International Study Program for Student’s

Submitted by Anne Jones, General Manager, Box Hill Institute of TAFE

Box Hill Institute (Australia) and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (Canada) have continued their collaborative student exchange program. A key focus is to provide international study and travel experiences to young people who may have not otherwise have such an opportunity. To achieve this Box Hill Institute has established an annual scholarship program.

The latest Box Hill Institute group to visit SAIT has recently completed a three-week study tour. This time nine Box Hill Institute students drawn from four curriculum areas at Box Hill Institute traveled to Calgary, Canada.  For five of these students it was their first trip out of Australia. Accompanied by two Box Hill Institute staff the group experienced a program offering a variety of study, cultural and tourist events and activities organized and hosted by Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Box Hill Institute students from the information technology, hospitality and tourism, building & furniture studies and automotive centres were invited to apply for Box Hill Institute funded scholarships available to assist with the associated expenses.  Successful student applicants included representatives from information technology, hospitality & tourism, and for the first time, two apprentices from the automotive trades area.

As part of the support program offered by Box Hill Institute, students are mentored over the weeks leading up to the study tour, and make arrangements for their own passports, travel insurance and finances.  They are also prepared to make classroom presentations to the host institute to offer a glimpse of their life, study and work in another continent.  More than two thirds of the participants were first time international travelers who had to apply for their first passport before departure. 

Whilst in Canada the group attended a variety of theory and practical classes and industry visits in their area of study.  They visited diverse locations such as the Banff National Park, the Okanagan Region, and the West Edmonton Mall. Students experienced ice skating, watched ice hockey and gained confidence in using the transit system. 

Reports back from the group indicated a high level of enthusiasm from the students –

“So far the Calgary visit has been brilliant. The amount of facilities and the Automotive department has over here makes ours look tiny. Our whole workshop at Box Hill compared to here equals one tenth of the size. It truly is massive. All the teachers here have been very welcoming, and so have the students. They are definitely keeping us busy, with local business tours and rotating through all the different classes. I’m surprisingly learning a lot.  Canada is definitely different to Australia. The language (words mean different things) has made me laugh numerous times. Plus they drive on the right side of the road. And we have to tip waiter and the like.  I think I’m over tipping. I’m enjoying my time over here – I’m just so glad for the opportunity.”

The interest, enthusiasm and motivation displayed by the travellers and their respective centres on their return to Box Hill have been inspirational, and fully support the goals of the Global Education Program.

A Message from the PIN President 

By Mike Schafer, PIN President

Greetings from beautiful upstate New York where the fall foliage is ablaze with colors, truly a feast for the eyes!   It is really a pleasure to take a few moments to share some thoughts with you about PIN and about the common mission we share. Whether we are called community colleges, junior colleges, technical institutes or further education institutions, we all engaged in the very important work of providing affordable effective educational opportunities for students.   We share other values in common as well. We all place great value on good teaching, and are committed to providing our students with quality faculty, dedicated to opening minds and doors to new and exciting careers. We are committed to partnerships with employers, government health care agencies and secondary schools. For many young people, we provide the most accessible affordable route to a college degree. For many adult students, we offer the hope of retraining and new careers and for some the chance to fulfill long-delayed educational aspirations.

Our institutions are places where educational innovation is at home, and exciting new approaches are developed as a matter of routine. And that is the very exciting thing about belonging to PIN; we have in place an international organization that provides the opportunity for networking and exchanging these ideas, if only we use it. The strength of this organization is multiplied by its membership, but its effectiveness is truly dependent upon each and everyone making those important connections with one another. I encourage all of you once again to use the website http://www.pinnet.org, email, write or call your colleagues.  Share your latest ideas and accomplishments, problem solve, renew friendships and welcome new colleagues. I am committed to maintaining the strength of PIN and welcome your ideas as together we work to grow this organization

Now more than ever, education plays a critical role in increasing our shared capacity for cross-cultural understanding, improves our management of a fragile environment, guides the responsible use of new technology, and helps us shape our future through a better understanding of the past. As we continue our efforts to internationalize our colleges, and to make the world a better place, remember that you have so many wonderful resources and friends available to you as members of PIN.

