
Winter 2008
From the Director:
Are We Still "Democracy's Colleges"?

When I was new to community colleges in the late 70’s, I heard them referred to as “democracy’s colleges,” or “people’s colleges.” It was this mission that inspired my decision to stay at community colleges and continues to engage me as a leader.
Our goal for this summer’s Leadership Issues program, “Are We Still Democracy’s Colleges?”, is to look at how this mission can be fulfilled in the twenty-first century. How do we serve “illegal” immigrants and their children? What does the new wave of returning GI’s, many with disabilities, need from us?
Is educating students for participation in a democracy different now than it was in the 1950’s? What can community college leaders do to be better advocates?
We are in the planning stages for this program, so your suggestions for topics and speakers are welcome.
If you'd like to share your thoughts on community colleges as “democracy’s colleges,” please email me.
Barbara Viniar, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Link to ICCD's other Winter 2008 Gravitas newsletter articles
Download the Winter 2008 edition of ICCD's newsletter Gravitas (pdf)
