Great Expectations Students Meet, Greet, and Eat

Author Devan Mitchell and Dedra Hampton, Great Expectations Coordinator

A group of about 20 J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s Great Expectations students gathered on Tuesday, September 24 to celebrate the success of one of their own and to explore a new mentoring opportunity.

Great Expectations Coordinator Dedra Hampton introduced guest speaker Davon Mitchell, a Great Expectations student and newly published author.  Davon spoke of his journey in foster care, the benefits of his participation in the Great Expectations program, and how he met Nina Wells, a publisher, at a Great Expectation forum a few years ago.  Ms. Wells, impressed by Davon after speaking with him, promised that she would help him publish the book he was writing if he stayed in school and graduated.  Mitchell is on track to graduate from Reynolds this year, and Ms. Wells recently delivered on her promise.  Copies of Mitchell’s new book were distributed to lucky door prize winners at the gathering. 

Dedra Hampton also introduced Sean Scott, an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer working with the Great Expectations Program.  Sean has been charged with developing a new mentoring program to match volunteer mentors with youth to advise and accompany them through higher education and their everyday lives.  The group enjoyed refreshments while exploring and discussing the mentoring needs of Great Expectation students. 

For more information about the Great Expectations program, please contact Dedra Hampton at dhampton@reynolds.edu or 523-5294.

 

16th Annual Scholarship Luncheon

The annual J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Scholarship Luncheon is an opportunity for the College’s scholarship donors to meet the recipients of their generosity and is always a heartwarming affair. This year’s luncheon, on Thursday, September 26, was certainly no exception. More than 220 donors, students, board members and faculty took part in this year’s celebration.

The luncheon was the perfect setting for donors and student recipients to meet each other, many for the first time. Smiles and tears abounded as grateful scholarship students relayed the positive impact the scholarships have had on their lives and how they are now able to pursue their dreams.

For the last academic year, the J. Sargeant Reynolds Educational Foundation awarded scholarships totaling more than $434,000, opening the doors of opportunity for 387 students.

Students addressing the gathering included Joshua McVeigh, who spoke on behalf of the Reynolds Scholars, Margo Fairchild, a 2013 Valley Proteins Fellow, and Justin Terry, the first recipient of the Steven Ridley Memorial Scholarship.

 At the conclusion of the luncheon donors and recipients paired up for pictures to commemorate the day’s festivities. For more information about available scholarships, how to apply and important deadlines, visit www.reynolds.edu/scholarship.

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College named as Military Friendly School for 2014

The fifth-annual Military Friendly Schools® list was released on September 10, 2013 by Victory Media, and once again J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College made the list.  The Military Friendly Schools® designation is awarded to the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students and ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation.

The 2014 list of Military Friendly Schools® was compiled through extensive research and a free, data-driven, survey of more than 10,000 VA-approved schools nationwide. The survey results that comprise the 2014 list were independently tested by Ernst & Young LLP based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media. Each year, schools taking the survey are held to a higher standard than the previous year via improved methodology, criteria and weightings developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board (AAB) consisting of educators from schools across the country.

This year’s Military Friendly Schools ® list criteria also incorporate a survey of over 4,000 actual student veterans. This feedback provides prospective military students with insight into the student veteran experience at particular institutions based on peer reviews from current students.

The 2014 list of Military Friendly Schools can be found at militaryfriendly.com. 

There are 385 veterans enrolled at Reynolds this semester.  Patrice Jones, student success center coordinator noted, “We are pleased that J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s commitment to supporting and advancing educational opportunities for those who have served our country has been recognized and that our designation as ‘military friendly’ has been extended for 2014.”

For information regarding educational benefits for veterans at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at (804) 523-5368.

Reynolds Information Center Celebrates One Millionth Call

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s Information Center celebrated its 10 year anniversary just last month, on August 5.  On September 4 the Center achieved another milestone - servicing its 1,000,000^th caller.  The Information Center staff fields calls for all of the three Reynolds campuses and the Ginter Park Center.  Frequently asked questions include questions about admissions, financial aid, registration and queries about special events.

