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FVCC Home >  Press Releases >  2008 - May

Three Flathead Valley Community College students will receive Columbia Falls Library Association scholarship awards totaling $600 for the 2008-2009 academic year.

From Columbia Falls – Katherine Emerson who is pursuing an Associate of Science transfer degree toward a career in nursing; and Claire Nelson who is pursuing an Associate of Arts transfer degree with an emphasis in art and graphic design; and

From West Glacier – Cortny Westgard who is pursuing a transfer degree with an emphasis in criminal justice.

Recipients of the Columbia Falls Library Association scholarship may be new or returning students enrolled as full or part-time students at FVCC and must reside within Columbia Falls School District #6.

For more information regarding FVCC scholarships opportunities, contact the FVCC Financial Aid Office at 756-3849.

Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas presented her third annual President's Mentor Award to John D. Engebretson, FVCC Board of Trustees Chairman, during the college’s 40th commencement May 16. The award was created in 2006 to honor a community leader who every day inspires us with their leadership, vision, integrity and passion and exemplifies the meaning of the word mentor.

Engebretson has served on the college’s Board of Trustees for 17 years and eight months and has served as Board Chairman for eight terms.

In Karas’ presentation, she acknowledged Engebretson as “an individual who has used his gifts of vision, leadership and encouragement to help our students, the college and our community.”

In her remarks about Engebretson’s service to the Board, she noted, “he serves with distinction and no matter the issue, he exhibits the utmost respect for process, participants and attendees at Board meetings.”

Karas recognized Engebretson for attending almost every college event and activity such as theatre productions, art exhibit openings, scholarship events, accreditation visits, staff parties and committee meetings.

She added, “He dutifully attends Foundation meetings, legislative hearings and every community listening session and reviews scholarship applications.”

Karas regarded Engebretson’s wisdom and knowledge as valuable resources to many FVCC presidents and trustees as the college grew from a new campus with four buildings on 40 acres in 1990 to its present 209-acre campus with seven state-of-the-art facilities.

Last year, Karas presented the award to Fran Laukaitis, chief of nursing at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

For more information, contact Monica Settles at 756-3801.

Eight students from the Flathead Valley Community College/Polson High School building trades class along with their instructor Russ Barber, traveled to Orlando, Fla., February 13-16 to compete in the National Association of Home Builders International Builders’ Show. The students placed eighth in the largest residential construction trade show in the world.

A team of five students competed in the Residential Construction Competition sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders. Preparation for the competition involved developing a complete set of working drawings, material list, construction schedule, labor and material cost estimates for a home to be built in the Orlando area. The second part of the competition involved delivering an oral presentation at the show where the team defended their proposal and responded to questions from the judges.

More than 92,000 building industry professionals from around the globe attended the event. The show featured over 1,900 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in building products, services and technologies and numerous display homes featuring the latest technological products throughout over one million net square feet of exhibit space.

“It was an eye opening experience for my students as they caught an in-depth view of the scope of the building industry,” said Barber.

The students who attended the show were Nick Baughman, Myke Booth, Ryley Duford, Harvey Fairchild, Bryce Parker, Nathan Randall, Ethan Richer and Kenny Swope. Accompanying the students were Barber, Polson High School Technology Education Instructor Jay Krantz and Mark Nunlist, a member of the Lake County Building Association.

For more information about the FVCC/Polson High School building construction trades program in Polson, contact Barber at (406) 883-0584 or at russumc@montanasky.net.

Students enrolled in the spring Paramedicine III class at Flathead Valley Community College presented Cheri Watson, NREMT-P, Montana Medical Transport and FVCC lead skills instructor, with an award following their practical skills final exam May 15.

The award expresses the students’ appreciation of Watson for her long-term commitment to the college’s paramedicine program. The award also recognizes Watson for her professional expertise and educational mentoring and attributes the lives the students will save as a reflection of Watson’s commitment.

For more information, contact FVCC Paramedicine Instructor James Neal, CCEMTP-NREMT-P, at 756-3901.

The Flathead Valley Community College Foundation presented three awards at the annual President’s Donor Dinner May 15.

Attended by nearly 140 guests, the dinner recognized and thanked members of the President’s Club who play a vital role in the lives of FVCC students while helping to strengthen the economic future of Northwest Montana through their investments in FVCC students and programs.

