Summer Enrollment Jumps 2.7 Percent

Delgado Community College has registered 6,951 students this summer, representing a jump of 2.7 percent over last summer's enrollment college-wide, according to Delgado Chancellor Alex Johnson.

Official seventh class day statistics reported by the College's Institutional Research Office indicate that 6,951 students are enrolled in credit courses at Delgado this summer, compared to 6,765 students last year, for an increase of 186 students–a 2.7 percent increase in enrollment college-wide.

Delgado Northshore/Slidell and Covington experienced the largest jump in enrollment—47.4 percent over last summer, enrolling 603 students this summer.  Other campus enrollment figures are: City Park Campus, 4,790 students; West Bank Campus, 1,317 students; and Charity School of Nursing, 241 students.

A technology renaissance is taking place at Delgado Community College that is paving the way for a progressive approach to learning. An updated computer infrastructure is being implemented behind the scenes while new computer labs and technology pieces are planned for student and faculty use. Every piece of the technological puzzle will provide state-of-the-art resources and access for Delgado's new Learning Centered culture.

"We are overhauling the traditional architecture of education by placing learning first," says Iva Bergeron, Director of Institutional Effectiveness. "It is a collaborative platform for college-wide systematic planning and assessment. And the technology piece has really assisted us in moving forward."

In becoming a true Learning Centered, the administration at Delgado approaches every decision with two questions: (1) How does it impact or improve a student's learning? and (2) What are the long term effects? This is where technology is paramount. Modern technological tools are required to support administration as well as student learning, and accurate assessments are necessary to calculate effects.

Delgado is implementing modern technology now that will help the institution grow to the future cohesive culture the college desires. The Banner Migration Project, currently underway, is a fully integrated internet-native technology platform designed specifically for higher education. It provides end-to-end solutions for student information, advancement, financial aid, faculty and advisors, finance, human resources, alumni-development and much more.

The BANNER migration is a multiyear project involving the entire college community.  Dr. Katherine Sippola is assisting with implementation services as volunteer coordinator.

"Students and faculty can access the system from off-campus 24-hours a day, seven days a week," says Thomas Lovince, executive director of Delgado’s Office of Information Technology.  "Students can register for classes online or access billing information and grades. It also provides a self-service mechanism for faculty, who can access their necessary information whenever and wherever they desire."

Additionally, an open computer lab is being converted from an underutilized general use area adjacent to the library on the City Park Campus. This space will house approximately 100 computers for student use, funded by Carl Perkins. Specialized computers such as Macintosh and Computer Automated Drafting units will be available, as well as glass partitioned rooms that can be used for conferences or classes.

"The open lab will be quite a change from the computer labs previously available to students," says Dr. Jeff Smith, Provost of the City Park Campus. "It will provide more student access to technology in pleasant surroundings."

These are just a few of the many technology changes underway on the Delgado campuses. Ultimately, the Learning Centered culture will affect every aspect of academic life. Computer networking will provide better communication between faculty and students, while on-line learning and assessments will be part of the technology of the future. Delgado wants to be sure its students and faculty members are ahead of the curve.

"We are providing solutions today for the needs of tomorrow," says Lovince. "Our technology advances are in keeping with our Learning Centered culture. And the advances are collaborative, consistent and college-wide."

Banner Kickoff: Jimmy Egan, Katherine Sippola and Thomas Lovince at the opening meeting held on the City Park Campus, May 26.

Delgado Recognized at “Innovator of the Year” Award Banquet

Delgado Community College was recognized at CityBusiness’ Third “Innovator of the Year” awards banquet held at the Sheraton Hotel on Friday, June 11.  The Learning Resources Center on the Delgado West Bank Campus was nominated and the Delgado Charity School of Nursing Human Patient Simulator was honored as one of 28 finalists for the “Innovator of the Year” award.

Attending the awards luncheon were Patricia Egers, dean for the Charity School of Nursing; Harold Gaspard, associate dean, Allied Health and acting dean, Northshore; Lenetra Jefferson, coordinator of CNA, LPN, an LPN to RN; LeJeune London, coordinator of Basics in Nursing; Pauline Poitier, instructor of nursing; Suzanne Riche, associate dean, Nursing Evening Division; Susan Schaff, associate professor of nursing; Dr. Lester Adelsberg, dean of Academic Affairs, West Bank; Ernest Fitzgerald, associate dean, Business and Technology, West Bank; David Shroyer, associate dean for Developmental Studies, West Bank; Gregory Dawson, instructor of Reading, West Bank; Miguel Romar-Manuel, instructor of Developmental English, West Bank; Dr. Derek Westwood, instructor of mathematics, West Bank; Carol Gniady, director of Public Relations; and Don O’Callahan, coordinator of Public Relations, West Bank.

