InterComInterComJanuary 2014 Newsletter Published by College Communications: Contact Lee Rasizer at (303) 360-4728 or [email protected]

The Bloomer daughters from Newark, N.Y. (left to right), flanked by mom Violet in the middle: Ellen, Margaret, Nancy, Jennifer, and Betsy. The five siblings have an older brother, Sherman.

LEADER OF THE PACK

It was just another race in small-town Dr. Betsy Oudenhoven The more accurate ‘chip timing’ that is Wisconsin, one of many for which Betsy spent more than three now common had yet to be in vogue. Oudenhoven would lace up her running The end result back then was lost time in shoes, affix her competitor’s number to her decades in higher catch-up mode before hitting the starting tank top, and take off into this joyful ath- stripe. The further back, the worse the start. letic mix of serenity and insanity through education before Only this time there was no time to 26.2 grueling miles. becoming CCA’s fifth waste lagging behind. Oudenhoven needed At this particular competition, the Fox to finish this particular marathon in three Cities Marathon held in and around her president. The road to hours, 45 minutes in order to qualify for husband’s hometown area of Appleton, the her new post began Boston, one of just two marathons in the personal stakes were higher than most. United States (along with Olympic Trials) At numerous other long-distance races with large-family roots that require a set qualifying time. And, for she’d previously run, Oudenhoven found this 1995 race, the prize was a ticket to the herself in crowds well behind the start in upstate New York. 100th Boston Marathon, making the stakes line. That meant the timing process may before moving through even higher. have officially begun for the masses when Oudenhoven ensured on this particu- the gun sounded, but, for individuals, that several states – often lar morning that the front of her big toe process only began when the first step ac- in 13.1- and 26.2-mile hugged the start line; that her head was tually hit the course. increments. See Oudenhoven / Page 2 InterCom January 2014 Newsletter Page 2

Above, running in a sprint triathlon in Pleasant Prairie, Ill., around July 2010. Below, celebrating with two other women who placed in their age bracket after the Joliet (Ill.) Junior College Foundation 5K Run/Walk. Late JJC president Dr. Gena Proulx is far right in that photo.

