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.

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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.

Daphne April Jones named Valley Proteins Fellow

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College student Daphne April Jones of Henrico County, Virginia, has been named as one of ten outstanding students selected by The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) to be part of its second class of Valley Proteins Fellows.  The Valley Proteins Fellows Program was created to celebrate and enhance the leadership capacity of students who have demonstrated great potential. 

What makes one student’s potential stand out from others?  In this case it is not just the 3.90 grade point average that Daphne has been able to maintain while a student at JSRCC.  The fact that she earned the almost perfect GPA as a single mother raising 4 children gives one a little more insight into her character.  Then you find out that in addition to her four children, Daphne also has full legal custody of her 17-year-old brother Eric, who has special needs and requires 24-hour supervision and you begin to understand her strength of character.  With all this, she still finds time to be involved with the schooling of her children, lending a hand to their teachers. 

Daphne will begin her second year this fall at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and she has a goal in mind.  In fact, she has several goals in mind.  The first is to earn an Associate degree in Nursing at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.  The next is to transfer to Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.  Once that is complete, she wants to earn a Master’s degree in Nursing and ultimately become a Nurse Practitioner.  Daphne is willing to do whatever she has to do to achieve her goals and she knows it will not be easy.    

The Valley Proteins scholarship will certainly help.  In addition to covering the students' full tuition and fees, the Fellows participate in a unique leadership curriculum and receive individualized assistance in obtaining financial aid and transferring to four-year institutions.  

According to Daphne, “This fellowship means so much to me.  It gives me the flexibility to concentrate on my studies, and not worry about the financial aspect of going to school.  The most exciting part of the fellowship to me is the 40 hours of community service each semester.  I look forward to giving back and hope to volunteer in area homeless shelters.”  

“The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education is dedicated to expanding opportunities by leveraging partnerships,” Glenn DuBois, chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, noted. “This program is a great example of the synergy that comes from joining together employers that are vested in the quality of tomorrow’s Virginia workforce and the community colleges that elevate it every day.”

Valley Proteins is a family-owned business that has been in business for more than 50 years and currently operates 12 plants in 7 states, including Virginia.  The management is committed to outstanding corporate citizenship, excellent customer service, technological innovation and support for the community college mission.

Richard Groover's dragonfly studies

Richard Groover, Assistant Dean of the School of Mathematics and Science at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is passionate about the study of dragonflies.    In fact, in addition to his position at JSRCC, Mr. Groover is also a doctoral student at George Mason University studying Environmental Science and Policy.  He admits a fascination with dragonflies since childhood.  In fact, he is known locally as the “dragonfly guy of Hanover County.”

Dragonflies are strong predators that eat mosquitoes, and other small insects like flies.   They live near bodies of water (ponds, lakes, and streams) because they lay their eggs on or in the water.  To that end, Groover spent a recent sunny afternoon catching dragonflies and collecting dragonfly larvae from the retention pond outside JSRCC’s Workforce Development Center for doctoral research he will conduct this summer.    

His doctoral questions include:

1.       When a new pond is created, are there certain species of dragonflies that arrive first?  Groover has studied over 30 sites in Hanover County, Virginia over the past three years and determined that there are usually six species of dragonflies that are generally the first to colonize in a new pond.  

2.       Three years later, does the dominant species change in that pond?  After researching six ponds for three years, Groover believes that pond dominance does not change.

3.       Does wind have an impact on dragonfly dispersal?  To answer this question, Groover is conducting a manipulated experiment this summer.  For his experiment, he has leased a 200-acre pasture and built eight artificial ponds in a circle, each 300 meters apart.  With help from student volunteers from a number of local colleges and universities, he plans to release two types of dragonflies from the center of the circle, within the artificial pond area, and track how they disburse in different weather conditions.  The hypothesis he hopes to support is that the dragonflies will disburse downwind under the right conditions. 

Once Groover completes his research this summer, he will write and then defend his dissertation.  He hopes to receive his doctorate degree in 2013.  His long-term goal is to dedicate the remainder of his life to the study of dragonflies. 

