InterComInterCom July 2012 Newsletter

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

Photo courtesty Kate Lapides, Colorado Mountain College Alton D. Scales is an eclectic individual who reads poetry for fun, collects antiques, drums as a hobby and once ran track competitively as a 110-meter hurdler. The bar has never been higher professionally in his new role as CCA president, which he begins July 23. “My father Alton D. Scales found his passion in higher education, but not before said he battling racial intolerance and a learning disability along the way

always The summer heat of Amarillo, Texas, was reason enough to A to Point B but what it had taken to get there that revealed his force a junior-high aged Alton D. Scales to slow his pace. Trying to character. knew I keep up running the blacktop with a brother eight years his senior, It’s been a consistent axis of evolution throughout his life: from and a professional athlete playing in the racism to justice; from dyslexia to rabid reader; from engineering was an no less, was another built-in excuse. to higher education; and from Amarillo to Aurora, where he takes The distance between them could be measured not in steps over in a few weeks as the college’s new president. educator. I but car lengths. One. Two. Many. A deficit of a few steps quickly There was even a life-altering pit stop at a Cracker Barrel res- guess you turned into a half-block swathe of failure. taurant, but that’s a whole different tale. Accepting the inevitable would have been understandable; a “I believe I’ve had a very rich life,” Scales said. know your pat on the head for effort’s sake enough of a consolation to finish. --- But by the following June, with the sun no less brutal, and his It began in a neighborhood that wasn’t just predominantly Af- kids.” brother in no less peak physical condition, the gap had disap- rican-American but nearly segregated entirely, until the late 1960s peared. Hurles, Jr., had the youngest of five Scales siblings sud- when integration intervened. -- Alton D. denly on his hip. He would invite friends older than even he was Mom, Frankie, was a cook for prominent individuals that to train. The teenager went full blast by many of them. ranked among the state’s richest men, oil tycoon T. Boone Pick- Scales “This kind of activity went on for years and years,” Alton Scales ens and Amarillio National Bank executive Charles T. Ware. recalled. Dad, Hurles Sr., worked in claims for Santa Fe Railroad. But with And not just while wearing sneakers. It wasn’t that Alton Scales had managed to sprint from Point See Scales / Page 3

INSIDE: The best EMS team in the nation will be crowned in July during a competition at the Center for Simulation. Influential industry execs are expected to attend / Page 2 InterCom July 2012 Newsletter Page 2 Pony Anderson and Patrick Schooler have been instrumental in the planning process leading up to the nationwide EMS competition at Lowry. The event is expected attract influential industry leaders, who will get a glance at CCA’s use of simulation in its course work. “It gives us a bully pulpit, in a sense, for the profession as we develop this,” Schooler said.