(L-R) Terri Britt, Sidney Young, Dr. Gary Rhodes and Marianne McGhee

The lucky 1,000,000^th caller was Sidney Young of Henrico County who will begin classes at Reynolds in January 2014 planning to pursue a degree in nursing.  You might say that nursing is in her blood as she is following in the footsteps of her mother, aunt and grandmother.  With a 4 year-old son just beginning pre-school, Sidney decided it was time to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. 

On September 4 Sidney called the Information Center to inquire about the status of her financial aid application.  According to Sidney, she received a very prompt, concise and professional response to her question and then was asked to hold for one moment.   Information Center Manager Terri Britt came back on the line, amid a background of clapping and cheering, and congratulated Sidney on being the Information Center’s 1,000,000^th caller.  After finally convincing Sidney that the celebration was real, Sidney agreed to visit with the Information Center staff on Thursday, September 12^th to commemorate the milestone. 

To Sidney’s surprise when she arrived on September 12 she was greeted by Reynolds President Dr. Gary Rhodes, Director of Development Marianne McGhee, Information Center Manager Terri Britt and many other staff members and a celebration that included cake, balloons, Reynolds giveaways, and a $1,000 scholarship.  Amid a few tears of joy, Sidney expressed her thanks and excitement at the prospect of beginning classes in January.

The Information Center is open from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Over the last ten years the center has grown from a staff of one full-time and two part-time staff members to eight full-time staff members that answer an average of 100,000 calls per year. 

Gubernatorial Candidate Terry McAuliffe completes tour of Virginia Community Colleges with visit to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Senator Tim Kaine, McKenzie Carroll, Terry McAuliffe, William Quarles and Dr. Gary Rhodes

Gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe fulfilled his pledge to visit all 23 Virginia Community Colleges with a visit to Reynolds on Friday, September 6 accompanied by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine.


Reynolds President Dr. Gary Rhodes greeted the visitors and introduced Student Ambassador McKenzie Carroll who led the group on a brief tour of the Parham Road Campus.

William Quarles, Terry McAuliffe, Professor Deborah Neely-Fisher and Senator Tim Kaine

McAuliffe and Kaine visited Professor Deborah Neely-Fisher’s ecology lab where the candidate and senator joined students in examining micro-organisms through microscopes and emphasized the importance of acquiring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills.

The group also toured the new welding lab in the Workforce Development and Conference Center where they chatted with CCWA’s Assistant Vice President for Open Enrollment Natalie Meredith about the Growing America through Entrepreneurship (GATE) program and the Adult Career Choice program.  

The visit culminated with a roundtable discussion with college administrators on a variety of topics including distance learning, academic excellence, the importance of early childhood education, new academic programs, workforce programs and community college challenges. 

McAuliffe noted, “In order to fill jobs for the 21st century I have said consistently that the community colleges are your engines for workforce development. I believe I am the first candidate for governor to visit all 23 community colleges. I want you to know that as governor this is a top priority for me, to focus on these community colleges.”

Goochland project combines community service, art and history

Goochland artist Patty Rosner, who graciously painted the beautiful mural in the stairway of the main building on the Goochland Campus, is the inspiration behind a new project, “The Villages of Goochland, - Painted by District” which combines history, art and community service in Goochland County. 

Rosner began the project by researching the five historical villages of Goochland County and collecting a series of photographs from years gone by.  Her plan is to create five paintings, one representing each of the villages. The completed paintings will be donated to the county and will be housed in the Goochland Administration Building for the public to enjoy.

The community is invited to select the photographs that will serve as the inspiration for the paintings by voting on a Facebook page Rosner created.  The 5 villages with the most LIKES will be what she develops the paintings around. 

To help fund the project Rosner is selling reproductions of a piece of her work, an 1830's painting of the Goochland Courthouse, which is available in prints, matted prints, coffee mugs, decorative plates, note cards and canvas reproductions.  Any funds collected in excess of the actual project cost will be given to the Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services and Goochland Historical Society.

For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/villagesofgoochland or contact Patty Rosner at (804) 457-4676.