The awards presented at the dinner include:

FVCC Foundation Community Leadership Award – presented to FVCC Board of Trustees Chairman John D. Engebretson of Kalispell, for his commitment to the college, his dedication and support for Foundation events and activities and outstanding leadership and service to the Foundation;

FVCC Foundation Friend and Volunteer Commitment Award – presented to Mary Gibson of Kalispell, Associate Board Member, for her tireless and always positive and optimistic efforts to promote the Foundation and its events and the college and community; and

FVCC Foundation Friend and Volunteer Commitment Award – presented to Tom Sliter of Kalispell, a man of many talents, for his help and support whenever needed and for always lending a helping hand and giving generously of his time to advance the mission of the Foundation.

During the annual Foundation Board meeting that took place prior to the dinner, the Board approved a one-time allocation of $2,583, or 10 percent of the net proceeds from Christmas Tree Excellence 2007, to the FVCC culinary arts program for services performed at the event in November. The Board also approved to allocate up to $13,000 for 2008-2009 Enhancement Grant awards.

The Foundation also announced the following recipients of FVCC Foundation scholarships for the 2008-2009 academic year:

• Anthony Rojo of Bigfork;
• Aimee Volkman of Columbia Falls;
• Dana Wilson of Bigfork; and
• Amanda Zimmel of Whitefish.

Each student was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $2,976 to cover full tuition and fees for up to 12 credits for the fall and spring semesters at FVCC. The scholarships are funded through the $33,000 in proceeds raised from the Foundation’s Christmas Tree Excellence and Bibler Home and Gardens special fundraising events. The spring tours of the Bibler Home and Gardens took place May 8-12 and raised $3,427 in student scholarships. The tours were led by 35 volunteers and enjoyed by 288 visitors.

For more information, contact Sue Evans at 756-3963 or at sevans@fvcc.edu.

Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas honored Paul Thomas Williams with the college’s prestigious Eagle Award for the 2007-2008 academic year during the annual President’s Donor Dinner May 15. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to FVCC. Williams’ wife, Suzy, accepted the award on his behalf.

Williams served on the FVCC Foundation Board from 1999 until his death in 2007. At the time of his death, he served as Foundation Board treasurer and chair of the Finance and Stewardship Committee. He headed a sub-committee on planned giving and raised awareness of the benefits of endowed philanthropy, and his efforts led to an agreement with the Montana Community Foundation promoting the advantages of the Montana Tax Credit and charitable planned giving for donors in the Flathead Valley. In addition, he authored the Foundation’s “Gift of Learning” brochure and helped organize an estate planning workshop. During Williams’ eight years of service, the Foundation’s assets experienced growth from just over $1 million to nearly $6 million today.

In her presentation, Karas attributed Williams’ lifelong experience in trust management to helping “educate the FVCC Foundation members about investment strategies and planning.” She added, “He took his fiduciary responsibility seriously and always displayed the utmost integrity. Paul generously gave his time, talents and wealth. With his help, we are more effective and better stewards of the contributions given to enrich higher education at FVCC and to help needy and deserving students achieve college degrees. He shared his professional talents and truly made a lasting difference at FVCC and in his community.”

Williams was a founding member of the Kalispell Regional Medical Center Foundation, and at the time of his death, he served as treasurer of The University of Montana Foundation, immediate past president of the Flathead Lakers and an active member of Kalispell Rotary.

Karas noted Williams as an “outstanding citizen and volunteer, and whatever he did, he did with enthusiasm and passion.” Among his advocacies were supporting clean water initiatives and a healthy Flathead Lake, working for fairness and integrity in politics, supporting funding for injured wildlife, working with Kalispell Regional Medical Center’s Foundation for quality health care, supporting higher education and athletics at The University of Montana and always adhering to the Rotary motto—“service above self.”

Past recipients of the award include: 1990-91: Owen Sowerwine; 1991-92: Larry Blake; 1992-93: Roger Rettenmeier; 1993-94: Janice Hart; 1994-95: Janet Bierrum; 1995-96: Jeanette Oliver; 1996-97: Lil Laidlaw; 1997-98: Faith Hodges; 1998-99: Shirley Bowdish and Mel Ruder; 1999-2000: Pat LaTourelle; 2000-2001: Dr. Herman “Chet” Ross; 2001-2002: Kathy Hughes; 2002-2003: Annie Beall; 2003-2004: F. Charles “Chuck” Mercord; 2004-2005: Ivan Lorentzen; 2005-2006: George Shryock; and 2006-2007: Bill Roope.

