Author Ariel Gluchlick leads book discussion during week of multicultural and interfaith activities

More than 85 attendees from the College and community participated in an engaging discussion with author Ariel Gluchlick regarding his book “Dying for Heaven” – about why sometimes the best qualities of religion are also the most dangerous. It explores suicide bombings, terrorist acts and counterterrorism; and discusses how religious feelings and goals lead to self-destructive behavior.

The free community event was sponsored by JSRCC’s Multicultural Enrichment Council (MEC) for the purpose of encouraging cultural diversity throughout the Reynolds campuses and communities.

The College also offered several recent events intended to build additional interfaith understanding. Robert Chala, a facilitator who specializes in assisting college campuses shape a vision and action plan for building interfaith cooperation, led an Interfaith Youth Core workshop for students. Chala recently completed an intensive assessment of Arab and Muslim Civic Engagement efforts in greater Los Angeles, highlighting the successful role that interfaith cooperation is playing in advancing a vibrant civic sector.  He also helped lead the California Fund for Youth Organizing, a network that strengthens the capacity and cooperation of diverse youth social change leaders at the state, regional and local level.  Born in Beirut, Lebanon in the midst of civil war, he comes from a Maronite Catholic and Greek Orthodox tradition and is a practicing Buddhist. 

The MEC also presented the movie “Arranged,” about two women – one an Orthodox Jew and the other a Muslim of Syrian origin – both having their marriages arranged through their respective religious and traditional customs. The film was followed by a discussion led by Dr. Ghazala Hashmi, a JSRCC faculty member, who discussed how her happy marriage of more than 20 years was arranged.

College celebrates PTK induction

More than 80 students were inducted to the Alpha Iota Beta and the Alpha Gamma Omicron chapters of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College on Saturday, February 26. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges. It recognizes and encourages the academic achievement of two-year college students and provides opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming. The event speaker was Dr. Ivan Harrell who worked at JSRCC for four years and left a year ago to take the position of Dean of Students at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland. It was great having Dr. Harrell back on campus.

Student wins cash prize at game show

The JSRCC Office of Student Life presented an interactive Black History Trivia Game Show in honor of Black History Month. The event was offered through Legacy Entertainment Group, which offers game shows, casinos, inflatables and other parties. One lucky Reynolds student won a $200 cash prize. The trivia game show is a fast-paced tournament of the mind where participants answer trivia questions projected onto a huge 10 x 10 screen via a state of the art controller. The faster they answered, the more points they received. Contestants with the highest point totals from each round advanced to a final showdown. 

Students meet with General Assembly lawmakers

Over the last couple of weeks, JSRCC students have attended “Community College Day” at the Virginia General Assembly sharing their Reynolds experiences and stories with lawmakers.
>>watch the video

J. R. Tucker High School graduate Mariam Ihsane expressed to Delegate Betsy Carr (D-69^th District) that she plans to transfer to Randolph-Macon College in the fall and one day work as a news reporter. 

“I came to Reynolds in hopes of trying to find out what I wanted to be, and now thanks to my experiences at J. Sarge, I’m properly prepared to continue my education,” she noted.

A graduate of Caroline High School, India Johnson currently works part-time in the Hanover County courts systems to gain experience and to help pay for her schooling. She explained when she enrolled at Reynolds, she knew exactly what was in her plans.

“I knew I wanted to be a paralegal like my mother. She currently works at Owens & Minor and Reynolds has a great reputation for producing quality paralegals,” she said.  

Following the morning visits, the students walked to the Virginia State Capital where they toured the building that holds the nation’s oldest legislative body.

“That was my first time in the Capital building,” noted Kelly McIntosh, who plans to graduate from JSRCC and transfer to James Madison University. “It was really cool.”

Additional delegates the students visited included: John Cox (R-55^th District), Bill Janis (R-56^th District), G. Manoliand Loupassi (R-68^th District), Henry Marsh (D-16^th District), Jimmie Massie (R-72^nd District), Jennifer McClellan (D-7st District), Delores McQuinn (D-70^th District), Donald McEachin (D-9^th District), John O’Bannon (R-73^rd District) and Chris Peace (R-97^th District).

Reynolds hosts Pinkett for Black History Month

Dr. Randal Pinkett, author of "Black Faces in White Places," addressed students, staff, faculty and community members in honor of Black History Month. Dr. Pinkett has established himself as an entrepreneur, speaker, author and community servant.  He is the founder, chairman and CEO of BCT Partners, a multimillion-dollar consulting firm based in Newark, NJ, that specializes in program management, information technology and public policy. Dr. Pinkett was also named the winner of NBC’s hit reality television show, “The Apprentice,” with Donald Trump.

