Campus Communicator NOVEMBER • 2015 WVNCC Takes the 5 Star Challenge tatives presented the presidents and other campus leaders with a “5 Star Challenge Coin.” Dr. Riley received Northern’s coin during ceremonies conducted earlier in November at the annual conference in Charleston of the West Virginia Community College Association. President Riley and Natalie McFeley pose in front of the emblem of the “5 Star Challenge” after pledging ceremonies in Charleston. West Virginia’s public two-year and four-year colleges and universities, including WVNCC, have pledged increased support for student veterans during events held through the state’s “5 Star Challenge” initiative, which launched earlier this fall. The Challenge, which calls on institutions to adopt a set of exemplary standards for supporting student veterans, is a tribute to the military tradition of issuing “challenge coins” to service members who embody the values and standards of their military units. College and university presidents from throughout West Virginia, including Dr. Riley, WVNCC president, participated in ceremonies pledging their commitment to fulfilling the goals of the Challenge. During each ceremony, student veterans represen- All public undergraduate institutions in West Virginia have committed to accepting the challenge, which calls for 1) signed commitments from college and university presidents to adopt best practices and standards, 2) a focus on increasing access and affordability to higher education for student veterans and military service members, 3) increased academic support including priority registration for classes, 4) enhancing social networks for veterans and military service members on campus and 5) greater collaboration with community organizations working to meet the needs of military service members. A detailed outline of the Challenge and a list of challenge coin ceremonies can be found at www.cfwv.com, the state’s free college and career-planning website. According to 2015 spring enrollment data, more than 2,700 students are enrolled using Veterans Affairs benefits within West Virginia’s two-year and four-year public higher education systems. “We are proud to announce that all From left, Joe Douglas, Natalie McFeley, Michael Novotney, and Larry Tackett. public four-year institutions in West Virginia have accepted the ‘5 Star Challenge,’” Dr. Paul Hill, chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, said. “Their participation in this effort not only acknowledges a sincere commitment to meeting the unique needs of our student veterans but also results in real policies that will provide tangible benefits to military service members who are pursuing higher education. By providing student veterans with services such as priority registration and building stronger support networks on campus, we are honoring their service to our country and equipping them with the resources they need to succeed.” “Our two-year public colleges are fully committed to providing resources and support to ensure the success of our student veterans,” Dr. Sarah Tucker, chancellor of the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, Continued next page... said. “Student veterans contribute so much to our campus communities through their service to our country and their leadership in the classroom. Accepting the ‘5 Star Challenge’ is a way for us to acknowledge their contributions and sacrifices — and to assist them in balancing both their educational pursuits and their unique experiences as past or present military service members.” A Wheeling resident, Weisner received the accolade during the annual conference of the West Virginia Community College Association held Nov. 11-13 in Charleston. At Northern, Weisner’s expertise in all facets of maintenance, combined with his positive attitude and willingness to work collegially with all constituents, were cited by those nominating him for the distinction. The 5 Star Challenge is an initiative of the Office of Veterans Education and Training Programs within the Division of Student Affairs at the Commission and WVCTCS. In addition to issuing the challenge to campuses, the Commission and WVCTCS are committing to providing more resources to help student veterans navigate the higher education system and find support on campus and in the community. “By effectively utilizing his time and talents, Mr. Weisner’s efforts have led to about $150,000 in cost savings for the College,” his nominator said. “He leads by example. He willingly assumes the role of mentor to his peers in maintenance by sharing his knowledge and expertise in an unassuming, professional and courteous manner.” WVNCC Employee Honored Weisner “consistently exhibits a helpful, positive and caring attitude” and is a “fine example of a person who combines strong skills and a positive attitude, both of which have enhanced the maintenance efforts” at the College. The WVNCC honoree’s first official maintenance job began in 1988 at West Liberty State College where he spent the next 25 years in the Maintenance Department. While there he obtained a Journeyman Electrician License and several other certificates. From left, Dr. Vicki L. Riley and Gary Weisner. Gary Weisner, a trades specialist II on Northern’s Wheeling campus, says he acquired a love for building and repairing at a young age from his grandfather, father and brothers. His expertise and dedication has earned him the designation of WVNCC’s Outstanding Community College Contributor for 2015-16. In 1992 he became a West Virginia Northern student and earned an associate degree in refrigeration, air conditioning