look familiar – too familiar. his hometown course, had his own would eventually go on to participate Oudenhoven Wasn’t that Oudenhoven’s relatives cheering contingent of college bud- in that historical Boston jaunt. From Page 1 residing in lawn chairs a few miles dies, too, and by that time in their But the answer to the question down the course? lives together knew Betsy and added runs much deeper. even with the sign above draped Wasn’t that those same folks, again, its support. Well-wishes seemed to “Who is Betsy?” She was the one across the street. waving and shouting encouragement, rain down with each Oudenhoven until age 50 playing pickup basketball The marathon was relatively small, chairs moved to another prime view- mile or two. just for fun. She was the one just crazy so getting as close as possible was do- ing position? “Half of Wisconsin was there,” enough in graduate school in Boul- able. Yep, it was, and the process kept Oudenhoven recalled with a laugh. der, Colo., to play one season of rugby Oudenhoven already had surmised repeating itself, with her family and “Finally somebody that was running on a city-organized team, learning in entering that race that she could at- friends seemingly able to navigate the near me was like, ‘Who is Betsy?’ the process that “drinking beer after- tain the official clock time necessary behind-the-scenes areas as deftly as For starters, she’s the one that fin- wards doesn’t resolve every ache and for Boston, if the head start for other the runners did the course. ished that race seven seconds under pain.” runners was removed. Husband Arnie, given that it was the necessary qualifying time and She was a woman who managed She’d certainly put in the physical to currently juggle full-time work, the work to match her mental calcula- care of two children back home, and tions. As cross-country coach in Os- without a sabbatical or time off, com- wego, N.Y., a job that supplemented plete her doctorate over a seven-year her higher educational duties at the span. state university there, the miles she She’s also was the woman who not logged with those women racers dur- only inspired her own sister to run ing their training routines was aug- a marathon but was a guiding force mented by roll-out-of-bed practice behind one of her administrative as- runs Oudenhoven had done almost sistant’s obtaining a master’s degree by habit. (and also making her own 26.2-mile All those crazy miles had put competitive trek). Oudenhoven’s body in the best pos- Who is Betsy? Another easy an- sible position to succeed. But this was swer is that she’s the new permanent as much about body positioning than president at Community College of anything. Aurora, as of mid-December. Bang. The gun sounded. And off And at the heart of it all, she’s this: she went. Oudenhoven was cruis- a small-town girl with big-family ing, checking the splits in her jour- roots from Newark, N.Y. ney against the times she had written in marker on her arm to ensure the See Oudenhoven / Page 3 proper pace. But then things began to InterCom January 2014 Newsletter Page 3 and ‘Red Rover,’ filled many hours nado shelters where you could climb then had occurred to Hackettstown, Oudenhoven outdoors. underground. It was just a great old N.J., when Mobil Chemical trans- “But we also grew up in a very place to explore.” ferred her father. Everyone went From Page 2 large, very old home,” said Betsy’s sis- Excursions outside of Newark al- along for this detour in normalcy for more than a year. Sports as an outlet By then, Betsy was in high school, Oudenhoven grew up just outside and her participation in sports gradu- Rochester as one of six children born ated from small-town ‘play days for to Cornell graduates. girls,’ the sixth-grade community Dad Sherman worked for Mo- softball league and ‘killer basketball bil Chemical in its plastics division. games’ on the family hoop in Newark Mom Violet stayed at home to tend to more serious business. to the kids. The family’s first five chil- In New Jersey, she learned to play dren – brother Sherm followed by field hockey, something she contin- four girls, with Betsy coming first – all ued in college – where her Division were born in a relative cluster. Young- III St. Lawrence University team est sister Jenny is the outlier, 14 years eventually beat her parents’ alma ma- younger than Betsy. ter in the state tournament during her One of the prime tenets of the senior year. household was hard work. Every- Oudenhoven played basketball one was expected to carry his or her competitively, eventually breaking own weight. Betsy took on a great away from the ‘six-man’ team games deal of responsibility as babysitter, popular at the time and merging into dishwasher, and, many times, family the five-on-five, man-to-man style peacekeeper. better known today. “I loved growing up in a large The Bloomer children pose for a family photo, before youngest Even though sports weren’t par- Jenny is born. Sister Margaret is sitting on Betsy’s lap. family. I loved it. We had a blast,” ticularly valued by her parents, her ef- Oudenhoven said. “And it’s funny be- The Betsy Oudenhoven file forts on the court and field managed cause we’re all over the country now to open the door for her siblings to Born: Elizabeth “Betsy” Bloomer and we’re not big phone talkers or experience these kinds of extracur- Hometown: Newark, N.Y. anything. But we get along well, and ricular activities themselves. Family: Married to husband Duane, who goes by nickname “Arnie,” for growing up, all of us kind of helped “She was a tomboy. There was more than 30 years. out. My mother had these elaborate no doubt about it,” Margaret said of Two children: son James, 28, and daughter Mollie, 26. James lives in chore charts she would put on the re- Betsy. “She’s definitely not ‘girly-girl.’ frigerator. And then she’d always have Iowa City, Iowa, owns a master’s degree in American Studies and works To this day, she’s not ‘girly-girl.’ Her a scheme during the summer where for local public library. Mollie is in her third year of medical school at the daughter took over that role. But it’s she’d say, ‘You wanna make some University of North Carolina. an interesting combination, because money?’ - trying to provide incen- Two pets: a Golden Retriever “Zoey” and a cat named “Kitty Cat.” while she’s a tomboy, she always had tive. Like, ‘If you clean the garage out, Siblings: Second of six children: older brother Sherman is former dean that motherly instinct and looked out you can make 50 cents.’ And it kind at the School of Sciences at Oregon State University and now is director for us.” of worked out, because it was hard to of the college budget; four younger sisters – Ellen Mitchell is a lawyer The peacemaking quality came in find places to make money.” in San Antonio; Nancy Bloomer is a librarian in Maryland; Margaret handy during family fights over who Newark, N.Y. in the late 1960s and Bloomer is an elementary and middle school counselor in Colorado would have to sort the socks, or when early ‘70s was heavily Catholic and Springs; Jenny Bloomer is now in retail sales and a former Peace Corps sister Ellen, hardly the morning per- replete with large families. Betsy’s volunteer and firefighter. son as a child, would yell at her sib- next-door neighbors had seven boys Parents: Mother Violet, now 82, lives in Wilmington, N.C.; father Sher- lings for chewing too loudly. and a girl, which was indicative of the man died in 2004. There were unspoken rules, too, overall environment. Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Cum Laude, St. Lawrence relating to sports. When Marga- In many ways, the area embodied University, Canton, N.Y.; Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance, Uni- ret opted to become a cheerleader small-town America. The city today versity of Colorado, Boulder; Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education, in junior high, it was immediately boasts about 10,000 residents but was Loyola University, Chicago. shunned through overwhelming peer less than half that size back then, and Previous colleges, universities of employment: University of Wiscon- pressure inside the house in favor of was best known for housing the hor- sin-LaCrosse; Mankato (Minn.) State University; State University of New sports by the time she moved up a few ticultural powerhouse The Jackson & York-Oswego; Oakton Community College, Des Plaines, Ill.; Roosevelt grades. Competitive athletics in the Perkins Company. University, Chicago, Ill., College of Lake County, Grayslake, Ill.; Joliet (Ill.) end won out for all the Bloomer chil- That business’ presence at one time Junior College. dren, despite their parents’ attempts to broaden their horizons with side- earned the city the title “Rose Capital She said it: Betsy Oudenhoven, on embracing the challenge of being lines like piano and ballet lessons. of America,” and the Bloomers – her named CCA’s full-time president: “Everybody was so wonderful, I heard Older brother Sherm played soccer family name – grew up on the street so many nice comments, and I feel like the college has great faith that and swam but was not gifted in either bordering its gardens, making for a this is going to be a good thing. But along with that I do feel a little endeavor. colorful play site. more like, ‘Wow, I do have a big job ahead of me.’ And I just want to be Yet, as the only Bloomer sibling Formal sports like softball and sure I can do the best possible job for the college and the people here.” basketball took place at the local com- older than Betsy, his sheer determina- munity center. But it was clear that tion when he competed rubbed off on she and her siblings and surrounding ter, Margaret Bloomer, the fifth of six ways were done in the family station her. “Betsy respected that,” Margaret families didn’t need organized sports children. “It had an old barn out back wagon. Betsy never had traveled west maintained. in order to remain active. Neighbor- with an attic and kind of a wine cel- of Buffalo until she graduated college. hood games like ‘Kick the Can,’ ‘Spud,’ lar. And we had one of those old tor- The most memorable trip until See Oudenhoven / Page 8 InterCom January 2014 Newsletter Page 4 t four years old, Franki Morales Faculty had no idea she’d Profile SOCIAL BUTTERFLY goA into jewelry. But she’d already gone into of the Morales’ classroom demeanor, passion reflect jewelry. Month her previous career in counseling field Morales went into her mother’s jewelry box – “the good stuff,” she said – took all of it apart and then tried to put it back to no avail. “When I was in my 20s, my mother sent it back said, ‘OK, now fix it …’” By then, Morales had the tools, both literally and figu- ratively to accomplish that job, and much more. Her mother’s collection may have been off limits for a spell but jewelry was already engrained in her soul. Even as a professional in the social-work arena for 25 years, she always made jew- elry as a sideline. She sold her first piece in her teens. She made pieces and sold them to co-workers. Now, she not only teach- es CCA students the finer points of making their own earrings, rings, and the like, in classes like Cold Connec- tions (connecting without heat), Metalsmithing, Jew- elry Design I and II, but visi- tors to museums in Denver, Greece and England can see her handiwork. Franki Morales mentors a jewelry student, as seen through the reflection on the classroom mirror. “I’m meant to do a lot of things in regards to jewelry,” jewelry transformed her to literally stop and put water outlet. you know Franki, I was on a said Morales, who has been hands and allowed for move- on my face to come down The social worker men- huge regimen of medication. at the college for 3½ years. ments she had heretofore because I’m totally in my tality also is evident in her I was taking care of my ag- “But I never knew the gifts I been unable to apply for a realm,” she said. classroom, where she calls ing husband. I was in chronic was given for teaching until lengthy period. Morales can remember everyone by first name, starts pain every day and now I’m I got here and students spent That makes the journey during her upbringing in most conversations with en- virtually off the meds?’ She long-term semesters with me. worthwhile. Yet it goes be- upstate New York going out, couraging words, and then said coming here is so thera- I knew I could teach well. I yond that to the relation- finding stones, polishing tries to make things better. peutic. And whether it’s a dis- knew people got it. I knew ships. Sitting in her class is them, setting them, and mak- It’s not a dissimilar approach traction and she could focus people were excited and that like a bee going from flower ing a piece. Morales would to a therapist’s visit. on something other than the I liked it. But I didn’t know to flower, dropping compli- gravitate to a store with huge “I don’t do that con- pain, she said to me that I ments instead of honey – beer barrels filled with beads. sciously, but that’s just how I I could write these curricu- need to teach this in a health though she may call someone “I can remember as a child am,” she said. “And I do see lums.” department to nurses be- by that drippy-sweet moni- sticking my hands inside and b e aut y.” Even as much as piecing a cause this is art therapy. And ker. just falling in love.” Morales was teaching class together, Morales enjoys it is like therapy.” Morales away from the Morales’ love for every- private apprenticeships, for piecing together disparate And not just for the stu- objects into artwork. college created retreats that thing jewelry is perhaps Colorado Free University promote healing through matched only by her sheer and women’s groups when dents. She is truthful to peo- Beyond that, it’s her seem- ple and doesn’t lie about the ingly easy bond with students jewelry. Her fundraisers for joy around children. One of it was suggested she should Colorado CASA, National her first jobs was working at lead classes at CCA. There quality of their projects. But that has allowed her to find she’s also quick with a heart- her bliss. Jewish, Catholic Charities a community college with were no jewelry classes when felt smile for her students and One student in her 70s is is a clear intersection of her abused kids. She went into she started with a one-credit is invested in their jewelry now selling her work online social-work idealism and her social work as an offshoot class. Morales now leads six projects turning out the best and going to shows. Another craft. and stayed in that profession classes. they possibly can. was experiencing physical “I just know that there are for 25 years. She was a super- “My first class here I had a “I’m doing who I am.,” maladies and working with times I’m making jewelry visor, not out in the field, and woman in her 60s and at the where if I have to leave, I have used her abilities as a creative end of the class, she said, ‘Did Morales exclaimed. InterCom January 2014 Newsletter Page 5

