Reynolds teams with Synergy Racing for Porsche race at VIR
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Automotive 
students served as honorary pit crew members for the Reynolds number 81 Synergy Racing Porsche GT3 during the Grand-Am Rolex Series Bosch Engineering 250 race at Virginia International Speedway this past April. This opportunity was made possible by a generous sponsorship from a JSRCC Foundation Board member. The distinguished Bosch race was also aired live on the SPEED channel.
As part of a special topics course at the College this spring, led by JSRCC Automotive Program Head Kelly Schwendeman, students had been learning about the complexities of motor sports cars. In addition to having the Porsche outfitted with the Reynolds logo and colors during the race, several automotive students toured the Synergy Racing shop and receive a hands-on look at the Reynolds Porsche. During a road test prior to the race, students were invited onto the track and met well-known Porsche driver, David Murry.
The Reynolds Porsche incurred mechanical difficulties throughout the day and finished 18th in the 19-car Bosch Race. Yet students felt the challenges that Synergy faced to keep the car on the track were among the best learning opportunities the entire experience could offer.
"Five people can work as one person, all seamlessly," says one student. "[Someone needs] a tool and it's already on its way."
>> See the video
College Celebrates Nursing Graduate Recognition Ceremony
JSRCC recently recognized nearly 75 students who completed the Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing. Held in the Lipman Auditorium of the Massey Library Technology Center, the ceremony opened with a welcome by JSRCC President Dr. Gary Rhodes and inspirational words by JSRCC nursing program coordinator Nancy O’Donnell, RN, MS. 
“I know you are going to do a wonderful job in the profession and will make J. Sargeant Reynolds proud,” said O’Donnell. “It is now time for you to get out there and make things better.”
After sharing with the students some of the difficulties she faced when coming out of college, O’Donnell challenged the students not only to try new adventures in the profession, but to be someone that gets things done.
After the award presentations, the graduates recited the Nurses’ Pledge.
The Reynolds’ Nursing Program is designed to prepare its students to participate as collaborative members of nursing care teams and to provide direct care to patients in a variety of health service facilities and agencies. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students are eligible to take the licensing examination to become Registered Nurses.
Reynolds students to represent Commonwealth at national business leadership conference
JSRCC students recently received first place wins at the Virginia Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference for future business leaders. Reynolds received first place for its community service project sponsoring the Salvation Army Food Pantry. For several years, the Reynolds chapter of Phi Beta Lamba has collected food for the Salvation Army. This year, the group more than doubled collections – delivering over 3,800 pounds of food to the pantry just before Thanksgiving. The project was presented by JSRCC students Matthew Hylton, Krystal Brooks, and Clarissa Smithee. Winners at the leadership conference will compete at the national level in Nashville this July.
“Our students competed with students from all over Virginia,” said Reynolds Phi Beta Lambda faculty advisor Dr. Mel C. Burton, Jr. “Students were from both two and four year colleges, so it makes it especially nice that they did so well in the competition.”
JSRCC student winners from this year’s Leadership Conference were:
Jordan Baker – 1st place in Emerging Business Issues
Justin Neagle – 1st place in Client Service; 1st place in Marketing Analysis and Decision Making
Jonathan Mathes – 1st place in Emerging Business Issues
Jara Janulis – 1st place in Help Desk; 1st place in Business Decision Making
Erica Southworth – 1st place in Business Decision Making
Andrew Pauley – 2nd place in Accounting Analysis and Decision Making; 2nd place in Sales Presentation
JSRCC celebrates women’s history
JSRCC’s Multicultural Enrichment Council recently sponsored “Empowerment: Connecting the Past, Present and Future” in honor of women’s history month. Guest speakers from the Virginia Latino Higher Education Network, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia Court of Appeals led a panel discussion about their journeys to success and their views on women in the modern world. CBS 6’s Reba Hollingsworth facilitated the discussion. An afternoon panel consisted of female students from Reynolds, University of Richmond, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Students shared their stories and aspirations from the perspective of young women on the verge of entering the workforce. Following the panel discussions, Richmond’s own Debo Dabney Trio played with singers Desiree Roots Centeio and Marie Goodman-Hunter in a “Salute to Women in Jazz.”
A Year of Food Life
The JSRRC Multicultural Enrichment Council recently hosted the latest “Around the World Through Books” discussion on Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life on the College’s Western Campus in Goochland County. Kingsolver’s book chronicles her family's adventures in fulfilling their vows of eating locally for one year by farming in rural Virginia. It presents the economic, social and health benefits of eating local foods through touching human stories. Cindy Conner, Reynolds’ own horticultural instructor and advocate of sustainable agriculture, facilitated the discussion with both knowledge and passion.
Attendees preceded the book discussion with a tour of the College’s BIOINTENSIVE sustainable garden – managed by Conner and the JSRCC Sustainable Agriculture Club. For more information about the College’s “Around the World Through Books” series, visit
www.Reynolds.edu/book.
“Around the World Through Books” discusses a theory about globalization and soccer
The JSRCC Multicultural Enrichment Council (MEC) encourages cultural diversity throughout the Reynolds campuses and communities. In addition to speakers like Kevin Powell, the MEC organizes the College’s Cinema Series as well as the “Around the World Through Books” discussion series which recently hosted a discussion on How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization by Franklin Foer.
According to an Amazon.com book review, “…in Europe, South America, and elsewhere, soccer is not merely a pastime but often an expression of the social, economic, political, and racial composition of the communities that host both the teams and their throngs of enthusiastic fans…. Foer draws the reader into these sport-mad societies…”
JSRCC faculty member Jena Morrison facilitated the discussion and JSRCC student Jeferson Alvarez presented information about the role of soccer in his home country of Honduras.
