Happy Leap Day!

Happy Leap Day everyone! To commemorate this day that comes around only once every four years, let me know how you are celebrating. I'm celebrating by working. :)

Celebrate African-American history, learn college prep skills Saturday

Are you an African-American parent of a child who wants to learn more about going to college or connect with your community? Or are you an African-American young person who wants to learn life skills and plan for college? TCC/NAACP will hold the annual Youth Helping Youth conference from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at TCC's Northeast Campus. To learn more, watch: Diversity Dialogue.

P.S. Watch more with Tony Alonso, dean of diversity and civic engagement, at 8:30 a.m. on KTUL (channel 8) on Wednesday.

Forbes: Highest paying two-year degree jobs in the US

Check out this article from Forbes about the highest-paying two-year degree jobs in the U.S., all of which you can prepare for here at TCC! It highlights how much money you can make as a registered nurse, dental hygienist, computer support specialist, engineering technologist and more. Good to know!

'Dead Man Walking' story told in new art form: Opera

"Dead Man Walking," a best-selling book and Oscar-nominated film, has been transformed into an opera that our own Tulsa Opera will perform. If you're thinking, "Umm...., opera's not for me," this is a great opportunity to hear something you can understand (it's sung in English) with an inspirational storyline. In case you don't know, "Dead Man Walking" is a true story written by Sister Helen Prejean, a nun who became the spiritual adviser of a man on death row. That experience influenced her in becoming an advocate to end the death penalty.

What's the TCC connection? The composer, Jake Heggie, will discuss his work on this piece during a special "Inside Composer's Studio" event at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Center for Creativity on TCC's Metro Campus. Heggie will take you behind the scenes of this drama that tells the story of a woman's journey to help a convicted murderer find his way to truth and redemptive love.

Tulsa Opera presents "Dead Man Walking" in Chapman Music Hall at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.
7:30 p.m. Feb. 25
7:30 p.m. March 2
2:30 p.m. March 4

http://www.tulsaopera.com/


 

Temple Grandin, namesake of HBO movie, to speak at TCC

Claire Danes and Temple Grandin (January 25, 2010 - Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images North America)

 I was channel surfing at home on Friday when I came upon a movie that was just starting on HBO. The movie  "Temple Grandin" immediately got my attention. I had never heard of it, but I was fascinated as I watched the story unfold. I'll let you watch the trailer for yourself, but let me just share that it is an amazing story based on the real-life events of Temple Grandin, a woman with autism who has heavily influenced animal husbandry.

Fastforward to Monday. I couldn't believe what I saw: a flier promoting the speaking engagement of the Temple Grandin. Not Claire Danes, the actress who played Temple in the movie, but the real Dr. Temple Grandin. She will speak about "Animals, Autism, and Visual Thinking" at the TCC VanTrease PACE on March 6. Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Dr. Jan Weaver Veterinary Technology Scholarship, which provides funds to students in the TCC Veterinary Technology Program.

Grandin's life is fascinating. She didn't speak until she was 4 years old, and now she holds a doctorate degree. She never let autism limit her. If you have the opportunity, watch the movie and come hear the inspiring words from this fearless woman.

7 p.m. March 6
VanTrease Performing Arts Center for Education
Adults: $25
Students: $10
For tickets: 918-595-7777 or http://www.myticketoffice.com

Get your grub on

So. You have 30 minutes before your next class, and you're starving. What's a poor college student to do? Raid the vending machine? Scrounge around in your pockets for leftover tater tots? I say, "No!"

TCC has some great places to grab a bite if you get the munchies between classes. At Metro Campus, Bill & Ruth's is the place to get an old-fashioned burger and fries or a fresh salad. At Northeast Campus, Subway has your sandwich of choice. At Southeast Campus, hang out at The Hub for some Bill & Ruth's grub. At West Campus, delight your taste buds at the Upper Crust.

Here are some campus maps to guide you in your quest for food:
Metro Campus
Northeast Campus
Southeast Campus
West Campus

FYI: Most of the restaurants are located in the Student Union areas/buildings.

Celebrate the man who changed our world

Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and I am so proud to work at a place that closes for the holiday. When I was growing up in rural Oklahoma, this holiday was not given the recognition it needed. I am so glad to now be part of a culture that fully recognizes, appreciates and celebrates this day and the great man for whom it was named.

I'm not going to try to summarize Dr. King's life or his accomplishments or his amazing mind and spirit here. But if you want to learn more, visit The King Center.

Watch 'I Have A Dream' speech