 

Fall Eyeglass Clinic

Need some new glasses or contact lenses?  Want some new shades for this winter?  The J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Fall Eyeglass Clinic opened for business on Wednesday, September 5 and is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The clinic offers eyeglasses, contact lenses, sunglasses, sports and safety frames, repairs, adjustments and cleanings. If you want to make a purchase, please bring a current prescription as the clinic does not offer eye exams.  The clinic is open to students, faculty, staff and family members.  This a great opportunity to purchase designer frames and premium lenses at cost! These are NOT retail prices!

For more information, please contact Kristina Green at 523-5415 or kgreen@reynolds.edu. 

 

James Cuthbertson named to Virginia Community College Board

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell announced the appointment of James Cuthbertson to the State Board of Community Colleges on August 16, 2013.

An accomplished medical entrepreneur and healthcare leader, Cuthbertson founded American Cardiac Care, Inc. a specialty healthcare delivery corporation utilizing cardiovascular physician networks and cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation facilities. Prior to that endeavor, Mr. Cuthbertson led the Texas Heart Institute, the world's largest cardiovascular care center as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Before accepting that position, he served for thirteen years as Chief Operating Officer of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, the nation’s second largest, tertiary-care enterprise and pre-eminent research center. 

Mr. Cuthbertson is recognized as a distinguished healthcare leader whose vision and leadership contributed greatly to the advancement of treatment modalities and the eradication of suffering in many of the health disciplines with which he has been associated.

Mr. Cuthbertson served as Chairman of the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Board from July 2011 to June 2013, and remains on the College Board representing Henrico County.  He is also a past member of the school’s Foundation Board of Trustees.

He served with distinction as an infantry company commander in Vietnam, receiving the nation's third highest award for bravery, the Silver Star. He is also the recipient of two Bronze Star Medals w/ “V” devices, three Purple Hearts, five Air Medals, a Valorous Unit Citation and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Mr. Cuthbertson is a graduate of Kent State University and holds a master's degree in business administration from Case Western Reserve University.  He and his wife Barbara have three adult children and live in Glen Allen, Virginia.

"Relevation for Elevation" Radio Show features Great Expectations Coordinator Dedra Hampton

On Saturday, August 24 Reynolds Great Expectations Coordinator/Coach Dedra Hampton was a guest on the “Revelation for Elevation” radio show to discuss the college’s Great Expectations program and foster care advocacy.

The Reynolds Great Expectations program helps young adults – those who are or were recently affiliated with the Virginia Foster Care System – transition to college. More than 500 children in the Virginia foster care system age out each year. Without social or family support, foster care children experience significant challenges living on their own. However, with access to education, foster care youth can find satisfying, well-paying jobs. To find out more about the Reynolds Great Expectations program, visit http://www.reynolds.edu/ge/.

Listen to the interview here:   Relevation for Elevation - 8/24/13 Show

 

Smart Beginnings Leader Institute

A group of 25 community leaders from around the state gathered at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond to discuss issues related to school readiness and early childhood initiatives during the Smart Beginnings Leader Institute on Tuesday, August 20.   This was the second of five sessions of the seven-month Leader Institute, which launched on July 30 in Charlottesville.

Reynolds President Dr. Gary Rhodes, who also serves as Chair of the Leadership Council for Smart Beginnings of Greater Richmond, welcomed the group to Richmond and stressed the importance of a good foundation in early childhood education.

Today’s session focused on building dynamic partnerships to support early childhood systems and featured speakers from South Carolina’s statewide early childhood initiative, First Steps, with presentations on “Building and Sustaining Effective Boards” and “Building and Sustaining Effective Community Partnerships.”

In addition to learning from the featured presentation, participants had the opportunity to network with their counterparts from Smart Beginnings initiatives across the state, sharing best practices in school readiness and services.

The Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF) created the Smart Beginnings Leader Institute to engage, educate, and enrich the capacity of leaders across the state to advance school readiness for Virginia’s children.

The Leader Institute is supported and partially funded by the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. Several businesses and educational institutions are hosting the sessions, including LexisNexis in Charlottesville, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond and Cox Communications in Roanoke.

