Close to Home update
From Tim Garland, Physical Plant:
One of the greatest challenges we all face is deciding what we want to do with our lives. One of the best places to start answering that question is an institution of higher education. But the question of “where do I go from here?” is one that we can never stop asking. Here at Keene State, we as a campus community have put both our professional and personal energies into making this college a place where students, faculty and staff can continually reach forward and outward.
As a lifelong resident of the Keene area, I am well acquainted with this city and its character. I came to Keene State as an electrician seven and a half years ago, expecting it to be a good place to work that would supply my family with the means to continue enjoying our life here. What I have found is far beyond what I had anticipated.
KSC has given me the opportunity to increase my knowledge and skills within my field, but I have also had opportunities I would not have imagined. I am now finishing my sixth year as a member of the Operating Staff Council and my fourth year as its Chair. The encouragement and support I have been given by so many of you has allowed me to discover more of what I am capable of, things I would not have been able to do elsewhere.
When Dr. Giles-Gee arrived here, a foundation had been laid. Her vision was that Keene State could build on that foundation to create “a world of possibilities.” I believe that vision has come true. We live and work in a community that encourages professional and personal growth, a community where students – who are just beginning to answer the question, “What do I want to do with my life?” – have an opportunity to examine the world of possibilities and experience things that will help them to make wiser choices about the direction in which they will go. And we, as faculty and staff, give them guidance. In return, we are able to examine our possibilities and share experiences that help us to continue answering the very same question.
As we face uncertain financial times, I want to encourage you to consider putting something more back into this unique community. There are many students who see what we have to offer and want to take advantage of it. They are bright and eager to find out how they can be part of a better future, but they need help. The strains on financial aid resources continue to grow. The funds available for Keene State to continue its work are limited.
Participation for this year’s “Close to Home” campaign is almost at 20%, and a total of $24,493 has been given by faculty and staff members this year. By choosing to give to the “Close to Home” campaign, you can help ease the burden on families who are still trying to figure out if their potential student can be an actual student. You can give any amount and direct it to a specific scholarship or have it put in the KSC Fund to be used for areas of greatest need. Your gift may be made online or by contacting Genny Alexander at 358-2304.
Thank you!
