Emergency teams land at Huguenot High 
School thanks to JSRCC Career Coach
Nearly 400 students of Huguenot High School were selected by their principal to participate in a day-long program to learn about Trauma Care, Forensic Nursing, and medical life flights on Wednesday, June 6. Mr. Johnny Isom, a JSRCC Career Coach at Huguenot High School, coordinated the effort to bring the students a day of hands on experience of careers in the emergency medical and law enforcement areas.
Volunteers from JSRCC, the VCU Trauma Team, VCU Life Flight Helicopter, City of Richmond Fire Department, City of Richmond Police Department and Forest View Rescue Squad collaborated to include victim extrication from a wrecked car, and medical flight of the mock accident victim.
Class of 2007
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College held its 34th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday May 12 at the VCU Siegel Center/ Alltel Pavilion.
The commencement speaker Senator Walter A. Stosch of the 12th Senate District (Henrico, Goochland, City of Richmond) shared his personal story with the graduates and urged them to continue learning, give back and remember their families.
"Those of us who go through life seeking knowledge will continue to grow no matter what our age -- just as those who stop learning are bound to regress," he said. "Ignorance will end up costing us more than the expense of an education."
Reynolds conferred nearly 1,000 degrees and certificates to more than 900 students. The program will also recognized almost 60 students who earned their GED through the college’s Middle College Program.
The Middle College is a Virginia Community College System initiative designed to offer a college opportunity to students between 18 and 24 who have not completed high school. This college recovery program is designed for those individuals who have had a desire to pursue college coursework, but need to attain a GED certificate first.
Serving over 17,000 students annually, JSRCC is the youngest and third largest of 23 community colleges in Virginia. The College consists of three campuses to serve residents in the City of Richmond and the counties of Henrico, Hanover, Goochland, Powhatan and Louisa.
Marinades, Rubs & Grilling Tips
Chef John Maxwell recently shared his expertise on marinades, rubs, and grilling tips at the Learning Environment Steering Committee’s lunch-time brown bag PDO on the Western Campus.
Chef Maxwell grilling out at Western Campus for PDO Day>>
A number of Reynolds staff and faculty enjoyed Chef Maxwell’s tips and the opportunity to sample a few of his delicious recipes. A special thank you to Chef Maxell for his tips that will make grilling this summer more enjoyable for all that attended!
Campus construction update <<click for details
Most people can remember being in a special place at one time or another. Whether it was a building, an open space, or a natural feature, that special place left a lasting impression. Such elements often project a distinct image to us and they have a unique character which makes us form lasting impressions of them. Campus areas that are well-designed evoke positive images and become communities in which people choose to live, work, learn, and play.
The college recently embarked upon several expansion projects that will add much needed classroom and laboratory space and enhance the aesthetic appeal, functionality and learning environment of our campuses. Over the past two years, nearly all classrooms on all three campuses have been renovated—receiving new paint, carpet, and ceiling tiles, as well as new furniture and instructional technology. A significant percentage of offices have also been renovated.
With master planning on the Parham Road Campus complete, some obvious changes—and some not so obvious changes—are occurring or have occurred right before our eyes. Most noticeable are the construction of a new state-of-the-art Library and Technology Center, a new Maintenance Building, a drive-up Virginia Credit Union ATM, the transformation of the food services operation in Burnette Hall, improved exterior lighting, and the resurfacing of the exterior of Georgiadis Hall. Interior renovations in Georgiadis Hall will accommodate a redesigned Student Services Center, providing students a greater level of customer service and convenience.
Burnette Hall on the Parham Road Campus will receive a comprehensive renovation to include science laboratories, building systems and accessibility requirements (ADA). A request for a similar renovation to Georgiadis Hall is pending, as well as a request for the renovation of the Downtown Campus building. A new Workforce Training and Technology Center with an administrative component is under design and will replace space leased for CCWA at North Run as well as the Central Administration Building, moving both to the Parham Road Campus. New interior and external signage will be installed as renovations are completed and new buildings come online. Furthermore, preliminary discussions have commenced regarding the development of an auto body repair instructional laboratory on the Western Campus and the concept for an Eastern Henrico Campus is being refined.
“Our goal in all these renovations is to achieve physical facilities that are modern and accommodate services to students that are easily located and which by design, invite students to linger longer on the campus to pursue academic or social activities,” said Tim Brown, vice president for finance and administration.
Winners of student art awards announced
Twenty-one students won awards Friday night for their accomplishments in the 
visual arts. The 2007 Student Art Show, sponsored by the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, was judged by faculty representatives from the renowned Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts.
Dr. Gary Rhodes congratulates Michael Tonzola for his best in show award>>
The event showcased the talents of JSRCC students in painting, graphic design, drawing, color photography, black and white photography, and ceramics. Michael Tonzola won best in show and a $300 grand prize for his color photograph entitled “Taking in the View.” Seva Lobanov was 1st runner-up, winning $200 for his painting entitled “Landscape.” Winners in individual categories are listed on the
news release.
