April 6, 2001                                                    Volume 11 Issue 4                                                             Page 4

     This year marks the 40-year anniversary of Victor Valley College and its enduring dedication to student success. We celebrate the traditions that have shaped our college into an institution that espouses academic excellence. As VVC continues to grow, new programs and services affirm the traditional devotion to student achievement.   
     The Rambassadors is a newly implemented student outreach volunteer program that strives to increase enrollment and enhance the VVC student experience. Through the utilization of a peer mentor approach, the Rambassadors disseminate information about VVC educational programs and services.  The Rambassadors team is composed of enthusiastic and spirited students who are committed to the continued growth and expansion of VVC.
     The Rambassador program was initiated by the members of the 1999-2000 Associated Student Body Council. They left a lasting legacy by proposing that a student ambassador and peer mentor program be implemented at VVC.  Under the guidance of faculty mentors, students worked toward establishing program goals and objectives. In Fall 2000, the Rambassador program was born and the inauguration of the first Rambassador team marked the beginning of a new VVC tradition. Volunteers in the program enjoy the rewards of camaraderie, community and civic pride, and personal growth.  Before conducting outreach services, the Rambassador team was required to complete a training seminar series that developed and enhanced skills in public speaking, sensitivity, marketing and conflict resolution.  Seminars were conducted by professionals in their respective areas of career expertise.
     Three student coordinators share leadership of scheduling and organizing events, constructing presentations and creating membership recruitment tools.  Rambassadors conduct campus tours for prospective students, exhibit at college fairs and community events, and serve as presenters at local high schools. The success of the Rambassador program stems from the overwhelming support of the VVC community.  Members of the faculty and staff serve as mentors to the Rambassadors, while more and more class instructors are actively recruiting enthusiastic volunteers.
     In collaboration with the VVC staff, faculty, administration and community leaders, the Rambassador program continues to grow and provide new services to current and prospective students. In conjunction with the outreach department, the Rambassadors will host the first "VVC Senior Days" event.  On April 18^th and 25^th, more than 700 high school seniors representing more than a dozen high desert schools will visit VVC and learn more about the rewards of a VVC education.  Rambassadors will assist the Outreach Counselor and Student Services team as event coordinators, tour guides and student panelists.
     In addition to providing outreach support, the Rambassadors are in the process of increasing continued student assistance. A peer mentor program modeled after the EOPS Student Assistance program is currently being developed.  Peer mentors will acquire active listening and communication skills during an extended training series in order to better serve as resource agents to the general VVC student population. Any student who is interested in sharing the VVC experience with others is encouraged to become a Rambassador.  For more information, contact Outreach Counselor Mike McCracken at 245-4271 extension 2677.

Monica Ortega is a Rambassador Coordinator and vice president of the Associated Student Body Council. Following graduation from VVC this May, she will pursue a communications degree and a public relations career in professional sports.

     The RamPage is a newspaper published as an academic exercise by students at Victor Valley College in Victorville, Calif. Issues are published bi-weekly from February through May and from September through December. The views expressed by the RamPage are not necessarily those of VVC, its board, its administration, its faculty, its staff, its Associated Student Body Council or its students.
     The RamPage welcomes press releases, story ideas, letters to the editor and guest editorials. Please submit these to the on-campus mailbox of RamPage Adviser Judith Pfeffer or leave a message at 760-245-4271 extension 8718 to receive information including editorial guidelines. Or mail information to RamPage, Victor Valley College, 18422 Bear Valley Road, Victorville, CA 92392.
      Readers are welcome to send e-mail to VVCRamPage@hotmail.com The RamPage is now online! Visit us at www.vvc.edu/RamPage
     The RamPage accepts as advertising only 8 1/2-by-11-inch flyers as inserts. The cost is $100, which covers insertion/distribution of 2,000 copies. The cost and responsibility of designing, reproducing and delivering the 2,000 flyers to the RamPage will be borne by the advertiser. To purchase an advertisement, call Auxiliary Services Assistant Margarita Barbosa at 760-245-4271 extension 2567. Acceptance of any advertisement in the RamPage does not constitute endorsement by the RamPage, college, district, board, ASB Council or student body.     

Editor in Chief: Raul Gutierrez
Assistant Editors: Kris Reilly, Barbara A. Stewart
Copy Editor: Robert Morrison
News Editor: Jackie Sauer
Sports Editor: Clifton Harris
Activities Editor: Crystal Henson
Features Editor: Deshawn Warr
Editor Emeritus: Bill Zamboni
Reporters: Alyson Clabaugh, Ann Fletcher, Jennifer Fowlie, Annette Henson, Mitch Lopez, Derrick D. Oliver,  Monta Romriell,
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