Kathleen and I extend our very best wishes to you and your families as we enter the holiday season.

President Schafer to Retire in 2005

Mohawk Valley Community College President Michael I. Schafer has announced plans to retire effective June 30th, 2005. Mohawk Valley Community College Board of Trustees will soon initiate a national search for President Schafer's successor.  Mike was appointed president of Mohawk Valley Community College in 1983. His more than 20 years as MVCC's president makes him one of the most senior community college presidents in the State University of New York system. Mike is MVCC's fourth president.

Alliance Built Between Canberra Institute of Technology and Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology

Submitted by Peter Veenker, Director - Canberra Institute of Technology

The 2004 PIN Conference provided some excellent networking opportunities for all of us and with Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) looking to expand its international activities; we have begun to explore opportunities with the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) in New Zealand.

John Scott and I have been in discussions about possible cooperation arrangements since 2003. Last year I visited CPIT and met with John and Dr. Pim Barren, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce. After the PIN Conference in March, John and I decided to restore an earlier cooperative agreement which saw CPIT, Boxhill TAFE in Victoria and CIT involved in an inter-Tasman hospitality competition. John visited CIT in July and during this visit we agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding identifying potential areas of joint activities.

The partnership between CIT and CPIT will work well as our two institutes share many similarities. Both are similar in enrolment size and the number of courses offered and both hold a similar view that “internationalism” and staff development can be achieved through this trans-Tasman alliance. Given the similarities between CIT and CPIT, this alliance should prove to be successful as we are not faced with the difficulties usually associated with these partnerships such as differing academic years and language and culture barriers. We are both confident this alliance will assist the aspirations we have for internationalism and student and staff development.

There are a number of areas being explored for this joint cooperation agreement. We aim to create a visiting fellowship position which will allow for a continued sharing of information between the CIT and CPIT. We are also exploring the possibility of a joint management retreat for senior staff as well as regular exchanges of tutorial staff in mutually taught areas such as trades, science, art and design. There are also plans to restore the trans-Tasman hospitality competitions.

The aim of establishing a partnership between CIT and CPIT is to ultimately enhance the learning and professional development of our students and staff to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge they needs to live and work in the global environment. The alliance will provide pathways for staff to teach and learn in a seamless manner and allow each institute to share information for the benefit of their communities.

CIT is planning a trip to New Zealand in November where the details of the Memorandum of Understanding will be finalised. The partnership between CIT and CPIT is a direct result of our connection with PIN and is yet another example of the benefits engaging this network can bring.

Faculty/Staff Exchange-Visit Program

Applications are currently being taken for the Faculty/Staff Exchange Visit Program.  The exchange and visit program is designed to facilitate faculty exchanges and visits among PIN member colleges.  The exchanges and visits are designed to enhance the professional development of faculty and to further international understanding of two-year colleges.  The colleges are expected to support and facilitate the exchange/visit process.  The college and the faculty members develop the exchange or visit to meet their institutional and individual objectives.

PIN will award two $500 (US) stipends to facilitate faculty exchanges and visits to each country for the academic year.  It is expected that the college will match the dollar amount of the stipend.  The match will be cash or an in-kind contribution.

Process

1.       The Faculty Exchange and Visit Program Application Form should be used.

2.       The program criteria must be addressed in the application.

3.       The narrative should be no longer than 1000 words.

4.       The college president/principal and the faculty member must sign the application form.

5.       If there is a need for assistance in identifying a host college, PIN will assist in identifying appropriate host colleges.

6.       Faculty Exchange and Visit Program Application are submitted to Executive Director, Bill Warner.

7.       The Executive Committee reviews all applications at the annual meeting.

8.       The Executive Committee will identify the award recipients.

9.       The PIN Executive Director will notify the successful and unsuccessful applicants.

10.   The $500 (US) stipend check will be sent to the college president, who will make the award to the faculty/staff member.

