President's Report – December 2013

An important member of our Center for Meeting and Learning staff passed away last Friday. Delores "Dee Dee" Barnhart, Food Service Specialist, worked for five years in the CML Banquet Kitchen with Chef Tim Hill. Her co-workers spoke highly of her ability to make amazing-looking fruit, cheese, and party platters. She embodied a can-do attitude that exemplifies what makes Lane a special place and she will certainly be missed by all.

We are in the interview process for four candidates for vice president for Academic and Student Affairs. The candidates are Laura Brener, vice president for instruction at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington; Douglas Samuels, chief consultant for Mega-Trends Enterprises, LLC, in Camas, Washington; Mark Vandenhende, consultant with Learn International, Inc.; and Michael Oudshoorn, recent dean of academic affairs for DeVry College of New York. Thanks to Brian Kelly for leading this comprehensive search effort.

I want to congratulate Jeff Hanson, Classified Employee of the Month. Jeff is the maintenance professional for Facilities at our Downtown Center. Jeff started working at Lane in June 2009. He has repeatedly demonstrated exceptional performance by taking on additional assignments such as helping with the move into our new Downtown building. He is customer driven and student focused. Congratulations, Jeff.

Winter 2014 registrations are down 17.9% compared to same time last year, with winter headcount down 13.9%. Remember this is a moving target and we are still registering people. Adjusted registrations for fall 2013 are down 9.1% compared to fall 2012, and fall headcount is down 5.7%.

Last month's state revenue forecast brought both good and bad news. The takeaway is that the economic recovery continues to strengthen and there is an additional $132.6 million for the state general fund, largely due to tax increases passed during the September special session. Unfortunately, the bad news is that the state is $145 million away from the personal income tax kicker threshold. The state economist put the odds at the kicker "kicking" at less than 50-50, but obviously this is something everyone will be watching as future forecasts are released.

We are still working to finalize the details, but it appears that Senator Merkley will be holding a town hall meeting at the Downtown Center's CML on the evening of Sunday, January 5. Brett will get more information out once everything is confirmed.

During last month's interim legislative days in Salem, the governor's staff presented proposed changes to the state's workforce system to the Senate Business and Transportation Committee. I had the opportunity to meet with the governor and Senator Lee Beyer, who chairs the committee, prior to the hearing, to discuss community college concerns. I think both meetings went well, there is much in the workforce report that we can support, and it appears our message is reaching legislators. It's unclear whether this will be an issue for the February session; we'll continue to watch this closely and pass along updates.

We had some nice coverage of the Whiteaker Dinner and our new Food Pantry. If you missed those stories, visit our online newsroom at lanecc.edu/newsroom. Far more than the value of the publicity, however, is the benefit to our most disadvantaged students, citizens and neighbors. My sincerest thanks to our students, student government, our culinary and hospitality program faculty and staff, and all of our volunteers for their selfless efforts in making our community a better place to live.

Thanks also to Tracy Simms for her letter to the editor pointing out the local value and focus of Titan Court.

I will be in the December 4 issue of Dash for a story about fitness and wellness. This was inspired by Wendy Simmons' Wellness Program which also did a video on that topic.

I was humbled and honored to accept the 2013 Center for Green Schools President's Award for a two-year institution, at the U.S. Green Building Council's conference on Nov. 21 in Philadelphia. This award recognizes the exemplary sustainability work created by the passion and effort of many Lane faculty, staff and students over the years. I am very proud to be part of that team. I also want to commend Russ Pierson of Facilities, who attended the conference on a full scholarship.

Here are some worthy items for your calendars:

The Lane Peace Center and ASLCC will host a presentation by independent journalist David Barsamian tomorrow, December 4, at 1 p.m. at the Longhouse. David is an author and director of Alternative Radio. He will discuss, "Capitalism and the Climate Crisis." Afterwards there will be a public "Beer with Barsamian" event downstairs at the Rogue Ales Public House at 844 Olive Street in Eugene.

Our annual Powwow will be Saturday, December 7, in the gymnasium, with grand entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. This is one of the biggest powwows in the Northwest and part of the reason Lane has such a robust Native American student program.

We are looking forward to getting construction of the CLASS project underway next week, and we hope you will join us for a kick-off event on Wednesday, December 11 at 10 a.m., beginning in the boardroom. Local legislators and Foundation board members will also be attending. See Brett for more information.

Finally, 'tis the season for performing arts. On December 4 at 4 p.m. in the Blue Door theater you'll find some funny and insightful student performances. On Thursday, the Lane Concert Chamber and Gospel Choir will perform. On Friday, we'll have our Student Music Showcase, and also the Lane Jazz Ensemble; and Saturday is the Term's End Shakespeare Showcase. All the details are on the Music Dance and Theater Arts webpage.

Winter break is December 15 to January 5 including holiday closures from December 23 through 27, and again on January 1.

I wish everyone has a happy holiday season and safe travels for you and your loved ones.