In his presentation, Pinkett discussed the importance of fairness, inclusiveness and acceptance of opposing views. He touched upon several points he made in his book – including strategies that African Americans can use to navigate places where they are still underrepresented. He focused on the legacy of African Americans and called for everyone to be willing to “give back generously.”

“Legacy is a marker of greatness,” he said. “Leave it through your light, your love and your life.”

Light, he said, is the example you give to others; love, the service you provide; and life the impact your life has on the world. He referred to several African Americans that overcame enormous obstacles to achieve greatness, including President Barrack Obama.

Dr. Pinkett later answered questions and signed books. He also said “the Donald’s” hair is real.

HBO documentary mom speaks at Reynolds

Susan Tom (pictured left), a woman from California that adopted 11 children with various disabilities and diseases, addressed a room of Reynolds students this week. Tom and her children are featured in the 2003 HBO documentary “My Flesh and Blood.” Following the film, she talked with students and answered their questions about her decision to take in children with special needs.

“It was selfish at first. I had two boys and I wanted a girl,” she said. “I knew the only way to ensure that I got a little girl was to fill out an application for one.”

Tom and her husband had two biological children and two adopted children. After they divorced, she began taking in foster children and worked to help place them in permanent homes. For whatever reason, she said, she felt a connection to some of those kids.

“With some of them, I just felt like they were my kids,” she said.

The HBO documentary was filmed nearly 10 years ago. Her daughter Susie passed away prior to the filming and her sons Anthony and Joe have since passed away. Since the documentary filming, the Tom family has also been featured on ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover (see a photos of their finished home here http://abc.go.com/shows/extreme-makeover-home-edition/photo-details/tom-family/60917).

Tom told students “if you see something that needs changing, then change it…because if not you, then who?”

JSRCC Literacy Specialist Sidney Jane Sharp (pictured middle) coordinated Tom’s visit. Following the film and the discussion, Richmond Volunteers Organizer Tam Evans (pictured right) discussed local volunteer opportunities with students. For clips from the documentary, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO9U3ajImLI&feature=related.

Students enjoy bus trip to Wizards game

It is nice to be far enough from Washington, D.C. to not have to deal with the traffic on a daily basis, but it is also nice to be close enough to enjoy all the city has to offer. Last week, Reynolds students took advantage of one of the College’s regularly scheduled bus trips to sporting events – to see the Washington Wizards play the Atlanta Hawks. Unfortunately, that game extended the Wizards recent losing streak, and Atlanta won the game 99-92.

The JSRCC Office of Student Life regularly plans trips to NFL games in the fall, NHL games in the winter and NBA games in late winter. Since tickets are purchased in bulk, the College is often able to offer students, staff and faculty tickets at a discounted rate. Bus transportation is also typically included.

Governor announces campus safety PSA challenge

Governor Bob McDonnell recently launched the “College Campus Safety and Violence Prevention Public Service Announcement Challenge” during an afternoon press conference at Virginia Commonwealth University. The PSA challenge is open to students enrolled at any Virginia public, private, four-year or two-year college or university, and the winning video will air on television statewide. More information on the PSA Challenge can be found at the Governor’s Office of Substance Abuse Prevention website: http://www.publicsafety.virginia.gov/Initiatives/GOSAP/.

Pictured Here (L to R):

1st Row: Governor McDonnell

2nd Row: Tammy McGraw, Department of Education; Chief of Police John Venuti, VCU; Senior Assistant Attorney General Gene Fishel; Linda Hancock, Virginia College Alcohol Leadership Council; Special Agent Joe Cannon, ABC; Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Superintendent, Virginia State Police; Dr. Michael Rao, President, VCU

(Photo Courtesy of Michaele White, Governor’s Photographer)

Real Life Series focuses on crime prevention

According to the FBI, a violent crime happens every 19 seconds in the United States. In an effort to deter criminal activity and create awareness on the Reynolds campuses, this week, Stephanie Morton presented  a “Refuse to be a Victim” workshop as part of JSRCC’s Real Life Series of discussions. She covered basic crime prevention tips that included home security, physical security, automobile safety and workplace safety. The “Refuse to be a Victim” presentation is certified through the National Rifle Association and is backed by the Virginia Crime Prevention Association. Morton, who provides administrative support to the JSRCC Department of Police and Securities, is a Crime Prevention Specialist. Her presentation also specifically covered CPTED principles. CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) is an approach to deterring criminal activity through environmental design strategies.

“For instance you could plant flowers that are uncomfortable for people to stand in, like a holly bush,” said Morton. “…another strategy would be to trim your shrubs to deter criminals from hiding in them. These are natural deterrents that could make a criminal decide not to invade or burglarize your home.”

