inside this issue - San Juan College

november/december 2015
volume 35, issue 6
SAN JUAN COLLEGE
Energized!
“This school
is much
more than
just a new
building ...
it’s about
helping
students
realize their
dreams”
- Dr. Pendergrass
2
insi de t hi s iss ue
SJC President
Convocation awards honor
San Juan College staff
3
Early College High School
receives funding for planning
4
Service Learning
ambassadors
spread the word
5
6
Silhouette Series is back!
Take your education places
with Global Studies
7
8
Luminarias set to sparkle
Campus Calendar
the san juan college
communicator
Published Bimonthly by MARKETING AND
PUBLIC RELATIONS, 566-3205
Dr. Toni Pendergrass, President
SJC Board: Evelyn B. Benny, Shane Chance,
Kenneth Hare, Chad King, Dr. Joseph Pope,
John Thompson, Matthew Tso
Rhonda Schaefer, Editor
Renee Lucero, Managing Editor
Contributing writers:
Carrie Thompson
Photo by Tony Bennett
S
After years in the making, San Juan College
celebrates grand opening of School of Energy
an Juan College welcomed more than 500 community and industry
members at the official grand opening of the School of Energy on
September 15. The School of Energy, which is also home to the BP Center
for Energy Education and the Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology at San
Juan College, opened with guests from the New Mexico Department of
Higher Education and the New Mexico Department of Energy, Minerals
and Natural Resources. Representatives from the 14 donors of the capital
campaign also spoke at the debut of the 65,000 square foot building.
“This school is much more than just a new building,” Dr. Toni Hopper
Pendergrass said at the ceremony. “It is a physical representation of
San Juan College’s commitment to our community and industry. This goes
beyond providing opportunities to learn a new skill or embark on a career
– it’s about helping students realize their dreams and providing a better
future for generations of area families.”
Randy Pacheco, dean for the School of Energy, thanked the team from
Jaynes Corporation and the Physical Plant staff at San Juan College for
their work regarding the construction of the building. The building broke
ground in October 2012. $15.8 million was raised through the San Juan
College Foundation for construction, and the building was completed on
time and under budget in the summer of 2015.
The new building was made possible by the donations of BP, the State
of New Mexico, San Juan College, Merrion Oil and Gas, APS Foundation,
PNM, Williams, WPX, DJ Simmons/Twin Stars, ConocoPhillips, Westmeath
Foundation, The Dugan Family, XTO and Encana.
“There was a moment when I thought maybe our goals for this
building were too high,” Pacheco said. “But everyone, from our donors,
to our staff and faculty at San Juan College, to our community proved me
wrong. That support is what made this building possible, and it is unique
to San Juan College and this community.”
Those who came to the grand opening witnessed the public debut of
the Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology at San Juan College. The museum
features donated and loaned pieces from the late Sherman Dugan given
by his family, including his father, Tom Dugan, and his son, Sean Dugan,
and daughter, Megan Dugan. The Dugan collection is one of the most
comprehensive displays in the Four Corners area and has been noted
for its quantity and diversity – from a 35-million-year-old brontothere (an ancient
relative of the rhinoceros) skull to a breathtaking amethyst geode. Also on display
in the museum is a hanging skeleton of a pterosaur, a model of a Utah Raptor and
a fluorescent case full of minerals that glow under the special light.
“The Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology is a testament to the generosity
and commitment to the College of the entire Dugan Family,” Gayle Dean, executive
director of the San Juan College Foundation said. “San Juan College is truly
honored to house such an amazing collection, and we are excited to share
Sherman’s legacy with everyone who comes to view it and learn from it.”
The School of Energy at San Juan College includes degree programs in
fundamentals of petroleum production operations, industrial maintenance
mechanic, industrial process operator, natural gas compression, occupational
safety, well control, instrumentation and controls, and commercial drivers license.
For more information about the School of Energy, call 505-566-4100. For more
information about the Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology, call 580-574-1253.
Top: San Juan College Dean of the School of Energy Randy Pacheco and San Juan College President Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass cut a ceremonial ribbon at
the grand opening of the School of Energy. Joining Pacheco and Pendergrass are the Farmington Chamber of Commerce Redcoats Co-President Allen Lyon,
far right, and, from left, Secretary David F. Martin from the New Mexico Department of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources, David Lawler, the Chief
Executive of U.S. Lower 48 Onshore for BP, and Secretary of the New Mexico Higher Education Department Dr. Barbara Damron.