The Human Patient simulator is a high-tech, high fidelity mannequin that is configured to respond to nursing and medical interventions just as a human body would.  The HPS helped nursing students develop their skills before they care for actual patients. 

Delgado’s West Bank Campus Learning Resources Center utilizes the latest computers and software in English, reading and mathematics, the core resource consists of caring, trained tutors who connect with students and form durable helping relationships.

The Charity School of Nursing received an award commemorating the honor and the program was featured in CityBusiness’ annual “Innovator of the Year” supplement published on June 11.

The Innovator of the Year finalists reflected some of the state’s finest entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, medical professionals and engineers.

CityBusiness Publisher Michael Singletary presents the Innovator of the Year Finalist Award to Suzanne Riche, associate dean, Nursing Evening Division; and Patricia Egers, dean for the Charity School of Nursing.

At the Innovator of Year Luncheon: (left to right) Harold Gaspard, associate dean, Allied Health and acting dean, Northshore; Patricia Egers, dean for the Charity School of Nursing; Lenetra Jefferson, coordinator of CNA, LPN, an LPN to RN; LeJeune London, coordinator of Basics in Nursing; Susan Schaff, associate professor of nursing; Pauline Poitier, instructor of nursing; and Suzanne Riche, associate dean, Nursing Evening Division.

At the Innovator of the Year Luncheon: (left to right) Gregory Dawson, instructor of Reading; Dr. Lester Adelsberg, dean of Academic Affairs; Miguel Romar-Manuel, instructor of Developmental English, West Bank; Dr. Derek Westwood, instructor of mathematics, West Bank; and David Shroyer, associate dean for Developmental Studies, West Bank.

Summer School for Blackboard Conducted

Thirteen Delgado Community College faculty members who use the Blackboard® Learning System to teach web-based courses attended the 3rd annual Blackboard Summer Institute-Advanced Level program held on the City Park Campus, May 17-22.  They are: Cheryl Brown, Patrick Cote, James Fenton, Ruby Holliday, Jacqueline Jones, Missy Lacour, Freda Leonard, Jan McArthur, Lisa Melson, Michael Mizell-Nelson, William Parrish, Jacqueline Schexnayder and Elizabeth Wilson.  The Institute facilitators, Dorothy Ward, Academic Blackboard coordinator, and Ed McGee, Blackboard System administrator, offered advanced learning experiences in which the participants took on the dual roles of student-user and instructor-course designer.  “Many of the participants are nine-month employees, so their contributions to the Blackboard Summer Institute were all on their own time,” said Ward.

The purpose of the Institute was to advance the level of practice and expertise in teaching online.  Highlights included a demonstration of Tegrity Web-Learner™ platform, Impatica™ multi-media software and three off-campus virtual chat room sessions designed for collaborative learning.

At Blackboard Seminar: Patrick Cote, director of Public Service/coordinator of Criminal Justice, West Bank; and Missy Lacour, assistant professor of nursing.

At Blackboard Seminar: Michael Mizell-Nelson, assistant professor of English; and James Fenton, instructor of English.

At Blackboard Seminar: Lisa Melson, instructor of Early Childhood Education; and Ruby Holliday, professor of business.

At Blackboard Seminar: Patrick Cote, director of Public Service/coordinator of Criminal Justice, West Bank;  and Freda Leonard, lab assistant, Business Studies.

ELET Seminar Features Student Demos

Delgado Community College’s Electrical-Electronics Engineering Technology (ELET) program students recently competed amongst themselves to present the best annual “Advanced Industrial Electronics Technology” seminar.  Students from ELET 285 Industrial Electronics class of 2004 demonstrated Industrial Engineering Technology Projects on Variable Frequency Drives-Phase Control. Ramon Ariza, professor of ELET, announced the winners---Michael McDonough, first place; John Bodenheimer, second place; and Andre Poret, third place.  The judges were representatives from the companies that sponsored the annual event--Entergy, Entest, Hampden Engineering Corp., Tektronix Inc. and Prentice Hall.

Student Kun-Lin demonstrates a variable frequency drive as ELET Professor Ramon Ariza looks on during the annual “Advanced Industrial Electronics Technology” seminar. 

Student Alton Brown demonstrates his ELET project.

International Student Club Surpasses Goal

Delgado International Student Club on the City Park Campus collected food donations for Second Harvesters.  The club surpassed its goal of 200 pounds of food.