The perpetual award of the college symbol, a soaring bald eagle, is permanently displayed in the foyer of Blake Hall. Each year, the recipient’s name is engraved on a gold plate and placed under the eagle. The annual award is presented at a special institutional function.

For more information, contact Monica Settles at 756-3801.

The Flathead Valley Community College Board of Trustees met May 19 for its regularly scheduled monthly meeting.

The Board unanimously approved the May 6 Trustee Election Canvass. Congratulations were extended to Thomas Harding and John Phelps on their re-election to the FVCC Board from the Columbia Falls, Bigfork and Whitefish High School Districts and to Robert Nystuen on his re-election to the Board of Trustees from the Flathead High School District. Clerk of the District Monica Settles administered the oath of office.

Student Government President Erin Giefer announced the Student Government election results. Officers for the coming year include Timothy Butterfield—president; Scott Johnson—vice-president; Marla Worthington—business manager; and Jessica Ferretti—activities director. Five FVCC students competed in the 2008 Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference in Reno, Nev., May 7-11. All five students placed in the top 10 in their categories with one placing first and two placing third. Approximately 1,100 students from across the nation participated in the event.

FVCC Logger Sports Team Coach Annie Beall reported on the team’s activities for its 37th season. The team of 21 members participated in four competitions during the season including Oregon State University’s Fall Frost, University of Idaho’s Lumberjack Classic, FVCC’s Stumpjumper Days and the 69th Annual Association of Western Forestry Clubs Conclave at The University of Montana.

Director, Extended Learning, Lincoln County Campus Pat Pezzelle announced that the FVCC Bookstore has developed an online textbook buy-back system for students.

Greg Naive presented information on the Sports Car Club of America as public comment.

FVCC Multicultural Coordinator Mick Stemborski reported on the recent Nepal cultural immersion trip. Twenty-two students participated in the six-week program and earned a combined total of 219 college credits. Stemborski is preparing for the college’s second trip to Peru this summer, and nine students have enrolled in the program.

FVCC Economics Instructor and Director of the Center for Business and Research Gregg Davis reported on the developing Scholars Program. A committee of seven has been meeting almost weekly to research and plan for the program designed to recruit high-functioning students from across the state who have demonstrated academic excellence but are unsure of their future study plans.

The Board was presented a tobacco free recommendation developed by the college’s Smoking Committee. FVCC students and employees were invited to submit input on the recommendation that was reviewed by College Council. The campus will create a plan for next steps.

In action items, the Board approved the first reading of the Facilities Usage Policy. The Board approved the second reading of the proposed change in the Asset and Capitalization Policy increasing the major tangible items threshold from $1,000 to $5,000. The Board scheduled its retreat for June 18 and approved the 2008-2009 Board of Trustees meeting schedule.

The Board elected the following members to serve as officers for the coming year: John Engebretson—Board Chairperson; Robert Nystuen—Board Vice-Chairperson; and Mark Holston—Secretary to the Board. The Board approved the reappointment of Monica Settles as Clerk of District. The Board approved the motion to accept the Board Personnel, Outreach and Finance and Audit Committees as constituted with John Phelps replacing John Engebretson on the Facility Overview Committee.

FVCC President Jane Karas announced that the college has submitted its application for a Title III grant for the amount of $2 million to be distributed over a five year period. The Annual President’s Donor Dinner was held in the college’s new Arts and Technology Building May 15 and was attended by 148 guests. Karas honored Paul Williams with the college’s prestigious Eagle Award at the dinner. Williams served on the FVCC Foundation Board from 1999 until his death in 2007. His wife, Suzy Williams, accepted the award on his behalf. Karas awarded the President’s Third Annual Montana Mentor Award to Board Chair John Engebretson during the college’s 40th Commencement May 16. FVCC will receive a Fulbright In-Residence Scholar from China to teach Chinese language classes during the upcoming academic year.

The next regularly scheduled board meeting will take place June 30 at 3:45 p.m. For more information regarding specific items included in this report or regarding college activities, please contact Tara Roth by calling 756-3912. For more information on board meetings, please contact Monica Settles by calling 756-3801.

