Volume I, 2nd Edition

President's Greeting

Dear Faculty, Staff and Administrators:

The end of the fall semester is quickly approaching, and what an eventful fall semester it has been. The months of October and November in particular were wonderful for the college as we brought members of the community to our campus for a variety of events, such as the Principals' Breakfast and Family Night. It is always a pleasure to showcase our campus to future students and to those who influence them.

On November 17th, I attended the dedication of the Ronald Reagan Board of Trustees Room. This event was attended by many dignitaries, including Sir Eldon Griffiths, a former member of the British Parliament. It was fitting to have the room named after President Reagan, who spoke at Saddleback College's dedication ceremony 40 years ago. It was also a pleasure to celebrate with our members of the Board of Trustees after Tom Fuentes, David Lang, John Williams, and Dr. Bill Jay were re-elected to serve another term on our esteemed board. I'd also like to congratulate Dr. Randy Peebles, who was recently named Provost of the Advanced Technology & Education Park. Dr. Peebles has an impressive background and will no doubt lead ATEP with know-how and distinction.

I've enjoyed getting a chance to meet and talk with many of our students, faculty, staff, and administrators, and I thank everyone who attended my first Presiden't Chat on October 23rd. I was very pleased with the turnout and discussion. It is evident that our college community cares greatly about our number one priority -- our students.

I wish everyone in our Saddleback College family a very happy holiday season and a wonderful new year, and I look forward to seeing you all during In-Service Week in January.

Sincerely,

Tod A. Burnett, Ed.D.
President

Photo: Dr. Burnett speaks at his first President's Chat.

Veterans Speak of Sacrifice, Honor at Tribute to Service Men and Women

Veterans and active duty service members were honored for their service at Saddleback College’s Veterans Appreciation Day on Monday, November 10th in the Student Lounge.  The event featured speakers who served during World War II, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and the Iraq War.  A panel of Saddleback College counselors and staff members offered information on college services for veterans, and a film about World War I by Clark Jarrett, Saddleback College’s Alumnus of the Year, was presented.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by a Color Guard made up of Marines from Camp Pendleton. Campus Police Chief Harry Parmer served as Master of Ceremonies.

Guest speakers included Fred Whitaker, a World War II veteran of the United States Army who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was at the liberation of the Buchenwald Concentration Camp.  Mr. Whitaker is a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart recipient. Also speaking was Major Bill Mimiaga, who served as a drill instructor and combat infantryman in the United States Marine Corps’ first and third divisions in the Vietnam War.  He later served in the Persian Gulf War in the Marine Aircraft Wing.  After Major Mimiaga retired from the Marine Corps in 1997, he entered the “Troops to Teachers” program and was named a California Teacher of the Year in 2006 for his commitment to teaching special education students in the Long Beach Unified School District. Finally, Orange County Deputy Sheriff Scott Montoya, who served in the Iraq War as a sergeant in the Marine Corps’ scout-sniper platoon, spoke about his experiences in Iraq.  Mr. Montoya was awarded the Navy Cross, the highest medal awarded by the Navy and the second highest award given for valor, for the extraordinary heroism he demonstrated when he risked his own life in the midst of heavy gunfire to bring a wounded Iraqi civilian and several wounded fellow Marines to safety.

Following the guest speakers, a Saddleback College panel answered questions regarding counseling, disabled services and special programs, veterans services and outreach, career advising and placement, and financial aid.  Panelists included Counselor and Applied Psychology Professor Rich Potratz, Counselor of Disabled Services and Special Programs Loma Hopkins, Financial Aid Specialist Javier Williams, Fiscal/Veterans Specialist Howard Dwight, Career Placement Officer Eric Hilden, and Veterans Outreach Representative David Curry.

Finally, the multiple award winning film “The Return of Paul Jarrett,” a documentary about a World War I veteran’s return to France, was presented.  The film was written, produced, and directed by Clark Jarrett, Saddleback College’s Alumnus of the Year.

Outside organizations that were in attendance included the Laguna Hills Office of Veterans Affairs, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Saddleback College Student Veterans, University of California, Irvine Student Veterans, University of California, Irvine Admissions, and Habitat for Humanity “Homes for Heroes.” Also in attendance providing information were Saddleback College’s Community Education Department, Foundation, and Associated Student Government.