Pictured are International Student Club faculty advisor Linda Scott (center) with students Christian Castro and Rina Michelle Aguirre, organizers of both the club and the food drive.

First Massage Therapy Students Graduate

The first Massage Therapy program certificates were given to six students on their completion of the program in May.   Delgado’s West Bank Campus is the only public college in Louisiana to offer a Certificate of Technical Studies in Massage Therapy.  The program is comprised of twelve courses. 

On completion of the program’s twelve courses the student receives a certificate stating that the student has successfully completed Delgado Community College’s Massage Therapy program.  

Graduates of the program are then eligible to take the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) exam.  Graduates must then take the State of Louisiana Licensure exam to become a licensed massage therapist. 

For more information regarding the Massage Therapy program, contact Sallye Raymond, Massage Therapy Director, at (504) 361-6417.

Pictured are (left to right) Massage Therapy Program Director Sallye Raymond with graduates Rhonda Green, Laura Corke, Opal Galliano, Mandy Pizzuto, Lenetra Jefferson and Dr. Lester Adelsberg, Dean of Academic Affairs for the West Bank Campus.  Not pictured is Dana Vosbein.

Delgado Faculty and Staff Attend NISOD Conference

Delgado was well represented with award winners and presenters at this year’s International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence sponsored by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD). The conference theme “We’re back in the saddle again,” provided a western flavor that was orchestrated at every turn including receptions, entertainment, and collateral materials.

Eleven of Delgado’s sixteen faculty members who were nominated for the 2004 Seymour Weiss Excellence in Teaching Award, and nine other faculty or staff members attended the annual NISOD conference held in Austin, Texas, May 23-26.  All sixteen Seymour Weiss award nominees were invited to attend.  Excellence in Teaching nominees received NISOD Excellence Award medallions that were worn throughout the conference.

Delgado’s NISOD Excellence Award winners attending included:  Sandra Prince-Madison, Arts and Humanities; Mary Logan and Vance Roux, Business Studies; Excellence in Teaching winner Marsha Childers, Communication; Christine Mitchell, English; Edna Hull and Claudia Gordon, Charity School of Nursing; Jeanne Gagliano and Carol Juncker, Science and Mathematics; Kenneth Krieger, Technology; and Leroy Kendrick, West Bank.  Marsha Childers won the Excellence in Teaching Award that was announced at the Spring Commencement Exercises, May 13.  The other award winners who were not in attendance are—Allied Health: Sheila Hickman and Ray Gisclair; Arts and Humanities: Robin Cole; Communication: Isaac Brumfield; and West Bank: Tom Russell.

In addition to the Excellence in Teaching Award nominees, several faculty and staff presenters helped raise Delgado’s awareness at this international event by rounding out the conference offerings.  Participants and their topics/presentations included Terri Gonzales, assistant professor, and Warren Puneky, instructor, Leadership Development: “Ask and You Shall receive… Maybe!”; Yadira Diaz, associate professor, Teaching and Learning Roundtable: “Help! I’m Falling, but I’ll Get Up”; Raymonda Dennis, dean of Academic Affairs, Leadership Development: “Classroom Management”; and Sarah M. Brooke, instructor, and Dianne Thames, dean for Academic Affairs, Charity School of Nursing, Teaching and Learning Roundtable: “Implementing PDAs in Clinical Nursing Education.”

LCTCS President Dr. Walter Bumphus, his Executive Assistant and Vice President for External Affairs Dr. Angel Royal, and colleagues James Sawtelle, assistant dean for Louisiana Technical College—Young Memorial Campus, and Kathryn Covington, dean for Arts and Sciences at South Louisiana Community College participated in the Leadership Development series with their presentation “Developing a Pipeline of World-Class Leaders: Leadership Development Institute.”  The session explored how the LCTCS is responding to current and future leadership needs for key administrative and faculty leadership positions throughout the LCTCS.  Several graduates of the Leadership Development Institute were on hand to share their experiences.

Delgado Chancellor Dr. Alex Johnson hosted an evening reception honoring Excellence Awards Winners from both Cuyahoga Community College and Delgado Community College.  Prior to Dr. Johnson’s departure from Cuyahoga he had submitted recommendations for faculty recognition awards that were subsequently realized.  The reception was well attended by members of these honored institutions’ award winners, as well as Dr. Walter Bumphus, president of the LCTCS, Dr. Margaret Montgomery, chancellor of Louisiana Technical College, Delgado's Carmen Walters, executive assistant to the chancellor and Carol Gniady, director of Public Relations, and a variety of representatives from LCTCS colleges also attending NISOD.  In addressing the group, Dr. Johnson said he wished to “honor my old family at Cuyahoga and my new family at Delgado” at this event that brought the two groups together in celebration of their achievements. 

