The Bulletin -- April 14, 2010 (#1035)

JACKIE VOGL (L), ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF ENROLLEMENT MANAGEMENT AT SUNY PLATTSBURGH, JOHN JABOLONSKI (C), PRESIDENT OF CLINTON COMMUNTIY COLLEGE, AND STEVE FREDERICK (R), PPRES OF ROTARY, TAKE TIME FOR THE CAMERA.

THREE STUDENTS IN THE CHINA 150 PROGRAM ENJOY A DAY EXPLORING THE ADIRONDACK PARK. CLUB MEMBER, AMY KRETSER, PARTICIPATED IN PSU’S PARTNERS IN CROSS CULTURAL LEARNING PROGRAM. SHE SECURED FREE “PASSPORTS” FROM ORDA/NYSEF FOR ALL 16 CHINA 150 STUDENTS MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR THEM TO EXPERIENCE THE LAKE PLACID REGION AND ITS SPECTACULAR VIEWS AND EVENTS AT NO COST.

Program: John Jablonski and Jackie Vogl—International Student Programs at SUNY Plattsburgh and Clinton Community College

A two week excursion to China brought two like minds even closer in support of a common cause. John Jablonski, president of Clinton Community College, and Jackie Vogl, assistant vice president of enrollment management at SUNY Plattsburgh, ventured to distant lands to better understand the international students coming to our region from China.

Many recall a program called China 150. It evolved after a devastating earthquake hit China in 2008. The State University of New Your allowed 150 Chinese students whose education had been disrupted by the earthquake to attend SUNY campuses in New York state for a year while their homes and colleges were rebuilt. A little more than 10 percent of those students came to Clinton Community College and SUNY Plattsburgh. Not only did those students raise the academic bar, but the cultural enrichment to both colleges and to the community was significant.

When Vogl and Jablonski made the trip to China earlier this year, they were thanked by the Chinese government for the role that SUNY played in assisting their students. Vogl and Jablonski showed a slideshow that demonstrated the beauty of the country and culture.

Jablonski and Vogl participated in an historical tour which included visits to the Great Wall, an ancient irrigation project and a prayer alter called the Leshan Buddha. They also met with some of China’s top ranking government officials, which speaks to how highly regarded the China 150 program was by the Chinese and U.S. governments alike.

As a result of the successful programs, SUNY Plattsburgh and Clinton Community College have partnered with two universities in China. They hope to provide cultural enrichment to students here and abroad.

Jablonski reminded Rotarians that even though students coming from other countries pay tuition that is nearly double the in-state rate, they are excited to be here. Jablonski and Vogl encouraged club members to become ambassadors of the international student programs offered through the colleges.

Guests: Ron Wood (Dave Kimmel), Tim Kashorek (Doug Kashorek) and Yangchen Dorjee (Elle Berger)

This Week:
First Thursday: Bill Rood announced that First Thursday in may will be held at Olive Ridley’s (May 6).

Fines: Elle Berger was fined $1, and Kevin Killeen was fined $2.

Committee Moments:
Radio Day—Sonia Long: Proceeds from Rotary Radio Day stand at $17,575. It’s more than $1,000 higher than last year. There is still some money still to be turned in. Please see Sonia if you have outstanding checks. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this successful club fundraiser.

New Member Peter Grosskopf grew up in Morrisonville, and spent his childhood learning how to speak Latin, shoot pool and “make a buck.” He became a musician at a young age for just that reason and still plays guitar today. In 1970, he moved to Plattsburgh and he took on a paper route that grew beyond his desire. He split it off into three sections and paid others to join in on the entrepreneurial adventure. His next job was working for Nine Platt Hospitality where Peter took on roles including ditch digger, bell hop and restaurant wait staff while he attended SUNY Plattsburgh. Among the many stories Peter has about working with Bob Smith and Nine Platt, he reminisced about Bob making him the chair of the United Way Campaign. He continues to be involved with the United Way and works with John Bernardi on a regular basis. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics, and has worked in electronic stores in Plattsburgh and Burlington. In order to stay closer to his daughter, Peter moved back to Plattsburgh. In 2001, Peter began working at Clinton Community College where he teaches physics and is the Director of Continuing Education. He continues to play in a band. Welcome to Rotary!

Membership Committee—Jack Prim: In two weeks, a Rotarian will collect information about committees from every member. Please review the club’s many committees and decide how you would like to contribute.

Please also note the form on the table with the estimated cost of being a club member. There are necessary financial expectations of being a Rotarian, and everyone should find the best way to contribute—by raising funds through the fundraisers or making personal donations.

Announcements:
Courtney Chandler brought back a Rotary banner from Darling Harbour, Sidney, Australia.
Al Sweenor is passing along a sign up the annual Highway Clean Up Program to be held Thursday, April 29.
Dave Napolitan set up a wishing well at the mall, and he dedicated the month of March to our club raising $266.

Bonnie’s Bucks:
Ellen Bouchard had a dollar for her daughter, Danielle, who will have artwork exhibited at Plattsburgh State during the first week of May.
David Bray had a 15-year-old picture of himself and his wife summering at Fort Tremblay, Canada.
Kevin Killeen’s son, Dan, is back in Boston at a new job.

50/50: There are 43 cards left, and Brian Hammond drew the 6 of hearts.