Welcome Students!

This week Reynolds celebrated the arrival of over 12,000 students to the College for the Fall Semester. To welcome the students, the Office of Student Life hosted Welcome Back parties on each campus that featured live radio remotes, information tables and numerous give-aways including water bottles, pens and free drinks, popcorn, pizza and snow cones. The Office of Student Life will be hosting a number of additional upcoming events, so be sure to visit www.reynolds.edu/events for a full listing. Good luck this semester.

Meet your representatives

Read the bios of this year’s JSRCC Student Council Officers and Student Ambassadors. Student Council Officers serve as advocates for all Reynolds students. If you have a concern or suggestion, your Student Council representative can help you communicate it to the right person at the College. Student Ambassadors are College leaders that serve the College as tour guides, orientation leaders and hosts of high profile College events. During new student orientation, they work with small groups of incoming students, familiarizing them with the campus and assisting them with class registration.  At the beginning of each semester, Ambassadors help welcome students by staffing “greeters” tables, where they provide information to students about classroom locations, where to get a student ID, and how to get a student parking sticker.  During the academic year, they provide tours to prospective students and assist during events for alumni and other outside constituents.

See their faces and read their bios here: http://www.reynolds.edu/studentaffairs/Student_ambassadors.html.

Reynolds hosts distinguished Cyber Camp

This summer, more than 80 computer hackers from across the United States attended a U.S. Cyber Challenge Camp hosted by J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Reynolds is the first institution in Virginia to host the distinguished camp which offered specialized training sessions on cyber crime and terrorism prevention taught by renowned faculty and cyber security experts. A job fair, ethics discussion and roundtable discussion (which included State Secretary of Technology Jim Duffey and CEO’s from major cyber security firms) were also part of the camp.

According to JSRCC Information Security Officer Kristopher Cox, Cyber Camps provide a unique training opportunity in a field with excellent employability.

“Industry experts will tell you how important it is to hire people that know how to identify and stop threats to information systems,” said Cox. “As the volume of online attacks increase and scams become more sophisticated, the need for skilled practitioners will never be more critical.”

All attendees were able to network with employers. Many have genuine job prospects. The week concluded with a virtual “capture the flag” competition. The five winners of that competition received scholarships for further training.

Reynolds Opticianry team volunteers for RAM

This summer, Reynolds had a team of opticians at the 12^th annual RAM (Remote Area Medical clinic) mission in Wise County – an annual three-day event offering free medical, dental and vision care. Close to 1,000 eyewear prescriptions were filled or ordered over the course of the event and more than half of the orders were made on-site in the mobile eyeglass lab. About 450 orders were brought back to Richmond to be made and mailed to patients seen that weekend.  

More than 1500 volunteers were on site to help patients through the various areas and to provide food and cool drinks throughout the day. This was the first year Reynolds Opticianry faculty Kristi Green attended. She was invited by Opticianry Board Member Ray Guin and was pleasantly surprised to see Reynolds Opticianry Alumnae volunteering - Patti Guin and Linda Davis.

Kristi said “the Opticianry program is excited about the opportunity for future students and alumni to also work with the RAM organization.”

Brainy AND good looking

The science labs in Burnette Hall have never been more intriguing. Newly renovated, they now feature a stunning collection of restored and new works gifted to the College by Dominion Resources. From glossy and updated Periodic Tables to abstract oil paintings from Richmond artists, the pieces remind us of what is beautiful, fascinating and weird in the scientific world.  Reynolds President Dr. Gary Rhodes sees this installation, and the art beautification efforts overall, as a way to make students more comfortable and engaged – thus, more effective – in the Reynolds learning environments. Meet the people behind the project.

>>view the video

(left to right) Dr. Gary Rhodes, Reynolds President

Jennifer Kocen, Glave Kocen Gallery

Donna Kelliher, Dominion Resources

JSRCC receives a permanent installation of the Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr. Gallery

Reynolds has received a transformational gift to add to the aesthetic and intellectual energy of the Downtown Campus. For the first time, renowned area dentist and watercolor artist Dr. Perkinson is donating 60 works from his contemporary collection.

“The gift is just beyond description,” says Reynolds President Dr. Gary Rhodes.  “Dr. Perkinson is helping art become a part of the student experience at Reynolds. We are so grateful for his generosity.” 

The installation is complete and faculty, staff and students are encouraged to visit the Perkinson Gallery in the wing housing the dental lab and dental assisting programs on the 5^th floor of the Downtown Campus.    

JSRCC tells guys to “man up!”