For more information on the Smart Beginnings Leader Institute, contact the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation at (804) 358-8323.

 Reynolds President Dr. Gary Rhodes who also serves as chair of the Leadership Council of Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond, Jacqueline Hale, Director of Childhood Initiatives and Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond, and Steve Clementi, Leadership Council Member, Great Beginnings Greater Richmond

Horticulture Articles

In addition to teaching horticulture classes at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Instructor Scott Burrell is a frequent contributor to Virginia Gardeners magazine and a well known speaker on horticultural topics. 

The September 2013 issue of Virginia Gardener Magazine includes two articles penned by Burrell along with pictures. The articles, available at these links, are entitled "Fabulous Foliage - Favorites of a foliage freeloader"  and "Serbian Bellflower."

Scott and his wife Beth, a landscape architect, maintain a 1-1/2 acre garden at their home in Mechanicsville. Scott can be reached at 523-5950 or by email at sburrell@reynolds.edu.















    

Welcome back!

August 21 marked the first day of classes at all three campuses of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.  First year students, we welcome you to Reynolds and returning students, welcome back! 

As you prepare for another academic year we encourage you to begin thinking of ways you can get connected to student life on campus.    You’ll want to know about the many events that Reynolds has going on throughout the semester, so make it a habit to check out Student Life’s Events Calendar. To get the most up-to-date information, be sure and “like” us on Facebook and follow the college on Twitter. Your involvement in campus life will enhance your overall college experience.

The Office of Student Life is starting things off by hosting Welcome Back events on all three campuses on August 27, 28 and 29 featuring food, giveaways, music, and games.  Why not stop by for some treats and try to Dunk-a-Dean?

The Student Life Game Centers open on September 3.  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.   

Upcoming events include blood drives in early September, the annual Busch Gardens bus trip on September 7 (tickets are currently on sale in the Business Offices), and intramural sports orientation sessions, just to name a few.

On a more serious note, renovations at the Downtown campus continue and some services have been temporarily relocated while construction takes place.  We appreciate your patience during the construction and have posted signs to keep you abreast of changes.

We look forward to a great year!  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 academic year!

 

Reynolds Holds Active Shooter Drill

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Department of Police, in conjunction with Henrico County Police Division, Henrico County Division of Fire, Virginia State Police, and Virginia Department of Emergency Management held a multi-jurisdictional "active shooter drill" on August 10th at the Parham Road Campus.

The Saturday drill simulated an emergency incident in Georgiadis Hall, triggering a response from numerous local emergency management partners including personnel and units from Henrico Police, Henrico Fire, Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad and Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad. More than two dozen volunteers role-played as victims with varying degrees of injuries.  

Reynolds Police Chief Paul Ronca noted that the drill was "an important opportunity to work with several outstanding local partners to test our response capabilities and interoperability with multiple agencies."

Henrico County Chief of Police Douglas Middleton attended the active shooter drill and noted, "The objective here is to create an environment that is as realistic as possible so that officers, non-sworn personnel, and firefighters understand how to respond when a crisis actually does occur."

The successful active shooter drill is another important milestone of excellence for the Reynolds Department of Police, coming on the heels of the department's June accreditation by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC). Reynolds Police was the first department at a VCCS member institution to receive such an accreditation.

Video footage of the drill, including brief interviews with Chiefs Ronca and Middleton, as well as photos from the drill can be found below.

(All weapons shown were safety-secured prior to the drill and inoperable during the drill)  

New Advanced Automotive Technology courses offered

Are you interested in learning about advanced automotive technology?  Today’s automotive diagnostics and repair careers are challenging and financially rewarding.  J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is offering the following three new advanced automotive courses this fall.

(1)    AUT 230 - Intro to Alternative Fueled & Hybrid Vehicles (3 credits):  This online course offers general information about the exciting new automotive technology of alternative fuel including electric vehicles.  No prerequisites are required.  Anyone interested in automotive technology is welcome to sign up. There is no lab associated with this course. 

