Reynolds hosts Around the World through Books discussion of "The Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks"

More than 80 J. Sargeant Reynolds students, faculty, staff, and guests enjoyed the Around the World through Books discussion of The Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks on Thursday, March 29.

Carol Rodi from Reynolds’ School of Nursing and Allied Health and biology professor Janet Adams led a lively discussion about the poignant, true-life story, written by Rebecca Skloot, of the contributions to science and medicine from cells taken from Henrietta Lacks in the 1950s. Originally from Clover, Virginia, Henrietta Lacks underwent cancer treatment at Johns Hopkins hospital in Baltimore, where some of her cancer cells were removed and tested. The cells continued to survive and for more than 50 years have offered opportunities for ongoing research. In the 1970s the Lacks family learned about the existence of Henrietta’s cells, and as the cells had begun making a significant amount of money for labs that marketed them, ethical, business, and legal questions arose around the rights of the family to compensation for the cells.

Known as HeLa cells, the cells continue to be widely used in research and health care today, and the ethical, business, and legal issues around cellular research are also ongoing.

At Thursday night’s event in the Gallery on Parham Road Campus the presenters and audience discussed some of these issues, including questions of informed consent and how it has changed over the years, the funding and business of modern scientific cellular research, and ethical concerns surrounding these topics.

Sponsored by the Multicultural Enrichment Council, this was final event in this year’s book discussion series.

Capacity crowd attends Reynolds Science Night

Nearly 400 people enjoyed an evening of thought-provoking sessions and engaging conversations during the College’s 8th Annual Science Night event held on March 28.

“It was a wonderful setting for our students, faculty, staff and neighbors from the community,” said Raymond Burton, Dean of the School of Mathematics & Science. “Our committee and presenters worked hard for this special evening and I am glad they had such a large and interactive audience.”

Professor Brian Dunn

Professor David Walz opened the session with his presentation “America the Beautiful” that included an array of photos taken while traveling across country. During the slideshow, Walz declared himself as just a regular guy that enjoys traveling and taking pictures with a cheap camera. “I let mother nature provide all the majestic views for me,” he noted.

Walz shared that one of America’s the best kept secrets is the falls in Great Falls, Virginia located outside Washington, D.C. “When I first saw them, I thought I was in the western part of the United States,” added Walz, who also shared that he and his wife try to see all 48 lower continental states every 10 years.

The evening’s second presenter, Dr. Bryan Rhodes, elaborated on his topic “Being Skeptic of Skeptics: Is there evidence for Climate Change?” Dr. Rhodes challenged the audience to focus on the facts and think past what they are hearing in the news and their preconceptions.

“When you think about climate change, that is a vision, as none of us have been completely around the world to see all the effects,” noted Rhodes. “Climate does change – why it changes and what effects humans have on that change is still the big question. Some of it (global warming) is natural. How much we are contributing to this phenomenon, is what we don’t know.”

Professor Brian Dunn closed the evening with his presentation “Germany: A Nation Transformed, Enraptured, and Devastated by Science” that featured a collection of German scientist and how their discoveries effect the world even today.

“The turn of the last century was a period of great political unrest, but at that same time, governments of ambitious powers invested heavily in scientific research and technology development for several reasons,” Dunn said during his opening. “They wanted to improve their economy and also wanted to politically and economically influence other nations.”

Reynolds celebrates Women’s History Month

The JSRCC Multicultural Enrichment Council recently presented “Empowerment: Connecting the Past, Present and Future” in celebration of Women’s History Month. Keynote speaker Cassandra D. Emery, Executive Director/CEO, YWCA of Richmond, set the tone for the day by providing a powerful opening message to the audience.

Lunch was followed by two lively panel discussions. The first panel featured Cheryl Hicks, author, historian and associate professor at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Sindy Benavides, political director for the Northern Virginia Senatorial Campaign, and Tonya Mallory, CEO, Health Diagnostics Laboratory, Inc.

“Understanding the past is a good way to judge the future,” noted Hicks. “Ask for advice and guidance from people you respect, and act as if you don’t know everything. There are people out there that want to help you and you can learn from.”

“While shaping our thoughts, sometimes we are enemies of our own self, and criticize our own self too much,” said Benavides. “As women, we need to find the confidence and move forward.”

