UVCC College Times, 1993-03-24

              flees Kemelions break rap mold Athletes' grades priority at UVCC d ) r3 me J3 See Page c: , 24 march 1993 Utah vetey community coEsss See Pago (T Lm 'in. ttl 1 ;J 11 1 7 i'5iri?S' mm i s-P'S'J . " t ; - - ? t';' 'X, ....... j , First days of Spring Sunday marked the official first day of Spring and warmer weather has followed. For the first time In several months, students have been able to get outside to study, visit and enjoy the sunshine. Students meet with Governor Leavitt Bud Bate Staff Writer 23 students taking part in the Cooperative Association of States for Scholarships (CASS) program had an opportunity to meet Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt on Friday, Feb. 20. While here, the students are encouraged to experience as much American culture as possible. Meeting the governor and viewing a session of the legislature helps them to participate in U.S. government decision-making. The students spent about 15 minutes with Leavitt and he was able to leave quite an impression with them. "He welcomed us and said it's very important for us to be here in the United States and share our share our culture with the American people," said environmental science student Romaldo Tillett, from Belize. "1 think he is a good represen-titive for the state of Utah. I think that he has a lot of plans for young people here in Utah," said Francis Williams who is also from Belize. "He is encouraging a lot of differ i vu Vv fl . A - ent foreign students to come in to Utah to study so that we can leam the culture here and also so that Utahns can leam other cultures." Williams said that the American culture is very influential throughout the world, yet Americans d on' t take the same opportunity to learn about different cultures. The students were able to ask Leavitt several questions. They were particularly interested in knowing whether he supports UVCC's campaign to become a four-year college. "He responded positively to that He has pledged his full support for the idea," said Gregory Wattley in his rich Carib-beanaccent. Wattiey,fromSt.Kitts, hopes that UVCC will be able to go four-year. Besides meeting the governor, the students also sat in on a legisla; tion session. Weapon control in the home, wildlife regulation, and abortion were some of the bills that the House was voting on. Many of the CASS students thought the session was chaotic and unorganized. "How can people vote on something they didn't even hear about? Everyone was just talking," said Fern Joseph, I cx "r Photo by Robblo tuMTTi Co top Tim a student from Dominica in the Caribbean. Williams said that at home, when laws are voted on, everything is in order. When one person talks, everybody listens. Eleven of the CASS students will be graduating in April, while 12 will be here for another 18 months. They speak of the faculty with a lot of support "We have all their support in whatever we are doing," said Tillett. "If we are having problems with our major or courses, they are willing to assist us." Because the students are acting as friendship ambassadors for their countries, it is important that they , share as much as they can about their culture with the people of Utah. In return, Utahns are expected to participate with the CASS students and learn about their culture."One thing that stands out in my mind is the culture diversity which I have shared. It has helped me to be aware of of a lot of the things we take for granted at home St. Kitts," said Wattley. "The simple things people cherish, these are the things that mean so much." Legislators praise four-year efforts Jeff Myers Staff Writer The efforts of UVCC were commended last Thursday by legislators who sponsored bills that enabled UVCC to receive four-year status in selected programs. "The reason why it really happened is because of President Kerry Romesburg and the team you have here at UVCC," said Rep. Byron Harward (R-Provo), who was instrumental in passing key bills that funded the four-year program.People who attended the rally were reminded of the importance of previous UVCC leaders, one of those being Wilson Sorensen, who brought about many ideas in helping UVCC become what it is today.There were numerous potential stumbling blocks when the issue was first undertaken. "We did it...can youbelieve it?" said Rep. John Valentine (R-Orem). One of the first problems was persuading the state legislature that it Ukranian leader to address graduates A Ukranian education official will be the featured speaker when UVCC conducts commencement this spring. The graduation service will be April 30 at 3 p.m. in the activity center. Petro M. Talanchuck, minister of education for the Ukraine, will speak. UVCC has established a center in Kiev, Ukraine, where Ukkrainian students take UVCC classes and can eventually earn a certificate in hospitality management The Kiev program is currently in its second semester. Activities scheduled for graduation day include an alumni reception for the graduates in the the student center beginning at 1:30 p.m. The processional begins at 3 p.m. Traditionally,UVCCgraduates Labor force status dronouts. 3 8 ot emPye not seeking work. 1 k I m 1 i was a worthwhile issue. "You couldn't ever force this issue," said Harward. Another problem that UVCC "It's great to be able to come back and say we did it, not only for the students of this institution, but for the whole state." Rep. John Valentine faced was that no one on the current accrediting group has ever worked with a college making the transition from two-year to four-year status. Nonetheless, it succeded. "It's so great to be able to come back and say we did it, not only for the students of this institution, but for the whole state," said Valentine. The next step for UVCC is to get the name shortened to Utah Valley College (UVC), a step that will be addressed in May. This is because the accrediting organization will not allow UVCC to be a community college while at the same time granting four-yearprograms. have each walked in front of the entire graduation audience to receive their diploma from president Kerry Romesburg. However, this year diplomas will be awarded in seperate convocations that are scheduled at 4:30 p.m. for each school: School of Business, School of Trades and Technology, School of Humanities, Sciences and Health Professions. The exact location of each convocation will be announced later. Receptions will follow the convocation meetings at 6 p.m. later that day. Romesburg said the school convocations have become a necessity since the college has grown to over 10,000 students. "If s unfortunate, in a way, because we lose some of the personal feel," he said. of high school Erapoy full time. Emnloved 5 'O S art time 1 n rrf