Patient approach pays off as competition returns The Final Four is coming to Com- ture of the call. munity College of Aurora. National Clincal and Safety Championships They’ll either stay and play – treat There won’t be brackets to fill out WHEN: July 15 the patient – or load and go, going or college basketball games to watch. WHERE: Lowry through the cone drill yet again on But these teams will nonetheless bring WHAT: The best two-man emergency response team in the United States will be the way to the hospital. The exercise their brand of suspense, intense com- selected. Four duos from regional competitions will vie for the title. ends when the report is handed off to petition and skill for what they hope Dr. Edward M. Racht, chief medical is their one shining moment. That measuring stick will be written ployees and improving quality control officer of AMR. The National Clinical and Safety by Patrick Schooler, department chair with the use of simulation. “This gives them a way to grade Championships crowns the best two- of CCAs Emergency Medical Train- It also should tangentially elevate in an objective way the quality of their man emergency response team in the ing and Fire Science Technology pro- CCA’s position in the Denver metro various teams,” Schooler said. nation July 15 at 7 a.m. The event will gram. market. AMR’s reach encompasses pro- be held on the Lowry campus for a CCA already has hosted the larg- “It gives us a bully pulpit, in a fessionals from 38 states, Washington second consecutive year. est full-scale terrorist exercise ever sense, for the profession as we devel- D.C. and Trinidad and Tobago. The Four duos, comprised of two done in the U.S. op this,” Schooler maintained. company spans 2,100 communities paramedics, two EMT basic or one of Now, it’s showcasing its talent The school has a state-of-the-art with nearly 7,000 caregivers. So the each from the American Medical Re- and structures for the largest private facility, vast experience in creating re- four remaining competitive teams sponse Co. are vying for the title after ambulance company in the nation -- alities, and talent that will allow these truly represent the best the company regional competitions pared the field again. EMT/paramedic teams to do their has to offer. across the U.S. “They really have a full nation’s craft as if they’re working in the field. Each pair will run a medical and CCA produces the event and worth of places to do this,” Schooler That can’t hurt in terms of word trauma call, taking 45-60 minutes helps facilitate the competition for the said. “It’s a huge compliment to us.” of mouth. apiece. Risk management and qual- nation’s largest pre-hospital provider. The kicker this year is that the “You’ve got people coming from ity assurance personal will sit in the “They bring their people, show largest and best-known EMS world- all over the country. They’re going to control room of the Disaster Manage- up, run their calls and we do the rest,” wide conference, Pinnacle 2012, will go back and talk about our facility ment Institute watching live feeds of said Pony Anderson, simulation coor- be held beginning the following day and it’s going to make prospective stu- their people going through the simu- dinator at the school’s Disaster Man- in Colorado Springs. A slew of influ- dents want to come to this program,” lation rooms and scoring them. agement Institute. “Anything logisti- ential EMS industry executives are Anderson said. “It helps set us up as a Spoiler alert: One of the scenarios cally, we take care of it.” expected to make the pre-conference world-class facility or national asset.” that could be in play this year is a faux Those logistical aids can come detour to CCA to witness the compe- The timed exercise will begin with hoarder house set up at CCA Build- in the form of bystanders played by tition. It will not only allow visibility a call on the radio to a team unfamil- ing 900, better known as the Katrina drama students, visual props, setting for the school’s leading-edge simula- iar with the details to come, just like Building. up of a serpentine course to mea- tion spaces but potentially expand the the real world. The response then The sights of stacked newspapers sure ambulance driver safety, stag- scope of CCA’s reputation to impor- will begin with ambulances riding and sounds of injured trauma victims ing the rooms where the calls have tant, powerful execs from multiple through a serpentine course, while may greet the responders. There may been placed -- even the creation of an companies. being measured for driving skills and be olfactory evidence, as well. evaluation instrument for the entire The hope is that CCA can open scored for safety points. They’ll then “They may smell baby poo,” An- exercise based on American Medi- the minds of these influential people arrive at the scenario site, armed with derson said with a laugh, “That’s a cal Response’s performance criteria. to the benefits of educating their em- equipment necessary based on the na- game-changer.” InterCom July 2012 Newsletter Page 3 Scales: Father’s wisdom helped him get through tough times Continued from page 1 a spread of 18 years between his oldest sibling, Mozell, and Hurles Jr. eight years his senior, Alton spent most of his formative years as an only child in execution if not reality. Where his three sisters inherited clothing, Alton didn’t. Where money used to be divided in a social- ist manner among several mouths to feed, Alton reaped the spoils of having his brother and sisters move out of the house to live their lives. And, even though neither of his parents attended college, their sacrifices ensured all of the