Sindy Benavides



The second panel featured students Carolyn Hajeck (JSRCC), Alexis Rodgers (Virginia Commonwealth University) and Shakeena Pierce (University of Richmond). They each shared stories of overcoming obstacles, inspirational mentors and plans for the future. The program was emceed by CBS 6 co-anchor Reba Hollingsworth and concluded with a performance by The Jazz Ladies.

Advance College Academy makes first visit to Reynolds

“J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College…..A World of Opportunity” – that was the sound of the Advance College Academy (ACA) students showing their JSRCC spirit during their first visit to the College’s Parham Road Campus.

The ACA consists of Henrico County Public School students who are in a newly designed program that allows them to obtain an Associate of Science degree in Social Science, in partnership with Reynolds, during their last two years of high school. The Class of 2015 will begin taking Reynolds courses in summer 2013.

“We thought it was very important for the students to visit the campus and especially the library,” noted Dr. Miles McCrimmon, JSRCC Professor of English, who is helping to coordinate the ACA. “These students are some of the brightest in the Henrico County Public School system and it is important for them to see and learn how to use the many resources available to them.”

During the visit, Reynolds librarian Hong Wu gave the students a tour of the College’s library, demonstrating how to research topics through electronic means and how to find current materials physically located in the library.

“I was very impressed by the group of students,” added Wu. “They showed great interest in the research materials and asked some great questions. I hope to see them all in our library as they continue with the program.”

Following the tour of the library, the students engaged in a discussion of “art in our society” and spent time expressing their thoughts on paper during an open writing assignment.

After their visit to Reynolds, they traveled to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts where they received a personal tour and enjoyed lunch on the lawn.

“After seven months, it is very exciting to see how these students are progressing through the Academy,” said McCrimmon. “Their enthusiasm for Reynolds, the Academy, and their fellow students continues to impress us all.”

JSRCC Police Department adds three sworn officers to its ranks

The J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Department of Police recently hired three additional full-time police officers. This brings the total number of sworn officers covering the College’s three campuses to 16. 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.

Photo L-R: Wyatt Hicks; Rondell White; David Campbell

More than 125 students join honor society ranks

Reynolds inducted more than 125 students into the Alpha Iota Beta and the Alpha Gamma Omicron chapters of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society on Saturday, February 25. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges and recognizes and encourages the academic achievement of two-year college students and provides opportunities for individual growth and development.

Mr. Richard Groover, JSRCC School of Mathematics and Science assistant dean, served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker. Groover challenged the inductees to give back to the community and become leaders.

“One might say you are the cream of the crop,” noted Groover. “You are the top students. You are honor society scholars and you should be very proud.”

Phi Theta Kappa members have a strong presence on Reynolds’ campuses and throughout the community. Members have a commitment to service, leadership, fellowship and scholarship.

Today, Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education, with more than 1.3 million members and 1,200 chapters in the United States, U.S. territories, Canada and Germany.

Packed house enjoys book discussion on “Like Water for Chocolate”

Adjunct faculty member Jackie Gottstein enlightened over 100 students, faculty, staff and guests as Reynolds hosted another “Around the World Through Books” discussion recently in the Gallery of Georgiadis Hall on the Parham Road Campus.

The session featured “Like Water for Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel – a story about a young girl named Tita who has always known her destiny: to remain single and care for her aging mother. When she falls in love, her mother quickly scotches the liaison and tyrannically dictates that Tita's sister Rosaura must marry the luckless suitor, Pedro, in her place. But Tita has one weapon left--her cooking.

Through a vivid and thoughtful presentation, Jackie brought the book and the Mexican culture to life. The audience was also treated to delicious, artisanal chocolates created by JSRCC Chef Jesse Miller and his group of pastry arts students.

Sponsored by JSRCC’s Multicultural Enrichment Council, the final book discussion of the year will be on March 29 and will feature Rebecca Skloot’s “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.”  

The Places You’ll Go

When Jim Allison entered the Peace Corps, he carried more with him than a curiosity at seeing the world.  With his just-earned Engineering AS degree from Reynolds, Jim spent the late Eighties installing water systems in the Philippines. Sharing a laugh with his wife Milette, who he met while there, Jim recalls, “I think the boarding house we lived in charged 100 bucks a month. But, those were great times.” 