A Queen Mother from Ghana speaks to JSRCC Phi Theta Kappa inductees
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College recently inducted more than 30 students into Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society of the Two-Year College. Ms. Nana Mfodwaa Birago, Queen Mother of the Duayaw-Nkwanta traditional area in Ghana addressed the four key hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa membership during her keynote speech – leadership, scholarship, fellowship and service.
“As leaders, we must not forget our responsibilities,” she said “We must always set good examples…don’t forget to share what you have with others.”
Nana raises scholarship money for young girls in Ghana to attend college. Girls that do not become pregnant or infected with HIV are eligible to receive the scholarships. She hopes her program becomes a model for other area tribes.
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is the largest honor society in American higher education with 1,250 chapters on two-year and community college campuses in all 50 of the United States. More than two million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 100,000 students inducted annually. The College’s Alpha Iota Beta and Alpha Gamma Omicron chapters select students based on their 3.3 or higher grade point averages, course completion, and good moral character.
JSRCC Multicultural Enrichment Council behind several College events
Kevin Powell, activist, poet, journalist and MTV personality recently spoke at JSRCC about “Living in a Multicultural America.”
“Black history is American history,” Powell noted. “To understand multiculturalism, you have to know where you came from.”
Powell shared experiences from his own life, his miseducation and youthful indiscretions. Growing up, he said he learned very little about the contributions of African Americans, Latinos and women in American history. It was not until he was a student at Rutgers University that he began to read about his own heritage. Powell encouraged attendees to read, study and travel. The one thing that saved his life, he said, was education.
“Sit down and talk with your nana…And get a passport before you get a new video game,” he said.
Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, Powell is the product of a single mother led household, extreme poverty, fatherlessness, and violence. In spite of these harsh circumstances, he studied at Rutgers University in New Jersey and he has become one of the most prolific and respected writers and leaders of his generation. He is the author or editor of 10 books and has appeared in a range of publications including The Washington Post, Newsweek, Essence, Ebony, Esquire, Rolling Stone, and Vibe, where he was a senior writer for several years documenting, most famously, the life and times of the late Tupac Shakur.
Reynolds Students Visit General Assembly
A group of JSRCC students recently participated in “Community College Day” at the General Assembly. Strolling through the crowded hallways of the General Assembly Building, the students shared their personal stories with lawmakers.
“I was in the auto technologies program at Reynolds, but decided I wanted to design cars rather than fix them,” explained Doug Ford to Senator Donald McEachin (D-74th District). “Reynolds is helping me to afford college, as I’ll be able to earn a number of credits before going to VCU to work on an engineering degree.” Following the morning visits, Ford along with students Abigail Brown, Tracy Ellwanger, Casandra Jones and Brittany Lee walked to the Capitol Building where they had the opportunity to see the General Assembly at work.
Students also visited Delegates Jennifer McClellan (D-71st District) and John O’Bannon (R-73rd District).
JSRCC's Respiratory Therapy faculty head to national "sputum bowl"
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College's Dori Weber, Frannie Muldowney, Sherry Compton and Helena Marchi represented the Virginia Society for Respiratory Care as the state winning professional team in the American Association of Respiratory Care's national convention "Sputum Bowl." They traveled to San Antonio, Tx to compete among 44 national state winning teams. The Sputum Bowl is a knowledge contest that is similar to the game show “Jeopardy.” Since the late 1970’s the Sputum Bowl has been a part of every AARC national convention.
JSRCC holds their own at AMATYC Math League contest
More than 100 JSRCC students participated in the first of a two-part AMATYC Math League contest. The Reynolds team tied for sixth place in the Mid Atlantic region and JSRCC student Joe Contarino finished 15th in a contest with more than 100 students from various community colleges. Reynolds remains in the top 50 percent of all 247 participating community colleges and was the only community college in Virginia to be represented at the contest.
JSRCC hosts nursing completion ceremony
JSRCC recently recognized more than 50 students who completed the Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing. Held in the Lipman Auditorium of the Massey Library Technology Center, the ceremony opened with a welcome by JSRCC President Dr. Gary Rhodes and inspirational words by Andrea Cambliss-LeSane, RN, MS, Staff Nurse, Acute Care Pediatrics for VCU Health Systems.
“I know what you have done to earn this. Your friends, family and classmates have also earned it,” said LeSane. “It is an honor to be a nurse.”
LeSane then addressed family and friends by saying, “please know that the time that was taken from you will be put to good use.”
After the award presentations, graduates recited of the Nurses’ Pledge.
The Reynolds’ Nursing Program is designed to prepare its students to participate as collaborative members of nursing care teams and to provide direct care to patients in a variety of health service facilities and agencies. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students are eligible to take the licensing examination to become Registered Nurses.
Music students present classical recital
This holiday season, JSRCC music students presented the Master Classical Recital where they showcased vocal, piano, instrumental and ensemble performances. Vocal performances included pieces by romantic composers Benjamin Godard and Robert Schumann as well as French composer Gabriel Faure and Italian composer Giuseppe Giordani. Students participating in the piano repertoire performed pieces from Mozart and Bach.
Bus trips, lectures and community service opportunities all offered at Reynolds
Reynolds students worked hard and then played hard in Fall 2009. Each year, the JSRCC Office of Student Life offers a variety of out-of-classroom activities that support student engagement and learning. This fall, Student Life offered a semester’s worth of activities to satisfy almost any interest – from bus trips to Washington D.C. and Baltimore for sporting events to culturally enriching lectures on campus. Reynolds students began the semester enjoying popcorn and refreshments at the College’s “welcome back” kick-off events and later enjoyed the grand opening of the new Parham Road Campus Student Life Center. The new center features a pool table, air hockey table, Wii, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and flat screen TVs.
