Volume VI Number 1
Nov./Dec. 1999
Faculty Center Sponsors Series on A Learning College
The Faculty Center has purchased 15 copies of A Learning College for the 21st Century by Terry O'Banion. This book takes a fresh look at education, particularly at the community college level, as we go into the year 2000. Dr. O'Banion is president and CEO of the League for Innovation in the Community College, and has been involved as professor and also as dean of students at community colleges for more than 36 years. He has written over 100 articles on community college issues and has been a consultant to over 500 community colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Dr. O'Banion echoes the need for a change in the way education is conducted in the U.S., and suggests that our community colleges can be the focal point as far as instituting this change most effectively. A Learning College for he 21st Century addresses this concept.
Interested faculty members may obtain a copy of the book to read and keep for their own use. The Faculty Center will sponsor a series of discussions, beginning January 13, 2000, at 12:30 p.m. (bring a brown-bag lunch; soup will be provided) on the ideas presented in A Learning College for he 21st Century, Dr. O'Banion's most recent book. The discussion series will continue on a monthly basis throughout the Spring 2000 semester.
Dr. Terry O'Banion will be the featured speaker at Bucks County Community College's Spring 2000 In-Service day, Tuesday, January 18th. We look forward to his presentation and will have the additional opportunity of having read and contemplated his writings prior to his appearance. Please contact Patricia Laser, Facilitator (ext. 8066, F205) if you would like a copy of the book and can make the January meeting. Some books have been spoken for but there are still some available. In addition, BCCC's Planning Advisory Group's Vision sub-committee members have copies of A Learning College for he 21st Century and may be willing to share. Join us for a warm, nourishing and enlightening afternoon Thursday, January 13th, 2000 at the Faculty Center. Even if you do not wish a copy of the book to read in advance, feel free to join us!
Caren Friedman: The Art of the Book
On Wednesday, October 6th, Fine Arts faculty member Caren Friedman presented on "The Art of the Book," a demonstration and discussion illustrating the use of a book as a medium of personal artistic expression. She brought with her samples of books created by students who took a class from her on this subject during the summer of 1999. Caren revealed that books can take many forms, and in fact the very shape, design, and arrangement of content and pages can be a function of one's artistic direction.
Books in Caren's exhibits were unique, and used a combination of photograph, print, drawing, color and even handmade paper to convey the creator's personal artistic expressiveness. The books tended in most cases to be intensely personal, and reveal deep feelings or perspectives of the artist; sometimes the books took on a humorous or surprise quality as well.
Following Caren's presentation a discussion ensued on the surge in interest in book arts (as this field is called) and other very primary methods of personal expression such as story-telling. Attendees agreed that the increasing interest in such immediate, personal and fundamental modes of expression may be arising to balance the more impersonal (or at least less immediate and direct) aspect of human communication resulting from the increasing reliance on technology.
Lee Neumann: Hope, Education, Motivation and Success!
Business Department Chair Lee Neumann fascinated Faculty Center attendees on Wednesday, October 13th, with his story of success beginning with his childhood growing up in the coal regions of Pennsylvania. Lee reported that families there had very little, and even education was a sometime thing. Although those of us who are acquainted with Lee know differently, Lee attributes some of his success in overcoming an environmental setting without a lot of promise simply to luck.
However, as Lee himself has demonstrated, with the opportunities presented by education, in addition to effort and perseverance, almost any obstacles can be surmounted. Success is within the reach of all. The keys are hope, education, and motivation. Lee Neumann has demonstrated success in a number of diverse areas: first journalism, followed by success in private business, and lastly as professor and now Chair of Business Studies.
Lee's story was inspiring, and would offer encouragement to any student contemplating enrolling in higher education.
Professor (Emeritus) Richard Bullock: BCCC Family Album -- The Early Years
On Wednesday, December 1st Dr. Richard Bullock, formerly of BCCC's Department of Language & Literature, gave a slide show presentation and narration (a repeat of his successful BCCC Open House presentation in September of this year) on the initial conception and founding of BCCC including acquisition of the Tyler grounds, through our first graduating class, in 1967.
As in September, the audience reacted with delight, interest and amusement at Dr. Bullock's many pictures from the past, trying to identify places and recognize faces. A reception followed at the Faculty Center.
Lois Gilmore & Eugene Howard: African Art in the Context of British Imperialism
On Wednesday, November 10th, Professor Eugene Howard and Dr. Lois Gilmore presented before a packed house at the Faculty Center on the spirituality, rhythm and harmony in African art, and how this art was viewed by the culture of Victorian Britain when African works of art were put on display there. Professor Howard showed slides of various works of art from Africa and discussed how the art evolved over time and how it was part of everyday African life. Lois Gilmore reported that African art was not always appreciated by the British society of the time and that African art's true beauty and value were slow to be recognized.
A wonderful reception co-sponsored by the Department of Language and Literature followed Lois and Gene's presentation.
Faculty Showcase: Pam Leutwyler, Patricia Laser
Pam Leutwyler (Mathematics, Computer & Information Science) and Patricia Laser (Social & Behavioral Sciences) were co-presenters at this fall's Faculty Showcase at the Faculty Center Wednesday, November 17th. Pam presented on "Animating Mathematics," utilizing a marvelous PowerPoint creation to demonstrate some of the concepts involved in teaching mathematics, and statistics in particular. Not only was the PowerPoint demonstration extremely well done, but the audience got many a chuckle from seeing medicines or diet programs work or not work, dogs and cats undergo transformations, and the like, as Pam demonstrated a mathematical paradox.
Patricia Laser introduced the results of Student Roundtables co-sponsored by the Committee on Evaluation of Instruction and Outcomes Assessment, and A Learning College for he 21st Century by Terry O'Banion.
Jon Alley Donates Pen & Ink Sketch of Cooper Homestead
To our great delight and good fortune, Faculty Center Advisory Board member Jon Alley (Department of the Arts) has generously donated a pen and ink sketch he created of the home of the Faculty Center, Cooper Homestead.
We are extremely grateful to Jon for his kindness, and admire his wonderful talent. The drawing will become a part of Faculty Center stationery, and will be permanently displayed at the Center as one of our art works. Our most sincere thanks, Jon!
Mary Marco has been busy with NetMeeting presentations, well-received by faculty. She will continue and expand these activities into the spring.
Faculty Center Web Site
Maureen McCreadie has tirelessly worked to create a website for the Faculty Center. It is beautiful! She has put a great deal of Faculty Center information at the site.
Professional Development Consultant
See Doug Rosentrater's "Pro-Active" newsletter for details on professional development activities.
A Message From Your Facilitator
Space is short here, so I will just convey my most sincere thanks to all for your support and kindness as I become familiar with the Faculty Center Facilitator position. You're the best! And I hope your favorite motto will be, "See you at the Center!"
Upcoming EventsIn the spring, look for: