The Groove - Minneapolis Community & Technical College

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MnSCU Honors MCTC Faculty with Awards for Excellence The highest honor earned by faculty members in the MnSCU system is The Board of Trustees Award for Excellence in Teaching, given by the Office of the Chancellor. MCTC’s Marcella Jones and John Plomondon have been honored with the award this year, which recognizes achievements above and beyond the call of duty and address important outcomes connected to student learning. “MCTC prides itself on academic excellence and its faculty leads the way in making this possible,” said Phil Davis, president of MCTC. “A common theme between Marcella and John is their immeasurable commitment to supporting their students and recognizing each person’s ability to be successful.” Marcella Jones: Nurturing the Individual “None of us possess the capacity to see what another person is capable of or has inside of them,” said Marcella Jones, math instructor at MCTC, who desires to nurture each of her students to bring out talents that are sometimes unseen. “My students are the flowers in the garden of my life and as a gardener, I nourish and cherish the flowers,” said Marcella, sharing her teaching philosophy. “I have a bountiful harvest when each and every student has gained the mathematical self-confidence to successfully climb over any mathematical fence which lies between them and the achievement of their academic and career goals.” Marcella began her college career at the University of Kansas. Prior to completing her bachelor’s degree, she took 11 years off to spend time with her children. She returned to college at MCTC (then called MCC) which set the course for her career. “The outstanding instruction I received prepared me so well for my subsequent classes at the U of M, I was ahead of the curve,” said Marcella. When Marcella began teaching at MCTC in 1994, many of the instructors who had provided her wisdom when she 5 John Plomondon (L to R), Marcella Jones and MCTC President Phil Davis celebrate the College Faculty Awards for Excellence studied here were now her valued peers. “Together, we nourish our students so they can advance in their education,” said Marcella. John Plomondon: Electrifying the Classroom Walk into one of John Plomondon’s American Studies classrooms at MCTC and you’ll feel the electricity. “I am always energized by classroom conversations at MCTC because they take many different forms,” said John. “The energy is fed by the students’ thirst for knowledge and the diverse mix of ages, races and cultures represented on campus.” John began as a guest lecturer at MCTC in the mid-1980s and joined the faculty full-time in 1987. His face lights up when he talks about his students and his constant goal to make the classroom a safe and respectful space for everyone. “When students discover they have an important voice and learn how to communicate effectively using that voice, they realize they can share their knowledge with their own community and make a difference in society,” said John. Long after John began teaching, he discovered he had a great grandfather, also a teacher, named Plato Ross. “I hope he would have approved of my using the Socratic method of teaching which asks questions to facilitate thinking, ideas and dialogue to inspire new ideas,” said John. No doubt he would have won his great grandfather’s admiration as an instructor who helps students understand that what they’re learning in the classroom has meaning in their own lives.
Jack Mader: Reflections on a Photography Teaching Career Earlier this year, more than 200 students, alum, faculty and staff gathered amidst a collection of student photographs at the Vine Arts Center in South Minneapolis to celebrate the retirement of Jack Mader, lead faculty in the Photography and Digital Imaging Program (PHDI) at MCTC. Jack has been a trusted member of the MCTC faculty for more than 24 years where he has inspired countless students. When describing his students and alum, motivation, passion, maturity and respect for the art of photography are common themes. Alongside his students, Jack built the PHDI program at MCTC which started as a certificate under Media Production. Now its own comprehensive program, certificate and diploma degree options are available and the program has earned the respect of professional photographers, becoming a major player in the Twin Cities photography community. “Studying under Jack and his team was a great learning experience,” said Timothy Jones, PHDI alum and owner of Ray of Light Photography. “Jack presented a mix of theory and practical information in an engaging, upbeat and positive way. His experience, enthusiasm and genuine personality ensured every student’s technical tool box was filled upon graduation.” “MCTC is a community of passionate people,” said Jack. “The faculty, staff and administrators have always supported the growth of the program and the strong team that stands behind it.” As a result of the resounding support, in a few short months, the PHDI Program will settle into its brand new space, equipped with a digital laboratory, a computer classroom and six photography studios. “Our challenge is to always stay current,” said Jack. “The new program space will be equipped with state-of-the-art resources to give students every opportunity to learn and explore their field. Whoever steps into my position at MCTC will be entering a program where the cupboard is full.” Jack Mader Once Jack retires, he will focus his attention on his own photography which he shows at Homewood Studios in North Minneapolis. He shares his studio with his wife Kristen. You can see Jack’s work by visiting www.jackmader.com. Bike 7585 from the series “Reconnecting With Forgotten Dreams” The full series can be seen at www.jackmader.com 6
Page 1 and 2: What’s Inside: TRIO Anniversaries
Page 3 and 4: Letter from Phil Davis Dear Friends
Page 5: TRIO Celebrates Anniversaries at MC
Page 9 and 10: MCTC Generates Annual Economic Impa
Page 11 and 12: MCTC Foundation: Volunteers Making
Page 13 and 14: Dan Huiting continued When you were
Page 15 and 16: Facts About Career and Technical Ed

The Groove - Minneapolis Community & Technical College

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