Bus Trips:
Two bus trips were scheduled in early fall – one to Busch Gardens theme park in Williamsburg and another to see the Boston Red Sox finish a sweep of the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. Later in the semester, students booked bus trips for a college tour of James Madison University and again to FedEx Field for a football game between the Washington Redskins and the Denver Broncos. JSRCC bus trips are subsidized by the Office of Student Life and offer game admission and transportation at extremely affordable prices.
Presentations & Lectures:
On campus, students packed the Lipman Auditorium for a performance by the National Players, America’s longest running national touring company. Company members double and triple, not only in roles, but in technical assignments such as lighting, sound, costumes and set-up. The National Players make literature live for its audiences by engaging their minds and touching their hearts with fresh, contemporary takes on classics. At Reynolds, the National Players performed Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, but their version took the play into the deep South during the age of Dixieland Jazz. Later in the semester, speaker Matt Glowacki packed the house for a presentation on “Diversity According to South Park and Family Guy.” Glowacki interprets popular cultural icons and takes a fresh look at life. Despite being born without legs, Glowacki owns three successful businesses and has earned spots on the USA Paralympic Team. He speaks at colleges and universities across the country.
The Office of Student Life also continued a “Real Life” series of lectures. Professionals from the Virginia Department of Health, Safe Harbor and the Richmond City Health District covered topics including domestic violence, sex education and substance abuse.
Contests and Community Service:
Reynolds hosted its first 5K Race on the Parham Road Campus to benefit the Freedom House of Richmond, a community organization that helps the homeless maintain the skills they need to lead a better life. With 20 runners participating and several other spectators and faculty/staff in attendance, the College raised over $400. The JSRCC Student Council Association also sponsored at Video Game Tournament to benefit Richmond Children’s Miracle Network, an organization that supports the Richmond Children’s Hospital and VCU Children’s Medical Center. Participants chose from two games at the Parham Road Student Life Center – Madden 2010 on Xbox or MarioKart on Wii. Winners received Visa gift cards worth $25 to $100. JSR LEAD, the College’s student leadership development program, also collected items for the homeless population in Monroe Park. Donated items were dropped in wrapped collection boxes at the Downtown and Parham Road campuses.
One of the most well-attended Student Life Events happened on All Hallows Eve when hundreds dared to experience JSR Fright Night. Student, staff and faculty brought family and friends – all dressed in their Halloween duds – for movies, arts, crafts, face painting and magic tricks. Movie showings included “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” for children and a showing of the horror flick “Orphan” for adults.
>>View photos of what's been going on at Reynolds this fall semester
Richmond City Health District and Reynolds School of Nursing and Allied Health conduct 
H1N1 vaccination
The Richmond City Health District and JSRCC School of Nursing and Allied Health provided H1N1 vaccination to the College’s students, faculty and staff on December 9th. The clinics were conducted in the lobby on the Downtown Campus and around the atrium balcony in Burnette Hall on the Parham Road Campus.
College-aged students were among the priority groups considered to be most at risk for contracting H1N1 (swine flu), but due to vaccine shortages, efforts by local health departments to make the vaccine available to all of the targeted priority groups slowed. Public health departments have focused on vaccinating younger students in elementary schools and then working up to older students.
Richmond Health District Director, Dr. Donald Stern and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Coordinator of Nursing Programs, Nancy O’Donnell have worked on arrangements to clear the way for a partnership agreement since October, but didn’t expect to have the vaccine available for the College until January. However, the Richmond Health District obtained the vaccine earlier, so they decided to conduct clinics right away.
Reynolds students decorate Executive Mansion
Melissa Edwards is one of a few JSRCC students to help decorate the Executive Mansion for the holidays.
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Horticulture studentsjoined community college students from around the Commonwealth in decorating the Governor’s Executive Mansion in Richmond. This is the third year that horticulture students assisted holiday decorating for the Mansion. Students were greeted by Virginia First Lady Anne Holton and worked with floral designers to create arrangements, prepare wreaths and hang greens in preparation of the holidays. They used ornaments handcrafted by children in the Visual Arts Center’s Art After School program.
“This is a fabulous opportunity for horticulture students from across the state to participate in a real-world project that beautifies the Executive Mansion,” said Dr. Jennifer Gentry, vice chancellor for institutional advancement for Virginia’s Community Colleges. “Our students are delighted to put their skills to work.”
JSRCC staff member offers professional advice for home maintenance
JSRCC Buildings and Grounds Manager Matthew Thompson shared professional tips and tactics for home winterization with Reynolds staff and faculty. His presentation was one in a series of “green” presentations offered through the JSRCC Learning Environment Steering Committee. Each semester, the LESC offers staff and faculty an opportunity to network and learn from each other. Past activities have included presentations from Reynolds Auto Body faculty about automobile maintenance and presentations from Culinary faculty about healthy cooking. This academic year, the Committee is focusing efforts on environmentally friendly initiatives for staff and faculty to use at work and at home. Thompson’s presentation focused on checking exterior doors for cracks, inspecting roofs and gutters and preventing freezing pipes.
Phi Theta Kappa uses “Change for Change”
Members of JSRCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society held a “Change for Change” program and World AIDS Day Health Fair in honor of AIDS Awareness. Health fair vendors included the Virginia Department of Health, Fan Free Clinic and Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance. Dozens of students also took advantage of free on-site HIV testing provided by the Minority Health Consortium.