In honor of Men’s Health Month, Reynolds Associate Professor of Health and Physical Education Stephen Sowulewski coordinated a men’s health seminar with area health and fitness experts to encourage men to “man up” and make diet and exercise a priority. Guys learned how to be more proactive about their health by attending sessions from a panel of distinguished experts in internal medicine, urology, dietetics and more. Health fair participants included The Health Journal, The American Cancer Society, Men’s Health Network and Us Too Warriors: Prostate Support Group.

“Men need to be better stewards of their health,” said Sowulewski. “That’s why we’re bringing this issue to the forefront.”

In addition, Nordstrom offered expert grooming and styling tips for men.

“It’s tough out there for men looking for work,” Sowulewski noted. “It’s important that, in addition to having a healthy lifestyle, men present themselves well and feel good about how they look…that way you can shine on an interview.”

Women were also encouraged to attend the seminar because, as Sowulewski says, “it is often the women in our lives that ensure we go to the doctor and do what we need to do to stay healthy.”

Reynolds relationship with storm water

Parham Road Campus culverts offer friendly reminders
that all campus storm water leads to the
Chesapeake Bay.

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) are part of a storm water awareness program that promotes the protection of storm waterways which flow into the Chesapeake Bay. Storm water is rain or snowmelt that falls on roofs, lawns or paved areas, like driveways and roads, and is carried away by a system of storm water pipes, culverts or ditches. Contaminated or polluted storm water can lead to significant water quality problems, make it difficult for aquatic plants to grow, cause algae blooms and kill fish. Water can become contaminated by household chemicals as well as pet waste. Polluted storm water often affects drinking water sources, which cause human health to be at risk and water treatment costs to rise.

Remember, what you do on land can affect the quality of your water. Be mindful at home and on campus! For more information or to report illegal dumping, please call JSRCC Facilities Management and Planning at (804) 523-5224.

JSRCC serves mini dishes at Broad Appétit

Reynolds Culinary Arts students served long lines of hungry patrons at this year’s Broad Appétit, a Richmond street fair representing area restaurants and chefs. More than 60 of Richmond’s best chefs prepared “mini dish” favorites and competed for the “To Die For Dish,” an honor bestowed upon by a panel of experts.

JSRCC Culinary students spent countless hours preparing for the event only to brace scattered thunderstorms, heat and humidity (in full chef’s uniforms) to showcase one of Reynolds’ signature programs.

“Reynolds has fertilized the proverbial soil and has proven that Richmond is a bona fide food lover’s capital,” said JSRCC School of Business and Engineering Assistant Dean David Barrish.

Though other culinary schools participated in Broad Appétit, the Reynolds line was by far the longest, noted Barrish.

“Our community flat out loves us,” he said.

For a complete list of participating restaurants and sponsors, visit http://www.broadappetit.com/food-drinks.php

Reynolds graduates celebrate

May is an exciting month around JSRCC with many students reaching their goal of graduating college with a degree or certificate. At the College’s graduation, about 1,500 degrees and certificates were conferred and nearly 75 students were recognized for earning their GED through the Reynolds' Middle College Program - an initiative to offer a college opportunity to students ages 18 to 24 who did not complete high school.

The graduates and their guest were treated to an inspiring speech by University of Richmond President Edward L. Ayers who told graduates that while history changes, some virtues are constant. "You know what they are — courage, patience, determination, hard work, compassion and love."

JSRCC also recently recognized nearly 150 students who completed the Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing. Held in the Lipman Auditorium of the Massey Library Technology Center, the ceremony opened with a welcome by JSRCC President Dr. Gary Rhodes and inspirational words by Care Advantage CEO Debbie Johnston.

The Reynolds’ Nursing Program is designed to prepare its students to participate as collaborative members of nursing care teams and to provide direct care to patients in a variety of health service facilities and agencies. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students are eligible to take the licensing examination to become Registered Nurses.

To all the graduates – Congratulations!

College Board’s Wilson named Hanover Co. Superintendent

Hanover County Public Schools recently named Dr. Jamelle Wilson the new superintendent of schools. Dr. Wilson is a current member of the JSRCC College Board and has worked closely with the College to establish partnerships that serve JSRCC students as well as Hanover County K-12 students. For the past eight years, Dr. Wilson has served Hanover County as the assistant superintendent for instructional leadership. She has experience as a classroom teacher, a curriculum specialist and principal.

A native of Spotsylvania County, Dr. Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree from UVA, a master’s degree in Teaching from UVA, a master’s degree in English Writing and Rhetoric from VCU and a doctorate in Education Administration and Supervision from UVA.