The Ninth Annual Student Success Awards were held Friday, Dec. 6, at the Rotunda to recognize students who have overcome obstacles in order to further their educations. Clockwise from top, blind student Reem Hamodi, a native of Iraq who came through Libya and Jordan on her way to the U.S.; award- winners Idaly and Rogelio De Reza, with daughter Alexandra; the Lee family, husband Kencheze Ray, student Desiree, and sons JaVevon- Julice and Kencheze Ray, Jr.; family honorees Ed and son Chris Rummel pass around the credit.

Student Success Awards InterCom January 2014 Newsletter Page 6 ART WITH HEART

Class aims to make

a difference to folks Clockwise from left, pages from having a down day Kim Huynh’s book she left in the counseling The CCA counseling office ing, in many cases. office; Nicholas had a new visitor recently. One student stood on a Kim’s blank Sitting on a desk, adding street corner in Aurora with canvas an ornate look to what was selected messages written illustration, otherwise cedar-wood regu- on placards. “There’s a lot of waiting for copy; Gene Dillion on larity, was a handmade book, awesome in you!” one bel- a street corner, sewn together by hand. lowed, as motorists honked with a sign Inside, hand-scribbled horns and smiled their ap- brightening drawings were accompanied proval. some days. by uplifting phrases that chal- Another member of the lenged depression and low class went to the local li- self-esteem head on: brary armed with 12 different portance of the subject mat- ideas. This project afforded cheering people up, brighten- “Most of the things you bookmarks embossed with ter. the possibility of changing a ing their day, and otherwise worry about never happen.” three different sayings. She “You see on YouTube or on perspective, thought, or day positively influencing their “The only difference be- clandestinely placed these the Internet people doing acts of another individual in a lives,” Dillion added. “This tween a good day and a bad pieces of 2D art in the books of good while not prompted purposeful fashion. was a really great vehicle for day is your attitude.” of library patrons who had by money or jobs. So that “It was a great way of that and one of the projects “I will not compare myself abandoned their reading ma- kind of started it in my head,” reaching people and hav- I’ve enjoyed most so far.” to strangers on the Internet.” terials. Girard said in explaining the ing an instant idea of how One of the more intrigu- The author of this book, One student opened a genesis behind the ‘make-a- it affected them,” said Gene ing ideas came from first- it turns out, is CCA student Twitter account entitled, difference’ idea. “And I did Dillion, whose street-corner year student Nicholas Kim. Kim Huynh. The book was #JustDropIt, with a back- write this project for this sign campaign also included He drew a four-panel pencil her assignment for Alex Gi- drop of suicide prevention particular group of students the message, “Peace, Love, drawing in comic form and rard’s 2D design class, which in mind. By the time he was because they had done such and Nachos” that had one left ‘bubbles’ for the dialogue concluded the fall semes- finished, several Psychiatric a nice job throughout the se- commuter believing she was empty. He then distributed ter with an assignment that agencies had become follow- mester.” advertising for a local restau- them at class and work. challenged students to make ers and re-tweeted the work, Scott Wakefield, chair rant. Kim was stunned to find a difference in the lives of which was an assemblage of of the Art and Design De- “I think the project was nearly all of them had been someone else through their his own positive messages partment, Girard and oth- very effective and interest- filled out – and that he had art. and those written by others. ers often have discussed the ing and eye-opening to see been found out as the proj- The approaches taken were The project will continue importance of building con- all these creative outlets and ect’s distributor. varied. long after the class is finished, fidence by having their stu- ideas come together, all go- “I told like one person, and The results were surpris- given the reaction and im- dents generate and execute ing towards the same goal of See Art / Page 7 InterCom January 2014 Newsletter Page 7 Art From Page 10 Future, present merge at Forum everyone found out pretty dang quick.” Oudenhoven talks Innovation Grant Projects But Kim also watched The CCCS unexpectedly bestowed from afar as people cackled about dreaming big just over $200,000 in one-time money to themselves while filling for this fiscal year, and an additional Accomplishments, on-going proj- $100,000 that CCA will see for about out the comic page, which ac- the next three years, provided the complished the target goal for ects, and big-picture thinking all were part of the discussion at the December economy continues to grow. Here’s the assignment. how the initial allotment is planned There was a wide-ranging All-College Forum. for use: response in the tone of the “We’ve got to dream big and think College-wide about what the possibilities can be,” $40,000 for: projects and professional pages he then collected. development A sample dialogue: Dr. Betsy Oudenhoven said in her first appearance at the monthly meeting as Academic affairs Panel One: “I am the most $71,000 for: expansion of On Course evil thing online! I live to CCA’s full-time president. strategies in high-risk courses make others angry and jelly One of the visions that will likely through additional faculty develop- become reality early in the new year ment ($6,000); support of assessment …” initiatives through professional de- Panel Two: “You know is movement of the Facilities Depart- ment into its own separate building at velopment for the faculty assessment me all too well, for I am committee, as well as other faculty the one who caused you CentreTech. ($11.000); development of curriculum to post a whining Face- Dr. Oudenhoven wanted staff, fac- for community health worker/ESL ulty and administration to brainstorm bridge program ($4,000); additional book status . I am …’ tutoring and open computer labs Panel Three: … “a troll!” ideas on how the extra space could be used in order to better serve and sup- ($30,000); the hiring of a programmer Panel Four: “You hurt my to develop an Arts and Sciences track- feelings! Just wait until all my port students. ing database ($20,000). Facebook friends hear about Even broader opportunities are po- VP of Administration Richard Mae- Student affairs $39,000 for: development of a bilin- this! We are going to so blog tentially coming down the pike, too, stas gives an update on infrastruc- ture improvements and budgetary gual family college planning guide about this!!” depending on how the Joint Budget Committee adopts the Nov. 1 state matters Dec. 12 at the Rotunda. and to translation of key enrollment “It was pretty funny,” Kim documents ($12,250); hiring of a budget recommendations of Gov. John said of some the finished islature about allowing Bachelor of temporary staff person to evaluate Hickenlooper. A proposed $388 mil- products he collected after Applied Science degrees, an issue driv- students close to graduation ($4,000); lion increase in the general fund for installation of three transfer planning watching them being created. ing by state Sen. Nancy Todd. Ouden- education included $101 million for stations in the Student Success Center On Dec. 11, students hoven talked about potentially finding higher ed, with 60 percent earmarked ($6,100); hiring of a programmer to gave oral presentations to creative ways at CCA to merge current create a D2L site for a virtual partner- for operations; 30 to need-based finan- Girard in class about their programs with that potential opportu- ship with CSU and one other transfer methodology behind their cial aid, five to work study and five to institution ($6,650); purchase of soft- merit scholarships. nity. ware to support the online portion of projects, some of which also Numerous other topics were dis- orientation and to provide support to included desk calendars for “This is a 42 percent increase in fi- nancial aid and it directly affects our cussed at the All-College meeting: delivery of an on-campus component co-workers, a new way to -- Janet Brandau, interim VP of of the orientation program ($10,000). students. It helps with retention. It Human resources access course evaluations in instruction, provided an update on MyCCA online, and the use helps with graduation,” Vice President $50,000 for: hiring a coordinator of ongoing projects, including Perkins Diversity, Inclusion, and Training of ‘positive’ street graffiti via of Administration Richard Maestas Grants and the potential introduction ($50,000) sticker messages. said. (That could change, given that of yearlong guaranteed annual sched- Girard asked the students revenue estimates from September ules with input from advising, enroll- about their biggest challenges hold until the end of the year at the ment services, chairs, deans and oth- and highlights of taking the state level, and they drive the decision- to committee and then opened up to assignments from concept to making process.) ers. comment from college stakeholders. execution. Nearly everyone Already on the fast track is a energy -- Liberal Arts Dean Ted Snow -- Elena Sandoval-Lucero, interim seemed jazzed about what efficiency project that is expected to touched upon Developmental Educa- they’d done and seen. save CCA about $3.1 million over the tion redesign and discussed the ongo- VP of student affairs, said that en- “I was really impressed,” next 15 years, which will be funded by ing phased implementation occurring rollment FTE and headcount both Girard said. “I talked about college savings. across the system and the significant had dipped slightly but added that examples and showed them The college hired Siemens Corp. to progress made in-house with CCR94 ongoing initiatives – including post- things that lived in the world conduct an energy performance audit and English 121. A next step will be cards, e-mails and face-to-face con- but did give them completely and the sector giant said that lighting, further discussion of CCR93, which tact -- to get students already well free reign and was really im- HVC control, water and weatheriza- combines English and Reading re- into the CCA pipeline to register pressed with some of the real- tion efforts could in part produce part quirements, and degrees of designa- eventually could boost those figures. ly unique and personal ideas. of the savings. Contractors will begin tion. -- Angie Tiedeman, coordinator of the “I especially like that some work Jan. 1 at CentreTech, mainly -- Barbara Lindsay, head of the Stra- Office of Student Conduct, Interven- of them already are talking working at night and on weekends to tegic Planning Committee, discussed tion, and Retention, discussed the ‘re- about wanting to do it again be less intrusive in making the college the creation of priorities and recom- fer a concern/incident button’ recently or keeping the Twitter ac- more energy efficient. mendations for Cabinet in the form of added to the front of the CCA website count going. I’m really excit- Outside of fiscal matters, there is a mission statement, vision statement and went over details on filling out the ed that it’s living beyond the the ongoing conversation in the leg- and strategic goals that will be returned accompanying report. classroom.” InterCom January 2014 Newsletter Page 8 Oudenhoven From Page 3

