Kirkwood Community College News

Kirkwood Celebrates Coach's 1,000th Baseball Win

Steve C.

College officials and fans joined family members and the Kirkwood Baseball team in congratulating Kirkwood Community College Head Coach John Lewis on surpassing 1,000 career wins.

The May 7 program in Kirkwood's Iowa Hall West Dining Room featured remarks from Eagles Athletic Director Doug Wagemester. The college presented Lewis with a framed plaque (shown) which featured a baseball used in the game that put the coach at the four-digit mark in career wins.

College officials verified through NJCAA records that Lewis is among only six active community college coaches and only a dozen or so coaches throughout "JuCo" history to have achieved the 1,000-win mark. Lewis attained the milestone in his 29th year of coaching for the Eagles.

[Photo by John Schafer, Kirkwood Media Services.]

Kirkwood Foundation Bests $11 Million Goal

Steve C.

"Quiet Campaign" eclipsed fund goal with minimal cost to college; Cheryle Mitvalsky saluted at event

(Cedar Rapids, May 6) -- Supporters and friends of Kirkwood Community College gathered to celebrate a successful capital campaign Tuesday night.

College officials and community donors cheered the news that more than $11 million was pledged to the Kirkwood Foundation. The vast majority of the $11,230,529 total is directed to student scholarships and other direct support. Preliminary figures show $7.7 million in scholarship funds over the next five years, $2.35 million in future gifts for scholarships, plus more than $1.18 million in in-kind and other gifts to support the mission of the college.

George Grask of Cedar Rapids made the official announcement of the campaign's success as Kirkwood students held up printed ceremonial numbers to display the final total. Grask is president of Cedar Rapids Truck Center, Inc., treasurer of the Kirkwood Foundation and co-chaired the "This Changes Everything" campaign along with AEGON USA CEO Pat Baird. Grask called the results "a great day and a big vote of confidence" in the college's service and mission.

"We hear all the time how Kirkwood is a positive force in the lives of our students. Tonight we see how the community understands this college, how they see the value added to eastern Iowa every day. The Foundation got it completely right when they titled the campaign �This Changes Everything.' For thousands of students now and in many years to come, lives will be better and more fulfilling through these gifts," Grask added.

Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich added congratulations to the Foundation Board, staff and numerous donors and volunteers who "came through unbelievably" in achieving the result.

"People in this community need to realize that the final total is even more amazing when you know how it was raised. The board and Foundation staff decided to take on the campaign with no outside consultant and no added staff. What made it possible was this incredible college and the deep relationships we enjoy with our supporters. Anyone who knows anything about fund-raising has to marvel that this dedicated group raised more than 11 million dollars and spent only about thirty thousand direct dollars to do it. This Foundation is utterly remarkable and the generosity of our good friends is even more so. It's just an amazing and wonderful thing," Starcevich added.

Kirkwood Vice President Cheryle Mitvalsky also praised the community for the great response to student and college needs.

"We titled the campaign �This Changes Everything' because for so many Kirkwood students these scholarships, coupled with the excellent instruction and caring support they get here does make a life-changing difference. We thank the donors and this dedicated foundation staff for the wonderful results we celebrate," Mitvalsky said.

College supporters and friends also took the occasion to honor Mitvalsky for her 19 years of leadership to the college and Kirkwood Foundation. She had earlier announced her retirement from the college in June 2008. Speakers included Starcevich, Grask, former Kirkwood President Norm Nielsen, philanthropist Henry Tippie, and local civic leaders Lee Clancey and Jack Evans.

The ceremonies also officially welcomed Kathy L. Hall to her position as vice president of Resource Development. She also praised Mitvalsky's leadership and the "solid legacy" that will continue.

"I had the pleasure of working with Cheryle and knowing her energy and deep understanding of the community during the past decade," Hall remarked. "That knowledge only grew during the past four months when I had the honor of working with Cheryle and the Foundation to complete this campaign. Her contributions have been astounding and this latest campaign is unarguable proof of that. She should feel justly proud of this true legacy. Students forever in the future will be the beneficiaries of her care and leadership."

Information on scholarship opportunities and ways to support students is available from Kirkwood Vice President for Resource Development, Kathy Hall at (319) 398-4943. Complete information on Kirkwood Foundation programs is available via the Kirkwood Web site: www.kirkwood.edu/foundation

# # # #

Selected Facts on the Kirkwood Foundation "This Changes Everything" Campaign

� Co-Chairs of the campaign: Pat Baird, AEGON USA and George Grask, Cedar Rapids Truck Center, Inc. Both are members and officers of the Kirkwood Foundation.
� Campaign total: $11,230,529
� Total number of donors: 1,357
� Total number of new scholarships: 71
� Number of new endowments: 33
� Estimated student award amount for fall 08: $1.6 million
� Kirkwood Foundation now holds 300 scholarship funds
� College direct expenses used to achieve the goal: Under $30,000

A Thousand Win Milestone

Steve C./ICCAC staff

Veteran Kirkwood Coach John Lewis Marks Four Figures in 29th Year in Eagles Baseball

May 2, 2008-AMES, Iowa-Coach John Lewis, Kirkwood Community College head baseball coach, reached his 1,000th win on April 27, 2008 in a game versus Southeastern Community College. The Eagles beat Southeastern in the first game of a double header 6-2 to reach the 1,000 mark. The assistant coaches presented Coach Lewis with a framed Kirkwood Jersey after the win.