Bottom: Patrons of the School of Energy grand opening were treated to the debut of the Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology featuring an interactive sandbox.
FROM THE
PRESIDENT
Photo by Tony Bennett
A
from the
president’s
desk
Dr. Toni Hopper
Pendergrass
s we enter the holiday season, I have reflected on all that we have to be thankful for at San Juan
College. Since our fall semester began, we have had an array of wonderful events and successes to celebrate.
We recently celebrated the grand opening of our School of Energy where more than 500 guests joined
us from the college, community and industry. I am extremely thankful for the generosity of our donors, the
support of this wonderful community, and the dedication of our staff. It is this combination that makes San Juan
College such an outstanding institution.
I am pleased to report that we have taken the next step in moving forward with our new Early College High
School by hiring Mr. Don Lorett to serve as the school’s principal. Along with having a wealth of knowledge
and experience in both teaching and administration, he has a genuine commitment and passion for the Early
College High School.
In addition, we were honored to have Governor Martinez visit our campus where she expressed her support
for the endeavor and recognized the partnership among the Aztec, Bloomfield, and Farmington School districts
and San Juan College. She touted this partnership as one that could serve as a model for other New Mexico
School Districts that want to open an early college high school.
We are grateful to not only have partnerships with our local schools, but with other colleges throughout the
country, namely Harper College, in Palatine, Illinois. Over the last couple of years we have worked closely with
Harper on initiatives that will help students succeed as they transition from high school to college. We recently
had an opportunity to visit their campus and meet with former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, where
we sat on a panel to discuss innovative programs and partnerships that could continue to benefit not only our
students but those throughout the U.S.
Working to help our students succeed has and will remain our top priority. We have established our Center
for Working Families and recently hired Cecilia Tso as the director of the Center. Through collaboration among
San Juan College community partners and agencies, Cecilia will work to bridge resources to help remove
common barriers that can get in the way of students completing their education.
I would be remiss without saying how grateful I am for our students who work so diligently at improving
their lives, and for our faculty and staff who are dedicated to serving them and being a part of our students’
journeys to success.
As we move into the holiday season, I hope you will take the time to enjoy and reflect on all the many
blessings you are grateful for – especially family and friends. We look forward to continuing to serve our
community and students in the new year.
San Juan College celebrates
outstanding staff and faculty
Georgia Jimenez-Cotie
San Juan College faculty and staff were recognized
for outstanding work during the fall 2015 Convocation.
Annual awards sponsored by the San Juan College
Foundation were handed out for the Fran Sandoval
Support Staff Excellence Award, the Physical Plant
Staff Excellence Award, the President’s Service
Excellence Award and the Golden Sun Award.
The Fran Sandoval Support Staff Excellence Award
was established in 2004, and carries a $2,000
stipend to acknowledge the efforts and contributions
made by a San Juan College support staff employee. This year, the award went to Georgia Jimenez-Cotie,
the Dental Clinic manager for the Dental Hygiene
program. Jimenez-Cotie has worked at San Juan
College for 13 years. She has been an active member
on campus committees and has been instrumental
in “Give Kids a Smile,” a program that delivered
2
Gordon Voss
more than $50,000 of free dentistry to underserved children in San Juan County. She has proven
her dedication to the Dental Hygiene program and
students, time and time again.
The Physical Plant Excellence Award went to
Physical Plant employee Gordon Voss, who has worked
at the College since 2006. Voss was noted for his
dependability and trustworthiness, as well as being
a positive representative of the Physical Plant and
all of San Juan College. Winners of the Physical Plant
Excellence Award also receive a $1,000 stipend.
The Golden Sun Award is a peer-to-peer award
given twice a year to an employee who exhibits
outstanding commitment to the College’s mission and
vision. Accounting Technician Corrine Antonson, who
won the award in the spring of 2015, presented the
Sun Award to Associate Professor of Math Gerald
san juan college communicator I November/December 2015 I www.sanjuancollege.edu
Gerald Williams
Williams for his dedication to his students. The Golden
Sun Award carries a $300 stipend.
San Juan College President Dr. Toni Hopper
Pendergrass also presented the Presidential Service
Excellence Award to the Student Services Department.
