Grad Center Begins Ninth Year

New Students Learn GC Technology

At the stroke of noon on Friday, September 9th, Marlboro College Graduate Center gathered its new group of incoming students and launched its ninth year. While many students are from the Brattleboro, we welcomed others from as far away as northern Maine and New York City.

"We're really excited about this year," noted Kevin Bell, Academic Director of the Grad Center. "Our students are well-prepared and truly enthusiastic about being here. In addition, we have added some new faculty members with excellent credentials and a gift for teaching. We've also added some new courses such as 'Socially Responsible Management,' and we'll be Podcasting our classes."

Radka Explains Library Procedures

The new year began with an orientation for the latest members of our community. Activities included an overview of the graduate school, classes on library resources and Grad Center technology, and photos for the student I.D's. Orientation ended with returning students joining the new for some snacks and conversation. And then, it was on to the first classes, fresh knowledge, cramped schedules, camaraderie, and dreams of graduation.

Commencement '05

Family, friends, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered for Marlboro College Graduate Center's eighth Commencement to honor this year's graduates. The event was held Sunday, August 21, at the Whittemore Theater on the Marlboro College campus.

Todd Thompson Addresses Graduates

With all the graduate programs being technologically-based, it was fitting that the Commencement Address was delivered by Todd Thompson, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at JetBlue Airways. In that role, Thompson is responsible for companywide information technology projects and operations, spanning all networks, servers, datacenters, desktops, and devices.

Thompson reminded the graduates that they have a wonderful opportunity to not only employ their skills but to do so in new ways that will benefit those whom they will serve. In this process, they will need to re-think the usual ways of conducting business. To illustrate his point, Thompson referred to the five guiding values of JetBlue: safety, caring, integrity, fun, and passion. He noted that the usual goals of "profit" and "corporate strategy" were not on the list. "Our belief is that these important values need to be lived by each member of the organization. In so doing, they have made JetBlue one of the country's most successful airlines." He then urged the graduates to create their own value system and reminded them to pursue it with "passion." "There's an old saying," added Thompson, that when all is said and done, usually there's more said than done. I hope you will use your knowledge and skills in new ways that will go beyond just your personal success to following principles and values that will provide great benefit to others."

Jean Chute Praises Classmates

Jean Chute of Pawtucket, Rhode Island was the Class Speaker. This honor goes each year to the student whom the faculty choose as most personifying the academic and personal ideals of the Graduate Center. Chute's address thoughtfully centered on the accomplishments of each graduate and on the support given by family, friends, and faculty. Closing her remarks, Chute reiterated that "Life is Good" - adding that, in her case, thanks to her studies at the Graduate Center she has already been offered two jobs and will begin one in South Burlington, Vermont.

Other highlights included the annual President's Award being presented to Michele Hamer of West Townshend, Vermont. This award is given to the graduate whose Capstone Project is rated as the most outstanding by the Graduate Center faculty. Hamer created "Plug and Play," a professional development guide for teachers for the infusion of computer technology as a learning tool into the classroom.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held for the graduates and their guests.

Now Podcasting from the Grad Center

This fall, we have begun Podcasting our weekend classes. To take advantage of this up-to-the-minute learning opportunity, all students who register for a minimum of 7 credits have been given a free iPod when they enrolled.

What this means for our students is unparalleled access to lectures and discussions. No more relying on notes that are incomplete because someone was trying to write and listen at the same time. In addition, if a GC student misses a class, he or she can "sit in" on it later simply by going to the web.

What this means for you is easy access to the classrooms of the Grad Center. Want to try a new subject or access updated info since you graduated? Just go to: http://gradcenter.marlboro.edu/class_recordings/.

Take Responsibility

The diverse and sometimes conflicting components of social responsibility in management and investing will be covered in a new course, "Socially Responsible Management" that we're offering this fall.

Designed to assist managers with appreciating the business and financial benefits of making socially responsible decisions, the course will also aid them in recognizing the inherent tensions that exist between the social responsibility and corporate profitability.

A special feature of the course will be in-person presentations during each class meeting by thought leaders in the field. Guest lecturers will discuss the financial, social, and environmental benefits and costs of sustainable, socially responsible management. Topics will range from setting goals to the ramifications of paying a living wage and providing child care. Already scheduled for presentations are Spencer Putnam, Executive Director of Vermont Business for Social Responsibility, Joe Sibilia, President and CEO of Meadowbrook Lane Capital, Springfield, MA, and Lisa Lorimer, founder of Vermont Bread.