Sherm’s drive was exceeded only by his smarts, which was a quality em- braced by his well-educated parents. Betsy was just as driven academically but always needed to balance it with athletics. Field hockey was enjoyable, but her true love was hoops. Oudenhoven joked that because of her height, she would stand close to the basket, arms up, tasked with try- ing to block shots, during her early on-court experiences. She later would become a small forward – “a very small forward,” Betsy joked-- for four years at her undergraduate choice, St. Lawrence University, which played schools like Colgate and State Uni- versity of New York offshoots such as Potsdam, Oswego and Plattsburgh. The dynamics of relationships formed and camaraderie built through athletics became a driving force behind Oudenhoven’s passion for play as much as her brother’s fierce determination to compete once had. “I was always one of those athletes that had great enthusiasm and not so much talent,” Oudenhoven main- tained. “I think eventually I turned into a runner because the thing I fig- ured out real quick is that if I could outrun everybody and keep going when everybody else was getting tired, that would give me a leg up.” Plotting her life’s course was like navigating a road course – plenty of bumps. At the same time, Oudenhoven would manage to carve out a relative- ly predictable path as she moved into a career in higher education. But, first things first. Rocky Mountain High The empathy and compassion Oudenhoven demonstrated in her own home as ‘Mom No. 2’ undoubt- Clockwise from top: All the edly would find its way into her future Bloomer kids, including Betsy work as a counselor. At the same time, (top row, fifth from left), growing there was a rebellious side that need- up in Newark, N.Y.; dressed ed nurturing, too. And it was that ex- for success during Leadership Aurora; asking for a show of ploration that preceded her first real hands at Joliet (Ill.) Junior day jobs in higher ed. College. Even after graduating from St. Lawrence, Oudenhoven still lacked ward Bound outside Eugene, Ore., for her brother in San Diego and ended was palpable, even back then. But the a worldliness about her that many of graduation began to blur those lines. up staying a few months. When big reality at the time was that she first her friends possessed. They had seen The four-week course brought more brother eventually gave her the boot, needed to start a career. the globe, and much of the U.S., at physical components to her life– she headed to Boulder to see a friend Oudenhoven wound up at a the very least. Betsy knew rural New mountaineering, hiking, backpacking who was coaching field hockey for the ritzy, private girls school in Stephen- York like the back of her hand, yet ev- and climbing – but, in a macro sense, University of Colorado. son, Maryland, called St. Timothy’s erywhere else just in the back of her was a pathway to freedom. She would eventually board a bus School. Former U.S. Vice President mind. Betsy upon the conclusion of that back to New York. But her experi- Walter Mondale’s daughter, Eleanor, A one-way plane ticket given to outdoor litmus test jumped a ride ences in Colorado couldn’t be shaken her by her parents to attend Out- down the coast of California to visit easily. There was a pull to the area that See Oudenhoven / Page 9 InterCom January 2014 Newsletter Page 9 Oudenhoven From Page 8 was an attendee. Oudenhoven served as housemother for freshmen and sophomores who were boarding stu- dents. But since the job ostensibly was a night position, her days were open. So what else was there to do but get a job on the lawn crew for the City of Baltimore? “Me and two other woman were put in a truck together and it was a blast,” Betsy recalled with a laugh. “One of the other women was an ex- model – she was beautiful but she had gotten into drugs and had cut all her hair off and started doing landscap- ing. The third woman – God, I loved her – she was a belly dancer at night …” A housemarm, a rehabbing model and a belly dancer. Sounds like one of those clauses followed by ‘walk into a bar …’ But this was no joke. Steel- toed boots, bib overalls, mulching and mowing lawns were reality. One happy family: daughter Mollie, Betsy, husband Arnie, and son James. Johns Hopkins University and lo- cal apartment complexes would be transformed from rundown to pris- stand situations and people,” Ouden- being something I do or running be- “When it’s a new morning, she wakes tine in a matter of hours from the hoven responded. “Maybe it’s just ing a part of who I am. And there is up and says, ‘Oh, good. It’s a new day. women’s handiwork. The weather how I’m wired.” a point for most people where that I get to go for another run.’ I wake up was nice. And not only was there the If so, the concept of finding a bal- switches to part of an identity.” and say, ‘Oh, my gosh. It’s another physical component Betsy loved but ance between tackling such heavy Oudenhoven’s first extended long- day. I have to go out for another run.” immediate, tangible results to the subjects and ensuring that her own distance race was Grandma’s Mara- Betsy admitted to getting antsy if work that she enjoyed. mental well-being was being ad- thon in Mankato, Minn., where, at the she doesn’t have that type of release “We’d come back at the end of the dressed was becoming just as en- time, she worked at the local univer- regularly. So, even today, whether it’s day and I’d just be covered in muck,” grained. sity as complex director in residence a spin class, yoga, or a run, it’s become Oudenhoven recalled. “I’d go into Boulder also became a place where life alongside Arnie. The pair had met necessity rather than just a conve- the main building to get my mail and running turned from a hobby to part two years earlier working both as hall nient outlet. people literally would turn away. But of her DNA. directors at University of Wisconsin- “I really don’t like going more that got old after awhile, and I real- “Running, in particular, has been La-Crosse. than two or three days without exer- ized with a bachelor’s in Psychology, her sense of centering and finding From there it was off to Oswego, cise,” she explained. “If I’m starting to I didn’t want to do what I was doing. relaxation, and if you will, her escape where she served both as assistant to stretch four to five days together, I just It was interesting for 4-5 months, so from the stressors of life,” Betsy’s hus- the dean of students and as assistant start feeling more tense.” at that point I decided I needed to go band of 31 years, Arnie, explained. director of residence life and hous- back to graduate school.” “It’s fundamental.” ing; into student services at Oakton Few and far between She packed her bags again and, to Oudenhoven remembered the ex- Community College in Illinois; to as- If Betsy Oudenhoven at times is no one’s surprise, landed in Boulder. citement she would feel seeing Frank sistant director of academic advising prone to that groundswell of emotion, A Master’s of Counseling degree Shorter