Kristopher Cox honored by Symantec Corporation at Annual Symposium

Congratulations to Kristopher Cox, JSRCC’s information security officer, who was recently named one of the 2012 Cyber Award Winners by Symantec Corporation at their annual Government Symposium on November 7, 2012 in Washington, D.C.

Symantec is one of the world’s largest software companies providing security, storage and systems management solutions to help their customers secure and manage their information-driven world against more risk.

The annual Cyber Awards recognize leaders who exemplify government cyber security excellence through their contributions to programs that protect national and global data and systems. The awards also recognize thought leaders who have developed and operationalized innovative strategies or programs to address government cyber security challenges.

The Symantec Government Symposium Advisory Group selected winners based on their strong leadership, innovative approaches and willingness to go "above and beyond" to make a difference in government cyber security. The awards recognize winners in five categories:

U.S. Congress/Capitol Hill

International - Civilian

National/Federal - Civilian

National/Federal - Defense

Regional/State and Local Education

Cox was selected as the winner in Educational category.

Through his leadership and direction, Cox blazed the path for JSRCC to host its first U.S. Cyber Challenge (USCC), which aims to significantly reduce the cyber workforce shortage by serving as the premier program to identify, attract, recruit and place the next generation of cyber security professionals. Through his tireless efforts over the course of a year, Cox successfully coordinated everything from catering to press interviews for JRSRCC's USCC, and ultimately enabled 40 students to secure jobs and scholarships. The Cyber Awards recognize Cox for his continued efforts to raise awareness of the importance of cyber security to the next generation of IT leaders.

Downtown and Goochland campuses unveiling new renovations

New DTC student services offices and lobby staircase to be ready for start of Spring Semester

Rome wasn’t built in a day.  But, we’re making progress!  2013 will bring a fresh look, better use of space, and facility improvements to the Downtown Campus.  Among the changes are newly renovated and relocated student services offices.  These include the Success Center, Office of Student Accommodations, the Career, Employment and Transfer Center, the Business Office and the Academic Computing Center. The offices should be relocated and ready to serve students in their permanent locations prior to commencement of the Spring semester.

Between December 10th and 20th the large construction wall in the Downtown Campus lobby is scheduled to come down and be repositioned. This will result in access to the new lobby staircase that will lead students, faculty and staff to the second floor.  When the construction wall is repositioned, the front entrance by 7^th street will be closed and the entrance by 8th Street will be the only front entrance utilized to enter the building from Jackson Street.

All student services, along with the cafeteria and Department of Police will maintain their current locations through the end of the fall academic semester. 

>>See photos of the Downtown Campus renovations below. 

>>view important DTC office locations and service points.

Goochland Student Commons and Community Room renovations to add comfort and access

More space and more comfort – that’s what students, faculty, staff and visitors will enjoy on the Goochland Campus through the current renovations.

The new student commons will be where the existing community room is located.  The commons will provide students with a lounge, eatery area, vending machines, tables and recreational space. In order to complete these renovations, the current student commons has been relocated to Room 107 in Building C01.

The new community room will be relocated into the existing student commons area space. The Goochland Campus renovations should be completed by January 26th, 2013.   

“We appreciate everyone’s support and patience,” says Mark Probst, JSRCC Director of Facilities Management & Planning.  “The faculty and staff have been fantastic with being flexible throughout the changes, as all of the renovations are improvements to provide students with a better learning environment."



Lobby stairs




Lobby stairs



Lobby 

Success Center

Lobby

Auditorium

Academic Computing Center

Library Reference Area

Library Reference Area

Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s Chapters of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society held their Annual Fall Induction Ceremony on Saturday, November 3, 2012, in the Lipman Auditorium, of the Massey Library Technology Center at the Parham Road Campus.

Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership and service programming.  Reynolds has two chapters at the college.  The Alpha Iota Beta chapter represents members enrolled in programs at the Parham Road Campus and the Alpha Gamma Omicron chapter represents members enrolled in programs at the Goochland and Downtown campuses.   

Students who have completed 12 transferable credit hours and have a 3.3 cumulative GPA at the college are invited to join PTK every fall and spring semester. 

