Edison Community College and Emerson Climate Technologies recently learned of their appointment as finalists for the Awards of Excellence from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in the category of Outstanding College/Corporate Partnerships. Twenty-four community colleges have been named finalists across six categories in the program designed to recognize innovation and promising practices among two-year colleges.
“Emerson’s growth relies on having the right technical talent available,” said Tom Sheehan, Vice President of Human Resources at Emerson Climate Technologies. “The relationship between Emerson Climate Technologies and Edison Community College was developed to better align industry needs and local academic resources. Edison embraced the teamwork approach and with input from various cross-functional teams was able to modify their curriculum to better prepare students for local employment.”
“This is only one example of Edison’s commitment to support industry needs,” added Sheehan. “Edison and Emerson’s various IT, Engineering and Manufacturing teams have taken the time needed to develop this important relationship. Programs such as co-ops, capstone projects, and mentoring are just a few examples that help promote and develop future talent which benefits both Edison and Emerson.”
The awards program is tied to the key recommendations of AACC’s 21st-Century Commission on the Future of Community Colleges, a national, blue ribbon group of education experts. The Awards of Excellence finalists have put those recommendations into action and have made differences in the lives of the students on campus and the members of their community.
“We are extremely pleased to be recognized by the AACC as a finalist for this prestigious award,” said Dr. Cris Valdez, Edison President. “Still, whatever accolades Edison receives externally cannot compare to the benefits we have received from our continued mutually beneficial partnership with Emerson Climate Technologies. We consider ourselves privileged to continually realize the commitment of such a great corporate citizen.”
“These finalists are taking risks and forging the path to re-imagining our institutions,” said AACC President and CEO Walter Bumphus. “Through the Awards of Excellence, we’re able to hold up their bold innovations as models that will benefit all community colleges.”
Awards will be given in a total of six categories: emerging leadership, student success, faculty innovation, exemplary CEO/board, advancing diversity and outstanding college/corporate partnership. The winner in each category will be announced April 7 during the Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner at the AACC Annual Convention in Washington, D.C.