run. He still stands as the only at Roosevelt University in Chicago; she has an accompanying discipline was the goal after gaining admittance. American athlete to win two medals director of counseling and dean of and patience that is among her great- Somehow, her experiences as in Olympic marathon. counseling and retention at College est strengths, both inside and outside housemother and landscaper re- She loved traversing the hills and of Lake County (Ill.); and VP of stu- a college setting. mained absent from that CU applica- testing her breathing in the altitude. dent development at Joliet (Ill.) Junior Her sister Margaret was inspired tion. Her first half-marathon occurred College. to run a marathon after seeing Betsy “It was interesting times,” Ouden- in Colorado and would become the Betsy and Arnie would simulta- cross the finish line in New York. hoven said, chuckling. first of many. Oudenhoven would neously navigate each academic step The two ended up going 26.2 miles graduate to about a dozen full mara- (though Arnie would split off into hu- together a year later at the Marine New Horizons thons – including Boston and New man resources and Betsy student af- Corps event in Washington, D.C. Bet- Oudenhoven was the youngest in York – in addition to a stint as a tri- fairs), have two children, and until the sy went over the training plan she’d her CU counseling program. She can athlete. ‘til death do us part’ promises, even adhered to on a weekly basis with her vividly recall to this day a fellow stu- “Once I started I never stopped,” run together for a short time. That sister to ensure their joint success. dent wondering how she’d gotten to Oudenhoven said. “I can remember was before Arnie took about a 20-year Amanda Quinn, Oudenhoven’s se- that point at such a youthful time in having conversations with our cross hiatus from hoofing the long miles. nior administrative assistant at Joliet her life. country runners in New York (while “I’ll tell friends that it’s kind of in- Junior College from 2007-2010, also “I had a mature ability to under- working at SUNY-Oswego from teresting the difference between Betsy 1988-97) about the idea of running as a runner and myself,” Arnie said. See Oudenhoven / Page 10 InterCom January 2014 Newsletter Page 10 Oudenhoven From Page 9 was encouraged to go the distance, both professionally and personally, at Oudenhoven’s prodding. Betsy not only helped her formu- late a training regimen to race but helped bring out the necessary dis- cipline to secure a master’s degree, something Quinn is one semester away from completing. “She’s that person that many peo- ple can’t be,” said Quinn, now alumni relations and annual funds manager for the JJC Foundation. “She can manage being the boss, but she’s real- ly somebody who cares for the people that work for her. Usually there’s a fine line there. But she’s really good at be- ing the person ‘over you’ but instilling the notion that deep down she cares about you and your family. She gets to know you. And she was the same way with students, too.” Quinn herself hadn’t run more than a couple 5Ks before Betsy got in her ear. She also didn’t aspire to be much more than an assistant when she joined JJC. That notion Ouden- hoven quickly put to rest. She made sure Quinn was heavily involved in the organization of projects, includ- ing a 5K race that now raises about $40,000, and several others. “When Betsy came in, she had gone through the ranks: dean in counseling; VP,” Quinn explained. “She’s worked her way up and is someone you can relate with. Some- times that’s difficult with people that are very academic. And even though The new full-time CCA President gets a laugh from a gift given by Student Affairs during a December party. she is academic, she’s also human, you know what I mean? most to her is people. People matter,” pretty positive. It’s not that she never five months by being herself. She was “When people are so smart, some- her husband noted. “How things are has doubts. But she can overcome and asked to assume the full-time presi- times it’s hard to understand them going to affect them, how they are im- rationalize in her head like no one I’ve dential duties held only by four oth- and relate to them, and she’s totally pacted, that’s really where she starts ever seen. And that probably comes ers in the college’s 30-year history: Dr. not that way. She’s relatable. Everyone from. And when she has to take on from the running first, that mental Nai-Kwang Chang, Dr. Larry Carter, always says you can relate to her. It’s people she will. But it’s an intellectual toughness that I’m going to overcome Dr. Linda Bowman and Alton D. got to be her counseling background.” thing, not a personal thing. She can this obstacle. And it translates to her Scales after a five-month trial. Part of Oudenhoven’s appeal to the make critical assessments but not be high-stress jobs, too. She can com- Now, if she can just find the time masses at Community College of Au- argumentative. And everyone mat- partmentalize. to run out the back door, traverse rora was how humbly she took over ters to her. Everyone’s important and “It isn’t that she won’t feel emotion- the Highline Canal for a few miles in the president’s chair six months ago equal in that regard.” al or the stress of situations, she’ll just her Nikes, shower and return to her after serving for about two years as Borne from her sporting life, kind of have that and put it away and desk before anybody notices. Then, VP of student services. Oudenhoven is about giving every mentally self-talk about looking at the everything would be as it should be There was no air of superiority, but, ounce she has to an endeavor. But situation differently.” rather, an aw-shucks, thanks, let’s-do- she’s well aware the race isn’t always Oudenhoven needed a new ap- in terms of the life-work balance she this vibe, with the sense she possessed easy; nor, is she above asking for help, proach after surprisingly being named craves. the knowledge base behind the hum- when needed. to the interim president’s role at CCA Barring that, she’ll have to settle ble attitude to get the job done. “With distance running it’s not in July 2013. Her responsibilities were for tackling her stress relievers on the People seemingly are willing to about the body, it’s about the mind different, and perhaps the way she side while doing whatever she can to go the extra mile for Betsy Ouden- and really kind of training yourself needed to deal with others changed ensure that CCA becomes what she hoven because of that approach, and to talk your way through it. And she’s slightly, too. covets: the finish line of her profes- the trust inspired by her 34 years in just got that really strong mind,” sister At the same time, she managed sional life. higher education. Margaret said. “So if there’s an ob- to endear herself to her internal and So pull up a lawn chair, Aurora. “One of the things that matters stacle, her mental self-talk tends to be external stakeholders over the next It’s go time. InterCom January 2014 Newsletter Page 11