Alpha Iota Beta Chapter President Corey Hancock, Jr. opened the festivities and Dr. Gary Rhodes welcomed the audience, composed of members, their families, campus faculty and staff.  One hundred and twenty-four new members were inducted, many of whom participated in the ceremony.   

Mark Smith, community activist and owner of four Midas Auto Service Experts locations in Central Virginia served as Key Note Speaker.   Mr. Smith has been recognized by a variety of media and community organizations for his commitment to the community and efforts on behalf of organizations such as FeedMore (Central Virginia Food Bank), Meals on Wheels, and the Virginia Blood Service. 

AIB Chapter President Corey Hancock, Jr. noted, “The Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony was a great success. Everyone who participated did a wonderful job; our keynote speaker Mark Smith put on an exhilarating performance. In fact, I spoke with several students after the ceremony who only wanted to talk about how motivated they felt to push even harder and do more for the community after hearing him. Overall I was very proud of how the ceremony turned out and I look forward to working with our new members.”

Reynolds hosts online education conference

Approximately 140 higher education professionals and faculty from across the Commonwealth, and a few from beyond Virginia, recently attended J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s The Art & Science of Online Education Conference. Faculty, staff and technology professionals collaborated during this two-day conference to discuss quality in online education, student success, faculty development and engagement, and emerging technologies.



A virtual conference was held in tandem with Reynolds’ conference on online learning. Avaya, the company that hosted the virtual conference, was on site to show attendees how virtual meeting space can be used for education.



Conference highlights included a keynote address from Anne Arundel Community College Dean Jean M. Runyon and a panel discussion with JSRCC online students. Dean Runyon highlighted the nationwide efforts that are being made to develop and improve online education opportunities; these efforts range from developments in quality course design, training and support for faculty teaching online, and expanded support services for online learners. At the student panel session, conference participants listened and learned from students as they shared their experiences with online education and how they developed their skills in time and resource management, and how they engaged with instructors and peers through digital technologies.

The conference was supported with grants from the U.S. Department of Education Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) and the  U.S. Department of Energy. The FIPSE grant has significantly supported the College’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), The Ripple Effect: Transforming Distance Learning, One Student & One Instructor at a Time. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The College’s QEP is part of SACS accreditation process.

Presentations from the conference will be posted soon to www.reynolds.edu/conference.





Respiratory Care Week 2012

National Respiratory Care Week, held each year during the last full week in October, is set aside to honor respiratory care professionals and their dedication to increasing awareness of lung diseases and improving the lives of their patients.

It’s also a good time to highlight JSRCC’s degree program in Respiratory Therapy, the only distance education respiratory care program in Virginia. The Associate in Applied Science program, offering courses in both traditional and distance learning formats,  is designed to prepare students for roles as contributing members of the modern health care team concerned with treatment, management, and care of patients with breathing, cardiovascular, and sleep abnormalities.

Currently approximately 80 students are enrolled in the two- year program, split equally between first year and second year students.  Of the 80, about 32 students are distance learners hailing from as far away as Danville.  While most of their courses are online, laboratory courses are taken on-site at the Virginia Community College closest to their residence.  For clinical practice, hospitals in the student’s local area are utilized.

Megan Miller lives in Fredericksburg and is a first year student in the program.  As a stay-at-home Mom the convenience of being physically able to stay home while attending college is important to her.  She travels to JSRCC each Wednesday for labs, and often gets together with other students in study groups.  She said that even as a “distance” student she feels very connected to her classmates and very much a part of the class.

Krystale Garrison, another distance learner from Caroline County, also chose distance learning for convenience and is happy with her decision.  She also attends labs at JSRCC, but utilizes Germana Community College in Fredericksburg for testing.

For more information about JSRCC’s Respiratory Care programs as a traditional on campus student or distance learner, please visit www.reynolds.edu.

15th Annual Scholarship Luncheon

The 15th Annual Scholarship Luncheon was a heartwarming affair for J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s scholarship recipients and generous benefactors and friends who attended the event on Thursday, October 18^th.

With 190 guests in attendance, it was the perfect opportunity for donors and student recipients to meet each other, many for the first time.  Spirits were high and smiling faces lit up the room.

