This regular feature recognizes the activities and honors received by ACC faculty and staff. To submit news or suggestions, see the contact information below.

"The Three Fates" is among the works Bogard will discuss.

Sharing Expertise

English Professor Diane Whitley-Bogard will be sharing research completed on her recent sabbatical at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at Eastview Campus in Room 8500. Bogard will display reproductions of art owned by Ralph Waldo Emerson and discuss how they may have influenced his work. Bogard decided to pursue the study after participating in a National Endowment for the Humanities workshop on transcendentalism. Austin news station YNN also plans a feature about her research.

Linda Smarzik, dean of computer studies and advanced technology, Charles Quinn, dean of business studies, and Jill Brockmann, adjunct assistant professor of business and technical communications, will travel to Aarhus Business College in Denmark in early April. They will lead several workshops and discussions with instructors and administrators about strategies and tools for adult education and distance learning. They also will explore opportunities for Aarhus instructors to visit ACC.

Dana Tucker and Kathy Gromoll, senior compensation analysts in Human Resources, recently presented at the winter regional conference of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, where they shared information about ACC’s forthcoming Career Connections program. The first phase of a broader talent management program, Career Connections will help employees explore their interests and career fields, and identify career paths within ACC. HR plans to roll out the program in late spring.

David Lydic

TCCTA Leader

English Professor David Lydic is the president-elect of the Texas Community College Teachers Association. The organization’s 6,000 members include profes­sors from every discipline, as well as counselors, librarians, and administrators from public and independent community, junior, and technical colleges. Dr. Lydic has taught at ACC since 1979 and has won a number of teaching awards. He is a frequent presenter at state and national conferences and is active in the Two-Year College English Association.

City Panel Alternate

Jim Christianson, adjunct professor of accounting, was selected to serve as an alternate on the panel that will screen potential members for the City of Austin’s 10-One Citizens Redistricting Commission. Three CPAs and three CPA alternates were selected to examine the 500 applicants for the commission, which will establish the boundaries for 10 City Council districts. Christianson has been with ACC for 35 years.

Just Published

Linda Smarzik’s book, “The Mind of Thuse!! Thriving  Within Effortlessness,” was published in March. The book describes the neuroscience, philosophy, and thought behind the creative process to help readers learn how to achieve a sense of effortlessness in completing tasks. Smarzik is dean of computer studies and advanced technology.

Do you know a faculty or staff member who has accomplished something notable outside the classroom or in their community? We want to hear about them. Contact Jennifer Powers, [email protected].