FLATHEAD VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE: HONORS STUDENTS, BUILDS COMMUNITY

Flathead Valley Community College

On Friday I was lucky to help honor some of Flathead Valley Community College's exemplary student leaders, volunteers and service learning students at the campus's Arts and Technology building. Each year, Campus Compact awards its Newman Civic Fellows Awards to students whose work addresses root causes of problems and help develop effective means to address problems creating lasting change. This year, FVCC's Newman Civic Fellow was Scott Brooke, a second year student and Navy veteran who helped build the base of support for the Veterans Association and an endowed scholarship to help benefits-ineligible student veterans pay for college. I spoke with Scott and was impressed by his love of his work, gratitude for the opportunity to serve, and drive to make his campus a welcoming and supportive place for student veterans to learn. The Flathead Daily Interlake recently ran this piece on Scott. It's hard not to be inspired reading it.

A few things struck me about FVCC's event:

1) Community-supported. The room was full with partners, parents, grandparents, spouses, children and family all their in support of college students. 

Scott Brooke, 2015 Newman Civic Fellow

2) It drew on support from across campus: the event was collaborative, with probably ten offices participating, and taking on unique roles in celebrating students accomplishments. FVCC's top administrator and MTCC's board chair Jane Karas attended and opened the event.

3) Diverse. FVCC's Leadership awards were made to service learning and AmeriCorps students, as well as intramural athletes, theater students and other student clubs. FVCC defines leadership broadly, gives students lots of opportunities to develop their civic and social responsibility and improve community life.

4) Authentic. Each advisor spoke for a few moments about student accomplishments and brought genuine appreciation, humor and gratitude to their award.

Congratulations to FVCC's and all of Montana's classes of 2015!