She also went over basics such as indoor and outdoor lighting, door locks, window locks and general awareness. She said it was important for students, faculty and staff to have a personal safety strategy in place before it is needed. Parking in well lit areas, being aware of your surroundings, and what to do when you are approached by a stranger are all strategies that can help Reynolds community members avoid a crime.

“There is no guarantee that you will never be the victim of a crime,” she said. “But there are a few common sense strategies that you can do to make it difficult for a criminal.”

The JSRCC Office of Student Life coordinates several discussions each semester as part of the Real Life Series which focuses on issues that impact the daily lives of students, staff and faculty.

Reynolds to hit the television airwaves

Dr. Randal Pinkett will be a guest on WWBT Channel 12’s “12 News at Noon” on February 1 at about 12:15 p.m.  Dr. Pinkett, author of Black Faces in White Places, will speak at 7 p.m. in the Massey Library Technology Center Lipman Auditorium on the Parham Road Campus. For more on Dr. Pinkett, visit www.reynolds.edu/events.

Be sure and tune into WRIC Channel 8’s “Good Morning Richmond” at 9 a.m. Tuesday, February 8, as JSRCC’s Culinary Arts department will give you some great tips on how to make a special treat for your Valentine.

Also be sure to watch WTVR Channel 6’s “Virginia This Morning” at 9 a.m. on Monday, February 14, as the Reynolds Culinary Arts department will give you some last minute Valentine’s Day ideas.

JSRCC Automotive Program Head Kelly Schwendeman recently taped a segment for “Comcast Newsmakers.” Kelly’s segment will be part of a series of segments that can be viewed February 6, February 27, March 13 and March 20 between 2 a.m. and 7 p.m., between 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. and after 2 a.m. on Saturday mornings.  The interview segments air at 24 and/or 54 minutes past the hour on channel 26 in Richmond and Chesterfield.  Comcast Newsmakers is a five-minute program that features informative interviews with community, non-profit, educational, and civic leaders.

JSRCC Gay Straight Alliance participates in Lobby Day

A small cohort from the Reynolds Gay Straight Alliance recently joined Equality Virginia, the state’s lobby and educational organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transsexual (GLBT) rights, and more than 200 activists from across the state to lobby legislators on issues important to the GLBT community. According to JSRCC Gay Straight Alliance Staff Advisor Holly Gordon, there are currently no anti-GLTB bills being considered by the Virginia General Assembly, but Lobby Day remains an important opportunity for the GLTB community to be visible and show support for each other en masse. More than 20 legislators attended a reception following Lobby Day.

The JSRCC Gay Straight Alliance is a student club that began in 2009-2010 school year and currently serves as an educational and advocacy outlet for JSRCC students, faculty and staff.

“We do a little bit of everything, from lobbying to more fun, social events,” Gordon said.

Late last year, GSA members and the JSRCC Retail Merchandising Club joined GayRVA.com and Godfrey’s to present the VIVA GLAM Ball, a special night of makeovers and drag performances to benefit the MAC AIDS Fund and the Fan Free Clinic. The GSA currently has about 90 members that meet regularly. For more information about the JSRCC GSA, contact Holly Gordon at (804) 523-5352 or hgordon@reynolds.edu or visit www.reynolds.edu/events for upcoming meeting dates.

Students explore transfer opportunities

The JSRCC Career, Employment and Transfer Center coordinated “on the spot” admissions this week with Virginia Tech admissions representatives. Students interested in attending Virginia Tech were able to submit their applications and transcripts in advance and meet with University representative for "on the spot" acceptance.

“We offer several opportunities throughout the semester to help students meet transfer requirements and to talk to them about our articulation agreements with four-year schools.” JSRCC Career Counselor Robin Beale said.

The College’s associate degree programs are designed for students who plan to complete their freshman and sophomore years of college work at the community college level and then transfer to a four-year college or university. Reynolds also has articulation agreements for specific academic programs with many universities and colleges. When students follow the stipulations of the agreement, their associate degrees have complete transferability of all credits. The Center has also coordinated upcoming meeting opportunities in February with Old Dominion’s Teletechnet program. Representatives will be on campus to discuss transfer opportunities with interested students. For more information and dates, visit www.reynolds.edu/events.

The Career, Employment and Transfer Center also offers career planning and opportunities to brush up resume writing and interview skills. Counselors can help students identify their values, explore their career options and develop a plan of action to acquire and apply the skills and knowledge they gain at Reynolds. For a list of all College advising services, visit http://www.reynolds.edu/advising/default.htm.