Like so many J. Sarge alumni, Jim’s “road to Reynolds” story is particularly fascinating because he was an adult student when he made the decision to enroll.  Growing up in Northern Virginia, Jim first attended college as a student at Randolph-Macon, which brought him closer to Richmond.  “And, I’d always worked construction. But, recruiters and head hunters kept asking me if I’d ever thought of becoming an engineer. I heard it from so many folks that I decided to take a serious look at it, and that’s how I ended up at Reynolds.”  It was a completely different academic experience for Jim – and, he flourished in it.

“The odd thing is that I’d just squeaked by at Randolph-Macon.  Then, I got to Reynolds and everything turned around.  The job of Reynolds is to prepare you for the next step and they do it incredibly well.  For instance, the professors are there to teach; their focus isn’t on publishing.  And, because of that, they are excellent instructors.”  In particular, Jim credits Dr. M.L. Foy and Fred McConnell for the fundamentals of engineering he learned in their classrooms. 

Jim recalls a time when his study group was meeting on a Sunday afternoon.  They were stumped by a math problem and decided to call their instructor at home.  “He actually drove in from Short Pump, and this was when Short Pump was really the country.  He drove in just to give us an extra lesson.  Not many professors would necessarily do that.” 

After Reynolds, Jim headed to Virginia Tech where he earned his Master’s Degree in Engineering. He worked as an engineer for the City of Richmond before leaving to help Milette run the couple’s business, a successful childcare center in Midlothian called The Learning Playhouse.  

Since 2007, Jim and Milette Allison have supported JSRCC as donors, adding precious resources to the college’s annual fund, the Fund for Reynolds. “I always figured I would give back.  It’s a fine school and I’ve had a number to compare it to.  For what it wants to do, Reynolds simply does it the best.” 

Bowling for scholarships

Over 60 enthusiastic faculty, staff, board members and supporters hit the bowling lanes recently to raise money for the JSRCC Classified Council Scholarship. Hosting the 9^th annual JSRCC Scholarship Bowl, Classified Council raised over $1,000 this year and has netted more than $10,000 for student scholarships since the inception of the annual event.

Congratulations to Donna Sheppard who won the high score award, posting a 337 and to the “Healthy Rollers” who rolled the best overall team score. Team “Going for It” came in 2^nd place, followed by team “Great Expectations.”

Classified Council would like to thank all supporters, and wants to remind everyone it is never too early to start practicing for next year!!!

U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis visits Reynolds

In his most recent State of the Union address, President Barack Obama issued a challenge to train 2 million Americans and place them in middle-class careers through community college-employer partnerships. In a recent visit to the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Downtown Campus, U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis discussed this and other initiatives at a roundtable with African American business leaders in the Greater Richmond Region.

Billed as the “State of the Union Roundtable and its meaning to the African American Community,” the forum was moderated by JSRCC President Dr. Gary Rhodes. After an introduction by Dr. Barbara Glenn, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Secretary Solis addressed the participants and then engaged in an open dialogue covering employment challenges, training opportunities, federal funding initiatives, and  faith-based and community partnerships.

“We need to help businesses by making it easier for them to reach these college students,” noted Solis. “We need to reach those that need our help and create opportunities for these students to be successful.”

Secretary Solis was first elected to public office in 1985 as a member of the Rio Hondo Community College Board of Trustees. She served in the California State Assembly from 1992 to 1994, and in 1994 made history by becoming the first Latina elected to the California State Senate. As the chairwoman of the California Senate Industrial Relations Committee, she led the battle to increase the state's minimum wage from $4.25 to $5.75 an hour in 1996. She also authored a record seventeen state laws aimed at combating domestic violence. She was confirmed as Secretary of Labor on February 24, 2009.

Academy Award winner speaks at JSRCC for Black History Month

(L-R) Robert Agaba, Lily Mirjahangiri and Willie Burton

“The Help” movie sound mixer and two-time Academy Award winner Willie Burton recently spoke at the College as a part of the Multicultural Enrichment Council’s Black History Month programming.  Burton is credited with breaking barriers for African-Americans and minorities entering the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) in the 1970’s. His accomplishments include two Oscars for Best Achievement in Sound Mixing (Dreamgirls) and Best Sound (Bird). He also won a British Academy Award in 1983 for War Games. Burton encouraged the audience not to lose focus on their personal and professional goals. “Character, spirituality and the relationships you foster are keys to success,” he said. “Believe in yourself, keep the faith and keep on fighting to achieve your dreams.”

