2008 SWCC News

SWCC Public Relations

Pat Bussard, Coordinator, Room T350
Email: pat.bussard@sw.edu  Phone: 276.964.7332   

News Archives 2007  

News & Press Releases

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Former SWCC student Christina Rowe to compete in Miss VA USA Pageant Christina Rowe completed her first two years of college at SWCC before entering Radford University to obtain her bachelors degree in business administration.
Christina was crowned Miss SWCC 2002; in addition to the title she received a scholarship to further her education. Christina speaks highly of her community college experience and has encouraged many of her family and friends to pursue the opportunities SWCC has to offer.

“Attending SWCC is one of the best choices I have ever made. With SWCC as a first step toward my higher education, I was able to enter Radford debt free. With only two years remaining to complete my degree, my education cost was a fraction of what it would have been otherwise”. More about Christina >>>

family day


Family Day on Saturday, October 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon SWCC will host a Family Day on Saturday, October 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the King Community Center. Designed for parents of current or future college students, the event will offer insightful topics such as; applying for financial aid, dual enrollment, parents’ rights, campus safety, and applying for available scholarships. Sessions will be conducted by seasoned professionals with expertise in the many facets of the college processes.
Lunch will be provided. Giveaways at the event include a scholarship, a vacation package to any destination in the continental U.S., and other prizes. For more information contact Amanda Bohon at 276.964.7618, or e-mail at amanda.bohon@sw.edu
more>>>.
 

08 Parent's Day


Winner of Battle of Rock Bands The Thunderbilly Band won first place at the '08 Battle of the Rock Bands Competition held at SWCC. Co-sponsored by BB&T, the event presented the 12 winning bands from rock band competitions held by Tazewell, Russell, Buchanan and Dickenson counties.

Performing before a very appreciative crowd, The Buddz placed second and third place went to Radio Nowhere.

Pictured above are: Terry Long, event coordinator; Rocky Smith, event MC; The Thunderbilly Band, 2008 BORB Winner and Dr. Mark Estepp, SWCC President.
See event photo album (photos by Joe Magee

The Thunderbilly Band

Leslie Harris Smith Memorial Scholarship Daphne Cordle, a SWCC sophomore, Chair of the Phi Research Group and President of the Class of 2009 of Cardiopulmonary Sciences, SWCC Campus, has been awarded the Leslie Harris Smith Memorial Scholarship from the Virginia Society for Respiratory Care, Inc., based upon her honors academic performance, her leadership and her character. Leslie Harris Smith passed away in 2001 after a courageous life cut short by the devastating effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Leslie was the Clinical Coordinator, and then Director, of the Respiratory Therapy Program at NVCC in Annandale, VA, from 1981 to 1996 when she was forced to slow down due to the consequences of her illness. Using distance learning and electronic technologies to overcome the physical limitations imposed by her disease, Leslie continued teaching part-time through the end of Fall 2000. Her many contributions are recognized annually by the VSRC through its award of the Scholarship to students enrolled in respiratory therapy educational programs in Virginia.
Daphne

Prizes Abound at Scholarship Golf Classic The annual SWCC Scholarship Golf Classic will be held on Thursday, September 25th, at 1:00 P.M., at the Tazewell County Country Club. This popular tournament raises over $25,000 annually for scholarships. It also provides an opportunity for participants to win excellent prizes, such as the 2008 Ford vehicle for a hole-in-one on hole # 3, provided by Jimmy Davidson’s Pounding Mill Ford.
This year’s tournament is a tribute to W. A. “Zan” Stuart who was SWCC’s first board chair and championed the College and its mission over the past forty years. SWCC President Dr. J. Mark Estepp is shown above with the three handmade clocks to be awarded during the tournament.  more>>>

ODU at SWCC announces Dean's List ODU is proud to announce that three Old Dominion University students, located at our SWCC site, made the Dean’s list this Summer.

Christopher Barnett of Grundy, a Business Administration Management major; Lindsay A. Keene of Pounding Mill, a Nursing major; and Camie Vandyke of Richlands, a Human Services major were recognized for earning a grade point average of 3.40 or higher.
All three are SWCC alumni and are succeeding at ODU in their respective majors. Mr. Barnett and Ms. Vandyke are continuing their studies this fall, with graduation in the near future. Ms. Keene finished all of her degree requirements in August.
Thank you SWCC for “producing” such high quality students. ODU is proud to be your partner!


