CAMPUS NEWS
Cañada Receives Third Major Grant to Help Students Majoring in Science, Math, Engineering and Related Fields
The National Science Foundation Grant provides $600,000 in student scholarships over the next five years and establishes the college as a center for STEM education.
The college has received a five-year, $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to fund scholarships for students majoring in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and related fields.
This is the third federal grant received by the college in the past six months and establishes Cañada as a center for STEM education. In October, the school received two grants from the U.S. Department of Education. A $1.5 million grant was awarded to improve the performance of STEM majors by providing intensive tutoring and specialized curriculum with a focus on math education and a $900,000 grant was awarded to establish a summer mathematics bridge program and engineering institute.
“This grant provides scholarship money to the students we are helping educate with the previous grants,” said Amelito Enriquez, professor of engineering and mathematics at Cañada and principal investigator for the NSF grant.
“Our goal is to become an educational center for mathematics, science, engineering, and technology-related fields,” said Janet Stringer, dean of the Science and Technology Division at the College. Stringer joined the college last march after serving as associate professor of pharmacology and neuroscience at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She has been instrumental in working with faculty to attract federal funding to the college and position it as a regional leader in STEM education.
“Because we serve Silicon Valley – a global center for technological research – it’s imperative that we provide quality educational opportunities for students in math and science,” said Thomas Mohr, president of Cañada College. “In short order, Dr. Stringer and her team have attracted the federal money needed to help turn Cañada College into a center for STEM education.”
The latest grant provides $3,000 to students eligible for trigonometry and then $4,000 annually for students ready for calculus. Each student could receive as much as $15,000 over three years. This includes $4,000 for their first year after transferring to a four-year college or university.
The scholarship is open to current community college students and graduating high school students. Students must be enrolled full-time and must be majoring in a STEM field. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Current community college students must have a grade point average of 2.7 in math, science and engineering courses and a 2.5 overall GPA. High school students must have a GPA of at least 2.7 in high school math and science courses and must test into trigonometry or a higher math class.
Enriquez said the grant money provides scholarships for 21 students next fall; 37 students in 2010-11; and 41 students in 2011-12 and 2012-13. More information on the scholarship eligibility requirements and application deadline are at http://www.canadacollege.edu/NSFscholar/
MESA Improves Statewide Transfer Rates
Program's effectiveness crucial at Cañada
Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) is an award-winning academic enrichment program that provides educationally disadvantaged students with the tools to earn bachelor’s degrees in math-based fields. With tutoring and mentoring, extra study sessions, transfer counseling and study centers, MESA provides an environment that allows students to succeed in math and science and navigate the transfer system more
easily.
It’s a small program with a large impact. The California Community Colleges and MESA began working together in 1993 to bolster community college transfer rates in science, technology, engineering and math fields. The collaboration has yielded phenomenal success. Of the MESA community college students who transfer, 98 percent go to four-year institutions as science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) majors. The Cañada College MESA program has nearly doubled in the last two years. Currently, MESA students account for 10 percent of all Latino STEM transfers, 13 percent of all African American STEM transfers and 20 percent of all Native American STEM transfers in California.
Vice President of Instruction Search Committee to Interview Candidates
Seven finalists will be interviewed.
The search committee has identified seven finalists and interviews are scheduled to begin Tuesday, March 31 and continue on Wednesday and Thursday, April 1-2. The college has been without a Vice President of Instruction since June 16, 2008 when Marilyn McBride accepted the position of Vice Chancellor of Special Projects at the District Office.
College Planning Council to Develop Strategic Vision
The eventual plan will help guide important decisions at the college.
The College Planning Council is beginning the process of developing a strategic vision for the college that will tie together the existing college and district master plans. The CPC will develop long-range plans that will cover all aspects of the college from enrollment management to facilities. “The College Planning Council is going to take a greater role in shaping the future of the college,” said President Tom Mohr. “This is very important work that will help guide decision-making at the college.”
