November 2023
Thankful for All This Delicious News
Highlights
Excellence on Display
One of the most moving events of the year is the Foundation’s Celebration of Excellence. On this special night each fall, we celebrate our scholarship recipients and thank the donors who made education possible for our students. This year, the crowd of nearly 500 heard from scholarship recipient Niesha Williams, who talked about how she balances her life as a CNA, very involved single mom, and Physical Therapist Assistant student.
Distinguished Alumni Honored
All in the Hawk Family
You might have heard people refer to Heartland Community College as a family of sorts, but for some Heartland Hawks, that is quite literally true. As it turns out, there are a fair number of Heartland employees that enjoy Heartland enough that they recommend family members join its ranks. Check out our social media post to learn more. (And give us a follow while you’re there!) Ok, hear us out – Heartland Family Feud game at the next Kickoff?
The Spotlight is on You
If you already follow the College’s social media, you have probably seen our regular student, faculty, staff, and alumni spotlights. We love getting to know who makes Heartland special and want others to get to know them, too. We are always looking for more people to be featured. While we don’t have a hair and makeup department, we’ll make sure to get your best side. If you’d like to be featured or know someone you work with who would make a great spotlight, email marketing@heartland.edu.
A Hauntingly Good Time
Nearly 150 people braved this year’s Heartland Haunted Harvest 5K and Kids Run. The event, held on October 29, attracted runners and walkers of all ages. The overall male 5K winner was Josh Bierbaum with a time of 17:18 (yes – that was for THREE miles). The overall female 5K winner was Emily Klaege with a time of 23:11. Keith took the win in the president/LASS challenge with a time of 25:28 to Josh Fitzgerald’s 26:42, but the Foundation was the real winner as both contestants made a donation in the spirit of Heartland pride. Jury’s still out whether Josh plans to try to avenge his loss next year.
Our GIF(t) to You
Sometimes words just don’t convey the message you’re going for. Emojis can only add so much. Thankfully, Heartland Hawk Nation has another option for expressing themselves – Hunter GIFs. Check out our (growing) GIF library. Hopefully there’s one that sets just the right tone for your next communication. Did we miss an important one? Email marketing@heartland.edu with suggestions for future additions.
Free Group Fitness Classes
We’ve firmly landed in sweets season and for that reason, many of us may be thinking it should also be “sweat season.” If that describes you, we have good news! The Fitness and Recreation Center is offering free group fitness classes this fall. While students will get priority for class spots, there’s a good chance there is room for you, too. Sign up the day of the class for which you’re interested. But be safe out there!
Athletic Honors
Another post season brings more athletic accolades for the Heartland Hawks. Coming off her first-place finish at the Region 24 race on October 28, Hawks cross country team member Addyson Clark was named Region 24 Runner of the Year. Over on the pitch, HCC soccer coach Matthew Kemp was named Region 24 Soccer Coach of the Year. Not to be outdone, HCC volleyball coach Mary Frahm was named Midwest Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. The good news doesn't end there. Four of our fall teams got bids to Nationals: women's cross country, men's cross country, volleyball, and men's soccer. Keep up with them by checking the Heartland Hawks website the next couple of weeks.
The HEAT is On
Cross Country Kudos
Breaking sports news! Make room in the trophy case because we have some new bling to display. The women's and men's cross country teams are just back from Nationals in Huntsville, AL, where they both got 2nd place. This is the fourth consecutive year that both teams finished in the top five in the nation. Nora Brady was the top women's Hawk runner with a 2nd place overall finish, and Ben Huey led the men's team placing 13th overall.
Cross Country Kudos Continued
The end-of-season cross country honors continue! At Nationals on November 11, Freshman Matt Padilla was named 2023 Midwest Region Runner of the Year. Head Coach Ty Wolf also gathered some honors. He was named Midwest Region Coach of the Year. Additionally, Wolf was named NJCAA Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Vice President.
Still to come...
Artificial Intelligence Tools: ChatGPT- Professional Development
Join the TLC for a discussion of the popular and controversial ChatGPT on Nov 16. Get more information on TeachPoint.
Thanksgiving Break
The College will be closed November 22-26 for Thanksgiving Break.
Employee Holiday Celebration
December 14, 1-3 pm in CCB 1406-1407
Random Knowledge to Make You Just a Little Smarter
The tradition of the pardoning of the Thanksgiving turkey was inadvertently started by a turkey lobby (yes - it's a thing). Despite the fact that the pardoning every year at the White House uses turkeys given by the National Turkey Federation, their website is literally EatTurkey.org.
I guess Hunter should be grateful there isn't a "pardoning of the Hawk."
(Source: NPR)
Let's Get Social
That's all for now. In the meantime, check out our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the latest happenings. Spread the love and share our stuff on your own pages.