Fall Sustainability Gathering

November 14, 2019 By Danielle Farness

Thursday, November 14th

4:30pm-6:00pm: CMC Graduate Capstone Projects

6:00pm-7:30pm: Integrating Comprehensive Healthcare with Environmental Sustainability.

This presentation explores:

• Root Causes of Global Population Growth

• Poverty, Marginalization, Population and the Environment

• Impacts of U.S. Policies

• Family Planning

• Climate Change

LOCATION: CMC Breckenridge Eileen and Paul Finkel Auditorium

107 Denison Placer Road Breckenridge, CO 80424 Cost: Free and Open to the Public
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Heidi Kunzek | 970.989.1314 | hkunzek@coloradomtn.edu

CMC Professor Staib Wins an Emmy

October 28, 2019 By cmctestgenesis

Associate Professor of Social Science Patrick Staib and his father, Walter Staib.

Associate Professor of CMC Social Science Patrick Staib and his father, Walter Staib.

CMC Professor Patrick Staib won an Emmy for his work as Producer/Co-Host for the “A Sentimental Journey Through Nicaragua”- A Taste of History TV series. Staib’s father, Walter, also won an Emmy for his role as Program Host/Moderator.

Patrick is an Associate Professor of Social Sciences and Affiliated Faculty with the Sustainability Studies degree program at CMC Steamboat Springs.

The episode was a tribute to Patrick’s mother, Gloria, who passed away in 2016. The cooking and history show episode delves into the culture and cuisine of Gloria’s homeland, Nicaragua.

This was his first episode at the reigns as producer. It was “trial by fire,” Patrick said. “It was an example of applied anthropology.”

Read the complete Steamboat Pilot story: CMC professor wins Emmy for work on ‘A Taste of History’ episode

From the Congo to Colorado

October 28, 2019 By cmctestgenesis

Assistant Professor Jean Kaya is the newest member to join Colorado Mountain College’s teacher education program. Originally from the Republic of the Congo, Kaya recently earned his doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction from Southern Illinois University. Photo Ed Kosmicki

The newest faculty member to join Colorado Mountain College’s teacher education program comes to his position by way of the Republic of the Congo. After coming to the U.S. as a Fulbright Foreign Student to complete his master’s degree, Dr. Jean Kaya has been in the United States for several years.

He studied and taught at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he recently earned his doctorate in curriculum and instruction. Now he’s settling into life in Colorado, and into his work as an assistant professor in CMC’s teacher education program.

He’s based at both CMC Vail Valley at Edwards and CMC Glenwood Springs. This semester, he’s spending more time at the Edwards campus where he’s teaching two classes: Methods of Primary Literacy Instruction and How People Learn. He’s also co-teaching an internship seminar and providing field support to CMC student teachers.

A multilinguist’s education

Kaya earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in modern foreign languages from Marien Ngouabi University in Brazzaville, Congo. At Southern Illinois University Carbondale, he earned both his doctorate and received a second master’s in teaching English to speakers of other languages.

Kaya said the Republic of the Congo is a country with approximately 67 ethnic languages in addition to two national languages and French, the language of education and administration. He speaks three Congolese languages fluently: Kituba, Lingala and Beembe. He also speaks fluent French and English, as well as conversational Spanish.

Kaya believes his background is well-suited for teaching CMC students to be effective teachers in American schools.

“Teachers in the U.S. are finding themselves teaching in the same classes both English learners and native speakers of English,” Kaya said. “My language and teaching expertise and the diversity in my classes are, I believe, two of the major aspects that contribute to the wealth of future educators’ learning experiences.”

Equivalent and able: Bridging the high school diploma gap

October 25, 2019 By cmctestgenesis

Ana Reyes is a high school equivalency, or HSE, assistant instructor at Colorado Mountain College Dillon. A graduate of the program, she helps teach students preparing for HSE testing to earn a high school equivalency diploma.

Two decades ago, Ana Reyes came to the United States. She didn’t speak English and she didn’t have a high school diploma.

Today, she is an active member of the Summit County community. She’s raised five children, learned English, earned her high school equivalency certification, is taking classes toward a Bachelor of Arts in education and holds down several jobs.

One of Reyes’ jobs is as an assistant instructor at Colorado Mountain College Dillon, helping students to bridge the gap between Spanish and English in courses that prepare them for HSE testing.

High school equivalency, or HSE, is similar to the more familiar GED, or general equivalency diploma. Both require different tests that measure a student’s mastery of high school curriculum. Passing these tests help community members who haven’t graduated from high school earn their credentials, which often leads to better paying jobs and improved opportunities.

Helping people prepare

Colorado Mountain College, with its 11 campuses and learning locations throughout much of the state’s mountain region, offers non-credit classes, certificates, and associate and bachelor’s degrees in over a hundred academic areas. What you may not know is that CMC also helps people prepare for these high school equivalency tests.

