By Derby Carlson
I walked into the class with a sheepish smile on my face. It was the first day, and I was determined to make a good first impression, not just on my fellow students but also on the teacher. The only person I knew waved me over to an empty chair, and I immediately pulled out a journal to take notes. Do people take notes in English class? And then, the man himself walked in.
He walked in with a stack of quizzes.
My heart rose to my throat and I know I must’ve looked insane, staring at him as he passed out them out. But when he got to me, he paused and asked me what my name was again. I awkwardly laughed. “Derby,” I said, “But this is my first day. I transferred from another class.”
He looked immediately relieved. “I was afraid that I had forgotten you and didn’t want to seem like an asshole professor.”
I knew in that moment that my worries about having to “impress” this professor were not necessary. I just needed to be me and continue to work hard.
Now that I’m writing it, this sounds like the beginning of a high school drama… but this was college.
I had gotten into an English 101 course with a New York Times Bestselling Author. Our class had 14 students ranging from freshmen to seniors, all wanting to say they took a class from him. We met three times a week and I always sat next to one of sorority sisters, Ellie.
We loved the class.
I had a feeling that I would. I love reading and writing, and I wanted this man to be one of my mentors. But Ellie…she was the complete opposite. I asked her once if she ever wanted to take another English course with me, and she frowned, saying, “Derby. This is the only English I’ll ever take.”
But, this wonderful man made everyone care about the English language. I think it was because he cared so much about us.
When COVID-19 caused classes to go online, I was crushed. Not only because all my friends were going to be in different states, but because I was afraid of how online learning would go. I was afraid that this relationship that I had worked so hard to build with my potential mentor suddenly would be for naught. I felt much better when, after all the emails that the school sent, I got one from my English 101 professor.
In the email, he said that he was very saddened that our semester together had been cut short. He said that if we needed anything to just email him, and he would try to help us.
He was as good as his word. A few days later, I started the process to apply to be a counselor at my college’s Young Writer’s camp. The application asked for a reference, and I realized a reference from my professor would be perfect. So, I shot off an email asking if he would do it. He responded about an hour later. “For sure,” he said. “That’s wonderful!”
Not only did he care, but he also wanted to keep us in light spirits.
Before our first Zoom class started, everyone waited on mute for him to join us. It was extremely awkward. We were all just looking at each other, classmates across the country, but we could say anything. Then, the legend himself logged on. A wheeze escaped from my body when I realized what he was wearing.
“Hello guys,” he said, cheerfully. A dark black and white bandana covered his nose and mouth. He looked like a cartoon robber about to rob a bank. He reached up and pulled down the make-shift mask. He smiled a sheepishly at the camera. “My son asked me to wear a mask for y’all every day to keep y’all in good spirits. I thought it was a great idea.” I immediately got a text from Ellie: I love this man.
Even though we didn’t have our classes in person anymore, there was a silver lining. As we prepared to write essays about the books we read in class, we got to have one-on-one conversations with him to discuss what we were going to write. Before going on-line, it would’ve been very hard to get this personal time with him. Normally, he would have been gone every few weeks to New York City, or to a conference to give a talk. With everyone staying home, we had more time for conversation.
So, despite not having class in person, I know my education did not falter. I would like to thank the New York Times Best Selling Author who made sure that was the case.
Derby Carlson just finished her freshman year at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. She is also a 2019 Waco High graduate.
Press Release
Following the announcement on Tuesday, May 19th by City Manager Wiley Stem III of his planned retirement after 44 years of service to the City later this summer, the Waco City Council held a special meeting Saturday, May 23rd at 9am to consider the selection of the next City Manager and interview current Deputy City Manager Bradley Ford.
Following the lengthy Executive Session, the City Council voted unanimously on the posted resolution to hire Ford as Waco’s next City Manager.