FIRST PERSON: Meet Alumnus Matt Vinson

I am so thankful for the clear vision that I have had for my life and for God’s guidance and help to achieve my goals.  My name is Matthew Vinson and I am a 2008 graduate of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (JSRCC) and a 2010 graduate of the University Virginia with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.  It had been my dream since high school to become a civil engineer and to work in that field. 

After graduating from high school, I enrolled at JSRCC full time in the Engineering Associates degree program.  The education and activities at JSRCC prepared me as a person and a student to go onto bigger things in life.  One of those things was to transfer to the University of Virginia to complete my four-year degree.  The community college made this easier by having transfer days each semester where representatives from four-year universities presented information on their specific programs and transfer agreements.  Establishing contacts and receiving information from various colleges definitely helped me in my transfer process.  Applying for department scholarships was another valuable aid.  Good grades and my clear goal of becoming a civil engineer were beneficial in winning several scholarships throughout my scholastic years. I am thankful that I only accepted loans for one year at UVA—this kept my total debt below $10,000. 

After a year and a half of part-time civil engineering work at Willmark Engineering in Ashland, I finally got full-time work as a contractor for Dominion Virginia Power.  I am working in the Electric Transmission Operations group, at their headquarters in downtown Richmond.  This is an exciting new field of engineering and I am hoping to be brought on as a permanent employee soon.  The timing of this job was an answer to prayer.  My wife, Heather and I had a one year old, Noelle, and were expecting another one, when I started the new position in December.  Now we are a family of four with the birth of our second daughter, Vera.  This job provides steady work and a healthy income enabling me to provide for my family.  I am so glad that I am not over burdened with college debt, thanks to the Virginia Community College System and the numerous scholarships at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and the University of Virginia.  

Creating great nurses for Richmond

Nursing Retention Specialist Carol Rodi
tutors Reynolds nursing students.

Carol Rodi sits among a small group of JSRCC nursing students at the College’s Academic Support Center. You can tell by the discussion that these students are nearing graduation. You can sense their anxiety too.  Rodi’s throwing out “what if” scenarios of a patient presenting cardiac symptoms. And she’s asking for quick answers.

“When do you defibrillate? And what about blood thinners? What do you need to know?” she asks.

Many of these students are gearing up for final nursing exams. Rodi, the College’s nursing retention specialist, spends most of her time tutoring nursing students so they are prepared. It’s clear she’s good at it, since so many graduates have thanked her personally at their pinning ceremony.

“For some students, I guess I do help them study for and pass that final exam,” she says. “But for most of them, I really think I give them a broader understanding of caring for their patients…I put what they’ve learned into real situations. If their patient is in trouble and they’re having certain symptoms, what do they [our nursing graduates] do?”

As one tutoring session ends, Rodi makes her way down the hall from the Academic Support Center to a classroom, explaining that the next session needs a larger room to accommodate the group. Before she can unlock the door, a student shouts, “Please say you’ll be tutoring us today.”

Rodi has a master’s degree in Nursing. Before Reynolds, she worked as a critical care nurse in a burn center for a large healthcare system. However, she believes the associate degree level of nursing education is the most important. For her, she says, it was the most difficult. She received her RN from a college in a small town and says that Reynolds students are incredibly fortunate to complete their clinical requirements at VCU Health System.

“This level is so important because this is the level we put it all together,” she said.

Rodi’s position is grant funded through the College’s Academic Support Center. She was initially hired through a grant aimed at increasing nursing graduation rates.

JSR LEAD students visit General Assembly

From Cheri Morrell, a JSRCC LEAD student, on her recent visit to the Virginia General Assembly during VCCS Community College Day.