JSRCC 9th Annual Scholarship Luncheon
Nearly 200 guests recently came out to enjoy the JSRCC Educational Foundation’s 9th Annual Scholarship Luncheon in Georgiadis Hall on the Parham Road Campus.
The event allowed personal connections among everyone involved in the scholarship program, including scholarship donors and their scholarship recipients.
The program was highlighted by remarks from Reynolds students Kimberly Jones and Justin Bellamy who have been provided additional educational opportunities thanks to the College’s generous benefactors. One of the College's donors, Sharon Mallory, gave a very moving speech about the benefits of giving back to assist other students with a college education. To date, nearly $300,000 in scholarship funds has been awarded this year to almost 250 Reynolds students.
Dimitri and Maggie Georgiadis named 2007 Medallion Society Award recipients by Reynolds Educational Foundation
The J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation named Dimitri and Maggie Georgiadis the 2007 Medallion Society Award recipients at the President’s Reception hosted last night by Dr. Gary Rhodes. The Medallion Award is the highest honor that the Foundation can bestow upon an individual, corporation, or foundation for their support of the college. Members of the Medallion Society have provided significant contributions that are inspirational and transformational at Reynolds.
Dimitri Georgiadis settled in Richmond, Virginia in 1994 after leading several international companies, including Shering-Plough Corporation and Productos Del Monte, a former subsidiary of R.J. Reynolds Industries based in Mexico. His passion for photography inspired him to take a class at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College where he eventually became program head for photography. The Georgiadises recently pledged more than $1 million to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College to fund scholarships for needy youth in the Richmond area, providing access to higher education for those who need it most.
Fund raising activities at the college are carried out by the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. Funds raised through the Foundation help remove barriers to college education, train workers for Greater Richmond, and raise the standard of living for citizens in this community. For more information about the Foundation, call (804) 523-5181.
National Science Foundation STEM Scholarship/
Academic Support Program
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College has received a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) sub-award with Virginia Commonwealth University from the National Science Foundation to host a scholarship/academic support program.
The College has funds to support up to seven scholars per year at $2500 a year ($1250 per semester) for a four-year period including 2006-2007. The NSF Scholars this year are Leslie Fogg (Mathematics), Ryan Okoth (Computer Science), Christopher Scott Rudolph (Engineering), and Matthew Vinson (Engineering).
Students must be in Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, or Computer Technology programs. The recipients of the awards must have a 2.7 or higher GPA, take a full-load of coursework, and participate in three hours per week in problem-solving activities in Math 173, Math 174, or Math 277.
Dr. Roland Moore, Dean of the School of Mathematics and Science, partnered with VCU on the grant proposal. Dr. Gayle Childers, Assistant to the Dean, is coordinating the program and Mr. Randy Pittman is conducting the problem-solving sessions. For additional information or to apply to the program, contact Dr. Childers at GChilders@reynolds.edu or 523-5225.
AHSS Faculty share their findings
A symposium for the faculty of the Department of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences was held recently in the Gallery of Georgiadis Hall on the Parham Road Campus.
The morning session of the program included the following presentations: Miles McCrimmon on Contesting the Territoriality of “Freshman English”: The Place of Dual Enrollment, Bev Aronowitz on Going Public in English 111 and English 112: Supporting the Learning Objectives of Communication, Information Literacy, Connectivity, and Professionalism with Students' Oral Presentations Based on Their Researched Essays, Bruce Sofinski on Differentiation in the ASL Classroom: Five Big Ideas to Guide Ongoing Curriculum & Instruction Decisions, Marty Watkin on "Our bodies were our first books": Adult Sudanese Learners of ESL and the Refugee Experience
The afternoon session included: Ashley Bourne on In the great forest of nature: Crevecoeur's Divisive View of American Wilderness, Jane Rosecrans on The Myth of the Flat Earth, Ghazala Hashmi discussed Western Media and the Burqa: Covering Islam in a Post 9/11 World, Wayne Knight on Clinton, NATO and Kosovo, 1999 and David Lawrence on Preliminary Results of an Expedition to Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean.
JSRCC inducts 133 students into PTK International Honor Society
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College recently inducted 133 students into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. This induction class made up the largest class in Reynolds’ history. The Alpha Iota Beta and Alpha Gamma Omicron chapters selected students based on their 3.3 or higher grade point averages, course completion, and good moral character.
Dr. Catherine W. Howard, Virginia Commonwealth University vice provost for the division of community engagement, presented the charge to the new inductees. Howard congratulated the students on their achievement and acknowledged the support and encouragement of family members who were in attendance. She also told the inductees that she looks forward to seeing them on the campus of VCU upon completion of their associate degrees.
Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in higher education with 1.3 million members and 1,100 chapters in every state. Upon graduation, Phi Theta Kappa members have access to $36 million in exclusive transfer scholarships to four-year institutions. The society is committed to providing development opportunities for its members through academic honors, leadership training and service programming.
