WESTERN COLORADO COMMUNITY COLLEGE HARVESTS BUSHEL OF ASSOCIATION AWARDS
On the heels of graduating its first cohort of graduates, the viticulture and enology program received numerous awards during the Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology (CAVE) annual trade show and conference in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Program Instructor Jenne Baldwin-Eaton was named “Friend of the Colorado Wine Industry” by the association. The award is among the association’s most esteemed recognitions.
“Jenne has worked tireless not only to perfect her own craft but has gone to great lengths as an instructor and as an artisan to advance the interest of viticulture and enology in Colorado,” said Cassidee Shull, CAVE executive director.
WCCC students won a litany of medals in the 2018 Amateur Winemakers Competition. Kathleen Ondrus received the highest marks raking in two double gold medals, five gold medals, four silver medals and three bronze awards. Additional students to acquire association awards for their wine included Eric Hanby, Sarah Steele, Amy May Gekas and Rick Lanoue.
“The recognition of our instructors and students from the statewide association is a reflection of the growing quality of the wine makers and grape growers in the region,” said Vice President of Community College Affairs Brigitte Sundermann. “Helping grow the local workforce that supports local business is one of the most rewarding parts of my job and I want to congratulate Jenne for the accomplishment.”
The WCCC viticulture and enology program community advisory board is currently seeking community support for scholarships, sponsorships and programmatic investments. For more information visit coloradomesa.edu/wccc/ programs/viticulture-and-enology.
MOODY AFFIRMS CMU’S FINANCIAL STRENGTH This past fall, the university earned a reaffirmation of its strong financial standing from Moody’s, a credit ratings firm.Strong enrollment growth, sustained community support, unique partnerships and a strong balance sheet all contributed to Moody’s reaffirming CMU’s “A2 stable” rating.
