In gratitude for IV-WE

In gratitude for IV-WE – our hearts are still in the heart of it all!

Hello all!  Carla Stein here – your Community College Division Rep.  I’m writing this while still in Thanksgiving mode -   I offer grateful thanks for our recent FABULOUS conference:

• To Shana and Jim and their exceptional committee for welcoming us to St. Louis and providing such a rich professional development experience.  (And thanks for the jokes we shared when we got back to campus).
• To Bertrice Berry - What a great way to open this conference - FIIIIZZZZLAAAA (FLSA)!
• To so many who researched, proposed, were chosen, prepared, fretted, sweated and presented for our minds, hearts and souls.
• To our luncheon speaker, Elizabeth Acevedo who challenged us with her beautiful poetry.
• To our award winners - - WOW!  Congratulations!   You all are inspiring – to us – and most importantly – to your students.
• To the St. Louis Union Station employees – who put up with our shenanigans – and were gracious hosts.
• To IV-West RD Jerrid Freeman and the Advisory Board for your leadership and innovation!
• And to NAPSA Board Chair Lori and President Kevin, who closed us with their visionary comments on what the future may hold for SA Pros!  
• A BIG WOOHOO to NASPA Nathan!  Thanks for your stellar support!
• To 4 exceptional women who spoke at the Women’s Words of Wisdom dessert reception - - Jody, Lori, Claudia, and Danita - - AMAZING.
• To the talented folks who staffed the Social Media table - - you are all way cool!
• To those who gave to the Foundation – and who bid on silent auctions items - - thanks for your generous NASPA spirit!
• To a team who shall not be named for winning the KC Trivia Contest - - thanks to the KC folks who continue to amaze and amuse – and give us t-shirts.
• To a record number of Fun Run/Walkers - - way to get out early and model health!  (And get another free t-shirt!)
• To those SAPros who stayed back on campus doing double duty so we could renew, network and bring back ideas and energy.
• To those who attended – leaving loved ones – and watching emails pile up – thank you!  Your presence was important and valued.
• As your Community College Division representative – we are SO thankful for the commitment NASPA and IV-West has for our institutions – who educate 44% of all college students. 
• To all the graduate students who attended the conference and those that participated in the Case Study competition. You are the future of our profession and we are thrilled to have you in the 4W family.
• To all those that spent the extra time and money to participate in or present during the preconference activities, like MLI, NUFP/SALT and the various workshops. The dedicated time led to additional learning and deeper relationships being developed.
• To our IV-West family – for your care and tending of each other!
• And finally - - To our IV-East partners - - THANK YOU!  Let’s do it again!

Here’s to a calm end of the semester and a restorative break with those you love! 

Carla Stein is the Dean of Student Affairs fro Front Range Community Collge, Boulder County Campus.  She currently serves as the Community College Representative for NASPA Region IV-West.  Carla can be reached at [email protected].