Highlander Highlights
Meet MCC student and award-winning artist, Chloe Thorburn!
Chloe has attended MCC since Fall 2022 and will graduate this fall with the intention to pursue an art therapy degree from the University of North Texas. She has been spent her time at MCC volunteering for a variety of activities in addition to participating in organizations like the Blank Canvas Club and the Honors College.
Recently, Chloe attended the Central Texas Art Competition and Exhibition in Temple, TX, where three of her pieces were on display. Out of 200 students that entered the competition, Chloe received the Juror’s Pick Award for a multimedia portrait of her grandfather.
“To be completely honest, I have loved everything about MCC, including the classes, the staff and instructors, and the campus. But if I had to pick one particular aspect, I would say that learning from teachers who are supportive of both my academic and personal pursuits has not only helped me develop but also taught me that college is about more than simply earning a degree—it's about everything in between. I would advise both present and prospective students to realize that life's "college stage" is not predetermined and is not linear. We all have days when we feel like we know what we're doing and days when we think everything is slipping through our fingers, but that's okay and we're not alone.”
Meet MCC professor and Men's Head Golf Coach, Vince Clark!
This fall marked Vince Clark’s 29 th year at MCC! Counting the fall of 2023, he has taught 14,148 students. Vince remembers names and faces but says he does not always have the confidence to put both together at the same time.
“I feel that I have the heart and mind of a shepherd because my ‘mission’ is to care for ‘mine.’ My students, my colleagues, my campus friends on staff, and my administrators mean more to me than my words can ever express. My job just gives me joy.”
As for advice for students, Vince shares five simple rules:
- Be good to others
- Be loyal
- Be calm
- Be prepared (Work hard)
- Be content (Be happy)
Meet MCC Alumna, Cari Detlefsen!
Cari began taking dual credit courses at MCC during her junior year at Connally High School. After graduation, Cari attended MCC full-time until earning an associate’s degree in May 2007. In 2009, Cari graduated from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor's degree and earned her master's degree from Tarleton in 2012. Cari is currently a principal in Waco ISD at Mountainview Elementary School where she will be completing her 15 th year in education this year. Recently, Cari was honored as a Waco Chamber of Commerce recipient of the Waco Under 40 Award.
“While at MCC, there were many aspects that I enjoyed, but I would have to say it was the time the professors invested in me that stood out the most. Dr. Henry Apperson and Mr. Vince Clark made a profound impact on my early college years. The energy and excitement placed into their lessons further ignited my passion in education.”
“I would tell current college students now to stay the course. There will be days where you are tired, but the reward in the end is worth all of the hard work and dedication. I would not change one thing about my decision to attend MCC, and I am a proud Highlander alumna.”