Speakers included Andrew Gibb, benefactor of the Gibb Family Scholarship.  The scholarship, established in the memory of his mother, provides assistance to active or honorably discharged military members.  Mr. Gibb spoke of his fearless mother and relayed the frightening story about how her life was saved in 1979 by U.S. Marines when the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan was attacked and set on fire while she and other Embassy staff members were locked in a vault inside the building.  

Two scholarship recipients were also given the opportunity to speak.  Charlie McDonough, a 2011 Valley Proteins Fellow, started his relationship with JSRCC in 1994, returned in 2003 to pursue becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse and most recently completed his RN last December.  He noted it was the inspiring teachers that kept bringing him back to Reynolds.  His advice to current students was not to chase a paycheck, but rather chase their dreams.

Sierra White, recipient of the Reynolds Family Scholarships in memory of J. Sargeant Reynolds told the audience that without her scholarship she would not be able to attend school.  Although she had always dreamed of attending a 4 year university far from home, she now realizes that her friends who followed that path have not had the variety and depth of experiences that Sierra has enjoyed at Reynolds.  She said her scholarship gave her hope, a push towards the future that says, “You can do it.”

The luncheon was a great opportunity to thank JSRCC’s donors for their shared vision and support of our students, giving them the opportunity to reach their potential and achieve their dreams.

For more information about available scholarships, how to apply and important deadlines, visit www.reynolds.edu/scholarship.

Haiti dance troupe draws large crowd

Drums were beating, dancers were soaring, and spirits were lifted as the Richmond Boys Choir and the Resurrection Dance Theater of Haiti mesmerized nearly 200 guests in a recent performance at the Lipman Auditorium. 

Hosted by the Multicultural Enrichment Council (MEC), the event raised $2,000 to support Hearts with Haiti, a nonprofit organization that is helping to rebuild the St. Joseph’s Home for Boys—an orphanage for former child slaves and homeless boys that was destroyed in the 2010 earthquake.

Laurie Weinberg, chair of the MEC, said she could not stay in her seat during the performance. “ I watched in awe as these young men so artistically and athletically reenacted their difficult lives as former street children and orphans.  Like so many others in the audience, I was inspired to contribute to the cause so that the lives of young children in Haiti can be improved. I want to thank the members of our JSRCC “family” who turned out in large numbers for the moving performance. ”

Fighting Hunger in Goochland County

JSRCC’s Goochland Campus responded to Governor McDonnell’s call for a Day of Service by participating in Goochland’s Free Clinic and Family Services Food Drive.  Rather than serving fellow citizens for just one day, food was collected from September 10^th through September 28^th. 

Assistant Dean of the School of Business Chuck Swaim contacted the Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services and secured posters and bags for food collection.  Karen Gentry from the Student Success Center strategically located the posters and empty bags around campus and was instrumental in encouraging students, staff, and faculty to participate.  She reports that generous JSRCC students would pick up an empty bag, take it home and return the next day to drop off a bag full of grocery items. 

Chuck Swaim noted, “It was our most successful food collection on-campus in recent memory with 248 pounds of groceries collected.”   

After the food was delivered to Sally Graham, Executive Director of Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services remarked, “The total for JSR was 248 pounds! Thank you so much for your help and support. We collected over 14,500 lbs. of food and are still counting.  This has been even more successful than we imagined.”

Free classes offered by Reynolds during Goochland Campus Community Night

Who says nothing in life is free? On Tuesday, October 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College will offer free one hour classes on its Goochland Campus during Community Night. The College will offer concurrent sessions, with one session of classes beginning at 5:45 p.m. followed by another session at 6:45 p.m.

The early session of classes includes: Fall Floral Design, How to be a Master Gardner, Welding, Proper Diesel Engine Maintenance, Emerging Tech – Hybrids and Electric Vehicles, College Choice, Pathways for Careers in Education, Intro in the Goochland Historical Society, Electric Vehicle Club/ Virginia Community Capital grant, the Latest Labor Market Information, and Seed Cataloging.

The second session of classes includes: Campus Tour, Small Engine Maintenance and Winterization, Auto Myths and Buying Cars, Introduction to Excel, Transfer Agreements, Intro into the Goochland Historical Society and Resume Writing.

Along with free classes, attendees can apply to the College and participate in guided tours of the campus.

