Front and Center, Michele Hamer

This month, we tip our hat to Michele Hamer, MAT '05. Thanks to her knowledge, skill, commitment, and positive attitude, she has been recently promoted to Technical Training Instructor for General Employee Training at Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee. In that capacity she is now responsible for the development and deployment of their computer-based, and soon-to-be web-based, training for all employees and supplemental employees. If that challenge weren't big enough, Michele is also involved in an industry-wide project for the development of a web based training program that will be generic and will allow supplemental employees throughout the industry to complete their training from their homes and/or places of employment off-site.

Michele is living proof that talent combined with enthusiasm is a winning combination. While working as Media Specialist at the Vermont Yankee Training Department and as a she attended as many Training Industry workshops and certification programs that she could convince her Training manager to send her to. That led to her becoming certified as an Online Learning Manager and an eLearning Instructional Designer. Building on her desire to teach, she had opportunity to 'train-the-trainer' on a few occasions and really enjoyed it. It was then that she decided that she wanted to "teach the teachers."

"My experience at the GC… reinforced my enthusiasm for learning. "

With her goal firmly set, Michele began looking at graduate programs around the country but didn't want to sacrifice the face-to-face component. That led her to search closer to home, and she found the Graduate Center. As Michele recalls,
"I realized immediately that the Master of Arts in Teaching with Internet Technology was exactly what I was looking for. (Sounds cliché, eh?). My experience at the GC not only gave me the tools that I had hoped I would acquire to create a Professional Development program for teachers, it reinforced my enthusiasm for learning. That has given me the insight to pass that enthusiasm on to those that I teach."

That enthusiasm for life isn't limited to the workplace. Says Michele: "I enjoy being a mother and all that encompasses. I have an 8 year old daughter who is competitive in dance and loves performing on stage. She is a very active 3rd grader who loves life!" Small wonder! Combining her GC experience and her family, Michele's Capstone Project involved setting up a technology professional development program for the faculty at her daughter's school. In addition, she and her family enjoy entertaining friends and family at their home and just hanging out with each other at their camp in the Adirondack Mountains. "Right now," adds the tireless Michele, "we are looking forward to a 'real vacation' to Jamaica over the Easter/spring break."

And beyond the spring break? Looking to the future Michele states, "I would love to venture back to the GC someday as a member of the faculty and share my love of learning and my experiences with future students of life-long learning!"

Legal & Business Intensive Course for Arts Professionals

This highly-focused, two-day program created by the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) will be held at the Grad Center on April 28th and 29th. It covers "must have" knowledge of the legal and business issues that affect individual artists, professionals within organizations and cultural institutions, art students, and lawyers and others who represent artists and organizations.

This original workshop, developed by VLA with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, has been presented to packed houses in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Now, in keeping with Marlboro College's commitment to the arts and regional artists, special arrangements have been made to offer it here at the Graduate Center.

For more information and to register (attendance is limited) go to: www.gradcenter.marlboro.edu.

Upcoming Spring Classes

For-credit and Audit options available - contact admissions@gradcenter.marlboro.edu for details.

Spring classes meet the following weekends:
May 5/6 + 19/20 • June 2/3 + 16/17 • July 7/8 + 21/22 • August 4/5

MAT
    • Designing Educational Web Materials II (Saturday am)
    • Facilitating Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (FCSCL) (Saturday am)
    • Legal and Ethical Internet Issues III (online)
    • Capstone

MSM
    • Web Applications I (Friday pm)
    • Web Applications II (Saturday am)
    • Marketing (Saturday pm)
    • Legal and Ethical Internet Issues III (online)
    • Capstone

MSIE
    • IPL III (Saturday AM)
    • Data and Databases II (Friday PM)
    • Capstone

BSMIS (all online) bold = required/core course
    • Web Infrastructures
    • Business Writing
    • Strategic Planning
    • Systems Analysis
    • Persuasive Communication
    • Marketing - (being run at graduate level - possible to take as undergrad)
    • Capstone