Dr. Shari Stacy Teaches Summer Courses in Mexico
Dr. Shari Stacy, professor of English at SVCC, recently visited the Benemérito Instituto Normal Del Estado in the city of Puebla, Mexico, where she taught in a summer Master’s degree program for Mexican teachers of the English language.

Partnering with professors from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, Stacy focused on British writers and teaching the essay.
PHOTO: Dr. Shari Stacy (far left) talks with Professor José Isaac Huerta López, coordinator of the teacher program at Benemérito, and Dr. Patricia McCarthy, retired professor, ASU
more>>>


Respiratory Care Program Graduates
SVCC Respiratory 08 Grads
The 08 cooperative Respiratory Care Program has graduated its largest class in the 34 year history of the program with 29 students from the Southwest cohort and the Crossroads cohort. Southwest graduates (top left l-r, front) are:  Sarah Ball, James Matney, Nikki McCarty, Carrie Donithan, Ben Hayes, Amanda Hale, Melissa Hale; (back row): Laura Young, Wesley Hammacher, Jordan Newsome, Ellen Berry, Amanda Cooper, Allison Ratliff, and Samantha McGee. Crossroads Cohort (below, front row): Lori Bolen, Tabetha Williams, Sarah Hankley, Rebecca Cox, Tonya Graber, Jamie Gillespie, Susan Worley; (back row): Tim Adams, Sharon Spurlin, David Martin, Doug Horton, Joann Williams, Ashleigh Burnette, Ashley Nester, Vanessa Reed.  For further program information contact Dr. Joe DiPietro, RRT at 276-964-7306, or joe.diPietro@sw.edu  .

Radiography Ceremony The SVCC Cooperative Radiography Program recently celebrated its 31st Radiography Pinning Ceremony at the Wytheville Meeting Center, Wytheville, Virginia. These graduates represent students from SVCC, VHCC and WCC campuses. Colette Roberts was presented the program’s 2008 Outstanding Student Award, presented to a deserving student based on input from fellow student radiographers, clinical staff and program faculty. The 2008 graduating students participated in the summer commencement ceremony at SVCC. The graduates are (front row, l to r): Megan Pickett, Susan Sturgill, Leslie Dawson, Susan Burnette, Brittany Long, Colette Roberts. Row 2, l to r: Lindsey Blankenship, Brooks Jackson, Loretta Ray, Patricia Shupe, Rebekah Waddell, Laryssa Turley, Amber Harman, Heather Towe, Mark Lawson. Row 3, l to r: Carolyn Grace, Rebecca Fuller, Steve Crabtree, Tammy, Collier, Josh Funk, Jarod Morris, Michael Alderson, Charlie Carr, Cliff Issacs, Eric King, Jason Umberger, Zach Spraker; and Courtney Cook, not pictured.
RAdiography
OTA Pinning Ceremony The 11th Annual Pinning and Awards Ceremony was held recently for the Occupational Therapy Assistant graduates. The ceremony recognized the students for their dedication and hard work during the program. The guest speaker was Lisa Ratliff, a certified occupational therapy assistant working in the Buchanan County School Systems and charter class graduate of the SVCC OTA program. Nikki Elswick, a 2008 candidate for graduation, was selected by her class to present the student address. For more information about the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at SVCC, contact Annette Looney at 276. 964.7643 or at annette.looney@sw.edu. Pictured (Left to right): Sara Scarberry, Donna Childress, Nicole Looney, Nikki Elswick, Kathy Phillips, Todd Keene, Lisa Sargent, Kristen Miller, Chasity Brooks, Deseree McGlothlin, and Whitney Conaway. Not pictured, Jonas (J.T.) Rasnick
OTA
PBL 2008 Winners Two SVCC Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) students placed in the top ten in their respective contests at the PBL National Leadership Conference and Competition in Atlanta, Georgia. PBL is the national business society for college students. Paris Lester, PBL advisor (left), accompanied the group.
Katrina Large
(3rd from left), who graduated with an accounting degree in the spring and has been accepted by ODU for the fall semester, placed 5th in the nation in Accounting for Professionals.
James Kulchar
, (right) a current accounting student, placed 7th in Financial Analysis & Decision Making. The students competed against PBL members from two- and four-year colleges from across the nation. Pictured 2nd from left is Dr. Barbara Fuller, Business Division dean. Outlook is Excellent for Careers in Accounting > > >
PBL 2008 Winners
Congratulations to Graduates  
SVCC graduates heard advice on handling the inevitable change in their life from Dr. Donald H. Smith, vice president for academic affairs and provost of Bluefield State College, during the recent summer commencement ceremony. Smith was a charter member of the faculty at SVCC and former dean of instruction at the College.