Mayor Kyle Deaver said, “Bradley has overwhelmed the Council with his ability to deal with the many complex issues presented to the city while fostering positive relationships with community partners. He has proven his passion for the city and his ability to deal with difficult issues and carrying out the Council’s goals and objectives. We have been fortunate to have outstanding City Managers in the past and I’m confident Bradley will continue that legacy.”
Soon to retire City Manager Wiley Stem said, “Not long after Bradley came to the city as an Assistant City Manager it was immediately clear that he had the ability to be a strong leader for Waco. When I appointed him Deputy City Manager I knew in my heart that if the Council agreed, he would be able to continue the work of the Council and keep the city moving in the right direction. I’m excited for him and the future of Waco.”
Ford received his Bachelor of Political Science from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2003 and a Masters in City and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2007. He came to the City of Waco in 2017 having worked for the cities of Ft. Worth and Burleson in the areas of Planning, Economic and Community Development and serving as Deputy City Manager in Burleson. Bradley spends his free time at home with his wife 20 years, Deanna, and their three children.
Ford said, “I have worked with many leaders in my career that have invested time and energy into my development. The most recent example of that is Wiley Stem. It will be a true honor to follow Wiley in leading our City family.”
For additional biographical information on Bradley Ford visit www.waco-texas.com/Ford.asp
(From the COVID-19 Community Newsletter)
Creative Waco launched the Make It Through Corona (MITC) Fund to assist local artists, performers and arts-based businesses who have lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fund provides aid to artists, performers and arts-based businesses in Waco and McLennan County by providing mini grants (up to $500) and other valuable practical support. The program supports developing new skills, creating new artwork, purchasing equipment or using the time to adapt practices and programs to “make it through” the current changes for the benefit of our whole community.
Make It Through Corona was created in conjunction with the Make It In Wacoonline marketplace in effort to support those in our artistic and cultural sector impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. The platform hosts over 90 local vendors and almost 600 family-friendly, handmade or original products, services or experiences.
Fifteen percent of each purchase is donated to support the MITC Fund. Over $500 has been donated into the fund since the website launched in April. The MITC Fund launched May 9 and received over $10,000 worth of donations from the community to date. Creative Waco hopes to reach their goal of $25,000 by June 1.
Applications for grants are accepted on a rolling basis, evaluated by a diverse panel of community members, and decisions are made within 14 days of receiving an application. To find more information about the fund and to apply visit creativewaco.org/mitc-fund. To donate visit creativewaco.org/support or shop MakeItInWaco.com.Creative Waco launched the Make It Through Corona (MITC) Fund to assist local artists, performers and arts-based businesses who have lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fund provides aid to artists, performers and arts-based businesses in Waco and McLennan County by providing mini grants (up to $500) and other valuable practical support. The program supports developing new skills, creating new artwork, purchasing equipment or using the time to adapt practices and programs to “make it through” the current changes for the benefit of our whole community.
Make It Through Corona was created in conjunction with the Make It In Wacoonline marketplace in effort to support those in our artistic and cultural sector impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. The platform hosts over 90 local vendors and almost 600 family-friendly, handmade or original products, services or experiences.
Fifteen percent of each purchase is donated to support the MITC Fund. Over $500 has been donated into the fund since the website launched in April. The MITC Fund launched May 9 and received over $10,000 worth of donations from the community to date. Creative Waco hopes to reach their goal of $25,000 by June 1.
Applications for grants are accepted on a rolling basis, evaluated by a diverse panel of community members, and decisions are made within 14 days of receiving an application. To find more information about the fund and to apply visit creativewaco.org/mitc-fund. To donate visit creativewaco.org/support or shop MakeItInWaco.com.
From The Heart of Texas Region MHMR
Most teenagers strive for independence, want to be with their peers, and are looking ahead to the future. Given this, how do we care for young people during this time, when they aren’t able to hang out with their friends and whose plans may have been cancelled or postponed by the coronavirus? Below are some strategies that might help to address these unexpected parenting challenges, especially at a time when many adults are struggling to hold it all together.
