2009: A Year of Opportunity

January 27, 2009

“As Maricopa begins a new year together, it is important to look back as 365 days or 525,600 minutes bears a multiplicity of worth.

In 2008, many of us experienced loss – the end of a memorable season, the downturn of a 401K, IRA or other asset, perhaps even the untimely “goodbye” to a friend or family member whom we love.

In 2008, many of us experienced gains – the beginning of an exciting season or journey, the fresh reality that life is short and we can apply catalytic force to cultivate the synergy of opportunity and ability, or the unrivaled fortune of unexpected TIME with family or friends.

Upturn or downturn, every year promises exploits of security or insecurity, permanent additions or deficiencies, questions, answers and. . . a continuum of change.

Thus, it is not uncommon for us to have a moment like this one to re-gather, reunite and re-envision, as an enterprise acknowledging the certainty of loss and gain, but one refusing to succumb to the crippling effects of inertia, self-interest, chaos or disunity.

It is easy for anyone of us to espouse the ideas, traditions or needs we hold, profess allegiance to or claim as critical. But it is the demeanor and delivery of our availability, dependability and expectancy that will speak at volumes beyond the limitations of mere physical vocals. The positions we have in life are not an axis in and of themselves, thus we can carry them out with excitement, generosity and patience knowing that interdependence calls us to count others as more significant than ourselves and certainly to count our students as the pinnacle of our day-to-day hoops or curves.

We are very familiar with John F. Kennedy’s words – “Ask not what your Country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your Country.” As trite as these words have become, we are all in a position to give more than we demand to receive. In this spirit, influence, legacy, adventure, and change find escalating meaning.

Maricopa is no different than any institution or enterprise. We’ve poured a foundation of purpose, stacked bricks of ingenuity, applied the mortar of collaboration, covered it in the assumed demand of basic economics, and invited in our community for a commodity that we believe is better than the alternatives.

In Maricopa, our wins and losses require the same courage and tenacity that Kennedy prompted when earlier in that same inaugural address he said, “In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course.” Today, I would challenge a “Covering in the ASSUMPTION of demand.” Why Maricopa? What sets us apart? Is the Maricopa experience BETTER? Does our customer service and passion exude from the posts we stand?

The Governing Board, Dr. Glasper, our Chancellor, or CEC can establish vibrant goals and smooth systems. But, each member of Maricopa is charged and freed to execute their post with purpose and distinction determining for the wins to exceed the losses.

The idea of win or loss is often subjective. For example in the last 18 years, the US has seen 13 recessions. Yet, in those 18 years, we’ve watched prosperity and potential soar. Or, on a lighter note, the Cardinals are headed to the Super Bowl. For many this is a long-awaited celebration; for others, it has bleak, fleeting meaning.

In 2009, Maricopa must establish a new sense of professional service for the communities we serve. Subjectivity in our sense of customer service and mission is not muscle for the growth our current economy or consumer requires.

Basics like:
. A warm and sincere welcome (whether in the registrar’s office, on the phone, in the
classroom, etc.)
. Positive eye-contact and smiles – you – WE are on stage
. Anticipating EVERY guest/student/citizen/neighbor’s need
. A warm and sincere “goodbye and thank you” for those we are privileged to interact with
. We commit to NEVER LOSE A GUEST/STUDENT/CITIZEN/NEIGHBOR

Our mission will sputter out quickly if we spend too much time in meetings about ourselves AND OUR NEEDS, when we refuse to believe the best of one another OR WHEN WE TAKE OUR EYES OFF OF THE END USER.

The Market in FULL of competition. No one is required to attend the local community college. Many alternatives exist. The manner by which we fulfill our respective posts MUST execute every responsibility with this reality in mind. As we all know, the labor pool is increasing, thus our opportunities to show distinction and excellence is of paramount importance.

May 2009 fuel excitement, generosity, patience, availability, dependability, and expectancy in every one of us. NOW more than EVER, I am calling for a new level of unity and reliable follow-through in our mission. Today and everyday we make the choice for the bricks of ingenuity that define Maricopa to transfer a spirit of influence, legacy, adventure, and change. That is the enterprise I would want to be a part of. That is the enterprise our students long for. That is the enterprise that will shape opportunity and sustainability in ways unprecedented in Maricopa or any institution of higher education.

One year from now, when we pause to look back for a moment, I believe we will do so with favorable perspective, recognizing Maricopa’s growing commitment to our communities and our consistent connection with those who come through our doors or depend on our “product.”

The upturn of Arizona, America, and the global environment we engage asks for us to take what we do seriously and if it is merely a job, then please prepare for new feet to fill your shoes.

I thank every member of Maricopa for believing the best about one another, placing the needs of others before our own and in doing, leaving a permanent imprint of influence, legacy, adventure, and progress."