The Saddleback College Foundation is in its final push to raise an additional $65,000 needed to complete construction of the Saddleback College Veterans Memorial. For information on how to donate, please contact the Foundation office at extension 4479.

Photo: The event's oldest and youngest veterans join Harry Parmer in the ceremonial cutting of the cake.

$70,000 Raised at Foundation Gala for Student Scholarships

The Saddleback College Foundation's 40th Anniversary On-Land Cruise Gala "set sail" on November 1st at the Mission Viejo Country Club. Guests enjoyed dinner served at different ethnic food stations, a silent auction, gaming, and a lounge act. Dr. Morgan Barrows (environmental studies) was the lucky winner of two round trip tickets to anywhere Southwest Airlines flies. "I think I'll use the tickets to go on a long-planned trip to Chicago," said Dr. Barrows.

The guest of honor was Saddleback College Alumnus of the Year Clark Jarrett, a former Gaucho football player who is a filmmaker, actor of stage, screen and television, historian, and writer. Other honored guests included Chancellor Raghu Mathur, Deputy Chancellor Gary Poertner, IVC President Glenn Roquemore, Vice Chancellor of Human Resources David Bugay, and Trustees Marcia Milchiker and Nancy Padberg.

Thank you to the sponsors of the gala: Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian (Title Sponsor), Jackson, DeMarco, Tidus & Peckenpaugh, Mercedes-Benz of Laguna Niguel (Gold Sponsors), Best Best & Krieger, LLP, Capata & Co., gkkworks, Law Offices of Stoody, Mills, Lansford, Walker & Doyle, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, MG Properties, Neudesic, Oceans 33 Restaurant, R2A Architecture, RGP Planning & Development Services, Saddleback College Bookstore – Follett Higher Education Group, South County Bank, Taco Bell Corporation, and Wells Fargo Bank (Silver Sponsors).

Thank you to the Saddleback College Foundation Gala Planning Committee: Marcia Marycz (Chair), Morgan Barrows, Judy Bethe, Sue Brown, Jennie McCue, Miki Mikolajczak, Penny Spellens, Donna Varner, and Danuta Zakrewski.

And thank you to the Saddleback College Foundation Staff who put everything together: Director Michelle Anstadt, Foundation Specialist Trish Fain, and Project Specliasts Toni Fuentes, Nancy Cho, and Judy Davila.

Photo: Dr. Burnett poses with Alumnus of the Year Clark Jarrett and Saddleback College Foundation President Greg Powers.

Saddleback College Prepares for Emergencies with Great Southern California Shakeout Exercises

To prepare and plan for a large-magnitude earthquake or other disaster, Saddleback College participated in the Great Southern California Shakeout, the nation’s largest state-sponsored emergency exercise, on Thursday, November 13th.  Following the Great Shakeout exercise, on Friday, November 14th, Saddleback College’s emergency leadership team gathered in the campus Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to simulate a response to a hypothetical 7.8 magnitude earthquake, with challenges that are not a part of the normal workday.  These exercises were held to prepare the Saddleback College community in its emergency response and recovery efforts in the event of a true catastrophic natural disaster. 

The college's emergency leadership team met a the campus EOC to simulate a scenario in which Saddleback College has sustained significant damage and has been asked by the Orange County Emergency Operations Center to serve as an evacuation shelter for 1,000 citizens displaced by the hypothetical earthquake.  The simulation included establishing plans and procedures in serving as an evacuation site, assessing the casualties and damage at Saddleback College, identifying the administration and logistics associated with executing an evacuation shelter and mass care plan, and establishing communication protocol with the Orange County Emergency Operations Center and media outlets.

Those who participated in the EOC exercise included Dr. Burnett, Vice President of Instruction Rajen Vurdien, Vice President of Student Services Lise Telson, Director of Facilities and Maintenance John Ozurovich (who acted as the Incident Commander) Dean Kevin O'Connor, Dean Jerilyn Chuman, Dean Don Taylor, Dean Ken Patton, Dean Rocky Cifone, Dean Tony Lipold, Community Education Director Estella Castillo-Garrison, Director of Technology Services Mark Schiffelbein, Director of Instructional Support Services Eric Garant, Child Development Center Director Lisa Cavallaro, Student Health Center Director Brenda Frame, Student Development Director Audra DiPadova, Public Information and Marketing Director Jennie McCue, Admissions and Records Director Jane Rosenkrans, Executive Assistant to the President Sophie Miller, Financial Aid Director Mary Hall, Financial Aid Assistant Javier Williams, Campus Police Officer Jim Pyle, and Parking Coordinator Andrew Craven.