"I knew it was coming but we were playing up and down so I didn't know when [the 1,000th win] would happen. I was relieved when we made it there and glad we got to that
point," said Coach Lewis.

He also said that he is very fortunate to have really great assistant coaches and a great group of athletes to work with.

Coach Lewis has been the head baseball coach for the Eagles for 29 seasons. The Kirkwood Athletics staff estimated that he has spent six years of his life with recruiting, practice, field preparation, travel, and games for Kirkwood.
College officials compiled the following statistics about Coach Lewis's tenure:

� 29 Seasons as the Head Coach of the Eagles Baseball team

* Six-Time Iowa Junior College Coach of the Year

� Four JUCO World Series appearances

� Four-Time District Coach of the Year

� 29 Years as a member of the Kirkwood faculty (Industrial Technologies)

� Numerous former players now coaching baseball

� Four former players currently playing professional baseball

� An estimated 700 players coached

Coach Lewis plans to continue coaching baseball for the Eagles.

"On behalf of the Kirkwood athletics department, we want to congratulate Coach Lewis on all of his accomplishments and his 29 years as a coach. We look forward to future
successes with him as head coach," said Kirkwood's athletic director, Doug Wagemester.

The celebrating will continue for Coach Lewis when Kirkwood Athletics hosts a reception to mark his 1,000-win mark. Fans and colleagues are invited to attend the event Wednesday, May 7, 1 to 2 p.m. in the Iowa Hall West Dining Room on the main Kirkwood campus.

-###-

[Some information on this story provided by the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference. For more information on the ICCAC, you may contact Angela Morel;

assistant@iccac.org / 515.451.6869 ]

Kirkwood Concert Band Set to Perform May 3

N. Niemeyer

Lineup includes scenes from "The Louvre" and works like Espana Cani, Saint Louis Blues

The Kirkwood Community College Concert Band will present a wide array of pieces on May 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Ballantyne Auditorium.

The night will start off with the band accompanying the audience in singing the Star Spangled Banner.

The band, directed by Beth Zamzow, will then present John Philip Sousa's second most famous march, Semper Fidelis, featuring drums and trumpets. The Pioneers by Philip Sparke will follow. The Pioneers celebrates Lewis and Clarke's exploration.

Scenes from "The Louvre" by Norman Dello Joio will be presented, including: The Portals, Children's Gallery, The Kings of France, The Nativity Paintings and Finale. This selection was composed for an award winning television program in 1965.

The Grand Italian March, Florentiner by Julius Fucik will be followed by "The Ride of Valkyries" by Richard Wagner, arranged by Robert Longfield. This piece is best known for its use in the Bugs Bunny cartoon "What's Opera, Doc?"

Most often associated with the poem, "Danny Boy", the next piece, Irish Tune from County Derry, by Percy Aldridge Grainger, has been described as "very moving." Espana Cani, a "Spanish Gypsy Dance" by Pascual Marquina and arranged by Robert Longfield will follow.

The evening will come to a close with Saint Louis Blues, by W.C. Handy, arranged by Luther Henderson and Seventy-Six Trombones by Meredith Willson, arranged by Leroy Anderson.

Tickets are available from Kirkwood Student Life, 319-398-5578. Students and staff with Eagle Cards get in free. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

Kirkwood Offers "Camps on a Mission"

Cindy C.

KICK Program Provides Fun Activities with Side Orders of Learning and Career Knowledge

--By Cindy Cullen Chapman, free-lance writer

Does your 10-year-old want to earn money as a professional pet sitter? Maybe your 12-year-old has a lawn-mowing business in mind.

"Your Lucky Day: Entrepreneur's Workshop," a seminar being offered June 13 by Kirkwood Community College's summer KICK Program, will teach young people how to get their businesses up and running. It will be led by Bob Walker, assistant professor and management degree program coordinator at Kirkwood. Walker will be assisted by members of his Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team, part of the credit program at Kirkwood.

The session will address the big picture of business ownership, according to Walker.

"We'll talk to kids about forms of ownership, ethics, the global environment - imports and exports -- which is very important these days," he says.

Walker and his team also will get kids to think about everyday aspects like what's involved in starting a business, resources they'll need to get started and target marketing. At the end of the day, participants will write and present business plans or concepts.

"You'll get priceless and practical information," Walker says of the program. "It helps steer kids on the path to business success."

The workshop is just one of many offerings by KICK, which stands for Kirkwood Interactive Camps for Kids. The summer program is designed for students who will enter fifth through ninth grades and offers single-day or multi-week activities and programs.

