Pinning Ceremony Salutes Allied Health Students - A Photo-Essay

Taking The Hippocratic Oath


Jubilation


Pearl Wynne, 70, wheel-chair bound, proud of her daughter, Lisa Ward

Yvonne Selbig of Bayboro has been named Director of the Pamlico Community College Foundation. She is the first to ever hold this newly created position at the college.

In making the announcement, Barbara Venturi, president of the Foundation, said, "We are in the midst of a significant re-structuring of the Foundation in an effort to make it much more effective in supporting the college and its students. Creating this position, if only part-time, will facilitate this increased effectiveness. Having a staff member work for the Foundation will greatly help us broaden the base of support for our fund-raising efforts, efforts that directly enhance student success rates."

Before moving to North Carolina, Selbig, who holds a BS in chemistry and an MS in statistics from Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, helped shape environmental policy and community outreach programs in the electric utility industry in New York.

After moving to New Bern in 2005, she became executive director of Habitat for Humanity. In addition to those duties, she read and scheduled volunteers for the Public Reading Service of North Carolina, a radio reading service that provides daily readings of print media for people who are print-handicapped. She moved to Pamlico County in 2006 and has worked with the Literary Council, serving as a tutor twice weekly in Bayboro.

Selbig lists cooking and eating local seafood as a primary personal interest along with kayaking and yoga. When living in New York, she served on the board of Genesee Waterways Center, a nonprofit corporation promoting rowing, canoeing and kayaking among youth and those physically and mentally challenged.

Venturi expressed great optimism about having Selbig as the first Foundation Executive Director. She said, "I want to go on record to say that I am as pleased as one could be that the Foundation has found such a lovely and dedicated person who can't wait to get started to help the college be the best that it can be."

Venturi's optimism was mirrored by Selbig who commented, "I am thrilled to have this opportunity to serve as PCC's first Foundation Director. I so appreciate my past personal educational experiences and I believe that education - in all its forms and forums - opens doors. I look forward to being a part of an organization that grows and becomes a resource to many more Pamlico County residents, its communities and neighbors."

The second annual PCC Job Fair, April 18, filled the Ned Everett Delamar Center with job seekers and prospective employers, Wednesday, April 24. Jamie Gibbs, observing the scores of people participating in this event observed that having a facility for events like this was long overdue for the college. This was the third consecutive week that a major event has taken place in the Delamar Center since its dedication March 31.









What's in a catchy phrase?

Educational institutions, like many corporate institutions, often employ easy-to-remember catchy phrases for marketing purposes. Icons in the fast-food industry from years past are "You deserve a break today," and of course one that went from fast-food marketing to the political arena, "Where's the beef?"

Pamlico Community College currently reminds the public that its many diverse offerings of educational opportunities make it a college that is...changing lives..." The college's Job Fair in the Ned Everett Delamar Center on April 24 was a testimony to the substance of the college's catchy phrase. Cassandra Respers, along with many others, offered living proof of that substance.

Respers graduated from the college last year with a Medical Assisting degree, having entered college long after graduation from high school. Right after graduation, she suffered a serious illness. Unfortunately, though jubilant about having just earned a degree, she had to put career plans on hold. Having won a victory over cancer treatments, she returned to the campus to attend the Job Fair to continue in that quest for education to change her life.

When asked about her recovery, she said, "I have to get into the workforce. I know I'm able now and I know I can do it." She expressed great satisfaction with the results of visit to the Job Fair, saying, "The representatives from the companies I talked to were so friendly. They answered my questions and explained things when I was unsure. Miss Alderman, (Kim Alderman, Director of Human Resources for Coastal Carolina Health Care) let me know I probably have skills that I didn't think I had. You have to have confidence in yourself and she helped me overcome my lack of confidence."

Respers left the Job Fair after having left her resume with Alderman. "I am just hoping to hear something soon. I know that coming here was beneficial," she said.

Both Alderman and her assistant, Robin Hoisington, were one more link in the chain of experiences changing someone's life. Obtaining an education is one major step, obtaining that first job is another major leap. Alderman said, "It was great to see job seekers like Cassandra Respers. She came to the Job Fair prepared with her resume in hand, eager to discuss opportunities through CCHC."

Respers joined scores of others seeking jobs, older and younger adults, current PCC students and recent college graduates, and even a contingent of smartly dressed students from Pamlico County High School who were practicing interview skills as well as garnering information about careers.

Getting an education at Pamlico Community College or getting a new job by attending the college"s Job Fair, the phrase, ...changing lives..." is more than a marketing tool for this institution. It is a fact of life.

Pamlico Community College's Alpha Xi Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society inducted 17 new members in formal ceremonies Friday, April 18, at 6:30 PM in the Ned Everett Delamar Center on the college campus.

