March 16, 2010
Dear Faculty and Staff,
This is very busy time of year for all of us, and Commencement is quite literally around the corner. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you tomorrow at the Fifth Annual Recognition Luncheon for faculty and staff. I think it’s a great time to catch our collective breath and pay tribute to those who have been at the College five years or more. Their dedication and commitment to our students is worth celebrating, as is the work that all of us do every day to ensure that JSC remains a strong and vibrant institution.
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER CONFIRMED
I am pleased to announce that award-winning author Katherine Paterson, known for Bridge to Terabithia, The Great Gilly Hopkins and other ground-breaking children’s novels, will be our 2010 Commencement speaker. Paterson is notable for using her books to expose young readers to “adult” subjects such as death and jealousy. The protagonists typically are outsiders with few friends or a family to lean on, and who face (and overcome) significant challenges on their own. She has won numerous awards and currently serves as vice president of the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance. More information is available from her Web site, www.terabithia.com.
COMMENCEMENT WEB PAGES
Finishing touches are being put on our new Commencement Web site at www.jsc.edu/commencement. We will be using this site to provide information to students and their families about every aspect of Commencement, from how to order caps and gowns, to the schedule for the day (which includes a new start time – 11 a.m. – for the ceremony), to where to park. Thanks to Melissa Weinstein and Doug Eastman for all their “behind the scenes” work to make this site so comprehensive and accessible.
STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND & THURSDAY'S BOX LUNCH AUCTIONS
A new student emergency fund has been established by the College Council. The fund, to be supported by donations from faculty and staff, will provide small, one-time grants to help students purchase books and other educational necessities or cover unforeseen expenses. The Student Concerns Committee will manage the application and disbursement process. The first fundraiser will be a “Lunch Box Auction” this Thursday, March 18. Make or bring a special lunch to donate, and/or come to bid on what’s been contributed. This great event happens from noon to 1 p.m. in the Stearns Performance Space. Contact Karen Madden at 1438 for information.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY DINNER FUNDRAISER FOR HAITI
Business and hospitality students have been hard at work planning a traditional pub-style meal to be held tomorrow from 6:30 to 9 pm. in the Stearns Performance Space. The cost is just $25 per person, with proceeds benefiting medical/earthquake relief in Haiti. I hope you can show your support. Contact Renate Callahan at 1339 for information or reservations.
'DOG SEES GOD' AT DIBDEN FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
The latest JSC theatre production – this one directed by senior Brittany Rhoades – debuts with a 10 a.m. matinee on Friday, followed by evening performances at 7:00 on Friday and Saturday. The plot is a parody of Charles Shultz’s “Peanuts” comic strip, with older characters. All performances are free and open to the public, so bring your friends and family and support the arts at JSC!
JSC ON WLVB THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 19, AT 9 A.M.
SGA President Ben Chaucer and Residence Life Coordinator Jeff Bickford will be on WLVB, 94.1 FM, this Friday to discuss the upcoming Casino Night fundraiser (for the United Way) and the April 26 “Drop & Swap,” respectively. The on-air with announcer Roland Lajoie is scheduled to begin at 9:05. Tune in!
2010-11 TUITION AMOUNT UNDER CONSIDERATION
Over the next few months, I will be meeting with the VSC Board of Trustees and other college presidents to discuss tuition levels for the 2010-11 academic year. I will be working to keep tuition rates as low as possible while ensuring that our growing expenses and needed resources are met.
THE COW IS COMING
A 5’ tall, 6’ long cow – this one made of fiberglass – is slated to arrive on campus today. Art students will be working with Leila Bandar over the next couple of months to apply their unique JSC style to the replica, after which it will be displayed on Church Street in Burlington through much of the summer as part of the “Cows Come to Burlington” project. The cows eventually will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger.
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