Serving as the mock intrepid reporter was Video Production Specialist Mark Kruhmin, with the help of Television Production Technicians Scott Greene and Matt Brodet.

Special thanks to Police Chief Harry Parmer for organizing these important exercises.

Photo: Campus Community Emergency Response Team member Javier Williams helps direct evacuation efforts during the Great Shakeout exercise.

Saddleback College Welcomes Local High School Officials to Principals Breakfast

Dr. Burnett welcomed more than 30 local high school officials to the Saddleback College Principals Breakfast on Wednesday, October 29th.  The event provided an opportunity to learn about Saddleback College’s degree and certificate programs, career and technical training, and transfer opportunities. Those in attendance included principals, vice-principals, and trustees of local high schools and school districts.

Speakers at the Principals Breakfast included Vice President of Instruction Dr. Rajen Vurdien, Dean of Counseling Services and Special Programs Jerilyn Chuman, Dean of Advanced Technology and Applied Science Don Taylor, Dean of Fine Arts Rocky Cifone, Dean of Kinesiology and Athletics Tony Lipold, and Transfer Center Coordinator Miki Mikolajczak.  Saddleback College administrators who were also in attendance were Vice President of Student Services Lise Telson, Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences Dr. Patti Flanigan, Dean of Health Sciences and Human Services Tamera Rice, Dean of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Dr. Jim Wright, and Emeritus Institute Director Sandy Marzilli.

Special thanks to Outreach Specialist Leslie Humphrey and Executive Assistant to the President Sophie Miller for their work in planning and implementing this wonderful event.

High school officials in attendance included Ellen Addonizio, Trustee, Capistrano Unified School District; Ginny Fay Aitkens, Trustee, Saddleback Valley Unified School District; Kirk Anderson, Principal, Orange County Department of Education; Dr. Michael Barker, Director of Secondary Education, Tustin Unified School District; Rich Bellante, Principal, J. Serra High School; Sean Boulton, Principal, Laguna Hills High School; Dr. Daniel Burch, Principal, Tesoro High School; A.Woodrow Carter, Superintendent, Capistrano Unified School District; Larry Christensen, Trustee, Capistrano Unified School District; George Duarte, Principal, San Clemente High School; Ken Ezratty, Assistant Principal, Aliso Niguel High School; Cesar Flores, Assistant Principal, Tustin High School; Aaron Flowers, Assistant Principal, San Juan Hills High School; Dr. Ray Gatfield, Principal, Mission Viejo High School; Cathy Kane, Instructional Coordinator, Saddleback Valley Unified School District; President Michael Larkin, President, Santa Margarita Catholic High School; Dr. Barry Lietz, Principal, Silverado and Mira Monte High School; Robert Metz, Interim Principal, Trabuco Hills High School; Allan Mucerino, Principal, El Toro High School; Rocky Murray, Assistant Principal, Capistrano Valley High School; Mary Nelson, Academic Counselor, Capistrano Valley Christian; Beverly de Nicola, Principal, Capistrano Community Adult Education; Dr. Robert Nye, Principal, Dana Hills High School; Laura Ott, Director of Secondary Education, Saddleback Valley Unified School District; Sue Palazzo, Trustee, Capistrano Unified School District; John Pearson, Principal, University High School; Tom Ressler, Principal, San Juan Hills High School; Leslie Roach, Principal, Northwood High School; Dr. Charles Salter, Jr., Principal, Aliso Niguel High School; Mary Victoria Taylor, Career and College Counselor, J. Serra High School, and Al Marzilli, Principal, Foothill High School.

Photo: Dr. Burnett talks with El Toro High School Principal Allan Mucerino at the Principals Breakfast.

Women's Conference Inspires Discussion on Leadership

More than 150 students, faculty, staff, administrators, and members of the community gathered in the student lounge on Wednesday, October 22nd to see a live screening of The Women’s Conference hosted by California First Lady Maria Shriver and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Between conference presentations by luminaries including Warren Buffett, Condoleeza Rice, and Madeleine Albright, female Saddleback College professors of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences led panel discussions on topics including “finding your voice to inspire change” and “challenges of women in leadership.” The Women’s Conference is the nation’s premier annual forum for thousands of diverse women to have a shared conversation and a common purpose – to empower, inspire, and educate women to be architects of change in their lives, in their communities, and around the world.