Forward your Faculty/Staff Exchange and Visit applications to Bill Warner, Executive Director.

2005 Annual PIN Conference

Friday, June 24 - Friday, July 1, 2005

Toronto/Oshawa and Ottawa, Canada

By Gary Polonsky, President - Durham College

The conference hosts are Durham College in Oshawa (President Gary Polonsky) and La Cite Collégiale in Ottawa (President Andree Lortie).  Durham College, in the Greater Toronto Area, is the home of General Motors of Canada, with one of the two largest automotive manufacturing complexes in the world and La Cite Collégiale in Ottawa, Ontario - Canada’s capital city.  Also, while La Cite Collégiale is a 100% Francophone college, which I think it would be interesting for our guests to see, the entire PIN program will be conducted in English.

Andree Lortie and I continue to plan for and anticipate your arrival.  We promise lots of learning and lots of fun, including much of the best of what central English and French Canada – Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and, of course, Oshawa - have to offer.

As stated before, we credit recent hosts for raising the bar and we plan to do so again.  Those who attended the last PIN conference hosted by Durham will recall that we arranged for the Toronto Blue Jays to win the Major League Pennant the night we had a private box.  That may be tough to replicate but we’ll do our best.

The theme for the 2005 Conference is: “What Makes YOUR College Special?”  We want to hear and learn from every presenting college as to what makes it unique, what separates it from the other fine colleges around the world.  Thus, we will be asking PIN members to make 30-45 min. presentations on true differentiators within their own colleges.  It is envisioned that PIN members would make up about 2/3 of the presentations, with the host colleges arranging for the rest of the program presentations.  The host program presentations will cover a range of topics, including two-year college programs in Canada, new directions in Canadian high education and international initiatives.

So, remember: Oshawa on June 24, 2005, followed by Ottawa on June 28.  Earlier or later arrangements for golf, touring, shopping, culture, etc. will all be accommodated, with glee! More details will be provided in emails, the PIN Website (www.pinnet.org), and the Newsletter.

Looking forward to seeing y’all again,

PIN Annual Conference Calendar

2005 Annual Conference - Canada

Durham College, Oshawa, Canada will host the conference.  Conference dates are; Friday, June 24 - Friday, July 1, 2005 in Toronto/Oshawa and Ottawa, Canada.

2006 Annual Conference - United States

Northeast Minnesota Higher Education District and Anoka Technical College will co-host the conference.  The conference will be held in June/July 2005.  Specific dates have not been identified at this time.  The location of the conference will be St. Paul-Minneapolis and a Northern Minnesota resort.

 

2007 Annual Conference - No final decision has been made, the executive committee will explore interest from New Zealand, Netherlands and Australia.

 

Australian Computer Recycling Project Gets Global Attention

Submitted by Neil Black, Institute Director, North Coast Institute

The North Coast Computer Project in Northern NSW has grown from an informal conversation in early 2002 to the point that even Bill Gates has taken notice.

It all started in February 2002. Development consultant Bernie Francis arrived in Maclean Shire after working in the Southern Philippines for 14 years and started looking for work. To help this cause, he enrolled in a Certificate II course in Information Technology, being run by TAFE NSW - North Coast Institute at its Maclean Campus. Needing a cheap computer for his studies Bernie investigated suppliers and discovered a firm in Melbourne which refurbished ex-government computers and re-sold them at low cost.

Bernie describes his next thought as “a lightbulb moment”.  He knew that the North Coast had below average computer ownership and usage. “Why not do the same thing in the North Coast?” he asked himself.

After consulting with staff at North Coast Institute and the local Business Enterprise Centre things have progressed very rapidly from that point forward.