(2)    AUT 243 - Automotive Control Electronics (4 credits):  This online course covers control systems in electric vehicles and fuel celled vehicles.  Students should talk with school advisors about enrolling in this course.  There is an associated lab that meets on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. – 8:40 p.m. 

(3)    AUT 256 -Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (4 credits):  This online course covers fuel cell vehicle systems and advanced automotive electronics. Come learn about what the not-to-distant future automobile will have under the hood. Students should talk with school advisors about enrollment requirements.  There is an associated lab that meets on Thursdays from 6 p.m. – 8:40 p.m.

Scholarships are available for these classes.  Classes begin on August 21.  For additional information about the scholarships and the courses, contact Kelly Schwendeman at lschwendeman@reynolds.edu or (804) 523-5938 or Alan Crouch at acrouch@reynolds.edu or (804) 523-5969.

Bridging cultures

The staff of UVA's Alderman Library showed Bridging Cultures faculty some of the resources of the library and seduced us with tales of the Semester at Sea. We toured Alderman's gorgeous Asian Reading Room, where we were treated to an impromptu storytelling session by Slavic librarian and professional storyteller George Crafts.

Back in the Open Grounds classroom, Edith Clowes explained the theological and (mostly) political division between the Eastern and Western (Orthodox and Catholic) churches, and the characteristics of Orthodox cathedral architecture and iconography. Next, Natasha Miles presented an intro to Buddhist philosophy and a detailed life of the Buddha. We finished the day with Rich Cohen's millennia-spanning lecture on Hinduism and Jainism including their ancient roots and most influential reformers. Most interestingly, he pointed out that "Hinduism" is a label applied largely by non-Hindus to attempt to collect the diverse beliefs of a huge nation into a convenient conceptual packages. Concepts like the Ishtadeva, or personal god, mean that one can expect to see a great diversity of belief and practice from region to region, or even from Hindu to Hindu. 

After Dr. Cohen's lecture, I feel like I'm already semi-fluent in Sanskrit, but I think I'm about to learn how little I know since today's lectures focus on language and linguistics. Once more into the breach!

-          Jason Lira

The above blog is a recount of Reynolds faculty member Jason Lira’s experience at the symposium on Bridging Cultures. Seven Reynolds faculty members joined other participants from representative VCCS institutions in a weeklong, National Endowment for Humanities-sponsored symposium on Bridging Cultures. Hosted by the University of Virginia and led by Project Director Rachel Stauffer, Outreach Coordinator of the Asia Institute and Lecturer in Slavic Languages and Literatures, the Bridging Cultures Symposium provides VCCS faculty with the opportunity to develop their understanding and knowledge of the culture, geography, history, and human development in South Asia, East Asia, Russia and Eurasia, and the Middle East.

JSRCC Faculty Participate in UVA-NEH Bridging Cultures at Community Colleges Symposium

In the interim days between the end of the summer semester and the start of Fall 2013 classes, seven JSRCC faculty have joined other participants from representative VCCS institutions in a weeklong, NEH-sponsored symposium on Bridging Cultures. Hosted by the University of Virginia and led by Project Director Rachel Stauffer, Outreach Coordinator of the Asia Institute and Lecturer in Slavic Languages and Literatures, the Bridging Cultures Symposium provides VCCS faculty with the opportunity to develop their understanding and knowledge of the culture, geography, history, and human development in South Asia, East Asia, Russia and Eurasia, and the Middle East.

On Monday, August 5, symposium participants enjoyed a series of intense and detailed lectures from UVA scholars whose research focuses upon Ancient China, Ancient South Asia, and the ancient civilizations of Central Asia. Some specific areas of conversation included discussions of the Silk Road, the philosophical and cultural attributes of ancient Chinese dynastic empires, and movements of peoples and cultures throughout ancient South Asia. In addition, participants witnessed a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony shared by Haruko Yuda, Japan Outreach Coordinator at the Asia Institute of UVA.

Participating JSRCC faculty include Joseph Appiah (History), Cynthia De Riemer (Communication Studies), Ghazala Hashmi (English), Jason Lira (English), Maria Ramos (English), Jane Rosecrans (English), and Christopher Thomas (History). Dr. De Riemer also serves as the JSRCC Project Liaison in this two-year long collaboration between UVA and VCCS faculty. At the end of the week’s Symposium, Reynolds faculty will define areas of focus and effort for this academic year, and also develop plans to share their work with other faculty and students at JSRCC.

