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President Vicky Boatwright, Dr. Greg Herrera, Dr. Thomas Greene, Ms. Kirsten Dubrey, Dr. Bill Donnoe - Vicky, Greg, and Bill gave a $3000 check for scholarships at American River College. Given to Thomas and Kirsten from the Rotary Club of Carmichael... |
We were delighted to have Dr. Thomas Greene and Ms. Kirsten Dubrey of the American River College to accept a $3000 check (see above) from our Club for Scholarships. In addition, Dr. Greene agreed to be our keynote speaker and gave us a fairly comprehensive and fascinating overview of the many activities going on at ARC. Kirsten remained in the background, accentuating points and answering question in the Q and A session. First Greg Herrera introduced our speaker Thomas Greene. He said that he earned a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Community College Leadership from the University of Texas and took over, as American River College president in 2014. He had served at many colleges before. His side-kick, Kirsten Dubrey is director of donation and philanthropy at A.R.C. Dr. Greene took to the podium and amazed us with some facts about ARC. 30,000 students are enrolled every term; 8 out 10 are low income people; their average age is 26 (not all young); are diverse with only 10% academically prepared; some come to college with basic needs of homelessness and financial insecurity; the college has more than 1800 people employed part or full time. The college offers more than 180 educational certificates. They have a wonderful transfer program with 3000 students receiving A.A. degrees and 90% go on to U.C.Davis or other university with STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, math)! ARC provides the learning of skill in culinary, welding, auto tech, biotech, design tech, and allied tech fields. One skill, welding can provide high paying jobs – 100K or more per year. ARC has 25 different sports teams and Thomas recommends for the public to try attending some of their football games – they are exciting and fun! Also, they have great jazz ensembles and they have won 18 “downbeat” awards. They are building a new STEM facility, 30,000 square feet in the fall of 2020. In the future, ARC will provide education in advanced manufacturing, apprenticeship programs, people will be able to work and learn at the same time, and many are and increasing will be learning “online” so you don’t have to be physically present for much of your learning. Dr. Greene mentioned some of the amazing work which students are doing with the new 3D printing technology. They have a new program this year where beginning students can qualify for free tuition for their 1st year… I think we were bowled over with the tremendous things that are accomplished at American River College – at least three or four in our Club had started our educational careers at ARC and many of our kids. We are so lucky to have such an important educational institution in our community. A lively Q and A session continued after the presentation. In gratitude, President Vicky told Dr. Greene and Ms. Dubrey that in each of their names, a book will be donated to the Carmichael library (Sacramento Public Library). |
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