and heating along with two one-year certificates in maintenance technology and appliance repair. He transferred to West Liberty, ultimately graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 2002. Weisner became assistant director of the physical plant at West Liberty before joining WVNCC as an electrician in the maintenance department. Weisner also steadily volunteers for community service, becoming active in the Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Department where he held the assistant fire chief position for more than 10 years. He has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity where he helped to build a three-bedroom home from the ground up in just seven months. In addition, he was instrumental in building of the Heritage Port Playground by the Junior League. He also served as construction coordinator for the Wheeling playground. The Power of Apprenticeships From left, Michael A. Ferrari, Dr. Vicki L. Riley, Kenneth W. Milnes, Dr. Carry DeAtley; and Dr. Samuel W. White. The worth of apprenticeship programs in heightening skills in the workforce is receiving new attention, both nationally and in the Wheeling area, and West Virginia Northern and numerous partners are meeting to plan ways to join forces to benefit employers and their workers. An Apprenticeship Core Group comprised of WVNCC officials; representatives of the Office of Apprenticeship, U.S. Department of Labor; and individuals from various construction trades, including plumbers and pipefitters, ironworkers, electricians and roofers, have met several times at the Wheeling campus. Meeting most recently on Nov. 3, the core group discussed further its Continued next page... initial plans to formulate an associate’s degree and a one-year certificate program that would use educational components of both the community college and the apprenticeship programs already in place to result in an academic degree or certification. At that meeting, in addition, Northern President Riley, said she was honored to read a proclamation from Wheeling Mayor Andy McKenzie declaring Nov. 2-8 “Apprenticeship Week” in the city of Wheeling. President Obama had proclaimed that week as the first National Apprenticeship Week, with plans for it to continue on an annual basis. Dr. Riley expressed the group’s appreciation for the mayor’s support. Kenneth W. Milnes, the labor department’s Office of Apprenticeship state director, of Charleston, told those attending the session that this is a “very exciting time” to be associated with apprenticeship programs. “This is the first time since the 1930s that apprenticeships are receiving national attention,” he said, adding, “Building construction trades are the foundation, the cornerstone, for all apprenticeships; they are the models.” Facilitator for the group is Michael A. Ferrari, apprenticeship and training representative of the labor department’s Martinsburg, W.Va., office. He received thanks for his role from Dr. Carry DeAtley, VPAA at Northern, who noted the apprenticeship programs and the community college both have the same goals, to assist skilled workers to advance their careers for the benefit of employers. Dr. DeAtley explained the group now must put together a curriculum that matches the apprenticeship programs with academic standards so that the result will be “something concrete to begin debating.” To that end, Dr. DeAtley will meet with Dr. Samuel D. White, associate professor, Institute for Labor Studies and Research at West Virginia University, to process “a plan on how to proceed both academically and professionally.” White, who attended the Nov. 3 meeting, said the aim is to begin offering the academic component for the fall 2016 semester which begins in August at WVNCC. Also, Dr. DeAtley pointed out the need to have “a pathway to go from an associate degree to a baccalaureate degree.” Also discussed preliminarily was a proposal to offer a pre-apprenticeship program for youths in construction along with seeking membership in the Registered Apprenticeship College Consortium, a program which helps to facilitate the transfer of apprenticeship certificates towards college credit. WVNCC Continues Community Education Opportunities A 10-week class to prepare students to become a certified Residential Building Inspector will be held on the Wheeling campus starting in January. According to Dr. David Shahan, vice president of economic and workforce development at the College, the class will meet from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 12 to March 17, in Room 405, B&O Building. He said the class is designed to prepare students to successfully pass the International Code Council examination to become a certified Residential Building Inspector (one-two family dwellings.) Dr. Shahan said the class will include lectures, laboratory training and field trips and is a non-credit class offered by the Continuing Education department at WVNCC. To register for the class, visit the student services center in Wheeling, Weirton or New Martinsville. Cost is $400 and payment must be made when registering. Dominion Awards Grant From left, Dr. David Shahan, Rana Spurlock, Dr. Vicki L. Riley, Christine Mitchell, Robert J. Krall, Curtis Hippensteel, and Karri Mulhern. Dominion Resources has awarded a grant of $18,250 to Northern that will be used for computer software to aid classroom instruction in the Petroleum Technology program. WVNCC was one of 40 higher education institutions in 11 states to receive an educational grant this year from Dominion, one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy, headquartered in