The Goochland Campus is located at 1851 Dickinson Road in the area of the Goochland Courthouse. Class sizes are limited and while preregistration is suggested, it is not required. To view a full list of available free classes, visit www.reynolds.edu/goochland. For further information, call
(804) 523‐5400 or email cswaim@reynolds.edu

JSRCC Goochland Campus Community Night
When:  5:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Where: JSRCC Goochland Campus, 1851 Dickinson Road, Goochland

JSRCC police officers graduate from law enforcement academy

JSRCC police officers David Campbell and Wyatt Hicks recently graduated from the Crater Criminal Justice Training Academy, qualifying them to serve as sworn police officers at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

Officer Hicks (L-R), JSRCC Police Chief Paul Ronca, Officer Campbell

“I applied to JSRCC to become a police officer because I love this community. I grew up here and want to see it thrive.  Being a police officer in general is in my blood line,” said Hicks whose father is a retired captain from the Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department. 

There are 16 sworn officers covering the College’s three campuses. Reynolds is one of only six colleges in the Virginia Community College System with sworn police officers. Northern Virginia Community College, Southwest Virginia Community College, Thomas Nelson Community College, Lord Fairfax Community College and Virginia Western Community College are the others.

JSRCC police officers are sworn officers of the Commonwealth of Virginia and have full arrest powers as authorized by state statute. Each officer has completed training mandated by the Department of Criminal Justice Services and is empowered by state law to carry firearms, conduct criminal investigations, make arrests, testify in court and all other duties expected of a law enforcement official.

Officer Campbell currently lives in Tappahannock and received the Top Shooter Award at his Basic Law Enforcement graduation ceremony. He has been assigned to the Downtown Campus.

Officer Hicks is primarily located on the Parham Road Campus and played on the 2003 Virginia AAA State Basketball Championship team as a starting center at Highland Springs High school, before earning a football scholarship at the University of North Carolina. Voted by his peers as president of his Basic Law Enforcement class, Hicks received top of the class academic honors with a 98.7% average.  The impressive score came through 20 tests that consisted of over 1,300 questions.

Congratulations Officer Campbell and Officer Hicks.

Welcome Back!

Welcome back JSRCC!   We hope that you had a relaxed, fun-filled summer.  We’d like to extend a big welcome to both new and returning students as we look forward to what the new semester brings.  The Office of Student Life started things off by hosting Welcome Back events on all three campuses featuring food, giveaways, music, and games.  Did you get a chance to try to Dunk-a-Dean for charity?    

The Downtown campus celebrated Video Game Week on August 28^th and 29^th with games, popcorn and drinks.  The Game Centers located at both Downtown and Parham Road campuses offer Pool Tables, X-Box, PS3, Wii, Chess and Checkers so stop by to relax, eat lunch, play games or just hang out with friends when your schedule permits.     

You’ll want to know about the many events that JSRCC has going on throughout the semester, so check out Student Life’s Events Calendar at http://www.reynolds.edu/studentlife .  Upcoming events include blood drives in early September, the annual Busch Gardens bus trip on September 15th  (tickets are currently on sale in the Business Offices), and an Ice Cream Grab-n-Go on the Parham Road Campus, just to name a few.

On a more serious note, renovations at the Downtown campus are underway and some services have been temporarily relocated while construction takes place.  For the most up-to-date information on Downtown Campus renovations, visit www.reynolds.edu.

Thank you for choosing J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College to reach your educational goals.   We are excited about working with you to achieve them.  Whether you plan complete a certificate or degree, transfer, or simply take classes for personal development, we wish you great success this semester.

Environmental Sustainability Scholars Learning Community

QUESTION: What’s HOT on everybody’s radar screen these days?

ANSWER: Global climate change, extreme weather and how to sustain Planet Earth for our and future generations. In 2009 the Virginia Community College System Chancellor’s Task Force on Environmental Sustainability recommended an Environmental Sustainability Scholars Program, whereby students who take 15 credit hours of formally identified coursework related to environmental issues would earn an Environmental Sustainability Scholar designation on their diplomas. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College uses the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development definition of sustainable development as “development (economic, political, and social) that meets the needs of the present without comprising the ability of future generation to meet their own needs”

IN ONE SEMESTER BY SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING THIS LEARNING COMMUNITY STUDENTS WILL EARN 11 OF THE 15 CREDITS NEEDED FOR THE VCCS ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY SCHOLAR DESIGNATION!