Following the health fair, Faculty Member Dr. Joseph Appiah gave a presentation about how traditional Ghana puberty rights have been used to fight teen pregnancy and AIDS in Duayaw-Nkwanta, Ghana. PTK’s “Change for Change” project has raised more than $1,000 so far for a Ghana scholarship program in support of the village’s fight against teenage pregnancy and AIDS. A performance by the Ezibu Muntu African Dance and Cultural Foundation followed Dr. Appiah’s presentation.
Reynolds run raises $400 for Freedom House of Richmond
The 1st Annual Reynolds 5K to benefit the Freedom House of Richmond was recently held on the Parham Road Campus. With 20 runners participating and several other spectators and faculty/staff in attendance, the College raised over $400 for the Freedom House of Richmond, a community organization that helps the homeless maintainthe skills they need to lead a better life. At Freedom House it costs approximately $16 for an individual to stay the night at the homeless shelter and approximately $3 for an individual to receive a meal. The $400 will serve a good number of individuals in our community who are in need of shelter and food this holiday season.
Congratulations to our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of the 5K race:
1st Place: Dr. Ivan Harrell, Coordinator of Student Affairs
2nd Place: Alex Katzen, JSRCC Student
3rd Place: Rachel Search, JSRCC Student
JSRCC hosts fall book discussions
Reynolds hosted two “Around the World Through Books” discussions this fall. The first session featured Summers with Lincoln: Looking for the Man in the Monuments. The College was honored to have author James A. Percoco lead the discussion. The second session featured The Rape of Europa: The Fate of Europe’s Treasures in the Third Reich and the Second World War by Lynn H. Nicholas. A review from Publishers Weekly described it as a book “about Nazi Germany’s attempt to cleanse Europe of its ‘degenerate’ art and the Allies’ effort to preserve the continent’s cultural treasures.” The discussion was led by JSRCC faculty members Wayne Knight and Karen Steele.
“Around the World Through Books” is a free community event sponsored by JSRCC’s Multicultural Enrichment Council for the purpose of encouraging cultural diversity throughout the Reynolds campuses and communities. For more information about the forum series please contact Laurie Weinberg at (804) 523-5021 or visit Library.reynolds.edu.
Over 100 Reynolds students inducted into Phi Theta Kappa
honor society 
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College recently inducted 109 students
into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Phi Theta Kappa
International Honor Society is the largest honor society in American
higher education with 1,250 chapters on two-year and community college
campuses in all 50 of the United States. More than two million students
have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 100,000
students inducted annually. The College’s Alpha Iota Beta and
Alpha Gamma Omicron chapters select students based on their 3.3 or
higher grade point averages, course completion, and good moral character.
Ms. Leisha LaRivier, President and CEO of the Richmond Metropolitan
Habitat for Humanity addressed the students at the event.
VCCS
Chancellor Dr. Glenn DuBois visits
J. Sargeant Reynolds
Dr.
Gary Rhodes (R) with VCCS Chancellor
Dr. Glenn DuBois.
Gubernatorial candidates visit Reynolds
Virginia gubernatorial candidates Creigh Deeds and Bob
McDonnell recently appeared at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community
College’s Parham Road Campus before 100 business leaders at
a meeting of the Greater Richmond Chamber to outline their plans
for getting Virginia's economy moving. Among the topics discussed
were tax incentives for small businesses, economic development, energy
policy, investments in education, and transportation.
Dr. Gary Rhodes (R) shakes hands with
Vice President Joe Biden (L).
Vice President Joe Biden visits
J. Sargeant Reynolds
Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. strongly defended the economic stimulus
package today, telling an audience at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
that it has saved the economy. ~(July 16, 2009)
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Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 highlight new Life Center on PRC
Students recently enjoyed a grand opening of the new PRC Student Life Center. The new center features a pool table, air hockey table, Wii, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and flat screen TVs for the students’ enjoyment. Located in room 206 of Georgiadis Hall, the center will eventually house computers for students and a conference room for student clubs and organizations.
“We think it is very important to provide a place for students to get away for awhile and relax,” says Counselor for Student Life Kemper Steel. “Along with opening the Life Center, we also plan to host a number of events this semester as we continue to provide opportunities for students to connect with other students, faculty and staff.
Western Campus hosts 39 car during race week
JSRCC’s Western Campus hosted the U.S. Army Chevy Impala SS NASCAR stockcar during Richmond’s
Race Week. Army recruiters also attended to play games, give away prizes
and discuss military options with students. The No. 39 Army car is driven
by NASCAR driver Ryan Newman. In his eighth full season in the Sprint Cup,
Newman joined Stewart-Haas Racing as the driver of the No. 39 Chevrolet.
SACS chair visits campuses, meets with administrators and deans
Several committees have worked diligently for the
past two years preparing JSRCC for its reaffirmation of accreditation – a process that
happens every 10 years and gives meaning to the degrees and credits
the College provides. This fall, these efforts will culminate with
an on-site visit from a team of peers, made up of community college
faculty and administrators representing the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools (SACS). Dr. Diane Calhoun-French, chairperson
for the on-site SACS Reaffirmation Committee, visited Reynolds in early
September to tour the campuses and meet with administrators, deans
and the College’s SACS Compliance Review Committee members. In
a meeting, she talked about what to expect in October’s site
visit and discussed the positive outcomes of preparing for reaccreditation.
She spoke positively about Reynolds’ campuses, students and
initial SACS reports.