"We discovered there was a real need for quality learning experiences for the grades five through nine," Kim Johnson has said. Johnson is Kirkwood's executive director of continuing education. "You could say we developed a lot of choices for young people that are between daycare and driver's ed."

KICK's 11 categories, covering multiple topics, run the gamut from Teen Cuisine and Health, Science and Other Stuff that Rocks! to Extreme Sports and Adventure Seekers.

Express Yourself includes "Be an Author" and "Click! Photography Camp." Gamers & Geeks includes "Video Game-Making Camp," "Crime Scene Investigators/Second Life Combo Camp" and "Hands-On PC: Design, Build and Maintain." There's also "Junior Firefighters Workshop" and "Outdoor Adventure Camp."

"This is a wonderful thing that Kirkwood is planning for the summer," says Dick Whitehead, superintendent of College Community Schools. "We're very excited to see what Kirkwood is offering through the KICK camps. A lot of parents are looking for meaningful things for kids to do in the summer. It seems to me that this is just a wonderful opportunity, offering a really broad range of classes."

The school system is part of the Corridor STEM Initiative, which works to encourage interest, education and careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City area.

Whitehead says it's important for young people to see how learning relates to their lives and future careers.

"We're trying to increase the interest of young people to take harder, more challenging courses in science, technology and math, and they hopefully will do that if they see some of the really neat applications of those skills. They begin to see themselves as scientists, engineers or mathematicians and that helps drive their ambition in those areas."

He mentions KICK's session on video gaming, engineering using LEGOs, crime-scene investigation, health careers, the environment and hands-on PC.

"This is all science," he emphasizes.

"KICK hits all areas," Whitehead adds. "Sports and music (activities) always seem to have good participation, but we hope parents will really look at areas related to science and math. It looks to me like students could find (topics) with a real science and technology basis and get their heads wrapped around those areas. But, there also are the fun things like sports camp, music and dance opportunities, and so on."

Technology also is covered in sessions like "Hands-On PC: Design, Build and Maintain," Computerized Metal Fabrication for Kids" and "Design Anything! 3-D Modeling Camp."

"It's great for school kids," Joe Chiaramonte, plant manager of Midwest Metal Products, says of KICK. "It gets kids involved in manufacturing, using their hands and actually making something."

KICK sessions show them there are more career opportunities "than just sitting at a desk," he says. "Not as many young people are going into manufacturing as there used to be, and there's going to be a real need for employees in those areas. It lets them know manufacturing isn't a �black art' (dirty job) like it used to be - today, there is clean manufacturing. This dispels the myths."

Chiaramonte adds that KICK is especially valuable because it introduces possibilities before young people at an early age.

"Then, when they get to high school, they might have a better idea of what their future is," he notes. "It whets their appetite and lets them know what's out there. Schools are seeing the need for manufacturing (careers) again, and Kirkwood is seeing that need, too. That's why it's doing the camps."

"Any time you can get young people on a college campus, it helps change their vision of themselves," Whitehead says. "You can't underestimate the impact of that. (KICK) holds a lot of potential for students to realize the possibilities are for their future and that's a very positive thing."

As summer approaches the Kirkwood staff encourages interested parents to "call, sign up and prepare for the events," according to Kim Johnson in Continuing Education. "We have some camps already filled and several more with nice demand. We appreciate that early interest and hope families get to participate in their high priority choices."

Johnson also said an "extended day program" will be a boon to busy parents.

"We have an option available that fills the time between a program's end time and when parents can pick students up. We think that will be helpful, too," Johnson added.

A complete listing of KICK summer camp sessions is available at www.kirkwood.edu/ce or by calling (319) 398-5529 at Kirkwood. A registration form also is available online or you may register by calling (319) 398-1022 or 1 (800) 332-8833 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Fees and locations vary by camps.

A Musical Triumph

Communique

From Tragedy to Instrumental Mastery

A childhood tragedy opened the path to a brighter future for Kirkwood Community College Music major Allison Offerman.

Offerman, who suffered severe burns to her arms and hands as a child, turned to music not only as a form of emotional therapy but physical therapy as well. She has taken her love of music far from its therapeutic beginnings, turning it into a passion and a lifelong pursuit.

Although she specializes in the oboe, Offerman said she has used her time at Kirkwood to play a variety of instruments, nine to be exact, as a member of the Kirkwood Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band and Woodwind Ensemble. She has also taken her talents to the Coe College Concert Band, the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra and the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra.

"I started on the clarinet in fifth grade. My band director suggested I take up the oboe because I was advancing on the clarinet at a very fast pace," Offerman explained. "I picked up the flute because I wanted to outshine my sister, I learned to play saxophone (alto, tenor and baritone) because my high school band director needed a sax player in the jazz band and I picked up piano because I needed a way to stretch out my hands after my burn surgeries."

Offerman said Kirkwood has given her the opportunity to specialize in music and "advance my music theory skills and make me see what it takes to succeed as a musician." She cited her biggest influence as Dr. Beth Zamzow, associate professor of music. Offerman said she learned different aspects of music, ranging from the analysis of scores to stage presence and confidence from Zamzow.

