PPCC Faculty build "Bridge of Community"

by Jay Yeakley, Math & Languages Division

The Pikes Peak Community College Faculty Senate built a bridge of community between PPCC faculty, staff, administration, and students during the college’s 2009 fall semester Employment Appreciation Luncheon.

The Faculty Senate partnered with PPCC President Tony Kinkel to promote participation at the luncheon, while the students and faculty of the PPCC Culinary Arts Department hosted the event with an impressive menu of delicious foods in ample supply, serving 350 employees, a dramatic increase of participation from previous similar events.

Furthermore, during the luncheon and under the banner of “Faculty Senate: Here to Serve,” the Faculty Senate hosted a program, announcing the beginning of a new scholarship for students that is supported entirely by financial contributions from PPCC faculty, and the beginning of a unified determination among faculty to express its appreciation for staff.

Then, in a move that delighted all luncheon participants, the Faculty Senate named and called forward every Custodial Staff member of the PPCC Facilities Department, presenting each with a certificate of appreciation and several “hundred-grand”—chocolate bars. Not surprisingly, once the honorees were gathered on stage, the luncheon employee crowd spontaneously burst into a standing ovation, demonstrating a unified and very strong sense of respect for every member of the Custodial Staff.