Students interested in this Learning Community must register for the three (3) following course sections.
BIO 106 Life Science (4cr.) 58291, section 41CG, M, T, W & Th, 9:30-12:10 p.m., Professor Upadhyaya, Reynolds Ginter Park Center (shuttle service is available from both the Downtown and Parham Road Campuses to the Ginter Park Center). This is a first eight weeks course.
AND BIO 107 Biology of the Environment (4cr.) 56557, section 42CG, M, T, W & Th, 9:30-12:10 p.m., Prof Upadhyaya, Ginter Park Center (This is a second eight weeks course.)
AND ENG 111 College Composition I (3cr.), 56217, section 01CG, M & W, 1:00-2:15 p.m., Prof Lira, Ginter Park Center

See more:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW1B2cW27qg

JSRCC receives national Council for the Advancement and Support of Education award

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College has been selected as an “Overall Improvement” category winner of the 2012 Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Educational Fundraising Awards program, which honors superior fundraising programs across the country.

“We're excited because this recognition by CASE reflects great teamwork at the College, especially with our board members, volunteers, and donors who support us philanthropically,” says Elizabeth Littlefield, JSRCC Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “The Foundation's efforts are on behalf of our students and college community. Together, we continue to look for effective and innovative ways to advance the Reynolds mission.”

The JSRCC Educational Foundation is tasked with securing private resources to help support the College and its students while striving to ensure that every citizen in our community has access and opportunity for a college education.

Reynolds received its Overall Improvement Award based on three years of fundraising data. The College was joined in the Public Two-Year Institution Overall Improvement category by City University of New York Bronx Community College (New York, N.Y.) and West Kentucky Community and Technical College (Paducah, KY).

Of the 429 colleges and universities considered for awards, 71 higher education institutions were recognized for their work. An expert panel of volunteer judges selected winners based on a number of factors including the pattern of growth in total support (or adjusted total support if appropriate), evaluation of what contributed to the total support figure, overall breadth in program areas, pattern of growth in each program area, pattern of donor growth among alumni/ae donors and other individual donors, impact of the 12 largest gifts on total support, total support in relation to the alumni/ae base and type of institution.

Volleyball Champion

When teachers and students return to classes this fall, the inevitable question will be “How did you spend your summer?”

For JSRCC Engineering Professor Fred McConnell the answer is winning both silver and bronze medals at the USA Volleyball Open National Championships in Salt Lake City in June.  He adds the medals to his collection which includes a gold medal from the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah in October, 2011.  Dr. McConnell, a member of the Richmond Volleyball Club, has been competing in the USA Open National Championships every year since 1989.

More than 430 teams from around the world competed in this year’s USA Volleyball National Championships.   Dr. McConnell earned his silver medal in Session I of the tournament as a member of the GROG-65 Team and his bronze medal in Session II of the tournament as a member of Team SOTA-70.    

USA Volleyball is the National Governing Body for the sport of volleyball in the United States and is recognized as such by the United States Olympic Committee.  USA Volleyball is an advocate for all Americans-endeavoring to assure universal access to opportunities at all levels of the game.

It is worth noting that when Dr. McConnell competed in June of this year, he was recovering from quadruple bypass surgery which occurred just nine weeks before the tournament.

Automotive Training Focuses on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Have you noticed an increasing number of hybrid and electric vehicles on Virginia’s roads?  Hybrid and electric vehicles are a fast-growing section of the market.  Do you wonder about who has the technical skills to perform the required maintenance on these vehicles?  Many of today’s technicians don’t possess the knowledge and/or skills to repair electric drive vehicles, resulting in a critical need for education in these new and emerging technologies.

In response to this shortage of talent, and with the benefit of a grant from the Department of Energy, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (JSRCC) is offering a new Career Studies Certificate in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology.  This program is designed to provide advanced technical education to automotive technicians currently working in the field, students, and graduates of JSRCC’s automotive program.  This certificate program provides an opportunity for upgrading occupational or technical skills, retraining for career change, and investigating new career possibilities. 

