Bridging cultures

The staff of UVA's Alderman Library showed Bridging Cultures faculty some of the resources of the library and seduced us with tales of the Semester at Sea. We toured Alderman's gorgeous Asian Reading Room, where we were treated to an impromptu storytelling session by Slavic librarian and professional storyteller George Crafts.

Back in the Open Grounds classroom, Edith Clowes explained the theological and (mostly) political division between the Eastern and Western (Orthodox and Catholic) churches, and the characteristics of Orthodox cathedral architecture and iconography. Next, Natasha Miles presented an intro to Buddhist philosophy and a detailed life of the Buddha. We finished the day with Rich Cohen's millennia-spanning lecture on Hinduism and Jainism including their ancient roots and most influential reformers. Most interestingly, he pointed out that "Hinduism" is a label applied largely by non-Hindus to attempt to collect the diverse beliefs of a huge nation into a convenient conceptual packages. Concepts like the Ishtadeva, or personal god, mean that one can expect to see a great diversity of belief and practice from region to region, or even from Hindu to Hindu. 

After Dr. Cohen's lecture, I feel like I'm already semi-fluent in Sanskrit, but I think I'm about to learn how little I know since today's lectures focus on language and linguistics. Once more into the breach!

-          Jason Lira

The above blog is a recount of Reynolds faculty member Jason Lira’s experience at the symposium on Bridging Cultures. Seven Reynolds faculty members joined other participants from representative VCCS institutions in a weeklong, National Endowment for Humanities-sponsored symposium on Bridging Cultures. Hosted by the University of Virginia and led by Project Director Rachel Stauffer, Outreach Coordinator of the Asia Institute and Lecturer in Slavic Languages and Literatures, the Bridging Cultures Symposium provides VCCS faculty with the opportunity to develop their understanding and knowledge of the culture, geography, history, and human development in South Asia, East Asia, Russia and Eurasia, and the Middle East.

JSRCC Faculty Participate in UVA-NEH Bridging Cultures at Community Colleges Symposium

In the interim days between the end of the summer semester and the start of Fall 2013 classes, seven JSRCC faculty have joined other participants from representative VCCS institutions in a weeklong, NEH-sponsored symposium on Bridging Cultures. Hosted by the University of Virginia and led by Project Director Rachel Stauffer, Outreach Coordinator of the Asia Institute and Lecturer in Slavic Languages and Literatures, the Bridging Cultures Symposium provides VCCS faculty with the opportunity to develop their understanding and knowledge of the culture, geography, history, and human development in South Asia, East Asia, Russia and Eurasia, and the Middle East.

On Monday, August 5, symposium participants enjoyed a series of intense and detailed lectures from UVA scholars whose research focuses upon Ancient China, Ancient South Asia, and the ancient civilizations of Central Asia. Some specific areas of conversation included discussions of the Silk Road, the philosophical and cultural attributes of ancient Chinese dynastic empires, and movements of peoples and cultures throughout ancient South Asia. In addition, participants witnessed a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony shared by Haruko Yuda, Japan Outreach Coordinator at the Asia Institute of UVA.

Participating JSRCC faculty include Joseph Appiah (History), Cynthia De Riemer (Communication Studies), Ghazala Hashmi (English), Jason Lira (English), Maria Ramos (English), Jane Rosecrans (English), and Christopher Thomas (History). Dr. De Riemer also serves as the JSRCC Project Liaison in this two-year long collaboration between UVA and VCCS faculty. At the end of the week’s Symposium, Reynolds faculty will define areas of focus and effort for this academic year, and also develop plans to share their work with other faculty and students at JSRCC.

Bringing color and collaboration to Burnette Hall

 

 Bringing color and collaboration to Burnette Hall, artists-in-residence from Westminster Canterbury Richmond and Cedarfield retirement communities have transformed formerly bare walls on the Second Floor of the Arts & Humanities into a welcome gallery space. 

