RRCC 2009 News Release
October 2009
Retired Wind Turbine Gear Box Will Help Train Wind Energy Students
Xcel Energy has donated a gear box from a Micon-750 KW wind turbine to Red Rocks Community College to train students in their Wind Energy program. The 10,200 pound gear box was delivered last week to Wazee Wind, an industry partner of RRCC that specializes in wind generator repair and maintenance. Students in Wind Energy Technology and Industrial Maintenance programs will be able to partially disassemble the unit and thereby develop a solid understanding of its operation as they prepare for careers as technicians in the wind energy field.
We are overwhelmed with the generous donation of this essential learning tool, said Joan Smith, Dean of the Energy and Environmental Technology program at RRCC. The relationship between our college, Xcel Energy, and Wazee Companies is key in developing a workforce training program that can successfully prepare the energy technicians of tomorrow.
See slideshow on wind program students in action.
The Colorado Luthiers Group Held Guitar Festival
This past weekend, the Colorado Luthiers group had a custom guitar festival held at East High school in Denver. Out of 20 exhibitors, 7 were directly associated with the Red Rocks Fine Woodworking department including RRCC’s instructors Robbie O'Brien (lutherie), Mike Snider (electric guitar and inlay), and Brian Deckebach (guitar repair/set up). Many current and past RRCC students also came to the show.
Wayne Henderson, from Virginia was present. Wayne and his wife put on a fabulous bluegrass “pickin” concert for attendees. His popularity stems from his guitar-building talents and his client list includes performers such as Eric Clapton. He also wrote a book about the guitar-building process. Wayne now has a 10-year waiting list and is a world-renowned guitar builder and performer. (See slideshow of event.)
September 2009
Gov. Ritter Announces New Green Jobs Initiatives at RRCC Press Event
Click here for 9News story:: See Energy Efficiency Weatherization certificate with our Green Advantage Technologies course offered in Spring 2010 (download .pdf) :: Learn about Energy Auditing/Efficiency
Bill Ritter was joined today at RRCC by leaders in education and energy to announce two new educational tools that will help strengthen Colorado's clean energy workforce: a community college green jobs certificate and a green jobs guidebook. RRCC President Michele Haney, CCCS President Nancy McCallin, Green Advantage spokesperson Claudine Schneider, and RRCC students currently enrolled in the program also spoke at the event.

RRCC Celebrates Turning 40 with Party on the Rocks!
Red Rocks Community College celebrated their 40th anniversary Wednesday at a Woodstock-inspired event at their Lakewood campus for all staff, retirees, students, and alumni. Party on the Rocks - 4 1/2 hours of Peace and Music drew a crowd of about 700 and featured live music from RRCC staff band Staff Infection and local classic rock band Kristin Kay, a drum circle, face painting, henna tattoos, a free BBQ, 60s trivia, and prizes.
RRCC’s 10th Physician Assistant Class Graduates
The Red Rocks Community College Physician Assistant (PA) program honored its 10th graduating class of physician assistants on August 21. In a joint ceremony, the program welcomed its new entering class of 30 students, promoted 29 current students to the clinical year in a traditional white coat ceremony and graduated 30 students from the program.

Early Childhood Education Adjunct Faculty Travels to Brazil
From June 22 through July 10th Francis Wardle, PhD, traveled to Brazil. While there he gave three invited lectures at UNESP (Universidade Estradual Paulista), in Araraquara, Sao Paolo. His three lecture topics were: bullying in schools, violence in schools, and the history and status of multiracial people in the US. Dagoberto Jose Fonseca was his academic sponsor. All three lectures were enthusiastically accepted by students at the university.

From July 30 through July 4, Dr. Wardle attended the 1st Annual Starfish Educational Institute (I Congresso de Educacao do Instituto Estreta do Mar) in Maceio, Alagoras State, Brazil. The title of the conference was, Cada Crianca pode Aprender: Educacao de Qualidade para Todos (all children deserve a quality education). Dr Wardle was instrumental in creating this educational conference, and was invited to give a presentation. His lecture was entitled, Using Intrinsic Motivation to Encourage Child-Directed Learning. Over 100 teachers, principals, and education students from the local Federal University attended. The conference was held at the Escola Estrela do Mar (Starfish School), in Maceio, Brazil, and was a great success.
After these formal engagements, Dr. Wardle toured a public school in Maceio as their special guest, visited the capital Brasilia DF, and traveled to the city of Belo Horizonte, in Menas Gerais, Brazil.
For more information: 303, 692-9008; francis@csbchome.org
August 2009
RRCC Receives WIRED Grant for Green Jobs Pathway Program
LAKEWOOD, CO – The Metro Denver Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) has awarded a $115,065 grant to Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) to develop the college’s Green Jobs Pathway, a program that will prepare Jefferson County high school students to enter a variety of careers in the green jobs industry.
...more
July 2009
The Grainger Foundation Donates $30,000 to Support Technical Education

