STLCC@Flo Valley hosts Open House on April 10
Shannon Howard | Apr 06, 2010 | Comments 5
Discover all that Flo Valley has to offer at Saturday's Open House.
When I was growing up, St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley was jokingly called “Harvard on the Highway,” and it wasn’t a compliment. The implication, of course, was that smart kids went to “real” schools, not the junior college. But now I know better: all that was bunk.
I’ve taken a number of classes at Flo over the years and the quality of the teachers has generally been outstanding. I’ve also met countless talented, successful people who’ve attended the college, and I’d say they’re pretty smart… They got a great education without racking up thousands of dollars in student loans.
Whether you’re looking to get your associates degree, move onto a four-year university, or simply enrich your skills with a class or two, Flo Valley has a lot to offer. Probably more than you think. That’s why I encourage everyone to swing by the campus this Saturday, when the college pulls out all stops to showcase the diverse array of programs and amenities it has available.
Guests at the free Open House are welcome to drop in on dozens of tours, demonstrations and classes, some of which even I was surprised by. Deaf Communications, DNA Fingerprinting, 3D Modeling – those are just three of the highlight events. You can also tour the school’s TV station and observatory, sit in on an upholstery or water exercise class, try your hand at pottery and social networking, and treat the kids to a scavenger hunt and petting zoo.
The full list of activities is available here (in PDF). And if you arrive early to the Open House, you might even snag a goody bag and free lunch! The event takes place this Saturday, April 10, from 11am to 2pm, at 3400 Pershall Road, 63135.
Filed Under: Community
FLO Valley is great. I’ve taken Spanish (where my teacher joked I was her first student to speak Spanish with a French accent–oops!), intro guitar, lap swimming, a computer course. I enjoyed them all. The teachers were really helpful and knowledgeable–and there was no pressure. The bonus was walking home at night and listening to the coyotes howl in Hudson Park! My neighbor has taken many watercolor classes there and really advanced her skill and talent with a teacher she really respects.
I’ve taken classes there and would definitely recommend it, especially in terms of career-exploration on the cheap.
One other absolutely fabulous aspect of Flo Valley is the Child Daycare Center (CDC). You simply cannot find such high-quality childcare anywhere else at such an affordable price (believe me, I’ve looked).
Flo Valley is the only remaining campus that has on-site childcare for both the students and the community at large. Not only does the CDC assist parents in pursuing a higher education and better career path, but they do a phenomenal job of providing comprehensive early-learning experiences. They are truly a great asset to our community.
I graduated from Flo Valley in ’89 with an Associates in Human Services. Had the best professors for College Algebra, Human Services and English. They were more interested in teaching than getting published. I went on to UMSL for my BSW, and am hoping to start an MPPA program in Idaho in the next year. Can’t say enough good things about Flo Valley. And, it’s not because my dad taught there for over 20 years, either.
I’m a bit math-handicapped but I had one of the very best algebra teachers EVER at Flo – far better than professors at more expensive and “prestigious” schools I’ve attended. I also learned a huge amount about graphic design from Derek Bauman, an amazing guy who is still teaching at Flo to this day.
The art department there is truly one of the best in the country. Walk the halls of the art building and some of the student work will blow your mind!
Thanks to everyone who came out yesterday! It was a great success! Over 700 people attended (we gave away all 700 Hotdogs) and toured the campus.
Thanks NoCoStl.com for helping get the word out!