April 2019
Closing in on Commencement
Just a few days separate student from graduate. On May 4, the stage will be set to move many of our Spartans forward on their education and career paths. So much hard work culminates that day: that of the students, their parents, the faculty and staff. We are proud of all of our graduates and remind you: "Once a Spartan, always a Spartan!"
Elided Silva - Recipient of the first Becky Dubbert Memorial PTK Scholarship
Jeff Dubbert, Becky Dubbert's husband, awarded the scholarship to Elided at the Rangely Honors Banquet on April 16.
On April 16, Elided "Eli" Silva was named the first recipient of the Becky Dubbert Memorial Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship. This scholarship rewards a student involved in the Rangely campus Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society, who will be returning for a second year with plans to have a leadership role. The scholarship of $1,500 can be used for tuition, books and/or fees. 

Silva, a first-year dental hygiene student, came to CNCC from Glenwood Springs in 2015 to complete her prerequisite classes for the Dental Hygiene program. She fought through her fear and introversion and joined PTK, becoming an active member and a key recruiter of new students. Silva's drive to be a voice for CNCC students grew with this experience.

For the 2018-19 academic year, Silva was voted in as Secretary of PTK. In addition, she served as secretary of Student Government,a Resident Assistant, and as a work study in the library. She will continue to serve as PTK Secretary in the coming year, even with the high demands of second-year Dental Hygiene studies.

"My plans are to get my Dental Hygiene degree and then study at a university while working part-time as a hygienist," said Silva. "I plan to get a bachelor's degree in biochemistry with the intention of becoming a dentist one day."

Rebecca May Hodge Dubbert was born on February 7, 1965 in Mexico, MO. She attended the University of Missouri and received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Mesa State College. She worked for many years at CNCC, serving as executive assistant to the president, public information officer, and special events coordinator. While at CNCC, Becky was active with the Beta Epsilon Tau Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. 

"I am honored to receive this scholarship," said Silva. "I feel a responsibility to represent her memory well. PTK is defined by its service and learning experience - for giving back without expecting anything in return. I want to have that set of mind throughout my career as she did."
Faculty Feature: Liz Johnson, PhD
Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) faculty, Elizabeth (Liz) Johnson, PhD, was recently selected to receive University of Colorado Boulder’s Outstanding Colorado Educator Award .

The award is presented to educators across the state of Colorado who have demonstrated a commitment to helping students achieve their higher education goals. These individuals are counselors, faculty, and staff members nominated by their colleagues for their hard work and dedication to student success.

In her nomination, Johnson’s colleague noted, “To Liz, every student is an individual and she has a personal approach with each and every one of them. Liz not only teaches; she leads, advises, and is with students in the classroom or out in the field digging up dinosaur bones. She always directs students to the future and does not stop with just what they are doing now.”

Of the award Johnson said, “It is an honor to be selected as an Outstanding Colorado Educator. Community colleges play a crucial role in transitioning students to institutions of higher education and equally to the workforce in our communities. I have the pleasure to take part these students’ individual growth and play a role in their life story. It is why any educator comes to work: we thrive on seeing our students grow.”

Johnson teaches many science courses on the CNCC Craig campus. However, her focus and true love is with paleontology. When she is not in the classroom, Johnson coordinates summer dinosaur digs and manages CNCC’s federal dinosaur repository.

Johnson will be recognized formally at University of Colorado Boulder’s Outstanding Colorado Student and Educator Awards Night on Friday, May 3, in Boulder.
Foundation Dinner nets over $71,000
National Park Service students served as greeters, bartenders, and servers for this year's event.
A lively crowd gathered for the 15 th annual Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) Foundation Dinner held on March 30. The yearly event raises funds to support scholarships for CNCC students. 

As guests arrived, they browsed the many silent auction offerings and chatted with friends. CNCC’s National Park Service Seasonal Law Enforcement students provided table service, ran the beer and wine table and assisted with the auction.

Chevron’s Mikel Wiley took a moment to talk about how Chevron values their long-standing relationship with CNCC and how they believe in CNCC’s mission and want to increase scholarship opportunities for students. “For these reasons, Chevron is increasing our annual donation to $25,000,” said Wiley.
CNCC President Ron Granger then took the stage to honor Jane Miller, long-time CNCC supporter who recently passed away. Her contributions to CNCC have been many, including her two most precious resources: daughters Angie Miller and Kathy Kottenstette, who both work at CNCC. Nearly every eye in the room grew teary and Miller way honored with a rousing standing ovation from the crowd.

Emcee Keith Peterson, CNCC Vice President of Instruction, and Jed Moore, CNCC Rodeo Coach and Auctioneer for the evening keep the crowd energized and laughing with their unique brand of humor and hijinks.

“This event brings out the best of this community. So many generous people and businesses come together each year to raise scholarship funds for CNCC students,” said Sue Samaniego, director of the CNCC Foundation. “I am so happy to be a part of this college and community. Thank you all so much!”

For those who have taken the online survey after the event, Samaniego would like to ensure you the auction is not going away. “The feedback has been clear: the auction is an integral part of the entertainment of the evening,” said Samaniego.

Thank you to all who donated, attended or in any way contributed to the CNCC Foundation. For more information on the Foundation contact Sue Samaniego at 970.675.3216 or sue.samaniego@cncc.edu.
CNCC Foundation | (970) 675-3216 | foundation@cncc.edu | Website