She will be transferring to the University of Northern Iowa following her Kirkwood graduation, where she will major in Instrumental Music Education. Offerman received the Steve West Foundation Music Scholarship from UNI and plans to participate in the schools orchestra, concert band, color guard and chamber ensembles. Part of her requirements at UNI will involve learning a string and brass instrument and another percussion.

In the end, Offerman said knowing upwards of 10 instruments and getting the strong musical background will only serve to further her professional capabilities.

"I want to be a high school or middle school band director," she said. "I think I can help all kids overcome different obstacles because I have been through many of them myself."

Story by Brian Heinemann, photo by Ashley Poffenbarger

Finding Her Place

Communique

Eide's Biggest Hurdle Was Discovering Where She Belonged

In January of 2006, Darla Eide decided to make her dream a reality. Eide was working fulltime as a server at Olive Garden Italian restaurant but opted to return to college after 30 years. Eide wanted to pursue her vision and get her degree in restaurant management.

Eide's hard work inside and out of the classroom and kitchen has earned her a coveted spot on the All-Iowa Academic Team and she is being recognized as one of Kirkwood's outstanding students for the Business and IT department.

Eide, who says that she is "proud to be a member of the Kirkwood family," has led a positive and selfless life as a student during her time at Kirkwood. As a member of Alpha Eta Rho Phi Theta Kappa, she has served as an Iowa Regional Officer and Vice President of the Southeast district. She is also a member of the Culinary Club, helping promote new membership and she even authored the club's mission statement.

"Darla always has a positive leaning attitude thirsting for more knowledge," said Dave Dettman, chef instructor and adviser of Kirkwood's Fine Diners Inn Club. "Darla pushed herself to always do the best she could to better her knowledge and culinary skills. [Darla helped] others when in need. Not only did she try to improve her skills but she also helped others improve their skills."

Darla's knowledge and leadership is also recognized by her peers.

"[Darla's] peers repeatedly turn to her for her input in solving problems presented to the student management team. Not only does she get things done through her own, considerable contributions but also often through her skill in achieving things through others," R. Lee Belfield, hospitality instructor, said.

Even off campus, Eide volunteers her time to numerous causes. She donates any free time she has to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The Salvation Army and Children's Cancer programs. Eide participates in all of these activities while maintaining a 3.797 GPA, working 15 hours a week at Olive Garden and being a single parent to her daughter, who is a junior at the University of Iowa.

With all that she does at Kirkwood, Eide said her most gratifying accomplishment has been being a tutor. Her student was vision impaired, which challenged her to find new ways to introduce topics other than in visual form. Eide says the tutoring experience had a long-term impact on her. The tutoring position was paid but Eide donated all of her earnings to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Eide plans to graduate in May of 2008. Her aspirations are to manage her own bed and breakfast.

Story and photo by Natalie Niemeyer

Kirkwood Students Attend National Conference

N. Niemeyer

Business Professionals of America Students Place

Six students from the Kirkwood Cedar Rapids Business Professionals of America chapter joined over 5000 other conference delegates from across the nation to participate in the National Leadership Conference held in Reno, Nevada, May 6-11. In addition to the current students, chapter alum Amanda Shakespeare served throughout the conference as the national secretary/treasurer. Kimberly Schultz serves as the Cedar Rapids chapter advisor.

Business Professionals of America is a national organization for high school, college, and middle school students preparing for careers in business and information technology. The organization's activities and programs complement classroom instruction by giving students practical experience through application of the skills learned at school. Business Professionals of America acts as a cohesive agent in the nationwide networking of education and business and industry. BPA is contributing to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills. Business Professionals of America is assisted in this endeavor with financial support from corporation and companies, including Shell and South-Western/Cengage, who sponsor BPA's National Leadership Conference, and member career building programs and scholarships.

At the Award's General Session, Kirkwood's Josh Sevcik and Jacob Starks earned the first place plaque for the Software Engineering Team contest. Also on stage was Peter Dunbar who garnered two honorable mention medallions. Dunbar placed 5th in the Insurance Concepts Open Event and 8th in the Parliamentary Procedure Concepts Open Event. Other students participating at the conference and their respective placing were:

Nichole Vislisel�14th, Keyboarding Production
Josh Sevcik�15th, Fundamentals of XHTML
Mindy Nachtman�19th, Database Applications
Peter Dunbar�20th, Banking and Finance
Peter Dunbar�22nd, Advanced Accounting
Mindy Nachtman�24th, Fundamental Accounting
Kelsey Williams�32nd, Banking and Finance

At the National Officer Honor Reception held on May 9, Amanda Shakespeare earned the Outstanding National Officer award. This award is given to the one officer from both the secondary and post-secondary division that best exemplifies the leadership, commitment, and dedication needed to serve in an officer position. At the Award's Session, Shakespeare was awarded one of three National Merit Scholarships. As a Kirkwood student, Shakespeare earned her degree in the spring of 2007 and was last year's Outstanding Student for the Administrative Assistant program.