next gen- Photo courtesy Bob Winsett Photography eration of Scales children would further their edu- cation. Alton D. Scales grew up in a middle-class background with some of the trappings of the cultural elite, given Early on, the exposure to white America that Al- his mom’s role as a cook for prominent Texans. Books filled the shelves and attending college was expected. ton experienced was indirect, brought to the home, Scales would later as an employee of the college in part, from the upper-crust existence his mother The Alton D. Scales file confront that professor’s supervisor to share his ex- ensured daily in her job. • Age: 54 periences and was told that there had been inklings Books filled the shelves. Poor grammar was • Married: Wife, Jacquelyn. educator and of racist treatment for years but never tangible picked apart. former engineer. proof. His presentation of evidence truncated the “When my mom died, one of the things the pas- • Children: Two daughters. Jordan, teacher’s remaining days at the school. tor talked about was he would visit my house as a sophomore at Xavier University of “I do believe it shapes you,” Scales said of his teenager and he always saw on the table a tablecloth, Louisiana in New Orleans; Crystal, high childhood experiences. “The question is, does it and when we had dinner the table was set up like school junior. Two sons, Avery, high school make you bitter? … My father aided me in helping you were at a restaurant.” Scales said. “Those are sophomore, Jaden, kindergarten. me move beyond those things. And part of the wis- things I grew up with.” • Family background: Youngest of five dom he imparted was that it was less about me and A less welcome companion was intolerance. children to Hurles and Frankie. Father more about them and that those individuals suf- His school closed in the third grade in ’68 and he worked 42 years for Santa Fe Railroad, mainly in claims;. mother was a personal fered from an illness that I can’t take ownership of.” was forced to switch schools. Scales was bussed to cook for both oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens Scales admits that the anger he experienced from Emerson Elementary School in Amarillo, and if he and Charles T. Ware, who at one time racial bias and the fear he later felt as a teenager of hadn’t noticed that he was different than his class- was chairman of the board of the largest seeing a policeman in his rear-view mirror could mates, where he was now in the minority, the mes- privately-owned bank in the U.S. Hurles have dragged him down. But instead it served to sage was hammered home anyway. Scales, Sr., died in October 2000; Frankie shape his views on justice, which he tries to incor- “I remember not understanding racism, hav- passed in June 2010. Brother Hurles, Jr., porate into his dealings today. ing no idea what it was, and having to deal with it, played in the NFL in 1973-74 with the “I do believe in things being fair and equitable. thinking individuals were just mean.” , St. Louis Cardinals, And I do believe if you ever watch children in the Soon after switching schools, Scales’ own be- Chicago Bears and . classroom or on the playground, they look for fair havior was called into question. His father listened Has three sisters: Mozell, retired; Elnore, treatment. ‘You didn’t do that when Johnny did. ...’ intently as the charges against Alton of disrespect- a nurse; and Eulis, an employee of the So we all want it.” ful conduct toward his teacher were raised in the Department of Energy. • Education: University of North Texas in --- principal’s office. His father wasn’t about to tolerate Denton, Texas. Earned a master’s of science When it came to his own education, Alton Scales interrupting class. But he was fair-minded, too; al- in manufacturing engineering with minors didn’t do things in a manner much like anyone else ways willing to hear two sides before judging. in HR management and organizational that he knew. Turns out, the teacher in question addressed ev- communication. Bachelor of science degree His mind processed information like a carbon eryone else in the class by their given names. For in industrial technology with a minor in copy of the spoken word and used that knack for Alton, he recalled, “It was, ‘Hey, you,’ and ‘Boy’ …” interpersonal communication. memorization to his advantage. Hurles Scales, Sr., insisted the teacher enter the He listened to the great works of Shakespeare conversation. Alton still remembers the door shut- much broader way throughout his lifetime but and Homer’s “The Illiad” on tape instead of poring ting and sitting outside while that meeting took didn’t hoist that burden upon his children. He in- through the printed word. Scales stood outside of place. stead helped set the family’s moral compass. lecture halls -- and queried exiting students -- to get “From that point on, I had a very different expe- Later on in life, when a professor at the Univer- a sense of whether college faculty used the material rience,” he added. sity of North Texas consistently gave the younger they taught aloud on tests. He even went so far as His father’s handling of that incident, and oth- Scales substandard grades for top-tier work, he to match the number of students reading aloud to ers, shaped his views on social justice that he carries helped prove that he was being treated unfairly by the paragraphs in books so he could figure out his today. surreptitiously turning in the own professor’s weld- Hurles Sr. had experienced racism overtly in a ing job and receiving a grade of 70. See Scales / Page 4 InterCom July 2012 Newsletter Page 4 Scales: New CCA post considered ‘next step’