Make Space for Disappointment and Sadness
Teenagers everywhere are facing losses. Once-in-a-lifetime events, such as, graduations, sporting events, and proms have either been cancelled or drastically modified. Performances and competitions for which teenagers have been preparing for months, if not years, have been cancelled overnight. While schools and teachers struggle to get coursework online, gone are the clubs, teams, and other interactions that many students enjoy.
Though we can’t replace what’s been lost, adults should not undervalue the power of offering empathy to discouraged adolescents. In addition to feelings of anxiety around COVID-19, teenagers may be feeling sad, angry, and frustrated about what has become of their year. Words of understanding or empathy might include, “I hate that you have lost so much so fast and I am sorry this has happened. You’ll get through this, but that doesn’t make it any easier right now.” When it comes to addressing painful feelings with teenagers, offering compassion can help pave their way toward feeling better.
Make Space for Relief and Joy
The same teenagers who may be feeling upset about missing school and their peers, may also express some feelings of relief. As much as they are grieving their losses, they may also be relieved at getting out of some commitments they never wanted to keep, or interactions with classmates, teachers or coaches that may have been negative in the past. We might say, “It’s OK to feel relief now too,” while reassuring teenagers that embracing the upsides of the disruption does not minimize what they’ve lost or their worries about the impact of the virus.
Expect Friction Regarding Their Social Lives
If you’re a parent who is sticking to the social distancing guidelines, your teenager is probably already frustrated with you, as some parents are still allowing their kids to hang out as usual. To address this we might say, “I know that other parents are still having kids over, but we can’t support that choice because it doesn’t fit with what the official safety recommendations are.” From there, we can let our teenagers know that when turning down invites they are free to blame us, and that if local safety guidelines allow, we’re open to their suggestions about how they might get together with friends outdoors, six feet apart.
When adolescents can’t see their peers in person, it seems only fair to loosen the rules on how much time they spend connecting online. But all bets aren’t off. Now, as always, rules are still in order to keep digital technology from undermining essential elements of healthy development. Sleep, productive learning, physical activity and face-to-face interactions (even if only with family members for now) should not be crowded out by life online.
Allow Privacy and Time Alone
Of course, few adolescents will want to spend all of their new at-home time with their parents or guardians. Teenagers who are formally quarantined, under shelter-in-place orders, or simply practicing social distancing will need and deserve privacy and time alone. Make it clear that you welcome your teenagers’ company, but don’t take it personally if they want you nearby but quiet, or if they want to spend time in some other private space in your home.
Think about approaching your teenager with an extra measure of thoughtfulness when making requests. For example, saying, “We’re going to need you to supervise your sister for a couple of hours, but we know that you have plans too. How should we do this?” might be a good place to start.
Treat Teenagers as Problem-Solving Partners
As we struggle to figure out new rules, systems and routines for daily living, let’s remember that adolescents are usually at least as resourceful as adults. Don’t hesitate to ask teenagers’ help. We could say, “We’re all having to invent new ways to arrange our days. Can you show me what you have in mind so that I can get a feel for your regular schedule and make sure you’re covering all your bases?”
The school year is ending, summer is nearly here and there is a lot we still don’t know about how that will unfold for our teenagers, but there are some truths about adolescents that can help us through this difficult time: they welcome empathy, they are resilient and adaptable, and they appreciate — and tend to live up to — high expectations.
Press Release
WACO, Texas – Bringing educators, mental health providers and others together to learn and take actionable steps to save lives, regarding what is considered “the preventable epidemic” among American youth, is the focus of the 15th Annual Teen Suicide Prevention Symposium.
Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12, Cedar Crest Residential Treatment Center, Providence Ascension Healthcare Network, the Methodist Children’s Home, and Klaras Center for Families will present the symposium from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Thursday, June 18. The session is $55 and registration is available at https://txr12.escworks.net/ session #171198.