In an effort to bring more artwork and visual interest to the college, Dr. Rhodes has reached out to local artists, such as photographer Wayne Dementi, whose images are featured at the Goochland Campus; Beth and Wolfgang Jasper, displayed in the Workforce Development and Conference Center; and, the collection gifted by W. Baxter Perkinson at the Downtown Campus.  Westminster Canterbury and Cedarfield, both with active art programs, each adopted a wall in the Arts & Humanities wing, giving the residents ample room to showcase their talents.

Westminster Canterbury’s “The Four Seasons of Richmond, Virginia” murals feature well-known monuments and landmarks.  “Virginia Trees in Their Native Habitat” by the Cedarfield artists takes a more bucolic turn.  “Viewing the pieces is like taking a drive through the city and then through the country,” said Brenda Bickerstaff-Stanley, an artist and project coordinator at Cedarfield. 

Among the contributing artists from Westminster Canterbury is Dr. M.L. Foy, retired Physics professor at Reynolds.  She and the other artists from both programs met each other for the first time recently to swap stories, photos, and admire each other’s work.  Pausing to look at each panel, Dr. Foy remarked, “Very nicely done.  Everyone did a great job.” 

In a testament to Dr. Foy’s remarks, it’s not unusual to see students poised in a moment of quiet reflection in front of the pieces, or hear a comment of appreciation from a passerby to another.  It seems the project – as art has the power to do – is continuing to bring people together in a meaningful way.

 

General Motors donates vehicles to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Automotive Program

Automotive students at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College will have two new vehicles to work on this fall. General Motors (GM) recently donated a 2013 GMC Sierra Pickup and a 2009 Pontiac G6 to the General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (GM ASEP) program at Reynolds.  These vehicles will be added to the existing inventory of GM vehicles at the automotive training facility on the Goochland Campus and will be used in classes to help train the skilled technicians of tomorrow.   

The GM ASEP program incorporates the most advanced automotive technology with a strong academic foundation that enhances analytical and technical skills. Students earn an associate degree while working and learning on the job. The result is a solid education combined with invaluable work experience for GM dealerships. 

The 2013 GMC Sierra Pickup, equipped with the latest in technology and systems, was damaged in a train derailment during transportation and as a result was donated to the College for training automotive technicians. The 2009 Pontiac G6 has less than 700 miles on its odometer.   

Lorenza Dickerson, who has been instructing students in the GM ASP program since its inception at Reynolds in 1999, will utilize the vehicles in teaching the courses required to meet GM technical training requirements.  Under his guidance students will have the opportunity to closely examine and diagnose every component system both vehicles have to offer. 

“We are very grateful for this generous donation from General Motors which will enable the current and future automotive students to experience hands-on classroom skills” noted Alan Crouch, GMASEP Coordinator and Co-Program Head of Automotive Technology.   

“We are proud to support training programs that prepare the next generation of automotive technicians,” said Todd Dawn, GM ASEP and AYES Program Manager. “Our commitment to our customers goes well beyond building a quality product.  Our dedication to excellence starts at the training level by partnering with schools in communities around the globe to share our collective passion for the automotive industry and educate, inspire and motivate the technicians of tomorrow.” 

For more information on JRSCC’s Automotive Technology programs, please contact Alan Crouch, GMASEP Coordinator and Co-Program Head of Automotive Technology at (804) 523-5969 or by e-mail at acrouch@reynolds.edu. 

  

Ford gets a Dream Job at Ford

Doug Ford inherited his passion for automobiles, Fords to be exact, from his grandfather who worked 34 years as a mechanic at a Ford dealership.  Even as a child Doug was fascinated by automobiles and wanted to understand what made them work.

After graduating from J.R. Tucker High School in Henrico County, Doug chose J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College for two reasons.  First, he wanted to study automotive technology, and Reynolds offered the Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) program which provides an automotive education focused exclusively on current Ford products. Secondly, he was offered a full scholarship so the stress of paying for college was eliminated. 