Students will also participate in a "hands-on" project. Each student will create two mock investment portfolios - one based on social responsibility and one constructed purely to maximize returns. The portfolios will be tracked, and students will compare their performance including the long-term potential for each.

Class Notes

Randy Schenk, MAT '01 sent us the following news: I recently was hired in the Instructional Technology Department for the Rochester City School District. I will be a full time Reasource Teacher working with 22 Schools throughout the district. I will oversee the usage of computers and provide training to staff. Thanks!

Dale P Green, STM '04 checked in: Despite my amazing Masters program, I continue to pursue my passion: rescuing animals. On September 26, we are leaving for Katrina-stricken New Orleans and bring 40 animals back to the northeast to find permanent homes here. Tying this all in - there's an update on our web site for the adventure: www.4theloveofdog.org

Diana Morrill, ISM '01 recently wrote us:
Hello All-
As I look at my framed degree above my desk, it is hard to imagine that it's been four years since I've earned my degree!

I am doing well personally and professionaly. I work for a wholesale natural foods distributor, United Natural Foods. We have multiple warehouses through out the US including Hawaii! Unfortunately they neve seem to need my services there.

I recently moved from supervising a technology site support staff to working in telecommunications. I am learning a lot about phones, their relationship to existing network infrastructure and how critical they are to our business. I've started classes with Avaya University and hope to have one of my three certifications completed by December. I didn't realize how much I missed learning until I went into an area of IT I knew little about!

I am still teaching here and there and absolutely love it when I have the opportunity. I recently taught IT project management at gradcenter and had a blast as always.

I am also still doing "charity" web site work which means I do web work for little or no money. I am hoping to have my firt paying customer this month!

Home life is great. My husband and I are getting ready to celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary and we welcome another "furry friend" into our family. We now have 3 of the 4 legged kind; 2 cats and 1 dog and they are all doing well!

Other than that I play a lot of SIMS and find it extremely entertaining and rewarding. It seems to be the only place where I actually can exert some control even if it's virtual!

Look forward to hearing about everyone and their busy lives.

Take care and be well-

Sandeep Mahale, MSIE told us: I work with Hertz Corporation & am currently involved with the team that develops Enterprise J2EE applications. I am excited with this project, which has a 5+1 layer architecture. There's so much to learn - I don't think I am going to make any career move in the foreseeable future. (so my updates to the next newsletters may not come through).

MSIE gave me a really good grounding in OO & J2EE. I am so happy I took up the program - it has opened new doors for me.

Ben Sabtini, ISM '00 passed along the following: I work as an independent Sales Executive, employing solution sales methodology in business to business applications.

I am the Director of Sales for Simply Reliable Software http://www.simplyreliable.com. We market Enterprise Management software called SRS SmartOffice to Custom Installed Dealers and System Integrators. These dealers are on the cutting edge of home automation. They sell, manage and install complex technology in the areas of lighting, security, audio, video, and mechanical to builders and homeowners. We enable them to run an extremely efficient business and deliver superior customer service. This year my accomplishments will be over $1 Million in new business and over 85 new customers.

I am also a Senior Account Executive for AVIcode http://www.avicode.com. Our software, Intercept Studio monitors performance and exceptions in .NET framework applications such as Sharepoint and Visual Basic.net. This application saves time and money in finding faults in interconnected systems and applications deployed over the Internet. It enables development, operations, quality control, and networking to identify problems as soon as they appear and communicate this information among them. I prospect to large Fortune 1000 companies writing .NET in-house applications.

I had a very exciting and rewarding experience at Marlboro College. I continue to follow advance developments in technology as the internet, wireless communications, database, and hardware technology merge to form new applications. I am always interested in expanding my network and marketing new applications.