The Symposium, which normally is held at ESC Region 12 in Waco, will be held virtually through Zoom. Participants will have access to the Zoom link upon completion of their registration. The event format, though shorter, will be engaging and offer an online break-out to discuss the content and have breaks with the speakers. Medical and mental health speakers will share research and strategies for helping youth who struggle with suicidal ideation.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an average of one person dies by suicide every 12.8 minutes in the U.S with more than 129 people dying by suicide each day.
Jenipher Janek, ESC Region 12 counseling specialist and regional crisis response team leader, says “Mental health continues to be a huge concern for school personnel. During this time of separation, we still wish to access the best supports and resources for our children. In this year’s 15th Annual Teen Suicide Prevention Symposium, we will hear about suicide safety plans and school responsibilities from Dr. Holly Robles, of Fort Bend ISD and hear from Dr. Fahd Rawra, MD from Alinatelehealth, who will share about mental health and telemedicine.”
Press Release
In June, The Cove – Heart of Texas, Inc., will move its operations to the first floor of the Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) Family Outreach Center at 524 W. Waco Drive. MCH acquired the building and moved its Waco MCH Family Outreach team to the second floor of the facility in January 2019 while considering options for the more than 5,000-square-foot first level.
With a common focus to equip and empower youth, sharing a building with The Cove, “whose commitment aligns so closely with that of MCH was a natural decision,” said Trey Oakley, MCH president/CEO. “This collaboration of two strong and focused organizations will strengthen both of our nonprofits and the Waco community at large.”
For The Cove, a teen-nurturing center in its fourth year of operation, leasing this space means growing in a variety of ways. With nearly double the square footage of The Cove’s current facility on Washington Avenue, the new location will give the organization the capacity to serve more youth experiencing homelessness, prepare meals in a commercial kitchen, and further develop community partnerships, according to The Cove’s executive director Kelly Atkinson. “This beautiful facility is a dream come true for us – not only because it offers the extra room needed to grow, but also because of the growing collaboration it represents,” Atkinson said. “We are thrilled to share space with such a leader in our community’s work to serve vulnerable youth. Methodist Children’s Home has been an anchor in our community for 130 years, and without their generosity and leadership, this new chapter for The Cove would not be possible.” Collaborating with The Cove fulfills a strategic goal for MCH.
“When we opened the MCH Family Outreach Center in Waco in 2019, a goal in our previous strategic plan was to build a facility to support and broaden our programs and open new opportunities for collaboration,” Oakley said. “This space has allowed MCH Family Outreach to increase its impact on families through trainings, meetings, community events and other gatherings in a unique and transformative way. “At the same time, the additional space available on the first floor of the building allowed us to dream and look for strategic opportunities for how MCH could better serve the Waco community and surrounding areas,” he said.
MCH and The Cove have worked together in the past when former Cove students were able to participate in MCH’s independent living program. The Cove opened in October 2016 with a focus on Waco Independent School District high school students who were identified as lacking Fixed, Adequate and Regular housing.
The Cove prepares young people for self-sustainability guided by four principles: Care, Opportunity, Value, and Empowerment. Students can visit The Cove to gain access to basic needs, case management, mentors, and academic support.
Faced with the reality that only 1 in 4 Texas youth without a stable place to call home will graduate from high school, The Cove places a key focus on scholastic support for students. Such support requires space for technology – something that has been a challenge for The Cove in its previous setup. “The potential for an extensive technology hub is one of the things I’m most excited about for Cove Scholars in this new location,” Atkinson said. “Students will have access to the equipment they need to catch up on classes, complete homework, receive tutoring, and fill out college and job applications. Now more than ever, we must create alternative learning environments for high-school-aged youth who need to become career-ready and self-sufficient.” Her hope is that The Cove’s new home will provide just such an environment.
ABOUT THE COVE – HEART OF TEXAS, INC.: Founded in 2016, The Cove – Heart of Texas, Inc. aims to increase self-sustainability among high school-aged youth who lack Fixed, Adequate, and Regular (FAR) housing. Through early identification, homelessness prevention, and nurturing social supports, The Cove serves as a low-barrier entry point to care where young people can access the resources they need to thrive in the areas of housing, employment, physical wellness, education, and relationships. To learn more, visit thecovewaco.org.