“This preliminary visit was not a requirement or expectation on
the part of Dr. Calhoun-French,” said JSRCC President Gary L. Rhodes. “But
this meeting has given us all a certain level of comfort as we prepare
for the on-site visit this fall.”
The on-site SACS visit is scheduled for October 19-22,
2009. The
Review Committee will visit campuses and off-campus locations, and interview
faculty, staff and students.
Congressman Bobby Scott visits Reynolds’ Downtown
Campus
Congressman Bobby Scott recently visited JSRCC’s Downtown Campus to learn about the economic opportunities the College provides the community. His visit was part of several district visits arranged by the Community Foundation to showcase grant-making foundations and their partnerships. Congressman Scott learned about several Downtown Campus programs – including Middle College, the School of Nursing and Allied Health and the Urban Teachers Institute – and
about the role grant-making foundations have in funding them.
Reynolds and Community Foundation representatives walked the Congressman through several of the labs that help train nurses, respiratory therapists, dental laboratory technicians, dental assistants and opticians.
“These are heavily used science labs,” noted JSRCC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Elizabeth Littlefield. “They
will be part of the renovations that we are trying to raise money for so we can
offer training in the latest technologies.”
Congressman Scott also met with Mary Jo Washko, Director of JSRCC’s Middle
College program, a GED and college preparation program for those ages 18 through
24 that have not completed high school. The Middle College program solely relies
on grant support from the community. Each year, the program has many more applicants
than it can reasonably accommodate.
“Middle College provides a self-esteem piece for our students…being in a college environment,” Mary Jo said. “It’s
about looking forward and not looking back.”
JSRCC opticianry program head named to national most influential list
Kristi Green (center) working with her students
Kristina Green, director of the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Opticianry Program, has been named “One of the 2009 Most Influential Women in Optical" by the optical industries leading news trade publication
Vision Monday.
Green has been in opticianry for 14 years and has served as the director of the school’s opticianry program for the past six years. Her responsibilities include the instruction and revision of all courses including ophthalmic optics, finishing laboratory, ophthalmic dispensing, contact lens theory, clinical, anatomy and physiology of the eye, and optical business management.
Green is passionate about spreading the message of the true value and need for formal education saying, “Today’s technological advances demand a higher level of expertise. My personal belief is that opticianry will never reach the level of respect it deserves as an allied health profession without requiring formal education, licensure and continuing education.”
In addition to earning a Master of Science degree in Occupational and Technical Education, Green is an ABO-Master Optician and a Fellow of the Contact Lens Society of America.
"The women in the most influential list exude excellence and are prime examples of what a leader should be," said Joel Adler, JSRCC acting dean for the JSRCC School of Nursing and Allied Health. "We are very fortunate to have Kristi. She is very talented and she is committed to bringing incredible value to the College and the community."
Green has two favorite duties when it comes to heading up the opticianry program at Reynolds—the first is talking to perspective students about entering the field of opticianry and the second is volunteering as a marshal on graduation day to experience firsthand the fruits of her labors.
Reynolds assists with Powhatan County School's Engineering Camp.
JSRCC instructor Salah Garada (R) assist students
The JSRCC School of Engineering and Manufacturing
Technologies recently participated in Powhatan County Public School’s Engineering Summer
Camp. The camp introduced students to the concept of the engineering
design cycle and exposed students to a wide variety of engineering careers.
The goal of the camp was to familiarize students with what an engineer
does and to build excitement for an engineering career.
Team work and cooperation were major proponents of
the camp. On the final day of camp, 9th and 10th graders competed with
robots they had built during the week. The students were assisted by JSRCC’s
Dean Bob Heinz, instructor Henry McGee, instructor Salah Garada, Matthew
Vinson who graduated from Reynolds in 2008 and is a rising senior at
University of Virginia and Zach Mihalko who is a rising senior at Mills
Godwin High School.
JSRCC
faculty and staff go "Fishing for Deals"
Debbie Daly recently presented "Fishing for Deals," as
part of JSRCC's Brown Bag Lunch series of discussions for faculty and
staff. Daly, who teaches classes on couponing as part of her church
ministries, provided tips on looking for grocery deals, clipping and organizing
coupons, and understanding pricing and sales. She also discussed buying
goods in bulk and what it takes to offset membership fees at warehouse
stores.
"I have found that some warehouse stores have consistently better
pricing on certain items, such as yeast," Daly said. "There's
a membership fee for those stores.but sometimes the gas perks alone
can offset the fee."
Rookie coupon clippers can learn a nugget or two from Daly. Sign up
for coupons on company websites to get the "high dollar" coupons,
she stresses, and know the difference between store coupons, manufacturers
coupons and store sales to maximize savings.
Reynolds students conduct summer research
Allyson Lackey, Maryam Muhammad, Leigh Adams, research coordinator
Richard Groover, Jessica Jenkins
Four undergraduate students at J. Sargeant Reynolds have
an unusual opportunity this summer for community college students. They
are conducting undergraduate science research. In a special initiative
these student are working in field ecology, especially aquatic biology
addressing several research questions. One team is conducting a survey
of lotic (stream) species of dragonflies in Hanover County. The other
team is developing the operation of a vivarium, an outdoor enclosure,
to raise dragonflies from the aquatic larvae stages to adults.
“Both team are working on new advancements in science,” states
Richard Groover, their research coordinator. “The Lotic Team
will conduct species surveys of major streams in Hanover, a task that
has never been done. Their results will help us build a picture
of the full dragonfly community in that piedmont county, and it will
ultimately be submitted for publication. Publication of research often
never happens until a student is in graduate school.”
