|
Editorial  |
|
|
|
Staff Editorial:
A look back at an uncertain year at MHCC
The 2008-2009 academic school year has been a year to remember.
With the arrival of a new college president, the loss of administrators and top-ranking staff members, the decision to eliminate smoking on campus, creation of a partnership with the college radio station, KMHD and Oregon Public Broadcasting, and nearly 10 months of battling during the faculty contract negotiations, the year has been peppered with successes and failures.
During the onslaught of the economic crisis nationwide, the downturn in the economy hit close to home when Mt. Hood Community College and other community colleges in the area took a major hit in state funding – possibly losing about $77 million overall compared to the 2007-2009 biennium. Because of the need to cut the school budget, 16 full-time faculty members were given tentative layoff notices that were later retracted.
In a year of uncertainty, there were some achievements – especially in athletics. The Saints softball team swept the NWAACC championships, taking the top community college title for the first time in MHCC softball history. Sisters Catherine and Crystal Sims tore up the track this spring with Crystal taking a fifth-place ranking in the heptathlon for junior colleges nationwide and Catherine sweeping the NWAACC championships, earning the most points of any female athlete overall.
MHCC has experienced a lot this year but there are changes and successes to continue to look forward to in 2009-2010. There may always be problems at the state level, but one thing can be certain – the Saints will pull through in the end.
For a look back at the year in photographs, please turn to page 12.
The Advocate reserves the right to not publish comments based on their appropriateness.
Comments