ABOUT METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME: Established in 1890 in Waco, Texas, Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) is a nationally accredited nonprofit childcare ministry serving more than 5,000 individuals annually through residential programs for children ages 11-18 on the Waco campus and MCH Boys Ranch, transition living programs for alumni ages 18-26, and foster care and in-home services through 13 MCH Family Outreach offices in Texas and New Mexico. MCH programs are evidence-based, trauma-informed and mission-focused. MCH offers opportunities to develop healthy relationships, grow spiritually and experience educational success up to and after graduation with a generous tuition assistance program for MCH alumni. To learn more, visit MCH.org.
Press release – The Board of Directors for Caritas of Waco is pleased to announce the appointments of Alicia Jallah and Ann Owen as Co-Executive Directors of the nonprofit devoted to providing urgent support to people in need. Jallah and Owen will succeed Buddy Edwards, who is retiring at the end of May after serving the organization as Executive Director since 2008.
“We are grateful for Buddy’s leadership throughout his tenure with Caritas and wish him well as he nears retirement. The Board is excited with the talent and experience Alicia and Ann bring to the position and we look forward to working with them,” said Cindy Wood, President.
Jallah earned her Master of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry from Denver Seminary and her Bachelors Degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She joined the Caritas staff in 2018 as an Assistant Executive Director. Before coming to Caritas, Jallah was Executive Director of the Lamar County Food Pantry in Paris, Texas.
“I am thrilled to be leading Caritas with Ann and working alongside the hardworking volunteers, staff and board of directors. We are committed in the fight against food insecurity and poverty so that those who are vulnerable among us can hold onto hope. My heartfelt gratitude goes to Buddy for his strength in leadership and legacy of kindness and compassion.”
Owen holds an AAS in Data Processing with a minor in Business from McLennan Community College and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Baylor University. She joined Caritas in April of 2014 as Development Director before becoming an Assistant Executive Director in 2018.
“I am excited and honored for the opportunity to work alongside Alicia in leading Caritas. We are poised to build on the momentum created by Buddy’s leadership. We have an outstanding staff who are dedicated to helping those in need and I look forward to working with each of them, as well as our board of directors and many volunteers, in the fight to eliminate food insecurity and poverty in this great community of ours.”
About Caritas of Waco: The mission of Caritas is to provide urgent support to people in need in our community. Caritas is supported by the generosity of individual and corporate donations, charitable foundations, faith communities, civic and service organizations, and the United Way of Waco-McLennan County. For more information, call Caritas of Waco at 254-753-4593 or visit our website at www.caritas-waco.org.
By Barbara Mosacchio
This is a proud time to be part of the United Way network, and to be leading United Way of Waco-McLennan County. The United Way system has been designed to consistently support and increase the capacity of nonprofits by ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to generate impact. Across our system at United Way Worldwide (UWW), advocating on behalf of the nonprofit sector has always been part of our DNA, but never more so than in times of crisis like we are experiencing today.
Under the umbrella of UWW, community-based United Ways have played a central role in ensuring nonprofits have equal access to advocacy and philanthropic support. UWW was recently on Capitol Hill with other national nonprofit leaders to promote significant support for our sector via the Cares Act. The culmination of this work has led to the nonprofit sector’s eligibility to access the SBA loan program, in addition to an increase in funding for FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter program. Alongside these efforts happening in Washington, D.C., United Ways across the country continue to secure corporate giving for the relief and recovery of individuals and families impacted by COVID-19. Our global network has successfully raised millions of dollars—some of which have made their way into McLennan County.
The focus of United Ways to support the nonprofit sector stems from two fundamental ideals. The first is the knowledge that on any given day, it is our nonprofit sector who does the heavy lifting and cares for those who are most in need. Nonprofits fight hard to ensure equity and inclusion through programming and supports for our children, families, and individuals.
