Blog 19 – Miscellaneous
The previously forwarded blog posting identified a number of legislative and State policy initiatives under consideration. In follow-up to that posting, the provided link identifies multiple initiatives that may impact western Kansas and provides further explanation as to the benefits of the Kansas Promise Act - HB2515. This past week, the HB was approved by the House and has been sent on to the Senate Chamber.
Due to the anticipated adoption of HB2515 by the legislature and Governor, the continued success of SB155 (Excell CTE), and the ongoing actions to minimize text book costs, Barton is expanding its marketing reach to selective Western/Central Kansas USDs. A sample document being utilized in promoting Barton services for this summer is provided. Future mailings will include a reference column that will identify textbook savings per identified course.
Kudos
Taylor Littleton spearheaded the development of two outstanding YouTube segments honoring Black History Month. Watch one of the two segments.
Another awesome video production came to light and was developed and produced by Julie Munden and Brandon Steinert. This production emphasizes Barton innovations.
The Shafer Gallery in partnership with The Kansas Wetlands Education Center has just been awarded NAI National Association of Interpretation 2019 Outstanding Special Event Award for an event of exceptional interpretive quality.
The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional organization dedicated to advancing the profession of heritage interpretation, currently serving about 7,000 members in the United States, Canada, and over thirty other nations. Individual members include those who work at parks, museums, nature centers, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, historical and cultural sites, commercial tour companies, and theme parks. Commercial and institutional members include those who provide services to the heritage interpretation industry.
Congratulation to Stephanie Joiner, Jonathan Reeder and many others who impacted the enclosed academic achievements.
Letter of Appreciation from a recently hired employee – “Everything is going well here at the center. I continue learning new stuff and so far I enjoy what I’m doing! I just love the fact that there is such positive vibes at the College. Everyone is friendly and I feel you all are doing great things to communicate this. Your training of associates is wonderful, checking up on them, and meeting the board members and having the meet and greet with you was refreshing. It shows a spirit of caring from everyone. I think it is important that coming from another work place who did the opposite, (and I’m not trying to trash Dillons) because the old Dillons was wonderful but Kroger is completely different…. You guys win the prize for positive work place and being involved with your workforce.
Coming from where I was the associate and customer got lost along the way of paperwork and profit and we had lost so many associates to these ways. It’s the wrong thing to do and I didn’t agree with their way of thinking anymore. And when someone asked me one day if I loved my job, for the first time in my life I stood there speechless. I said I love my associates and my customers and they are the reason I show up every day. I then went home and made my decision to retire and find a new career. I’m glad Heidi Brittain pushed me towards the college. It was the right decision for my family and myself. Completely new life.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work here.”
Here are some stats and info about the food pantry that Patrick Busch has forwarded:
- Since Jan 2018 we have ordered 15,518 lbs of food from the Kansas Food Bank.
- In Nov 2019 – Barton employees donated over 500 food items to the pantry.
- In Dec 2019 – The CDC and families donated over 100 items.
- In the 2019 calendar year we had over 1100 instances of a student taking at least one item.
- We are also registered with the College & University Food Bank Alliance – They provide trainings, research and share best practices.
- We are registered with Ampleharvest.org. Area farmers or individuals with gardens are able to locate us and donate produce that they grow.
Great article identifying the hard work of our student services staff and financial aid team.
There have been multiple well attended high school and middle school student focused events sponsored by the College this year. These events include, Senior Day, Junior Day, Career Fair, Jack Kilby Day, Jobs for American Graduates, and Education and Employment Expo. In all, these events introduced the college to over 1500 western Kansas youth and adults. In looking ahead, the March events include the Central Kansas Prairie League and Regional Music Festival; and in April, the College will also be sponsoring Vortex Day and Hispanic Culture Day. Congratulations to all the Barton team members who have made and will continue to make a difference.
Letter of Appreciation -
To: Dr. Heilman, Board of Trustees, Faculty, and Staff,
Re: Dr. Paul Maneth
Good morning!
Yesterday, I began the task of writing thank you notes for my father's funeral. It has been difficult for me to get started because it means that I must face the reality that he is gone, as many of you can understand. Seeing the list of names of those he loved and cared for has been a very emotional experience.
First of all, thank you for the beautiful flowers that you sent. Thank you, as well, for attending the funeral and the visitation and supporting our family. I meant a lot to my brother, Don, and me.
Barton (BCCC as it will always be to me) was such an important part of my father's life. I was 18 months old when we moved to GB and he began his career on the hill. I remember going to basketball games in my blue and gold cheer leading uniform. I remember visiting him in his office. I was always so proud of his connection to the college. My children affectionately referred to Barton as "Papa's College" and in some ways, I suppose that was accurate as he was there for so long and his fingerprints are on so much that remains.
He was proud to be a part of the institution and the community, as well. Very proud. He had a deep love for BCC and for many of its people. Even during the challenging times, he never entertained the thought of doing anything else, or being anywhere else. Last summer, we talked a lot about his time there and some of his initiatives and projects. It was his life's work and he was gratified knowing that he had made an impact on the education of so many.
Again, thank you...not simply for the flowers...but also for the friendship and camaraderie you shared with my father. I know it meant a lot to him.
Anne Maneth Higgins (Class of '88)
Personal Note
For the near future, I will be holding reduced office hours until otherwise noted. I will be giving increased time to my family as my wife, Sheri, endures and overcomes her health challenge. The College is quite fortunate in having so many committed and qualified professionals. Whether I or any one person is absent, the College still moves forward meeting its mission.
Best wishes to you all.