Adam Wenger, MAT '00 wrote: Busy summer!!! I was looking for a housemate as my brother moved to Florida for a business opp. It wasn't going well so I started looking for a house to buy. I found a smurf cottage on a smurf lake in a smurf village run by dogs (in Montague MA). The place is really shaping up. I got some furniture, put in some new lighting, and things are going great. gotta run

Megan Jennings Tucker, ISM '99 recently updated us: (yeah that long ago!). I am still working for the Community College of Vermont but my current position is Assistant Chief Technology Officer. In that role I am sys admin for the Vermont State Colleges Enterprise Blackboard installation which includes the Learning System, Community Portal and Content Management. I also continue to build and love Cold Fusion applications! Still residing in Springfield Vermont with my husband Doug but our son Matt (who was 12 when I was at Marlboro) is now a sophomore in college!

Career Opportunities

Webmaster
Omega Optical, Inc., of Brattleboro, VT, a world leader in the manufacture of optical filters is looking for a person to fill the Webmaster position in the Marketing Department.

Webmaster is responsible for continuous development of website and e-commerce features to maintain this competitive position. Product is a highly technical scientific product with customers in industry, academia, and government laboratories.

Webmaster responsibilities include all web related activities such as website development, ongoing revisions, e-commerce development and oversight, search engine optimization, web stats, and other electronic marketing initiatives. Marketing department works as a team. As a result, there will also be additional marketing responsibilities to be defined.

Must be able to work with contractors on website design, programming, and hosting. Candidate must have extensive knowledge of standard web, graphic design, and business software including HTML, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, MS Word, MS Excel, and customer contact software packages. Site is currently written in PHP.

Must have 3-5 years related experience as webmaster or with web design, development, and implementation.

Contact:

Evelyn McLean
HR Department
802-254-2690 ext. 368
emclean@omegafilters.com
or
Rebecca Rueter
HR Department
802-254-2690 ext. 367
rrueter@omegafilters.com


Senior Instructional Technologist
Collegis is currently seeking a Senior Instructional Technologist for our office located in the Jersey City area.

Collegis is one of the leading providers of comprehensive business, technology and curriculum services to higher education.

The qualified candidate has day-to-day leadership responsibility for Blackboard program development and support, the Media Center, academic technology based initiatives for faculty, smart classrooms and teaching PC laboratories. The primary goals of the Director of Instructional Technology include working with the College to implement and support:

1. Provide Blackboard Administrative support to all Blackboard users
2. Provide faculty support in learning, utilizing and administering the Blackboard online instructional delivery system
3. Provide seminars and workshops to introduce instructors to effective pedagogical practices when teaching online or in a traditional classroom setting supplemented with the use of preferred instructional technologies.
4. Provide support services to the College in addressing major challenges affecting online learning
5. Support the delivery of instructional technology services to faculty and staff
6. Develop strategies for improving and delivering needed technology for instructional purposes in Media services, Smart Classrooms and Academic computer laboratories
7. Manage Media Support Services to provide multimedia service to the college.

A Masters degree and at least one years of successful experience working in higher education supporting faculty to use learning technologies is required.

Experienced in the use and management of online course management system, such as Blackboard, CBT, etc.. Experience with managing academic PC/Mac Laboratories servicing faculty and student needs. Experience with developing 'Smart Classrooms' utilizing technology based facilities. At least one years of online course development and/or online teaching experience in any subject matter is required. Experience in developing an entire online program from conception through delivery is highly desirable. Classroom or online teaching and/or training experience are preferred. Masters in Education, Instructional Technology or Design, or related field is also preferred.
TO APPLY:

Send resume (in Word Doc format) and salary requirements to:

Kyle Cato
Corporate Recruiter kcato@sungardcollegis.com
Team Lead, Recruiting
Sungard Collegis, Inc.
Desk Phone: 888-732-8277x2244
Fax: 407-660-8008
www.sungardcollegis.com


Instructional Designer - PAT 17 *
Concord

Granite State College seeks a full time 40 hr/wk Instructional Designer to train and assist faculty in the development and successful delivery of online, hybrid, and classroom-based courses using WebCT/Blackboard courseware.

Qualifications: Master's degree and three years related experience or Bachelors Degree and five years related experience.

Requirements: Knowledge of instructional design theory and practice and experience teaching or training adults using WebCT, Blackboard, or other courseware; knowledge and experience with HTML editing, graphics software, and multi-media applications.

Salary range: Minimum $38,900, normally not to exceed $44,100. Generous USNH benefits package.

Application Process: Send resume, letter of interest, and three references to:

Educational Technology and Computing
Granite State College
Att: Search Committee
8 Old Suncook Road
Concord, NH 03301