Arriving at Reynolds, Doug immersed himself in college life while excelling in his automotive studies. He served as a student ambassador, participated in the JSR Lead Program and served as vice president of the student council on the Goochland Campus.  He joined and remains a board member for Project STIR (Sustainable Transportation Initiative of Richmond) whose goal is to make the Greater Richmond Region the national model in building an innovative, sustainable transportation system that moves people in a greener way. 

One of Doug’s instructors, Michael Trapani, recognized his talents and encouraged him to continue his education beyond automotive technology to the field of engineering. Doug quickly realized the value of having a “Plan B” for his future and after earning his Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology, he returned to Reynolds to earn a second Associate degree, this time in Engineering. He then transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical  Engineering, with a goal of completing his education in December 2013.

While a student in the Ford ASSET program at Reynolds, Doug was required to work at a Ford dealership - it was at this time he met a Field Service Engineer from Ford Motor Company in Detroit.  Field Service Engineers (FSE) travel to dealerships as technical specialists to diagnose problems and assist local mechanics when there is an issue the local mechanic can’t resolve.  Intrigued by the position, Doug asked the FSE about his position and how he acquired it.  The FSE gave Doug the contact information for the recruiter who had hired him and suggested he contact her.  Doug made the inquiry, sent a resume as requested, then traveled to Detroit for an interview, and in the end was offered a position as a service engineer in a call center.  The service engineer’s role is to diagnose and resolve problems for mechanics over the phone.  If they are unable to do so, a field service engineer is dispatched to the dealership. 

Doug realized that this was not only his dream job, but an opportunity that might not come again.  He moved to Dearborn Michigan in mid-June and has been on the job since.   Although he won’t be graduating from VCU in December as planned, Doug has already made arrangements to complete his mechanical engineering degree by next spring at a college in Michigan.

Doug noted, “Reynolds opened so many doors for me, and they are still opening.  I had so many experiences that I would never have had if I went to another school.  Attending Reynolds was a fantastic experience and the best decision I ever made.  I am now the school’s biggest advocate, recommending it to others at every opportunity.”

Doug has given back to Reynolds as well.  This spring he was part of a team of four VCU students who designed and created a self-parking golf cart with the ability to park itself simply with the press of one button.  The project, a collaborative effort between VCU and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, was one of the projects displayed at VCU’s School of Engineering Senior Design Expo 2013.  The golf cart now resides at Reynolds where future automotive students will use the vehicle as a lab tool for a new course entitled Automotive Electronic Guidance Control Systems. Ford noted, “My first degree at Reynolds was in Automotive Technology, so it means a lot to me to be able to give back to future Reynolds students so they can learn and grow as technology evolves in the auto industry.”

One can’t help but wonder with the last name of Ford, if Doug is any relation to that “Ford” family, but he said there is no relation that he has been able to find, at least not so far.

 

 

Orientation sessions underway at Reynolds

With a new semester right around the corner, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College begins Student Orientation and Advising and Registration (SOAR) and SOAR Express sessions this week for students who will be starting classes at Reynolds this fall.

While starting college is an exciting time for new students, the transition to post-secondary education can be challenging.  To assist with this transition, students new to Reynolds have the option to attend an orientation session to receive academic advising and to register for fall classes.  Students choose between two types of orientation programs - SOAR or SOAR Express.  While SOAR is a comprehensive, half-day program for new students and their parents or guests, SOAR Express is a 2-hour program for new students that focuses on the nuts and bolts of registering for fall classes.

Prior to attending SOAR & SOAR Express new students must take the placement tests at one of the campus Testing Centers, set up their username and password in SIS, and follow-up with Financial Aid if they have any questions about their financial aid package.

As you can see from these pictures from a SOAR Express orientation session, it may still be summer, but school is definitely in session at Reynolds!

More information about SOAR and SOAR Express can be found online at http://www.reynolds.edu/studentaffairs/orientation.htm.