The Vivarium Team, as they are called, is setting up the
operation of an outdoor enclosure that is filled with water and will
provide a home for the dragonflies to complete their metamorphosis into
adults. Groover says that this vivarium is probably the only one of its
kind in the United States. The reared adults will be used in some mark
and recapture experiments later this summer and next year.
Reynolds students Jessica Jenkins and Maryam Muhammad are
on the Vivarium Team, and Allyson Lackey and Leigh Adams are on the Lotic
Team. These students were selected from nearly 600 eligible science
majors at Reynolds. Their research will culminate in final research papers
and presentations at the 2010 Virginia Academy of Science Annual Conference.
“This opportunity for community college students
helps them leap to the front of other students at four-year colleges
when they transfer, because these students will have demonstrated experience
in research methods and writing-up their results,” adds Groover.
Dental Lab students assist Eastern Shore residents in
need
Five JSRCC Dental Lab Technology students and two 
faculty
members recently traveled to Nandua High School in the Eastern Shore
of Virginia to participate in the Mission of Mercy project sponsored
by the Virginia Dental Association.
The Mission of Mercy project is an outreach program to
provide dental care for people in need. Nearly 350 dentists, dental
hygienists, dental assistants, dental lab technicians and many other
volunteers worked together in this effort.
“We saw immense needs in some of these patients,
but the doctors tried to identify the most pressing needs and we tried
to tend to them as quickly as possible,” says Reynolds Dental Lab
Technology Program Head Ernie Wolfe. “Overall, the project served
almost 800 patients for various dental treatments.”
The JSRCC “dental prosthetic team” specialized
in providing patients with removable partial dentures and repairs of
dental prostheses. In a day and a half, the team created 10 new acrylic
removable partial dentures and repaired 14 existing removable partial
dentures including adding teeth or retention wires and broken appliances.
The team from JSRCC included students Magen Daugherty,
Justin Morris, Igor Niculin, Hope Pierpont, and Stephanie Renfrow. Faculty
representatives included adjunct faculty member Jim Padgett and Wolfe.
For more information on the JSRCC Dental Lab Technology program, visit www.reynolds.edu/dentallab.
Reynolds spices up Broad Appétit” food festival
The JSRCC School of Culinary Arts, Tourism and Hospitality
was well represented at the 2nd annual “Broad Appétit” food
festival where Broad Street was turned into a pedestrian mall between
Monroe and Adams Streets. Tens of thousands of local and regional visitors
enjoyed the event which featured chefs, regional farmers and local artists.
As was the case last year, Reynolds played a prominent role, as School
of Culinary Arts, Tourism and Hospitality director David Barrish served
on the central planning committee, helping to connect the event to our
regional hospitality network and student body. The JSRCC booth attracted
more than 350 hungry visitors as it served char grilled wild game brochettesto
adventurous palates and a signature dessert to customers with a sweet
tooth and taste for the unusual.
JSRCC Chef Lana Petfield won the first runner up award
for her dessert creation Spicy Ancho Chile Brownie with Blood Orange
Ice Cream, Macadamia Nut Caramel Shards, and Blood Orange Dust.
Congratulations Chef Lana!
Chip Barnes and Chad Healey, both upperclassmen in The
School of Culinary Arts, Tourism and Hospitality program conducted a
spotlight Molecular Gastronomy demonstration on the main stage.
Their presentation was wildly received and further helped position the
college as a future-minded center for culinary arts and science.
In addition to receiving Virginia Green Certification from
Department of Environmental Quality, the event also raised monies for
the Central Virginia Food Bank and Meals on Wheels.
For more information on the School of Culinary Arts, Tourism and Hospitality,
visit www.reynolds.edu/hospitality
UVA President John Casteen applauds Virginia Community
College philanthropy leaders
(Douglas Freeman (L) with JSRCC President Dr. Gary Rhodes)
University of Virginia President John Casteen recently
saluted
the 2009 class of Virginia Community College
philanthropist leaders, saying they are among those who have “stepped
into the breach” to support higher education when state funding has
fallen short.
Along with JSRCC Foundation Board member J. Douglas
Freeman, Sr., philanthropists for each of Virginia’s 23 community
colleges were honored with the Fourth Annual Chancellor’s Award
for Leadership in Philanthropy. “The event is a way to
say ‘thank you’ to the men and women who help individuals
identify, elevate and fulfill their dreams of the future,” says
VCCS Chancellor Glenn DuBois.
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine addresses JSRCC graduates
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine spoke to the nearly 1,000
graduates,
as Reynolds held its 36th Annual Commencement ceremony on Saturday May
10 at the VCU Siegel Center.
JSRCC conferred approximately 1,000 degrees and certificates.
The program also recognized nearly 70 students who have earned the 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.
Reynolds host nursing completion ceremony
JSRCC recently recognized nearly 80 students who completed
the Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing. Held in the Lipman
Auditorium of the Massey Library Technology Center, the students enjoyed
an inspirational speech by Joyce Perkins, RN, BSN, Director of Education
at HDH-Retreat Hospital
After the award presentations, graduates recited of the Nurses’ Pledge
and enjoyed a celebration reception.
The Reynolds’ Nursing Program is designed to prepare its students
to participate as collaborative members of nursing care teams and to
provide direct care to patients in a variety of health service facilities
and agencies. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students are
eligible to take the licensing examination to become Registered Nurses.