Saddleback College showed a live broadcast of the event at the request of the Office of State Chancellor Diane Woodruff and the Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger after The Women’s Conference in Long Beach was sold out in less than three hours with more than 14,000 guests attending.

Between presentations of the broadcast, Saddleback College Professors Allison Camelot (sociology), Carmenmara Hernandez-Bravo (Spanish), Anne Cox (women’s studies), Renee Garcia (anthropology), and Nicole Loftus (sociology) discussed using one’s voice to change the world, and challenges women face in positions of leadership. The discussions involved both students and college staff alike.

Photo: Professors Allison Camelot, Anne Cox, and Carmenmara Hernandez-Bravo discuss Women's Conference topics with students.

Campus Appearance Upgrades Underway

With $665,000 in Basic Aid funds granted to the college from the Board of Trustees, several campus appearance projects are underway, including:

Fine Arts Entrance Upgrade (pavers)
Science/Math 313 Remodel
Administration and Governance Building Retrofit (Paint, Carpet)
Fine Arts Exterior Painting
Career Center Carpet Replacement
Fine Arts Carpet Replacement

Thanks to the Board of Trustees for helping the college fund these important projects and cosmetic upgrades.

Gauchos Wrap Up Fall Athletics Season



Assistant Athletic Director/Sports PIO Jerry Hannula reports that the Gauchos have had a successful fall semester. Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams placed eighth at the regional meet to qualify for the state championship meet on November 22nd in Fresno. It was the first time since 1997 that the women’s team qualified for the state meet. The men’s water polo team also qualified for post-season play after a lengthy absence. The Gauchos reached the regional playoffs for the first time since 2001 and won their first round game over Cuesta, 11-9, before falling to top-seeded Golden West College, 15-7, in the quarterfinal round to finish the season with a 17-10 overall record. The Gauchos football team played against El Camino College at the American Bowl on Saturday, November 22nd, but succumbed in a final score of 31-28. The loss knocked the Gauchos out of the playoffs, and their season ended with a record of 7-4. Dr. Tod Burnett attended the American Bowl game with Chancellor Raghu Mathur and Trustee Nancy Padberg.

Photo: A Gaucho football player shows his "Gaucho Pride" during the American Bowl Game. Photo courtesy of Jerry Hannula.

Faculty Spotlight: Professor Pamme Turner

During the month of November the Saddleback College Art Gallery hosted an exhibition for Professor Pamme F. Turner, Fine and Liberal Arts Chair of the Emeritus Institute and a professional mixed media artist. The exhibit, entitled "In a Sea of Light: The Iconic Landscape," included new paintings, drawings, photographs, notebooks, and video clips of coastal landscapes of the Mediterranean Sea, which Pamme visited during a spring 2008 sabbatical leave. Of the exhibit, Pamme said, "My intention was to make this exhibition about the artist’s process…how raw first studies and painted sketches can later develop into finished artworks of lasting significance. Students, faculty and the community have sent me many notes and emails saying that my exhibit has inspired them to see their own world through an "'artist’s eye'."

More than 200 guests attended the November 6th artist's reception, and more than 150 attended a special November 15th open house for Emeritus Institute students.

Check out Pamme Turner's website for photos of her work, biographical information, and other fun stuff!

Congratulations, Pamme!

Photo: Pamme Turner at the opening of her exhibit in the Saddleback College Art Gallery with Gallery Director Bob Rickerson (left) and Dean of Fine Arts Rocky Cifone.

Community Education Seeks Faculty Input

Saddleback College’s Community Education Department, a self-supporting entity that receives no funds from Saddleback College or the state of California, offers short-term classes that are not for college credit and are separate from the college's academic offerings. Community Education directly supports Saddleback College by annually giving a percentage of its profits to the college to be used for campus-wide projects.

The Community Education Department encourages faculty to look at the classes and workshops described in the Spectrum catalog as a means to promote your courses. Community Education sparks the interest of our local community and when students are looking for a deeper understanding of the topics, Community Education refers them to the college’s academic offerings. If you have flyers promoting your academic courses, Community Education would be happy to distribute them to our participants.

Please contact Community Education Director Estella Castillo-Garrison at extension 4326 to learn more about how we can cross-promote academic offerings with Community Education.

