17th Annual Scholarship Luncheon

The Reynolds Community College Scholarship Luncheon is an opportunity for the college’s scholarship donors to meet the recipients of their generosity and is always a heartwarming affair - this year’s luncheon was certainly no exception. More than 220 donors, students, board members and faculty took part in this year’s celebration.

The luncheon was the perfect setting for donors and student recipients to meet each other, many for the first time. Smiles and tears abounded as grateful scholarship students relayed the positive impact the scholarships have had on their lives and how they are now able to pursue their dreams.

For the last academic year, the J. Sargeant Reynolds Educational Foundation awarded scholarships totaling more than $450,000, opening the doors of opportunity for 387 students.

LaShunda Binns and Chad Majewski spoke to the audience during the luncheon. LaShunda graduated from the college’s Middle College program and is a current Reynolds student pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice, while Chad graduated from Reynolds in May and is currently attending VCU.

“The most important lesson that I learned from Professor Flowers did not pertain to Engineering Economy, or the Dynamics class that I took with him the following semester,” noted Chad. “The greatest lesson George Flowers has taught me, and exemplified, was that of the Economy of Education. This knowledge that we acquire is not for us to squander or hide away in a storehouse, this education that we received and nurture here at Reynolds is to be shared with any and all who are open to receiving it.”

At the conclusion of the luncheon donors and recipients paired up for pictures to commemorate the day’s festivities. For more information about available scholarships, how to apply and important deadlines, visit wwww.reynolds.edu/scholarships.

Run4Reynolds

Beautiful weather and a spirit of camaraderie marked the first Run4Reynolds team at the Broad Street Mile. Clad in Reynolds t-shirts and sneakers laced, the team included staff, faculty, spouses, and even one granddaughter; Jackie Epps brought her little one along to participate in the one-mile Fun Run.

The 5K course began at Harrison and Broad and looped down to Hermitage Road and back. Experienced Bill Wilson, Sharon Carlyle, Debra Duke, and their spouses, made great time on the chip-timed 5K course. With only one very gentle hill, it wasn’t too taxing for novices. Engineering student Troy Statton said he had two motivations for joining the team. “I was a Marine for many years, and I’m starting again with a training program. Plus, it’s a good way to show school spirit.” Registering for the VCU Broad Street Mile also came with the side benefit of supporting local non-profits. Donations earmarked for Reynolds’ Educational Foundation will support scholarships.

The walkers and runners enjoyed a boisterous soundtrack provided by the VCU Pep Band. At one point, a harmonica was produced, and a VCU police officer delighted the crowd with a virtuoso solo – a great moment that capped off a great day.

Library Open House a Great Success

The 2nd Annual Library Open Houses from September 8 - 10 were all a great success. Library staff welcomed over 300 students, faculty, staff and the community to the events with exciting library resources, fun activities and food.

Participants learned about the library’s popular streaming video databases such as Films on Demand and SWANK Motion Pictures, tested their library search skills by playing a game of Library Jeopardy, took a self-guided tour of the library through an iPad Scavenger Hunt, tested some educational apps and eBooks on the iPads, created crafts like giant tissue paper flowers and loom bracelets, practiced T’ai Chi Chih as a healthy and productive work/study break, enjoyed a variety of refreshments, and won cool prizes like a Reynolds t-shirt and a set of earbuds!

For some students, this was their first visit to the library and it offered them a friendly introduction to the library’s space and services. Participants commented that access to computers and the internet, the comfortable atmosphere, and the friendly staff are the things they like most about Reynolds Libraries.  One student said she likes the “helpful staff and the feeling of sanctuary in the library.” A faculty member added that “my favorite thing about the library are the personable, friendly, helpful people. Thanks to all the good folk at the library for everything you do.”

The library staff looks forward to another exciting year of working with students and helping them succeed at Reynolds and beyond!

Please check out the Open House photo album at https://flic.kr/s/aHsk2CS84C.

Reynolds during National Electric Drive week

Reynolds Community College has shifted into the electric vehicle fast lane as the college’s Automotive Technology Program recently introduced new electric vehicle courses and an advanced certificate in alternative fueled vehicle technology, thus preparing today’s local technicians in the servicing of electric and hybrid vehicles.

“Today’s automotive technicians must be aware of the new components manufacturers are incorporating into their products,” says Alan Crouch, Associate Professor at Reynolds Community College at Goochland Campus, “We’re ready to help the technicians and the community understand this exciting new technology.”

To help celebrate National Drive Electric Week September 15-21, Crouch will be participating in a discussion panel at Drive Electric RVA Meet-up and Rally on Sunday, September 21 from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia on 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia.

The Drive Electric RVA Meet-up and Rally will be one of the many events scheduled in over 75 cities to celebrate National Drive Electric Week which is sponsored by Plug-In America, a non-profit organization that encourages the use of alternative fueled vehicles.

Crouch along with other local representatives from the electric vehicle industry will discuss such topics as working in the electric vehicle field as a technician, EV home charging stations and benefits of driving alternative fueled vehicles. A rally of EVs with their owners will be on display; vehicle types will include Chevy Volt, Tesla, Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Ford C-Max Energi and others. Auto dealers plan to showcase demo cars for participants to test drive or ride in.

There is no fee to attend the rally. For more information on the event, visit the Drive Electric Week Event-Richmond website www.driveelectricweek.org.

To learn more about the Reynolds Community College Electric Vehicle classes and program, visit www.reynolds.edu/auto or contact Crouch at (804) 523-5969.

A Reynolds Welcome

At the start of the fall semester at Reynolds, most students return from either a 4-month vacation, a summer job and/or from taking summer classes.  Whether new or returning, most students find themselves overwhelmed the first few days of classes - unsure of where their classes and other college services are located.  Thankfully, Reynolds has a plethora of resources ready to assist them. As they say, we even have an app for that!

The first week of classes featured Greeter Tables staffed by Student Ambassadors providing students with directions, information, and materials to assist them in finding their way, and Welcome Back parties that put everyone at ease and injected a little fun into their hectic first days.  To get students involved in clubs and activities on campus, Student Life and club representatives marketed their various services throughout the events.

Reynolds has recently received brand new touch screen kiosks that can access campus maps, class schedules, and room numbers to provide simple and efficient directions to any location a student or visitor might need. Students can also download the Reynolds App on their smartphone or tablet.  The Reynolds App, released last spring, provides access to their SIS, campus maps, and other useful information.  Whatever the need, there is a resource to assist you.

With these excellent resources providing direction to new and returning students during this first week, along with the Welcome Back events hosted by Student Life that treated students to snacks, food, drinks, Reynolds merchandises, and entertainment, the semester is off to a great start.

If you are a new or returning student at Reynolds - Welcome! Sometimes you might feel overwhelmed, but know that there are staff, faculty, resources, and events to make you feel truly welcomed all semester long.

 

Reynolds student Dylan Chaplin - Dylan is serving as a PR Assistant and a Student Ambassador this fall. He also served as the Vice-President of The H.E.A.R.T Service, which is a community service and civic engagement club designed to create connections between Reynolds and its surrounding communities. During his first two semesters at Reynolds he successfully completed the college's Leadership Program, JSR LEAD.  In his spare time he likes to blog.