As Flathead Valley Community College prepares for commencement during what has already been a monumental year for the college—a year-long celebration of its 40th anniversary, the opening of its newly completed and remodeled facilities, the launch of its new Web site and most recently, the visit by former U.S. President Bill Clinton—a number of tonight’s graduates have already begun making their own history.

Roger Diller

Bigfork resident Roger Diller always enjoyed working with children. He taught his daughter Keila, now 16, at the age of five how to swim. He began teaching other children how to swim when he was 30 years old. But his teachings are not ordinary swimming instructions involving paying an instructor for services rendered. He considers them a service of goodwill, and he has never accepted payment for the learning experiences he has provided.

Diller, a self-taught swimmer who is now “close to 50,” has been providing this special service along with his daughter to other children for the last 10 years. Not only will he be awarded an Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in elementary education during tonight’s commencement exercises, his recently published book, “Up the Creek with Padle,” has become an important resource for families as they gear up for the closely approaching summer season.

Designed to teach parents how to teach their children how to swim, the book tells the story of a young boy, “Daniel,” who journeys to a swimming hole with his family one summer afternoon. In the story, Daniel’s dog “Padle” teaches him the swimming techniques Diller and his daughter teach other young aspiring swimmers. The motivating and inspirational story concludes with Daniel learning how to swim and shares how he, with Padle’s help, teaches his friend and other children the skills to be safe and efficient swimmers.

“This is a great instructional book disguised as a bedtime story for parents to read their children,” said Diller. “Not only does it boost self-confidence, it teaches kids a simple way to swim safely, and they can practice the skills in their dreams.”

In addition to Diller’s passion for teaching kids, his inspiration to write the book was driven by a close call he experienced when he was a young boy. At the age of 11, Diller nearly drowned as he swam over three waterfalls and was “sucked under” between the first and second falls. He credits his strong swimming skills to saving his life.

“Strong swimming skills are something all children need to have by the time they are five years old and especially in this area with all of the water that surrounds us,” he said. “The ultimate goal of this book is to save lives.”

Diller’s book, illustrated by FVCC alumna Lara Kato and edited by FVCC Writing Lab Instructional/Tutorial Assistant Jim Soular and Kato, is available in the FVCC Bookstore and on www.amazon.com

Claire Nelson

Claire Nelson always had an interest in visual arts. She took private art lessons throughout high school and even took European art classes. Four years ago, she began dabbling in graphic design, and after she moved to the Flathead Valley from St. George, Utah, one year ago, she got a job at X-treme Graphics in Kalispell. When FVCC launched its Graphic Arts Certificate of Applied Science program last fall, she decided to enroll. But little did she know her fate would take a turn from art student to award-winning entrepreneur at the age of 19.

While enrolled in a digital portfolio class at FVCC this spring, her instructor Dawn Rauscher had assigned a project involving students entering their art work into various contests. Nelson submitted a design in the 2008 Northwest Montana Fair art contest, and her design was selected as the winning entry out of approximately 20 submissions from her fellow classmates, Flathead High School students, professional graphic artists and grade school children. Her design, composed of a pink pig and silhouettes of a cowboy, Ferris wheel and fair tents, represents the theme of this year’s fair, “A Squealin’ Good Time,” which reflects the fair’s newly added pig wrestling event.

Nelson’s award-winning design will be featured on ticket buyer brochures, six area billboards, 3,000 posters, the cover of 5,000 premium books as well as other promotional fair materials. It will also advance to a national competition, where it will compete with other award-winning fair poster designs from across the country for a national award. In addition, Nelson won a family fun pack of four season event passes to the fair, providing her entry to the grounds and all events including concerts, the PRCA Rodeo and the Demolition Derby, valuing over $400.

According to Nelson, she was “blown out of the water,” when she learned of her winning entry.

“This has been a great experience for me,” she said. “Working with the fair officials, the printers and the sponsors has helped me to learn the business side of it.”

Nelson attributes her experience with the fair to inspiring her to start her own freelance business that she named after herself, “Claire Elizabeth Nelson.”

“I was definitely surprised by how fast this has been moving along,” she said. “It all started with the fair contest, and now all of these other doors have opened for me.”

The doors she is referring to are her new business and the clients she has lined up, including fair concert sponsor Kalispell Toyota.

As for her future plans, Nelson hopes to expand her clientele this summer and continue working on her Web site, www.clairesgraphics.com. She is exploring transferring to Montana State University and enrolling in the graphic design program. In the long-term, she hopes to work as a graphic designer in the advertising industry, designing movie promotional posters and magazine advertisements.