2013 HOLIDAY PARTY

CCA held its annual holiday bash on Dec. 16, and with the usual awards to the year’s top employees and faculty, CCA staffers shared quality family time at the college. Images from the evening are captured on the next three pages. Clockwise from left, Director of Security Jeff Simpson shares a smile with 16-month-old daughter Annabelle Elizabeth; Chris Tombari, chair of the English as a Second Language Department, imparts fatherly wisdom to son Logan; Scott Wakefield, department chair of Art & Design, has his hands full with sons Kade and Spencer. InterCom January 2014 Newsletter Page 12

2013 HOLIDAY PARTY

Clockwise from right, President Betsy Oudenhoven shares a hug with Payroll Accountant Kimberly Suazo after the latter was awarded CCA’s Classified Employee of the Year Award; English and Communication faculty Brandon Feres shares a surprise moment with son Wyatt; Faculty of the Year winner James Gray, chair of the Math department, has a lighter moment with Heidi McKinnon and Cindy Hesse; Olimpia Marroquin and Coco Marial of the Concurrent Enrollment department have a post-party laugh. InterCom January 2014 Newsletter Page 13

2013 HOLIDAY PARTY

Clockwise from right, Associate Director of Donor Relations Josh Gold’s daughter Dylan seems captivated as introductions are made to English and Communication faculty Robley Welliver and her daughter Avocette; Math faculty Alice Gilbert makes sure that her grandson, Jaymin Wayne Larchick, gets fed before the festivities begin; Kristen Cusack celebrates her win as Exempt/ Administrative Employee of the Year with an official photo. Cusack serves as registrar and director of admissions. InterCom January 2014 Newsletter Page 14 New driving simulator will help train dozens in Police, Fire and EMT programs Community College of Aurora This simulator ity mannequins can mimic a simple has received a driving simulator for mimics driving heart attack to a woman giving birth. use in its Emergency Medical Ser- conditions in There are two full-sized ambulances vices, Police and Fire Academies as police cruisers and an ambulance box. and ambulances. a donation from intergovernmental A second has a There is also a fully functional partners City and County of Den- dashboard setup Emergency Operations Manage- ver and Denver Fire Department, for a fire engine. ment Center, with Microsoft Surface helping the college further enhance tabletops, smart boards, big-screen its training capabilities for first re- televisions and other tools to handle sponders. wide-scale and small-scale disaster “One of the biggest things you can communications. do to put wear and tear on a vehicle The latest addition to those tech- is train people to drive urgently in it, Brand new the unit would cost “It’s just one more opportunity nological capabilities will be set so this is a really great thing to have,” about $250,000, CCA Fire Science we can offer to our students as far up by CCA faculty in the coming said Beth Lattone, department chair Technology Coordinator Mark Ste- as simulation,” said Renie Del Ponte, months and curriculum will be for CCA’s EMS and Fire Science phenson maintained. dean of Health Sciences and Public adapted to include the driving simu- Technology departments. The simulator has two driving Safety. “Whenever we can create a lators for use in classrooms by the The City and County of Denver “seats” that will connect to a big- simulation scenario, we want to try fall semester. and Denver Fire donated the driving screen TV with software designed to and do that. This just allows us to ex- “Both police and fire academies simulator to the CCA Foundation mimic road conditions and potential pand our reality-based training even use driving as aspects of training, for the benefit of the college. There hazards. One of the seats is equipped further.” and both are specialized skills,” Del no longer was space for the simula- with a normal automatic transmis- CCA already is well known na- Ponte said. “The simulators allow tor at Denver’s joint training center. sion and light box setup found on a tionally for its simulation capabili- them to get some of that done before It previously was used by Denver police car or ambulance; the other ties. The Center for Simulation has driving in an actual vehicle, making Fire at the Rocky Mountain Fire has a diesel framework, with parking several spaces, including house, it an easier process to acclimate to a Academy, according to the donation brake and battery switch regularly bar, attic, industrial, elevator and regular police car, fire truck or am- agreement signed by all parties. used on a fire rig. high scaffolding scenes. High fidel- bu l an c e .”