Student Services is comprised of many departments
at San Juan College including Enrollment Services,
Advising and Counseling, Department of Public Safety,
Testing Center, Student Activities, Financial Aid, the
EDGE Program, Quality Improvement and Career
Services, Talent Search, Native American Center,
the Veteran Center and the ENLACE/Hispanic/Latino
Center. The Presidential Service Excellence Award is
provided with a $500 stipend to the department and
is awarded once a year.
Recipients’ awards and stipends are provided
through the San Juan College Foundation.
DEVELOPMENT
Give the Gift of Education
through the SJC Foundation
“I have a 4.0!
I am working my
hardest because
someone else believed
in me enough to help
pay for my
education!”
“I am the first
person in my family
to ever go to college
thanks to the
Foundation
Scholarships I have
received. I know I
won’t be the last!”
“I am a college
graduate! Wow, I
still can’t even quite
believe that! Thank
you to my donors –
you made it
possible.”
These are just a few of the many testimonials from students who received scholarship funding through the San
Juan College Foundation. Often these scholarships provide life changing opportunities.
Whether students are just beginning or continuing their education, college is one of the best investments anyone
can make. It can create new career opportunities or enhance one’s job skills.
The San Juan College Foundation, a 501(c)3, tax exempt corporation, has a mission to provide resources to
advance and support the college – from assisting students with scholarship funding and state-of-the-art technical
equipment, to enhancing programs and supporting educational and cultural opportunities.
“Thank you to our community and our donors for sharing your resources, time and talents with us time and time
again,” says Gayle Dean, executive director of the San Juan College Foundation. “Thank you for paying tuition, buying
books and changing the lives of students and families every single day!”
For further information about contributing to the Foundation, go to sjcfoundation.org, or call 505-566-3200.
Early College High School receives grant money
An Early College High School (ECHS) has received
funding in the amount of $349,000 from the New
Mexico Public Education Department for a planning
year. The funds will be utilized to hire staff (a principal,
administrative assistant, counselor and college liaison)
as well as providing professional development and
deploying a student recruitment process.
The ECHS has been the vision of the Four Corners
Education Council for Student Success (4CECSS), which
consists of representatives from Aztec, Bloomfield and
Farmington School Districts and San Juan College.
After four years in the program, students will
graduate with a high school diploma and a college
degree at the same time. The ECHS will focus on
career pathways in three career clusters: Business
Services, Health and Biosciences; and Energy and
Environmental Technologies. There are many degree
options under the career clusters, including teacher
prep and general education under Business Services.
The ECHS will be offered at no cost to the student
or parents. Students would have the opportunity
to complete the first two years of college, leaving
100-percent of potential financial aid available for
use at a four-year university. The Early College High
School is scheduled to open in the fall of 2016 with
an incoming freshmen class of 40 students from
the Farmington, Aztec, and Bloomfield communities.
The high school will be housed at San Juan College’s
Farmington campus.
New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez also
recognized the work of 4CECSS and praised the
creation of the ECHS at a press conference held
at San Juan College in September. Martinez also
announced more funding for early college high
schools across the state at the press conference.
Don Lorett, a respected educator and
administrative leaders in the Four Corners area and
throughout the state for the past 31 years, was
named the principal of the Early College High School.
“I am excited to be a part of the foundation for the
Early College High School that will provide students
with a unique opportunity to earn a high school
diploma and associate degree simultaneously,” Lorett
said. “I look forward to working with the students,
staff, each of the school districts, and San Juan
College in this new endeavor.”
For more information about the Early College High
School, call (505) 566-3087.
KSJE CDs being preserved electronically
San Juan College’s radio station has been fulfilling the discerning musical tastes of listeners in the Four
Corners for 25 years. During that time, while classical music and jazz standards remain, the technology with
which they are reproduced has changed. KSJE has more than 3,000 compact discs in its collection housed at
their studios on the San Juan College Farmington campus. Some of these recordings are limited editions, or
rare, locally produced recordings that are no longer available. Despite the best efforts of KSJE’s staff, the CDs
have begun to deteriorate over time.
Stopping the wear and tear on the discs and saving the music on them for future generations was the
motivation behind efforts to digitize KSJE’s vast music library.
“Lots of radio stations play music from computers these days,” said Scott Michlin, KSJE general manager.
“We knew there had to be a way to convert and save this special music.”
Two years ago, KSJE began working on a project to preserve its library, and they turned to the legacy of a
woman who played a large part in collecting those discs in the first place. Connie Gotsch was KSJE’s program
director from the time the station went on the air in November 1990 until her death in 2012. Her program,
Roving with the Arts, consisted of playing four hours of classical music every day.