Bringing color and collaboration to Burnette Hall

 

 Bringing color and collaboration to Burnette Hall, artists-in-residence from Westminster Canterbury Richmond and Cedarfield retirement communities have transformed formerly bare walls on the Second Floor of the Arts & Humanities into a welcome gallery space. 

In an effort to bring more artwork and visual interest to the college, Dr. Rhodes has reached out to local artists, such as photographer Wayne Dementi, whose images are featured at the Goochland Campus; Beth and Wolfgang Jasper, displayed in the Workforce Development and Conference Center; and, the collection gifted by W. Baxter Perkinson at the Downtown Campus.  Westminster Canterbury and Cedarfield, both with active art programs, each adopted a wall in the Arts & Humanities wing, giving the residents ample room to showcase their talents.

Westminster Canterbury’s “The Four Seasons of Richmond, Virginia” murals feature well-known monuments and landmarks.  “Virginia Trees in Their Native Habitat” by the Cedarfield artists takes a more bucolic turn.  “Viewing the pieces is like taking a drive through the city and then through the country,” said Brenda Bickerstaff-Stanley, an artist and project coordinator at Cedarfield. 

Among the contributing artists from Westminster Canterbury is Dr. M.L. Foy, retired Physics professor at Reynolds.  She and the other artists from both programs met each other for the first time recently to swap stories, photos, and admire each other’s work.  Pausing to look at each panel, Dr. Foy remarked, “Very nicely done.  Everyone did a great job.” 

In a testament to Dr. Foy’s remarks, it’s not unusual to see students poised in a moment of quiet reflection in front of the pieces, or hear a comment of appreciation from a passerby to another.  It seems the project – as art has the power to do – is continuing to bring people together in a meaningful way.

 

General Motors donates vehicles to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Automotive Program

Automotive students at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College will have two new vehicles to work on this fall. General Motors (GM) recently donated a 2013 GMC Sierra Pickup and a 2009 Pontiac G6 to the General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (GM ASEP) program at Reynolds.  These vehicles will be added to the existing inventory of GM vehicles at the automotive training facility on the Goochland Campus and will be used in classes to help train the skilled technicians of tomorrow.   

The GM ASEP program incorporates the most advanced automotive technology with a strong academic foundation that enhances analytical and technical skills. Students earn an associate degree while working and learning on the job. The result is a solid education combined with invaluable work experience for GM dealerships. 

The 2013 GMC Sierra Pickup, equipped with the latest in technology and systems, was damaged in a train derailment during transportation and as a result was donated to the College for training automotive technicians. The 2009 Pontiac G6 has less than 700 miles on its odometer.   

Lorenza Dickerson, who has been instructing students in the GM ASP program since its inception at Reynolds in 1999, will utilize the vehicles in teaching the courses required to meet GM technical training requirements.  Under his guidance students will have the opportunity to closely examine and diagnose every component system both vehicles have to offer. 

“We are very grateful for this generous donation from General Motors which will enable the current and future automotive students to experience hands-on classroom skills” noted Alan Crouch, GMASEP Coordinator and Co-Program Head of Automotive Technology.   

“We are proud to support training programs that prepare the next generation of automotive technicians,” said Todd Dawn, GM ASEP and AYES Program Manager. “Our commitment to our customers goes well beyond building a quality product.  Our dedication to excellence starts at the training level by partnering with schools in communities around the globe to share our collective passion for the automotive industry and educate, inspire and motivate the technicians of tomorrow.” 

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. 

  

Ford gets a Dream Job at Ford

Doug Ford inherited his passion for automobiles, Fords to be exact, from his grandfather who worked 34 years as a mechanic at a Ford dealership.  Even as a child Doug was fascinated by automobiles and wanted to understand what made them work.

