Wilmington, NC – In a continued effort to support Cape Fear Community College and its goal to meet the health care training needs of New Hanover County and surrounding areas, Cape Fear Memorial Foundation recently donated $50,000 to the Cape Fear Community College Foundation.

The money is earmarked for an equipment buy, which will significantly enhance the educational experience of CFCC radiography students by exposing them to a full range of equipment used in the field.

“We are very fortunate to have this grant.  This technology is state of the art for the field,” said Donna Collentine, Radiography Program Director.  “Radiography students will have access to direct digital radiography (DR), the newest method of image processing.  We will also be upgrading some of the monitors in the lab to larger screens for image display.”

The addition of this equipment to the current radiography lab will allow students to learn the technology which they will continue to use in their careers, and as a result, make CFCC graduates more marketable to potential employers.

Cape Fear Memorial Foundation is a private, non-operating foundation located in Wilmington, North Carolina. Its primary purpose is to serve the health and medical needs of the people of Southeastern North Carolina. It supports charitable not-for-profit organizations providing health and medical services and health education.

The Cape Fear Community College Foundation exists solely to support the students, instructors, programs and mission of the College. The Foundation secures and manages gifts and grants, including cash contributions, deferred gifts, securities, donated services, and equipment and supplies for educational purposes.  For more information about CFCC, The CFCC Foundation or scholarship opportunities please contact The Cape Fear Community College Foundation at 910.362.7207 or visit www.cfcc.edu/foundation.

The Alliance Credit Union Business Program Scholarship was designed to support second-year business students at CFCC with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.  “We feel honored to help students who are working so diligently toward achieving their educational goals,” said Rachel Lee Robinson, Alliance Credit Union Business Relations Manager.

The scholarship will be awarded later this summer to a CFCC student who is enrolled for the Fall 2012 semester.  The winner will be selected by the Cape Fear Community College Financial Aid Office.  In order to be considered, students must submit an essay describing their goals within the field, how the scholarship will benefit them, and their recent community service.  The recipient must be a resident of New Hanover, Pender, or Brunswick County.  Interested students may apply at https://cfcc.academicworks.com.

Alliance Credit Union also supports The Carousel Center for Abused Children, Cell Phones for Soldiers, Hands on Wilmington, and other charitable groups.  “We strive to make a meaningful impact in the community around us,” said Robinson. “Alliance Credit Union is here because the community supports us.  We embrace the opportunity to give back.”

Alliance Credit Union is a member-owned, financial cooperative serving more than 40,000 members in six counties—Santa Clara, San Mateo and Alameda counties in California, and New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties in North Carolina.

The Cape Fear Community College Foundation exists solely to support the students, instructors, programs and mission of the College. The Foundation secures and manages gifts and grants, including cash contributions, deferred gifts, securities, donated services, and equipment and supplies for educational purposes.  For more information about CFCC, The CFCC Foundation or scholarship opportunities, please contact the Cape Fear Community College Foundation at 910.362.7207 or visit www.cfcc.edu/foundation.

The 2012 CFCC Student Ambassador team (clockwise from top left): Marco Crawford, David Wilson, Jamie Placco, Tiffany Pigford, Holly Keegan, Shawn Cress, Natalyn Wallin, Chloe Coleman, Shannon Beers and Courtney Hull (center).

Student Ambassadors Establish Giving Society to Honor CFCC President

Since announcing his retirement in January, CFCC President Dr. Eric McKeithan has received many unusual surprises, including a flash mob of CFCC students in Tabitha’s Courtyard and a lifetime achievement award from Phi Theta Kappa.

Knowing he would receive numerous accolades and retirement gifts, the outgoing 2011-12 CFCC Student Ambassadors searched for a unique gift that would signify the impact Dr. McKeithan has had on Cape Fear Community College, especially his untiring support of students. After much discussion, the team settled upon an idea: they wanted to establish a special giving society for former student ambassadors at CFCC.

At a luncheon on the last day of spring classes in May, ten student ambassadors presented Dr. McKeithan with  a framed certificate that announced the creation of the CFCC Ambassador Giving Society and commemorating Dr. McKeithan’s 18 years of service to CFCC students. Team members also presented him with $250 they personally donated as an inital gift to establish the society.