LAKEWOOD, CO – In these tough economic times, Denver community colleges have experienced hardship from state budget reductions and corporate sponsorships falling behind, leaving a deficit that affects the college’s students, programs and staff. Based on the recommendation of Denver area branch managers, Robert Rogers, Joel Hicks, and Randall Kopp, The Grainger Foundation has stepped up to address this need by awarding $30,000 to advance Red Rocks Community College’s technical education programs.
...more
June 2009
RRCC Receives NSF Grant for $850K to Sustain a Green Collar Workforce
LAKEWOOD, CO – The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Advanced Technological Education Program has awarded a grant to Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) in response to a proposal submitted by the college, “Sustaining a Green Collar Workforce: An Interdisciplinary Approach.” The award has been approved as a continuing grant for a period of three years, totaling $850,000.
...more
RRCC Receives Children’s Champion Award for Early Childhood Programming
LAKEWOOD, CO – Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) was honored last week with a 2009 Children’s Champion Award by Triad Early Childhood Council. The Council, formed under the Colorado State Legislation, is a partnership of public and private agencies, parents, and service providers who service young children and their families.
...more
May 2009
RRCC Fine Woodworking Hosts Exhibit and Bluegrass Concert
LAKEWOOD, CO – The Fine Woodworking department at Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) invites students and the community to join them for a celebration in the Great Hall after graduation on May 16. The 1-5 p.m. gathering will feature fine woodworking exhibits crafted by RRCC students during the spring 2009 semester including instruments such as guitars, mandolins, and violins.
more
April 2009
RRCC Professor Dr. Sherry Messina Dewald Awarded 2009-11 Teaching Chair
The Red Rocks Community College Foundation Board has selected Dr. Sherry Messina Dewald as the 2009-2011 Teaching Chair in recognition of her excellence in instruction. Her award totals $22,500 over three years – a $5,000 salary enhancement each year and $2,500 per year for professional development.
more
RRCC Earns Lakewood Mayor’s Award for Sustainability Programs
LAKEWOOD, CO – Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) was honored with a City of Lakewood 2009 Mayor’s Sustainability Award at the April 13 Lakewood City Council meeting. The Sustainability Awards were created by the city to celebrate Earth Day and recognizes individuals, companies, and institutions in Lakewood who are leading the way to a more sustainable future.
more
240 Union Restaurant Benefit Raises Money for Scholarships at RRCC
LAKEWOOD, CO – Fine dining will support educational opportunities for students of Red Rocks Community College at the 8th annual Red Rocks Community College Foundation Benefit at 240 Union Restaurant in Lakewood on Wednesday, April 15.
more
RRCC Honor Student Selected as Coca-Cola Gold Scholar
LAKEWOOD, CO – Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) student Timothy Vickery has been selected as a 2009 Coca-Cola Gold Scholar based on scores he earned in an All-USA Academic Team competition for community college students. The program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and is administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. As a gold scholar, Vickery will be provided with a certificate, gold medallion, and a check for $1,500.
more
March 2009
Red Rocks PTK Honor Society Earns Top Recognition
Red Rocks Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society took first place in
leadership, among other awards, at the Colorado Regional Convention recently.
L to R: Ernie Navarette, Vice-President; Carolyn Mattern, Chapter Advisor; Nicole
Sanchez, Vice-President; Lauren Goh, President; David Clark, Public Relations Officer.
LAKEWOOD, CO –The Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) chapter of Phi Theta Kappa received several honors at the Colorado Regional Convention on March 6 and 7. From among the 23 chapters in their region, RRCC took first place in the Leadership Hallmark category, took third place in the Service Hallmark category, earned Five Star chapter status for the 11th consecutive year, and received the Outstanding Advisor award.
more
RRCC to Host Emergency Services Job Fair
LAKEWOOD, CO – Red Rocks Community College’s Emergency and Public Safety Department and the Office of Student Employment Services will be hosting an Emergency Services Job Fair, Thursday, March 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the RRCC Lakewood campus.
more
February 2009
RRCC to Honor Diversity and Humanity at Annual Celebration
LAKEWOOD, CO – Red Rocks Community College invites the community to participate in a Celebration of Humanity on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the college’s Lakewood campus, 13300 W. 6th Ave., from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Celebration of Humanity recognizes the lives of leaders who have made a positive impact on humanity, particularly remembering the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and encourages each of us to continue his courageous efforts.
more
January 2009
RRCC Receives Governor’s Award for Excellence in Renewable Energy
LAKEWOOD, CO – Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) was honored on Wednesday with a 2008 Governor’s Excellence in Renewable Energy Award, Institutional category, in a ceremony at the state capital. This award recognizes individuals, companies, and institutions who contribute to protecting Colorado’s environment and advancing clean power through the development, implementation, usage, and promotion of renewable energy.
more
![]() |
| Governor Bill Ritter presented Red Rocks Community College with a Governor's Excellence in Renewable Energy Award last Wednesday. Behind the governor, left to right: Chuck Beck, RRCC program coordinator; Larry Snyder, RRCC faculty, Michele Haney, RRCC president; and Nancy McCallin, Colorado Community College System president. |
Suncor Energy Awards RRCC Grant for Customized Education Programs

Officials from Suncor Energy USA present Red Rocks Community College the first
installment of a $300K grant
(L to R) Nancy McCallin, President, Colorado Community
College System; Michele Haney, President, Red Rocks Community College; Kendall
Carbone, Director of Finance, Suncor Energy USA ; Ken Losasso, Training Coordinator,
Suncor Energy USA
LAKEWOOD, CO - Red Rocks Community College announced today that Suncor Energy has awarded the school $100,000—the first of three installments—toward a $300,000 total commitment to the college. The contribution through the Suncor Energy Foundation will go toward expanding the training facilities at the college to include customized education programs for process operators and craft technicians.
more

The Marketing & Communications
Department is your source for all media inquiries and support. We prepare
and distribute news releases and media advisories, research and respond
to your queries, set-up interviews, provide escorts and, as applicable,
act as organizational spokespersons. Our objective is to support you and
your organization's news needs.
We appreciate your support and cooperation in initially working through us.
Contact
Kimberly Rein
Director of Marketing and Communications,
kim.rein@rrcc.edu
303.914.6260
Monday thru Friday
8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.



