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Cottey shows appreciation -- Dr. Judy Rogers hailed for vision
Nevada Daily Mail
Cottey College hosted a celebration honoring Dr. Judy Rogers, the outgoing Cottey president, and her husband, Dr. Glenn Rogers, on their retirement.
Dr. Judy Rogers has been serving as the 11th president of the college.
College and community members, along with members of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, were on hand for the event, which took place in the Haidee and Allen Wild Center for the Arts.
Judy and Glenn's dedication, service, and passion for education was recognized by a number of speakers, beginning with Janet Brown, chair of the College Board of Trustees; Maria Baseggio, president of the International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood; and Brianne Fulton, a member of the Cottey faculty and a member of the Presidential Transition Committee.
Brown welcomed the audience and began by recognizing the Rogers family who had come from Kentucky for the celebration.
Brown cited the wealth of college and community activities that both Judy and Glenn Rogers had been a part of and thanked them for their guidance, vision and dedication.
"Dr. Judy Rogers has given generously of her passion," she said, citing a number of key milestones in Dr. Rogers' tenure as Cottey president.
* The Cottey College Presidential Leadership Program, which offers select high school junior and senior women from Nevada High School the opportunity to learn leadership and prepare for college. Dr. Rogers led the sessions, which focused on team building, communication skills, networking, social protocol, and selecting a college.
* The establishment of the Serenbetz Institute for Women's Leadership, Social Responsibility and Global Awareness. Named for Thelma Serenbetz, who donated $1 million for the initiative, the Institute will "foster the goal of preparing Cottey students for future roles in their communities and the world."
* The addition of baccalaureate degrees (currently eight) to Cottey's academic offerings, with the ability to establish additional baccalaureate degree programs that meet the mission of the college.
* The continued accreditation of the college by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
* The fostering of closer community ties between the college and the community and the advancement of that bond through "their engagement in the community."
* The creation of and success of "A Defining Moment -- The Campaign for Cottey College," which raised $40.4 million and targeted scholarship endowment, faculty chairs, a new fine arts instructional building, library enhancement and unrestricted funding.
* Dr. Glenn Rogers, for his work as instructor, guest lecturer, writing tutor and host.
* The growth of the arts programs at the college, which will soon have a new centralized building to house these programs in the new Dr. Judy and Glenn Rogers Fine Arts Building.
"Dr. Rogers has been the Cottey College president during my entire time as P.E.O. president," said Baseggio as she began her remarks.
"It's been an honor to see her share and execute her vision for Cottey.
"Her efforts to increase our enrollment have resulted in a record number of student deposits, the most we've had in 10 years.
"Her work to establish and increase our baccalaureate degrees has resulted in our college being able to add any additional programs we wish, as long as it aligns with our mission.
"Her involvement with the leadership program has placed our college above those other institutions offering these programs.
"The Defining Moment campaign not only met a substantial goal, but surpassed that by almost 15 percent.
"Our 'Cottey Going Places' marketing initiative will take our college well into the future and position us for great strength.
"This is remarkable work. And all that work requires teamwork.
"She built a superb team of faculty and administration to execute that vision.
"On behalf of the board and the 235,000 members of the P.E.O., we express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for what she has given to this college as she executed her vision."
Fulton then presented Dr. Rogers with a picture of the "Friends Meet" bronze sculpture, which was commissioned in celebration of Cottey College's Centennial and was dedicated April 1984. The photo of the three female figures on a tall bench was taken by Nevada Photographer Bill Wynn.
"This sculpture symbolizes our students' success and is an emblem of our continued friendship," Fulton said.
Dr. Rogers expressed her appreciation for the recognition, but deflected the praise, saying, "I was really pleased Maria emphasized team.
"I didn't cause this to occur by myself. These accomplishments didn't occur without the hard work and dedication of the staff and faculty.
"I learned early, when we first arrived and were getting help moving in, of the Cottey Way, of everybody bringing their best to the effort.
"When I thought about retiring, I was not bored or weary. On those few days when I did feel a bit tired, I would go to class or sit with the students. And I would feel energized again.
"I was not ready to retire until I saw that most of my checklist had been achieved.
"On May 29, we will move to Georgetown, Ky. We have no specific plans but I am sure that due to the personal growth that I have enjoyed here at Cottey, I will remain a vocal advocate for women and women's education."
"The board greatly appreciates the willingness of Dr. Judy and Dr. Glenn Rogers to extend their initial planned move in January, not once, but twice, to allow us time to find a new president for Cottey College," summed up Brown.
"Now, we will embrace our future with (incoming President) Dr. Jann Weitzel."