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Synergism is at work in the Tri-Cities as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the community, Hanford, contractors and Columbia Basin College create new opportunities for the future work force.

A $100,000 grant from the NRC helps push CBC's radiological protection classes steadily forward. And the grant will be matched by CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Co.

The combined grant means opportunities for CBC students. It means an educated work force for Hanford contractors. And it means another milestone achieved in CBC's quest for continuing excellence.

"A $100,000 grant to start a program is a huge deal to us," CBC President Rich Cummins told the Herald's Annette Cary. With state funding cutbacks and existing programs being given priority, additional money for new initiatives is doubly precious.

It's also a great example of how the college -- despite economic challenges -- has deepened its ties to the community it serves under Cummins' leadership..  More...

The above article was published in the July 8, 2010 Tri-City Herald.

Pasco foster mom who had brain surgery earns her degree from CBC
Sara Schilling, Tri-City Herald

There's a poster in a hallway at Columbia Basin College in Pasco with "tenacity" written across the top.

Edie Campbell's photo is underneath.

Edie Campbell, left, is graduating with an associate's degree from Columbia Basin College. Supporting her along the way are Michelle Pena and Carrie Casey, who work at CBC's TRiO student support services, and CBC president Rich Cummins, who awarded Campbell a full scholarship to Heritage University. Campbell's photo and story now join other notable CBC alumni in the halls of the administrative building. -Photo by Kai-Huei Yau of the Tri-City Herald

The 37-year-old Pasco woman has more than earned that description.

She grew up in foster care, had to relearn to walk and talk after undergoing brain surgery, and is raising seven children, including five who are foster kids. She has done all that with a dream in the back of her mind -- to become a social worker so she can help people the way she has been helped.

Today, Campbell graduates from CBC and moves a step closer to her goal.

She says she's so excited she will "probably end up crying all day."

The graduation ceremony is at 7 p.m. at the Toyota Center in Kennewick. Nearly 1,070 students -- a record -- will receive two-year degrees or one-year certificates.

Campbell is getting her associate's degree, but she's not stopping there. In the fall she will begin taking classes through Heritage University on her way to a bachelor's degree. Her commitment to complete her education despite the obstacles she has faced has not gone unnoticed by CBC staff.

"She's been an inspiration to all of us," said Michelle Peña, who works in student support services.  More...

The above article was published in the June 18, 2010 Tri-City Herald.

CBC program LINKS school, Tri-Cities
Sara Schilling, Tri-City Herald

Thousands have attended Columbia Basin College over the last 50 years.

Officials are hoping a new program unveiled Tuesday will help them connect with each other and reconnect with the Pasco school.

The LINKS program is "a 21st century approach to the alumni association model," CBC President Rich Cummins said during a news conference.

Except the idea isn't just to reach alumni, but also current and former CBC faculty and employees, community partners and even people who took just one or two classes decades ago, he said.

Officials developed the LINKS concept with help from NewEdge + The Brewery, a communications and design firm with offices in Richland.

The plan is to help people re-engage with CBC through campus tours and special events. There also likely will be opportunities to mentor current students and provide internships.  More...

The above article was published in the September 30, 2009 Tri-City Herald.

In other news...

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