Howard Community College

A Message from the President As students prepared to return for the fall semester, the college celebrated the opening of its new Science, Engineering, and Technology Building with a ribbon cutting. Much more than a symbolic ceremony, the event served to mark how Howard Community College (HCC) is transforming education. For example, the cybersecurity program in the new building bears little resemblance to what HCC offered even five years ago. Rapid changes in the industry have meant that faculty have had to build strong connections with local cyber businesses to help keep up to date on workforce needs and to provide students with on-the-job experiences. To stay current, lab space has had to become more flexible and dynamic. Combined, stronger curriculum and better facilities will lead to the college graduating a new generation of cyber professionals. This new generation is different than traditional college-aged students of the past. Programs like Early College, in partnership with the Howard County Public School System, have opened cybersecurity to younger students, and a federally-funded grant program is providing pathways for older students seeking a better future. This new generation has also become more diverse through concerted efforts of our faculty to attract and engage students traditionally underrepresented in cyber fields. HCC's focus on student success extends well beyond one academic program. The college is ranked one of the best two-year colleges for adult learners by Washington Monthly. The magazine started the first-of-its-kind ranking last year to recognize colleges for their service to nontraditional aged students. I am pleased to report that HCC ranked in the top 10 for the past two years, higher than any other community college in Maryland! This would not have been possible without the dedication of the college's faculty and staff, as well as the support of trustees, elected officials, donors, and friends. This issue's annual giving report demonstrates the difference strong support makes. Thanks to the generosity of so many, HCC will continue to transform the lives of students and their families for years to come. Best regards, Kathleen Hetherington, Ed.D. President Kathleen Hetherington, Ed.D. q Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford presents a Governor's Proclamation to Howard Community College Board of Trustees Chair Mamie J. Perkins and President Kathleen Hetherington at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Science, Engineering, and Technology Building on August 21, 2017. ECO-AUDIT/ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS STATEMENT This issue of Pathways was printed on paper derived from well-managed forests and 36% recycled post-consumer waste. The use of this environmentally-friendly paper saves the following: Trees—6 Energy—4 million BTUs Greenhouse Gas Reduction—693 lbs. of CO 2 Waste Water Reduction—3,091 gallons Solid Waste Reduction—242 lbs. Environmental impact estimates were produced using the Environmental Defense Paper Calculator. FSC LOGO HERE Pathways The Magazine of Howard Community College VOLUME VII, NUMBER 14, Fall 2017 MANAGING EDITOR Katie Turner WRITERS Carrie Brinser Heather Stone Tracy Fitzgerald Katie Turner Elizabeth Homan Steve Wolf Kristin O'Keefe DESIGN Margie Dunklee Sarah English PHOTOGRAPHY Sarah English PRODUCTION Christi Tyler PRESIDENT Kathleen Hetherington, Ed.D. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING Elizabeth Homan DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING Katie Turner BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mamie J. Perkins, Chair Courtney Watson, Vice Chair Kevin J. Doyle Steven A. Joss Christopher G. Marasco Kevin F. Schmidt Felícita Solá-Carter Kathleen B. Hetherington, Ed.D., Secretary-Treasurer © 2017, Howard Community College 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway Columbia, MD 21044, 443-518-1000 Pathways is published twice a year in the spring and fall by the Office of Public Relations and Marketing. For editorial inquiries or comments, please email pathways@howardcc.edu. Read Pathways online at howardcc.edu/pathways

• Cover