At a meeting convened by Bernie Francis in August 2002 in the office of Maclean Mayor Chris Gulaptis, the Maclean Shire Council,  Community Programs Inc. (CPI),  the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC)  and the North Coast Institute  committed to strongly supporting the initiative.

In February 2003, the first North Coast Institute Get Skilled course commenced with 15 students and in April 2003, Workventure (Westpac Bank) expressed  interest in providing a contract for the refurbishment of decommissioned computers through the NSW Government ReConnect Project.

In July 2003 the first run of internet-ready computers rolled off the refurbishing line, complete with up-to-date software and modems. These are made avialable to local disadvantaged and low-income people at very low cost, complete with a 3-month warranty and technical support.

Since then, additional storage and workshop facilities and volunteer labour from supported disabled workers have been provided by Caringa Enterprises located in the nearby town of Grafton and a Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher’s (MAR) Licence granted. Traineeships in Certificate II and IV Information Technology are also now being offered with students getting ‘hands on’ experience while producing a saleble recycled product that is assisting disadvantaged people in the community and assisting with environmental sustainability.

In June this year, Bernie was invited to attend an exclusive launch of Microsoft’s global “Unlimited Potential” program which aims to put IT technology into everyone's hand regardless of circumstances. The event was hosted by Bill Gates and Australian Prime Minister John Howard and so for Bernie to receive an invitation is an indicator of the level of recognition of the importance of the North Coast Computer Project by Microsoft.

A major result of being on this “A” list was that the North Coast Computer Project has been chosen by Microsoft  as one of the first four Refurbishing partners (out of the country’s twelve) to trial the new Microsoft Works 8 roll-out program for the Australian Microsoft Authorised Refurbishers.

More recently, the Project has supported TAFE NSW - North Coast Institute’s Maclean Campus with their new classes for disadvantaged groups in isolated areas.  This includes a “Computers for Beginners” class at a Community Health Centre for mostly elderly citizens and an Outreach program involving the local Ngaru Aboriginal Community, with computers donated by a local legal firm and the North Coast Institute.

Bernie has a firm focus on future goals. He says, “The Project aims to provide 60-80 refurbished computers to the community each month. At the same time, we’ll continue developing opportunities both in computer skills training and work experience for long term unemployed or disadvantaged persons in our region. Environmental sustainability is also another winner”, Bernie said.

Bernie Francis in supervisor mode

More information can be found at www.nccpi.org

Olds College Project in China Exceeds Expectations

Submitted by Tom Thompson, President and CEO - Olds College

An intensive project undertaken by Olds College’s International Department in China seven years ago has been completed with great success.

The Canada-China Extension Training and Business Development Centre project began on July 4, 1997. The purpose was to create technology advancements and training opportunities for farmers, agricultural specialists and managers of agricultural industries through Northeast Agricultural University in Harbin, China. In the end, the project far exceeded its initial goal of training 7,000 agricultural producers.

“Over 11,000 farmers and other ag specialists were trained through the project,” said Pat Bidart, Olds College Dean responsible for International Projects. “The project delivered technical assistance and training directly to farmers in the six poorest counties in the northern province. Farm incomes were low, farming techniques were outdated and yields were poor.

“The rural technicians and extension specialists worked on a daily basis with farmers who resided in the villages. They worked alongside the farmers to provide assistance during the summer and offered courses during the winter. Through the years, the training moved from a production focus to financial management and marketing. Thousands of producers now have improved production and business skills, which is essential to a viable operation.”

 “Agricultural Extension training is recognized as extremely important to China, so we’re hopeful we’ll still be there. This seven year project really changed how the average farmer conducts their business in China and that progress is sustainable through the information and training centres we have established,” said Bidart.

“Olds College receives calls now from other institutions who want to establish a presence in China, because our project has become a prototype. Everyone involved with this project, both in Canada and in China, is very pleased with the outcome. It is very gratifying to be involved with a project that improves the lives of everyday people.”

China has a population of 1.2 billion people, eighty per cent of whom are engaged in agriculture.

