President's Circle Newsletter Fall 2006

Announcing the Year of Science and Religion

As an institution of higher education, the college seeks to facilitate critical thinking skills of students, faculty, and staff both within and outside of classrooms. Toward this goal, an experiment for 2006-2007 is to dedicate a year of inquiry into the seemingly divergent approaches taken by science and religion to understand the world.

This topic spans academic disciplines and addresses a complex issue in contemporary society. The mission for the Year of Science and Religion is to provide opportunities for all members of the college community to acquire strategies and tools for talking about and understanding the relationship between science and religion; and compare and contrast multiple perspectives on this topic within and across academic disciplines.

Please join us in this dialogue all year as time allows. We think you would really enjoy this lecture: "Creation and Evolution: From Conflict to Conversation" by William R. Stoeger, a scientist at the Vatican Observatory Research Group on Tuesday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. RSVP to jmbrown@vcccd.edu or call (805) 378-1431.

New Book About Teaching Zoo

For the second time in just five years, America's Teaching Zoo has received national media attention. In 2001, Moorpark 24/7, a 15-episode documentary for Animal Planet, aired on the Discovery Channel.

Last month Viking published Kicked, Bitten and Scratched, another in-depth look at the students in the zoo program by writer Amy Sutherland. The book is described "as a magical and fascinating tour of the program."

On July 28, NBC's The Today Show will feature a segment filmed at the zoo on July 6.

More information is available at www.moorparkcollege.edu/zoo

Students Receive $125,000

Moorpark College President's Circle members, the Foundation, community groups and college staff members funded $125,000 in scholarships for 128 students at the scholarship reception on May 17.

The President's Circle members who made scholarships available for our students this year include Hayim and Julie Abulafia, Jodi Bagwell for the National Association of Women in Construction, Gavin Bradley for Telesis Community Credit Union, Dennis Cabral, Roberta Isaeff for Sage Publications, Cole Minnick and Tim Weaver for California Oaks State Bank, and James and Nancy Walker.

President's Circle members Joann and Stan Benson recently established an endowed scholarship for transfer students that will be awarded for the first time in May 2007.

The Moorpark College Scholarship office is open year-round in the Administration Building to assist students and potential donors. For more information call (805) 378-1418, email mramos@vcccd.edu or visit the website at www.moorparkcollege.edu/scholar.

2006 Commencement

Nearly 400 students attended the Moorpark College Commencement on May 18. The Commencement speaker was Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten. The 2005/06 graduating class consists of 1130 students: 588 females and 542 males.

Seventy students earned more than one degree with 18 of those students earning three or more degrees. One hundred and seven students earned 235 certificates in occupational programs such as animal training, business information systems, graphic communication, interior design and nursing.

10th Annual Foundation Community Ball

The 10th Annual Foundation Community Ball is set for Halloween weekend, Friday, October 27th in the Air Force One Pavilion at the Reagan Library.

This year Congressman Elton Gallegly will accept the Community Leadership Award from the Foundation. This year's theme is "Great American Masquerade." Guests are being encouraged to come as their favorite great American or in black tie.

"It is a personal delight to extend this honor to Congressman Gallegly as an acknowledgement of his support for the community and the college," said President Eva Conrad.

The Community Leadership Award includes a one-year membership to the President's Circle, an honor roll of community leaders who convene once a year for a President's Briefing Breakfast. This year's breakfast is 8 a.m., September 22, in the President's Conference Room.

Complete ball details and a list of sponsorship opportunities is posted at www.moorparkcollege.edu/found. Invitations will be mailed in late August.

Report to the Community

The Ventura County Community College District recently published a report with quick facts and statistics about each of its colleges, Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura. The report can be seen online at www.vcccd.edu. Printed copies are available by contacting jmbrown@vcccd.edu or call (805) 378-1431.

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