“That was one of Connie’s biggest complaints,” Michlin said. “She would be playing a wonderful piece of
music off of a CD and the music would skip. “
KSJE finally turned to the legacy gift that Gotsch left to the community: the foundation that bears her name.
The Connie Gotsch Arts Foundation awarded KSJE the funds to preserve its compact disc collection. The
project, which will take many months to complete, involves ripping each disc onto a dedicated computer and
using specialized software to automatically enter details about the music, which can help sort the music by
composer, orchestra and many other categories.
For more information about KSJE, visit ksje.com.
Radio Host Leigh Irvin, sorts through the CD collection at KSJE.
KSJE was awarded a grant through the Connie Gotsch Arts
Foundation. Gotsch was a longtime program director at KSJE and
because of her vision, the classical music collection, and many
other performances, will be preserved for future listeners.
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SJC reps meet with former Secretary of Education
While visiting Harper College, in Palatine, Illinois, San Juan College
representatives and other local educators were able to meet with former U.S.
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Duncan resigned from his position in the
Obama administration in October but met with members of Harper College, San
Juan College and others in September.
San Juan College and Harper College have worked closely together on initiatives
to help students succeed beginning in high school and through college. San
Juan College and local school districts are interested in shaping math readiness
programs after successful programs implemented at Harper College.
“Harper College has been very generous to San Juan College and allowed our
staff and faculty to learn from its success,” San Juan College President Toni Hopper
Pendergrass said.
While visiting Harper College, Dr. Pendergrass, along with Kirk Carpenter,
superintendent of Aztec Schools; Ken Hare, chairman of the SJC Board of Trustees;
John Thompson, vice chairman of the SJC Board of Trustees; and Gayle Dean,
executive director of the San Juan College Foundation, examined and reviewed
models that have been successful and could benefit students at San Juan College.
Dr. Pendergrass also sat on a panel with Duncan and others who discussed
initiatives taken by Harper and San Juan College to assist students on their path to
graduation. Dr. Pendergrass touted the Financial Aid and College Entrance (FACE)
program at Farmington Municipal Schools, as well as the Early College High School,
which is in its planning stages as a partnership among the Aztec, Bloomfield and
Farmington School Districts, and San Juan College.
Duncan was at Harper College to recognize its new Promise Program. The
Promise Program is reflective of a White House initiative to make community
colleges nationwide tuition-free. The criteria for the scholarship was developed
by Harper College, area high schools, and business leaders to develop skills and
habits that will help students succeed in college and provide businesses with smart,
Former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan shakes hands with San Juan College’s Chairman of
the Board of Trustees Ken Hare at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois.
skilled and motivated employees. Starting with this year’s high school freshman
class, Harper’s Promise Program scholarship will offer free tuition for two years
to every high school student in Harper College’s service area if the student meets
requirements during all four years of high school which include good attendance, a
C average or better, performing community service, graduating on time and being
considered “college ready.” Duncan remarked that Harper’s program could be a
model for many other schools across the nation.
“We look forward to seeing the results of Harper’s Promise Program and will
continue to study and observe any program that could benefit high school and
college students in San Juan County,” Dr. Pendergrass said.
We want you! Veteran Center is here to help
The Veteran Center at San Juan College is here to serve those who have
served our country. San Juan College is Choice Act compliant, which mandates
the college to offer in-state tuition rate to all veterans, active duty military
members, spouses and dependent using VA education benefits.
The College now offers a military tuition rate to all active duty members,
veterans, and their spouses regardless if VA education benefits are available to
them. David Drake, coordinator of the Veterans Center, said. “It is awesome San
Juan College goes above and beyond the Choice Act to support the success of
veterans and their families.”
Drake served in the United States Air Force from 1989 to 2007 as an Aircraft
Armament Systems Specialist. During that time he was deployed in support of
Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
More information about the military tuition rate can be found at
sanjuancollege.edu/veterans on our New Veteran Student Checklist. The website
also contains information about GI Bill Resources and the Veteran Student
Registration process.
The Veterans Center is open to all veterans, active duty military members and
their families. We have computers, a printer, coffee and a microwave at the center
and can offer academic guidance, support and much more. The Veterans Center
can be found on the Farmington campus in the West Classroom Complex, in Room
1717. For more information about the Veterans Center, services offered in the
Veterans Center or the military tuition rate, contact David Drake at 505-566-3970.