Certificate Programs (online unless stated)
Intro to Web Development
    • Web Applications I (attendance encouraged Friday pm)
    • Designing Educational Web Materials II (attendance encouraged Saturday am)
IT Management
    • Strategic Planning
    • Systems Analysis
    • Legal and Ethical Internet Issues III
Advanced Web Development
    • Web Applications I (Friday pm)
    • Designing Educational Web Materials II (Saturday am)

Daniel Kornguth Exhibits at Gallery

When you're in the area, don't miss the latest exhibit at the GC gallery. It features creations by Marlboro College graduate Daniel Kornguth. Works include new wall-mounted constructs and participatory objects. Daniel's artwork explores culturally-mediated gender identity expectations and life in a small, vibrant community. The show will continue until April 28th. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday 9AM -12PM and by appointment, provided no events are scheduled in the space.

Class Notes

Valarie Estibeiro, MBA '04 recently told us: I am working as Sr IT recruiter; handling different client requirements & major advantage is I'm learning different technologies / getting to know more terminologies. I believe learning happens at every stage; so I couldn't have asked for better job. Well I was working with an IT Recruitment Agency called iNet Solutions, it's a US Based company & fact remains that there has been a lot of learning, definitively career enhancement to some extent. I am moving to England in 2 weeks; my friend's there so he's gonna help me with regards to settling down there & lets see what's in store for me. I am quite optimistic about this trip.

Doug Burbank, MAT '00 let us know: I continue to teach, coach and help out with our school's website. I am an active PC Tablet user in the classroom (did not like the smart board as much) and will be using the tablet with my coaching as well this spring. I'm enjoying watching my 7th grade son play soccer all over east coast, and I survived 10 wonderful days in Spain this December with 15 family members on my wife's side.

Erin Weisburger, MSIT '05 sent us this update: After a short vacation in Florida for New Years, my boyfriend and I headed back to his apartment in Manhattan to search for our new place (and for me, search for a job). We found a swankified pet-friendly apartment (for my 80 pound Golden Retriever puppy, Bodi) in the East Village for a decent price considering the location. We're right around the corner from Tompkins Square Park (where a wicked dog run exists, quite the community), and for you Rent fans, we're half a block away from the Life Cafe.

So... for the job. We moved in Feb 4th. I've applied to 45-50 places, had about half a dozen interviews, temped. Nothing special. So GUESS what I'm doing for a living now? Naturally, as every true New Yorker should do once in their lifetime, I'm a dog walker. It's my dream job! It pays well, but not as much as I could be making if I had gotten any of the jobs I'd interviewed for prior... so I'm doing my freelance web design on the side as well, which makes up for it.

Money's tight and NYC restaurants are seductive. Can you imagine having Egyptian, Vietnamese or Moroccan food delivered to your door in 20 minutes? So, we only go out or order on weekends. I've become a master chef! I cook like crazy! I never knew I had it in me. Everything from Chicken Tikka Masala to Eggs Alla Sunflower (smoked salmon instead of ham) with my own hollandaise sauce. It's wonderful! And Bodi, my pup, seems to be getting used to pit bulls and froo froo dogs at the dog run. I'm not sure he understands why dogs here wear clothes and he doesn't, though.

Everything is fabulous and I couldn't be happier! Haven't been home yet, but I'm planning on it this coming weekend for a friend's opening at our gallery. He doesn't know I'm coming! I can't wait to see all my friends, but especially my mom. Anyway, I miss all you guys back at the GC. Hugs to everyone! And if anyone's in the NYC area, look me up!

Lee Alden, ISM '02 sent the following: I may get involved in the alum world soon. It's been a hellish year for me and I haven't been too focused externally for a while, but I want it to go on record that my ISM experience was invaluable to me on so many different levels. I loved the program and the people and I love what it did for my professional life, even if indirectly.

Joe Johnson, MSIE '01 emailed us: I'm planning an 8 day family vacation trip to London the last two weeks in August. What is the most MSIE like thing to do or see in and around London? All suggestions welcome.