Founded in 1918 by a group of Missouri two-year college presidents, this honor society recognizes and encourages academic achievement of two-year college students and provides opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership, and service programming. Now the largest honor society in American higher education, the American Association of Community Colleges recognizes Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society of two-year colleges.

Michael Crow, the general manager of the Food Lion grocery store in Alliance, gave the keynote address at the induction service. A PTK member and graduate of PCC's sister college, the College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, NC, Crow stressed the confidence for success one acquires through academic excellence and PTK membership.

Crow related stories of his high school years in which he did not really apply himself academically. Once at the College of the Albemarle, he focused on his studies and soon discovered he was eligible for PTK membership. At the time, he was also working for a major grocery retailer.

When the vice president of the grocery chain visited the store, he had an opportunity to speak with him. In conversation, the company official asked Crow what he expected to be doing in five years. Crow said he immediately responded, "I'm going to be running this store."

Impressed with his response, the vice-president fired back, "We're going to help you make that happen." Crow said in earlier times he would have never had the confidence to give such a response, but that his improved academic record in the community college setting and membership in Phi Theta Kappa had changed his perspective and his confidence in his own abilities.

Dr. Marion Altman, PCC president, welcomed PTK members and their guests to the college. Presiding over the ceremony were PTK advisors, Dr. Gena Messer-Knode, PCC Chair of Business Technologies, and Jo Baker, PCC Recruiter/Enrollment Specialist/Co-Op Coordinator. The new members were inducted by Christina Green, PTK secretary/treasurer, Dana Mahoney, PTK vice-president, and Tammy Spain, PTK president. Spain also presided over the induction of the new officers for the Alpha Xi Omicron chapter, Dannett Williford, president, and Alicia Dixon, secretary/treasurer. In the photo at right, Williford signs the PTK register as the new president.

Newly inductees were Jodie Blaze, Angela Brousard, Ruzalia Davis, Alicia Dixon, Ashlee Fulcher, Katrina Gaunes, Cindy Hawk, Brandi Heinrich, Tabitha Jarman, Misty Jones, Nicosha Moore, Kelly Overton, Brent Parker, Scott Pressley, Josephine Sanders, Patrice Sawyer, and Dannett Williford.

To be inducted into the honor society, students must have completed twelve semester credit hours with a 3.5 grade point average. From that point on, students must maintain a 3.25 GPA.

Jill Fitzpatrick, administrative assistant in student services, provided logistical help to the PTK officers and advisors in orchestrating the ceremony. Music for the event was provided by Jessi Kaylor, pianist.


Green, Mahoney, and Spain as they prepared to induct the new members.

"I had never set foot in North Carolina but I had heard good things about the state. My first time here was attending graduate school at East Carolina University and I've been here ever since," says Valerie Jones, who is the new Director of Basic Skills at Pamlico Community College. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Jones earned a Master's at ECU in English/Multicultural Literature with a minor in Women's Studies.

Jones first came to PCC in 2002 as an English instructor and was later promoted to Chair of Arts and Sciences. She was named Teacher of the Year for the 2005-06 academic year but left the college the following year to attend to her private business, Pirate Queen Paddling. This commercial enterprise was experiencing phenomenal growth. "The business fortunately grew to the point that we could hire staff to take some of the responsibilities allowing me to return to my love of working in the academic arena," she said.

As Director of Basic Skills, Jones will be coordinating four programs, the GED program, the Compensatory Education Program, the Adult Basic Education program, and English as a Second Language. The GED program provides assessment, instruction, and testing for persons to earn the equivalent of a high school diploma. Adult Basic Education Classes provide pre-GED instruction. Compensatory Education classes provide life skills to adults with special needs. English as a Second Language is offered to non-native speakers who are trying to further their education and job skills here in the United States.

Looking to her new tenure at PCC, Jones says, "The biggest thing I see in my new position is that GED and ESL provide such an instrumental tool for people to move to the next level in their lives. There is such a large population in Pamlico County that has not been made aware of these resources. I hope to get these communities excited within themselves by seeing positive outcomes for individuals. Positive experiences will generate interest and growth in the programs."

She added, "I am excited to be back at PCC. I feel so welcomed by both staff and students."

Dr. Clark Dimond, PCC's former Director of Basic Skills, now Dean of Institutional Advancement, observed, "Valerie brings so much to this position. She has a passion for helping people educate themselves and better their lives, both qualitatively and quantitatively. She is familiar with the terrain here at the college and is ready to help these programs become more effective and reach more people. Of course this will mean a growth in the numbers of students for the college, but more importantly, it means a growth in the scope of the college's efforts to serve our public."