Over one hundred and fifty students were candidates for summer 2008 graduation. Dr. Mark Estepp, president of SVCC presided over graduation.

photo gallery> > >

 
Summer Graduates

Recent Visit by Chancellor SVCC recently hosted Dr. Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and Robert Vaughn, director of the House Appropriations Committee Staff, Virginia House of Delegates, and Tony Maggio, fiscal analyst for the House Appropriations Committee, Virginia House of Delegates, providing staff support for the areas of Higher Education and Capital Outlay. Their visit to SVCC was part of a larger tour of Virginia’s community colleges. Pictured (l to r): Robert Vaughn; Dr. Glenn DuBois; Matthew VanDyke, SVCC student; Tony Maggio; Tessa Uwaifo, SVCC student; Dr. J. Mark Estepp, SVCC president; Chip Deskins, SVCC student, and Jenny Keene, SVCC student.
chancellor visit

Booth Center Artwork A reception, sponsored by the Grundy Women’s Club and Mark and Trish Estepp, announced the display of a selection of Japanese Bunka handiwork of the late Dorothy Jackson Dellinger. The collection will continue on display at the Booth Center Art Gallery until the middle of August.
The Booth Center Art Gallery is open to the public, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Pictured above are Betty Shields and Ginger Robertson of the Grundy Women’s Club explaining the Japanese Bunka art form to reception attendees.
Booth Gallery

Recipients of Chancellor’s Award SVCC has announced the recipients of the 2008 Virginia Workforce Development Services Chancellor’s Award. This honor is awarded annually to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of the region’s workforce.
This year’s ceremony was hosted by New River Community College with Peter Blake, vice chancellor of workforce development services and Trenton Hightower, assistant vice chancellor of workforce development services, presenting the awards.

Pictured (l to r) are the SVCC recipients of the 2008 Award: Janice Taylor, Jonathan Pruitt, Susan Blansett and Denechia Edwards. Not pictured are Sandra Hagy and Dan Trent. more> > >
newsimage

Career Switcher Program There’s a new breed of teachers employed in public schools, thanks to what the Virginia Department of Education classifies as “Career Switchers,” a statewide program developed in response to critical teacher shortages throughout the Commonwealth.
These teachers did not take the typical route of pursuing their college degrees in education straight out of high school. They are bringing their years of work experience and maturity as additional tools to enrich classrooms across the state.
These are people like Kay Schwink (center) of Blacksburg, Virginia who entered the public school teaching system in the fall of 2005 at the age of 48, after completing the Career Switcher program through SVCC.
more > > >
For more information regarding Virginia Community College’s EducateVA Career Switcher Program, contact Jereial Fletcher at 276.964.7224.

21 Passenger Bus SVCC is the proud owner of a new 21 passenger Activity Bus made possible by an anonymous donor. The bus will be used for club activities and is a welcomed replacement for the vans used in the past.

Pictured is Dr. Estepp, SVCC President (left) receiving the keys to the bus from Dean Farmer (right), representative of the bus company, Sonny Merryman, Inc. Also pictured are Mary Lawson, Executive Director of the SVCC Educational Foundation and Mark Wildman Director of Student Activities.
Bus Donation Event