Reynolds students excel in state-wide business competition
The J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College chapter of Phi Beta Lambda recently won a number of top honors at a state-wide leadership conference held in Richmond. Competing against students from Bluefield College, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, and Virginia Union University, among others, the Reynolds chapter won first place for its community service project, as well as several top individual honors.
Phi Beta Lambda is a nonprofit educational association of over 250,000 student members preparing for careers in business. The association has four divisions: FBLA-Middle Level for junior high and intermediate school students; FBLA for high school students; Phi Beta Lambda for post-secondary students, and a Professional Division for individuals who support the goals of the association.
The Reynolds chapter was recognized for a community service project that involved the collection and donation of 500 pounds of food to the Richmond Salvation Army Food Pantry. According to local Salvation Army officials, the donation was the largest they ever received from any single group at one time since opening the food pantry.
In the individual award categories, Nakeisha Cole of Alameda, CA won a first place award for International Business. Cole is also the chapter president. John Randolph of Mechanicsville, VA won a first place award for Sports Management. Wendy Christiana of Richmond, VA won a second place award for Desktop Publishing and Robert Johnson of Richmond, VA won a second place award for Economic Concepts. Charles Haines of Richmond, VA won a third place award for Computer Applications. Chapter vice-president Jessica Hamilton of Highland Springs, VA was named to Who's Who in Phi Beta Lambda from Virginia. These students will compete at the National Phi Beta Lambda Leadership Conference in Chicago this June.
"My Freshman Year" author visits Reynolds
The Reynolds Faculty Senate recently sponsored a dialogue with Dr. Cathy Small as she discussed the results of her anthropological study of student culture when she enrolled as a college freshman in her fifties. Professor Small, after more than 10 years of teaching, entered her university as a freshman.
In her groundbreaking anthropological study she investigated the world of the undergraduate student. Small moved out of her house and into the dorms, taking a full load of courses, joining student activities, and eating in the student dining hall. The seminar addressed what she learned about such issues as engaging students with campus activities, student attitude toward faculty, cheating and academic dishonesty, relationships between non-native/immigrant students and American born peers, and other topics.
Faces of Reynolds: Michael Taylor
Michael Taylor has an impressive resume. Prior to his current role as adjunct instructor in the Marketing Program, he taught at some of the most highly regarded colleges for fashion design and merchandising, including Parsons School of Design, Fashion Institute of Technology and Virginia Commonwealth University. His work has been featured in national magazines including Essence and Ebony Man.
While in New York, Taylor owned and operated Michael New York on 7th Avenue in New York City. Now he has brought his sense of style and extensive knowledge of fashion to Richmond. In addition to teaching Introduction to Fashion Design at Reynolds, he is also the proud owner of Michael Taylor Couture, the first made to measure fashion boutique in the Richmond area.
“We are very happy to have Michael join our staff as an adjunct instructor. There are so many students that come to me every semester with an interest in fashion design. One of Michael’s main roles will be to give students first-hand insight into the design world. He will also be able to shed light on career opportunities and what it takes to become a world-class designer,” said Beverly Davis marketing program head.
Gordon Graham engages and enlightens—sharing insight into risk management topics and ethical decision-making principles
Southwest Airlines has the best safety record of any commercial airline in the United States. According to Gordon Graham, that’s because Southwest understands the principles of risk management—knowing what risk management means, managing risks through systems, providing exceptional customer service, being accountable in all aspects of corporate operations, and expecting integrity and ethical behavior from the top to the bottom of an organization.
What is the biggest problem America faces today? Graham says it’s our propensity to focus on post-incident correction instead of pre-incident prevention. Thirty years on-the-job training as a California law enforcement officer, coupled with multiple degrees and extensive research in risk management systems, Graham—who is also an attorney—was more than qualified to discuss public safety issues with the faculty, staff, students and local public safety officials gathered at the inaugural Public Safety Symposium hosted today by the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Police and Security Services department.
During his tenure as a law enforcement professional, he was awarded his teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach. He later earned a Master's Degree in Safety and Systems Management from University of Southern California and a Juris Doctorate from Western State University.
“He is one of the most engaging and thought-provoking speakers I have heard in 30+ years,” said Reynolds president Gary Rhodes. “It would be time-well-spent to…hear him speak.” An expert in the art of storytelling, Graham weaved personal exploits of his career as a law enforcement officer with current events and solid theory, resulting in a plot that presented a clear analysis of why things generally go wrong, and how to prevent those unfortunate situations from occurring in the first place.
He concluded his presentation by sharing several pearls of wisdom with the audience: always obey the law and follow the policy; if it smells bad, it probably is bad; always be up front and honest; and ethical actions speak louder than ethical words. Principles we all can live by!
