City officials and animal friends gathered for the groundbreaking for Farmers Branch’s new Animal Adoption Center. When completed sometime in the spring of 2009, the new facility will more than double the size of the previous animal shelter. The animal adoption center will be 5,800 sq. ft. and accommodate a total of 56 animals, 37 dogs and 19 cats. The old shelter only had space for 30 animals. The space also will have both indoor and outdoor spaces for people and pets to get to know one another.
Rainy skies dampened the students’ clothes but not their spirits at Brookhaven College’s Welcome Back Party on Sept. 9. Most had time to enjoy a barbecue lunch and visit one of the informational tables for the student clubs before the rain hit. The caricature artist and temporary tattoo areas were set under cover and students lined up for their chance to have a little fun at this annual back-to-school event. The staff of the Student Programs And Resources office coordinated the many aspects of the event. Even through the rain, the music from the DJ had at least a few students dancing in the courtyard.
A new student group is offering support to students with ADD or ADHD. The North Texas Chapter of CHADD, Children and Adults with Attention Deficit and/or Hyperactivity have organized a “far student” support group, to serve students at Brookhaven College and the first meeting was Sept. 3. Mike Garza, psychology professor, is one of the organizers of the North Texas CHADD group and will be attending most of the support group meetings. Don Braugh, a student leader from Brookhaven College will be the student in charge. The group’s purpose will be to give either the student who has been diagnosed with AD/HD, or the student that thinks maybe he has ADD, an opportunity to talk about what some of their issues are and maybe walk away with some ideas for helping themselves.
Kendra Vaglienti
Kendra Vaglienti, executive dean of the Communications Division, recently completed the Academy for Leadership and Development. The purpose of the academy is to advance organizational leadership and provide succession planning for leaders in post-secondary institutions. The program consists of two five-day residential training sessions and a practicum experience over a 12-month period. Kendra completed training in the role of the organizational leader, managing effective teams, behavioral work styles, appreciating diversity and more. Participants in the program are selected and nominated by their individual colleges.
Diana Escamilla
If you see Diana Escamilla, ESL program specialist in the Workforce and Continuing Education Division, offer her congratulations on her wedding. On Aug. 23, Diana married Torey L. Downing. They were married at Swan Court with a small ceremony consisting of family and friends. They traveled to Hawaii for their honeymoon.