New Exhibit at Art Gallery Features Work of Bay Area Artist Helen Golden
The art is described as "Tra-digital".
Bay Area artist Helen Golden, a self-described “tra-digital” fine artist, has a new exhibit on display at the Cañada College Art Gallery through April 24. Golden creates her tra-digital/mixed media fine art work by integrating computer art-making tools and traditional ones such as etching and photography. She is a pioneer in the digital art realm, exhibits in solo, curated and invited exhibitions and is cited in newspapers, magazines, books, television and on the internet. Her work is in private and corporate collections and has been accessed by the National Museum of American Art at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Priority Enrollment Program Set For April, May
The program helps ease the transition to college for high school seniors.
Graduating high school seniors can earn priority admission and access to the most popular summer and fall semester classes by participating in the Cañada College Priority Enrollment Program. This year's Priority Enrollment Program workshops will be held Wednesday, April 22 from 3 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Wednesday, May 20 from 3 to 8 p.m. It allows students to complete the necessary steps to become a college student in a short period of time, and early in the registration period! It is a great opportunity for getting priority admission and access to early registration for the Summer and Fall semesters. “Everything graduating high school seniors need is included in a half-day session,” said organizer Soraya Sohrabi of the Counseling Center. “Our goal is to make it as simple as possible to move from high school to college. We understand that it can be confusing. By having everything at one workshop, we hope to eliminate that confusion.”
Colombia Presentation: What Are Human Rights?
Guest speaker to talk about human rights struggle in Colombia.
Sandra Alvarez, the daughter of Colombian immigrants, will speak about the international human rights system and how Colombians are fighting for their rights.
The lecture will be held Wednesday, April 1 from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. in the main theater.
The Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado and the U'wa people of Colombia are two communities working to stay on their land and avoid joining the 4 million people who have been forced out of their homes. Despite billions of dollars in military aid from the US and a half century of conflict, these communities, with the support and solidarity of activists around the world, are building peaceful alternatives.
Lifelong Wellness 2009
Annual Health Fair will be held April 1 in the Cafeteria
Cañada College presents "Lifelong Wellness 2009" on Wednesday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. in the college cafeteria. Students, staff and faculty can get a free blood pressure check, free glucose testing and free STD screening. You can also enter to win a $100 Safeway gift card.
"Lifelong Wellness 2009" is presented by the Cañada College Health Center, ASCC, and the Pre-med/Health Club.
The Color of Fear
The Diversity Committee is sponsoring this 90-minute film.
The 90 minute film, “The Color of Fear”, is the award winning documentary about eight North American men of Asian, European, Latino and African descent, who spend a weekend together talking about racism. Out of their confrontations and struggles to understand each other, emerges a dialogue that many of us fear, but hope will happen sometime in our lives.
The film will be shown from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 14 in Building 22, Room 116. Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP to goines@smccd.edu.
Participants will have the opportunity to view the film and engage in conversation and dialogue about their reflections and reactions to the film. For those individuals who attended the “Let’s Talk about Race” workshop in March, led by Lee Mun Wah, this viewing will be an opportunity to continue the discussion.
FACES OF CAÑADA
Patty Dilko to be Honored by Professional Organization
San Mateo Associate for the Education of Young Children will present its highest honor to Dilko on April 24
The San Mateo Association for the Education of Young Children will recognize Patty Dilko, professor of early childhood education, with their top honor at the group’s annual Early Childhood Professional’s Recognition Event on Friday, April 24. “Your commitment and passion to this field is immeasurable, and the SMAEYC Board along with the early childhood professionals in San Mateo County would like the opportunity to express our appreciation, gratitude and respect for your role as a leader in our community,” wrote Teresa Campbell, past president of SMAEYC. Dilko has been a faculty leader at Cañada and is currently establishing an Honors Transfer Program at the college.
