from Inquiry, Volume 1, Number 1, Spring 1997, 7
© Copyright 1997 Virginia Community College System
Welcome to the first edition of Inquiry, a joint publication of the Virginia Community Colleges Association and the Virginia Community College System. I am certain that the new journal will continue and even enhance the long tradition established by the VCCA Journal of providing us all with informative and thought-provoking papers. I encourage those of you who enlighten us with your expertise at the VCCA conventions to submit articles. Do not hesitate to share your hard work, knowledge, and research!
As usual, the VCCA is alive and well! Our fall convention in Virginia Beach was a tremendous success, and many thanks are in order for all of those who worked so hard in the planning and implementation of it.
Among the highlights were opening session speaker, Dr. Joan Hirt of Virginia Tech, and our luncheon speaker, Tom Norton of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges. The support staff, faculty, and student showcases were well received, as were the 23 concurrent sessions. Overall, the evaluations of the convention have been very positive with lots of praise for the quality of the sessions and presenters. And 1996 was a banner year for attendance at a VCCA convention; I hope this reflects the strong degree of support that our membership will continue to give to our organization in the years to come.
The success of the association now and in the future is contingent on a true team effort. There are so many of you out there who have been unsung heroes over the years. You have been tireless workers for the VCCA, yet perhaps you have not been given the praise and recognition that you feel you deserve. I hope we will all take the time to thank people for their contributions and to all look for ways to help. Whether it be through serving on commissions, working on professional development programs, or helping with the convention, your efforts are greatly appreciated.
I look forward to serving as president this year. I will work with our executive committee to increase the availability of professional development opportunities, strengthen our membership and commissions, and continue the vital alliances of our diverse community college constituencies. Your involvement in working towards these goals will make a positive difference!