December 10, 2012

Snowflake Run fun!

For the third year in a row, our own Clawdette Cougar joined other local mascots for the Snowflake Run, a 200-meter dash which takes place before the Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell Run 5K. It was said that some of the superheroes wearing tights and running shoes had an unfair advantage in the dash!

Positive outlook eases complex renovation

Robert Osgood

When his normal duties get “turned upside down,” Robert Osgood, building maintenance employee in Physical Plant, looks for opportunities and a chance to learn new things—not something to complain about. Osgood takes care of Union Hall, which is in the midst of a very complex renovation to add a new addition. 

“In Facilities Planning, we have always understood the complexity and difficulty of renovating an inhabited building,” said Glenn Smith, supervisor. “Situations arise from unexpected sources that can strain relationships. Robert has been able to help minimize the negative impact, which is necessary for a multi-year project such as this.” 

Smith nominated Osgood for the Staff Employee of the Month award, presented to Osgood December 5 in a ceremony attended by his supervisors and many co-workers.

Osgood started at Columbus State on the Grounds Crew 13 years ago, and was recognized for his good work there too, with the SEOM Award in July 2008.  On the Union Hall project, “his daily contact with faculty and staff in the building helps them understand the work being done and what they can expect,” said Smith.  “His participation in the Construction Progress Meetings has been very positive and shows his willingness to find solutions to problems.”

Says Physical Plant Assistant Director Jim Spencer, “Robert demonstrates the dedication we have to meeting the needs and the mission of the college.  He has the mindset of stewardship and takes care of the building as if it were his own.”

Light up a life at Scholar House!

The Student Engagement and Leadership Office ( SEaL) is collaborating with Community Properties of Ohio (CPO) to help college students living at the Scholar House to light up a life this holiday season! CPO coordinates the Columbus Scholar House, which has ten units of subsidized housing that have been designated specifically for full-time students/parents enrolled in college. Currently, there are eight Ohio State students and two Columbus State students living at Scholar House. SEaL is collecting donations for these families and the campaign ends December 18. Will you help us light up a life at Scholar House?

If your office, department, or family wants to help with this project, you may contact Sandra Hill, community service student assistant in SEaL, who will send you a sponsorship form with a specific wish list for a family, parent and/or child.

If you cannot sponsor a family or child, SEaL is also assembling Housewarming baskets for each family containing items such as laundry baskets, laundry detergent, fabric softener, color safe bleach, dryer sheets, wash cloths, towels, house socks, and blankets.

Please drop off all donations (unwrapped) in Nestor Hall 116 by Tuesday, December 18. If you have any questions about this project, please contact Sandra Hill at ext. 2638 or shill25@student.cscc.edu.

Friendly rivalry helps Mid-Ohio Foodbank

Beth Stanley, academic advisor, and Clawdette recently helped deliver over 400 pounds of food items to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. A friendly rivalry between Advising Services and Admissions resulted in a record-breaking donation coordinated by the Staff Advisory Council this year! Top photo: Admissions shows off their collection with ( front row) Amy Burrell, Chavon Harris, and George Chatters. Standing, from left are:  Tari Blaney, Liz Wyles-Smith, Jan Crozier, Misty Mahefkey, Lakesha Williams, Clawdette, Jennifer Williams, Tisha McGlaughlin, and Joe Schindler.

Bottom photo: Advising Services, from left, Janetta Pickens, Dawn Blair, Arlene Wilson, Clawdette, Kimberly Randall, Sunita Denton, and Beth Stanley.
Missed the Budget Forum?
You can watch the 43-minute Budget Forum held last week online here:  http://youtu.be/f8B3MmwmRl8

Leadership Conference draws hundreds to Columbus State

The 3rd annual Collegiate Leadership Conference of Ohio was hosted at Columbus State November 9-10. Eleven Ohio colleges and more than 200 students navigated pathways of service, engagement and diversity.

Students participate in a roundtable discussion at the 2012 Collegiate Leadership Conference of Ohio.

Keynote speakers included Bill Weaver, an executive leadership consultant and 44-year educator, and Stephanie Matthews, who shared photographs of her journey in the Dominican Republic of Congo as executive director of a children’s home. Thirty presenters including faculty, administrators, students and alumni presented 26 workshops, from “Diversity in Leadership Styles” by Karsten Look, to “From Past Hardships to Future Passions: An Opportunity in Disguise” given by Judah Gartman, an AmeriCorps member. Julia Provoznik gave a speech on “Civic Engagement Basics - Turning the Warm and Fuzzy into Practical and Impactful;” Lori McKenzie taught how to “Discover Your True Calling;” and Bob Stein gave a speech titled “A World Where Everyone Knows Everything.”

David Fields, of Acloché, helped out by serving on the Conference Committee, as did members of the Psychology Department, who also donated 150 books to the service project. And the Columbus State Bookstore also donated books to the conference.

This year’s conference included a service project, with colleges participating in a Toy Challenge. To complete the service project, students decorated duffle bags for children in foster care. According to Franklin County Children Services, when foster children transition between homes, their belongings are often transported in garbage bags. One hundred duffle bags and more than 600 toys and books were collected to donate to the Franklin County Children Services Holiday Wish Program!

If you are interested in serving on next year’s Leadership Conference Committee, please email Heather Borland to receive information and future meeting dates. The committee will meet monthly January through November 2013. Next year’s conference will be held November 8-9, 2013.

Sad news from Psychology Department

With a heavy heart, the Psychology Department would like to announce the passing of adjunct faculty member Betty Lynn Guay.  She was born February 16, 1971 in Columbus and passed away November 26 after a brief but valiant fight with cancer.  Lynn received her Associate Degree from Columbus State, and her Ph.D. in Psychology from Union Institute and the University of Cincinnati.  She was an adjunct with the Psychology department for the past year and was a member of the 2011-2012 Psychology Faculty Learning Community.  Donations may be made in Lynn's memory to Capital Area Humane Society, 2015 Scioto Darby Executive Ct., Hilliard, OH  43026.