Continued from page 3 mainstream infiltrated his views on effective teaching once he joined the jumping-off point when called upon educational realm. What makes one by the teacher and review the passage student successful may not work for he’d be asked to recite prior to his oral another. He was living proof. delivery. “It’s part of why I believe I’m a re- Scales just wasn’t aware that there ally good problem solver,” said Scales, was a tangible reason behind his dis- who reads often and frequently lis- tinct methodology until a name was tens to audio books to keep his mind affixed to it, while attending graduate sharp. “I just look at things funda- school at North Texas. mentally different. I see patterns. I see Dyslexia. trends.” A segment on the newsmagazine --- “60 Minutes” was the breakthrough But some things occur less inten- exchange of cell numbers, since the alerting him that there was a sort of tionally. family was, remarkably, traveling al- madness behind his method. Scales wanted to play trumpet but most to an identical destination just “They were talking about me,” never learned. He instead chose ath- outside and needed directional recalled Scales, who confirmed the letics, ended up running the 4x100 assistance. link in a phone conversation with his sprint relay and 110-meter hurdles brother shortly after the broadcast. “I thought that was it,” Scales in college, and, at age 47, took up the “The things that I took for granted recalled, “until he started playing drums at the behest of a local jazz were unusual.” matchmaker.” great in Pennsylvania after represent- But in this case, knowledge wasn’t A follow-up phone call from his ing Edinboro University at a music exactly power. Scales considered the dinner host occured shortly there- performance. diagnosis internally but kept it quiet. after, while on the way to a football He still plays behind his kit at local He continued to get lesson plans on game. Ernie Lawton put Scales on haunts and special celebrations. tape mailed to him from his sister as hold, making an excuse as he put his Scales used to read slam poetry he’d done before because she knew he daughter, Jackie, on the phone. alongside the likes of future Grammy learned so well from the auditory. “It was a total set up.” winner Erykah Badu at the Black “I was silent about it. I didn’t talk Four years later, Jackie and Alton Cultural Center in Dallas. Never did about it,” Scales remembered. “I was were married. he imagine that he’d eventually take thinking on the front end like, ‘This She’s a former engineer and -- just the medium to Colorado Mountain so the stars were in perfect alignment, isn’t good.’ I didn’t want to be labeled.” College, where Scales most recently ensconced in higher education. But one day, Scales watched a fel- served as chief executive officer in --- low student struggling and witnessed Dillon and Breckenridge. Alton D. Scales laughs as he vows the telltale signs of masking the prob- Even his career in higher educa- Photo courtesy Bob Winsett Photography to make no Cracker Barrel stops while lem that he’d executed so completely tion came as an offshoot of a totally Top Alton D. Scales observes a disembarking from the mountain over the years. different plan. Angling for a job class at Colorado Mountain College, community he’s called home since “I knew we were alike,” Scales re- connection in the engineering field, where he was chief executive officer 2007. lated. “So one day I asked him, ‘Are he grudgingly accepted a position at since 2007 before accepting the you dyslexic?’ He went immediately North Texas’ intercultural learning president’s position at Community Coming to CCA, where he’d vis- into a defensive posture. I said, ‘Look, center, only to find himself enam- College of Aurora. Scales augments ited even before the presidential in- I am, too,’ and then he opened up. ored with teaching. The presidency his educational avocation by terview process and two on-campus That was the first time I admitted it to of CCA, which begins July 23, comes participating in numerous forums the last several months, in- endeavors. He took up the drums anyone other than my brother.” nearly 30 years after his intentions stead is an attempt to feed his desire It cracked the door to his eventu- at age 47 and after ditching his kit, to consistently evolve professionally changed. That library in which he had decided to continue as a musician. ally spreading the word about what and personally. his very first job in the field now bears Scales could be found playing in jazz “I felt it was the next step,” he said. occurs when the brain does not prop- his name at North Texas. and rock bands during his time in the erly recognize and process certain “Years later my father said he al- Breckenridge/Dillon area. He’s spent the last several weeks symbols, and its impact. ways knew I was an educator,” Scales kicking around in his mind his ap- “In sharing with the guy I saw the said. “I guess you know your kids.” and kismet. proach, and what to examine imme- power of me sharing, and the more I But never was the randomness of Walking from his car into the res- diately after taking over. He knows shared, the less of a dirty secret it felt, the universe so gleefully played out taurant, he acknowledged the gaze there’s opportunities for growth, but and then to a point where sharing it is than, of all places, that Cracker Barrel of an older gentleman, for whom he can’t yet pin down the specifics. not an issue.” restaurant in Pueblo, Colo., about five held the door. Those mundane events But if his life ‘s journey has dem- He also sought out the available re- years ago. turned into an invitation to dine from onstrated anything, it’s that he’ll put sources and received the support that Scales simply wanted a meal to the stranger, who had his wife and everything he can into getting up to helped him succeed. offset the long trek he was taking daughter in tow. Dinner conversa- speed with exceptional effort and cre- The resourcefulness it took to to Texas. He came away with much tion turned into Scales secretly pick- ative thought. thrive with a reading disability in the more, thanks to a like-minded family ing up the tab and a straightforward After all, a new ‘Point A’ awaits. InterCom July 2012 Newsletter Page 5