Reynolds utilizes Skype for peer advising

JSRCC used the Summer 2011 registration period to pilot the Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) program – an initiative that allowed the College to train four students and supply them with laptops and headsets so the students could provide online assistance to prospective students after normal business hours. The College launched its “Skype with a PAL” campaign, encouraging those in need of assistance to contact a College PAL via Skype, a free online chat tool, in the evenings after Student Success Centers were closed. For those new to Skype, easy-to-use instructions were posted on the College website. The program was funded through a VCCS Chancellor’s Innovation Fund and was designed to increase student retention, success and support.

“PALs is essentially an online component of the College’s Peer Advisors,” explained QEP Assistant Coordinator Meg Foster. “It’s able to provide services to students after hours so they can get answers to their questions in the comfort of their own home. And it is particularly attractive to our students and prospective students that are comfortable with technology.”

The College has agreed to support the PALs program for fall registration. PALs will be available for Fall 2011 registration via Skype beginning July 11 (when early bird registration begins). PALs will keep evening hours, Sunday through Wednesday each week, through the first week of classes.

10K honors fallen first responders

Debra Johnson, from JSRCC’s Office of Financial Aid, and her daughter Kelli, 14, participated in this weekend’s 10K memorial run honoring first responders that lost their lives serving the Commonwealth of Virginia. The race began at the University of Richmond and ended at the State Capitol building, where the Patriot Flag was raised. The Patriot Flag is a travelling tribute to the Armed Forces, first responders and second responders, the 9-11 families and the fallen of the September 11, 2001 attacks on America. It also honors the public safety and military personnel on the job today that are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect lives and freedom. The memorial run was organized and scheduled prior to Osama Bin Laden’s reported death.

Johnson said although she did not have a personal connection to the memorial, she typically participates in 10K’s and other events in the City to show her support.

“We did it for the camaraderie and because it was a good cause,” she said. “We met a lot of great people who did have a personal connection to the cause and we were able to hear their stories. It was very emotional.”

Western Campus hosts 7th Gardenfest

The JSRCC Western Campus in Goochland County recently hosted its 7^th Annual Gardenfest in conjunction with the Goochland-Powhatan Master Gardener’s Association and the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Gardening experts, including Reynolds Horticulture program faculty, offered information and advice on everything from bulbs and critter control to paver projects and composting. Presentations on attracting butterflies, container gardening and harvesting rain water were also popular. The day concluded with a panel presentation where attendees were able to ask experts and Master Gardeners general questions about gardening in the region.

The College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Horticulture Technology. Classes are offered at the Western Campus and are intended to prepare students for a wide range of careers in horticulture. The program offers hands-on laboratory work as well as classroom instruction in the design-install-maintain aspects of landscaping, in floral design, and in production of horticultural materials. Many graduates own and operate their own business, while others are employed by commercial or government entities. Individuals already in a "green" industry may also find the program helpful for improving or upgrading their skills.

Student Life hosts block party

The Office of Student Life at Reynolds is known to host events that celebrate a variety of occasions – the start of the semester, exams, college milestones – you get the idea. And sometimes, they host really great parties for no reason other than to remind students what fun it can be to hang around campus. This week Student Life hosted a block party at the Parham Road Campus with ice cream, pizza, caricature art and henna tattoos. A local radio station was also at the party, playing music and giving away prizes for our resident "cornhole" champions.

Organist Harold Lilly wows at JSRCC Spring Concert

Harold Lilly put his special spin on every song he played at the College's Spring Concert. Dr. Lilly is a master of the Hammond B-3 organ. A native of Richmond, Lilly is a favorite at the Folk Festival and is well-known in the area for his lively and moving performances.

Dr. Lilly presented a range of selections including patriotic, sacred, gospel, classical and even gave a nod to Peter Cottontail for the children in the audience with his masterful “Lilly touch." One concert attendee was mesmerized by his footwork on the pedals as he moved from selection to selection. Requests from the audience were taken. As Dr. Lilly asked, "How do you want it - the regular way or the Lilly way?" The audience shouted back, "the Lilly way." The evening closed with Sam Cooke’s, A Change is Gonna Come, that included two members of the audience who joined Dr. Lilly on stage.

Reynolds own faculty, staff and students also performed at the concert. Opening acts included JSRCC Academic Support Center’s Khang Nguyen on piano, student David Ruddock on trumpet, instructor Jewel Booker with her gospel band, Jewel Booker and Company, and the J.J. Neblett Brothers, an a cappella trio featuring Bruce Neblett from the Reynolds facilities department.

 

Reynolds celebrates Earth Day

JSRCC celebrated Earth Day with simultaneous pep rallies on each campus, featuring live remotes from 96.5 KLR - Richmond's classic rock station. The College is also kicking off its new recycling program and is encouraging faculty, staff and students to conserve resources on campus as well as at home. Giveaways included JSRCC organic cotton t-shirts, coffee mugs and seed packets in honor of Earth Week.