Career Opportunities

Network Systems Administrator
Marlboro College

A critical member of the IT department, this position will be responsible for maintaining and developing our network and related services. We rely extensively on open source solutions, and experience in, and enthusiasm for, working in a linux environment is essential.
Candidates should have sound knowledge of:

• unix/linux administration
• IP routing and networking
• security, IDS
• DNS, mail system administration

Creative problem-solving, diligence, a spirit for innovation, and engagement working in an educational environment are essential.

To apply, please submit resume, cover letter, and three references to: Ian Kozak, IT Director, Marlboro College, Marlboro, VT, 05344 or iank@marlboro.edu

Data and Web Manager
Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation The Vermont Monitoring Cooperative

The Vermont Monitoring Cooperative (VMC) is seeking a computer savvy person to lead the management and distribution of ecological information and help develop our new dynamic data-driven web content. VMC is a joint state, university, and federal partnership that coordinates research and monitoring of forest and ecosystem health. You will manage complex research databases, develop the VMC website, archive and analyze data, and perform technical troubleshooting. Requires outstanding computer and communication skills, as well as the ability to quickly gain new skills and undertake a wide variety of projects. Prefer a scientific and/or natural resources background.

Please visit http://sal.snr.uvm.edu/vmc for more information about VMC. Essex Junction Full-Time.

Application Deadline: 4/19/06
Please visit www.vtstatejobs.info to apply

For questions regarding this position, contact VMC Acting Executive Director, Sean Lawson at (802) 879-5687 or sean.lawson@state.vt.us

Project Manager
Louis Garneau USA Inc.
The position covers a wide range of IT and marketing functions, including streamlining business processes, strategizing and promoting product through the use of technology. You'll be performing interesting and rewarding work in a friendly and professional environment, for a worldwide leader in cycling apparel and accessories.

Responsibilities include:

• Understanding all aspects of the company and suggesting ways to improve business processes through the use of technology
• Working closely with management to understand future business needs and how they can be supported
• Identifying business requirements, developing solutions and helping in the implementation of the solution
• Analyzing and Supporting the ERP System-(Enterprise Resource Planning System)
• Web Analyst
• Analysis, Functional testing, and updating of the B2B site
• Web graphics and design for the B2C site
• Web promotions/marketing/strategy
• Maintaining website and electronic newsletters
• Software and hardware troubleshooting

Requirements:

• Associates degree or higher and/or minimum one year experience in related field
• Ability to effectively work with management and strategize
• Solid PC skills (Microsoft Word, Excel and MS Outlook)
• Solid Web skills (HTML, Adobe [Go Live, Dreamweaver, Photoshop])
• Programming skills (Database SQL, ASP) a plus
• Strong business sense and good judgment
• Willingness to learn and grow as the position evolves

Please mail or drop off a resume and cover letter to the following:

Louis Garneau USA Inc.
1352 East Main Street
Newport, VT 05855
802-334-5885
Email to elane@louisgarneau.us

Marketing/Communications Intern
Louis Garneau USA Inc.
The position covers a wide range of administrative tasks and general support related to internal and external communication, research and product promotion. Activities could include but are not limited to data entry, document creation, and proofreading. You'll be performing interesting and rewarding work in a friendly and professional environment, for a worldwide leader in cycling apparel and accessories.

Requirements:

• Solid skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and MS Outlook
• Internet navigation and researching skills
• Strong Communication skills for effective team collaboration
• Detailed grammatical skills with a high level of accuracy
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• High motivation, proactive, and willing to take on new challenges
• Positive energy and willingness to perform all assigned tasks
• Photoshop and/or Illustrator experience a plus
• Web design, HTML experience a plus

College Students are encouraged to apply. Please mail or drop off a resume and cover letter to the following:
Louis Garneau USA Inc.
1352 East Main Street
Newport, VT 05855
802-334-5885
Email to elane@louisgarneau.us