Senator Tim Kaine visits Reynolds to discuss student loan rate hike

On Monday, June 24^th U.S. Senator Tim Kaine met with a group of administrators, students and financial aid officers at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College to discuss the pending hike in interest rates on undergraduate subsidized Stafford loans from 3.4% to 6.8%.

Of the approximately 19,000 students attending Reynolds, about 3,900 currently have at least one Stafford loan.  The interest rate increase would not affect existing loans, but would take effect for new subsidized Stafford loans originated for the 2013-2014 school year.

Kiesha Pope, Reynolds’ director of financial aid, noted that for a $3,500 Stafford loan the higher interest rate would equate to increased interest costs of about $540.00 over the life of the loan.  Senator Kaine added, “"Most of these folks will take out loans for multiple years so now you're talking about adding thousands of dollars of interest payments."

Kaine, who is a cosponsor of the Student Loan Affordability Act of 2013 that would keep student loan interest rates at their current 3.4% rate for the next two years, told the group, “We’re trying to come up with a solution that would enable students to continue to get the education they need to be successful and economically productive without a choking amount of debt.”

Kaine noted that there are four other proposals under consideration including floating the interest rates with the state of the economy, and placing ceilings on rates and that most likely the final bill will include elements of all the proposals.

The students in attendance expressed concern about the interest rate hike.  They told Kaine they want to get an education, find a good job, buy homes and cars and contribute to the economy, but they feel like the difficulties of paying for that education will delay their ability to do those things.

Senator Kaine thanked the participants for their participation and their willingness to discuss the issues they are wrestling with.  He told the group he is hopeful that a resolution on the interest rate will be reached this week before the July 1^st deadline.

For the love of bow ties

Anyone who spends much time around J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College knows that President Gary Rhodes has a thing for bow ties and that he sports them on a regular basis.   When it recently came to light that Reynolds graphic designer Leslie Bax’s 14 year-old son Axel shares a similar passion for bow ties, Dr. Rhodes knew he had to meet Axel and invited Leslie to bring him to campus this week.

Axel, a rising high school freshman at Atlee High School in Hanover County who hopes to become an architect or engineer, discovered his love for bow ties on a shopping trip with his father.  When Axel admired the display of bow ties at a men’s shop and the salesman offered to give him a quick lesson in the art of tying a bow tie, Axel gladly took him up on his offer.

During their visit Dr. Rhodes gave Axel and his Mom a tour of his office and the two bow tie aficionados discussed the benefits and merits of bow ties at length.  At the conclusion of the meeting Dr. Rhodes told Axel that he is bequeathing his entire bow tie collection of 80 ties to Axel as his own son doesn’t appreciate the charm of bow ties to the extent that Dr. Rhodes does.  Axel, whose collection of 3 bow ties is just getting off the ground, was pleased to accept the gift. 

Dr. Rhodes noted to Axel, “I hope you are at least as old as I am now before you actually get the ties!”

 

 

JSRCC Police Department earns professional accreditation

Lt. Milton Franklin, VLEPSC Program Manager Gary Dillon, Chief Paul Ronca, and Charles Bishop

  

The J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Police Department has achieved accreditation status from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC) for its commitment to law enforcement excellence and the successful completion of the certification process through the Virginia Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.  The Certification of Accreditation was formally presented to the College on June 11th by the Department of Criminal Justice Services VLEPSC Program Manager Gary Dillon.

 

Of the more than 400 municipal police and sheriff’s departments in the Commonwealth, only 87 currently hold the distinction.   The JSRCC Police Department is the only community college in Virginia to hold the accreditation.

Accreditation of a police department by VLEPSC indicates that the department is in compliance with 187 professional law enforcement standards in four topic areas; Administration, Operations, Personnel, and Training. The certification signifies that JSRCC police have met the highest standards for law enforcement practices in Virginia. The accreditation process began in March 2011 with a self-assessment, and culminated with a three-day on-site assessment of the department’s policies, procedures, processes and operations by members of the Virginia Law Enforcement Accreditation Coalition in late April.  