A TRIBUTE TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS
Nearly 150 attendants came to Reynolds recently to enjoy the history presentation tables and a step show put on by the eight local chapters of Black Greek Letter Organizations. The organizations celebrated the "Divine 9", the name given to the nine Black Greek Letter Organizations that fall under the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Since 1906, when Alpha Phi Alpha was founded at Cornell University, African-American Greek Letter Organizations have played a major part in the fabric of African-American culture. All organizations are dedicated to public service and work to help make their communities and the world around them a better place to live.
Through many service projects, these organizations strive to make a difference in the world. Even though these groups are public service organizations, they also have a social aspect. Members of the "Divine Nine" are often known for show-stopping and dynamic step shows. Stepping has a history that can be traced back to Africa, and therefore, it is important in the culture of Black Greek Letter Organizations.
Black sororities and fraternities are dedicated to academic excellence as well. They were all founded on the basis that the founders were African-Americans struggling for equality during one of the most turbulent times in American history.
Reynolds Faculty and Staff Gather to Enjoy Brown-Bag Gardening Tips
The Learning Environment Steering Committee recently hosted the brown-bag session Spring Gardening in the Gallery featuring Horticulture Program Head David Seward. Reynolds faculty and staff enjoyed the 
opportunity to mingle with co-workers, food prepared by the Reynolds Culinary Arts department, door prizes and spring gardening tips from David.
<<Participants also received seedlings and rooted plants to plant in their very own gardens.
“I thought it was very informative, and a great opportunity to fellowship with other faculty and staff members that you don’t get to see every day. The food was great, and I hope we have more in the
future,” said Janice Rollins, Distance Learning Program Support Tech.
Dimitri and Maggie Georgiadis named 2007 Medallion Society Award recipients by Reynolds Educational Foundation
The J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation named Dimitri and Maggie Georgiadis the 2007 Medallion Society Award recipients at the President’s Reception hosted last night by Dr. Gary Rhodes. The Medallion Award is the highest honor that the Foundation can bestow upon an individual, corporation, or foundation for their support of the college. Members of the Medallion Society have provided significant contributions that are inspirational and transformational at Reynolds.
Dimitri Georgiadis settled in Richmond, Virginia in 1994 after leading several international companies, including Shering-Plough Corporation and Productos Del Monte, a former subsidiary of R.J. Reynolds Industries based in Mexico. His passion for photography inspired him to take a class at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College where he eventually became program head for photography. The Georgiadises recently pledged more than $1 million to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College to fund scholarships for needy youth in the Richmond area, providing access to higher education for those who need it most.
Fund raising activities at the college are carried out by the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation, Inc. Funds raised through the Foundation help remove barriers to college education, train workers for Greater Richmond, and raise the standard of living for citizens in this community. For more information about the Foundation, call (804) 523-5181.
Comboni Missionary Sisters Pursue Degrees for World-wide Service
How do you go from being a missionary in the scorching deserts of Sudan and the rugged forests of South Africa to becoming a nursing student at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College?
“Easy if you are a Comboni Missionary Sister,” says Sister Anita Concepcion who was born in the Philippines and served in Dubai and Jordan. “It is part of our vocation to move from one part of the world to another wherever you are needed.”
The Comboni Missionary Sisters’ U.S. Headquarters on the north side of Richmond is conveniently located within walking distance of the Reynolds Parham Road Campus. It currently houses 14 Sisters who have primarily served in Africa, and the Middle East.
With its roots formed to assist people of Africa, the first group of the Comboni Missionary Sisters came to Richmond in 1950 to work with African Americans during the times of segregation. The Sisters currently operate Holy Angels Daycare Center, which was the first in Richmond to desegregate in 1954. Since 1950, about 200 CMS from around the world have been assigned to Richmond, either for service or for their professional preparation.
“As the world continues to change it is very important for us to keep up to date with our education,” says Sister Juliana Paladini, born in Italy, who in addition to her bachelor degree in secondary education, went back to school to receive an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from JSRCC to assist with the daycare center. Sister Paladini served in Richmond from 1953 to 1976 and returned to the location in 1990 after serving in the Middle East.
Named after St. Daniel Comboni, the Comboni Missionary consists of missionaries in 30 different countries with three locations in the United States. With over 1,700 Missionary Sisters from 33 nationalities in four continents, the sisters are “Women of the Gospel,” called and consecrated by God for evangelization in the world, with a special focus on the people of Africa.
Following stays in Dubai and Jordan, Sister Concepcion, is currently taking four classes this semester at JSRCC with plans to become a Registered Nurse. At the completion of her studies, Sister Anita will be assigned to a mission to assist with health care.
Sister Delia Coronado from Mexico is another Reynolds student who is studying English as a second language. She was assigned to the United States to improve her knowledge of the English language that will prepare her for a service in Africa.
“One of the purposes of our presence in the USA is the professional preparation of our Sisters for the missions,” explains Sr. Maria Luz Aguilera, who is presently the Provincial of the CMS in the USA. She, too, attended JSRCC and received an Associate in Arts Degree from Reynolds in 1978. After further studies, she served in Uganda, Kenya and Mexico.
“Education in the USA has proven valuable. A good number of the CMS educated here have assumed leadership roles in our Institute or are working in key positions in the missions,” added Sr. Maria Luz. “Education in the USA however, is very expensive and we would never be able to afford keeping Sisters in Colleges and Universities in this country were it not for the generosity of friends and benefactors who believe in us and in our mission.”
With its roots formed to assist people of Africa, the Comboni Missionary came to Richmond in 1953 to help African Americans during the times of segregation. The Comboni Missionary is thought to be Richmond’s first desegregated daycare, accepting a black child into their school in 1956 just before the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling declaring segregation unconstitutional. Anyone interested in knowing more about the Comboni Missionary Sisters or wishing to help them may contact Sr. Maria Luz Aguilera, CMS at l307 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA 23228-4710, Telephone (804) 262-8827.
JSRCC inducts 133 students into Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College recently inducted 133 students into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. This induction class made up the largest class in Reynolds’ history. The Alpha Iota Beta and Alpha Gamma Omicron chapters selected students based on their 3.3 or higher grade point averages, course completion, and good moral character.
Dr. Catherine W. Howard, Virginia Commonwealth University vice provost for the division of community engagement, presented the charge to the new inductees. Howard congratulated the students on their achievement and acknowledged the support and encouragement of family members who were in attendance. She also told the inductees that she looks forward to seeing them on the campus of VCU upon completion of their associate degrees.
Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in higher education with 1.3 million members and 1,100 chapters in every state. Upon graduation, Phi Theta Kappa members have access to $36 million in exclusive transfer scholarships to four-year institutions. The society is committed to providing development opportunities for its members through academic honors, leadership training and service programming.
Reynolds CTE Visits Great Virginia Teach-In
Center of Teacher Education Director Dr. Harriet Morrison and CTE Specialist Evelyn Cronin recently attended the Great Virginia Teach-In to recruit high school students with an interest in becoming future teachers and people in other fields who would like to
become licensed to teach in the Virginia Community College Career Switcher Program.
The Great Virginia Teach-In is a recruiting and information fair designed for teachers considering a career move to Virginia, students enrolled in teacher preparation programs, liberal arts students considering teaching as a career, and professionals in other fields who dream of shaping the future as a classroom teacher.
The Great Virginia Teach-In connects prospective teachers with representatives of Virginia school districts, teacher preparation programs, innovative career switcher programs, and specialists from the Virginia Department of Education.
Teach-In participants also learn of the many benefits of teaching in Virginia and have opportunities to interview with representatives from school districts in Virginia's scenic rural areas, historic cities, and vibrant suburban communities.
Reynolds awarded grant to establish Urban Teacher Institute
The Center for Teacher Education at J. Sargeant Reynolds 
Community College has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Community Foundation to establish an Urban Teacher Institute. The Urban Teacher Institute will develop a pre-collegiate program for City of Richmond high school students interested in urban teaching careers. It will also offer improved professional development opportunities for new and current teachers working in City schools. The center will offer a four-day colloquium for urban teachers this summer.
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College serves as a gateway to teacher education. Students can complete their first two years of teacher preparation courses, receive an associate degree, and then transfer to a four-year college or university. In Virginia, most individuals seeking a license to teach should earn a Bachelor’s degree in an arts and sciences area. Many four-year institutions require prospective teachers to obtain their professional education studies during a fifth year of study resulting in a Masters Degree. Reynolds offers prospective educators Teacher Preparation Specializations in associate degree programs in Science, Social Sciences and Liberal Arts. College advisors work closely with students to ensure optimum transferability of courses in these specializations. For more information about the Center for Teacher Education, contact Dr. Harriet Morrison at 804.523.5543.
Viva Las Reynolds!
Reynolds’ marketing students recently traveled to Las Vegas 
to gain hands on experience as buyers at one of the worlds most influential events in the fashion business – the MAGIC Marketplace. MAGIC is a twice a year apparel trade show that connects a global audience of serious buyers and sellers of men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel and accessories. Thousands of retailers spanning single store boutiques to mass market domestic and international chains attend MAGIC to access 3,300 exhibitors showcasing over 5,000 brands and private label resources.
Reynolds students were among buyers from all over the world, as they shopped though nine hundred thousand square feet of merchandise for Reynolds’ student operated Campus Casuals clothing and accessory store.
“The MAGIC Marketplace is huge, as designers from all 
over show-off their new merchandise for the fall and winter of next year. All buyers that attend MAGIC have to be an accredited retailer, and because of Campus Casuals our students have the opportunity to experience everything that MAGIC has to offer,” said Beverly Davis, marketing program head.
Reynolds’ students attended trend-driven fashion shows and industry seminars that addressed timely topics in fashion and business.
“The overall MAGIC experience was great, as we saw fashion shows that showcased the upcoming fall fashion scene, learned how to deal with vendors as we bought items for Campus Casuals, and went to seminars that incorporated everything that we’ve been learning in class,” said CheyAnne Gibson, a fashion merchandising student.
