In an effort to ensure that throughout the State of Maryland all families have access to critical resources, and to learn first-hand about the challenges and opportunities faced in every part of Maryland, Governor Martin O’Malley has named various counties and cities “Capital for a Day,” taking the opportunity to hear directly from local officials and residents, and to visit local businesses, schools, and stakeholders.
On Monday, October 26, 2009, Laurel was named Capital for a Day, and as a part of the day’s planned visits from the governor and his staff, the Capitol College community welcomed former commencement speaker Dr. George W. Reid, assistant secretary of planning and academic affair, to campus. Representing Capitol were President Dr. Michael T. Wood and Vice Presidents Dr. Vic Maconachy, Dr. Michael G. Gibbs, Dianne Veenstra and Derick Veenstra.
During his visit, Dr. Reid was provided an overview of the college, focusing on the mission-based education programs and centers of academic excellence such as the Space Operations Institute, Innovation and Leadership Institute and Center for Space Science Education and Public Outreach. Dialogue also touched on the H1N1 flu and the actions the college is taking regarding the flu, as well as budget issues with which the State is currently challenged.
Dr. Reid also took a tour of campus, experiencing the Space Operations Institution first-hand, and learning about the college’s partnership with NASA Goddard, which assists students in achieving leadership careers in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. This visit by Dr. Reid follows a July 2009 visit made by Maryland Secretary of Higher Education, Dr. James E. Lyons, Sr., to discuss initiatives in STEM education.
Capitol College appreciates the continued partnership with the State of Maryland and the Governor’s leadership team in advancing education, specifically within the STEM fields.