 

JSRCC Police Chief Paul Ronca noted, “The VLEPSC accreditation process ensures that the police department's policies are of the highest standards. The accreditation process allowed us to closely examine our policies and procedures and learn from best practices of other departments around the state.  We are pleased to be the first community college in Virginia to earn this distinction.”

JSRCC’s police officers serve a population of more than 21,000 students, faculty and staff. The department has jurisdiction over all three campuses and the Ginter Park Center.

The department will be reassessed by the state every four years and must provide proofs of compliance for each calendar year.

 

 

Great Expectations Tour visits JSRCC

The Great Expectations “Building the Bond” tour made its final stop at JSRCC with a luncheon event for over 100 stakeholders including students, foster parents, social workers and others who work with Virginia’s foster youth on Wednesday, May 29.  

Who among us doesn’t remember teenage angst?  Imagine getting through those years with no support system, no one to turn to for advice.  That’s what foster youth face, and much worse.  That’s why the Great Expectations program is so important to Virginia’s foster youth.  With its emphasis on a person-to-person connection with a Great Expectations coach, the program offers a unique answer to the vexing challenge of single-digit foster youth graduation statistics.  Great Expectations seeks to increase foster youth graduation and college retention rates.

Anne Holton, the program director of Great Expectations, and other Virginia Community College leaders have hosted events across Virginia this month, seeking ideas and support for elevating the next phase of the foster youth-focused program.  May is National Foster Care Month.

Great Expectations began in fall 2008 as a pilot program at five Virginia community colleges and has grown to serve foster youth at 17 Virginia community colleges today.  J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College was among the schools who piloted the program in 2008.  Over the past four years 28 students have graduated from the Great Expectations program at Reynolds and 58 are currently enrolled.  Statewide more than 500 youth are currently in the program.

The May 29^th luncheon celebrated JSRCC’s newest Great Expectations graduates, highlighted the importance of the bond between Great Expectations students and their coaches, and concluded with a discussion seeking suggestions on ways to improve the program for the future. 

For more information on the Great Expectations program, please visit www.reynolds.edu.

 

JSRCC first in nation to offer distance-based Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Career Studies Certificate - Futuristic hydrogen-powered vehicle included in studies

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is pacing the automotive technology field educating students on the car of tomorrow that doesn't use gasoline and doesn't pollute the air. In fact, this vehicle produces steam instead of exhaust - what's the mystery fuel? Hydrogen -- the simplest and most abundant element in the universe.

And while some people think that in 20 years we'll all be driving hydrogen-powered vehicles, JSRCC’s Automotive Technology program is currently filling today and the future’s need for cutting edge technology educated technicians who are equipped to perform both mechanical and diagnostic repairs.

This fall Reynolds will offer a four credit course titled Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles which covers hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle systems and advanced automotive electronics. Focusing on safety, the course teaches theory, function, and operation of fuel cell electric vehicles and provides students an opportunity to perform diagnostic procedures and maintenance for fuel cell electric vehicle systems - the course is part of the nation’s first distance-based Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Career Studies Certificate program. When students graduate, they will be qualified to service electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles that provide for increased energy efficiency and employ “green” technologies.

Developed with funding provided by a grant from the Department of Energy, the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle course addresses the rapidly emerging automotive technologies of fuel cell power generation systems found in electric drive vehicles, which automotive technicians are now being required to service.

To enhance hands-on learning opportunities, JSRCC faculty members this past year partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering to design, fabricate and install a functioning hydrogen fuel cell system onto an electric golf cart.  The completed prototype benefits students in the automotive labs at the JSRCC Goochland Campus where they will be able to dissect and diagnose the system for academic purposes for the next 10 years. Several hydrogen cars are now in existence, but most of them are concept cars. These eco-friendly driving machines include the Chevrolet Equinox, the BMW 745h and the Honda FCX that's currently available for lease in California.