Dr. Ivan L. Harrell II. Receives Additional Dissertation Awards
Ivan L. Harrell II., Ph.D. has recently received two awards 
for his dissertation entitled "Using Student Characteristics to Predict the Persistence of Community College Students in Online Courses". This work was "Cited for Excellence" by the 2007 Council for the Study of Community College's Dissertation of the Year Awards Committee. Additionally the work was selected as one of three finalists for the American Educational Research Association's Leadership for School Improvement Dissertation Award.
Last fall the work won the Southern Association for College Student Affairs 2006 Dissertation of the Year Award.
Dr. Harrell serves as the coordinator for student affairs and has been at JSRCC since February of 2006.
JSRCC & Friends of the Transportation Programs Host 5th Annual Giraffe Award Luncheon
Giraffes were loose again on the Western Campus, as nearly 100 “Friends of the Transportation Program” were honored at the annual Giraffe Award Luncheon.
Highlights of the luncheon included speeches by students Isaac McAllister and Bobbie Elam. Isaac shared with the group his recent trip to Canada as he represented the United Stat
es in an automotive competition, while Bobbie described what it was like to be a female non-traditional welding student who drives race cars!
Pat Patrick of Patrick Auto Group served as the keynote speaker before the 2007 Giraffe Award winners were announced by School of Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Dean Bob Heinz.
The Giraffe Award winners included, JSRCC faculty member Leroy Williams, General Manager of Bruce’s Body Shop Jack Bruce and Mike Brooks of Brooks Auto.
| |
(L-R) Leroy Williams, Jack Bruce, Mike Brooks,
JSRCC President Dr. Gary Rhodes. |
Since their inception, the automotive, diesel and welding programs at JSRCC have relied upon industry leaders to provide counsel and resources to deliver high quality training. JSRCC’s newest partners include members of the auto body industry. Students have benefited in many ways from the community investment. The Giraffe Award, inspired by Hugh Goulthorpe and Bill Gravitt’s book “I’ve Always Looked up to Giraffes”, recognizes those whose leadership inspires others to invest in our programs and students thereby creating opportunities for students and developing a workforce equipped with the necessary skills to help the industry thrive.
Previous Award Winners: 2003: Bob Owens 2004: Caterpillar, Ford Training Center and Sam Mills 2005: Auto Body Advisory Board, Webster Ballard and Ron Crenshaw 2006: Stuart Vines, Allen Phibbs and Firestone 2007: Mike Brooks, Jack Bruce and Leroy William. >> See More Photos
Fourth Annual JSRCC Scholarship Bowl
The Classified Council would like to thank all that supported
and participated in the JSRCC Scholarship Bowl, as 14 enthusiastic teams hit the AMF Shrader Lanes to raise over $800. The funds will go towards the general scholarship fund as part of the Major Gifts Campaign. Again, thank you for your support and it is never too early to start practicing for next year!!!
Awards:
Best Outfit - Team Kisses No Hugs
Best Team Name - Affairs of the Heart
Most Spirited - Mike Foster .
>> See More Photos
Reynolds Book Discussion Series Continues with “The Known World”
Continuing to celebrate Black History Month, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College recently conducted its third session of the “Around The World Through Books” discussion series 
by focusing on the novel “The Known World”.
In the novel, Edward P. Jones confronts a controversial idea that in the years before the Civil War, many free blacks owned slaves. “The Known World” was nominated for the National Book Award and named a New York Times Editor's Choice pick.
Reynolds’ Eve Davis, Ghazala Hashmi and Maria Ramos led nearly 75 people in the discussion of the novel that was set in nearby Manchester County 20 years before the Civil War began.
The final segment of the 2006-2007 book discussion series will cover the novel “The Sex Lives of Cannibals: Adrift in the Equatorial Pacific.” The event will be held on Thursday April 5, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the College’s Gallery. >> See More Photos
Reynolds scholars document plant and animal species in local park
Groundhogs and skunks and foxes, oh my! Undoubtedly, 
this is what some students in Richard Groover’s Biology 102 class were saying last spring as they documented the plant and animal life found in Hanover Wayside Park. The students conducted the study as part of the ecology lab component of the course.
“This particular park had not conducted a comprehensive flora and fauna survey so we decided to use it for our field study,” said Groover. “It was a great service learning project for our students and it was advantageous for Parks Department personnel as they consider future environmental education activities at this site and future environmental assessments for construction initiatives.”
During the four week assignment, the students identified 15 mammal species, 18 bird species, 6 reptiles and amphibian species, and 12 insect species. They also observed numerous fungi, lichen, grass, scrub, and tree species.
Based on the results of their study, the students noted that development in and around Hanover Wayside Park will most likely increase as current land is rezoned for subdivisions and commercial usage. They posited that the site will be impacted by pressures that will reduce the speciation currently traveling through and residing in the Park and that the number of species will most likely dissipate if not protected through appropriate park management and environmental guidelines.