Ratcliffe Foundation Funds Brick Sculpture for LRC SVCC’s president, Dr. J. Mark Estepp (third from left), has announced that its new Learning Resources Center, currently under construction, will feature a brick sculpture depicting the American Indian pictographs located at nearby Paintlick Mountain.
A generous gift of $150,000 from the Ratcliffe Foundation, established by the late A. M. “Smiley” Ratliff, will provide funding for the sculpture. Scott Cole (second from left), Chair of the Ratcliffe Foundation Board, was on hand for the announcement. Johnny Hagerman (third from right), internationally acclaimed brick sculptor and SVCC alumnus, in conjunction with General Shale Brick, will coordinate this very important effort.
Also pictured at the announcement (left to right): Mary Lawson, Executive Director of the SVCC Foundation; Cole; Estepp, Hagerman, Dr. Bob Sutherland, Dean of Learning Resources; and Phyllis Roberts, Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
more> > >
Ratcliffe Foundation Donation

SVCC '08 Battle of the Rock Bands The '08 SVCC ROCK THE MOUNTAINS "Battle of the Rock Bands" event will take place on the SVCC Campus-Dickenson Hall Stage on September 13th, when 12 bands will compete for prizes of $1000 - 1st Place, $500 - 2nd place and $250 - 3rd place.
How to enter SVCC's BORB Event?

Enter and place either 1st, 2nd or 3rd in one of the Battle of the Rock Bands events hosted by your local county fair this summer and win a spot at SVCC's BORB event in September.
The top 3 bands from each county competition will be among the 12 bands to perform at SVCC.
See the SVCC Battle of the Rock Bands website for dates, contact information and entry deadlines for the Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell County '08 Battle of the Rock Bands events.
Any one who loves rock should make plans to attend the county events and the SVCC '08 BORB in September.
SVCC Battle of the Rock Bands

Virginia Mountain Music Festival This year’s Virginia Mountain Music festival was a smashing success! Well over 1,000 people traveled from all over the region and beyond to hear world class musicians perform. The Lonesome River Band, IIIrd Tyme Out, Larry Cordle, and Larry Sparks headlined the event. Other top musical talent who performed at the festival were Jeni & Billy, Bluestone, Bluegrass Kinsmen, TN Borderline, SVCC String Band Class, and Jeff & Tony Brown. Great music, free admission, and a variety of dinner and dessert concessions made this the have-to event for the summer. The Virginia Mountain Music festival was sponsored by Southwest Virginia Community College and New Peoples Bank.  Pictured center with a microphone is Dr. Bob Sutherland, who was the coordinator for the event, as well as its Master of Ceremonies.  Pictured with him is his assistant, Jackie Hartman. Sutherland, Hartman, and Jeff Brown (right) are shown on stage during the festival.
VMMF

Alex E. Booth, Jr. Honored for Community College Philanthropy

Alex E. Booth, Jr., a philanthropist with strong ties to the region, is the SVCC recipient of the 2008 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy.

He  was recently honored with this award as an outstanding Virginia Community College benefactor.

Booth is pictured earlier this year with several SVCC allied health students at the dedication of the facility in Grundy, Virginia, which bears his name.

more > > >

Booth Honored

Recent Graduate Receives Promotion Emily McClanahan (center), a recent graduate of the accounting program at SVCC, has been promoted to branch manager for the home office of True Point Bank in Royal City, Virginia.

McClanahan is the latest success story for the business division at Southwest.

Also pictured is Dr. Barbara Fuller, dean of the business division at SVCC and Paris Lester, accounting professor.

 


Tazewell County Students Complete Microsoft Testing Recently, 28 Richlands High School students completed 31 certification exams in Microsoft Office 2003 applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint at the Computer Learning Center. Pictured with the students on the back row are two technology teachers, Ronnie Sparks and Patti Fuller, along with Diana Stinson, SVCC instructor and certification testing administrator.  
Schools or organizations interested in group testing should contact Margaret Dye at margaret.dye@sw.edu  or 276.964.7277. More information about the Microsoft Office testing is available at http://www.sw.edu/clc  and http://www.certiport.com .
RHS Students

1.8 Million Dollar Grant Brings New Dimension to Curricula SVCC’s Office of Institutional Advancement has announced that the college has received 1.8 million dollars in grant funding awarded through the Department of Labor (DOL).