Our adventure began with an early morning meet up at the JSRCC Downtown Campus. The JSR Lead (student leadership development team) representatives for this particular visit were: Zac Carroll, Ryan Harris, Kelly McIntosh, Angela Miller, Cheri Morrell, and Shane Roberts. Dr. Rhodes, Malcolm Holmes, Steve Vehorn, and Bess Littlefield were kind enough to brief us of the protocol and events of the day while we waited for our transportation. Next up was a quick ride over to the Library of Virginia for some history of the LVA, the Capital Building, an explanation of state government and the General Assembly itself - then we were off for our perilous journey across the street to the General Assembly Building. While there we were fortunate to meet privately with several delegates including Delores L. McQuinn, John A. Cox, John O’Bannon lll, Peter Farrell and senators Thomas Garrett, Jr. and Henry L. Marsh.  Shane Roberts in the automotive field of studies was a big hit with Senator Garrett and Delegate Farrell as both requested tours of the JSRCC campuses with Dr. Rhodes! The icing on our cake was the opportunity to sit in the gallery during an actual General Assembly session where we were not only announced and asked to stand, but applauded by the House of Delegates!  It really doesn’t get much better than that, folks. We then finished off our day with a lovely stroll back across the garden area and enjoyed a leisurely lunch; it was a fun-filled, educational day…J. Sargeant Reynolds style!

Students visit with General Assembly lawmakers

(L-R, Shane Robertson, Zac Carroll, Kelly McIntosh,
Cheri Morrell, Ryan Harris and Angela Miller)

JSRCC students recently attended “Community College Day” at the Virginia General Assembly, sharing their Reynolds experiences and stories with a number of lawmakers.
Louisa High School graduate Shane Robertson expressed to Senator Thomas Garrett, Jr. (R-22^nd District) that he is currently working towards his Automotive Technology  Associate Degree while also working for an automotive dealership in Orange, Va.

“I think it is important for me to get an associate degree,” noted Shane. “By earning an associate degree, it shows employers that I know how to do math, that I’ve passed courses in English and know how to do critical thinking and speaking in front of groups. Those are important skills.”

A mother of two, Angela Miller discussed with Delegate Peter Farrell (R-56^th District) that she hopes to transfer to the University of Richmond and become a special education teacher. “Reynolds has given me an opportunity I can afford, as I take the first steps toward my degree to teach.”

Angela and Shane were joined by fellow students Zac Carroll, Ryan Harris and Kelly McIntosh.

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. During the general assembly session, the group was introduced and welcomed by Delegate John O’Bannon (R-73^rd District).

Using science to win wars

When John Lewis explains that he’s a liaison officer with the Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), it’s easy to believe.  At a buff six feet, he has the physical presence that would surely come in handy during a deployment to Afghanistan. Yet, it is John’s advanced degrees in electrical engineering that landed him in a warzone.  Back in Dahlgren, VA he is vague on the details of his job – those are classified – but offers this guarded explanation: “We help war fighters solve very hard problems using math, engineering, data and intelligence.”  As a liaison officer, John says he translates engineering “geek speak” into more manageable terminology for soldiers.  

While John won’t divulge details about his assignments at JWAC, what he will tell you is how pleased he is with the education he received at Reynolds. “I’m a community college guy.  That’s how I started.  I took vocational classes in high school, and plenty of study halls.  I didn’t plan on going to college, but my time in the National Guard proved to me that I could do hard things.  I decided to enroll at J. Sarge, and it was the best thing I could have done.” 

Using his G.I. Bill, Pell grants, and “every scholarship I could apply for” John began on a different kind of adventure.  He credits the basic-level course offerings, small class sizes and, particularly, the interest of the professors with much of his success.  “One of my professors told me that I had picked up electronics so well that I should consider becoming an engineer.” Which he did; after earning his associate’s degree in ‘95, John transferred to Virginia Tech to earn his bachelor’s degree in engineering.  “When I first got to Tech, I was pretty nervous.  You know, could I compete with these Tech students? But, with what I’d learned at Reynolds, I was so well prepared, it was incredible.  I finished with a 3.97 GPA.  I think I had one B+ my entire time.  And, this is from someone who had started at Reynolds taking remedial Algebra 1.”

Eventually, he would earn his master’s in engineering, but John can still quote formulas he learned at the College in Dr. M.L. Foy’s physics class.  “She was one of the most thorough and best professors I’ve ever had in any university I’ve attended. Dr. Foy taught concepts beyond the abstract.  These were real world examples we learned.” Examples that he applies to the classified operations of JWAC:  “Ultimately, we’re using science to win wars.”   

JSRCC hosts nursing recognition ceremony

Recent graduates of the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree program participated in the biannual Nursing Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, January 10.

