Dr. Barbara Kavalier welcomed four state representatives to the college on Feb. 3 for her inaugural Legislative Meet and Greet as president of St. Charles Community College.
Representatives in attendance included Kurt Bahr, District 102 Representative; Robert Cornejo, District 64 Representative; Chrissy Sommer, District 106 Representative; and John Wiemann, District 103 Representative - all of whom represent part of the college's service area. Nick Schroer's legislative aid also attended (District 107).
Rep. Kurt Bahr (St. Charles, District 102) speaks with a group of students and administrators at the SCC Legislative Meet and Greet on Feb. 3.
These legislators got a sneak peek at the college's workforce partnerships and new and expanding programs from Dr. Kavalier; Kasey McKee, vice president for college advancement and planning; Jean Ehlmann, Board of Trustees president; John Bookstaver, Ph.D., interim vice president for academic and student affairs; Heather Simmons, senior human resources generalist at National Cart Co.; and Sandra Thomas, SCC student.
Simmons spoke on SCC's relationship with National Cart Co. - one of SCC's many workforce partnerships - and how it came about.
“About a year ago, our Vice President of Operations came to me and stated he was on the plant floor watching our welders,” Simmons said. “He pointed out some of our best welders and asked that I get in contact with the school they attended and ‘become their best friend.' Upon some investigating, I found that all of them came from SCC!”
SCC now plays a large role in the success of National Cart Company's recruitment and growth.
“As National Cart Company continues to grow, we will need to add more skilled welders to our team,” Simmons said. “It is crucial that the welding grant continues to grow at SCC. Welders are in demand in St. Charles County and the best way to prepare for the growth and demand is to continue offering the benefit of education.”
“The support of our local legislators is vital to the success of SCC and community colleges as a whole,” said Dr. Kavalier. “We were excited to be able to provide our representatives with just a small glimpse at all the amazing work that goes on at SCC.”
St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit stchas.edu.