Don Laackman

Feel Good

Mr. K shared a note he received from a former student. It is one of those “feel-good” notes that show you the impact our professors can have beyond HWC. Mr. K has developed a “Green Book” that summarizes key points from his lectures and handouts throughout the semester. This student held onto the book andContinue reading “Feel Good”

Student Success – URC

In this way overdue post, HWC and Professor Tom Higgins are again in the news. This article from Science Careers talks about research as a key to student success. The smashing picture of Professor Higgins at the bottom is an added bonus. This piece from the same magazine focuses on HWC specifically. These are great examples ofContinue reading “Student Success – URC”

Ghost Writer

Someone made the uncomfortable observation that the decrease in my blog post production seems to have coincided with the honeymoon of my stalwart assistant, Gabe. I do want to assure readers that Gabe is not ghost writing my blog. To prove it, he is off on an island with limited internet access and would beContinue reading “Ghost Writer”

Lt. Gov. Visit (Amended)

I attended a meeting with Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon this morning at Malcolm X college that included a panel discussion with Alexi Giannoulias, ICCB Chair, Gery Chico, ISBE Chair, and Perry Buckley, Local 1600 President. The discussion was well attended. I think President Munroe did a stellar job getting the word out at MXC, andContinue reading “Lt. Gov. Visit (Amended)”

Nuptials

Yesterday, my stalwart assistant, Gabe, took time out from keeping me productive and away from searching for TED videos on turning lead into gold to join in holy matrimony with the talented and lovely Kacie. In a lovely ceremony in front of adoring family and friends, Kacie and Gabe tied the knot and then ledContinue reading “Nuptials”

Chicago Ideas Week

A friend at the District office gave me the heads up on Chicago Ideas Week. From what I can tell, you can sign up for a fee to attend a variety of lectures and discussions. It is probably best summarized by their own tag line: 100 Speakers. 7 Days. 1 Electrified City. Appears worth checkingContinue reading “Chicago Ideas Week”

New York Times Mention of HWC Encore Program

I led with this exciting announcement at last Friday’s State of the College address, but I wanted to provide the reference here. John Hader was quoted in the New York Times article “Teaching as a Second, or Even Third, Career” on Friday regarding his work on the Encore Program here at the college. I wanted toContinue reading “New York Times Mention of HWC Encore Program”

Talkin’ ‘Bout My Reinvention

I attended a meeting last night hosted by a number of HWC unions and faculty groups. They were discussing concerns about Reinvention and experiences working with the Task Forces. One of the requests was to learn how people, including students, could learn more about what is going on in Reinvention. You asked. We answer. IfContinue reading “Talkin’ ‘Bout My Reinvention”

Dreams Dashed

I recently logged in to the Harold Lounge to catch up on current events and was surprised to see ads. “Doh!” I yelled. (Gabe, my stalwart assistant and avid Simpsons fan can provide you with an evaluation of my Homerian authenticity.) “PhiloDave must be raking in the big bucks with the blogging thing.” (This commentContinue reading “Dreams Dashed”

Vernier Grant

Did you have to walk two miles to and from school uphill each way? Neither did I. But I do remember the dark ages of 7th grade science class when I had to determine the pH level of various liquids using little strips of paper. The color of the paper indicated the level of baseContinue reading “Vernier Grant”