Faculty member pledges more than $1 million to Educational Foundation
Dimitri Georgiadis leads by example. He recently pledged more than $1 million to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College to fund scholarships for at-risk youth in the Richmond area, providing access to higher education for those who need it most. 
After leading several international companies, including Shering-Plough Corporation and Productos Del Monte, a former subsidiary of R.J. Reynolds Industries based in Mexico City, Georgiadis settled in Richmond, Virginia in 1994. His passion for photography soon lead him to take a class at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. He never left. In addition to donating equipment to the program and establishing the Maggie & Dimitri Georgiadis Scholarship, he has shared his knowledge of photography with students as a pro-bono faculty member and as program head for more than 13 years.
Born in Greece, Georgiadis came to America in 1947 in search of the American dream. He soon discovered that for him the dream would begin with a college education. He attended New York University where he earned a B.S. in International Trade in 1951—the same year he became a U.S. citizen. From there, he studied at the graduate level at the University of Illinois while serving in the U.S. Air Force before beginning his career in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.
On April 2 at 4:30 p.m., Reynolds will recognize the commitment and generosity of the Georgiadises through the naming of “Georgiadis Hall” on the Parham Road Campus. For more information, contact Bess Littlefield, vice president for institutional advancement, at 804-523-5181.
Reynolds program head appointed to state-wide campus crime committee
Virginia’s Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Office of Campus Policing and Security (OCPS) Program Coordinator has appointed Sarah Jessie to its Policies and Procedures Committee. Jessie currently serves as program head for the Administration of Justice department at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.
In 2004, the Virginia General Assembly directed the Virginia State Crime Commission to conduct an in depth study on crimes committed on college and university campuses in the 
Commonwealth resulting in the development of OCPS. Program Analyst, Eunice Kendell, established a committee of professionals to include Jessie to participate in creating minimum standards for campus security employment, training, and certification for campus security officers, to provide technical support and assistance to campus police and security departments on the establishment and implementation of policies and procedures, including but not limited to the management of such departments, investigatory procedures, judicial referrals, and the establishment and management of information sharing databases and statistics relative to the [federal] Clery Act. Virginia is the first state to mandate a department specifically designed and dedicated to college and university campus policing and security activities.
"It is an honor to have someone from Reynolds selected to serve on the OCPS Policies and Procedures committee," said Garth Wheeler, chief of JSRCC Police and Security Services. "Sarah was an excellent choice. She will play an important role in establishing the foundation of a newly created committee that will set the standards for all colleges and universities throughout the state.
" Prior to her Reynolds appointment, Jessie served seven years as a police officer and investigator for the Henrico County Police Department.
Reynolds students discuss access, tuition costs with lawmakers
Mea Molnar told DelegateJohn O’Bannon (R-Henrico) that although she will graduate in May, she plans to attend Reynolds another year simply because she cannot afford to transfer to a four-year college or university in the fall.
“With two kids and one income, I just can’t come up with the tuition and fees to attend VCU this fall so I will go for another associates degree. Hopefully, the transfer bill will pass in time for me to transfer next year,” she said.
Over the course of three days, Molnar and a cadre of her fellow students recently toiled through the crowded hallways of the General Assembly Building sharing their stories with lawmakers. The students expressed concerns about rising tuition costs in the Commonwealth and asked their respective delegates and senators to support the Community College Transfer Grant Program.
Introduced jointly by Senate Majority Leader Walter A. Stosch (R-Henrico) and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Vincent F. Callahan, Jr. (R-Fairfax), the transfer grant legislation addresses the dual challenges of accessibility and affordability currently confronting Virginia’s colleges and universities. The program would allow qualified students who graduate with an associate degree from a Virginia community college to attend a four-year Virginia college or university at the same tuition level as community colleges. 
Like Molnar, Adrian Jones also has the rising cost of tuition on his mind. The Highland Springs resident has been granted early admission to Virginia Tech and plans to transfer this fall, but money will be tight. Currently, community college tuition is one-third that of a public four-year institution in Virginia.
“Having an opportunity to meet face to face with my representatives and tell them how valuable J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College has been to me is extremely important,” said Jones. “Hopefully, our conversations today will lead to more scholarship and grant opportunities for those students who follow us.”
Reynolds Culinary Arts program receives American Culinary Federation accreditation
The J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Culinary Arts program has received 
accreditation from the American Culinary Federation, the largest professional chefs organization in North America. The American Culinary Federation Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFFAC), which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, provides regulatory oversight of post-secondary institutions.
“Programs that are accredited by the ACFFAC have been reviewed against rigorous standards and can be confident that their curriculum is relevant, comprehensive, and capable of preparing graduates for contemporary challenges and management responsibilities in high-performance restaurants and foodservice operations,” said David Barrish, director of the School of Culinary Arts, Tourism and Hospitality. “In addition to affirming the rigor and quality of the curriculum, the acknowledgement accelerates every graduate’s career progression, granting them preferred entry into the finest kitchens.