Kwantlen Student Succeeds in Washington, DC
Submitted by Skip Triplett, President - Kwantlen University College

Kwantlen University College student driven and dedicated? Washington, DC sure thinks so.

Kwantlen business administration and political science student, Nikos Demosthenis, was awarded several scholarships and was the only Canadian selected from BC (and even the Pacific Northwest region) to attend the American University (AU) in Washington, DC, to participate in the first North America Summer Seminar, Discovering North America Summer Institute 2003.

The Discovering North America Summer Institute 2003 was a six-week tri-national summer seminar consisting of 29 students from Canada, Mexico and the United States. Of the 29 selected students from the three countries, seven were accepted from Canada.

The first-ever North American summer institute was designed to instill in a new generation an innovative way of thinking about themselves and their neighbours-not just as citizens of one country, but also as residents of North America. The selected students studied, worked, lived and learned together for the six-week period. The purpose of the seminar was to understand North America and its three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States, as well as experience the region's diverse cultural traditions.

At the AU seminar, Demosthenis had the privilege of meeting Senator Christopher Dodd (D-Connecticut); the former US Ambassador to Canada, Honourable Gordon Giffin; representatives from Canada, Mexico and the United States' embassies in Washington; leaders from international organizations; and analysts in Washington-based trade associations and regulatory agencies.

In addition, Demosthenis interned for the Canadian American Business Council, the premier voice of the Canadian American business community in Washington. Since then, he has received excellent references from both AU and the Canadian Business Council.

"I am very proud of Nikos' scholarly and social achievements," said Dr. Noemi Gal-Or, chair, department of Political Science at Kwantlen and of the Institute for Transborder Studies. "And so should be the Kwantlen community, BC, the Western provinces and the entire North American Pacific Northwest because Nikos was the only one to shoulder the responsibility for representing this vast area at the American University seminar. I hope we will have more Kwantlen participants in similar future programs."

 Demosthenis' trip to AU was funded in part by the Pacific Northwest Canadian Studies Consortium, Kwantlen's Institute for Transborder Studies, AU and the Commission of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation. To learn more, visit AU's website at www.american.edu.

Kwantlen University College's mission is to create a quality, life-long learning opportunities for people to achieve personal, social and career success. Kwantlen became a university college with degree granting status in 1995; and has a mandate to develop and offer baccalaureate degrees that will prepare students for career success through educational excellence.

 

Nikos Demosthenis, a Kwantlen business and political science student, was the only Canadian selected from British Columbia (and even the Pacific Northwest region) to attend the American University in Washington, DC, to participate in the first North America Summer Seminar, Discovering North America Summer Institute 2003.

Caterpillar Program Goes International: Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Training Program

Submitted by John Erwin, President - Illinois Central College

Goals of the Partnership

On May 18, 1998, Caterpillar, Inc. announced the proposed plan between Caterpillar Inc. and Illinois Central College to create a program that would provide top-notch Dealer Service Technician Training for students interested in working for Caterpillar dealerships.  This program, called "Think Big", was designed to be a one-of-a-kind, "model" program that was entirely Caterpillar specific and Caterpillar endorsed with the intention of preparing a skilled workforce to be employed as Caterpillar dealer technicians, an occupation with high demand.

The Uniqueness of the Partnership

The Caterpillar Dealer Service Technology program at Illinois Central College was the first program created in conjunction with Caterpillar to fill the demand for trained technicians to work in dealerships that buy, sell, and repair Caterpillar equipment and machines.

Caterpillar, Inc., Caterpillar's dealerships, and ICC worked closely together to establish a model, two-year curriculum.  As of 2004, this program has been replicated at fourteen colleges in five countries.

The program that has been introduced at each of these schools trains students specifically how to service Caterpillar equipment using cutting-edge diagnostic and maintenance systems, advanced technologies, and high-tech tools. This unique program combines real-world experience and training. For each 16-week semester, students spend eight weeks at ICC doing hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs and classrooms and they spend eight weeks on internship at the dealerships doing hands-on training with a one-on-one mentor to back up what they have learned.

