'State of the College' addressed at Big Bend

MOSES LAKE — Strengths and challenges of Big Bend Community College were discussed Tuesday in a speech by college President Bill Bonaudi.

Bonaudi presented his 15th Annual State of the College Address, titled “Swimming Against the Current.”

“It’s been a remarkable year, and one that we are not likely to soon forget,” Bonaudi said.

Bonaudi discussed the college’s progress during the year, including improved facilities, and financial hardship the college is facing.

Progress

Bonaudi recognized the contributions of the Harry and Masie Masto Foundation, which totaled more than $550,000.

“Of all the impacts that Harry had on this community, and there were many, as both a businessman and a farmer, the one with the most importance to Big Bend was and is his early and continuing generous support of our students through the establishment of student scholarships,” Bonaudi said.

The donations led to the renaming of ATEC Conference Center to the Masto Conference Center.

He recognized other large contributions to the college, including the support of the Grant County commissioners.

Bonaudi said the maintenance staff at the college takes pride in the buildings, some of which are 20 to 50 years old. Several improvement projects were conducted on campus, including the replacement of roofs, windows and skylights.

“This fall marked the grand opening of the new fine arts building, a project that also included some repairs to the Wallenstien Theater,” he said.

Money for the interior and exterior of the fine arts building ran out before completion, but the college’s maintenance and operations staff stepped in and finished the job, he said.

Faculty and administrators planted 2,000 bulbs in the center island of the college’s new entrance.

A lighted reader board for the entrance was purchased from the Big Bend Community College Foundation’s facilities account.

“We have some remaining capital improvement money, some of which will revert if we don’t use it, and much of which we’ve accumulated simply through careful budgeting,” Bonaudi said.

The college plans for improvements to the 1400 building with new offices for tutoring and advising, and an expansion of tutoring and testing space.

Challenges

Bonaudi said he discussed the impact of increasing fuel costs on the college.

“Now, an economic catastrophe, that none of us have experienced … suddenly descends upon us,” he said. “We’ve had financial challenges in the 47-year history of the college, but we’ve never seen such a deep challenge to everything we do.”

The college was advised by the state governor’s office to conserve spending and expect reductions in the budget, he said.

Feelings of doubt and confusion reached campus due to the lack of a clear reduction target, Bonaudi said.

“Staff thoughts ranged from, ‘Is this really necessary? Is this real?’ to ‘Are we going to close the college?’” Bonaudi said.

A “belt-tightening” bill signed by the governor reduced the college budget by $475,000, Bonaudi said.

Bonaudi said the college has been in close contact with state legislators, primarily in the 9th, 12th and 13th districts.

“Our message to the legislature and the governor in this time of economic crisis and rising unemployment, is that community and technical colleges are the most important state resources to deal with job skill training,” Bonaudi said. “Therefore, do as little harm to us as possible, so we can respond as effectively as possible.”

Bonaudi noted the Senate’s proposed budget would reduce the college’s funding in the next two years by nearly $1.6 million, and the House budget could reduce funding even more. The college’s total budget is more than $28 million.

Bonaudi said formal and informal discussions are happening across campus about the impact of the budget reductions.

“What we do know is, that of this date, Big Bend will be open for business this fall,” Bonaudi said. “What we will look like is still not clear.”

The college is working to sustain three core functions: Instruction, services and maintenance, he said.

“Revenue losses this year and in the next biennium will impact each of these areas to a significant extent,” Bonaudi said. “Classes will be impacted in terms of the numbers and types of classes, and how often they can be offered. Teaching positions may be lost, as could entire programs. Purchase and repair of vital instructional equipment will be postponed.”

“Administrative and classified positions may be lost, weakening services to students and employees,” he continued. “Plant and grounds maintenance and repair will likewise be postponed.”

Bonaudi said the college is focused on offering as much educational opportunity as possible with a reduced budget, and eliminating “weaker, less effective and less relevant programs and services.”

Student achievement

Bonaudi shared success stories of several students, including a man, who was living in his car in the Walmart parking lot before enrolling at the college.

The student owed $430 in tuition from previous enrollment in the college. The outstanding balance prevented him from enrolling in more classes.

“He was awarded $430 to pay those fees,” Bonaudi said. “Maurice is enrolled in school and was living in the dorms winter quarter.”

A welding student was in danger of dropping out because he was behind on day care payments.

The Big Bend Foundation and Associated Student Body pooled $420 so the student could pay for two months of day care.

A student in the Commercial Pilot Program came close to completing the program, but was unable to afford fees at the end of the program.

“Her award was $600 for flight fees,” Bonaudi said. “She completed her training and earned her A.A. in commercial pilot.”

Money is just one obstacle students face, he said.

He gave an example of a woman, who worked as a middle school custodian, when she decided she wanted to become a teacher.

The college provided her with tutoring and academic support as part of the college’s TRiO program. The student is now attending Heritage University and earning a bachelor’s degree in education.

“She is most excited about the fact that every (member) of her family has followed her back to Big Bend to take classes,” Bonaudi said.