Service Learning Ambassadors spread the word
The Service Learning Ambassadors at San Juan College have set out to make students and staff aware
of the great opportunities service learning provides to the College and the community.
4
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Service Learning Ambassadors at San Juan College are in their first semester
of existence, but that hasn’t stopped them from making a big difference on
campus. The Ambassadors have been working to spread the word about Service
Learning and especially the Honors Service Learning distinction.
Students can earn an Honors Service Learning Distinction at graduation
by completing 12 credit hours in Honors Service Learning courses and
maintaining a 3.25 GPA in those courses. The distinction comes with recognition
at graduation ceremony, a green sash to wear with the cap and gown and all
Honors Service Learning credits are shown on San Juan College transcripts.
The ambassadors, including Joannie McBride, Chrishana Johnson, Shannon
Teseny, LaDawn Lincoln, Meghan Liesse, Jon Begay and Alvajena Begay along
with Dr. Terry Swan, associate professor of Sociology, have been spreading the
word about the many service learning opportunities to students on campus
because of its many benefits.
“Service Learning is a great way to build your resume,” Johnson said. “It’s
more than just volunteering. Service learning is directly related to what you’re
learning in the classroom but it also enhances your classwork and connects it
to the real world. ”
Other benefits to Service Learning include making contacts in the
community for potential careers or resume references, gaining hands-on
experience in job settings and getting an all-around view of the career a
student may be interested in. Service Learning can also help students who are
undecided on career paths to explore different job possibilities.
For more information about Service Learning, contact Dr. Terry Swan at 505566-3546.
showcase
silhouette series
performances
art shows
Fall Art Student Exhibit
November 6-27
Henderson Fine Arts Center Art Gallery
This exhibit represents this semester’s art work by students
enrolled in ceramics, drawing, glass, painting, photography,
design, metal sculpture and digital media. The exhibit also
features art from San Juan College instructors, including Bill
Hatch, Don Ellis, Rod Hubble and Tony Bennett. Join us for an
opening reception, Friday, November 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Information: Art Gallery, 505-566-3464.
m-pact
November 13, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $18 adults, $12 seniors, $15 students
and $12 children 12 and under
Performance Hall
Hailed “one of the best pop-jazz vocal groups in the world,”
m-pact is respected worldwide as a cutting edge trailblazer
in the realm of vocal music. This ensemble uses only their
acapella voices to perform original songs and classics.
Information: Box Office, 505-566-3430.
San Juan College Faculty and Friends Concert
November 20, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $10 adults, $8 student and seniors
Performance Hall
A variety of instruments and musical styles will welcome new
Assistant Professor of Music Teun Fetz and his family to
the Four Corners Region. Fetz was previously an Associate
Professor of Music at Eastern Oregon University in Le Grande,
Oregon since 2004. Information: Box Office, 505-566-3430.
San Juan College Big Band and Jazz Concert
December 3, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $8 adults, $6 student and seniors
Performance Hall
San Juan College Big Band Jazz ensemble will combine with the
San Juan College Jazz and Rock Combos for an unforgettable
evening of tunes that will leave the audience wanting more.
Information: Box Office, 505-566-3430.
San Juan College Band Concert
December 11, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $8 adults, $6 student and seniors
Little Theatre
The San Juan College Symphonic Concert group will take the
stage and deliver a powerhouse performance sure to delight.
Information: Box Office, 505-566-3430.
San Juan College Choir Concert
December 17, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $8 adults, $6 student and seniors
Performance Hall
Families will enjoy a feel-good concert full of Christmas
classics. The Concert Choir and Company Ensemble will treat an
audience of all ages to music of all types filled with Christmas
messages. Information: Box Office, 505-566-3430.
Hospice Charity Bowl Sale
November 12, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
November 13, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
San Juan College 9000 Rooms
The annual Hospice Charity Bowl
Sale will be held Thursday and Friday,
November 12 and 13, in the Henderson
Fine Arts Center 9000 rooms. Bowls can
be purchased for $10 and will come with
a free soup fill-up. Proceeds from the
sale will benefit Northwest New Mexico
Hospice, a branch of Presbyterian
Medical Services. Information: Art
Gallery, 505-566-3464.
Citizens Bank
Broadening Horizons
Lecture Series
Featuring Director Cullen Hoback
for One Book, One Community
November 2, 7 p.m.