All in the Family

Communique

Venezuelan Brothers Pinpoint Success

Three brothers living under one roof have all been selected as Kirkwood Community College outstanding students.

Hector and Nicolas Prada-Alvarez along with their older brother Marco Prada-Rodriguez attend classes at the Kirkwood Iowa City campus. Although their majors are different each of the brothers have taken classes together at Kirkwood with the hope of transferring to the University of Iowa.

Coming from Venezuela, the three brothers said good-bye to their parents and their home to make a new start in the United States. "I enjoy having brothers around, from the food Nicholas cooks and Hector's sense of humor, we are together one family and best friends," stated Marco.

"I look at myself as one of the outstanding students that goes beyond what is required and looking to go the extra mile," said Marco, "but having my brothers also listed as outstanding students is a great feeling."

The key term of "motivation " is commonly used among the three brothers. Only having one another, the brothers agreed their motivation at Kirkwood and at home would be each other.

Marco, the oldest of the three brothers, is majoring in Business Administration. Looking up to his parents and brother Daniel, Marco said he hopes to soon start a family and work at a large company. Marco said he loves the environment at Kirkwood because of the smaller class sizes and the education that is provided. "I am who I am because of the love and examples of good life given to me by my parents," stated Marco. Wishing he would of started college at an earlier age, Marco said he is glad that he is attending college now instead of not attending at all. "College is what will help me become what I want and be the best at what I do."

Hector, Management Information Systems major, said he looks up to his brothers. "Each of them have different qualities in which I want to learn from," he stated. "The values that I hold close to me are passed down from my parents." Hector said looking at what he had and where he has come from has made him grow to what he is and what he hopes to become.

Nicolas, Marketing and Culinary Arts major, said he describes himself as someone who is engaged in his studies and becomes better through practice.
"I enjoy attending college with my brothers because of the bond that we share and always having a study partner near by," stated Nicolas. The experiences Nicolas has had in the past are what he claimed has made him who he is now. "I contribute my success to my parents and brothers," he added.

With different paths to be taken, the three men have known each other as brothers for a lifetime and classmates for a semester.

Story and photo by Ali Carlson

Kirkwood Student Productions Earns Honor at IBNA

N. Niemeyer

KSP is First Community College Ever to Place at Iowa Broadcast News Association

Kirkwood Student Productions (KSP) was awarded Honorable Mention at the IBNA (Iowa Broadcast News Association). The accomplishment marks the first time KSP has placed at the IBNA. Kirkwood is also the only community college ever to place. KSP Adviser Gale Smetana described the award as a "major team effort."

The award was for 'Best Newscast' for KSP News on Oct. 23, 2007.

Co-anchors: Bevan Lucas and Mackenzie Mallen
Sports Anchor/Producer: Erich Pilcher
Executive Producer: Kyle Goodwin
News Producer (and lead reporter): Chad Cooper

The newscast featured a team report that focused on student apartment crime and how students can stay safe while living on their own.

Long-distance Learning

N. Niemeyer

Kirkwood Student Earns Degree All the Way from New Jersey

Chris Kelley of Neptune Township, New Jersey has been taking classes online at Kirkwood Community College. He came to campus on May 9 to meet with all of the people he had been conversing with for years as well as receive his diploma at commencement on May 10.

Kelley saw an ad in a magazine about Kirkwood's Water Environmental Technology program. He placed a call to Kirkwood, received some literature on the program then, "just went full steam ahead" towards his degree. Kelley has been a plant superintendent since 1998, but came back to Kirkwood for personal gratification.

"I'm proud of [my degree]," Kelley said. "It's a nice little program. I wanted real credit, that's why I went here."

According to Steve Mrstic, who conversed closely with Kelley, there are students from Oklahoma, Illinois, Georgia and South Dakota who are currently pursuing a degree in Water Environmental Technology at Kirkwood.

"I have about a half a dozen out-of-state students pursuing certificates by taking our on-line courses only. It is hard to trace sometimes due to our open enrollment course-by-course registration policy," Mrstic said. "We have been averaging 20 to 30 course registrations per-term for about six years of operation."

"I had a very close relationship with Chris due to his attitude as a student and I enjoyed meeting him here in Cedar Rapids immensely," Mrstic (pictured with Kelley on right) said.

Building for Success

Communique

Abbas Saws Into Male Dominated Field

Kirkwood Community College Outstanding Student Joanne Abbas is one woman who is not afraid of a challenge.

"Being the only female carpentry major you definitely have to prove yourself. It is definitely a male dominated field," said Abbas.

Carpentry wasn't Abbas's first choice; she also studied text style design at the University of Kansas and graduated with a four-year degree. She said she hopes to incorporate both text style and carpentry into her work ethic when she graduates from Kirkwood Community College this May.

Even though Abbas said she is not quite sure what she to do when she graduates she wants to pursue a job in Iowa City, hopefully working for the union. She said she also has hopes to build and restore old homes around Iowa City. "When I first started I was more interested in building furniture but now I know I definitely want to work on remodeling homes," she said.

