Tuesday, February 23, 2010

A Message from the President


Welcome to what is certain to be an exciting Spring semester! Whether you are new to Prince George’s Community College or returning from winter break, there is something here for each of you!

You are part of a community of 40,000 students from 103 countries who have chosen Prince George’s Community College for their education. We have more than 2,600 faculty and staff who are eager to teach and assist you in reaching your goals. We have more than 30 student organizations and 12 intercollegiate athletic teams to enhance and enrich the learning environment you have chosen to be a part of. Our students are of all ages and backgrounds which contributes to a rich, diverse and thriving community of learning.

Last fall we launched a campus-wide civility campaign. It is intended to remind us that we are here to teach and to learn, that hurtful words and actions interrupt the learning process and interfere with the educational goals we set before us. We are all encouraged to speak freely in this democracy and on this campus, but we can hold back from hateful, hurtful speech. That takes effort, self-control, and an honest desire to see individuals, not types; people, not things; issues, not absolute truths. We must reach out and support one another during these times of economic stress and worldwide conflicts.

As we support each other, let us remember those who have been affected by the devastating earthquakes which recently struck Haiti. Let us support our Haitian students in whatever ways we can. Some have lost homes, loved ones, dear friends. We are seeking ways in which we may offer hope, healing and assistance. To this end we have launched a campus-wide Haitian Relief Committee, which will be raising funds through donations and fundraising events. I encourage you to contribute and to volunteer for this effort. Contact College Life Services to see how you can help.

Volunteering while you are a student here will not only give you a great deal of personal satisfaction, but you will also gain valuable knowledge and experience which will serve you well in your chosen career. VITA (Volunteers in Tax Assistance) is a good example. This service provides training in tax preparation. Volunteers help prepare tax returns for students, individuals with disabilities, elderly taxpayers and those with low and limited income. Another way to volunteer is to share your knowledge of a subject with a student who may be struggling and offer your service as a tutor. Again, contact College Life Services to learn of the wealth of opportunities available to you as a student at Prince George’s Community College. I hope that you, too, will discover the joys of the classroom and enjoy the many co-curricular activities we offer to make our student’s time with us more memorable, meaningful and fulfilling. If you take advantage of what we have to offer here and ask for help when you need it, I know you will thrive. We care enough about you to give you our very best and we ask that you give us your very best effort in return. Thank you for selecting us as one of the most important stops you will make on your lifelong journey to success.

No comments:

Post a Comment