Learning Communities Summer Summit Hosted by JSRCC
On Friday, May 15, Dr. Nannette Smith, AssociateVicePresident
of Academic Affairs, welcomed the audience at the first 
annual
Learning Communities Summer Summit including participants from eight
community colleges, the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) offices
and approximately thirty JSRCC faculty. Participants heard learning
community initiative status reports from Piedmont Virginia Community
College, Rappahannock Community College,Thomas Nelson Community College,
Northern Virginia Community College, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
and the VCCS. In the afternoon, participants went into breakout
sessions to engage in lively, facilitated discussions with other faculty. The
theme of the summit was "Learning Communities: Tracks of Engagement" and
these tracks included Learning Theory, Web 2.0 Technology, Students,
Institutional Support Services and Faculty. One of the participants
noted that this was a “very engaging experience – thoughtful.” Another
extended a “special thanks to JSRCC for putting this activity together.”
The Learning Communities Summer Summit was supported by
a VCCS professional development mini-grant. Professor and Faculty Learning
Community Facilitator, Miles McCrimmon and Charlie Peterson, Director
of LCs hosted on behalf of the college and served as both presenters
and facilitators.
Celebrating culture through the arts
The JSRCC Multicultural Enrichment Council recently
hosted a talent showcase featuring spoken word and musical performances
by faculty, staff and students. According to organizers, the event was
designed not only to entertain, but to also teach the audience something
about various cultural perspectives from around the world. Reynolds
students Diamond LeGrand and Paula “Ecclesia” Gillison opened
the program with selections from their spoken word repertoires. Next, music
program head John Negri and Geoff Bennett-Speer took the audience on a
journey through Turkey, sharing the story of the
cumbus—a
Turkish string instrument resembling a banjo—and playing several
native selections. Afterwards, Bruce Neblett & the J.J. Neblett Singers
performed several gospel selections in the call and response tradition,
lifting the spirits of the audience and preparing them for Plunky & Oneness,
the culminating act of the evening. The audience traveled with Plunky & Oneness
around the world as they performed an eclectic mix of smooth jazz gently
kissed by African, Caribbean, and European influences, leaving the audience
dancing in the aisles and longing for more.
Fuel Smart Friday—Saving Gas,Time,
and Money
was presented by Dr. Robert Heinz, Dr. Nannette Smith,
and Professor Paul Carlton at the New Horizons Conference held at Hotel
Roanoke on April 1 through 3. This program allows students to come
to campus one day per week (Friday) and obtain 12 credits. Nine
courses were offered in Fall 2008 and 162 students (unduplicated) participated
in the program. The program was expanded to 40 courses in Spring
2009. Pictured here are Dr. Robert Heinz, Dr. Nannette Smith, and
Professor Paul Carlton.
JSRCC’s David Walz creates environmental
awareness on campus
The Chesapeake Bay is a very important natural resource
for
the Commonwealth of Virginia – and since the College’s three
campuses ultimately drain to the bay, the runoff can potentially affect
the water quality of the James River Basin and the bay. To create awareness
about the dangers of runoff, Associate Professor of Geology David Walz
and his wife, Toddy, purchased and donated 40 storm-drain markers for
the culverts located on all three campuses.
Each red marker is a four-inch-diameter metal disk recessed
into the concrete storm drain, embossed with the statement, “No
Dumping, Drains to Bay” and shows a fish jumping above waves. Professor
Walz, whose background is in environmental geology, has been with the
College since 1976. He and his wife have a sincere concern for the environment
and believe in the need to create public awareness about potential environmental
hazards. Walz saw similar storm-drain markers while visiting other colleges
and universities and, upon his return home, researched companies that
manufactured the markers.
According to JSRCC Buildings and Grounds Manager
Matthew Thompson, the College is required to make the community aware
of the pollution potential from runoff that may affect both surface
and ground waters. The Walz contribution helps to satisfy this requirement.
Classified Council Scholarship bowl raises record $1500 
The Classified Council would like to thank all that
supported and participated in the recent JSRCC Scholarship Bowl. Nearly
120 enthusiastic faculty, staff, board members, students and supporters
recently hit the lanes to raise a record $1,500 for the College’s
general scholarship fund. Special congratulations to Dr. Rhodes who won
the high score award and to the President’s team which posted the
highest team score. Again, thank you for your support and it is never
too early to start practicing for next year!!!
Scholarship Bowl Winners!!!
1ST President’s Team- Gary
Rhodes, Nam Rhodes, Diane Branch-Thompson, Mac McGinty, Robert LeRosen
2nd Supports - Sidney
Bass, Stephen Smith, Robin Smith, Candice Lord
2nd Western Renegades- Bob
Heinz, Stu Vines, Stella Vines, David Seward, Alan Crouch
3rd Healthy Rollers- Sherry
Compton, Kristy Greene, Bill Wilson, Becky Clark, Ernie Wolfe
Best T-Shirt – Nite
Rollers
Best Name – PIEs
Pirates
Highest Score – Gary
Rhodes
Lowest Score – Tara
Cassidy
Most Spirited – Donna
Dunsmore & Mark Plume
Reynolds hosts book discussion on Satrapi’s Persepolis
JSRCC’s Multicultural Enrichment Council hosted another “Around
the World Through Books” discussion on Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis.
Iranian-born Satrapi explored a young woman’s coming of age in
Tehran, Iran during the Islamic Revolution. JSRCC Academic Support Center
Assistant Coordinator Lily Mirjahangiri and English faculty member Jason
Lira led the evening’s discussion. A special music presentation
by “The Raposo Family Strings” was offered prior to the event.
“Around the World Through Books” is a free
community event sponsored by JSRCC’s Multicultural Enrichment Council
for the purpose of encouraging cultural diversity throughout the Reynolds
campuses and communities. For more information about this event and the
forum series please contact Laurie Weinberg at (804) 523-5021.
