Kicking off her 14th annual Community Conversations, Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas on Wednesday updated several community members on the many moves the college has made in the last year.

Those included updates on study-abroad programs; the newly founded Center for Manufacturing Advancement and Brewing Science program; the continued growth of Running Start, gunsmithing and music programs; the recent Bioblitz and popular campus Veterans Center as well as a feasibility study on student housing.

“Oh, is that all?” Bad Rock Canyon resident Bill Baum quipped.

Karas announced a new Fulbright Scholar coming to Kalispell from China to teach Mandarin and international business, as well as a Fulbright graduate student coming to teach Brazilian Portuguese.

She mentioned the possible need for a student center and fitness center, but said that was farther down the line.

Karas’ community conversations will continue over the next two weeks.

The public is invited to the following sessions:

•  Today, June 12, noon at Nite Owl in Columbia Falls.
•  Wednesday, June 17, noon at Vista Linda in Somers.
•  Tuesday, June 23, 8:30 a.m. at 4 Corners in Eureka.
•  Tuesday, June 23, 11:30 a.m. at Venture Motor Inn in Libby.
•  Wednesday, June 24, noon at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish.

Reporter Ryan Murray may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at [email protected].