Richmond, Va. The grant was issued by the Dominion Foundation to the WVNCC Foundation. According to Curtis Hippensteel, petroleum technology instructional specialist at Northern, the funds will be used “to purchase a computer based simulator/tutorial from GSE Systems that will enable students to learn gas processing fundamentals.” He explained, “The software will include basic process control tutorial and simulation models that include gas-liquid flow, single phase heat exchange, reciprocating compressor operations, three phase separation, ratio and cascade control and a glycol contactor dehydrator simulation. This software will allow our students to Continued next page... learn field related systems and processes interactively.” A check for the funds was presented to Northern officials by Christine Mitchell, external affairs representative II, West Virginia state and local area, for Dominion. President Riley said, “Our Petroleum Technology pro- gram continues to grow and become more vibrant because of help from industry leaders such as Dominion Resources. We are most thankful for that support which directly affects our students.” Robert J. Krall, president of the WVNCC Foundation board of trust- ees, said, “Northern’s Foundation is acutely aware of our area’s importance to the gas and oil industry and is gratified the college’s effort to provide workforce development in the energy field has been recognized by Dominion.” 2016 Military Approved WVNCC has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds. Now in its seventh year, the original, premier Military Friendly® Schools designation provides service members and their families with transparent, data-driven ratings about post-military education and career opportunities. Northern has received the designation for a number of years and competed this year for the elite Military Friendly® School title by completing a survey of more than 100 questions covering 10 categories, including military support on campus, graduation and employment outcomes and military spouse policies. Survey responses were scored against benchmarks across these key indicators of success. In addition, data was independently tested by EY (Ernst & Young) based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media with guidance from an independent Advisory Board of higher education and recruiting professionals. A full list of board members can be found at MilitaryFriendly.com/advisory-board. The Military Friendly® Schools designation is awarded to the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success both in the classroom and after graduation. The methodology used for making the Military Friendly® Schools list has changed the student veteran landscape to one much more transparent, and has played a significant role during the past seven years in capturing and advancing best practices to support military students across the country. Natalie McFeley, counselor for veterans at West Virginia Northern, said the designation “validates the college’s significant efforts to assist military veterans in entering or returning to higher education. We understand the challenges they face and are pledged to their success.” McFeley can be contacted at WVNCC by calling 304-214-8849. Post-secondary institutions earning the 2016 Military Friendly® School award have exceptionally strong programs for transitioning service members and spouses,” Daniel Nichols, chief product officer of Victory Media and Navy Reserve veteran, said. “Our Military Friendly® Schools are truly aligning their military programs and services with employers to help students translate military experience, skills and training into successful careers after graduation.” For more information about WVNCC’s commitment to attracting and supporting military students, visit www.wvncc.edu. Northern will be showcased along with other 2016 Military Friendly® Schools in the annual “Guide to Military Friendly® Schools,” special education issues of “G.I. Jobs®” and “Military Spouse Magazine” and on MilitaryFriendly.com. Haunted History Day Delilah Ryan as Abraham Lincoln. The students in Delilah Ryan’s history class, HIST 110 United States to 1865, were treated to a special guest appearance by “Abe Lincoln.” Students watched a film from the History Channel on the ghosts of Washington, D.C., and completed a quiz/handout with the film. They also were able to watch a portion of the “Eyes of the Mothman” on the historical section concerning Cornstalk. “Abe” stated that, “We had treats but no tricks.” West Virginia Appalachian Subculture Mary Jo Childers and her community band. Mary Jo Childers, a student in Darcey Ferrell’s West Virginia & Appalachian Subculture class in New Martinsville, put together a band of community members to help with her presenta- tion on the life of Hazel Dickens. Members along with Mary Jo were Ron Hoskinson, Ray Ebert, and Vicki Glasscock and granddaughter. The following is an excerpt from Mary Jo’s handout for the class. Hazel was a protest and folksinger who grew up as the eighth of 11 children in a poor mining family in West Virginia. She used elements of country and bluegrass to spread truth about two causes that were close to her heart: the plight of non-unionized mineworkers and feminism. Dickens was born June 1, 1935, in Mercer County. She learned about music from her father, an occasional banjo player and Baptist minister who drove trucks for a mining company to make a living. When she was 19, her family’s dire poverty forced her to move to Baltimore where she worked in the factories with her sister and two brothers. She used these experiences to inspire her songwriting. During her solo career, she recorded four songs for the soundtrack to the Academy Award winning documentary about coal mining, “Harlan County, USA.” She was a recipient of a National Heritage Award from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2008 and was widely recognized as a pioneer in bluegrass music and women’s music overall. She died at the age of 75 because of complications from pneumonia in Washington, D.C., on April 22, 2011. Mr. and Mrs. Bills A Music Lesson Did you know there’s a difference between Bluegrass and Old Time String Band Music? Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Bills from Huntington visited the New Martinsville campus to explain the difference. They gave an interesting history of Old Time String Band Music and brought their fine collection of musical instruments to give the students a hands-on experience. They are the parents of Dennis Bills of the New Martinsville Campus Tutoring Center. Recycled Tree Debbie Bennett, at right, and Kim Whiteman, a work-study student, recycled the decorations from the New Martinsville Campus Friends of the College Dinner and used them to decorate a tree for the Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce Festival of Trees. This was a new Chamber event to raise money for a variety of local charities in the area. The Chamber provided trees for local businesses and organizations to decorate. The trees were displayed in the lobby of the New Martinsville City Building for a week so that the public could “vote” for its favorite. The theme of the trees ranged from “home for the holidays” to “snowman” to “a lady dressed for a special evening” to “Grinch hiding in SCARSI Club Gives Back the tree.” The event concluded Nov. 20 when the trees were then sold by auction. The Northern tree was sold for $100 but the “Grinch” had everyone waving their auction paddles until the final bid “stole” it at $500. Debbie even won the “Ugly Christmas Sweater” contest. They are still tallying the money, but the trees raised more than $3,000. SCARSI Club (Students Caring About Regional Social Issues) sponsored a popcorn day on Oct. 27 and held a blanket drive from Oct. 19-Nov. 20 for the Wheeling Homeless Coalition and the Youth Services Winter Freeze Shelter programs. A total of $75 in proceeds from the popcorn day were donated to the Greater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless’ Community Outreach Program to purchase personal care items for the homeless, while 32 new blankets were also collected to be divided between the Wheeling Homeless Coalition and the Youth Services System’s Winter Freeze Shelter. From left, SCARSI members Carrie Plants, Kelsey Renzella, Rosemary Ketchum, Lela Smith and club advisor Joyce Britt show off their collection of donated blankets. From left, Joyce Britt and Ida Williams present Wheeling Homeless Coalition’s Jordan Harris a check while Youth Services System’s Tammy Kruse looks on. It was another successful dinner-theater event sponsored by the WVNCC Foundation and the New Martinsville Campus Friends of the College. This year’s event, held on Oct. 24, again featured a performance by Mystery Theatre Unlimited of Wheeling. Just one of th themed atti e groups that got into re, Gold le vel Sponso the event with Accountin rs – Brend g Office. a Botizan, In “Johnny B. Dead” a group of high school students in 1957 face scrutiny from a federal government investigator who is on the trail of top secret information that is being leaked to the Soviet Union. This musical parody also had some assistance from several of the audience members. The guests began their 1950s experi-e n c e when they walked up to the “sock hop” and saw a ’56 Chevy (provided by local owners, George and Diane Meeks) parked just outside. Once inside, the atmosphere continued with the sound of rock n’ roll music coming from the nearby jukebox (provided by Bill and Charleen Stokes) and saw the photographer (Marie Hass) ready to snap their photo in front of the checkerboard backdrop (created by Miranda Stokes Rogers, Bill and Charleen.) The Cast Bob DeFra n member B cis, Dr. Riley, WVNC eri Fox, an d Rana Spu C Foundation Board raffle table rlock check . out the bask et sband tley and hu Carry DeA -play introduction Jay get a pre irnoff (portrayed m to Popov S eavilin). H in st u by D Charleen a take a mom nd Bill Stokes en the photog t to pose for rapher in th eir ‘50s inspire d wear. are served ie Bennett . b eb D d n a en ett Dean Tack rd member Cork Bow a o B s d en ri F a beverage from Fall goes out with Fun! K T P y a d h t Happy Bir set up in PTK table e th g in n n ma ere new took a turn K’s 97th year. There w ing n a m d in ee H rate PT t becom At left, Ren ay to celeb dents abou bulbs to w u ll st a h m r in a fo istmas the B&O m mation booklets to in e to emade Chr m r o h fo in K e T course, cak P te f c h o it d w n indu a g , n e of PTK, alo r the new inductee fe a member ve y to help co e n o m e is ra celebrate. From left, Patricia W right and Caylia na Moore m et with stude nts on the N e w Martinsvil le campus. t s a e F g in iv g Thanks lty dents, facu u st r fo st a iving Fe od or $1 ual Thanksg f a non-perishable fo n n a s it ld e tivities h onations o Student Ac mpuses. D a c e re th ll na drive. and staff o CTC food e th to n e were giv HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR! s t e g C C N V W creepy t in the nd staff go a y lt u c fa , mpus Students nual tri-ca n a e th g in dent spirit dur osted by Stu h s e ti r a p Halloween Activities. 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