JSRCC hosts play and speaker series
in honor
of
Black History Month
Reynolds recently presented “The Meeting,” a
play about a fictional meeting between Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. Set in a hotel room in 1965, the dialogue explores Malcolm
X and Dr. King’s differences and similarities and their approaches
to civil rights. The men debate social issues, war, violence, inner-city
hopelessness and Black self-empowerment. Dr. King was played by local
actor, director and producer Tony Cosby. Rodney Choice portrayed Malcolm
X.
Reynolds also hosted the first presentation in a series
designed to showcase successful college students. February’s presentation
highlighted President Obama and the strategies he learned as a college
student that led to his success later in life. Coordinator of JSRCC’s
Center for Distance Learning Marian Macbeth facilitated a discussion with
students about how Obama provides a model for carving out a pathway to
success. The discussion explored how college students can adopt similar
strategies to be more successful in their studies, career and personal
aspirations.
Students
and faculty organize food drives at Reynolds
Nearly 900 pounds of food was collected through the JSRCC Hunger to Fight
Hunger food drive last fall and donated to the Central Virginia Food
Bank. Classes competed to collect the most canned and packaged goods
for donation. Sociology 200 won the challenge. In addition, several Reynolds
Learning Communities students visited the food bank and wrote short research
papers on the topic. Laurie Weinberg, ESL Program Coordinator, helped
organize the trip with her SDV 100 class and Marty Watkin’s ESL
18 class.
In other news, the JSRCC Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda
sponsored an annual food drive for Thanksgiving. The project was a
tremendous success – delivering approximately 1,500 pounds
of food to the Richmond City Salvation Army Food Pantry.
Reynolds
students cheer on Washington Capitals
Nearly two full busloads of Reynolds students traveled to Washington,
D.C. to witness the Washington Capitals beat the Ottawa Senators 7-4.
The Cap’s star left-wing Alex
Ovechkin pulled off his seventh career hat trick.
The JSRCC Office of Student Life plans bus trips
regularly throughout the year to major sporting events. Students receive
discounted prices that include tickets and transportation.
Dr. Ramzi A. Ockaili represents Reynolds
at McGraw-Hill Symposium
Reynolds Associate Professor of Anatomy and Physiology
Dr. Ramzi A. Ockaili was selected by McGraw-Hill as one of 45 instructors
in the United States to attend an Anatomy and Physiology symposium
this January. Participants met with fellow instructors to discuss important
course and curriculum issues including course challenges, student motivation,
testing and integrating media into the classroom. The feedback McGraw-Hill
receives from symposia help them to better understand how the products
they publish affect the teaching process. The instructors they choose
to participate are innovators in their respective fields that are interested
in helping students learn and sharing their opinions. Dr. Ramzi represented
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in McGraw-Hill’s first
Symposium for the year.
JSR Students visit General Assembly
A cadre of JSRCC students recently participated in “Community
College Day” at the General Assembly. Strolling through the crowded
hallways of the General Assembly Building, the students shared their
personal stories with lawmakers.
“If it wasn’t for Reynolds, I wouldn’t be able to
afford college,” explained Laura Briere to Delegate Chris Peace
(R-97th District). “I know you are faced with making some difficult
budget decisions with the economy, but I hope you will remember the
importance of community colleges.”
Following the morning visits, Briere along with students
Abigail Rose, Lee-Ann Brooks, Abigail Brown, Chase Painter, Michelle Bair
and Joey Omaid walked to the Capitol Building where Senator Ryan McDougle
(4th Senatorial District) introduced them to the Senate.
Additional delegates the students visited included, Riley Ingram (R-62nd
District), G. Manoli Loupassi (R-68th District), Delores McQuinn (D-70th
District), Franklin Hall (D-69th District) and McDougle.
>> Click here to see more photos
Senator
Mark Warner discusses economy with Reynolds students
Senator Mark Warner joined Richmond City Mayor Dwight Jones recently
at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College to talk with college students
and small business owners about the state of the economy. He discussed
and took questions on topics including access to student loans, frozen
credit markets, taxes and healthcare. His intention, he said, was to
do more listening than talking and encouraged attendees to share their
stories with him.
Reynolds and neighboring Virginia Commonwealth University students
shared their concerns over the cost of higher education and current
student loan rates. Coupled with hiring freezes and layoffs, students
expressed anxiety about finding jobs and obtaining healthcare coverage.
Several attending students discussed the high interest rates on student
loan debt – which they said have at least doubled in the last
few years.
“I’m not looking for a free ride,” said one student. “It
was my choice to better my life, but now I’m just hoping I can
make enough [money] to pay back my loans.”
Warner said he believed the role of the community college would likely
expand further since the cost of higher education continues to rise – predicting
that the more traditional path for higher education would mean starting
year one and/or two at a community college. He said Virginia strives
to have the best trained workforce, therefore access to college was
imperative.
A small business owner expressed concern over the unpredictability
of increased taxes – pointing out that small businesses create
the majority of jobs in the Commonwealth. Her business has recently
faced having to lay off employees and make cutbacks.
“As a small business owner, layoffs are very personal,” she
said. “Even though we are considered the ‘wealthy’ because
we make $250,000 or more, every dollar that is taken away from us is
taken away from salaries, bonuses and benefits.”
The Senator responded with discussion about a move toward green energy
jobs, more funds for continued unemployment and mortgage assistance.
The economy needs a jolt to avoid a downward spiral of layoffs, he
said.
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