January 31, 2014 | SharkAdmin It is with conflicted emotions that I declare my intent to retire as President of Northwest Vista College and as a member of the Alamo Colleges leadership team. Little did I know when I found my way to a community college position in 1975 that I would discover my passion and spend the next 39 years in a community college setting. I have always believed that the community college is the ultimate manifestation of democracy, creating opportunities for those who might not otherwise have been able to pursue a higher education. What a joy it has been to support students in their pursuit of learning and, in the process, to learn and grow myself. As I walk across the beautiful Northwest Vista campus, I am still amazed at what I see. Thanks to the shared vision and support of our Board of Trustees and other Alamo Colleges leadership, the Northwest Vista (and all the Alamo Colleges) facilities that serve students are among the most beautiful and inviting I have encountered. The collaborative efforts and shared vision of Northwest faculty and staff have produced a welcoming environment for students. The can-do spirit, centered on student learning and success, is at the heart of their work. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of creating a new college and of nurturing the shared vision and culture that has developed. In February I will celebrate 16 years as President of Northwest Vista. During those years I have seen good times and hard times, but through it all there has never been a day when I did not find joy in walking onto the campus. I will miss that morning walk, and I will miss the people I have come to know and love. As I prepare to depart, I trust that I leave this college and the students who pass through on their journeys in the hands of a community dedicated to student success. I have learned over the years that one must often hold in one’s heart both joy and sadness. As I complete this letter, there are tears of sadness at the thought of leaving the Northwest Vista and Alamo Colleges family. Yet I know I will continue to hold joyful images of a journey that has far surpassed anything I might have dreamt. Blessings to all of you who dedicate yourselves to this work!