"Earth Week reminds us to appreciate our global home, to assess its health and how it is changing," said JSRCC Director of Marketing and Public Relations Malcolm Holmes. "One of the most visible ways to help this cause is to recycle."

Last year the College Sustainability Committee began meeting to explore ways the College could become a good global citizen for the environment; to provide information and training to faculty and staff, and to raise awareness of how the College and its employees might contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Dominion Resources Honored with Chancellor's Award



Gianna C. Clark, JSRCC Educational Foundation Board and
Margaret “Lyn” McDermid, former Foundation Board President


Dominion Resources has earned the 2011 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy.  Dominion was nominated for the award by J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. The award was given at a luncheon ceremony at the Country Club of Virginia on Tuesday, April 19.

Dominion has made a deep impact on the College’s instructional capacity, providing close to a quarter of a million dollars to JSRCC to fund a range of projects from scholarships to teacher education programs. Dominion’s recent grant for science laboratory renovations on the College’s Downtown Campus will transform the science facilities into one of the best-equipped in the region.  Margaret E. “Lyn” McDermid, senior vice president-Information Technology & chief information officer and Gianna Clark, vice president of Customer Operations, provide their guidance and enthusiasm to the JSRCC Educational Foundation Board.   

Reynolds President Gary L. Rhodes said of Dominion, “Time and time again we have called upon Dominion to provide insight and practical advice for us on developing the skilled workforce needed for Richmond. I am immensely pleased that Dominion has been recognized for their generosity and commitment.”      

The Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy is hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) to honor the leading philanthropists from each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges as well as the statewide foundation. This marks the sixth year the awards have been given.

This year’s class of distinguished philanthropy leaders has contributed a combined total of $11 million dollars to Virginia’s Community Colleges.

“Each of these supporters personifies the theme of this event, Living Philanthropy. For those of us here today, living philanthropy is the promise that our impact will live on; it will blend with those who came before creating a larger and larger living tapestry of good will, benefitting and elevating those who come next,” said Glenn DuBois, chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges.

Award recipients will have a scholarship named after them which will be awarded next fall to a student attending their community college. The scholarships are funded largely by the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation.

The luncheon’s keynote speaker was Caroline Altman Smith, the Kresge Foundation’s program officer for Education. Ms. Smith also accepted the philanthropy leadership award on behalf of the Kresge Foundation, which was nominated for the award by the VFCCE for Kresge’s partnership in the Great Expectations program to help more Virginia foster youth pursue and graduate college.

“I believe that increasing educational opportunity is the key to helping people achieve their full potential,” Smith said. “A first generation student who earns a college degree changes the trajectory of his or her family forever. Education is one of the most powerful anti-poverty tools we have, and it’s a privilege to help implement Kresge’s new strategy, so that more students can realize the enormous benefits of higher education.”

June is Men’s Health Month

First Annual Men’s Health Seminar
June 18, 2011

The centerpiece of Men’s Health Month is National Men’s Health week, a special awareness period passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton on May 31, 1994.

It’s time to man-up! Find out how to become more proactive about your health by attending sessions from a panel of distinguished health experts in the following areas:

• Internal Medicine
• Urology
• Pharmacy
• Dietetics
• Psychiatry
• Exercise Physiology

In addition, the following vendors will be at the health seminar: 

• Richmond Alternative Center for Health
• Muscle Therapy Clinic
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
• Kroger Bistro
• Us Too Prostate Cancer Support Group
• South River Compounding Pharmacy
• JSRCC Automotive Program
• JSRCC Nursing Program
• Fly fishing demonstration
• "Ask the Dietician":  VCU Dietican Irene Lubker will answer nutrition questions
• Free items from the Health Journal and the Men's Health Network

Attend the event and learn grooming and styling tips from the experts at Nordstrom. Those attending may leave with some great prizes, but you must be present to win!

Western Campus hosts Open House

 

The JSRCC Western Campus recently hosted the 2^nd Annual Open House entitled “The Greening of Gardens and Automobiles.” Faculty offered “green” tips and tricks for DIY auto maintenance and garden care. Presentations included information on planting a garden, DIY auto maintenance, the future of hybrid vehicles, welding for beginners, and eye safety. The JSRCC Department of Police also offered “fatal vision” goggle experiments – where special goggles were used to create a virtual intoxicated DUI roadside test.

Attendees toured the campus and stayed for lunch. Raffle winners went home with flowers from the JSRCC Horticulture program, a welded sculpture from the Welding program, vouchers for automobile maintenance from the Automotive program, and much more. Western Campus faculty and staff offered this event in conjunction with the JSRCC Office of Student Life, Office of Outreach and Recruitment and the Learning Environment Steering Committee.

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