SVCC competed successfully against 341 other applicants vying for the DOL grant, becoming one of 69 community colleges and community-based institutions across the nation to receive the funds provided under the President’s Community-Based Job Training Grants Initiative. The funding, which is to be used to prepare students for careers in high-growth industries, will be used by Southwest to develop a construction based curriculum.  more > > >

Construction Academy Website


Graduates Hear Congratulation Message

Four hundred and sixty-eight Southwest Virginia Community College students were candidates for spring 2008 graduation. Dr. David J. Prior, chancellor of the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, addressed graduates  Prior gave the graduates a message of congratulations for their persistence in completing their academic studies.

Earl Dellinger, a well-known local businessman and philanthropist, was awarded an honorary Associate Degree of Humane Letters. Dr. Mark Estepp, president of SVCC, presented the award on behalf of the college.

A posthumous degree was awarded to David Eugene “Bo” Lambert, a Sergeant in the Virginia National Guard, who lost his life in Iraq. The certificate in Law Enforcement was accepted by his father and mother, Howard and Mary Sue Lambert of Cedar Bluff, Virginia. more > > >     Photos> > >

Spring 08 Graduates

Multi-Media Club Students Attend 2008 RiverRun International Film Festival The RiverRun International Film Festival is one of the country’s fastest growing regional film festivals. The festival showcased a strong lineup of films from both emerging and established filmmakers from around the world, many who joined their films at River Run this year.  Students had the opportunity to attend a series of intriguing panels, including conversations with well-known actors Bill Pullman and Pam Grier.

SVCC offers a program in Television and Radio Broadcast Production. For more information regarding the R/TV program, the Multi-Media Club or the River Run International Film Festival, contact Lanna Lumpkins at 276.964.7552 or lanna.lumpkins@sw.edu .

Read more about it on the
new
Student Connections
Blog...

River Run Festival - Bill Pullman
Pictured from left to right: Dave Holmes, Regina Osborne, Lanna Lumpkins (club advisor), Jordan Anderson, Bill Pullman (actor), Justin Trout, Bryan Hurley and Brennan Dye.

Tazewell County Students Complete Microsoft Testing Recently, 28 Richlands High School students completed 31 certification exams in Microsoft Office 2003 applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint at the Computer Learning Center. Pictured with the students on the back row are two technology teachers, Ronnie Sparks and Patti Fuller, along with Diana Stinson, SVCC instructor and certification testing administrator.  
Schools or organizations interested in group testing should contact Margaret Dye at margaret.dye@sw.edu  or 276.964.7277. More information about the Microsoft Office testing is available at http://www.sw.edu/clc  and http://www.certiport.com .
RHS Students

Eclectic Menagerie exhibit SVCC presents the emerging artists of this year's Portfolio Resume class with a group exhibition at the Appalachian Arts Center.
The Eclectic Menagerie exhibit will be on display at the Appalachian Arts Center May 6 though June 26, 2008.
The Eclectic Menagerie exhibit features artworks in a variety of media. The artwork above,"Kayla", is by artist Carolyn Dameron.
Everyone is invited to the Opening Reception on Friday, May 9, from 4:30-7:00 pm. The Appalachian Arts Center is located on Rt. 19 in Wardell; 2.5 miles south of Claypool Hill and 2.5 miles north of SVCC and is open Tuesday-Saturday 12 noon-5:30 pm. For more information, please call 276.596.9188
more> > >
Kayla by Carolyn Dameron

SVCC Festival Fanfare Popular pianists Pavlina Dokovska and Vladimir Valjarevic will return to SVCC for the opening event of the annual Festival of the Arts-SPOTLIGHT ON SCANDINAVIA and the White Nights!  Following the concert, Larry and Kathy Mitchell will host the Festival Sponsors and Patrons Reception.

The 2008 Festival of the Arts is presented in loving memory of Jenny Alford Walk, a Tazewell native and graduate of SVCC. Jenny worked with the SVCC Educational Foundation as administrative assistant for two decades and spent countless hours assisting with the festival since its inception.

