Tamarac University Graduating Class 2013 – Tamarac Talk©

By: Sharon Aron Baron

After six classes with over 145 students, the latest graduates stepped up and accepted their diplomas from the Tamarac University program at the City Commission meeting last week.

Led by Assistant Director of Information Technology, Jim Twigger, and Special Projects Coordinator Mike Gresek, this six week interactive program gave residents a behind-the-scenes look at Tamarac, and the opportunity to meet their local government officials face-to-face in a classroom-like atmosphere.

Residents receive diplomas at the city commission meeting.

Residents learned from elected officials, department directors, and other City staff about the role of local government and public service. “I think that it’s a great opportunity to learn about the city,” said Twigger. “There’s so many facets of the city, to see everything working in tandem is just amazing.”

As an employee of the Tamarac Chamber, this helped me immensely.” Said Tara Piatek. Because of the class, I have been able to connect businesses with the appropriate department in the city.”

Several students that were in Piatek’s class were also involved with the community before they attended the class. Piatek herself is a Relay for Life Committee Team Member and several students were volunteers in either in the BSO Citizen Observer Patrol, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)Program or both.

“Jim and Mike were phenomenal instructors,” said Piatek. “They made the class fun. They did such an amazing job.”