Recent graduates CCA student James Fountain poses at the Roman aqueduct give thumbs up bridge in Sego- via, Spain, one of the most significant to CCA experience ancient monuments remaining on the More than 90 percent surveyed Iberian Peninsula. The structure according say expectations met ‘well’ to historians has been in place since the A spring 2012 survey of recent Community late 1st or early 2nd College of Aurora graduates revealed the institu- Century A.D. Fountain tion earned lofty marks in the enhancement of is in Spain as one job skills and career preparation within a tight of 20 Trio students employment market and scored highly overall in nationally receiving satisfaction with services provided. scholarships to study The college’s Office of Institutional Research, in abroad. Fountain be- gan his tour May 31 as conducting state-mandated follow-up interviews, part of the “Spanish polled 294 respondents who had completed their Language and Culture certificates or degrees within the last six to 12 in Salamanca” course months about their employment and continued work as part of the education since graduation. Keith Sherin Global Of that group, 90.9 percent of career/techni- Leaders Program. The cal (CTE) graduates that concluded coursework program runs through designed to lead to a job in varied fields such June 30. as computers, film/media, police academy and emergency medical services stated that their CCA programs met their educational goals well or very well. That figure was elevated to 94.2 percent among those students receiving degrees designed to SOAKING UP HISTORY transfer to a four-year institution for bachelor’s degree completion. Fountain’s eyes, mind opened through unique eduational opportunity Nearly 72 percent of all graduates were work- ing between nine months and one year after com- James Fountain only spoke English and never applying for jobs where a second language is nec- pletion. Of those employed, 91.2 percent of CTE had traveled outside American borders when he essary because I’m going to continue learning graduates and 88.5 percent of transfer graduates was suddenly plunked down in Spain for an im- this language. I’ve got a great head start.” said CCA enhanced their ability to get or keep a mersive learning experience abroad. Fountain’s scholarship is part of an accredited job well or very well. Unfamiliarity with foreign cultures initially study tour within the Keith Sherin Global Lead- “It’s not just a one-time trend this year but bred fear upon his arrival overseas, a trip made ers program. something we’ve seen over several years,” said possible by a scholarship for Trio students he was Fountain was based in Salamanca. Catherine Trouth, director of assessment and in- awarded along with 19 other recipients nation- “As a community, as a society and as a gov- stitutional effectiveness. “CCA continues to satisfy wide. The Trio program serves underrepresented ernment, we should look at how these cultural our students by providing them with the hands- students experiencing barriers in obtaining a col- experiences not only help that specific student on experience they need and the connection to lege education. but bring something back to the United States instructors they covet.” “I didn’t have a meal for a day and a half be- to show and understand the differences that we Going deeper inside the numbers culled from cause I was too embarrassed to order anything,” have” with other cultures, he said. graduates: the CCA student related. Fountain called his experience, especially ini- • 65.8 percent of transfers and 27.0 percent Flash forward, and Fountain was taking finals tially, as one of “sink or swim,” since he’s been of CTE graduates are continuing their education. in four courses, all of which didn’t involve a peep only able to use English with the other American Among them, 98.7 percent of transfers and 87.2 of his native tongue throughout June. students as part of the tour. percent of CTE graduates stated that their CCA He was schooled in the basics, like the names He observed others as part of the learning pro- program prepared them well or very well. of body parts, all the way to being able to order cess. At the same time the program, tour guides • The average hourly pay for CTE graduates was $20.27 per hour; $13.85/hr for transfers. a multi-course meal in an elegant restaurant. He and Spanish people helped smooth the rough • 39.1 percent of CTE graduates took a licens- learned culture from visiting famous aqueducts early transition. ing or certification test upon completion of their and cathedrals as well as in a classroom setting. “If you look at this situation as a vacation, I studies and 94.1 percent passed. “The first thing I’m going to do, especially think you have the wrong idea. If you look at it Overall comments about the students’ CCA since I’m so active in my community with foot- as a cultural experience, something that you can experience frequently cited positive experiences ball and things like that is I’m going to encour- learn from, you’ll have fun in the learning. And with instructors; the flexibility the college afford- age kids to put their fears aside and learn that that’s what I’ve had the opportunity to do.” ed them; career preparation; small class sizes and second language,” said Fountain, who’s studying Fountain now labels himself as conversation- personal attention. accounting and finance at the college in hopes ally comfortable in Spanish. Students recommended improvements to areas of one day becoming a chief financial officer and “I never thought as a non-traditional student such as advising and job placement assistance, owning a CPA firm. that I’d have an opportunity to take part in some- which lends support to initiaties in these areas “I’m also not going to be apprehensive about thing wonderful like this.” institued by Student Services over the past year. InterCom July 2012 Newsletter Page 6

