Alex Girard – Graphic Designer

Re-think. Inform. Educate. Inspire. These are some of the things that Art & Design faculty Alex Girard believes creative work can accomplish. Both a fine artist and a designer, Alex believes in letting creativity drive technology, rather than focusing on what technology has the ability to do. In this video, Continue reading »

Posted in Art & Design

The inside scoop: 5 tips for being a successful student

5 Tips for Being a Successful StudentAlthough the weather seems to indicate otherwise, Fall is here. Across the nation, the start of the new season means back to school. It’s a time for new instructors, new opportunities and new students. It doesn’t make a difference if you just finished high school or if you’ve been out of school for 30 years, the college world might still be new to you.

A common question for new students is: what do I need to do to be a successful college student?

The obvious answer might be STUDY! STUDY! STUDY!

In addition to focusing on studying and keeping up with your course readings, I’ve learned some great tips from instructors, students, department chairs and college administrators and have decided to share the inside scoop with you. Continue reading »

Posted in Academic Support

A few moments with President Alton D. Scales

Alton D. Scales officially took over as Community College of Aurora’s fourth full-time president on July 23, 2012. He arrived with nearly three decades of higher education experience, spanning a full spectrum of positions within the student services and administrative sectors in large and small institutions sprinkled throughout the country. Continue reading »

Posted in Video Blogs

College at age 91

Graham Witherspoon likes to refer to himself as “an old sailor.” And why not? He’s navigated many seas and had great adventures as a member of the Navy, including a period in the South Pacific during World War II. But the sunset of his life includes another love: painting.  Continue reading »

Posted in Video Blogs

A career as a personal trainer

What’s it like to look through the eyes of someone that’s passionate about exercise, fitness, and helping other people? In this video, you’ll find out. Continue reading »

Posted in Personal Trainer

5 college tips we can learn from hip-hop

5 college tips we can learn from hip-hopMusic has always had an impact on my life. Growing up, I played several musical instruments and I always had an affinity for all types of music. I constantly find myself singing songs, in the shower, the car and even before class when I teach. The importance of music in my life has helped me define my goals, desires and dreams in two or three line quips that succinctly state the reason I am about to do whatever I am about to do. For example, walking across the stage in May to receive my Ph.D., the following Kidz in the Hall lyrics came to mind: What you’re about to do is so historic. They cant deny the win, if you keep scoring’, Whatever’s in your heart, don’t ignore it And if you doubt yourself, sing this chorus. This got me thinking about our college experience, goals and how hip-hop lyrics can inspire us to reach our goals and achieve our dreams. The following are five lyrics and how they relate to our college experience. Continue reading »

Posted in Music

Colorado wildfires: meet one of the heroes

The wildfires here in Colorado have affected many of us, and our thoughts and prayers have been with our neighbors, friends, and family in the danger zones. The fires taking place are some of the worst in Colorado history, and there have been casualties and destruction — but imagine for a moment the scenarios that may have played out if we didn’t have the highly trained and dedicated firefighters that we do. Continue reading »

Posted in Fire Science

5 reasons to take online classes

5 reasons to take online classesA lot of people ask me why they should take classes online.  What are the advantages?  Is it right for me?  Let’s take a look at these questions through 5 key points. Continue reading »

Posted in Online

5 tips for recent grads

5 tips for recent grads

2012 CCA Graduates

Many students just flipped their caps into the air at a graduation ceremony. Now, it’s many of those happy grads that have come back to earth, realizing the difficulties ahead. But there are some practical steps that can be taken in the coming days and months by the cap-and-gown crowd. Continue reading »

Posted in Outreach

Rumor has it: 5 myths about community colleges

5 Myths About Community Colleges1. A community college education is not valued by employers.

This is an interesting notion that people have when they think of community colleges. Although I’m not certain when or where the stereotype started, there’s this idea out there that the education received at a community college is not as good as the education received from a 4-year school. In my experience, having attended two different 4-year schools as well as a community college, employers don’t seem to be as concerned with where or how you came to know something. Employers these days are looking for someone who demonstrates what they know and works hard at what they do. Continue reading »

Posted in Outreach