The funds will be added to the CFCC Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship, which once fully funded, the scholarship will allow CFCC alumni (including former student ambassadors) to nominate family members, or legacy students, to receive scholarship awards.

Donors to the Ambassador Giving Society will be recognized in CFCC’s annual President’s Report. In addition, once construction of CFCC’s Union Station building is completed, donors will also be recognized on a permanent plaque on the fifth floor outside the CFCC Foundation office.

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If you are you a former CFCC Student Ambassador and would like to be included in the CFCC Ambassador Giving Society, please contact the Cape Fear Community College Foundation at 910.362.7207 or email foundation@cfcc.edu.

The CFCC Foundation / NewBridge Bank Bridge to Bridge 4.0 run / 1.0 walk is a 4-mile course that will take participants from the Isabel Holmes Bridge to the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge through some of the most scenic areas of downtown Wilmington. Thursday, June 14th, 6:30 pm. Race ends with a celebration inside the Schwartz Center. Funds raised support student scholarships at CFCC. For more info or to register, visit: http://its-go-time.com/cfcc-bridge-to-bridge-4-0

The CFCC Foundation staff would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Wilmington community for your overwhelming support of CFCC students at the 2012 Changing Lives through the Gift of Education luncheon on Thursday, May 17. Over 640 guests attended and donated almost $225,000 for student scholarships.

A special thanks also goes out to Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits who donated the catering for the event, allowing the Foundation to award an additional 30 student scholarships. Bojangles’ president and CEO Randy Kibler also served as the keynote speaker.

Click here to read a great summary of the event in the Greater Wilmington Business Journal.

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The mission of the CFCC Foundation is to raise scholarship dollars for CFCC students. 100% of the money raised at the luncheon goes directly to student assistance. We are asking each attendee to please consider a minimum donation of $100.00 to fund these much-needed scholarships. Of course, many of our donors give significantly more, and donations of any size are greatly appreciated.

By Josh Bowman, CFCC Foundation Intern

David and Genie Earp have been part of the Cape Fear family since they first met on campus in in 1982. David, a student in the marine technology program, first saw Genie, a chemical technology student, in the cafeteria. “She was having lunch, and I was starving,” he recalls.

David also recalls with great fondness the unique opportunities he enjoyed in the CFCC marine tech program, such as multiple cruises on the R/V Cape Hatteras, which was operated by the Duke/University of North Carolina Oceanographic Consortium, and took CFCC students to Bermuda. David was also a member of CFCC’s first-ever golf team, which was coached by Rick Stewart who is still the coach today.

The classes David and Genie took at CFCC helped them find employment directly after college. David became employed with Teledyne Oil Exploration in 1984 as a technician on a seismograph boat. Genie found employment as a water and coal analyst at Duke Power’s coal power plant.  

So it was not a surprise when years later, the Earps encouraged their daughter Rachel to attend CFCC just as they did, when she was recruited by CFCC Womens’ Soccer Coach Chris Libert in fall 2006. Rachel and her teammates won the NJCAA Region X tournament two years in a row, and the entire Earp family was usually there to cheer her on at every game.  Rachel went on to UNCW, majoring in biology and chemistry.

A couple of years later, oldest daughter Saralynn also joined the student body, and CFCC officially became a family affair. “Cape Fear was a great choice for Saralynn,” said David. She concentrated in fine art classes and had the opportunity to submit art pieces for various exhibits at the Cameron Art Museum. Saralynn has since transferred to UNCW and is completing a bachelor’s degree in fine arts.

As CFCC graduates both Saralyn and Rachel have specific reasons why they feel connected to the college. Saralyn stressed that what made a difference to her was the way advisors and the instructors at CFCC were willing go out of their way to help their students. Rachel also experienced this first hand at CFCC when she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and underwent surgery during the school year. The hospitalizations kept Rachel from attending class for weeks and could have led to her being forced to repeat the semester. It was only through help from the administrators, support from her soccer team, support from her family and personal perseverance that she managed to take special class sessions and finish the semester out strong. “Coach Libert and her teammates were there for her when her family couldn’t be,” says her dad. Rachel concurs: “I’ve made lifelong friends here” she says, and she returns every year to play on the alumni soccer team with some of those friends.

