouse
• Table Sponsor | Main Place Properties

The Foundation鈥檚 2024 Corporate Partners are:

• ADM | Platinum Partner
• LIDOS & Ameren Illinois | Gold Partner
• Busey Bank | Silver Partner
• IPI Wealth Management | Silver Partner
• Heritage Behavioral Health | Silver Partner
• Al & Melanie Schelling | Silver Partner
• BLDD Architects | Silver Partner
• HSHS St. Mary’s | Bronze Partner
• Dynagraphics | Bronze Partner

All funds raised are going to the greatest needs to the College.

Orientations will be held the following days:

GED/High School Diploma:

• Monday, March 11, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. | 香港最快开奖现场直播 Campus (Room W115)
• Monday, March 11, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. | 香港最快开奖现场直播 Campus (Room W115)
• Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. | 香港最快开奖现场直播 Campus (Room W115)
• Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. | 香港最快开奖现场直播 Campus (Room W126)
• Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. | 香港最快开奖现场直播 Campus (Room W115)
• Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. | 香港最快开奖现场直播 Campus (Room W115)

ESL (English as a Second Language):

• Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. | The Hub at Decatur Public Library (120 N. Franklin Street)
• Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. | 香港最快开奖现场直播 Campus 9Room W126)

The GED classes meet 3-4 days a week over an 8-week session. These courses help students prepare for the GED test鈥檚 4 subjects: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. Interested students must be 16 years or older and not enrolled in school.

The ESL courses help students improve their English speaking, reading, and writing skills for academic or employment purposes. Classes for the next session will begin Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

Orientations are required for all new students. During orientation, students will learn more about the program and will take an assessment to place them in the appropriate class. Please arrive 10 minutes early and plan to stay for about two hours.

To reserve a spot, click on the links below:

Reservations are recommended but not required.

The Taylor Swift Experience includes:

• Two (2) 300 Level Sideline Seats to see Taylor Swift Live at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida on Saturday, October 19, 2024!
• Two (2) Nights Standard Room Accommodations at the Kimpton Epic in Miami! (Check In Friday, October 18, 2024 and Check Out Sunday, October 20, 2024)
• $500 AmEx Dining Gift Card to use at restaurants such as CVI.CHE 105, Nusr-Et Steakhouse, Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest, and more!

The Winner鈥檚 Choice Vacation Package involves:

• 7-night stay for 4 guests – 2 Adults and 2 Kids under 12 in a Studio or 1 Bedroom Accommodation
• Your choice of 4 destinations, Oahu, Kauai, Maui, or Big Island in Hawaii, Malaga in Spain, Los Cabos in Mexico or Bali in Indonesia
• 3 full years to use the package. View item for terms and conditions.

To enter the Golden Ticket Raffle, you must purchase a ticket for the raffle you would like to enter. Only 120 tickets are available for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour raffle at $200 each, and 100 tickets are available for the Winner鈥檚 Choice Vacation Package at $100 each. All funds raised support students and programs across 香港最快开奖现场直播.

For terms and conditions or to purchase your raffle ticket for the Eras Tour, . To view terms and conditions or buy your raffle ticket for the vacation package, .

The winner of each raffle will be announced at the Foundation鈥檚 Bright Futures Gala (presented by DCC Marketing) on Saturday, March 23. They do not need to be present to win. Along with announcing the Golden Ticket Raffle winners, the gala will have a cocktail hour, surf & turf meal, silent & live auctions, mobile bidding, and a wine pull. Tickets for the event are $150 each. Please RSVP by March 13, 2024, by purchasing a ticket or by contacting the Foundation at foundation@richland.edu.

The schedule includes:

• Black Student Association Kicks Off (Thursday, Feb. 1)
  • The Black Student Association (BSA) held their kick-off meeting to learn what changes and events students want to see on campus. The BSA is a student-run organization with faculty support. Elections will be held in March.
• Black Greek Week (Feb. 5-9)
  • Faculty/staff are invited to wear fraternity/sorority regalia all week long.
• Black Greek Week Information Tables (Wednesday, Feb. 7)
  • Black fraternity & sorority representatives will be on campus to talk with students.
• EnRiching our History (Saturday. Feb. 17)
  • This is the second year of the EnRiching Our History awards ceremony. Starting at 6 p.m. in the Shilling Community Education Center salons, this event will celebrate the accomplishments of our students and community members.
• Free Lunch (Thursday, Feb. 29)
  • There will be a free soul food lunch in the Caf茅 starting at 11 a.m.

The Andreas Family Scholarship is available for students participating in FFA. Its purpose is to remove the financial barrier for students interested in pursuing agriculture-related fields like Agribusiness, Ag Accounting, Electrician, Engineering, Ag Science, Welding, CDL, and various Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs.

Ben Andreas maintains finances for the Andreas Foundation. He is an owner at Main Place Properties and serves on the Board of Trustees at 香港最快开奖现场直播. In February 2008, 香港最快开奖现场直播 named an agribusiness building after his grandfather, Dwayne O. Andreas. Now, Ben is naming this new building after his father, Michael D. Andreas.

鈥淢y dad was thrilled about the direction of the college. He passed about two and a half years ago, and he always talked about having something named after him at 香港最快开奖现场直播. Now that he鈥檚 gone and it鈥檚 happening, it鈥檚 bringing a lot of emotions all at once,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a really emotional yet satisfying feeling to support something like this in central Illinois 鈥� especially in my hometown where I鈥檝e been my whole life and my family has been for 70+ years.鈥�

ADM Cares and the Ullrich Foundation also provided significant donations for the building.

Shondra Lynch, Senior Vice President at Busey Bank and trustee for the Ullrich Foundation, said, 鈥淲e are very excited about everything 香港最快开奖现场直播 does. The Ullrich Foundation is deeply rooted in agriculture, so to be able to support an endeavor like this means the world to us. This building gives students the perfect environment to cultivate a career in agriculture.鈥�

香港最快开奖现场直播 invested $3 million in the Michael D. Andreas Agriculture Building. In spring 2022, the College broke ground on the property as part of a goal to enhance student learning spaces. It is equipped with technologically-advanced classrooms, lab space and a greenhouse. Students will move into the space starting on Tuesday, January 16^th.

Rhiannon is a Scherer Honors Scholar and grateful for the opportunity that scholarships have provided.

Rhiannon plans to pursue a career as a history teacher in the future and most recently was selected as a finalist in the Johns Hopkins Summer Research Experience, a highly selective ten-week paid program which introduces students to research techniques within the humanities.

Congratulations, Rhiannon!

Thank you and congratulations, Randy, for your vision and hard work in making 香港最快开奖现场直播 an outstanding community college.