School of Business Assistant Dean Chuck Swaim noted, “The opportunity for our faculty and students to collaborate with VCU and our alumni at VCU was a win-win for our institutions. Working on future technologies allows JSRCC to stay ahead of the instructional needs of our students and future workforce. We are hopeful that this year’s collaboration between our Automotive Technologies program and VCU’s Senior Engineering Projects is just the beginning of a long string of successes for our students and faculty.”

Where automotive repair may not have been considered high-tech some years ago, today much has changed.  High school grads can no longer start their automotive repair career as a shop sweeper who works their way up to mechanic. Sophisticated electronic computer systems now control an ever-increasing number of functions in our vehicles resulting in an ever-growing demand for educated technicians who can quickly and accurately service them. Recent high school graduates who like computers and technology, problem-solving, cars and working with their hands are good candidates for a career in automotive technology.  Unlike many high-tech careers that require four or more years of college, automotive technology careers can begin after just two years of college.  

For more information on JSRCC’s Automotive Technology program please visit www.reynolds.edu.

Congratulations PAVE Graduates!

The only one of its kind in the state of Virginia, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s Program for Adults in Vocational Education (PAVE) is a two-year vocational training program which serves students with intellectual, physical, emotional, and learning disabilities.

The PAVE program provides students with tools to become independent support professionals in their field. Students may earn career studies certificates in Child Care Assistant, Clerical Assistant, Healthcare Assistant, and Food Service Assistant.   The PAVE program allows students to work independently through an unpaid, coordinated internship after completing professional and social skills training in the classroom.

This year, at a graduation ceremony on Friday, May 10^th in the Lipman Auditorium of the Massey Library Technology Center on the Parham Road Campus, 20 students graduated from the PAVE program, six with Clerical Assistant Career Studies Certificates, eight with Food Service Assistant Career Studies Certificates, four with Healthcare Assistant Career Studies Certificates, and two with Child Care Assistant Career Services Certificates.

Six of this year’s graduates have already accepted positions with their internship sites and two are planning to return to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College to earn an associate’s degree.

Gary Jamal Wallace

Deemed by his instructors as the “hardest-working” of this year’s graduates, Gary “Jamal” Wallace, a graduate of Hanover High School with a compassion for cooking since an early age, began the PAVE program in 2011 in the area of food service.  He completed a culinary arts program in high school and continued his dream at Reynolds.  As part of the program Jamal completed a 200 hour internship at VCU’s Jonah’s Café where he had the opportunity to work with excellent chefs in a variety of areas and gain a wealth of experience while consistently maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.  Friendly and quiet with impeccable manners and a strong commitment to always complete work on time, Jamal has surpassed all odds in spite of serious health issues at an early age.  He believes that “when people tell you that you can’t do anything or that you are no good, then you must prove them wrong.”  He goes on to say “never give up on your dreams, make good grades where ever you go, and never give up on yourself.”

Graduates

Healthcare Assistant

Kierra Allen

Christopher Dyke

Suzanne Griffith

Jade Scott

Child Care Assistant

Jaquetta Richardson

Shameka Scott

Food Service Assistant

Shanequah Brooks

John Gatewood

Waddell Green

Alonzo Johnson

Amber Norris

Jaie Robinson

Gary Wallace

Faatima Winston

Clerical Assistant

Madelyn Allen

Danielle Brown

Shelbie Fabian

Kristen Garner

Tysheena Hughley

Natalie Schwartz

Faculty Critical Thinking Workshop

On Thursday May 9th, full-time faculty from across academic disciplines at JSRCC and John Tyler Community College attended a one-day Critical Thinking workshop sponsored by the Critical Thinking Task Force.  The workshop was planned by task force members Karyn Pallay (chair), Miles McCrimmon, Marty Watkin, Barbara Glenn, Jane Rosecrans, David Loope, and Sandi Fulton. 

This daylong workshop was facilitated by Brian Barnes of the Foundation for Critical Thinking.  Brian Barnes’s goal was to introduce faculty to specific methods that encourage critical thinking skills in students and allow the faculty to practice using these methods. After Brian’s introduction to the fundamentals of critical thinking, the workshop participants had a chance to role-play in small groups and practice using these skills to analyze readings and share their writing as modes of thinking across the curriculum.