The second reason is that in times of crisis like this, we see how quickly the nonprofit sector responds to the challenge. Since my arrival in Waco, I have been taken with the generosity of this community and the true collective will of all who support and engage with the important work our nonprofits do every day. Even in the best of circumstances, the work they do is hard and the challenges are great. Our finest nonprofit organizations balance multiple needs and donor expectations to assure their services are responsive and relevant while also bringing heart, soul, compassion, and empathy to their work.
As we are seeing this new crisis unfold all around us today, the increase in need was almost instantaneous. Nonprofits are being asked daily to adjust the way in which they deliver service, and on many levels, to whom. And these organizations are delivering this service with dedication and unwavering commitment. What we are coming to understand is that while there is a very significant and specific need for services today, we also know that if our community is going to fully recover, we will need a strong and vibrant nonprofit ecosystem to address emerging and longer-term needs. As unemployment soars, as mental and physical health continue to be tested, as children are out of school paired with a lack of childcare options, and as communities’ grapple with the effects of COVID-19, it is our nonprofits who will be called upon to provide the critical support our communities need.
The challenges we are facing globally are almost beyond comprehension. None of us, I think, could ever fathom how hard and heartbreaking life would get for so many, so quickly. Yet, in each crisis there is often resilience and passion. While we have grieved for lives lost and families experiencing pain, we have also rejoiced and celebrated the truly outstanding heroes in our current story, which includes not only our nonprofit leaders, but also our doctors, nurses, teachers, working parents who are home schooling, and our city and county leaders.
Today, I am asking you to join United Way in celebrating, honoring, thanking, and supporting the nonprofit leaders and staff who are on the front lines doing the heavy lifting to uplift our community and give us all hope.
Barbara Mosacchio has been the CEO of United Way of Waco-McLennan County since 2017. She brings to this role significant experience in both nonprofit program leadership and philanthropic leadership having led the YWCA in Dallas, the Atlanta Women’s Foundation, and Chicago Youth Centers prior to moving her leadership to Waco, TX.
By Lindsey Breunig-Rodriguez
Due to the continued spread of COVID-19 and the challenges it poses to communities across Texas and around the world, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has suspended all face-to-face events through at least May 20th. We cannot meet face-to-face for programs, but remain committed to providing research-backed information to help individuals navigate the challenges this virus brings. For information on resources, ideas, and programs for yourself and family visit Texas A&M AgriLife’s HUB. Rather than highlighting a specific fruit or vegetable, this month our Better Living for Texans post will focus on ways to save money and reduce grocery store trips.
Many of us, myself included, are continuing to try and minimize our trips outside the home. Reducing trips to the store is actually a great tactic to save money! Fewer trips reduce our chances of buying products we do not need. How often do we go for one item but walk out with four or five items instead? This can throw off our food budget and increase our chances of opting for items that may not be nutritionally better. To avoid extra trips to the store, start by making a list and create a food budget to help you stick to buying only the items you need.
However, what do we do when we realize we are missing an ingredient? If anyone is like me, sometimes I get the “kitchen freeze” and do not have a back up plan when an ingredient is missing. To help in preventing the “kitchen freeze” below is an ingredient substitution list for when we find ourselves missing an ingredient. Knowing these ingredient substitutions will eliminate the need for extra grocery store trips AND help us save money by eliminating extra purchases.
A second tip that not only saves money but also time is how you organize your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Maintaining organization in those areas will also make menu planning easier as you can see all the items available to you. Shop your pantry first before heading to the grocery store! Some tips for organizing these areas are:
- Place similar items together – This will help in creating substitutions for a recipe. For example: a recipe calls for noodles and you are out, you may have rice that can be substituted in for a similar flavor. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to group items by the major food groups. This goes for in the pantry, fridge, and freezer. (There may be some exceptions because of food safety, if you have questions about a specific item check https://www.foodsafety.gov/) Some other groups are:
- Cans together (group canned beans, meats, and veggies together)
- Spices/seasonings & herbs
- Baking/grains together (flour, rice, lentils, pasta, etc.)
