June 2025

President's Updates

June 2025

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Dear FRCC Community, 

I hope this message finds you well and that you're finding moments to recharge as we ease into summer. While this season brings longer days and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, I also want to recognize the important work happening across FRCC. From supporting summer classes and enrolling new students to preparing for the fall semester, many of you are continuing to make a meaningful impact. 

That said, even though summer often feels like a slower season, the work here at FRCC isn’t slowing down. Our strategic plan development is moving full steam ahead, and I want to thank everyone who has been, and continues to be, involved in this important process. 

I hope you’re as excited as I am for what’s ahead, and I can’t wait to share the latest updates and stories showcasing the great work happening across our campuses. 

Top Stories

 

 A group of men transporting an ambulance along a sidewalk, demonstrating teamwork and urgency in a medical situation.

Simulated Crisis, Real-World Skills: FRCC Students Join Forces in Mass Casualty Drill 

 

Things got loud at the Larimer Campus this April, but don’t worry, it was all part of the plan. 

 

EMS, nursing and law enforcement students teamed up for a full-scale Mass Casualty Incident drill, practicing their skills in a fast-paced, real-world simulation of an active shooter response. 

 

With help from local emergency crews and even a helicopter, students took turns treating patients, coordinating care and responding to the unexpected—all while learning just how much teamwork and flexibility these careers demand. 

It was an unforgettable, hands-on experience that brought classroom learning to life. 

Read Full Story

Employee Spotlight

 

Andy DeRoche Brings History to Life at FRCC

 

If you've ever met Andy DeRoche, or had the privilege of taking one of his classes, you already know he brings more than just historical facts to the table. Andy has a gift for making the past relevant, engaging and deeply connected to students’ lives today. 

 

Beyond the classroom, Andy creates opportunities for students and the community to engage with history in powerful ways, like this year’s Diving with a Purpose event exploring African American history through underwater archaeology. A published author, Andy’s latest book Global Goals explores the life of hockey player and cultural ambassador Eric Weinrich.  

Spread The Word

FRCC and Westminster Public Schools Launch the Ranum Innovation Campus

A diverse group of people is positioned around a table featuring a sign labeled "Ranum."

 

FRCC recently partnered with Westminster Public Schools (WPS) to create Colorado’s first multigenerational educational campus—the Iver C. Ranum Innovation Campus in Westminster. This groundbreaking collaboration is a bold step toward a unified, learner-centered education model designed to meet the needs of our community today and into the future. What makes this campus truly unique is its dual focus, which not only serves high school students, but also providing adult learners in the community—including parents and family members—with opportunities to upskill, reskill and advance their careers close to home. 

FRCC faculty and leaders are actively shaping the advanced manufacturing curriculum, ensuring students engage in hands-on, industry-relevant learning from Day One.  

This partnership is more than a collaboration; it’s a model for how education can unite to create opportunity, innovation and growth for generations to come. 

 

College Updates

Strategic Plan Update: Vision Groups Begin Next Phase of Planning 

A man wearing a face mask writes on a large paper, contributing to the FRCC 2025–2030 Strategic Plan update process.

 

We’re excited to share the latest progress in the development of FRCC’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. We have recently formed five vision groups, each tasked with bringing one of our strategic themes to life. These themes, along with draft versions of our proposed vision, mission and values, were shared with the college community for feedback. Thank you to everyone who took the time to review these materials and offer thoughtful input. Your comments and suggestions are helping us refine a plan that is both clearer and more reflective of our college community.

If you’d like to review the collected feedback, you can view it on our Strategic Planning Intranet site.

As we move forward, the next phase focuses on developing key objectives for each strategic priority. Each vision group will draft an initial set of SMART objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) that reflect how their assigned theme can be meaningfully implemented across the college.  

Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute their time, insights and energy to this important work. Together, we’re shaping a bold and inclusive vision for FRCC’s future.

 

As I begin my medical leave on June 11, 2025, thanks for taking a moment to catch up on these highlights of great work happening across our campuses. As the weather warms up and summer approaches, I hope you find time to enjoy the sunshine. It is great when I get more  “vitamin D”. 

 

Dr. Simpson's headshot

Happy Summer,

 

Colleen Simpson, EdD

President

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