Performance Hall
Hoback is the director of the documentary Terms and Conditions
May Apply, which examines the cost of so-called “free” services
and the continuing disappearance of online privacy. According the
film, “People may think they know what they give up when they click
‘I Agree,’ on companies like Facebook and Google. They’re wrong.”
This event is part of the 2015 One Book, One Community selection
of The Circle by Dave Eggers. Free. Information: Box Office, 505566-3430.
Featuring Dr. Joseph Pope
November 12, 7 p.m.
Little Theatre
Dr. Joseph Pope will present on the Four Corners Honey Study, an
FDA-approved study conducted by Dr. Pope and Dr. Stephen Rankin
in conjunction with staff and faculty at San Juan College including
Professor Don Hyder and Mary Doshi, director of the Medical
Laboratory Technology Program. The study has focused on the
healing effects locally-raised honey has on MRSA-infected wounds.
Free. Information: Box Office, 505-566-3430.
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campus
update
The WORLD is YOUR Classroom!
Join the Global Studies program and
let your education take you places.
Each year, San Juan College faculty offer travel study programs that enable
students and community members to travel to different places in the world and
learn about specific topics related to the location of the program.
In 2015, groups traveled to Italy and toured places instrumental in the life of
Leonardo da Vinci including Florence, Vinci and Pisa. A second program traveled to
Germany and Austria, to examine the history and psychology of the countries.
In 2016, participants have the opportunity to explore topics such as
cryptography and codebreaking in England, the geology and biology of Iceland
and the culture of India while also installing photovoltaic panels at a remote
Buddhist monastery.
2016 Travel Study Programs
England: Cryptography and the Codebreakers (May 17-26): Travel to
London, Cambridge, Stonehenge and Bletchley Park, to learn more about Alan
Turing and the Enigma codebreakers of WWII while also exploring the history and
culture of England. The program will start in London and sample to history and
famous sites (the Tower of London, the British Museum and the Imperial War
Museum). Next, a visit to Greenwich will feature the home to the Royal Observatory
and the Prime Meridian. Other stops include a visit to Milton Keynes, home to
Bletchley Park, and a short trip to Cambridge and Stonehenge. Dr. Pam Peters,
Lisa Wurtz and Jody Laughlin will lead this travel program.
Iceland: Geology and Biology of Iceland (May 16-22): Iceland is of unique
interest to geologists because it is situated at a divergent plate boundary between
the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Those traveling to Iceland
will have the opportunity to witness and experience the amazing and unique
environment and see a world unlike the arid high desert of northwest New Mexico.
The group will observe how the native and imported plants and animals of Iceland
have adapted to survive in such an extreme environment. Student will also examine
the effects of environmental pressure, founder effect and others. Dr. John Burris
and Lori Schiess will lead this travel program.
India: Solar Project in the Himalaya (June 2-19): Participants in this travel
study program will assist with a photovoltaic (PV) installation at a remote Buddhist
monastery in the Ladakh region of northern India. The PV system will greatly
improve the lives of the monks living at this centuries-old monastery. This trip will
also include a stop in New Delhi, where the group will take time to explore the Taj
Mahal and other wonders of India. Chris Strouthopoulos and Mike Sullivan will lead
this travel program.
Visit sanjuancollege.edu/trips for information about each of the programs or call
the 505-566-3525 or e-mail global@sanjuancollege.edu with any questions.
Three faculty members published in national journals
San Juan College congratulates three faculty
who have had their research published in science
journals. Dr. Andrea Cooper, associate professor
of Anthropology, had her article “Ethnicity and
Impressions of Personality Using the Five-Factor
Model: Stereotyping or Cultural Sensitivity?”
published by the National Association for Ethnic
Studies in the Ethnic Studies Review. The Ethnic
Studies Review is a peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary, international journal devoted to
the study of ethnicity, ethnic groups and their
cultures, and inter-group relations.
Dr. Don Hyder and Dr. Kevin
Lombard were published in the Journal of Water
Resource Protection. Their article, written with
Omolom J. Idowu, April L. Ulery and New Mexico
State University, was titled “Soil Quality of a
Semi-Arid Pasture Irrigated with Reverse Osmosis
Wasterwater – A Case Study from Northern New
Mexico.”
