February Good News

TMCC President Karin Hilgersom stands beside community college leaders inside the White House.
Kate Kirkpatrick

President Hilgersom Participates in National Legislative Summit in D.C.

Earlier this month, TMCC President Karin Hilgersom visited our nation’s capital for the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) National Legislative Summit. Hilgersom and Nevada System of Higher Education Regent Carol Del Carlo joined the conversation with community college presidents and provosts to discuss efforts to strengthen the workforce via skilled workers in clean energy, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and more. Del Carlo also serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of ACCT.

Jeff DeFranco, Lake Tahoe Community College President, sits beside Congressman Mark Amodei and TMCC President Karin Hilgersom.

Jeff DeFranco, Lake Tahoe Community College President, sits beside Congressman Mark Amodei and TMCC President Karin Hilgersom.

Hilgersom, Del Carlo, and more than 30 other community college leaders joined officials from the Biden-Harris Administration, the Domestic Policy Council, the National Economic Council, the Office of the First Lady, the Department of Education, and the Department of Labor. Conversations centered around successful strategies for attracting and educating a wide range of students and workers, creating community-wide partnerships with employers, elected officials, K-12 educators, union leaders, and others.

“I enjoyed diving deep into discussions about TMCC’s Manufacturing and Clean Energy programs and exploring how the federal government can continue to lend its support at the National Legislative Summit,” said Hilgersom. “I’m grateful for the opportunities to advocate for our amazing community.”

The federal Investing in America agenda, propelled by the Biden Administration, includes the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and American Rescue Plan.

International Coffee Hour Returns for Spring 2024

Every semester since Spring 2018, the International Student Services office has hosted the engaging International Coffee Hour series, which highlights various cultures and celebrates the diversity of TMCC students and employees.

“The series is for the whole community,” says series organizer Virág Nikolics, manager of International Student Services. “We’re all ‘students’ learning about and from one another. If you wish to engage with students or colleagues personally, this is your chance. Whether it’s a throwback session or a country or culture with a new presenter, surprise elements leave us walking away with something new.”

International Coffee Hours are a chance to engage in cultural exchanges, connect with diverse students, and enjoy tasty snacks and beverages.

International Coffee Hours are a chance to engage in cultural exchanges, connect with diverse students, and enjoy tasty snacks and beverages.

The events are diverse; this spring, TMCC will feature some cultures and countries new to the series. The Spring presentations include:

  • Recruitment and Access Center staff members Jairon Castellanos-Boteo and Jocelyn Cabrera will come together to host an event discussing Guatemala, another first for this series, on Tuesday, March 12.
  • Student Shamiha Jannat will share about her home country of Bangladesh on Wednesday, March 27.
  • TMCC Foundation Associate Director of Development Stephanie Sellers will present her Indian Colonialism heritage on Tuesday, April 9.
  • TRIO student Emarie Bettere will lead a presentation about her indigenous roots from "Micronesia and the Chuukese Culture" on Wednesday, April 24.

All presentations will be from Noon–1 p.m. in the DISCO (Red Mountain Building, room 114), and are free to attend. Snacks will be available.

“Attending my first International Coffee Hour was truly inspiring,” says Yuli Chavez Camarena, Recruitment and Access Center Director. “Through engaging conversations and shared experiences, I gained a deeper appreciation for the diversity that enriches our campus. I realized that by embracing cultural sharing, we not only broaden our perspectives but also foster a more inclusive environment where we value and celebrate the experiences of others. I encourage everyone to attend these events, as they offer invaluable opportunities for personal growth and collective unity.”

“People want to be heard and valued through meaningful conversations about something that matters to them, and the series presents a safe and respectful environment that allows for exchange and interaction,” says Nikolics. If anyone is interested in presenting at a future event, contact Virág Nikolics.

“It’s been so rewarding to see the series evolve over the past six years and the connections made,” observes Nikolics. “I truly enjoy seeing people come together in our space and share about something so personal. It’s a window in our day when we can travel back in time or be transported to another life on this planet and enrich our day, inspire our plans.”

Mighty Lizards to Expand Summer Youth Soccer Camps

This summer, our TMCC Mighty Lizards will host three sessions of Youth Soccer Camps for boys and girls directed by the professional staff at TMCC. New this year, full-day and half-day camps are available from June 24–28, July 8–12, and July 15–19.

Over five days, kids ages 8–14 will learn basic and advanced soccer skills and hone their skills in dribbling, passing, shooting, situational awareness, and more. During the afternoons of the full-day camp, athletes will attend tactical film sessions, futsal, and other soccer-related activities. Athletes will be grouped based on skill and knowledge to ensure a challenge while maximizing fun. All campers will receive a free athletic t-shirt. TMCC Staff, Multi-child, and Military discounts are available. Contact Coach Kyle Kelly for more info.

For more information, please visit the President’s OfficeInternational Student Services, and Athletics pages.