‘Twas the night after finals and all through the dorms, Not a student was stirring, they had left in swarms. The books were all stacked on the desks with care, In hopes that after break they would still be there. The students were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of four-point GPA’s danced in their heads. Well, you know how the story goes….

It is that time of year when MCC Students are finishing up their Fall Semester and are ready to take a break before Spring Semester starts in January. It is also the time of year when many reflect on what they have accomplished during the past year and contemplate on what they hope to accomplish in the coming months.

In 2009, Miles Community College achieved many objectives. The Commons building was renamed Nibs and Edna Allen Commons, in honor of their dedication to improvements at MCC. Dining Services was remodeled over the summer break. For the third consecutive year, enrollment increased. There were a record number of students living in the residence halls this fall.

Three new faculty positions were created: two in nursing, Shelly Gerhardt and Michelle Frank, and a science position filled by Kristin Buck. MCC also hired Doug Martin to direct the Building Trades program, Craig Rink as the Golf Coach, Michael Hardy to teach Math, and Chase Tait as the Men’s Basketball Coach. The MCC Baseball team won the Mon-Dak Conference. MCC Endowment hosted the first MCC Main Event fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting student scholarships.

As the Spring Semester starts, MCC will be concentrating on remodeling buildings as a result of stimulus funds. Some of the projects on the list include replacing windows, upgrading the HVAC system, and creating additional lab and classroom space. The 2010 focus will also be on completing the first half of the Agri Equine Complex. The Grow Eastern Montana program will help to recruit students from North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Canada, by permitting in-state tuition rates to attend Miles Community College

MCC has much to be thankful for at this time of year. We would like to thank those who have given to us in the past to help our students, faculty and staff who have strived to make the impossible possible, students who are the reason why we do what we do, and the community who give us their generous support. Thank you to all who help us succeed.

… we heard the students exclaim as they drove out of sight, finals are over, we can all sleep tonight.