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Dr. Andrea Cooper
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Dr. Don Hyder
Dr. Kevin Lombard
SJC
in the community
Photo by Sean McTavish
Enjoy a glistening beginning to the holiday season when San Juan College
provides its gift to the community with the 37th annual Luminarias display,
Saturday, December 5.
A glimmering array of bags will shine from rooftops, along sidewalks,
in courtyards and select campus parking lots throughout the evening. The
community can choose to drive or walk through. Walkers can begin enjoying the
display at 5 p.m., while the driving route will open at 6 p.m.
Others will want to take advantage of the Park n’ Ride the Red Apple
Luminaria Trolley from 6 to 8 p.m.
Only two entrances will be open during the event. Walkers may park in the
Quality Center for Business (Lot O), the School of Trades and Technology (Lots
J and K), and the north Child and Family Development Center lots (Lot P),
which are accessible by traveling south on College Boulevard from Pinon Hills
Boulevard.
Drivers will enter the college from Butler Avenue traveling north on Sunrise
Parkway. They will then follow the marked route through the campus and exit at
College Boulevard, where traffic will be required to turn south to 30th Street.
Please note that the Pinon Hills Boulevard entrance to the college will be closed
during the Luminaria display. As a courtesy, all drivers are asked to turn their
lights off as they drive through the display.
The sounds of the season will ring campus wide as San Juan College’s radio
station, KSJE 90.9-FM will broadcast your favorite Christmas carols. Weather
permitting, the Planetarium will host its annual Star Gaze from 6 to 9:30 p.m., in
the inner courtyard. A telescope will be set up to view the night sky.
The Office of Student Activities coordinates the event with help from students,
staff and community volunteers who set up and light the candles. The week prior,
hundreds of area school children help fill paper bags with sand and candles,
which are then set out by the College students and staff.
For further information about the event, contact the San Juan College Office of
Student Activities at 566-3403.
Chautauqua brings NM mountain man to life
James Ohio Pattie (1804-1850) was one of the few 19th century mountain men in
New Mexico who was literate enough to keep a diary that was eventually published as
the Personal Narrative of James Ohio Pattie in 1831. This work remains in print today
as the most accurate depiction of the life of the mountain man in the Southwest.
Come along for encounters with native plants, animals and people of New Mexico
during Stephen Dixon’s performance of Tracking and Trekking with James Ohio Pattie
on November 13 at 7 p.m. in the Little Theatre. View the world through the wide eyes
of a mountain man whose words paint pictures in the minds of those who huddle
around his campfire.
All Chautauqua performances are free. For more information, call Dr. Jimmy Miller at
505-334-9325 or the San Juan College Box Office at 505-566-3430.
Stephen Dixon will
portray James Ohio
Pattie. Dixon lives in
Albuquerque.
Don’t Worry. Be Hopi.
Seventeen Encore students had the opportunity to travel and explore the
fascinating Four Corners region during a two-day field trip to the Hopi reservation.
Timed just right for excellent autumn weather and coinciding with a traditional fall
ceremonial women’s dance, students got to enjoy a behind the scenes look at this
thousand year old culture.
Trip leader and instructor, Dr. Michael Lawson organized the trip’s logistics with
knowledgeable speakers scheduled for each day and lodging arranged at the Hopi
Cultural Center Inn. The restaurant at the Hopi Inn provided the opportunity to
experience local cuisine with the option of ordering traditional Hopi foods, such as
blue corn pancakes and squash soup.
At the Tsakurshovi Trading Post, Joe Day gave a talk on Hopi baskets, a
renowned product of the southwest. On the Hopi reservation, baskets are used
for almost everything – kitchen utensils, prizes for winning races, pay-back to
cover wedding expenses and gifts. Dozens hang from the trading post’s ceiling, all
beautifully constructed with native plant materials.
The most popular item at the Tsakurshovi Trading Post for most of the group
were t-shirts proclaiming, “Don’t worry. Be Hopi.” The Day family originated the
popular design.
A highlight of the field trip was the tour of Walpi Village, continuously inhabited for
more than 1100 years. Walpi is one of three villages perched on the top of First Mesa,
which towers 300 feet above the valley. Winding up the paved road which curved
around steep cliffs, Encore students marveled at how individuals sustained themselves
here for centuries. Our tour guide, Dixon Silas, pointed out structures used by various
clans, along with the role that each clan carries out to benefit of the community.