Abbas said she gets some inspiration from watching home improvement shows but most of it comes from her dad and grandfather who handle woodwork as well.

Abbas goes to school fulltime, which involves working on carpentry projects and entering competitions. The next competition she plans to enter is the Skills USA competition, which is hosted in Des Moines. When asked one word that best describes her, Abbas said, "hard working." In addition to going to school fulltime Abbas said she works part-time at a local coffee shop and spends time taking care of her new Great Dane puppy.

She said her best experiences at Kirkwood have been everything her instructor Berry Kucera has taught her. "Apart from carpentry he also teaches us the business side of things - what to expect and what they can expect from us," said Abbas.

Abbas said she has always enjoyed carpentry and plans to build her life around it. " I like to see the finish product, looking at the plan and laying it all out, I feel like I've accomplished something," she said.

Story and photo by Ashley Poffenbarger, Communique

"Financial Aid: 101" Sessions Planned

Steve C./Mark A.

April/May Programs to Help Students and Parents in Quest for Support

To assist both current and prospective students in understanding financial help for higher education, Kirkwood Community College will offer a series of "Financial Aid: 101" classes. Four sessions are planned, all set for the Gritter Room (317 Iowa Hall) on the college's Cedar Rapids campus.

These free hour-long sessions are designed to inform students on how to complete their financial aid application, how to accept financial aid through Kirkwood's online EagleNet system, and answer any questions they have about the process. The classes will be led by one of Kirkwood's expert staff from the Financial Aid office.

"We think this is important information for the student who will be either a new or returning student to Kirkwood," said Mark Ash of the Admissions office. "Either way we can walk them through the process."

The dates and times for the Financial Aid: 101 sessions are:
� Tuesday, April 29, 11 a.m. - noon
� Thursday, May 1, 5 to 6 p.m.
� Tuesday, May 6, 11 a.m. to noon
� Thursday, May 8, 5 to 6 p.m.

Ash noted that the May 1 session is "specifically designed for new students at Kirkwood" with the other three sessions more geared for returning students. More information is available from Kirkwood Admissions, (319) 398-5517.

Concert Chorale to Perform in Downtown C.R.

Steve C.

May 2 Concert Features "Major and Beautiful" Work in a Special Setting

A major part of classic vocal repertoire will get a grand setting for its performance as the Kirkwood Community College Concert Chorale presents their spring concert at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Cedar Rapids.

The 7:30 p.m. performance at the corner of Third Avenue and Fifth Street SE will feature the Gabriel Faure Requiem in D Minor. Vocal Music Director Ray Salucka said several factors make the First Presbyterian setting ideal for the performance.

"The Faure Requiem is a major and beautiful work that requires an organ accompaniment for best effect. We are fortunate to have a superb guest organist in David Richardson from Iowa City who will share his talents with our chorale that night. David will open the program with some solo works for organ, then accompany us in the Requiem following intermission," Salucka said.

Richardson's solo organ pieces will include works by William Byrd, Christofero Morales, Franz Biebl and Felix Mendelssohn.

Salucka said the Kirkwood Chorale's performance of the Faure Requiem is "quite an accomplishment" for his 40-voice group.

"The undertaking of this work is a major task and rarely, if ever performed by community college choirs," he observed. Then he paused and added with a smile, "Of course, not every community college has a choir like our chorale!"

Tickets for the May 2 performance of the Kirkwood Concert Chorale at First Presbyterian Church are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and students with current ID. Kirkwood faculty, staff and students will be admitted free with Kirkwood's EagleCard ID. Tickets are available from Kirkwood Student Life, (319) 398-5578.

Kirkwood Hosts Advanced Manufacturing Conference

Wendy G.

May 14 Program Highlights "Changing Faces/Facing Changes" Theme

Kirkwood Community College will host the Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Conference on May 14. The one-day conference will focus on workforce skills, management challenges and global opportunities in the field of advanced manufacturing. The program will be held at Kirkwood's new Center for Continuing Education, 76th Avenue and Kirkwood Blvd. SW in Cedar Rapids.

More than 250 members of the manufacturing community attended the 2006 conference, as well as representatives from K-12 schools, economic development organizations, community colleges and universities.

Keynote speaker for the conference is John Brandt, CEO of the MPI Group, Manufacturing Performance Institute. Brandt is the former editor-in-chief of Industry Week and Chief Executive magazines. Brand's speech topic is "Creating Value-the Competitive Advantage." He will address how global developments and trends have wide-ranging impact on the Iowa and Midwest economies, particularly the manufacturing sector.

Other speakers and presenters include:

-Jim Brazell [pictured], a recognized leader in business and manufacturing. Brazell is a consulting analyst in the Texas State Technical College system and the University of Texas at Austin. He will address the ways 21st Century technologies are changing technical work and what we must do to better prepare a workforce for more change to come,

-Mike Tramontina, director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development. Prior to accepting this post in 2007, Tramontina served as director of the Iowa Department of Management and executive director of the Iowa Finance Authority. Tramontina's conference-opening comments will give a statewide focus to the challenges and opportunities in the advanced manufacturing sector.