According to legend, home is where the heart is. For longtime residents or newcomers in Pamlico County, Pamlico Community College will help facilitate a six-session program to acclimate hearts to the count... its past, present, and future. The program has been designed by Continuing Education staff at the college, Joan Delamar Gracie from the Prime time Learning Network in Oriental, and Pamlico County Senior Services.

The sessions, packaged as Pamlico County: A Place to Call Home, will be held in the County Commissioners room of the historic Pamlico County Courthouse beginning Wednesday, February 6, 9 AM - 12 Noon, and continuing for the following five Wednesdays at the same time. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. The registration fee of $25.00 will be waived for residents who are 65 or older. A Dutch treat lunch at a local restaurant will follow the last session.

Each class will highlight a different aspect of the demographics of Pamlico County embracing historical perspectives. The first session will offer a general introduction to the county followed by discussions on challenges and opportunities, education, human services and health care services, environmental issues, and volunteer opportunities in a variety of service organizations.


Joan Delamar Gracie and Larry Prescott work on the initial plans for the workshop.

Larry Prescott, lifelong resident and retired educator will moderate discussions on topics that will include: history and culture, local government, public institutions and their community roles, environmental challenges and resources. The last session will review community non-profits in the county, highlighting volunteer needs and opportunities for residents to become more involved in service to the area. Speakers for these sessions will be Pamlico County officials, community leaders and local historians.

Gracie said, "While many lifelong residents will find these sessions stimulating, people who have moved here from all over the world will also find great benefit in them. Long time residents or natives can learn things they perhaps did not know or share experiences and knowledge that will be helpful to the classes. As development along our waterways continues at such a rapid rate, countless more will be joining those calling "the county" home. So many of these newcomers have so much to offer our local society and culture. I am confident this series of seminars will acquaint new residents with our local culture in intimate ways that will be educational, informational, and inspirational."

According to Misty Rasmussen, Director of Continuing Education Community Services classes at Pamlico Community College, "Partnering with the Prime Time Learning Network and Senior Services gives us a greater opportunity to serve such a large segment of the local population. We envision this program being so popular with both locals and newcomers that we will be offering it at least once per year, maybe more."

Discover Pamlico County. Register for theses classes by contacting Misty Rasmussen, 252-249-1851 x 3019, mrasmussen@pamlicocc.edu.

It was not OTJ, on-the-job training. It was better than that. It was on-the-job-learning.

Dana Mahoney, an Environmental Science major at Pamlico Community College, as most college students do, found a summer job between spring and fall semesters. Her quest for employment was focused on her studies for her future career blended with her particular special interests in those areas. In her curriculum studies, she has completed several project assignments on re-cycling. Consequently, a summer internship at Coastal Regional Solid Waste Management's landfill near Tuscarora was a perfect ingredient in her recipe for learning and earning.

Mahoney saw that good landfill management is not the dumping of garbage in a pile and covering it up with dirt. As her supervisor, Allen Hardison, related, "This is almost a lot more science than it is business." He provided opportunities for Mahoney to become cross-trained in landfill operations, from driving heavy equipment to participating in the processes of monitoring a healthy environment at the site.



Mahoney learned about mining for methane gas, a very beneficial byproduct of the decomposing of waste matter. She became familiar with daily operations that protect the environment from poisonous toxins and with the processes for collecting fluid wastes from the dump site. While methane gas is one marketable byproduct from the landfill, she also was learned the process of transforming yard waste into various grades of mulch and composts. The mining of methane gas and the conversion of yard waste into usable products were a perfect complement to her interests in the recycling aspects of Environmental Science studies.

Mahoney said, "This was a great job for anyone interested in maintaining a healthy environment. Though this was the site for a landfill, proper recycling of garbage into resources made it possible for me to observe all varieties of wildlife flourishing around the area. I saw eagles, deer, squirrels, blue herons, ibis, ducks, and many other kinds of waterfowl. Working as an intern, I was always in a learning mode."

Carol Phillips, Chair of the Department of Environmental Science at PCC, observed, "Our graduates have found careers in such a variety of positions that impact our local environment. Some are working at water treatment facilities, some for health departments, one is an Environmental Protection Agent at MCAS Cherry Point, and Dana is poised to graduate with a concentration in studies about recycling. We're proud of our program and especially proud of the difference our graduates are making for our environment."

Mahoney discovered, as many people do, that perceptions can be misleading. She said, "I know many people perceive landfills to be ugly, dirty, smelly places. That's not the case at Tuscarora. It's a great place to work. They follow strict environmental rules and I never felt like there was any bad odor lingering at all. This summer job just re-enforced my dreams about learning more about ecology and really making a difference for our future."