Another highlight for many attendees was the Southwestern-style supper, followed by entertainment by Lou Diamond Phillips, and dancing--many faculty and staff had taken advantage of a dance class earlier in the day and demonstrated their new skill on the dance floor (sorry, no pictures!). 

All award winners attending the conference were recognized at an Excellence Awards closing ceremony that included entertainment, video clips of award-winning faculty, and a message from NISOD Director Dr. Margot Perez-Greene. 

For information on NISOD, including how to submit an application to present at next year’s convention, visit www.nisod.org. 

Larry Rabalais from Skills USA; Gene Ponteieu from Baton Rouge Community College; Kelley Rhoe Collins from LCTCS, manning the LCTCS booth at the NISOD trades show.

Dr. Walter Bumphus, President of LCTCS; Dr. Angel Royal, Executive Assistant to President and Vice President for External Affairs, LCTCS; Kathryn Covington, Dean of Arts and Sciences, South Louisiana Community College; and James Sawtelle, Assistant Dean, LTC-Young Memorial Campus, after their session on “Developing a Pipeline of World-Class Leaders:  Leadership Development Institute.”

At the Leadership Development session, Carmen Walters, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor; Dr. Walter Bumphus, President, LCTCS; and Dr. John Roueche, Director, Community College Leadership Program.

Nunez's Brian Keating and Delgado's Frank Smith check email at the conference trades show.

At the NISOD presentation given by Raymonda Dennis are (left to right) Bill Dufrene, Baton Rouge Community College; Delgado's Arnel Cosey, Leroy Kendrick, Raymonda Dennis; and Katina Whorton, Luther C. Davis from Louisiana Technical College-District 1; and Rosie McGhee and Michael Gunter from Baton Rouge Community College.

At Dr. Johnson’s NISOD reception, Delgado award winners and presenters are: (seated) Chris Mitchell, English/Covington; Jeanne Gagliano, Math/City Park; Mary Ellen Logan, Business/City Park; Carol Juncker, Math/City Park; (standing)  Leroy Kendrick, Business/West Bank; Vance Roux, Culinary Arts/City Park; and Warren Punekey, Business/City Park.

Dr. Johnson, Claudia Gordon, Charity School of Nursing, at Dr. Johnson’s reception honoring Delgado and Cuyahoga NISOD  Excellence Awards Winners.

Excellence in Teaching award winner Marsha Childers and husband Charles, with Raymonda Dennis, Dean of Academic Affairs, at Dr. Johnson’s NISOD reception.

Dr. Johnson welcomes guests at reception honoring NISOD Excellence Awards winners from Cuyahoga Community College and Delgado Community College.

LCTCS President Dr. Walter Bumphus; Dr. Margaret Montgomery Richard, Chancellor of LTC; and Dr. Alex Johnson at NISOD Awards Winners reception.

Vance Roux, Carol Juncker, Carmen Walters, Chris Mitchell and Jeanne Gagliano at NISOD  reception.

NISOD closing ceremony.

Dianne Thames, Dean, Academic Affairs, Charity School of Nursing, congratulates NISOD Excellence Awards winners Edna Hull and Claudia Gordon, both from Charity School of Nursing, at NISOD closing ceremony.

Yadira Diaz gives a hug to Ken Krieger, with Jeanne Gagliano and Carol Juncker at NISOD closing ceremony.

Marsha Childers, Ken Krieger, Jeanne Gagliano, Carol Juncker and Vance Roux at NISOD closing ceremony.

Learning Communities Begins This Fall

A two-day Learning Seminar was held on the City Park Campus in the Student Life Center, June 3 and 4.   The sessions were led by Dr. Jean Henscheid, Fellow, the National Resource Center for the First Year Experience and Students in Transition at the University of South Carolina and the Pew Charitable Trusts National Learning Communities Project.  Henscheid was in town as a consultant to the instructors who will be teaching in one of the three cohorts that are available to first semester students on the City Park Campus in the fall.

Thursday's session was attended by thirty-two Delgado faculty and staff members who wanted to know about Learning Communities.  Friday's session was attended by faculty members who will be teaching in one of the Learning Communities.   According to Arnel Cosey, interim dean for Student Affairs, “The attendees left the seminar feeling invigorated, motivated and prepared.  They all indicated they are anxious to meet with their students.”

The Learning Communities (LCs) offered this fall are "The Educator as Thinker and Creator," "Numbers, Words and All That Jazz," and "Mind, Heart & Soul."  Two LCs are for developmental students and one is for non-developmental students.  All three LCs are for first semester students.