-Andrea Frederickson, a noted human resources developer and workforce motivation consultant. Before becoming a senior coach and facilitator at the American Institute of Management, Fredrickson experienced the business world in a variety of industries from front-line to management. Andrea's presentation will focus on generational culture in the workplace, and helping employees accept and welcome differences.

Rockwell Collins is a major supporter of the Advanced Manufacturing Conference. Rockwell Chairman, President and CEO Clay Jones calls manufacturing "too important to Iowa, too irreplaceable" to let slip away.

"If we are doing our job as leaders, we must think further into the future than the next quarter's financial results and past the next semester's curriculum. Where will the new ideas in manufacturing come from? Where will the new educational models come from? Where will talent come from?" Jones asked.

The one-day conference will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a networking exchange finale, 5 to 6 p.m. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. Morning conference breakout sessions will be followed by a luncheon speaker and afternoon forums. Exhibits will be featured at the conference.

Registration for the May 14 Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Conference is $125 until April 23 and $145 after that date. Lunch and all program materials are included. More information and registration is available by calling Kirkwood Continuing Education, (319) 398-1022, or (800) 332-8833. Information is also available via the Internet at: www.kirkwood.edu/amc

New SBDC Director Knows Start-Ups First-Hand

Steve C./Al B.

Al Beach appointed as director of Small Business Development Center

Kirkwood Community College has appointed Alan D. Beach as director of the Small Business Development Center. He replaces Steve Sprague, who left in December after 12 years to start his own consulting business.

Dee Baird, Continuing Education and Training Services vice president at Kirkwood, said a selection committee decided Mr. Beach was a natural fit after "doing a great job" serving as an evening staff member the last year for the SBDC office at the Kirkwood Training and Outreach Services Center in Marion.

"Al is a longtime resident of the Cedar Rapids area and has worked for a variety of local companies. He comes to us with a wealth of marketing and business experience including owning his own small businesses. We're pleased he's accepted the full-time position," Ms. Baird said. "Al is passionate about the role of being a strong mentor and counselor for clients interested in starting or growing a small business."

She said Mr. Beach will lead efforts to expand the SBDC's work more into Jones and Benton counties.

Beach has been well-known in eastern Iowa business development circles for more than two decades. He was an early executive at the Teleconnect Company in the 1980s and later owned a TelecomUSA sales agency in Boulder, Colorado. Later business experience included a management position with LinkUSA and his own Beach Consulting Group, a business he continues today. He also co-founded the Eastern Iowa enterprise Council, now known as the Entrepreneurial Development Center.

Beach believes the Small Business Development Center provides "real help for people who want to be proactive" in their personal business lives.

"When faced with the prospect of losing their jobs, many employees don't just wait around for the pink slip to arrive. Instead, they get serious about starting the small business of their dreams. If it's their first entrepreneurial venture, the hurdles can look pretty daunting. That's where the SBDC can be a big help. We can't guarantee success, but we make the process a whole lot less complicated," he observed.

Beach also called SBDC's realistic economic advice "the number one service" provided.

"It's crucial to know what's probable and possible from the outset. Funding drives every business decision at some level. We provide good information for the entrepreneur for his or her visit to a lender. Preparation begins with a good business plan so that's where we usually spend most of our time. I look forward to educating people on the process of starting up, sharing insights and using the tools at my disposal to help them manage their business going forward," Beach added.

The Small Business Development Center is located in the Kirkwood Training and Outreach Services Center on Armar Drive in Marion, (319) 377-8256.

Lecture Brings Famed Photographer to Kirkwood

N. Niemeyer

Arts and Humanities Lecture Apr. 22 to Feature Danny Wilcox Frazier
In order to answer the age old question, "Who are we?" Kirkwood Community College's Arts and Humanities department is bringing in someone with a little perspective.

Danny Wilcox Frazier, Time Magazine photographer and author of the award-winning book, "Driftless" will be speaking in Ballantyne Auditorium at 11 a.m. on April 22. Frazier will speak on his book, which chronicles the life of Iowans living in shrinking rural communities.

Frazier is a documentary photographer from Iowa. He won the 2006 Center for Documentary Studies/Honickman First Book Prize for the work he did over a four-year period shooting photos for "Driftless."

Frazier has worked for decorated publications such as Time, Life, Newsweek, Forbes and People. Frazier has his Master's degree from the University of Iowa and also taught photojournalism there during Graduate school.

Frazier's work is the latest installment in a series of presentations that included Carl Honore, author of "In Praise of Slowness" and professor of Jewish studies at the University of Iowa, Jay Holstein.

Kirkwood's Arts and Humanities department is sponsoring the lecture to promote the arts and humanities as ways of making sense of human existence.

DUI Simulator at Kirkwood, April 23

Steve C.

A "Blurry Experience" Paints a Clear Picture of Risk

To emphasize the risks and dangers of drunk driving, Kirkwood Student Life will sponsor a DUI Simulator event. Students and staff can get a first-hand experience of the dangers of Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or other substances in front of Iowa Hall Wednesday, April 23 from 10 - 2 p.m.

