The Bermuda College has organised several events during the first Bermuda College Month designed to promote it?s programmes to the Island?s residents.

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The Bermuda College?s radio programme ?College Commentator? was launched on November 1st and immediately brought back memories for a number of listeners, many of whom were original participants or fans of the original ?College Commentator? broadcast back in the ?80s.

According to a spokesperson for the College, the hour-long show received a good response from listeners on the very first airing. It featured the latest music and trends, as well as College news, shout-outs, quizzes, and giveaways. There are two student teams who have been in training for on-air presentation, conducting interviews, in-house production, marketing, and developing programme format.

Gina Spence Farmer, Co-curricular activities assistant at the College and co-producer of the re-launch, along with the show?s original producer, Rotimi Martins, said it is hard not to catch the enthusiasm that has pushed the development of the show along.

?I told them from the outset, that it was going to be hard work,? she said. ?It will take their Saturdays, plus our regular weekly meetings, which they will get credit for, but make no mistake, they are really earning those extra credits.

?Plus, the whole initiative provides hands-on experience and presents them with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the dynamic career of broadcasting.?

The College and the Bermuda Broadcasting Company?s Darlene Ming and Keevil Burgess worked hard over the last several months to make the show a reality again.

The Captain was particularly keen to have young people who were serious about the industry gain hands-on experience, but stressed repeatedly that its success depends on the level of commitment they are willing to make.

College Commentator airs live twice a month on Saturday nights 8 ? 9 on Power 95.

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November is also recruitment month at the College. From November 3 representatives from the College will be visiting various middle and senior high schools to talk about the Associate Degree, Certificate and Diploma programmes that are offered.

?The best thing about Bermuda College,? said Admissions Officer, Sandra Dill, ?is the very diverse course offerings that we provide, which is exactly what a community college should be providing to its very diverse community.?

The College said that whether students are coming from high school, or are in between jobs, are simply looking for a career change, or have higher educational goals, Bermuda College provides that first step for everyone. Director of Communications, Evelyn James Barnett said: ?First steps do begin at Bermuda College, and we?ve got a team of committed faculty and support staff that actually see to it that those first steps are good ones.

?They realise that for some it can be a difficult transition from the high school, structured environment to that of a college setting. There is a lot more freedom, for one.?

Mrs. Barnett adds: ?But that freedom comes with more personal responsibility on the part of the student to ensure that they get what they come here for.?

Student Services provides not only academic advisors, but counsellors for each student to ensure that their study habits, time management skills, course and programme choices and their recreation activities will gear them towards optimal success. They also offer both academic and financial support.

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Dr. Derek Norford is one of only a handful of home-grown research biologists. Now working and residing in North Carolina, Dr. Norford is the University Veterinarian and Research Scientist at the Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute at North Carolina Central University in Durham.

He holds a PhD. from North Carolina State University and a D.V.M. from Tuskegee University; a M.Sc. from North Carolina State University and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro. Dr. Norford attended Victor Scott School and is a graduate of Sandys Secondary. He will be the guest of the Division of Liberal Arts at Bermuda College in celebration of Corange Science Week November 17 ? 21.

During the week he will visit a number of primary, middle and secondary schools. On Tuesday November 18, he will be guest speaker at a public forum, that will examine the use of animals in biomedical research.

The College?s Science Centre will be on display all day on Wednesday November 19 and members of the public will be treated to guided tours and interactive exhibits from 10 a.m. ? 4 p.m. Admission is free.