Representatives from Caterpillar and Illinois Central College worked closely with independent Caterpillar dealers and ICC to develop the curriculum for the program. This partnership ensured that the curriculum met the needs and adequately prepares students for the workforce.

Employment Opportunities for students who complete the CATTK program at ICC

The placement rate for students completing this program is approximately 90%, with 83% entering into full-time employment with their "dealer sponsor" and the remainder pursuing other options, either employment with another dealership or continuing their education at a four-year college or university.

How Caterpillar Inc. has benefited from the partnership

Caterpillar benefits by having a high-quality training source for its dealer network. Prior to the development of this program, Caterpillar provided its own training for those who worked at their dealerships. With the increasing demand for trained technicians, this cooperative program became a better solution to meet Caterpillar training needs.

Caterpillar further benefits by knowing that a skilled workforce for its dealer network is continually being developed. Caterpillar dealers must be able to service and repair existing Caterpillar equipment. This is not possible without qualified, trained technicians.

How the college has benefited from the partnership

Caterpillar has donated time, money, and effort towards making the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician Training Program a success.  Beyond funding the building, Caterpillar has ensured that the building is equipped with the latest equipment from the shop to the classroom. Caterpillar professionals have worked closely with the college to establish a curriculum to meet the needs of the industry. This ensures that faculty are preparing the students to enter the workforce in the technician field with the most advanced training possible to date. Additionally, Caterpillar dealers assist with the recruitment of students.

Applied Science Degree Lands Olds College Student in Australia

Submitted by Tom Thompson, President and CEO - Olds College

Rhonda Tumbach’s dreams came true when she boarded a plane for Australia this year.

The 20 year-old just completed her third year of Olds College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Agribusiness. The fourth and final year of the program involves an intensive eight-month Directed Field Study, which Tumbach arranged to complete in the land of her dreams.

“I have been saving to travel to Australia since I was in grade 11 and I’m putting every cent I have into this trip,” said Tumbach, who moved from Leader, Saskatchewan to attend Olds College. “This is my first time overseas. I’m excited and terrified, but mostly excited! I was determined to go to Australia and everything worked out perfectly. There are lots of opportunities like this presented through Olds College and I couldn’t be happier.”

Tumbach has been placed on a large farm in Queensland. She will be helping manage 3,000 head of commercial cattle, showing Charolais cattle around the state, coordinating a spring bull sale and tending to a 500 head feedlot. The job requires her to accomplish a lot of the work on horseback, which is a skill she just managed to muster last month.

Olds College assisted in coordinating her Directed Field Study through AgriVenture, an organization that has arranged international exchanges for young people since 1963. AgriVenture looks after details such as the necessary work permits and insurance for an exchange, and matches participants with host families who are operating an agricultural or horticultural enterprise.

“Everyone at Olds College was supportive in helping me work out the details,” said Tumbach. “I had to ensure this placement met all the requirements for the Directed Field Study. My host farm had to be big enough that I could get a proper learning experience, and the farm had to assign a mentor to help me learn. They also had to take me on for eight months and allow me to attend ongoing seminars in the nearby city. But they seemed happy to provide all that and it’s creating a wonderful opportunity for me.

Northeast (Minnesota) Higher Education District Advances Private Company:  On the Leading Edge of Partnering for Growth

Submitted by Joe Sertich, President - Northeast (Minnesota) Higher Education District

Thanks to the backing and expertise of the True North’s TechNorth Prep Centers network (TPCN), a Grand Rapids, Minnesota based technology firm was able to hire workers from a pool of nearly 100 qualified candidates, and a small group of interns is receiving valuable hands-on education in the high-tech job sector.