- Premade items (sauces, soups, salsas, etc.)
- Use the first in/first out method – If you purchase an item you already had, place it behind the item in your pantry. This helps you use items that are closer to their expiration date, sooner.
We hope you are staying healthy and safe during this historic time. You may have extra time at home, or you may be working extra to keep our community safe and running. No matter who you are, creating recipes that produce leftovers is yet another way to save time and money. Making recipes that are also great leftovers is handy and reduces the time spent in the kitchen too. Therefore, please enjoy some cook once and eat twice recipes!
Lindsey Breunig-Rodriguez is an Extension Agent for the Better Living for Texans program with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. She is originally from Grapevine, TX but now calls Waco home. A graduate from Baylor University, she loves to venture out to Cameron Park, visit the local Farmers Market, and try out the awesome eateries in Waco. If you see her and hear a loud bark, that’s her pup Lucy Ann just saying hello.
The Act Locally Waco blog publishes posts with a connection to these aspirations for Waco. If you are interested in writing for the Act Locally Waco Blog, please email [email protected] for more information.
By Phillip Ericksen
Life has been tough lately. We stay in our residences as much as possible, all while trying to help our neighbors in need, health professionals on the front lines, local businesses that need our support, and those who simply need our friendship.
At McLennan Community College, a major transition was underway in March as courses were moved online. We are extremely proud of students, faculty, and staff who have made this possible.
In these difficult times, it might be nice to remember some of the success stories MCC has seen recently, from special events we celebrated, to honors we’ve received. We hope to resume these special moments once it is safe to do so.
Jan. 22 – At the start of each semester, the Vendor Fair attracts organizations from around McLennan County to visit campus, set up booths, and meet our students. The connections made at Vendor Fair expose students to on- and off-campus resources and organizations that assist students.
Feb. 20 – Grammy Award-winning music producer SymbolycOne returned to MCC – his alma mater – to discuss his craft with students. He received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Audio Engineering in 1997, and is now one of the top music producers in the industry, working with legends such as Madonna, Gladys Knight, Beyonce, Kanye West, and many more.
Feb. 26 – Texas Higher Education Commissioner Harrison Keller visited campus for important discussions with MCC leadership. They spoke about the future of education and innovation in Texas, and how community colleges play a role in educating our state.
Feb. 27 – The 18th Annual Hearts in the Arts Theatre Gala hosted by the MCC Foundation was highlighted by a student production of “Chicago” at the Ball Performing Arts Center. Many community leaders attended this special event, which benefits student scholarship funds and expands access to higher education in McLennan County.
April 2 – MCC donates emergency supplies and loans equipment to local health care professionals treating patients of COVID-19. Four ventilators, 10 hospital beds, and boxes of masks, gloves, and gowns were delivered to hospitals and clinics as the College supported these essential leaders on the front lines.
April 23 – The Waco Independent School District presented MCC with a Rise Award for Outstanding Community Partners. Partnerships in dual-credit courses, faculty-staff collaborations, and special events were highlighted as President Johnette McKown accepted the award on behalf of the College.
For the entire Spring semester, MCC has encouraged students to participate in the 2020 Census, stay safe through social distancing, and register for summer and fall courses. We are proud to play this role in our community.
Phillip Ericksen is the marketing and communications specialist at McLennan Community College. For about four years, he was a journalist at the Waco Tribune-Herald covering higher education and local government. He enjoys following the news, reading books and drinking coffee. As a San Antonio native, he is an avid fan of Mexican food and the Spurs basketball team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Baylor University. He can be reached at [email protected].
The Act Locally Waco blog publishes posts with a connection to these aspirations for Waco. If you are interested in writing for the Act Locally Waco Blog, please email [email protected] for more information.