The ceremony opened with a welcome by JSRCC President Gary L. Rhodes, Ed.D., followed by an inspirational keynote address from Amy Gillespie, RN, MSN, Ed.D. who serves as Nursing Leadership Advisor for the Nurse Leadership Institute of Virginia. Gillespie told the 74 nursing graduates to remember three points: keep focus on the patient by listening attentively; be brilliant at the basic skills; and never stop learning.

Graduates earning special awards during the ceremony include:

·        Susan Sisk—Fundamentals of Nursing

·        Janet Schaeffer—Level II Medical-Surgical Nursing

·        Caroline Garnett—Maternity Nursing

·        Christina Dobyns—Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing

·        Osiris Granger—Pediatric Nursing

·        Sandra Toro—Level III Medical-Surgical Nursing

·        Deirdre Mailloux—Evelyn Bacon Award

·        Charles McDonough—Fran Stanley Award

The J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College 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 hospitals, health service facilities and agencies. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse.

View pictures from the recognition ceremony

Reynolds receives top safety ranking

StateUniversity.com ranked J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College #4 in the state of Virginia for campus safety. The ratings are based on incidents of campus crime including assault, theft, motor vehicle theft and violent crimes. StateUniversity.com is a leading source of data and information on higher education. The site features profiles about colleges and provides tools to help prospective students narrow their choices.

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Department of Police Chief Paul Ronca said, “learning in a safe environment is a JSRCC priority. The Police Department recognizes that this can only be accomplished through partnerships created with our faculty, students and staff. Our officers work diligently to provide an excellent and professional department that is committed to the safety of our community. However, the credit is not the Department’s alone, it belongs to all of the JSRCC faculty, students and staff."   

Ronca joined Reynolds as the Chief of Police in 2010. The J. Sargeant Reynolds Police Department adopted the community policing model and believes safety of the college can only be achieved with our internal and external partners. 

Reynolds hosts an update on Jobs for Vets

(left to right) VCCS Chancellor Glenn DuBois, JSRCC President Gary Rhodes,
Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, Senator Mark Warner, Congressman Bobby Scott.

Virginia’s leaders came together on Reynolds’ Parham Road Campus recently to update each other and the community on efforts that encourage private sector employers to hire veterans. Following comments from Virginia’s Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, Senator Mark Warner and Congressman Bobby Scott, representatives from the Armed Forces discussed the transferable skills that today’s military veterans could bring to the private sector workforce.

Noting that unemployment rates for veterans returning from war is now more than of 12 percent, Warner said that jobs in the energy field offer the most potential. Dominion representatives concluded the event with information about their Troops to Energy Jobs Initiative, a new initiative designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy positions. According to troopstoenergyjobs.com, Troops to Energy Jobs is currently in a pilot stage, and includes selected pilot utilities that have been recognized as Top Military Employers and that work in states with a strong State Energy Workforce Consortia. Dominion Resources Services, from Dominion Virginia Power is one of those companies. The goal is to expand the program to the entire energy industry.

Virginia Community College System Chancellor Glenn DuBois and other VCCS representatives also provided remarks regarding the role community colleges could potentially play in this initiative. Military personnel explained that although the skills and experience they receive over the course of their careers often match private sector needs, they lack the civilian certifications necessary for private sector employment.

Reynolds campuses embrace multiculturalism

Some of the most successful events hosted by Reynolds are coordinated through the College’s Multicultural Enrichment Council. This semester, the MEC hosted a Diversity Health Fair, a multicultural movie series, and a book discussion. The vision of the MEC is to create and implement multicultural experiences for faculty, staff, students and the community. The Council also attempts to educate the college community on the importance of fairness and inclusiveness, and the acceptance of differing views, beliefs, opinions, and perspectives of other people—both inside and outside of the classroom.

For the holidays, the MEC is showcasing information on Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights (celebrated December 20 through December 28) and Kwanzaa, a Celebration of Family, Community and Culture (celebrated December 26 through January 1). Read more about these holidays and the traditions associated with them at www.reynolds.edu/events.

Stay tuned for events during the spring, including another book discussion, a Black History Month speaker series, and a women's history month event that includes a panel of renowned women and a spring concert.

Diversity Health Fair participants get moving.

Diversity Health Fair exhibitors offered information on back health, child safety, men's health and more.

MEC book discussions and movie nights always include a discussion about the cultures and traditions portrayed in the films and novels. Traditional foods are often served as well. Recently, traditional Persian cuisine was offered during the discussion of the movie "House of Sand and Fog."