Information bank

CCA is mourning the loss competition. Entrants are tion: “The Fantastic Finneas lic Safety and Legal Studies, Enforcement Training of one of its greatest police asked to submit a portfolio Frook,” by Jhene Chase; best was sent a letter of apprecia- Academy held graduation academy instructors, Steve with 12-20 images of their editing: “Eff you Randall,” tion from the TSA Associates ceremonies in December. Emerson. work in a portfolio/binder no By Amanda Tuttle; best Program and its National A photo of Class 13-1 that Emerson, a member of the larger than 13-by-19 inches, cinematography: “Stagna- Program Manager, Patrese graduated on Dec. 3 is avail- Aurora Police Department accompanied by a printed tion,” by Pierre Habib; best C. Roberts. able on Page 15of this news- for three decades, died Dec. artist statement no longer sound: “Downsize,” by Ross Spring 2014 will bring an- letter and includes the names 29 after a lengthy battle with than 1,000 words. Smith; best actor, Dylan other TSA graduation for a of the training candidates colon cancer. He was 63. A separate call-for-entries Werth in “Eff you Randall,” second cohort of officers who receiving their certificates of Emerson taught at CCA is being made for another best actress: Shauna Corsino have completed its contract- completion. since the academy’s in- art competition, with prizes in “Eff you Randall,” best ed three Homeland Security Class 13-4 held its ceremo- ception more than 20 and awards available to high writing: “Eff you Randall,” by courses at CCA. ny on Dec. 17 and the class years ago. He helped with school juniors and seniors Grayson Low and Nathan But both the first and members moving forward many of the physical skills having the best single work Trumbull; best short screen- second cohorts are answer- included: Joshua M. Carter; aspects of training, includ- in the areas of drawing, play: “The Giving Tree,” by ing Carter’s challenge by Andrew G. Cruz; Travis C. ing self-defense and arrest painting, photography, Brandon Elliott. taking courses towards a Fleming; Dillon P. Flynn; control techniques, and also ceramics, sculpture, or digital Best directing: “Downsize,” CCA Criminal Justice AAS Spencer A Grove; Myka A. imparted knowledge during art/design. All pieces must be by Ryan Francis Johnson; degree too. Morse; Thomas O. Murphy; scenario-based exercises. framed, matted or otherwise best producer: “The S Word,” Many of the TSA students Valentin Oliveros; James More than one thousand gallery-ready. by Charissa Shugg; best pro- don’t have previous college P. Randall; Lyzzet Rascon; cadets and officers benefitted Please RSVP to this sym- duction I: “Lucy,” by Hunter experience, and the result Clinton D. Smith; Jaymar from his expertise during his posium by Feb. 1 by calling Balch; best production II: is that over 50 potential A. Thompson Filippo S. time as a police officer. 303-340-7335 or e-mailing “Eff You Randall,” by Gray- students will have taken CRJ Travisany; and Rachel M. His son Logan was a gradu- [email protected] son Low; best production courses as well as fulfilling Wicks. ate of CCA’s police academy. --- III: “The Fantastic Finneas General Ed requirements at ------The Colorado Film Frook, by Jhene Chase; best the college in a multi-semes- CCA once again will be a Community College of School held its annual Fall picture: “Eff You Randall,” by ter pathway. host site for Tax Help Colo- Aurora’s Art & Design Student Show in December Grayson Low; community TSA is piloting an online rado on the Lowry campus. Department will be hosting a and crowned winners in 16 award: Kevin Scott, City component of the three- Student- and staff-run tax scholarship symposium and different categories, with “Eff of Denver; audience choice course Homeland Security help dates are Saturdays competition on the Lowry You Randall” walking away award: “Eff You Randall,” by program on the east coast. between Feb. 22 to March 22, Campus on Saturday, Febru- with seven awards, including Grayson Low. Carter currently is at- from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ary 22, 2014. best picture and the audience --- tempting to pilot the same Contact Virginia Kar- High school seniors are choice award. Michael Carter, director of program at CCA. ras at 303-825-6246 if you eligible to win a scholarship The full list of winners were the CCA Law Enforcement --- know anyone requiring more to CCA as part of an art as follows: Best art direc- Training Academy and Pub- Two classes in CCA’s Law information. InterCom January 2014 Newsletter Page 15

Around campus

Clockwise from top, members of Police Academy graduating class 13-1, including Omis Christian T. Avant, Casey J. Christensen, Sean M. Clark, Austin L. Coleman, Martha P. Collier, Stacy V. Crump, Matthew C. Emmert, Evan L. Ingraham, Mark W. Kubic, Autumn M. McDole, Seath A. Nordman, Christopher C. O’Brien, Samuel J. Owensby, Justin J. Pfluger, Thomas N. Quayle, Braden A. Selby, and Adam M. String; members of the Fall 2013 Fire Academy Class, which included 14 students, including (left to right) Chris Brown, Marcus Glaspey, Joseph Chavez, Josh Colberg, Kevin Halpin, Brandon Cieri, Jairo Carrillo, Jason Tetreault, and Max Egger; members of the International Student Association and International Mentor Association during their end of semester party on Dec. 6; the Criminal Justice Courtroom beginning to take shape at the Center for Simulation, with the judge’s bench, witness stand, and jury box now visible. The hope is that construction will be completed by the end of January for use in the Spring semester.