The ebb and flow of our campus never ceases to amaze me. Some weeks, it feels like things are going slow and then the last two weeks – - whew! Somehow I’m surprised that it’s already Friday.
Our campus has been the site of much activity. We began last weekend with an excellently scripted and staged production of the Dustin Lance Black play “8.” I would like to congratulate Dan Betzler, Marie McCool and Bryant “T” Williamson for doing such a wonderful job on this positively received production.
And then we moved to everyone’s favorite part of campus life, construction.
As you are all aware, construction is taking place on the north campus road between the Child Development Center and the Terry M. Fischer Theatre. While phase one went pretty smoothly, phase two is proving to be a challenge. We’ve had several emails and maps detailing our constant assessment (and reassessment) of construction.
Just to reiterate, drivers will not be allowed to turn left from Pershall into the campus or turn left leaving the campus onto Pershall. The easiest route into the campus is to take the back entrance from Hudson Road which is accessible from West Florissant and Elizabeth Road. Furthermore, in an effort to protect those walking from the bus stop to the campus, the walkway (that runs through lot P-5) leading from the newly constructed bus stop has been cordoned off for pedestrian safety. Please be careful and lower your speed in this lot.
Thanks for your cooperation and patience – - we continue to watch traffic patterns and assess pedestrian safety. We will keep you up to date with voicemails, emails and updated maps tracking construction. Good weather will keep this project moving.
St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley made the news in a big way this week. United States Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis arrived on campus to formally announce and discuss the $15 million Missouri Manufacturing Workforce Innovation Networks (MOManufacturingWINS) grant. In her comments, Secretary Solis said ‘we are supporting schools that will work directly with companies and corporations that respond to the real needs of employers. We know Missouri has a long and proud history of leading in manufacturing, particularly in the automotive and aerospace areas, since the 1950s. Manufacturing is growing here and it is very important to the state and our economy overall. This grant will help increase capacity so we can have more course offerings that produce more trained workers.’
The college will receive $4 million, the largest portion of the grant, for local training programs and statewide grant administration, with the remaining amount allocated to partner institutions.
During her visit, Secretary Solis toured the Advanced Manufacturing Labs at the Emerson Center and was excited to speak with many of our students. Assistant Secretary of Employment and Training Administration Jane Oates accompanied Secretary Solis. We were also joined by Chancellor Dorsey and several legislators and members of the business community including U.S. Congressman Lacy Clay, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, St. Louis County Workforce Investment board Executive Director Gene Gorden, Missouri Rep. Clem Smith (D-71st District), Missouri Rep. Tommie Pierson, and Michael Holmes representing the City of St. Louis.
Around the Campus
Today we hosted leadership from the City of Ferguson. As Ferguson is our home base, we work very hard to maintain our stature as a vital community partner. We’re indebted to them because of their help with our ongoing construction and traffic situation.
Around the District
Don’t forget Professional Development Day – Tuesday, October 16 in the Forest Park gymnasium. The day will begin with a registration session at 7:30 a.m., breakfast will be available at 8 a.m. with a full day of speakers and affinity group sessions kicking off at 8:30 a.m. We’ll receive updates on several College initiatives and have an opportunity to reconnect with our colleagues from across the district.
Have a wonderful weekend – I hope you get the chance to get out and enjoy the fall weather and the changing colors of the leaves!