Piano x 3

Festival of the Arts On Friday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m., SCANDANS and Spelmanslag will present a performance of traditional Scandinavian Folk Music and Dance from the countries of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. This performance is part of the SPOTLIGHT ON SCANDINAVIA and the White Nights!, the annual Festival of the Arts sponsored by SVCC. See Schedule
Both the dance and fiddle workshops are free but advance registration is requested by April 18
. Space is limited. Call 276.964.7348 to register for the workshops and for other festival information. more> > >

Spelmanlag
Pictured above is the SCANDANS, Scandinavian folk dancers of North Carolina. The Triangle Spelmanslag  performs traditional Swedish, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian folk music.
Scandans
 

Berea Concert Choir

Conductor Stephen Bolster directed the Berea Concert Choir and Chamber Singers in a melody of songs highlighting the musical prowess of these performers. 

A packed audience listened attentively while the choir sang selections as diverse as Sing a Mighty Song, Gloria, and Todo mi bien e perdido

The SVCC Community Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Joseph Trivette, also performed for the rapt audience.  The Choirs received enthusiastic applause for their performances. Photo Gallery

 

Berea Choir

Festival of the Arts The theme for the 2008 SVCC Festival of the Arts is Spotlight on Scandinavia and the White Nights!. This year's festival will be held April 14th-27th. The core group of artists will return, among them are Pavlina Dokovska and Vladimir Valjarevic, pianists, soprano Stefka Evstatieva, the excellent chamber ensemble, Camerata Virtuosi New York, and Joseph Trivette and the outstanding SVCC Community Chorus performing with the Knoxville Symphony. For Festival information, including sponsor support, contact Mary W. Lawson, 276.964.7348, mary.lawson@sw.edu or visit the festival website for the Events Schedule.The Touchstone Theatre residency is scheduled from April 14-18 with performance on April 19. Pictured is a scene entitled "The Duck's Last Advice" from THE TALISMAN:The Fairy Tale Life of Hans Christian Andersen.
"The Duck's Last Advice"

Black Diamond Forensics Meet

The Black Diamond District Forensics Meet, sponsored by the Virginia High School League, was held recently at SVCC under the direction of Dr. Robert Tomlinson, meet director. Members of the faculty and staff served as judges. Participating high schools were Council, Haysi, Honaker, and Twin Valley. Winners are eligible to compete in the regional meet.
Pictured  is the Team Champion of the meet, Twin Valley High School. (1st row, left to right): Anastasia Justice, 2nd Place, Duo Interpretation; Brittany Davis, 2nd Place, Storytelling; Miki Burge, 3rd Place, Serious Dramatic Interpretation; Miranda Dotson, 1st Place, Humorous Dramatic Interpretation; Jon Lester, 2nd Place, Duo Interpretation; Jeremy Honaker, 1st Place, Impromptu; Kim Street, 1st Place, Extemporaneous Speaking-Domestic; Emily Maxwell, 1st Place, Prose Interpretation; Emily Ratliff, 1st Place, Original Oratory; Rachel Horn, 2nd Place, Original Oratory; and Ashley Brown, 3rd Place, Poetry Interpretation. The coach for Twin Valley High School is Tammy Case (not pictured)
See Meet Photo Gallery


Twin Valley High School Winners

Flying Eagles Basketball The Flying Eagles basketball team closed out their regular season with a 77-70 win over Virginia Western Community College from Roanoke. SVCC, with a record of 17-5, will be traveling to Lawrenceville, Virginia (Host Southside Community College) 3/8/08 to participate in the Virginia Community College System Static Tournament.Pictured is the 2008 Southwest Virginia Community College Flying Eagles Basketball Team. Front Row (left to right): Kent Goodman, Matt Gilmer, K.T. Vandyke, Andrew Bostic, and Travis Jackson. Back Row (l to r): Mark Wildman, student activities coordinator; Eric Phipps, Benny Blankenship, Camron Mitchell, Drew Justice, Dr. Mark Estepp, president; D.J. Barton, Jimmy Ashby, Shane Compton, Larry Mullins, coach; and Roger Vandyke, coach. Not pictured: David Jones. website

08 Eagles Basketball Team

Theresa Uwaifo Theresa Uwaifo, known to her friends as Tess, first came to SVCC in the spring of 2007 to inquire about training for the workers at the company for which she was employed. When she left, she was enrolled in classes and was fulfilling a promise made to her mother to one day become a nurse.
“I didn’t originally come here for me; I came here for my employer. I talked with career counselor Sharon Peery and she asked me what I wanted to do. I told her I wanted to be a nurse, but I was afraid of taking math. She started talking to me and building my confidence and motivated me. I told her, “You believe in me, so I’ll give it a shot.”
more > > >

Tessa


Community College Day

SVCC students recently participated in the Virginia Community College System’s “Every Day is Community College Day” themed visits to their state legislators.

