CCCS Internal On January 29, our partners, Colorado legislators, and college Presidents gathered to celebrate the role of our community colleges and the value of higher ed for all Coloradans at the State Capitol. Throughout the day, members from our State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE), all 13 CCCS College Presidents, and several student representatives from across the state were present to share their ideas and experiences. State representatives were able to learn more about each college from their district and how they can work together to create educational opportunities for all Coloradans and build our workforce for the future.
Displays from each of our colleges were presented on the first-floor rotunda of the Capitol, showcasing signature programs, innovative partnerships, and the impact they have on their respective communities. College program brochures and degree information packets were a big hit with the high school student groups that visited the Capitol that week.
Senate and House Floor Introductions
Our college Presidents and leaders were introduced on the Senate and House floor where they were able to watch legislation take place. “It is important for the legislature to support community colleges,” said Representative Janet Buckner, “because community colleges give students the opportunity to further their degrees, their experience, so they can go into whatever jobs they see fit, whether it’s a trade, whether they decide to go to a four-year school to advance their degree. Community colleges are a necessity in my opinion.”
Meetings with Higher Education Leadership
Throughout the morning college Presidents and leaders met with leaders in the higher education space including Angie Paccione, Executive Director for the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Allie Kimmel, Education Policy Advisory to the Governor, and Governor Polis to discuss the current state of higher education in Colorado and how we can support all students so they achieve post-secondary education and workforce training.
“For many years one of the most pressing issues in higher education was making sure that we could provide access to all students of all backgrounds, students who are place-bound, students who are working, students who are parents”, said Chancellor Garcia. “That’s still a pressing issue for us but at the community college, we’re more focused now on making sure that those students are successful. We want to make sure that once they come to our institutions they get what they came for.” Chancellor Garcia
Legislator Appreciation Luncheon & Lifetime Achievement Award
The day concluded with the Legislator Appreciation Luncheon at the First Baptist Church, located across the street from the Capitol. Legislators were acknowledged for attending our events throughout the day and were invited to give brief remarks about the community colleges in their districts and the impact that our colleges have in their communities and for Colorado as a whole.
A highlight of the Luncheon was the acceptance of the Colorado Community College System Lifetime Achievement Award by Senator Nancy Todd. Senator Nancy Todd was first elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 2005 and for the past 16 years she has served in leadership roles on the House and Senate Education committees and in this session, her last session in the legislature, was elected President pro tempore by her peers. In addition to her leadership and her willingness to always put in the “elbow grease” needed to address complex issues, Senator Todd has always been willing to give community colleges a helping hand, from hosting our days at the capitol, offering tributes on the floor, highlighting the stories and successes of our students, visiting our colleges and always listening to our perspective on bills, budget issues, and capital development needs.
