Paul’s Place – Friday, December 15th, 2017, 6:30am

 

President Mike Altomare opened the meeting.  Following the opening, announcements were made.

 

Announcements:

​

• Sunrise will be ringing the Salvation Army bell at Save Mart on December 23, to volunteer for a one-hour slot, contact Ruth Alejo.

​

• January 5, 2018- Rotary Night Hockey Games- Stockton Arena, part of the proceeds from each ticket go to polio plus.

​

• January 18, 2018 – UC Merced Women’s Basketball (5:30pm) & Men’s Basketball Game (7:30pm), both VS. Simpson University

​

• February 3, 2018- Mid Year Assembly-Mary Ann Sanders Elem. School Modesto, the club will cover the cost to attend, RSVP as soon as possible to Mike Altomare.

​

Program

​

Chris Vitelli, President of Merced College gave an update on programs and services that are happening at Merced College. Vitelli opened with statistics of Merced College students.  A large portion (70%) of students attending Merced College are on financial aid and 60% of Merced College students are Latino.  Merced College has been putting effort into student equity, which ensures all students have a chance to succeed.

​

Merced College has created a Career Technical Education (CTE) fast track in which students can finish their degree or certification in 1-2 semesters for trades such as Mechanical Design, Computer Networking, Automotive Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Welding Technology, Mechanized Agriculture and Industrial Electrical Technician.

​

The Gallo family, in honor of their brother First Lieutenant Peter Joseph Gallo funded a Veterans Resource Center through a $90,000 one-time private fund donation. The facility now provides an area on campus where Veterans feel welcome, can study, use computers and enjoy a quiet room.  Through a $1.5 million dollar grant, a Literacy Center was opened at Merced College.  The center includes peer mentors, instructional support and assists students with completion of college level english courses.