The college was busy in 2010.
From retirements and congressional debates, to faculty negotiations and a Chinese delegation, MCCC underwent changes, improvements, and some chaotic experiences.
Here are some highlights:
• Winter 2010 enrollment records were shattered for the second time at MCCC. Student enrollment gained 5 percent, while credit hours went up by 9.5 percent.
• The Blues Brothers performed to a full house at the Meyer Theater on Jan. 23.
• On Jan. 25, a ceiling on contact hours at MCCC was proposed to the Board of Trustees, but was rejected at the February meeting.
• On Feb. 6, the Learning Bank, which provides adult basic education and GED preparation, opened its doors for the first time. MCCC partnered with 13 other Monroe County organizations to make the institution possible.
• Between March 3 and 10, the MCCC Bookstore had $8,000 worth of merchandise stolen. The thief was never caught.
• The Agora staff visited New York City to attend the College Media Advisors Spring National Convention journalism conference from March 12 through 16.
• On March 31, two possible locations on MCCC’s campus were discussed for a new Career Technology Center and presented at a regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting.
• In April, tuition rates for Fall raised from $67 to $72 for in-county students.
• Earth Day, April 22, was celebrated at MCCC with a rededication of the observatory and new deck by the Math and Science Society.
• The Higher Learning Commission granted MCCC a 10-year accreditation in May, with the provision of a follow-up visit in 2013.
• Dr. Cynthia Roman took over as the new MCCC dean of Health Sciences Division and director of Nursing on May 24.
• On June 11, eligible MCCC employees announced their decisions on an early retirement plan proposed by the state; of the 50 employees qualified, 17 accepted.
• On June 25, Animal Planet star Jeff Corwin came to Monroe to help dedicate the River Raisin Heritage Trail, and spoke at MCCC on the importance of saving endangered species.
• In July, MCCC employees Sue Wetzel and Dan Schwab were promoted to fill the position left by Tim Bennett, former vice president of Business Affairs, who accepted the state’s retirement plan in June.
• On July 19, Victoria McIntyre settled into her new position as executive assistant to the president and Board of Trustees, replacing Lynn Goldsmith who was one of the 17 retirees.
• Penelope Dunn, a Criminal Justice professor, joined the MCCC faculty in August.
• A retirement breakfast banquet for the 17 retirees was held on Aug. 25.
• On Sept. 22, six delegates from a Chinese college visited MCCC to discuss an international partnership.
• Public Access, a local TV sitcom featuring MCCC students, alumni and English professor Bill McCloskey, premiered on Sept. 28.
• Congressional candidates John Dingell and Rob Steele debated at the Meyer Theater on Oct. 20.
• The stars of Beatlemania performed at the La-Z-Boy Center on Oct. 22.
• The MCCC Nursing Program received accreditation from the Nursing Accrediting Commission in November.
• Ground was broken on Nov. 15 to begin the installation of a $3 million solar panel project on MCCC’s campus, as part of DTE Energy’s SolarCurrents program.
• The Michigan legislature approved MCCC’s Construction Authorization for the proposed Career Technology Center on Dec. 3.This action provided MCCC with the state funding for 50 percent of the construction costs.
• On Dec. 18, the MCCC faculty contract was approved by the Board of Trustees at a special meeting. The previous contract expired in August and was met by months of negotiations. The new contract will expire in August 2012.