Since then the Earps have remained avid Sea Devil athletic fans. There is rarely a soccer or basketball game that a member of the Earp family isn’t cheering from the sidelines. Even Mr. Earp, who suffered a debilitating spinal cord injury in a tragic boating accident ten years ago, has managed to attend multiple games with the family.

When asked to describe how the college has changed since 1984, David comments with a chuckle that “back then there weren’t so many buildings.” It is true that the facilities and staff have grown over the years, but according to both of his daughters the intimate atmosphere and caring staff are two things that haven’t changed one bit.

1973 Marine Technology alumnus Tony DelToro had a pleasant surprise on a recent vacation. Says Tony: “I was on a cruise and the last port of call was Nassau, Bahamas. I got one heck of a surprise to see the R/V Dan Moore docked there also!! I introduced myself to Captain Steve Beuth and a couple of students (the rest of them had already prepared for shore leave.) We chatted for a bit and then took this photo.”

The R/V Dan Moore is CFCC’s own ocean-going training vessel. The ship is a 85-ft. fisheries research vessel formerly operated by the State of NC Division of Marine Fisheries. Marine Technology students undergo 5 different training cruises totaling over 32 days at sea. The ship carries a compliment of 17 students with cruise durations ranging from 4 to 11 days.

To learn more about the Dan Moore or the CFCC Marine Technology Department, visit http://cfcc.edu/martech/.

Woodturner and CFCC dental department faculty member Bob Dougherty displays a hand-turned cane made for returning soldiers.

By Andrea Blanton, CFCC Foundation Intern

Local woodturner Bob Dougherty, member of the Wilmington Area Woodturners Association (WAWA), has demonstrated just how easily a passion can turn into more than just a tangible piece of work. Throughout his lifetime, his craft has inspired him by “being able to take a piece of firewood and turn it into a beautiful piece of artwork,” said Dougherty. “No two pieces are alike.” Dougherty, chairman of scholarships & training for WAWA, decided to share his love of woodturning with Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) in order to support his other passions, Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting. As a faculty member for both programs, he began to notice that some students were struggling financially and thought of a way to help by bringing his passions together. In 2008, he decided to approach the CFCC Foundation with an idea to create scholarships.

To raise money for their scholarship, members of WAWA donate numerous hand-crafted wood-turned objects that the CFCC Foundation includes in various silent auctions. In 2011, the auctions raised $1,000 and individual members of WAWA also contributed over $1,200 to help fund the scholarship. “The auctions are a win-win, because these items can be used as unique gifts and it helps out the students,” said Dougherty.  “These items are one of a kind.” Through his efforts, the association has funded several scholarships worth $300 for CFCC Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting students to further their education. This academic year, Timothy Hudson, a Dental Hygiene student, received the scholarship for the fall 2011 semester and a Dental Assisting student will receive it in the spring. Since the first auction in 2008, the WAWA has raised over $5,600 for CFCC students.

This birdhouse ornament hand-turned by Bob Dougherty is an example of the intricate craftsmanship of the items donated by the Wilmington Area Woodturner's Association.

To introduce the craft of woodturning to the community, WAWA also began a woodturning class at CFCC as a part of the new Heritage Arts Program in February. Throughout the classes, students are taught beginning turning techniques and tips on how to start a successful woodturning business. They also learn the importance of safety, are introduced to the tools and materials needed, and receive first-hand experience with the equipment.

Throughout the years, WAWA has hosted several woodturning demonstrations around the Wilmington area at venues such as the Cameron Art Museum, the NHC Senior Center and the New Hanover County Fair and Expo. This gives the community a chance to “watch first-hand and receive an explanation of woodturning that they would not likely see anywhere else,” said Dougherty. “It is also a wonderful networking opportunity.” Furthermore, WAWA was awarded with “Best in Show” for their 1850’s watered powered lumber mill scale model during a symposium for all woodturning associations in America in 2010. “To win that kind of competition is pretty remarkable for being a fairly new club,” said Dougherty.

In addition to demonstrations, WAWA has formed several programs to help those in need. They recently started a program for wounded warriors at Ft. Bragg who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. These warriors will receive handcrafted canes created by the members. Jeff Davies, a member of WAWA, has also helped create a program for children after school called Kids Making It. This program gives “at-risk children the opportunity to explore woodworking and help them grow into responsible, employed, law-abiding citizens.”