After graduating from J.R. Tucker High School in Henrico County, Doug chose J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College for two reasons.  First, he wanted to study automotive technology, and Reynolds offered the Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) program which provides an automotive education focused exclusively on current Ford products. Secondly, he was offered a full scholarship so the stress of paying for college was eliminated. 

Arriving at Reynolds, Doug immersed himself in college life while excelling in his automotive studies. He served as a student ambassador, participated in the JSR Lead Program and served as vice president of the student council on the Goochland Campus.  He joined and remains a board member for Project STIR (Sustainable Transportation Initiative of Richmond) whose goal is to make the Greater Richmond Region the national model in building an innovative, sustainable transportation system that moves people in a greener way. 

One of Doug’s instructors, Michael Trapani, recognized his talents and encouraged him to continue his education beyond automotive technology to the field of engineering. Doug quickly realized the value of having a “Plan B” for his future and after earning his Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology, he returned to Reynolds to earn a second Associate degree, this time in Engineering. He then transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical  Engineering, with a goal of completing his education in December 2013.

While a student in the Ford ASSET program at Reynolds, Doug was required to work at a Ford dealership - it was at this time he met a Field Service Engineer from Ford Motor Company in Detroit.  Field Service Engineers (FSE) travel to dealerships as technical specialists to diagnose problems and assist local mechanics when there is an issue the local mechanic can’t resolve.  Intrigued by the position, Doug asked the FSE about his position and how he acquired it.  The FSE gave Doug the contact information for the recruiter who had hired him and suggested he contact her.  Doug made the inquiry, sent a resume as requested, then traveled to Detroit for an interview, and in the end was offered a position as a service engineer in a call center.  The service engineer’s role is to diagnose and resolve problems for mechanics over the phone.  If they are unable to do so, a field service engineer is dispatched to the dealership. 

Doug realized that this was not only his dream job, but an opportunity that might not come again.  He moved to Dearborn Michigan in mid-June and has been on the job since.   Although he won’t be graduating from VCU in December as planned, Doug has already made arrangements to complete his mechanical engineering degree by next spring at a college in Michigan.

Doug noted, “Reynolds opened so many doors for me, and they are still opening.  I had so many experiences that I would never have had if I went to another school.  Attending Reynolds was a fantastic experience and the best decision I ever made.  I am now the school’s biggest advocate, recommending it to others at every opportunity.”

Doug has given back to Reynolds as well.  This spring he was part of a team of four VCU students who designed and created a self-parking golf cart with the ability to park itself simply with the press of one button.  The project, a collaborative effort between VCU and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, was one of the projects displayed at VCU’s School of Engineering Senior Design Expo 2013.  The golf cart now resides at Reynolds where future automotive students will use the vehicle as a lab tool for a new course entitled Automotive Electronic Guidance Control Systems. Ford noted, “My first degree at Reynolds was in Automotive Technology, so it means a lot to me to be able to give back to future Reynolds students so they can learn and grow as technology evolves in the auto industry.”

One can’t help but wonder with the last name of Ford, if Doug is any relation to that “Ford” family, but he said there is no relation that he has been able to find, at least not so far.

 

 

Orientation sessions underway at Reynolds

With a new semester right around the corner, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College begins Student Orientation and Advising and Registration (SOAR) and SOAR Express sessions this week for students who will be starting classes at Reynolds this fall.

While starting college is an exciting time for new students, the transition to post-secondary education can be challenging.  To assist with this transition, students new to Reynolds have the option to attend an orientation session to receive academic advising and to register for fall classes.  Students choose between two types of orientation programs - SOAR or SOAR Express.  While SOAR is a comprehensive, half-day program for new students and their parents or guests, SOAR Express is a 2-hour program for new students that focuses on the nuts and bolts of registering for fall classes.

Prior to attending SOAR & SOAR Express new students must take the placement tests at one of the campus Testing Centers, set up their username and password in SIS, and follow-up with Financial Aid if they have any questions about their financial aid package.

As you can see from these pictures from a SOAR Express orientation session, it may still be summer, but school is definitely in session at Reynolds!

More information about SOAR and SOAR Express can be found online at http://www.reynolds.edu/studentaffairs/orientation.htm.