Matthew Scollin, from the Cerro Coso Community College Eastern Sierra College Center in Mammoth Lakes, is congratulated as the recipient of the Alumni Association's Fall 2007 "Student of the Semester" award. Pictured (l to r) Deanna Campbell, Director of the Eastern Sierra College Center; Christine Abbott, Instructor; Matthew Scollin, Fall 2007 Student of the Semester; and Dr. Mary Retterer, President of Cerro Coso Community College.

News Release

All Campuses

Matthew Scollin Named Cerro Coso's Fall 2007 "Student of the Semester"

December 12, 2007

The Cerro Coso Community College Alumni Association has been recognizing the outstanding achievements of Cerro Coso students each semester since 1988 by soliciting nominations from the faculty at all campuses - Indian Well Valley (Ridgecrest), Kern River Valley (Lake Isabella), South Kern (Edwards AFB, Mojave, California City), and Eastern Sierra College Center (Bishop and Mammoth Lakes). The Alumni Association proudly announces the recipient of the Fall 2007 "Student of the Semester" award is Matthew Scollin from the Eastern Sierra College Center in Mammoth Lakes. Scollin was honored at an Alumni Association awards luncheon on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at the Texas Cattle Company in Ridgecrest. He was nominated for the award by Cerro Coso Community College instructors Christine Abbott and Matt Hightower. Abbott stated, "Rarely does a student demonstrate as much intellectual acuity and maturity as Matt Scollin. Without doubt, he is one of the brightest students I've worked with in twenty-five years of teaching. He also is one of the most gifted writers I've every known; his creative analyses of literature is especially invigorating." In the nomination from Hightower, he stated, "Matt is a very conscientious and skilled student. While he is gifted in many ways, his best skill is his writing. His written work is to-the-point and concise when necessary and creative and humorous when given the opportunity. It is always thought provoking. His work is truly a joy to read." Their nomination was also supported by Deanna Campbell, Director of the Eastern Sierra College Center; and other instructors, Joe Slovacek, Brian Schuldt, and Thomas Hardy.

Overall GPA, class participation, extracurricular activities, and community involvement are all considered in the selection process for this award. Scollin is currently enrolled in 13 units, has completed 37.0 units, and carries and overall GPA of 4.0. He has listed his major as Political Science / Public Policy and his goal is to continue his education at a four-year institution with a concentration in either international affairs or public policy. He also plans to enroll in Naval ROTC in hopes that he may earn a commission in the United States Marine Corps upon graduation. In his spare time, Scollin enjoys snowboarding, reading, and writing. "The Alumni Association is very proud to bestow this award on Matthew Scollin and acknowledges his many achievements by selecting him as the Fall 2007 "Student of the Semester," stated Director of Information, Development, and Alumni Relations, Joann Handeland. Scollin was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation, an alumni pin, a $250 cash award, a special Cerro Coso remembrance gift, his name added to a perpetual plaque honoring all recipients of this distinguished award, and his photo will be displayed on "Student of the Semester" bulletin boards at both the IWV and Mammoth Lakes Campus.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Joann Handeland, Director of Public Information (760) 384-6230