This 22-credit Career Studies Certificate program will immerse the student in the latest theory and practice with courses in Alternate Fuel & Hybrid Vehicles, Automotive Control Electronics, Electric Vehicles, Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles, and Fuel Cell Electric vehicles.  Admission requirements include automotive industry experience or completion of designated automotive and electronics courses.  Students will use the latest tools and diagnostic equipment to diagnose and repair hybrid and electric vehicles.  The certificate program can be completed at JSRCC’s Goochland Campus which is located near Routes 6 and 632 in the community of Goochland Courthouse.  Some of the courses are also available at the Downtown Campus, Parham Road Campus, and through Distance Learning. 

For more information on the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Career Studies Certificate please visit www.reynolds.edu or call Lawrence Schwendeman at (804) 523-5938.  Registration is now open - fall classes begin on August 20^th.elf apart from others i your industry.et yourself apart from others in your industry.

 

Reynolds students get Hell's Kitchen experience

What is it like to be on the show Hell's Kitchen? A dozen Reynolds culinary students recently found out. The students joined Clemenza Caserta, a Richmond chef who appeared on this season's show, and Executive Mansion Chef Darren Rounds in a fast-paced, pressure packed cooking competition.

“I thought we were coming to help prep food for Chef Clemenza,” noted Mary Catherine Thompson. “We had no idea we would get a chance to prepare a dish for such a prestigious audience.”

Upon arriving in the Executive Mansion’s kitchen, Caserta and Rounds introduced themselves, quickly announced ingredients available and put 30 minutes on the clock for the students to make their best dish. Ingredients included local seasonal items including Virginia Rockfish, tomatoes, eggplant, basil and homemade mozzarella.

“We tried to ensure most of the ingredients are fresh and seasonal in Virginia, including the Rockfish,” said Rounds. “Many of the spices and vegetables the students are using were picked out of the garden we maintain here at the Governor’s Mansion.”

Throughout the competition, Caserta and Rounds observed and gave valuable hands-on tips and feedback to the students. “It reminds me of when I was first starting out in a kitchen,” noted Caserta as he observed the students in pairs work furiously throughout the tight quarters of the kitchen. “Watching their hunger, passion and creativity gets my juices flowing again. I love it.”

Upon judging six dishes, Caserta and Rounds proclaimed the winners were Robin Reeks and Stephanie Boehles, who served up pan-sheared Virginia Rockfish with summer-fruit salsa and eggplant parmesan.



Robin Reeks (L) and Stephanie Boehles
with Chef Caserta



“It was an incredible experience getting thrown in a situation like that with so much pressure,” said Boehles. “Robin and I worked great as a team and just trusted each other.”

The winning team was presented with Governor's Mansion china plates signed by Caserta, Rounds and First Lady of Virginia Maureen McDonnell.

Additional photos can be found on the College's Facebook site.

Facebook

For Richmond Times-Dispatch coverage

Watch the video here

Local Hispanic students tour Parham Road Campus

“We not only want them to stay in school, but to graduate, go to college and get a good job. The key to a good life is a good education.” That’s the message Melanie Rodriguez, Latino Education Advancement Program (LEAP) Director, relays while reflecting on the 60 high school and middle students participating in the LEAP program this summer.

LEAP was created in 2007 with funding from the E.E. Ford Foundation to help Hispanic students in the Richmond community pursue postsecondary education.

On Monday, June 25, Rodriguez brought the students to the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Parham Road Campus so they could tour the campus, meet with advisors and talk to current students.

“It is important that the (LEAP) students learn about college and are able to talk to current college students to know how important it is that they stay in school and continue their education,” noted Rodriguez.

Kristine Dahm and Carol Krantz from the Office of Student Affairs discussed admissions policies, transfer opportunities, tutoring and academic programs, and the JSRCC student ambassadors conducted a question and answer session. The LEAP students inquired about minimum grade point averages for admittance, where to eat, and how difficult J. Sarge courses are.

The students already visited Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond and Randolph-Macon College.  JSRCC is the only community college the LEAP students will visit this summer.