Plaudits and accomplishments at CCA

Colorado Film School Won a pair of bronze Telly Awards, which A force to be reckoned with honor the finsest film and video produc- tions, groundbreaking web commercials, videos and films, and outstanding local, regional and cable TV commercials and programs. The Department of Motor Vehicles public service announcement starring Gov. John Hickenlooper titled “Guy Vroom,” and the “Choices” video for the Center for Workforce Development were the winning submissions. The PSA was part of the local TV and cable public service category. It was produced and di- rected by Frederic Lahey, Nevelyn Black, Laffrey Witbrod and Scott VanOrdstrand with an all-CFS crew and casting of 70 extras by Galina Boulgakova. “Choices” was written by Will Hicks, directed by Black and produced by Lahey with cinematography by Witbrod, casting by Boulgakova and an all-CFS crew. It won in the non-broadcast productions/recruit- ment category.

Elizabeth Hirsh and Gary Scott Class 12-2 of the CCA Law Enforcement Training Academy received their diplomas during a June 5 ceremony at the Were part of a group of volunteers aiding CentreTech Rotunda. Robert B. Kelly, left, with director of academies Michael Carter, was the valedictorian of the the Commerce City Police Department 15-person group. Kelly also was distinguished in the firearms program and the top cadet in arrest control. Garrett during search operations that ultimately R. Pastor won the driving award and receives congratulations after receiving his certificate of completion from unearthed the remains of a baby at the keynote speaker Michael Thrapp, detective with the Aurora Police Department. Other graduates of the training Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site. The academy included: Johnny C. Charrier, Daniel G. Collins, Nino DeVitis, Danette M. Garcia, Waylon D. Johnson, Jack police conducted a search for nearly eight E. Loar, Ryan M. Nestor, Craig T. Osborne (who was cited for perfect attendance), Fabian Rodriguez, Rachel J. Snow, weeks over the 2 1/2 acre site. About 500 Adrian Tarango, Scott L. Weber (top firearms shooter) and Phillip J. Young. people from 26 agencies and community organizations across the state and nation participated in the search, working 12- hour shifts.

Ryan Manzanares CCA student was selected as vice chairman of the 2012-13 State Student Advisory Council, which represents the collective views and interest of all CCCS students and serves as an advisory body to the Colorado State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education. Manzanares’ new role includes performing the duties of the student chair in event of an absence; acting as a college representative, with all the rights and duties, from the institution; serving as Student Board Representative in an advistory capacity; and performing other duties delegated by the chair.

Carla Hoskins Accepted a postion as Disability Services Specialist at the University of Colorado. Hoskins has been with CCA’s Accessibil- ity Services Office for four years as an advisor, charged with approving students for accommodations; working with Sitting pretty students who are blind to ensure technol- City of Aurora councilwoman Molly Markert raises a bottle to the sky in ogy accessibility and brainstorming celebration of her late mother, Verna, during a CentreTech ceremony June with instructors on alternative means to 5. A bench abutting the Highline Canal was dedicated to Verna Markert on improve thelearning experience; working the one-year anniversary of her passing at age 91. Friends and family shared with faculty that have students with dis- their memories and wrote loving messages on balloons before they were sent abilities in their classes and with human skyward. Verna S. Markert was a strong proponent of education and frequently resources on employee accommodations; walked the trails that cut behind the campus. The stone-trimmed bench sits and enhancing the ASO website. under a tree adjacent to the Classroom Building bearing an inscribed plaque.