“This career choice is nice because even if I relocate out of the Valley, I can still work for my clients,” she said. “I know this is what I want to do. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

Angela Jensen

Angela Jensen began working in the health care field at the age of 19. She has worked in a variety of jobs from front office receptionist and medical assistant to surgical assistant and clinical research assistant for drug trials since she started her career 20 years ago. But she never received any certification for any of her jobs—until now.

When FVCC introduced its new Pharmacy Technology Certificate program last fall, Jensen was attracted to it right away.

“It was a short program, and it was suitable for my health care background,” she said.

FVCC, in partnership with Kalispell Regional Medical Center, launched the one-semester program to address the shortage of Certified Pharmacy Technicians in the Valley. The program involves students taking medical terminology and basic anatomy and physiology classes at FVCC and pharmacy classes taught by pharmacists at KRMC. Students spend a month receiving 20 hours a week in on-the-job training while rotating through a variety of settings including long-term care facilities, retail pharmacies and hospital pharmacies. Students also learn in a simulated pharmacy at KRMC that uses candy instead of medicine. After completing the program, students are eligible to take the Certified Pharmacy Technician exam.

According to KRMC Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and Education Director Gary Morris, students who fulfill the program have a much better foundation, because they gain experience in interacting with real patients, filling real prescriptions and preparing real IVs. Those are skills they will be able to use for the rest of their careers.

Morris called the first class of students “a big success in the pharmacy community.” Not only were a number of the students, like Jensen, hired at local pharmacies as Certified Pharmacy Technicians, he continues to receive calls regularly from area pharmacies looking for pharmacy technology graduates.

“There is an extreme need for CPTs, not only in the Flathead Valley but across the nation,” Morris said. “Our students develop the skill set employers need, making them much more valuable to employers. They have a ticket they can take with them and go anywhere with.”

Jensen completed the program in December, and she passed the CPT exam with flying colors. Now employed at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, she is responsible for compounding IVs, dosing units of medications, filling automated dispensing machines, ordering medications, stocking orders and filling prescriptions for Brendan House patients.

Jensen thrives from the teamwork and high level of responsibility that goes into her job.

“In a pharmacy, the staff is a linked team,” she said. “Our goal is to help the pharmacists work efficiently and provide the maximum care for their patients. You don’t realize how much responsibility you have until you are here doing your job.”

Andrew Unterreiner

Flathead High School Senior Andrew Unterreiner never imagined he would graduate from college before he graduated from high school. He also never dreamed of earning a college degree before his older brother did.

“I even beat out one of my older cousins by less than a month,” he said with a chuckle.

Unterreiner will be taking the stage tonight along with six other area high school seniors who will receive college degrees through FVCC’s Running Start program. The program provides eligible high school juniors and seniors in Flathead and Lincoln Counties the option of earning high school and college credits simultaneously through dual credit courses or earning college credits only while in high school at half the cost of tuition. While typically high school students in the program only enroll in a few college classes, Unterreiner took on a full load.

He began taking classes at FVCC as a high school junior through the college’s culinary arts program. Not only has he been a full-time high school student, captain of the FHS varsity swim team and member of the symphonic band, he has taken 14-17 college credits each fall and spring semester at FVCC involving some night classes plus six credits last summer, completed two internships at Ceres Bakery and Café Max/Capers requiring a total of 280 hours of on-the-job training and served as teaching assistant for FVCC Culinary Arts Instructor Hillary Ginepra’s Continuing Education cooking classes. In addition, he was inducted into FVCC’s Alpha Iota Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges, and worked as a life guard at Woodland Water Park last summer.

In addition, Unterreiner has participated in numerous special events through the college’s culinary arts program including preparing foods for events such as the Kalispell Art Walk and the Montana Career Clusters Conference picnic FVCC hosted last summer. He also exhibited his talents at numerous fundraisers such as the FVCC Foundation’s Christmas Tree Excellence that raised over $25,000 in student scholarships, the Glacier Symphony and Chorale’s Chamber Music and Dessert and two formal dinners hosted by the culinary arts students that raised money for educational trips, such as the trip he took with his classmates this spring to Napa Valley, Calif.