” Reynolds Culinary Arts students are skilled in preparing a full spectrum of classical and modern foods from the world’s leading cultures. According to recent graduate follow-up surveys, those completing the program earn an annual salary of $43,328 on average
Press Center
Students
arriving on JSRCC campuses today were
welcomed by new building renovations, a remolded
testing center, shuttle service between the Downtown
and Parham Road Campuses, improved signage and
the Reynolds Rave newsletter. 
for the over 300,000 Virginians who
suffer from asthma.
free “college entry” program
for individuals between the ages of 18-24 who have
not completed their high school education. The program
was initially sponsored by former Governor Mark Warner
and funded through the appropriation of Virginia’s
statewide Workforce Investment Act funds.
approach the completion of Associate
of Applied Science degrees in Auto Body Technology
The College of William and Mary will provide more opportunities for J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College students to attend the historic institution. Through a creative agreement signed by the two presidents, at least 15 Reynolds students will be allowed to co-enroll in classes at William and Mary each year. 
Institute on the campus of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Holton shared stories of being a former student in the City of Richmond Public Schools system and she thanked teachers and education administrators for their commitment to the community and being dedicated to our children. To help improve the current state of urban education in Richmond, JSRCC, in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond Public Schools, hosted a week-long Urban Teachers Institute on June 24-29. With a simple belief that good teachers matter and effective teachers can increase student achievement and standardized test scores, the program was designed to enhance the understanding of teaching in an urban setting and equip future and current inner-city teachers with the necessary skills to succeed. 
Through mock game shows, tours and a Reynolds Showcase fair, hundreds of students that will be attending JSRCC in the Fall Semester are preparing for their college experience by participating in SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising & Registration). The SOAR sessions are helpful for those incoming students as they have the opportunity to receive top-notch advising from faculty and staff, learn about student success resources at the College and establish a sound class schedule for the upcoming term. Students who participate in SOAR also have a better understanding of the full opportunities at Reynolds.
docudrama Dilated Pupils and the Not-So-Soft Bigotry of a Nation on Sunday, June 24, marking the opening of the week-long Urban Teachers Institute. The Urban Teachers Institute is designed to enhance the understanding of teaching in an urban setting and equip future and current inner-city teachers with the necessary skills to succeed. Haycock is nationally known for her work in education reform. Characterized as provocative, edgy and brutally honest, her one-woman shows have been used with groups of students, parents, teachers, school administrators, higher education faculty and administrators, policymakers and advocates alike to spark honest dialogue and focus energies around some of the most pressing and emotionally charged issues faced in American education today. The Urban Teachers Institute runs from June 24-29. Throughout the week, current and future Richmond Public Schools teachers will participate in sessions that focus on teaching in an urban classroom, community mapping, and other issues relevant to creating affective skills and honing effective teaching strategies in an urban classroom. Faculty in the VCU School of Education, the College of Humanities and Sciences’ Mathematics Department, and the School of Engineering will work with participants on research projects that explore best practices in effective teaching of mathematics and science content in an urban setting. 
on the variables associated with student success indicates that the purposeful structure of learning communities has a positive impact on student persistence, retention and graduation rates. Essentially students who perceive themselves as members of a community tethered to their college experience are more likely to be successful in their courses and programs. Moreover both students and faculty show higher levels of satisfaction as the result of participation in learning communities. 
Virginia Hospital Center’s 70-member medical team has been taking trips to Honduras every year for the past seven years to provide free healthcare for Hondurans. There are six medical teams: pediatrics, primary care, eye care, physical therapy, pharmacy, and surgery. The eye care team is comprised of three Virginia opticians, one ophthalmologist, and six volunteers.
program through distance learning and various multi-media delivery technologies. 
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College School of Business Dean Dr. Erica Meredith and Longwood University's College of Business & Economics Dean Dr. James Cross signed an agreement today that provides guaranteed admission to Longwood for Reynolds students. 
The guaranteed admission agreement is one of several statewide agreements adopted over the past two years with various public and private senior institutions, including the University of Virginia, The College of William and Mary, Mary Baldwin, Sweet Briar College, the College of Engineering and the College of Agriculture and Life Science at Virginia Tech, and Norfolk State University. 
Laurens Sartoris, president of VHHA, says the scholarship was created to help students like Ms. Starnes, who need financial assistance to complete their degree program. “Virginia’s hospitals and health systems are committed to working with the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education to help train a dedicated and qualified nursing workforce,” he said. “Ms. Starnes credentials are exemplary and she is a credit to the nursing profession.” To qualify, students must be enrolled in a Virginia community college, admitted to a nursing program, and must have completed prerequisite courses with at least a 3.0 grade point average. The scholarship will be awarded every two years.
Warren F. Breeden, Facilities 
Senator Stosch and Delegate Callahan co-chaired a joint subcommittee that examined issues related to enrollment growth and increased costs of higher education. 