Superior Edge hired six summer interns and is likely to hire an additional seven positions following a search that tapped the University of Minnesota-Duluth and Crookston, St. Scholastica, Bemidji State University, University of Wisconsin-Superior, regional community colleges, the NE Minnesota Job Service and local newspapers for candidates.  The interns and other new employees will join four Superior Edge employees at the company’s Grand Rapids headquarters housed in the Itasca Technology Center.

Not surprisingly to those who love the region, so many qualified applicants were interested in working for Superior Edge that the TPC Network is developing a database of those who were not hired to share with other technology firms who locate in the region.

“By anyone’s measure, this is a very, very positive response,” said Robert Madsen, Business Operations Manager for Superior Edge.  “It is absolutely true that qualified people are willing to work in the northland of Minnesota.”

Among the permanent positions Superior Edge is recruiting are senior and associate developers, process specialists, quality assurance, and customer service specialists.

The company, which recently purchased AnlonÔ, an application that enables organizations to migrate, develop, deliver and manage knowledge and courses over the Internet, is rolling out its new “Innovation Accelerator” product for general distribution by January 2005.          

A bright future for Superior Edge could mean business development opportunities for the TPC Network members.  At some point TPC sites may be involved with providing program testing, quality testing and usability testing for Superior Edge products.

The Superior Edge/Northeast Higher Education District/True North/TPCN relationship demonstrates the flexibility and responsiveness of the TPC Network.  While the company did not have an immediate need to train employees using TPC Network facilities or resources, it did take advantage of the TPC Network’s ability to fund a portion of interns’ wages.  The ability to move into the Itasca Technology Exchange, with its state-of-the-art facilities and wiring, was clearly an advantage.

“TPC has supported us well as we are building our business in the northland,” Madsen said.  Higher education and the private sector working together with government can promote economic growth strategies that no one of the sectors can do alone.

Archaeological Field School 2004: Archaeologists Uncover 437 Year-Old

Spanish Fort in Burke County

Submitted by Jim Richardson, President - Western Piedmont Community College

“If a news headline such as this fails to get your attention, what does it take to spark your interest in a really unique discovery right here in our own backyard? Let’s try a headline with “U.S. colonial history rewritten following excavations in Burke County, North Carolina.” Or, perhaps even better, we read “The Lost Spanish Colony of Burke County.”

Since 1986, archaeologist Dr. David Moore of Warren Wilson College has dug trenches, poked holes, and examined tons of dirt at BK22, the ten acre Berry site along Upper Creek. In recent years this Upper Catawba Valley Archaeology Project has grown into a major research effort with the addition of colleagues Dr. Rob Beck of Southern Illinois University and UNC-Chapel Hill doctoral student Chris Rodning.

So far, excavations at the Berry site have revealed the burned remains of five huts and numerous postholes which appear to be the remains of Fort San Juan constructed by Spaniards in 1567. Occupied for more than a year, Fort San Juan was the first European settlement in North Carolina - some 20 years before Sir Walter Raleigh's famous "Lost Colony" on Roanoke Island.

None of this would have been possible, of course, without the sweat labor of dedicated Western Piedmont Community College and Warren Wilson College students, as well as a host of volunteers from all walks of life who get excited about “digging holes.” It is, after all, their diligent attention to the strict science of dirt removal that uncovered the artifacts, house floors, features, burials, and postholes which attracted the attention of professional archaeologists everywhere.”

The above information is quoted from: The News Herald, Feature article Friday July 16, article written by Larry Clark of Morganton.

“The Upper Catawba Archaeology Project” Co-sponsored by Western Piedmont Community College and Warren Wilson College has been a great learning experience for all involved, especially for one WPCC student, Carla Evans, "Western Piedmont gave me the opportunity to do something I had always wanted to do but never thought I would be able to. Because of my experience working at the Berry site, I have decided to become an archaeologist!"

Carla hopes to become an Ethno-Archaeologist in the Middle East. Working towards that goal she is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Anthropology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She will graduate in May with honors in Anthropology. She is doing her honors research project on the Berry site. She received the Outstanding Junior in Anthropology Award, is a member of the National Honor Society for Anthropology and is President of the Anthropology Club.

