Business of the Month Award

The Greater York Chamber of Commerce has selected York Technical College as its September 2010 Business of the Month. The College was given this award in recognition of our work to support and promote economic development in the area. I was honored to receive the Business of the Month award on behalf of the College, as presented by Rick Jiran (pictured left), President of the Greater York Chamber of Commerce. This award is truly a team effort, for all of you help to make this College great.

Desire2Excel Award for Innovation

I am happy to announce that Laura Sturgis, Associate Dean for College Transfer, Articulation, and Special Projects, has co-won the Desire2Excel Award for Innovation. This international award is given each year at the Desire2Learn annual users’ conference, FUSION.

Laura was nominated for her work on the "Advising Course" used in Desire2Learn. In our ever-changing world it is imperative that we seek out the most effective ways to help our students succeed. Many of our students hold very busy and full lives. It is not always easy for them to sit down for a face-to-face with their advisor. This course allows our students to review academic progress, plan for future semesters, and research options when it is most convenient for them. As Laura states, “This advising course empowers students to become active and collaborative participants in their own educational journey.”

Laura’s innovative use of D2L has helped college transfer advisors more effectively use their time with advisees, thus furthering our goal to maximize student success. This course is being used as a model for advisors in the other divisions, as well. We are very proud of Laura for receiving this high honor and representing the College in such a positive, global way.

Please visit the link to view a video of the announcement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Fxog0j2BXM.

Congratulations, Laura, on a job well done!