Students met with The Honorable Dan Bowling, Virginia House of Delegates, District 3, VCCS Chancellor Dr. Glenn DuBois, and Virginia Senator Phillip Puckett, District 38. Students also met with First Lady Anne Holton and toured the Virginia Governor’s mansion and the newly renovated Capitol building.

The Honorable Dan Bowling, member, Virginia House of Delegates (third from left), is shown with (l to r): Southwest Virginia Community College students Stephanie Seymour, Margaret Dye, Katrina Large, Tabitha McCoy, and Dr. Mark Estepp, president of SVCC.
Bowling, Estepp and Students

Rhonda Vandyke

SVCC welcomes Rhonda Vandyke, general administration coordinator, president’s office. Vandyke comes to the College from the Appalachian School of Law, where she was senior administrative assistant to academic programs and events. A graduate of SVCC, Vandyke also has a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Intermont and is currently enrolled in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at King College. She will complete her Master’s degree shortly.

She resides in Whitewood, Virginia, with her husband, Roger, and has two sons K.T., a student at SVCC, and Brett, a student in King’s MBA program. “I have been made to feel very welcome. This college has played a valuable role in my education and I consider it a privilege and honor to be a part of the SVCC staff.”

Rhonda Vandyke

Robin Raines

Pictured is Robyn Raines, the new director of the Southwest Virginia Community College Appalachian Arts Center.
The
Center is now open during the convenient hours of 12:00 noon until 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and is located in the Old Archie Helton Store, which is three miles north of SVCC.
 For more information about the Arts Center, call 276.596.9188 or email at appartsinfo@sw.edu or visit the website a http://apparts.sw.edu

Robyn Raines

SVCC Students

SVCC students visited their state legislators during the Virginia Community College System’s recentEvery Day is Community College Day” event. more> > >

Chancellor,  Estepp and Students

Veterans Upward Bound

SVCC is offering a unique program to veterans interested in attending college.
The TRIO Veterans Upward Bound Program (TRIO VUB) is a free, intensive, pre-college program funded with a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
The program will begin accepting students for the spring 2008 semester.
For more information contact the TRIO VUB office at 276.964.7363.
 more> > website

Veteran and Bugle

Booth Center

Alex E. Booth, Jr. (far right) and his wife, Kay, are shown receiving a framed architectural drawing of the higher education facility that will bear Mr. Booth’s name.
Pictured presenting the drawing is Dr. J. Mark Estepp, president of Southwest Virginia Community College. The architectural drawing was presented to the couple at the recent dedication and grand opening of the Booth Center, located in Grundy, Virginia.
 
more> > >.

Estepp and Booths

Booth Center Dedication

SV

Pictured is an architectural drawing of the new Alex E. Booth, Jr. Center.

The public is invited to the Dedication and Grand Opening of the Booth Center on Sunday, January 13, 2008, at 2:00 p.m.

The Booth Center is located on the campus of the Appalachian School of Law at 1195 Edgewater Drive, Grundy, Virginia. An open house, reception, and self-guided tours of the Booth Center will conclude the Grand Opening and Dedication program. The reception is sponsored by the Street Law Firm, LLP. Call 276.964.7348 for more information. more> > >


Information Systems Technology

SVCC will be offering working adults the opportunity to complete an (IST) in three (3) semesters. The program will be the first step in preparing individuals for careers in the information technology field.
With the recent location of CGI and Northrop Grumman to the southwest region, individuals are seeking ways to increase their chances for employability or opportunities to re-career. The accelerated IST program will be offered two (2) nights weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning January 10, 2008.  Interested individuals should complete the admissions application to college online (no application fee). Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. Individuals are encouraged to complete the federal financial aid form at www.FAFSA.ed.gov .
For additional information about the program or to register contact Dr. Barbara Fuller by email or by phone at 276.964.7278 or Margaret Dye by email or phone at 276.964.7277.