David Barrish selected as Dean of School of Business

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College has named David Barrish as the Dean of the School of Business. Barrish will be responsible for directing strategic planning, environmental scanning, research and analysis, instructional program development and evaluation, enrollment management, development and implementation of distance learning instructional delivery and student outcome assessment.

 “This is an exciting time for the College as we realign our transfer engineering program, thus creating a clear direction for the future of both the new School of Business and new School of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering,” noted Barrish. “My team of expert faculty and staff will be able to enhance our focus on students in certificate and degree programs that enter the workplace immediately upon graduation and contribute to the economic growth of our region.”  

At Reynolds, Barrish has served as interim dean and assistant dean of the School of Business and Engineering on two separate occasions and has held the position of full-time faculty member, program head, and director of the School of Culinary Arts, Hospitality, and Tourism. Additionally, he possesses extensive experience in the private sector, where he worked for the Sheraton Corporation and the Richmond Hotels Company.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Barrish has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Restaurant Management from Ohio State University and a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Rhodes featured in library exhibit

Dr. Gary L. Rhodes is featured in the “Why Children’s Books: Inspiring Generations” exhibit at the Richmond Public Main Library on Franklin Street in Downtown, Richmond. The fascinating exhibit demonstrates the long-term influence of a children’s book. Whether it is the memory of reading with a parent, the first time a book is read alone or the emotional power of a certain tale, the stories shared by Rhodes and other notable Richmond personalities reaffirm the importance of free and easy access to books for all children.

April 12 – May 29, 2012

Richmond Public Main Library

Monday through Wednesday: 10 am-7 pm

Thursday and Friday: 10 am-6 pm

Saturday: 10 am-5 pm

For additional information, call (804) 646-0117

Gary L. Rhodes, Ed.D.

Dare to imagine

         

I have fond memories of my childhood. I was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, but grew up just across the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri. Summers were the best. Most days I spent my time outdoors playing with my collie, Dutchess. I remember spending hours swinging on the tree swing in the back yard, playing ball or just exploring the world around me. I was an inquisitive kid with a vivid imagination. That’s probably why Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson stands out as one of my favorite childhood books.

I guess I was a little like Jim Hawkins—naturally curious, impulsive at times, always looking for that next adventure. My parents were wonderful because they encouraged me to imagine what could be and to explore new ideas. I remember coming home one day to find three brand new unicycles—one for my dad and the others for my twin sister and me. We had a lot of fun learning to ride those unicycles. That creative spirit has shaped who I am today.

My colleagues at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College have come to know me as an idea machine. Some of my ideas are better than others, but the point is to keep generating them. We should encourage our young people to dare to imagine. There is no better catalyst for creativity and innovation than a good book.

Opticianry program provides free eyewear for Middle College students

A friendly conversation between two colleagues turned into a worthwhile service learning opportunity for students in the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Opticianry and Middle College programs.

Mary Jo Washko, director of Middle College, recently mentioned to Opticianry program head, Yvonne Metten, that 17 of her students needed corrective eyewear. Understanding the need, Metten met with local optometrist Dr. Evan Kauffman who graciously agreed to donate his time (valued at $2,100) to conduct free undilated eye exams for Middle College students.

In order to provide this service, the Opticianry program had to obtain frames, lenses and improved equipment. Metten met with Elizabeth Littlefield, vice president for Institutional Advancement, and representatives with the Richmond Eye and Ear Foundation Fund to see if there was an interest in funding this initiative. The Richmond Eye and Ear Foundation Fund, a component fund of The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia, awarded $37,600 to the Opticianry Program on April 2, 2012. Funds from this grant were used to purchase lenses and frames for JSRCC Middle College students and to purchase a lens edger which helps Opticianry students fabricate lenses in less time.

On April 23, a Vision Fair was held exclusively for Middle College students. Under the watchful eye of Dr. Kauffman, Opticianry students provided preliminary exams for nearly 25 Middle College clients. Specifically, they conducted tests for color blindness and provided keratometry and slit lamp evaluations. They also worked directly with the clients in the selection and fitting of eyewear.