Reynolds Great Expectations student releases book

JSRCC Great Expectations student Davon Mitchell recently released his first book through Kingdom Publishing. Transcending Through the Mind…Expressing Through the Soul is a thought-provoking book written to educate, inspire and motivate readers to consider a new perspective on life. It offers life-changing hope and healing, viewed through various lenses.

Mitchell was a student in the Great Expectations program at Reynolds. Great Expectations is a program that helps young adults – those who are or were recently affiliated with the Virginia Foster Care System – transition to college. More than 500 children in the Virginia foster care system age out each year. Without social or family support, foster care children experience significant challenges living on their own. However, with access to education, foster care youth can find satisfying, well-paying jobs.

Reynolds faculty receive Chancellor’s Innovation Funds Award

JSRCC’s Quality Enhancement Team (QEP) leaders Ghazala Hashmi, Meg Foster and CJ Bracken received a Chancellor’s Innovation Funds Award, a Virginia Community College System grant program that provides Virginia community colleges with funding for projects aligned with the VCCS strategic plan “Achieve 2015.” In particular, the grant supports access goals and student success goals.

This award will fund the development of ENROLL 2.0 – Engagement for Online Learning with Web 2.0 Applications, a collaboratively created and taught program for certifying faculty to teach online. It will be used in conjunction with existing online instruction courses and training and will focus on increasing student engagement using Web 2.0 applications. The award will also support Peer Academic Leaders (PALs): Increasing Student Retention, Success, and Support through Peer Leadership, which seeks to build upon the existing student leaders program at Reynolds that annually trains a cohort of four students to assist Student Affairs advisers. These student leaders respond to various student inquiries about issues such as registration and scheduling, access to college technologies, and the identification of appropriate resources. Through PALs, JSRCC will now expand the current program into online and after-hours services, and thereby increase access and flexibility to more students.

Reduce your stress before you test

The JSRCC Office of Student Life is offering free, 10-minute massages to students, faculty and staff from noon to 2 p.m. on December 7 in Georgiadis Hall, room 206 (Parham Road Campus) and on December 8 in room 162 on the Downtown Campus. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

End of semester Testing Center hours

The Testing Centers at the Parham Road and Downtown campuses will be open the last two Saturdays of the semester, December 11 and 18. COMPASS (placement), ASSET, ATB (Ability to Benefit), KAPLAN nursing entrance and exit exams, Respiratory MOCK exam, ITE 115, CSC 155 and ServSafe exams will be given at 9 a.m. only. Make-up and distance learning exams will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

VCCA recognizes Reynolds' creative team

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College's Marketing and Public Relations Office was recently recognized at the Virginia Community College Association's 2010 Excellence in Communications Awards program. Reynolds received a second place award for brochures and a third place award for print advertising. The VCCA promotes the development and advancement of community college education in Virginia.

2010 Scholarship Luncheon

Each year the JSRCC Office of Institutional Advancement coordinates the Scholarship Luncheon - which allows the College's generous scholarship donors to meet their scholarship recipients. It gives our donors a chance to hear about how they are touching the lives of our students and it gives our scholarship recipients the opportunity to say "thank you." Below are some photos of this year's luncheon.

JSRCC Respiratory Therapy students tour raceway

Students and faculty from the JSRCC Respiratory Therapy program were given a VIP tour of Richmond International Raceway in honor of National Respiratory Therapy Week.

Reynolds professor, 71, receives Ed.D

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Information Systems’ Instructor Shirley Justis Mitteldorfer, at the age of 71, received her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership/Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix in October 2010. Dr. Mittledorfer has taught technology courses at the College as an adjunct since the 1980’s.

Dr. Mitteldorfer celebrates after
passing the comprehensive exam.

In 2004, Dr. Mitteldorfer retired from Chesterfield County Public Schools where she was an instructional technology integrator and, before that, a classroom teacher. She went back to work four months later at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) where she now works as a senior instructional technology consultant for the University’s students, staff and faculty. She is also a professor for the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Richmond. Dr. Mitteldorfer holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Education from VCU and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from VCU.

“Obtaining a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership/Curriculum and Instruction was a personal goal for me as starting a new career at 71 years old does not motivate me to change careers as long as I love what I do,” said Mitteldorfer. “I am content with staying on the cutting edge of technology that is required for my work, spending time traveling, and enjoying our families.”

Her work commitments leave little time for relaxation, but she and her husband, Marx, do enjoy traveling – having spent vacations during the last decade in Spain, Italy, the West Indies, the Caribbean, Greece, Ireland and France. She says her husband was “the wind beneath [her] wings” as he took on care of their families, home, cars and shopping while she pursued her degree.

“My joy and enthusiasm for teaching and learning is sustainable because of my husband,” she said.