Amelito Enriquez Earns "Best Paper Award"
Engineering and math professor receives award at the American Society of Engineering Education/Pacific Southwest Section Conference
Engineering and Math Professor Amelito Enriquez earned the “Best Paper Award” at the 2009 American Society of Engineering Education/Pacific Southwest Section Conference in San Diego, and the paper will be sent to the National ASEE conference in Austin, Texas later this summer.
Editor's Note: If you have ideas for the Faces of Cañada section of the online newsletter, please contact Robert Hood at ext. 3340 or by e-mail at hoodr@smccd.edu.
SPOTLIGHT ON STUDENTS
Cañada Student Ashley Cohen Named To The 2009 All-California Academic Team
Cohen is one of two Bay Area students named to the team.
Cañada student Ashley Cohen has been named to the 2009 Phi Theta Kappa All-California Academic Team. She is one of only two Bay Area community college students named to the first team. Members of the All-California Academic Team were recognized by legislators in Sacramento at a special luncheon. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two year colleges.
Four Interior Design Students Sweep Regional Awards
This is the ninth consecutive year students have placed at the competition
For the ninth consecutive year, the Cañada College Interior Design Program has had at least one student place in the prestigious design competitions at the San Francisco Interior Design Student Career Forum. This year, Cañada had four students who placed in two of the student design competitions. Marilyn Bosworth placed first and Betty Peng second in the Residential Lighting Design Competition. In the Design for the Home Office Competition Canada College students swept all three awards with Zuzana Ozel taking top honors, Peng second, and Emily Miller third. More than 200 Interior Design students attended this year’s event.
Baseball Team is Red Hot and Rolling
The Colts have stormed through Coast Conference play
The hottest team in Coast Conference baseball this year is none other than the Cañada College Colts. Through March 25, the Colts compiled an impressive 20-7 overall record and 9-3 conference mark. The Colts have been led by strong pitching. They lead the Pacific Division in earned run average and opponents batting average. Anthony Armanino is 3-1 with a 1.98 ERA and is holding opponents to a .225 batting average. Brett Kilburg has been strong out of the bullpen, recording a league-high six saves, a 2.03 ERA and is holding opponents to a .206 batting average. Bobby Scott is swinging a hot bat, hitting .352 with six homers and 31 RBI.
Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Earns Five-Star Distinction
Students earn regional art, literary and distinguished officer awards.
Beta Zeta Nu, Cañada’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, was once again recognized as a five -star chapter at this year’s regional awards ceremony for community college honors programs. The Cañada chapter is part of the Nevada/California region. Beta Zeta Nu was honored as the second most distinguished chapter in the region that includes 87 chapters. “We’re all very proud of these awards,” said Paul Roscelli, professor of economics and chapter adviser. “This is a true reflection of how much work the students put into this chapter. Roscelli was named the Distinguished Chapter Advisor. Cañada students also earned regional art and literary awards and the award for Distinguished Officer. “The students in this chapter really represent the college well,” Roscelli said. “They are always active in the community, helping with volunteer work. It’s a great group of students to be around.”
Celebrate NanoDays!
The college is celebrating nanotechnology with a hands-on event.
The Cañada College Department of Science & Technology, Gene Connection, and Chemistry: A Pipeline to 21st Century Careers, are teaming up for NanoDays, an exploration of nanoscale science and engineering.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., March 30-31 in the main quad near the Pony Expresso coffee kiosk. A special NanoDays event will also be held from 2 to 5 p.m., on April 2 at the San Mateo Public Library. This event will feature guest speaker Dr. Nicola Ferralis of the Center of Integrated Nanomechanical Systems at U.C. Berkeley.
Students will have the opportunity to explore DNA nanotechnology, ferrofluid, and liquid crystals. Learn why nanotechnology is the gateway to the future and an exciting source for future jobs.
Editor's Note: If you have an idea for a student feature, contact Robert Hood at ext. 3340.
CAMPUS CALENDAR
Please see the EVENTS CALENDAR for the latest event listings.
Editor's Note: If you would like to submit an event to the Cañada Calendar of Events please contact Robert Hood at hoodr@smccd.edu.
top