Faculty and tutors work directly with students to review content, take quizzes and strengthen students’ skills in reading, writing and math.

During the past year, over 30 students have studied for their high school equivalency tests through CMC Breckenridge and Dillon. A full cohort of students are currently taking semester-long courses to prepare for HSE and GED testing. In January, CMC’s spring semester will offer a new series of preparatory courses.

The Summit County business and philanthropic communities have enthusiastically supported these efforts. The Summit Foundation, the Colorado Grand and most recently the Rotary Club of Summit County are among the organizations that have recognized the need to provide funds for these educational efforts.

A transition to new heights

Among other areas of responsibility, CMC’s School of Transitional Education administers the college’s HSE and GED program, which provides instruction from assistants such as Reyes and from credentialed faculty. The program offers a rigorous academic curriculum and career development that ultimately leads to graduates who are well prepared to enter the workforce.

“Our high school equivalency program supports students with three options to earn their high school equivalency diplomas,” said Dr. Yvette Myrick, the dean of the college’s School of Transitional Education. “At our testing centers students can take the GED exam, or two other high school equivalency exams: the HiSET or the Test Assessing Secondary Completion.”

Under direction from Myrick, the college’s program also helps students transition from ESL and HSE classes to enter postsecondary education to earn a degree or career and technical certificate. The college offers classes with a focus on career pathways, in areas such as food service and teacher education.

“Also, the college now accepts results that students receive from the GED College Ready and GED College Ready + Credit programs,” she said. “If a student receives a high score on certain subjects for the GED, they can enroll in college-level courses. They can also receive credit for college-level courses based on their GED scores. These courses are offered at several CMC locations from Leadville to Basalt.”

According to Myrick, in the past few years, students who started their educational journey in ESL or HSE classes at CMC have transitioned to postsecondary education and training, and to career and technical programs, in significant numbers. Over 5,000 ESL and HSE students have enrolled in postsecondary education and training courses or CTE programs at the college.

“The School of Transitional Education, through a variety of innovative educational programs, is continually striving to help students transition to reaching new heights by achieving their educational and career goals,” she said.

Going up? ‘Hope and Gravity’ Looks at Life in an Elevator

October 16, 2019 By cmctestgenesis

A scene from the play, "Hope and Gravity"

From left, Michael Banks, Bostyn Elswick, Christina Cappelli and James Steindler in a scene from “Hope and Gravity,” Sopris Theatre Company’s first production of the season, which opens Oct. 18 at CMC Spring Valley. Photo Scot Gerdes

Going up? ‘Hope and Gravity’ looks at life in an elevator

A dislodged elevator falling multiple stories turns out to be a ripe setting for studying human relationships. That’s what playwright Michael Hollinger discovered when he wrote “Hope and Gravity,” the comedic drama that opens Sopris Theatre Company’s season on Oct. 18 at Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley at Glenwood Springs.

It’s rare for a theater company to produce a play that it has closely followed since its inception. However, that’s what happened with “Hope and Gravity.” In 2012, Hollinger came to Aspen with his new play, which was performed as a staged reading during the Aspen Fringe Festival.

“I spoke with Michael at that point about my interest in the show,” said director Brad Moore, Sopris Theatre Company’s theater operations manager. “We stayed in contact and he let me know when the piece would actually be published. Gary [Ketzenbarger, Sopris Theatre Company’s program director] read the script and thought it would play well in this season.”

For Sopris Theatre Company, being one of the first companies to produce the play is gratifying.

“The play was just published,” Moore said. “It has had many workshop productions and readings in development, but is now in its final form. It’s exciting to present newer works. Michael is a terrific playwright and an important voice in the American theater.”

Students and community members

Two actors in a scene from "Hope and Gravity."

From left, Joshua Adamson and Bostyn Elswick in a scene from “Hope and Gravity.” Photo Scot Gerdes

The cast comprises both Colorado Mountain College students and Roaring Fork Valley actors. Five cast members play nine roles, doubling up per the playwright’s instructions as they weave in and out of one another’s lives. Three of the cast members are CMC students and two are community members, one of whom is a CMC graduate. All of the stage crew are CMC students.

“The setting is in a contemporary urban environment,” Moore said. “We felt this script offered a diverse and wonderful collection of characters for our students and community members to explore.”

Moore said the play is composed of nine scenes, which originally were a series of short plays. As a play they’re tied together.

“The additional challenge is that the scenes are out of order,” he said. “The show opens with scene six and closes with scene three. That is very much in keeping with the themes in the play. The idea that there is a random nature to how our lives play out. We can make plans and set goals. Sometimes life doesn’t follow a predictable path.”