Student Life Director Shirlee Tchiggfrie says the simulator gives a "pretty vivid picture" for those who try it out.

"There will be an actual vehicle used in the simulator. The process will take you on a virtual reality trip of how it feels to drive under the influence. Everyone can participate in this free program," she added.

The Kirkwood Physical Therapy Assistants Club will also be selling Walking Tacos during the event, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. just outside Linn Hall.

Kirkwood Iowa City Campus Marks Earth Day Apr 23

Susan K.

Kirkwood Community College's Iowa City Campus will celebrate Earth Day 2008 on Wednesday, April 23 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with over 30 environmental displays throughout the campus commons area.

Students will hold a book sale in the commons area to raise funds for their Environmental Club and try to recruit new club members. New and recycled jewelry will be on sale to raise funds for Mark Twain Elementary School.

Kirkwood Iowa City student displays will run the environmental gamut with information on various local parks, Frisbee golf courses, biking and hiking trails, home gardening, alternative energies, a homemade solar oven (& possibly S'mores!), eco-friendly houses, recycling, water quality, organic food samples, and more.

Participating city, county, and community groups include Iowa City's Landfill and Recycling Center, Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District, New Pioneer Co-Op, Transition Ecology, and Scattergood Friends School Farm.

Visitors will be able to calculate their carbon footprints, check out environmental volunteer and internship opportunities, watch environmental films, enjoy the noontime BBQ, and enter several drawings for cool prizes.

A "Beefy" Victory for Kirkwood Culinary Arts

Steve C./Melanie E.

Student Creation Wins Prize for Team of Five in Iowa Beef Industry Council Competition

A new take on a classic dish proved to be a winner for a Culinary Arts student team from Kirkwood Community College. The five students bested their competitors in the annual cook-off competition held April 8 at the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Coralville.

The students won the Best Beef Appetizer category with their "Deconstructed Philly Cheesteak" creation. In addition to accolades, the students earned a $500 prize that will support field trips and other learning experiences in their Kirkwood program.

The Kirkwood students competed against teams from Des Moines Area, Iowa Central, Scott Community and Indian Hills community colleges. The yearly contest was co-sponsored by Reinhardt Foodservice and the Iowa Beef Industry Council.

"This was our first year entering the Iowa Beef competition so we are extremely proud of what they accomplished," remarked Kirkwood Culinary Arts Instructor Melanie Ewalt.

# # #

[PHOTO: Kirkwood's winning Culinary Arts team accepts their winnings after the April 8 Iowa Beef Competition at the Coralville Marriott. Left to right: Kirkwood Culinary Arts Instructor Melanie Ewalt; students Jeremy Benda of Urbana; Jason Finney, Cedar Rapids; Eric Ehler, Holstein; M. Noah Bowles, Panora; T. Luke Peters, Cedar Rapids; and a representative of the Iowa Beef Industry Council.]

Make The Difference: A Clinic for Iowa Coaches

N. Niemeyer

K-12 Coaches Invited to Kirkwood for Seminar
Area coaches looking to further their knowledge, abilities and skills are invited to attend a coaching clinic at Kirkwood Community College's Center for Continuing Education. The "Make the Difference: A Clinic for Iowa Coaches" event will be held June 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The clinic is open to all state of Iowa certified K-12 coaches and has been approved for four certification credits for authorization recertification.

Breakout sessions include: Coaching (team vs. individual), Liability (do's and don'ts), Speed Wins, Getting Vertical, Inside the Athlete's Head, Time Management, Nutrition Supplements, How to Work Officials, and As Good as it Gets (setting goals and objectives).

Keynote speaker will be Lon Olejniczak, an Iowa native and former University of Iowa standout athlete and collegiate football official. He will talk about how to "Make the Difference."

Tuition is $59 ($69 after June 10). Tuition includes keynote speaker, four breakout sessions and lunch. Individual breakout sessions are available for $35 each.

To register, call (319)398-1022, 800-332-8833 or visit www.kirkwood.edu/ce. The section is listed: CRCA-400-LUT09.
For more information, please contact Larry Lutz at (319) 398-4912 or larry.lutz@kirkwood.edu.

Kirkwood Jazz Choirs Perform April 26

N. Niemeyer

Concert will feature a capella group numbers plus solo pieces
Kirkwood Community College's jazz choirs RSVP and Jazz Transit will perform in Ballantyne Auditorium April 26 at 7:30 p.m. The hour -long concert will also feature student solo selections by Jake Lahr and Evelyn Marolf.

"It will be a very entertaining evening even for those people that 'don't like jazz,'" Director Ray Salucka said.

Both choirs will be performing a cappella jazz choir literature which means no instruments of any kind will be played. The selections will include a wide variety of styles. The choir will feature the music of professional groups including: The Real Group, The Idea of North, Cadence, Take Six, and Vox One.

The event will be free to Kirkwood students, faculty and staff with an Eagle Card. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. For reserved tickets call (319) 398-5578.