We also would like to hear your thoughts about new Community Education classes and workshop ideas. Three times a year the Community Education Department accepts proposals for new class ideas (January 1, April 1, and August 1).  Although all of the classes proposed cannot be offered, we would like to invite you to suggest classes that may fit the needs of our community. We look for classes that do not conflict with Saddleback College’s current academic offerings, but rather look for those that spark the interest of our community as we endeavor to bring the community to Saddleback College.

Awards & Recognition

Congratulations to our graphics department staff members, who were awarded the following gold, silver, and bronze Medallion Awards from the National Council on Marketing and Public Relations for Community Colleges:

Gold
Poster for "Reefer Madness"
Poster for "Betty's Summer Vacation"

Silver
Student Handbook
Fine Arts Brochure Series

Bronze
Welcome Day Postcard
40th Anniversary Calendar
Summer Schedule of Classes

Congratulations to our fabulous graphics team: Diane Smith, Donna Pribyl, Karen Fong, and Linda Davies.

Photo: Karen Fong, Donna Pribyl, and Diane Smith pose with their work and awards.

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

Thursday, December 6th and Friday, December 7th
"A Feast of Lights"
McKinney Theatre
Click here for additional information

Thursday, December 10th
Saddleback College Holiday Party
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Student Services Lounge

Thursday, December 10th
Saddleback Big Band Holiday Show
McKinney Theatre
Click here for additional information

Friday, December 12th
EOPS/CARE Winter Fair
3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Student Services Lounge

Monday, December 15th
Deadline for "Taste of Home" baked goods to be distributed at Camp Pendleton
Deliver home-baked items to BGS 249 between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 18th through Friday, December 21st
Laguna Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
McKinney Theatre
Click here for additional information

Tuesday, January 6th through Friday, January 9th
In-Service Week

Tuesday, January 6th
President's Welcome Breakfast
8:00 a.m.
Student Lounge

Wednesday, January 7th
Chancellor's Welcome
8:00 a.m.
Irvine Valley College Performing Arts Center

Monday, January 12th
Spring Semester Classes Begin

Monday, January 19th
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday (Observed)

Presidential Highlights

The following is a quick overview of Dr. Burnett's calendar in the months of October and November:

October
Visited Rancho Mission Viejo with Director of Public Information & Marketing Jennie McCue and met Director of Government Relations Charlie Ware and Vice President of Government Relations Dan Kelley...Attended the 2008 Network of CCC Foundations Symposium in San Diego with Foundation Director Michelle Anstadt... Attended the Women's Conference simulcast in the Student Lounge...Visited the Liberal Arts and Learning Resources Division meeting...Interviewed live on Cox Forum with Chancellor Mathur...Attended PE/Kinesiology & Athletics Division meeting...Held first President's Chat...Attended a women's soccer game with Director of Fiscal Services Carol Hilton...Attended the ASG-Sponsored Board of Trustees Candidates Forum.

November
Attended the 40th Anniversary Foundation Gala at the Mission Viejo Country Club...saw a women's volleyball game with Dean Tony Lipold...attended Professor Pamme Turner's exhibit at the SC Art Gallery...attended Veterans Appreciation Day...Greeted guests at the Ride the Wave Senior Visit ...participated in the Great Southern California Shakeout and EOC Leadership Team Meeting...Welcomed students at Family Night...Attended 2008 Teacher of the Year Appreciation Dinner at the Disneyland Hotel with SC Professor of the Year Janine O'Buchon, Vice President of Student Services Lise Telson, and Interim Dean of Health Sciences & Human Services Tamera Rice...Attended the Community College League of California conference in Anaheim...Watched the Gauchos Football Team play in the American Bowl against El Camino College with Dean Tony Lipold, Chancellor Raghu Mathur, and Trustee Nancy Padberg...attended Second Harvest "No Lunch Lunch" with Trustee Tom Fuentes, Board of Trustees Vice President John Williams, Chancellor Raghu Mathur, and IVC President Glenn Roquemore.

Photos: Trustee David B. Lang addresses the crowd at the Board of Trustees Candidates Forum sponsored by Associated Student Government; Dr. Burnett attends the Second Harvest "No Lunch Lunch" with Board of Trustees Vice President John Williams, Chancellor Mathur, Trustee Tom Fuentes, and IVC President Glenn Roquemore.