View WTVR Channel 6 LEAP segment

GM Donates 2007 Chevrolet Silverado to JSRCC Automotive Training Program

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s GM Automotive Service Excellence Program (ASEP) received a new addition to its training fleet of vehicles, a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado, thanks to the commitment of GM in support of JSRCC’s automotive program. This vehicle is a crew cab dually with the 6.6L turbo diesel engine and Allison transmission. It is equipped with On-Star, cruise control and air conditioning.   

According to Alan Crouch, GMASEP Coordinator and Co-Program Head of Automotive Technology, “This vehicle fills a void in our fleet and allows us to train our students on light duty diesel technology. It will be used to support the training programs that GM ASEP students are required complete in order to produce the next generation of GM trained technicians.”

Automotive service technicians use their high-tech skills to inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks that run on gasoline, ethanol and other alternative fuels, such as electricity. Today, integrated electronic systems and complex computers run vehicles and measure their performance while on the road. The increasing sophistication of automotive technology now requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional hand tools. Technicians must have an increasingly broad base of knowledge about how vehicles’ complex components work and interact, as well as the ability to work with electronic diagnostic equipment and computer-based technical reference materials.

Crouch added, “It is the great support of the local GM Dealerships, recycle facilities and our high school partners that make our GM ASEP program a success.”

“We are proud to support training programs which prepare the next generation of GM technicians,” Todd Dawn, GM ASEP and AYES Program Manager noted. “Our commitment to our customers goes well beyond building a quality product. That commitment includes quality service after the sale, insuring we fix it right the first time. Our dedication to excellence starts at the training level, and by partnering with schools in communities around the globe, we can feel confident in our ability to provide our customers with an exceptional vehicle ownership experience”.

Courses in Automotive Technology are offered at JSRCC’s Goochland Campus, which is located near Routes 6 and 632 in the community of the Goochland Courthouse.

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. 

JSRCC Alumni Protect and Serve across the Commonwealth

Congratulations to two J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Alumni selected in May 2012 to serve in key roles in their communities!

DeWitt Cooper is the new Chief of Police in Tazewell, Virginia.  Mr. Cooper received his Associate Degree in Administration of Justice from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.  He has been in law enforcement for 17 years and previously served as the Chief of Police in Warsaw, Virginia.

Jeremy Holloway is the new Chief of Rockingham County Fire and Rescue.  Mr. Holloway received his Associate Degree in Fire Science from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.  He previously served as Rockingham County’s Assistant of Operations.  He also worked for the Waynesboro Fire Department and a volunteer in Grottoes.

Broad Appétit 2012 features JSRCC Culinary Arts Students

For the 5^th year, Broad Appétit served up a delicious afternoon of food, beverage, and entertainment for thousands in downtown Richmond on Sunday, June 3, and for the 5^th year J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College was a big part of the day’s event.   More than 20 students and instructors from the College’s Culinary Arts Program participated along with chefs from over 70 of Richmond’s finest local restaurants. 

The students served up nearly 500 plates of coffee-braised beef on a sour pretzel baguette with an arugula salad with homemade hot sauce and a charred corn aioli.  In addition, culinary students Christy Eliasek and Jamell Dickerson served as sous chefs for the entire competition.

 J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Culinary Arts Program hosted the Chef’s Demonstration Stage.  Chef Jesse Miller, Program Head of the Culinary Arts Program managed the stage, which featured the Throw Down in the Street competition.  In this competition, six chefs competed in multiple rounds to win the ultimate cooking showdown! Two chefs in each round were provided a mystery box of ingredients – a protein from a featured local provider, a starch, and a vegetable and given only 45 minutes to create the winning dish. Congratulations to Adjunct Faculty Member Mike Pendergrast who took second place in that competition for this Pork Two-Ways dish!

The students who participated reported it was a great opportunity to gain some real-life experience and to interact with the local community.  They enjoyed answering questions and sharing information about JSRCC’s Culinary Arts Program with event participants.   

The College’s Culinary Arts program provides a comprehensive occupational-technical education and is intended to lead to employment in a variety of culinary, food service and retail paths.   The Culinary Arts Associate of Applied Science degree prepares graduates to enter kitchens as professional cooks in hotels, resorts, restaurants, catering operations and a variety of retail businesses.  

For more information on JSRCC’s Culinary Arts Program, please visit http://www.jsr.vccs.edu/curriculum/programs/Culinary_ArtsAAS.htm.