"Improving a student’s ability to see will have a tremendous impact on his or her ability to be successful not only in their college program but also in their occupation," said Washko.

The Middle College is a college entry program for individuals between the ages of 18-24 who have not completed their high school education but have the goal of attending college. The program includes GED preparation and college level preparation for employment coursework to help students pursue their goal of a college education. There is no cost to the student to participate in this program.

JSRCC hosts 8th Annual Gardenfest

Just in time for spring planting, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and the Goochland-Powhatan Master Gardeners hosted the 8th Annual Spring Garden Fest, a day that featured valuable gardening sessions and the opportunity to purchase plants and flowers ready to plant.  Almost 500 people attended the event, which ran from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the College’s Goochland Campus located at 1851 Dickinson Road in Goochland.

David Seward, Horticulture Program Head, remarked, “It was a very successful day even with the mid-day rain and a good time was had by all!”

More than 20 different gardening sessions were conducted throughout the day including "Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden," "Successful Grape Growing in the Home Garden" and "Landscaping with Edible Plants. Throughout the day, local Master Gardeners were on-hand to answer questions and provide gardening tips.

Anita and Craig Waters honored with 2012 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy

Anita and Craig Waters of Glen Allen, Virginia, have earned the 2012 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. The couple was nominated for the award by JSRCC.



Back row (l to r): Tim McDermott, Mary McDermott, Capt.(Ret) Lawrence Hall, Craig Waters, Chancellor Glenn DuBois, Dr. Gary Rhodes

Front:  Frances Waters, Pam Hall, Anita Waters


The award was given at a luncheon ceremony at the Country Club of Virginia on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Anita and Craig Waters established the Alan Waters Memorial Scholarship named after their son who was pursuing his associate degree in automotive technology before passing away in 2007. Through their annual golf tournament, the Waters have raised more than $87,000 in scholarship funds to benefit nursing and automotive students. Anita is Marketing Director with the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, a duathlete and marathon coach. An avid golfer and cyclist, Craig is an executive with Dominion.

Their pursuits reflect the strength and grace with which they’ve turned personal tragedy into empowerment for our students to compete and to win. The Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy luncheon 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 seventh year the awards have been given. This year’s class of distinguished philanthropy leaders has contributed a combined total of more than $48 million dollars to Virginia’s Community Colleges.

"These philanthropic leaders are tremendous partners," said Glenn DuBois, chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges. "These individuals, organizations and employers are difference-makers who play an essential role in helping our colleges fulfill their mission of addressing Virginia’s unmet needs in higher education and workforce development."

The honored philanthropists will have a scholarship named after them which will be awarded next fall to a student attending their community college. The one-year scholarships are funded by Wells Fargo and Dominion.

The luncheon’s keynote speaker was Mr. Steve Gannon, executive vice president, deputy general counsel – legal for Capital One Financial Corporation. Mr. Gannon is a member of the Virginia State Board for Community Colleges and a director of the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education.

"We owe our success to our 30,000 hard-working associates, and plenty of them, in turn, owe a good deal of their success to community colleges," said Gannon in applauding the opportunities created by philanthropic donations made to community colleges. "We can’t spare any lost potential. In a global economy that rewards innovation and technical prowess, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels."

Congratulations to the 2012 Art Show winners

At J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, spring means the walls of the Gallery in Georgiadis Hall on the Parham Road become an art gallery for the Student Art Show, displaying many creative works in all shapes and sizes. This year, 95 works of art were submitted to the campus exhibition, which ran from April 3rd to May 2. Here are the award categories and winners.

Reynolds Award (Best in Show) - Eric Atkinson

Reynolds Award 1^st Runner Up - Elizabeth Heaton

Reynolds Award 2^nd Runner Up - Ling Lin Ku

1^st Place Photography - Jonathan Albrecht

1^st Place Painting - Ling Lin Ku

1^st Place Drawing - Sang Rok Lee

1^st Place Design - Alan McLeod

Congratulations to all the winners!

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.