First in the season

“Hope and Gravity” opens Sopris Theatre Company at Colorado Mountain College’s 2019-20 season; three more productions will follow. “The Veil” written by Conor McPherson and directed by G. Thomas Cochran runs Nov. 30-Dec. 8. “American La Ronde” by written Steven Dietz and directed by Gary Ketzenbarger runs Feb. 14-23, and “Kiss Me, Kate” with book by Sam and Bella Spewack, music by Cole Porter and directed by Brad Moore runs April 3-19. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com.

“Hope and Gravity” at Spring Valley

Show times

Friday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 20, 2 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m.

Tickets

$18 adults

$13 seniors and CMC students, employees and graduates

Individual and season tickets are available at Eventbrite.com

Box office: svticketsales@coloradomtn.edu or contact Brad Moore at 970-947-8187, bmoore@coloradomtn.edu.

Colorado Mountain College signs amicus brief in support of DACA

October 11, 2019 By cmctestgenesis

Colorado Mountain College signs amicus brief in support of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients as DACA heads to the Supreme Court

Colorado Mountain College President and CEO Carrie Hauser issued the following statement today on the filing of an amicus brief in support of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and the consolidated cases in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, urging the court to stand in support of DACA recipients:

“On October 4, 2019, Colorado Mountain College joined over 165 colleges and universities from across the country in signing an amicus brief supporting over 700,000 young immigrants who came to the United States as children and who are entitled to protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This “friend of the court” brief was coordinated by the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.

READ THE BRIEF

“DACA recipients are American in every way; they built their lives here and contribute to our state and region, our campuses and communities, and our local economies every day. Our college – which has been open and accessible to all students since its founding in 1965 – is proud to support DACA recipients; we believe in standing up for and protecting vulnerable populations when their futures are in question.

“DACA provided work authorization and protection from deportation to numerous Dreamers, enabling them to better support themselves and their families financially, build their careers, sustain a healthy workforce, and access higher education. If this vital program is rescinded, DACA recipients will lose their ability to work and study legally, will be forced from their jobs, and will be subject to immediate deportation. The Supreme Court should agree with what federal courts across the country have made clear: the administration’s decision to terminate DACA was unlawful and has caused irreparable damage to Dreamers and their families and loved ones, as well as to our higher education institutions.”

Fund Sueños receives $500,000 gift

In addition, today an anonymous donor has joined other funders by making a $500,000 gift to the CMC Foundation in support of the college’s Fund Sueños income-share agreement program. Fund Sueños, which is in its second year as a pilot program at the college, offers income-share agreements to Dreamers and others who have U.S. work authorization but are ineligible to receive federal financial assistance to attend college.

“Fund Sueños is the first program of its kind in the nation, and it is funded entirely through the generosity of donors to the CMC Foundation. These philanthropists share our commitment to all students, regardless of background, nationality or socioeconomic status,” said Kristin Heath Colon, CEO of the CMC Foundation. “We are honored to receive such a significant donation to expand and improve this transformational program.”

Background

Since 2012, DACA has been extraordinarily successful, offering temporary protection from deportation and the ability to work legally to more than 700,000 immigrants who came to the United States as young children or babies. The program has benefited these Dreamers, including our students, their families, their communities, and our economy. Colorado suffers from a structural deficit in college graduates and skilled workers. There are not enough educated and well-trained people in our state to meet workforce demands and sustain Colorado’s thriving economy; Dreamers are helping to fill that workforce need, without displacing other workers.

On September 5, 2017, the administration announced that they were terminating the DACA program, jeopardizing the futures of hundreds of thousands of young people. In the past two years, multiple courts have kept renewals ongoing for current DACA recipients, but Dreamers have still been forced to live court case to court case, uncertain about their futures and in fear of being separated from their families and the lives they have built over decades in the United States.

The future of DACA — and the futures of hundreds of thousands of Dreamers — will be argued at the U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 12, 2019. The court could hand down a ruling as soon as February 2020 determining if Dreamers will lose the ability to live, study, and work in the United States.

About Colorado Mountain College

Founded in 1965, Colorado Mountain College provides a diverse range of learning opportunities at its 11 campuses and learning locations throughout the state’s north-central mountain region, as well as online. The college offers over 125 certificates and degrees and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. From high school students earning college credit, to adults learning English or preparing for a high school equivalency exam or GED, to students of any age earning certificates or associate and bachelor’s degrees, to local residents passionate about lifelong learning, Colorado Mountain College plays an intrinsic role in the lives and communities it touches.

The U.S. Department of Education has ranked Colorado Mountain College among the country’s most affordable public colleges offering bachelor’s degrees. In both 2018 and 2019, the college was named “Top Adventure College” following a readers’ poll from Elevation Outdoors magazine.