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The Wilmington Area Woodturners Association (WAWA) was founded in 2004 to “support and build a community for new and experienced woodturners through teaching, training, and demonstrations.” The mission of WAWA is two-fold: to broaden the knowledge of woodturning for its members by providing opportunities to share experiences and techniques with one another and to increase awareness and knowledge about this craft with those in the Wilmington area. WAWA hopes to continue to offer local events, education programs, and training classes to gain community recognition and support. To find out more about the Wilmington Area Woodturners Association, please visit their website at: http://www.wilmingtonareawoodturnersassociation.org/

The Cape Fear Community College Foundation exists solely to support the students, teachers, programs and mission of the College. Most of the funds raised are designed for our students in the form of scholarships to directly assist with their education. For more information about providing scholarship opportunities for CFCC students, please contact the CFCC Foundation at 910.362.7207 or give on-line at www.cfcc.edu/foundation.

By Josh Bowman, CFCC Foundation Intern

Wilmington, NC – The Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) Foundation recently received a grant from the Landfall Foundation to assist Health Science students with paying for certification exams. Funding from the grant will be used to assist students who are enrolled in Health Science programs by covering a portion of the cost of various certification exams for students who are unable to pay the entire amount. The grant will help many students by giving them the certifications they need to become successfully employed upon graduation.

Students in CFCC’s Health Science programs are required to complete a variety of certifications that further qualify them for employment in their particular fields. Many of the health certifications are now mandated as an accreditation standard and have been difficult for students to afford due to their personal financial hardships. The Landfall Foundation grant will increase the opportunity for students in CFCC Health Science programs to apply for the examinations and become successfully employed by offsetting the cost.

The mission of the Landfall Foundation is to provide funds to local nonprofit organizations for programs and projects that provide for the Arts, Education, and Health and Welfare in the Greater Wilmington, North Carolina area.

The Cape Fear Community College Foundation exists solely to support the students, teachers, programs and mission of the College. The Foundation secures and manages gifts and grants, including cash contributions, deferred gifts, securities, donated services, and equipment and supplies for educational purposes.  For more information about CFCC, The CFCC Foundation or scholarship opportunities please contact The Cape Fear Community College Foundation at 910.362.7207 or visit www.cfcc.edu/foundation.

Left to right: CFCC President Dr. Eric McKeithan and Director of Grant Development Val Clemmons accept a grant award aimed at increasing CFCC student employability from Angel Lee, Vice President & Consumer Market Manager, and Tom Dodson, Wilmington Area Market President with Bank of America.

Grant to assist students in CFCC’s Business Technology programs and Job Seekers & Career Advancement Lab

Wilmington, NC – The Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) Foundation recently received a $5,500 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to help boost local student employability. Funding from the grant will be used to assist students who are enrolled in Business Technology programs and in Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) programs by covering a portion of the cost of various certification exams for students who are unable to pay the entire amount. The grant will increase the employability of 141 – 191 students by giving them a marketable edge in the current job market.

“As an employer and as a leading financial services institution, we have a vested interest in supporting educational initiatives that will produce a knowledgeable and skilled workforce,” said Tom Dodson, Wilmington area market president for Bank of America. “We are pleased to support Cape Fear Community College and their efforts to impact and improve the educational experience of their students.” 

Students in CFCC’s Business Technology programs have the option of taking computer-related certifications that increase their employability along with their degrees. “These industry certifications demonstrate to potential employers that students have expert knowledge in the use of Microsoft Office applications, computer and network security, and computer hardware and software configurations,” said Melissa Watson, Department Chair, Business Technologies.   “The certifications also give student a marketable edge that demonstrates increased determination, drive, competence and capacity for increased productivity.”

Career Readiness Certification (CRC) assessments are given to individuals who are enrolled in the Job Seekers and Career Advancement Lab offered by the CFCC Continuing Education department. The lab is part of CFCC’s Human Resources Development (HRD) program, a state-funded program that allows students to take designated fee-waived courses to enhance job acquisition and retention skills.

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The Cape Fear Community College Foundation exists solely to support the students, teachers, programs and mission of the College. The Foundation secures and manages gifts and grants, including cash contributions, deferred gifts, securities, donated services, and equipment and supplies for educational purposes.  For more information about CFCC, The CFCC Foundation or scholarship opportunities, please contact the Cape Fear Community College Foundation at 910.362.7207.