On June 3, Dr. Jean Henscheid gave a presentation to thirty-two Delgado faculty and staff members who wanted to know more about the new Learning Communities initiative.

Consultant Dr. Jean Henscheid makes a point about Learning Communities during her presentation at Delgado.

Carmen Walters, Arnel Cosey and Pat Egers listen intently to Dr. Jean Henscheid as she discusses Leaning Communities theories.

Faculty and Staff Achievements….

Marsha Childers, associate professor of English at Delgado Community College City Park Campus, received the 2004 Seymour Weiss Excellence in Teaching Award at spring commencement exercises held on May 13.  Childers received $5,000, a plaque, pin and certificate.  Childers, who has been with the College for 14 years, was selected based on recommendations by peers and student input.  The award is the highest honor bestowed to a faculty member at the college.

Marsha Childers

Iva G. Bergeron, Director of Institutional Effectiveness at Delgado Community College was chosen to participate in the National Institute for Leadership Development, LEADERS program, an international program for administrators and faculty in higher education.

This year-long program, designed to enhance the skills participants need to assume major decision-making roles in their institutions, includes institutional practices in supervisory and human relations skills, planning and budgeting, and organizational transformation as well as discussions with national experts on the issues confronting higher education during the next decade.

During the program, Iva Bergeron will be mentored by Carmen Walters, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor at Delgado, to work on projects that will aid the institution and foster individual professional growth.

LEADERS participants are chosen for their professional abilities, their interests in advancement in higher education, and the quality of the proposed project.

Ms. Bergeron’s project is entitled “Planning and Assessment Process Utilizing TracDat Software Program.”        

Ms. Bergeron has served Delgado for fifteen years in the positions of Director of Culinary Arts, Grants Development and presently as the Director of Institutional Effectiveness.  Bergeron is spearheading the SACS 2006 reaffirmation process and is initiating the TracDat planning and assessment collaborative software program at Delgado.  She is pursuing a PhD from the University of New Orleans in Educational Administration. She is married to Pat Bergeron and they have two children, Jenna, 19 and Patrick, 15.

The National Institute for Leadership Development is internationally recognized by colleges, universities and business for its visionary, holistic programs that produce leaders who effectively challenge assumptions, eliminate barriers and create new pathways to successful solutions.

Iva G. Bergeron

Edna Hull, Ph.D., RN, C, assistant professor of nursing, received a doctorate degree in education administration from the University of New Orleans, May 21. Hull’s dissertation was “Learning from the Experiences of Faculty: The Process of Adopting a Learning-centered Paradigm.”

Milton Vavasseur, associate professor of mathematics, attended a Chautauqua course at the University of Texas entitled "Abandoning Dead Ends: Presenting the Heart of Mathematics to All Students," May 18-20.

Mary P. Bartholomew, director of Culinary Arts, was the guest speaker for the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) meeting June 6 at Ralph’s on the Park.  She spoke about Delgado’s current programs in Culinary and Hospitality and the future of the proposed catering degree.

Connie Boudoin, director of high school programs and Tech Prep for the West Bank Campus, was appointed chair of the Education Committee for the Harvey Industrial Canal Association.

Connie Boudoin

Dr. Donna Alley, provost of the West Bank Campus and acting vice chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs, was named to the Board of the Algiers Economic Development Foundation.  Dr. Alley is also a member of the Committee for Government and Economic Development for the Harvey Industrial Canal Association.  Additionally, Dr. Alley has been appointed to the Board of the Camp Fire, USA Regional Council.

Dr. Donna Alley

Deborah Kohler, assistant director of Public Relations, received recertification as a Louisiana Master Gardener, an educational program of the LSU AgCenter, June 10.

Delgado Student Named to LCTCS Board

Tonya Chissell, newly installed City Park Campus Student Government President was named a student board member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) at the monthly LCTCS meeting held at Sowela technical Community College in Lake Charles on June 9.

Tonya Chissell

Delgado Student Wins National Recipe Contest

Delgado Culinary Arts student Julie Bloodsworth won the Maple Leaf Farms duck recipe contest. She competed with other regional winners at the National Restaurant Association’s 2004 Restaurant/Hotel-Motel Show held in Chicago, May 22-25.   Bloodsworth received a $5,000 award for her recipe of “Ginger Pan Seared Duck Breast with Molasses Blackberry Sauce.”

Julie Bloodsworth

For the Winning recipe click here...

Delgado Honor Student Elected at LCHC Meeting