Highlights
- I’m delighted to report that Niki Clausen will be our new full-time alumni coordinator. Niki will start in her new position on November 2. She brings a wealth of background and experience as a former SkillsUSA national officer, a culinary teacher, a SkillsUSA chapter advisor, Oregon state association director and as a member of the national alumni coordinating council. Thanks go to both Lowe’s and Air Products for their support in making this happen.
- The October 6 ACTE (Association for Career and Technical Education) “Cooking Up a Future” Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill was quite successful this year. According to ACTE, at least four members of Congress and staff from over 100 congressional offices attended during the two-hour event. SkillsUSA was one of four student organizations participating and the only one doing a demonstration. Thanks to Chef Christine Gloninger and Chef Frans Hagen, three students from Annandale High School were preparing and serving crepes to the guests. They ran the exhibit to visit and everyone did.
- We had a great conference call with Brian Spiro and Tim Humes of Carhartt to discuss their future support for SkillsUSA including Carhartt becoming a clothing supplier through E-Group.
- During our meeting on October 13, the Architectural Woodwork Institute committed to increasing its support for SkillsUSA and helping form new chapters in states where AWI has member companies.
- The Senate confirmed Brenda Dann-Messier on October 5 to be the new assistant secretary for vocational adult education in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE). The assistant secretary has a strong commitment to adult learning and helping students to transition into postsecondary education. We look forward to working with her.
Tags: ACTE, Alumni, E-Group, Government Relations, Highlights, Partner News