The site is known as the “Berry Site”, and for the past four years Western Piedmont Community College along with Warren Wilson College host an Archaeological Field School where students are trained to excavate and study found artifacts.

Western Piedmont Community College student at the Archaeological Field School 2004: 437 Year-Old Spanish Fort in Burke County

New department Advances Board of Governors’ Vision

Submitted by Tom Thompson, President and CEO - Olds College

A Department of Advancement has been created at Olds College to plan and implement a $26 million capital campaign.

The new department is a blend of staff from the existing Olds College Foundation and the External Affairs department, augmented by four new positions. The Department of Advancement and its capital campaign mandate is the focus of a new four-year business plan, called Four Horses for the Future, which was approved recently by the Olds College Board of Governors.

“This is a very exciting time and the projects that will be funded through the four-year capital campaign will set Olds College firmly in the forefront of learning excellence,” said H.J. (Tom) Thompson, President and CEO.

“The magnitude of this campaign is extensive and will leave Olds College unsurpassed at exceeding the expectations of students and the industries we serve. Some priorities for the capital projects include the Community Learning Campus, the School of Innovation, the Canadian Centre for Equine Excellence, an Arboretum and Landscape Pavilion expansion, and the creation of a satellite campus in Calgary. Olds College is the clear authority in advancing Agri careers and the launch of this capital campaign makes us unstoppable in reaching new levels of distinction.”

 “There has never been a more exciting moment of preparation for growth in the college’s long and distinguished history,” said Thompson.

“We are charging from the gate with ‘Four Horses for the Future’. The business plan launches mighty initiatives by building on our long-standing tradition of Olds College excellence. We will continue to provide the leadership our students and industry partners expect by successfully hitching together the Four Horses: Resources, Environment, Students and Programs. Our commitment to nurturing our important partnerships, to setting a distinct culture and to creating the best student experiences available has never been stronger.”

PIN Executive Committee

The current PIN Executive Committee membership includes:

Australia:                    John Maddock, Box Hill College

                        Peter Veenker, Canberra Institute of Technology

Canada:                       Donna Allen, Lethbridge College

                        Irene Lewis, SAIT (PIN President-Elect)

                        Gary Polonsky, Durham College

Netherlands:               Ricardo Winter, ROC van Amsterdam

New Zealand               John Scott, Christchurch Polytechnic
United Kingdom:        Marilyn Hawkins, Barnet College
United States:                         LaVern Franzen, Central Community College

Richard Greene, Western Piedmont Community College

Mike Schafer, Mohawk Valley Community College (PIN President)

The role of the Executive Committee is to:

1.  Plan and develop objectives and activities for the organization;

2.  Initiate policies and implement policies of the network;

3.  Make recommendations regarding annual membership fees;

4.  Review, in context, the participation of PIN members and make decisions about continued memberships;

5.  Determine the budget for administrative tasks of the organization;

6.  Communicate the decisions taken at its meeting to the membership in semi-annual newsletters; and

7.  Facilitate the securing of external resources for PIN projects and encourage members to do the same.

PIN Presidency

Mike Schafer, President of Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica, New York, USA was installed as PIN president for a two-year term in March 2004.  

Irene Lewis, President of Southern Alberta Institute of Technology is the president elect and becomes PIN President at the 2006 Annual PIN Conference. 

Peter Veenker, CEO of Canberra Institute of Technology, Canberra, Australia, is the immediate past president of PIN, completing his term as PIN president at the 2004 Annual Conference.  Peter’s term as president was from June 2002 to March 2004.

For more information about this Newsletter or PIN contact:

Dr. Bill Warner

Executive Director - PIN

1087 Churchill Place

Shoreview, MN 55126 USA

Phone: 651-483-0299 Fax: 651-483-5821

E-mail: warne017@umn.edu

PIN Website

www.pinnet.com