The workshop was funded in part by a JSRCC Professional Development Grant, a VCCS Paul Lee Professional Development Mini Grant, and a significant JTCC contribution. The 15 JSRCC faculty participants registered for the workshop were selected to pilot these Critical Thinking techniques into at least one of their Fall 2013 courses and will receive a $750 stipend at the semester’s end, generously provided by Dr. Barbara Glenn from Humanities and Social Sciences foundation funds.

The JSRCC faculty who participated and will be piloting the Critical Thinking in their Fall 2013 courses are: 

Beverly Aronowitz, English

Sherry Compton, Respiratory Therapy

Alan Crouch, Automotive Technology

Sarah Jessie, Administration of Justice

Nancy Morrison, Reading

Mark Plume, Sociology

Maria Ramos, English

Jane Rosecrans, English

Stephen Sowulewski, Health

Chris Thomas, History

Wendy Unison-Pace, Practical Nursing

Shalini Upadhyaya, Biology

William Wilson, Health Records Coding

Danette Young, Biology

William Ziegler, English

Annual Essay Contest Winners Announced

 Elizabeth Kent Duffey, Crystal Mickens, Grace Yancy, and Kim Pomier 

Four winners in the 2013 J. Sargeant Reynolds Annual Essay Contest were announced at a Reading Reception on Tuesday, April 23^rd in the Gallery in Georgiadis Hall on the Parham Road Campus.  The Annual Essay Contest was open to all currently enrolled JSR students and Dual Enrollment students in upper-level courses who attend class on campus.  Available topics included What Reynolds has Meant to Me, Why I Decided to Come to Reynolds, What I Expect from My Education at Reynolds, and The Best and Worst of My Reynolds Experience. A total of 55 essays were submitted for consideration.  A panel of three judges reviewed the submissions and selected the winners.

Congratulations to Crystal Mickens, First Place; Elizabeth Kent Duffey, Second Place; Grace Yancy, Third Place; and Kim Pomier, Honorable Mention. 

Crystal Mickens described her personal struggles at two other colleges before finding JSRCC.  “The opportunity to go to Reynolds came at a time when I thought I was a complete failure, when I thought I would never see any success in my life.  My time at Reynolds has reaffirmed to me that I’m more than capable of handling whatever life throws at me – that I have the skills and knowledge to succeed and move forward.”  Crystal noted, “And the teachers, well, they have been the best part of the school to me.  They’ve looked out for me almost as much as my own Mom.  That’s why going to Reynolds has meant so much to me.”

When Elizabeth Kent Duffey enrolled at Reynolds to complete prerequisite courses for a Bachelor of Science degree at Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing she considered Reynolds as simply a means to an end. However, in her classes she witnessed men and women of all ages striving to improve their lives though education, often in spite of difficult circumstances, with hope for a better future.  As to what Reynolds has meant to her, “It means hope.  It means dedication.  It means being witness to individuals who know that an education will bring change to their lives and to the lives of those they love.”

In her essay Grace Yancy talked about her journey of self-discovery at Reynolds.  Although her relationship with learning started out well as a young child, she describes her years in middle school and high school as “miserable and traumatic experiences.”   Nonetheless, after high school graduation she enrolled in classes at Reynolds at the urging of her parents.  She found the professors at Reynolds to be a breath of fresh air and did very well from her first semester, renewing her confidence in her abilities.  During her time at Reynolds she came to realize that “my biggest obstacle has always been me.”   Grace said, “I have resolved to not allow myself to be mediocre or cheat myself out of success ever again.  I have taken the confidence and insight that I found at J. Sargeant Reynolds and applied it to other facets of my life…I didn’t just learn how to use Microsoft Excel or how to factor polynomials; I learned to hold myself accountable for my happiness and productivity.”

