The November Bragging Breakfast brought together faculty and staff to not only hear college news, but to remind everyone to honor and celebrate our veterans for the service and sacrifice they gave to our country.
NVC employees paused for a moment of silence at November’s meeting to honor veterans, which was sponsored by Student Success Veterans Affairs Office.
NVC Dean Jennifer Comedy-Holmes said there are 1,311 students receiving VA benefits and another 420 students receiving Hazlewood (military) benefits. She reminded faculty and staff that all students who are receiving military benefits can take part in priority spring registration, which starts Nov. 11.
Robert Villarreal of NVC’s Veteran’s Office said there are about 20 million veterans living among us, and he encouraged faculty and staff to engage veterans and active duty members in discussion so that students can learn learn from the many untold soldier stories that shaped our history and future.
NVC Dean Charles Hinkley shared an update about NVC’s Mental Health Committee and how there is a renewed interest to do more on campus. He provided statistics that in a 2014 survey of college counseling centers, 52 percent of clients had severe psychological problems; 52 percent of the client/students reported life is hopeless; and 35 percent surveyed had engaged in self injury. Charles said some of the objectives of the committee are to help destigmatize mental illness; cultivate a culture where mental illness is understood widely; and make sure people know they have resources.
A few of NVC’s Emerging Leaders talked about the new CAMP NVC initiative, which is both an online and face-to-face orientation for new employees. The project was a capstone project from the Emerging Leaders class. CAMP means Confirmation is Fit; Access is key; Mastering the skills; and Plannig with intention. Thirteen people participated in the inaugural class last month. The committee may look at holding it on a future day and time in which more people can attend. Read more here.
NVC Professor Dennis Gittinger closed the meeting reading from his memoir. He said Nov. 8 was extra special for him because one year ago on that same day, his wife, and former NVC leader, Deb Morgan passed away. He said in the military, it’s common for soldiers to shield their feelings from sadness and despair when in battle, but it’s also important to show caring for loves ones and friends in order to stay mentally healthy.
Announcements:
- NVC President Dr. Ric Baser bestowed the Wildcat Spirit Award to NVC Student Success’ Felicia King for exhibiting a positive customer service experience.
- November Touchstone is Diversity. Dr. Baser said send examples of faculty and staff exhibiting diversity to Lisa McGoldrick at [email protected]
- NVC’s Felix Salinas said charging lockers and tables are coming to NVC Dec. 6. These lockers will first be put in the entrance of the NVC library, the Open Computer Lab, and Juniper Hall.
- Dr. Baser said the 2019 Employee Giving Back Campaign surpassed its goal of 51% participation of employees, to 59%
- Josephine Gonzales won Sister Betty Baser’s (Dr. Baser’s mother) artistically-designed purse and boots.
- NVC was among three colleges selected for the Aspen award. Read more here.
- NVC was also selected as a top testing center by CLEP. Read here.
- Learn what fellow faculty and staff are doing through the new Wildcat Wow (report out) days on Nov. 22 and Dec. 13. Read more here.