Field trips to explore the Four Corners, classes, brown-bag presentations,
Encore is San Juan College’s
program for active seniors
A group of Encore students traveled and explored many landmarks and other stops during a two-day
field trip to the Hopi Reservation.
holiday celebrations and more are all part of San Juan College’s Encore program.
For more information, call 505-566-3214.
www.sanjuancollege.edu I November/December 2015 I san juan college communicator
7
SAN JUAN COLLEGE
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
4601 College Boulevard
Farmington, NM 87402
www.sanjuancollege.edu
INFORMATION 505-326-3311
PAID
Farmington, NM
Permit #125
campus calendar
november/december, 2015
November 6 – December 27
Fall Student Art Exhibit. Henderson Fine Arts Center Art
Gallery. Opening reception, November 6 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Information: Art Gallery, 505-566-3494
November 12, 3 p.m.
Career Center Special Topic: Soft Skills. Set yourself
apart from the competition by knowing what local employers
are looking for in job candidates and what qualities they find
important. Room 1622. Information, 505-566-3423.
November 12, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
November 13, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hospice Charity Bowl Sale. Purchase a hand-made ceramic
bowl for $10 and receive a free soup fill-up. All proceeds benefit
Northwest New Mexico Hospice. Henderson Fine Arts Center
9000 Rooms. Information: Art Gallery, 505-566-3464.
November 13, 7 p.m.
San Juan College Silhouette Series – m-pact.
Performance Hall. Tickets: $18 adults, $15 students, $12
seniors and children under 12. Information: Box Office, 505566-3430.
November 13, 7 p.m.
San Juan College Chautauqua Series presents Tracking
and Trekking with James Ohio Pattie by Stephen
Dixon. Free. Little Theatre. See story on page 7 of this issue.
Information: Dr. Jimmy Miller, 505-334-9325.
November 19, 3 p.m.
Career Center Resume Workshop: How to write a resume
from scratch. Room 1614. Information, 505-566-3423.
November 20, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
AstroFriday – Meteor Showers. Stargaze follows at 8:30
p.m., weather permitting. Seating is limited. SJC Planetarium,
Room 1723. Free. Information: David Mayeux, 505-566-3361 or
mayeuxd@sanjuancollege.edu.
November 20, 7 p.m.
San Juan College Silhouette Series – Faculty and
Friends Concert. Performance Hall. Tickets: $10 adults, $8
students and seniors. Information: Box Office, 505-566-3430.
November 23
Registration Begins: All continuing students for Spring 2016.
November 25 – November 29
Thanksgiving Break. Campus closed. No classes held.
November 30
Registration Begins: New and transfer students for Spring
2016.
December 4, 5 p.m.
Farmington Campus closes at 5 p.m., to prepare for
Luminarias Display. No evening classes held. Information:
Students Activities, 505-566-3403.
November 16
Registration Begins: Continuing degree-seeking students for
Spring 2016.
Art Gallery Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed weekends
566-3464
Library Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
566-3249
December 5, 6 p.m.
Luminarias Display. Farmington Campus closed all day. No
classes held. Open to the public. Stargaze will be held at the
inner courtyard. See story on page 7 of this issue.
Information: Student Activities, 505-566-3403.
December 3, 7 p.m.
San Juan College Silhouette Series – Big Band and
Jazz Concert. Performance Hall. Tickets: $8 adults, $6
students and seniors. Information: Box Office, 505-566-3430.
December 11, 7 p.m.
San Juan College Silhouette Series – Band Concert.
Little Theatre. Tickets: $8 adults, $6 students and seniors.
Information: Box Office, 505-566-3430.
December 11, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
AstroFriday – The Star of Bethlehem. Stargaze follows
at 8:30 p.m., weather permitting. Seating is limited. SJC
Planetarium, Room 1723. Free. Information: David Mayeux, 505566-3361 or mayeuxd@sanjuancollege.edu.
December 17, 7 p.m.
San Juan College Silhouette Series – Choir Concert.
Performance Hall. Tickets: $8 adults, $6 students and seniors.
Information: Box Office, 505-566-3430.
December 19 – January 3
Winter Break. Campus closed. No classes held.
Information
Box Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
566-3430
Art Gallery, Box Office and Performance Hall are located in the Henderson Fine Arts Center.
San Juan College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetics or veterans’ status, or on the basis of any other category
protected under federal or state law, in regard to admissions, employment, programs and activities. Inquiries should be directed to 505-566-3215.