Since Unterreiner received dual credits for the majority of the classes he enrolled in through the program, he will graduate this spring with a Culinary Arts Associate of Applied Science degree from FVCC and more that twice the amount of required high school credits. These achievements have earned him three college scholarships including a $3,000 scholarship every year for four years to The Culinary Institute of America into which he was recently accepted.

“I’ve had fun,” said Unterreiner. “It’s been kind of tough doing both at the same time, and I haven’t gotten much sleep.”

Unterreiner’s future plans are yet to be determined. He plans to lifeguard again this summer and choose which scholarship he will accept. But for someone who initially planned to attend FVCC and then transfer to a four-year college or university, his ambition and determination have given him more opportunities than he could ever imagine.

“I’m happy with the way things turned out here,” he said with a grin.

Flathead Valley Community College will graduate its 40th class May 16 at 7 p.m. during the college’s spring 2008 commencement. The ceremony will take place at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Expo Pavilion.

FVCC plans to award 233 degrees and certificates to 215 students from both the Kalispell and Lincoln County Campuses. The awards will consist of 145 Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, 64 Associate of Applied Science degrees and 24 certificates. Keynote speaker will be 1992 FVCC alumna Jean Adams, Fergus County Assistant District Attorney and 1st Year Trustee for the State Bar of Montana.

Among those students are the first graduating classes to receive Pharmacy Technology Certificates, Graphic Arts Certificates of Applied Science, Electrical Technology Associate of Applied Science Degrees and Marketing/Sales Certificates.

A reception will be held in the Flathead County Fairgrounds Grandstand Building immediately following the ceremony.

At the college’s inaugural commencement in June 1969, the college awarded 38 Associate of Arts degrees and 10 Associate of Applied Science degrees to 48 graduates. Today, FVCC offers nearly 50 career and technical programs that prepare students to enter the workforce and Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree that prepare students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities in Montana and beyond.

For more information, please contact Registrar/Coordinator, Admissions and Records Marlene Stoltz by calling 756-3846.

Flathead Valley Community College has announced that Thomas K. Harding and John M. Phelps, both of Whitefish, have been re-elected to the college’s Board of Trustees. Both positions in the Columbia Falls, Bigfork and Whitefish School Districts are for three-year terms beginning May 2008 and expiring May 2011.

Results from the election include Harding—1370 votes; Phelps—1213 votes; and Elna Darrow, of Bigfork—1130 votes.

For more information, contact FVCC Election Coordinator Monica Settles at 756-3801.

Financial Assistance Available

Space is available for Flathead Valley Community College’s second cultural immersion program in the magnificent Sacred Valley of Peru. Last year, the college launched the new program providing area residents the opportunity to earn college credits while participating in an international academic adventure in the village of Urubamba outside of Cusco, Peru.
Spearheaded by seasoned trip operator and FVCC Multicultural Coordinator Mick Stemborski, the six-week expedition will include such activities as hiking the Andes mountains, traveling to Machu Picchu, exploring cultural exchange opportunities, participating in community service work, sightseeing in the city of Cusco, visiting Indian markets, archeological sites and Inca ruins, exploring Lima, the capital of Peru, learning to speak Spanish in practical situations and discovering the wonders of the Peruvian culture.

Participating students will have the opportunity to earn up to 15 college credits. Selected courses will begin on the FVCC campus in May and June, with students departing to Peru July 1 and returning August 12.

Stemborski brings six years of operating therapeutic, experimental and educational trips in Peru to the program. The Montana-based licensed clinical counselor and addiction counselor teamed up with licensed Peruvian Guide Wilbert Yucra Choqqucunsa to form, “Peru Alive,” a unique program that introduces students to the cultural wonders of the Pervian people.

To participate, registration in the college’s “Anthropology Cultural Immersion: Peru” class is required along with a full payment of $3,400 by May 13. Other classes including “Multiculturalism and Global Diversity,” “Spanish I” or “Spanish II,” “Interpersonal Relations/Communications,” “Digital Photography” and “Social Psychology” will be available for participants to enroll in for college credits.

The deadline to register for the program is May 13. Tuition and fees for the FVCC courses are not included in the travel fees. Information packets on itinerary, courses and accommodations are available in FVCC Educational Services Office or by calling 756-3811 or by visiting www.fvcc.edu.

Financial assistance is available to qualifying students. For more information, contact the FVCC Financial Aid office at 756-3849. To learn about payment plan options, contact Colleen Unterreiner at 756-3362.