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"The History department taught me how to read, interpret and write history, not just names and dates.  They prepared me to look at history as a historian rather than as just a student."
Not only did he make sure that he was prepared in class by having his readings and assignments done ahead of time, but Chris also collaborated with his fellow students.  The greatest memory that I have of Chris is his willingness to reach out to a student who was struggling in the course.  While he made himself available, Chris became fast friends sharing his love for baking and history with the student.  He has finished his Senior Thesis, titled "From Heresy to Orthodoxy," and he is entering into graduate school where he will pursue a Master of Arts in History at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Glenn Rohlfing on the academic career of Chris Bairn.

"As a first generation college student, the first year at PPCC was more than a little overwhelming.  I was never the ideal student in high school, and I was not expected by anyone to attain a higher education.  Learning the ropes was a difficult task, but through all the bedlam, it was the history department that pulled me through.  The instructors in the history department gave me the discipline, the confidence, but most importantly the language of college, and it was that which prepared me for four year college.  As a graduate student at UCCS, with a magna cum laude BA in History, I am truly grateful to the dedicated members of the history department for their resolve and dedication in transitioning students into the lifestyle and reward that is college life."

I met Roxanne when, as department chair, I visited a Weekend College history class.  I asked the students if anyone needed help with advising—and met Roxanne. In a subsequent class with me, I saw a student who is passionate about history, well read, and always eager to participate in class discussion.  I do recall fondly some comments about classicism and Mozart’s love life.  Roxanne has earned a bachelor’s degree in history at UCCS and worked as writing center and history tutor at PPCC for the past two years.  She gets rave reviews from my students about her ability to help them improve their writing.  Roxanne begins the graduate program in history in UCCS in fall 2009.  I would be privileged to have her as a future colleague in the history department at PPCC.  Wayne Artis on the academic career of Roxanne Yelvington

I was a student at PPCC from January 2005 to December 2006. I came as what I call a home-school dropout. I spent years devouring information and educating myself, but the ugly truth was that I found myself a 20 year-old whose potential would have been wasted without an education. I needed a place where I could discover that potential.  Every instructor at PPCC pushed me right to the limit of my abilities and kept on pushing – gently, but firmly – until learned what I was capable of; until I learned that I had it within me to go farther than I ever imagined.  Entering PPCC I felt small and frightened, leaving I felt mature and assured. The strength of knowing I could accomplish so much emboldened me, so I took a daring leap and applied to Colorado College. In 2008 I was accepted with a full scholarship and advanced academic standing.  Update: In May 2010, Max received a bachelor of arts degree in art Magna cum Laude from Colorado College.  He is currently looking at graduate schools.