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<p>As we approach the end of one of the most challenging semesters on record, I'm reminded of the remarkable resiliency and outright determination that has been displayed from members of the MCC family.</p>
<p>Employees actively engaged students; students, in turn, have risen to the occasion. With the support of the MCC Foundation and community partners, the MCC community is strong. In the short time I have been with you, I witnessed first-hand, the extraordinary dedication of employees and the resolve of students.</p>
<p>As we adjust to new realities, I am inspired by our campus community's generosity and dedication to our students. MCC's positive, well-deserved reputation is because of our employees; their unwavering efforts, and the students who respond and motivate us all. Thank you for all that you do, all that you have persevered though, and for all that you will continue to do in the months to come.</p>
<p>Typically, our family ties become even stronger during this time of year. Usually in May, we gather multiple times to celebrate the best among our students and employees. We take time to reflect upon the dedication of our retirees and the many ways they contributed to MCC's culture of excellence and leadership in higher education. Our calendars are laden with celebrations and award ceremonies that bring the finality of the academic year even closer.</p>
<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the month of May at MCC. The pandemic caused the College to think differently about how and when we celebrate our students. Virtually every end-of-year celebration is being weighed against our ability to keep our community safe, even if that means the cancellation or postponement of an event.</p>
<p>I cannot think of a more important time, or a more important group of students to celebrate, than MCC's graduating Class of 2020. To that end, I extend my sincerest congratulatory wishes to all of our students. Whether they are transferring on to another institution or entering into the job market, we salute our students and their efforts, and wish them all the best in their next endeavors. All students who fulfill program requirements and apply for graduation will become MCC graduates this month and receive official degrees and certificates in the mail during the summer. Our students' hard work and achievements at MCC will not go unrecognized.</p>
<p>As we look to the future, we all are asking, "What is next for MCC? What will the fall semester look like? When and how will we reopen?" MCC continually strives to create a space that is edifying, nurturing and empowering for students. Even now, faculty and staff are creating that anew in this digital reality.</p>
<p>Planning for the reopening has been tasked to five Work Groups each led by a member of the Executive Policy Group (EPG) as outlined in MCC's Emergency Operations Plan. All Work Groups will coordinate membership, plans, timelines, etc. through the EPG. The Work Groups are as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li>Learning Experience: Co-Chairs Provost/VP Andrea Wade &amp; VP Todd Oldham</li>
<li>Student Experience: Chair, VP Lloyd Holmes</li>
<li>Employee Experience: Chair, Executive Dean Joel Frater</li>
<li>Facilities and Operations: Chair, Chief Tony Perez</li>
<li>Fiscal Stewardship: Chair, CFO/VP Heze Simmons</li>
</ul>
<p>As we move forward, this moment will continue to demand the best from us. It will require us to do more for students and the community, and with less resources. For these reasons and more, we will embrace our middle name, "community," and strive to provide the best learning environment for students and employees. We will continue to lead excellence and innovation in higher education, and inspire diverse students to transform their lives and communities. Monroe Community College will be ready to assist our community in recovering from this pandemic. We will do it together, as one College community, and with the health and safety of the entire MCC family at the forefront.</p>
<p>Again, congratulations to the Class of 2020 and to our retirees. Once you are a member of the MCC family, you are forever a member of the MCC community. Please stay in touch. We'd love to hear what's happening in your next chapter.</p>
<p>Thank you for the privilege of allowing MCC to be part of your story.</p>

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MCC Daily Tribune

Congratulations to the Class of 2020 and to Our Retirees

Dear MCC Family,

As we approach the end of one of the most challenging semesters on record, I'm reminded of the remarkable resiliency and outright determination that has been displayed from members of the MCC family.

Employees actively engaged students; students, in turn, have risen to the occasion. With the support of the MCC Foundation and community partners, the MCC community is strong. In the short time I have been with you, I witnessed first-hand, the extraordinary dedication of employees and the resolve of students.

As we adjust to new realities, I am inspired by our campus community's generosity and dedication to our students. MCC's positive, well-deserved reputation is because of our employees; their unwavering efforts, and the students who respond and motivate us all. Thank you for all that you do, all that you have persevered though, and for all that you will continue to do in the months to come.

Typically, our family ties become even stronger during this time of year. Usually in May, we gather multiple times to celebrate the best among our students and employees. We take time to reflect upon the dedication of our retirees and the many ways they contributed to MCC's culture of excellence and leadership in higher education. Our calendars are laden with celebrations and award ceremonies that bring the finality of the academic year even closer.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the month of May at MCC. The pandemic caused the College to think differently about how and when we celebrate our students. Virtually every end-of-year celebration is being weighed against our ability to keep our community safe, even if that means the cancellation or postponement of an event.

I cannot think of a more important time, or a more important group of students to celebrate, than MCC's graduating Class of 2020. To that end, I extend my sincerest congratulatory wishes to all of our students. Whether they are transferring on to another institution or entering into the job market, we salute our students and their efforts, and wish them all the best in their next endeavors. All students who fulfill program requirements and apply for graduation will become MCC graduates this month and receive official degrees and certificates in the mail during the summer. Our students' hard work and achievements at MCC will not go unrecognized.

As we look to the future, we all are asking, "What is next for MCC? What will the fall semester look like? When and how will we reopen?" MCC continually strives to create a space that is edifying, nurturing and empowering for students. Even now, faculty and staff are creating that anew in this digital reality.

Planning for the reopening has been tasked to five Work Groups each led by a member of the Executive Policy Group (EPG) as outlined in MCC's Emergency Operations Plan. All Work Groups will coordinate membership, plans, timelines, etc. through the EPG. The Work Groups are as follows:

  • Learning Experience: Co-Chairs Provost/VP Andrea Wade & VP Todd Oldham
  • Student Experience: Chair, VP Lloyd Holmes
  • Employee Experience: Chair, Executive Dean Joel Frater
  • Facilities and Operations: Chair, Chief Tony Perez
  • Fiscal Stewardship: Chair, CFO/VP Heze Simmons

As we move forward, this moment will continue to demand the best from us. It will require us to do more for students and the community, and with less resources. For these reasons and more, we will embrace our middle name, "community," and strive to provide the best learning environment for students and employees. We will continue to lead excellence and innovation in higher education, and inspire diverse students to transform their lives and communities. Monroe Community College will be ready to assist our community in recovering from this pandemic. We will do it together, as one College community, and with the health and safety of the entire MCC family at the forefront.

Again, congratulations to the Class of 2020 and to our retirees. Once you are a member of the MCC family, you are forever a member of the MCC community. Please stay in touch. We'd love to hear what's happening in your next chapter.

Thank you for the privilege of allowing MCC to be part of your story.

Katherine Douglas
Office of the President
05/14/2020