Kim Pomier’s “long and interrupted Reynolds journey” began in 1977, when she enrolled to study Secretarial Science.  One of her class assignments was to take the exam for employment with the State of Virginia.  Although Kim was not seeking a job and had no intentions of leaving school, in the end a full-time position with the Department of Health was offered, and Kim accepted the position.  She worked for the state for the next 14 years, got married, held jobs in several different industries, and traveled extensively doing missionary work.  Through the years her desire to gain an education never left her and returning to J. Sargeant Reynolds was always in the back of her mind.  For many years she passed the downtown campus every day and longed to attend classes again.  Kim was finally able to realize her dream of returning to Reynolds in 2011 after being laid off when her employer moved out of state.  Kim calls her Reynolds experience “a thirty-four year journey back to what my heart desired.”

Congratulations to all the winners! 

Read the Essays here: 

http://www.reynolds.edu/_news/documents/Essay-Mickens.pdf
http://www.reynolds.edu/_news/documents/Essay-Duffey.pdf
http://www.reynolds.edu/_news/documents/Essay-Yancy.pdf
http://www.reynolds.edu/_news/documents/Essay-Pomier.pdf

Crystal Mickens, First Place Winner

Earth Day Stream Cleanup

As part of JSRCC’s Earth Day 2013 celebration a group of 16 enthusiastic volunteers composed of students, staff and faculty members spent four hours on Saturday, April 20 in hip-boots sloshing through the North Run stream removing trash and liter from the stream and surrounding terrain.

Richard Groover, Assistant Dean of Mathematics, Science and Engineering coordinated and led the cleanup effort.  Before taking to the water the participants completed a safety briefing as the water level in the stream was approximately 6” above flood stage due to recent rains.

This environmental stewardship effort resulted in the collection and removal of more than 200 lbs. of trash and liter from the stream, which is a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.  The larger items collected included a piece of Plexiglas, a hubcap and a tire. 

The stream habitat was not the only beneficiary of the day’s activities, as the volunteers increased their understanding, education and appreciation of natural aquatic systems.  Wildlife observed during their cleanup activity included a variety of birds and a group of newly emerged Common Baskettail dragonflies. 

In discussing the day’s event Mr. Groover noted, “I’m very proud of the 16 great volunteers who assisted in this effort to improve the quality of North Run stream.  Improving the stream benefits not only the Chesapeake Bay, but aids in Henrico County’s efforts to improve its streams’ water quality.”

 Next year the group plans to tackle the stream which flows into North Run stream. To learn more about sustainability at JSRCC, visit the MS4 program web page.

Community Room unveiled at Goochland Campus Garden Party

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College continues to fulfill its commitment to be a good neighbor with the recent opening of the Goochland Campus community room.

Decorated by the Goochland Historical Society, the community room is a 2,145-square foot multifunction room available to host public gatherings and corporate meetings.

“(JSRCC President) Dr. Rhodes came to one of our Goochland Rotary meetings to announce that the college had renamed the campus from the Western Campus to the Goochland Campus and wanted to know how we could make the campus Goochland’s clubhouse,” noted Goochland Historical Society President Wayne Dementi.

The grand opening “Garden Party” held on April 26 attracted over 100 visitors from the Goochland community to view the renovated space first-hand that includes a static display area maintained by the Goochland Historical Society.

“The large mural on the wall features a number of photos that help celebrate the college’s partnership with our community, including pictures from the local YMCA, the Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services and many local faces I am sure you will recognize,” noted Dementi.

Along with the opening of the community room, the college showcased a newly renovated student activity center that will include interactive games, televisions and vending machines that students can enjoy during their break from classes.

“It was a total team effort from the community,” noted Goochland Historical Society Executive Director Phyllis Silber.

“I want you to think of it as “our” college,” added Rhodes addressing the audience. “I hope you use this space so much that you wear it out and we have to replace the furniture.”

For information about reserving the community room, contact Pam McGinty at (804) 523-5933 or pmcginty@reynolds.edu.

Watch the video here:    Goochland Garden Party