CFCC News

July 16, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS SIGN ARTICULATION AGREEMENT
Transfer process made easier with signing
 
RALEIGH- Community college graduates will soon have an easier path to many private colleges and universities after today, July 15.  Community College System President Scott Ralls and Independent Colleges and Universities President Hope Williams signed an Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement that spell out the requirements and program community college students must complete to successfully transfer to 24 specific private colleges and universities in the state.  (A complete list of institutions follows.)
 
“I can’t imagine a state with more education opportunities than North Carolina,” said Dr. Ralls. “This agreement is an indication of the collaborative relationship that exists between our institutions and helps to provide a more seamless transition for our community college students to a four-year degree.”
 
According to Dr. Williams, 2, 135 community college students transferred to a private college or university last year.  She added those students were well prepared for the baccalaureate experience.
 
“This agreement provides a great opportunity to show the partnership that exists,” said Dr. Williams.  She pointed out that while 24 of the 36 private colleges and universities are signatories on the agreement, the other 12 institutions have existing bilateral agreements with individual community colleges that remain in effect.
 
The agreement signed today parallels the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement between the Community College System and UNC System that went into effect in 1997. It defines a block of courses to transfer without case-by-case analysis and guarantees junior status for the transferring students.  It will encourage community college students to complete an associate degree before transferring to a four-year institution. 
 
Another major benefit from the agreement is a heightened opportunity to meet the growing demand for teachers, nurses, and engineers.  A targeted development of transfer and two-plus-two programs will bring advanced degrees to community college campuses in these three critical workforce areas.
 
The majority of community college students are adult learners with work and family responsibilities.  Many private colleges and universities have adult completion programs designed to meet the specific needs of those students.  Night and weekend classes enable them to stay home and complete their degree.
 
“This is a real benefit is for our students,” said Ralls.  “It gives them their own ease of planning for their success.”
 
Signatory Institutions of the NC Independent Colleges and Universities 
 
Barton College
Belmont Abbey College
Bennett Collegefor Women
Brevard College
CampbellUniversity
CatawbaCollege
Chowan University

Gardner-Webb University
Johnson C. Smith University
Lees-McRae
LivingstoneCollege
LouisburgCollege(Two-year)
MarsHill College
MontreatCollege
MountOlive College
North Carolina Wesleyan College
Peace College
PfeifferUniversity
Queens University of Charlotte
St. AndrewsPresbyterian College
Saint Augustine’s College
ShawUniversity
WarrenWilson College
WingateUniversity
 

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David Hardin
Public Information Officer
Cape Fear Community College
411 N. Front St.
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 362-7020

CFCC to Hold 9^th Annual Wooden Boat Show 

WILMINGTON - Boats of all shapes and sizes will be on display at the 9^th annual Cape Fear Community College Wooden Boat Show on July 26. From hand-crafted kayaks to antique powerboats, this year’s boat show offers the public a close look at a wide variety of vessels.

Among the 40 boats expected to participate in this year’s show are a number of rowboats, canoes, inboards, outboards, several antique, wooden flat-bottomed boats, and sailboats.

Over a dozen classic Simmons Sea Skiff boats will also be on display. The Simmons is known throughout the world as a classic wooden boat that was first created in Wilmington in the 1940s and is still in use today.

Students in CFCC’s Boat Building program will be exhibiting their own work as well as conducting live demonstrations on boat building techniques like bending wood using steam.

Awards will be presented to the participating boats and will be judged in the following categories: Best Sail, Best Outboard, Best Inboard, Best Paddle or Rowboat, Best over 25’ Power or Sail, and Best in Show.

The show will be located on Water St. in downtown Wilmington between the Coastline Convention Center and the Hilton. The show will be open to the public from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Please call 362-7021 for more information.

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Don’t miss out on getting the classes you want. Register early for the fall semester at the CFCC Advising Center.

June 16 - July 24, 2008

Monday - Thursday only

11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Room A-313

Galehouse Building

Downtown Campus

Call 362-7017 for more details.

Cape Fear Community College Foundation raises a  record-breaking $257,325 for scholarships at luncheon

Former Governor Jim Hunt delivered keynote to more than 450 guests at fund-raiser

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Cape Fear Community College Foundation raised $257,325 for student scholarships during its fourth annual “Changing Lives Through the Gift of Education,” luncheon. That is more than $82,000 more than was raised at last year’s event and brings the year’s total scholarship fund to more than $1.3 million.

In the keynote address, one of the nation’s leading advocates for education, former Governor Jim Hunt discussed the merits of higher education to a crowd of more than 450 business people gathered at the Schwartz Center on Thursday, May 22.Governor Hunt, who is the only governor of North Carolina elected to four terms, addressed the importance of supporting and strengthening our state’s community college system.

“We are honored to have Governor Hunt’s support for Cape Fear Community College,” said Margaret Robison, Executive Director of the CFCC Foundation.

“He is a true champion of higher education and clearly sees the important role that a strong community college system plays in growing the local economy. Studies show that for each dollar spent educating CFCC students, more than $2.36 is returned to the local community.”           

Attendees also had the opportunity to see presentations about various programs within the college and hear from students who have received Foundation scholarships.            

“Without scholarships, it would have been difficult for me to afford to go to school,” said recent CFCC graduate Dawn Hale.

“I am very grateful for the support of the Foundation, and also the generosity of our community. CFCC students like myself are very fortunate to have the Foundation working on our behalf.” 

Governor Hunt is the only governor of North Carolina to be elected for four terms (1977-1985; 1993-2001) and he is one of the foremost proponents of higher education throughout the country. Top business leaders across the country describe Governor Hunt as a national pioneer in education and economic reform. The Editorial Projects in Education Research Center recently named Governor Hunt one of the ten most influential people in American education, along with Bill Gates, President George Bush and former President Bill Clinton.

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is one of the oldest and largest community colleges in North Carolina. Approximately 27,000 students take courses at the college each year. The college offers 60 technical job-training programs, a college transfer program and continuing education courses. CFCC boosts the New Hanover and Pender county economies by generating more than $435 million annually in business sales and $192 million in labor income. To learn more about helping the Cape Fear Community College Foundation, call (910) 362-7331 or visit http://cfcc.edu/foundation/.

CFCC INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENTS SWEEP AWARDS AT REGIONAL CONFERENCE

WILMINGTON - Three Cape Fear Community College students recently swept the prestigious 2008 Otto Zenke Interior Design Competition, taking first, second and third place. The competition was held as part of the American Society of Interior Design Carolinas Chapter Annual Conference in Myrtle Beach on April 26.

The students competed against colleges from North and South Carolina, defeating students from UNC Greensboro, Meredith College, East Carolina University, Appalachian State University, and Western Carolina University and others.”This is a great honor for a wonderful group of students,” said Cindy Parker, lead instructor of CFCC’s interior design program.

CFCC’s winning students included: Jessie Jeffries, who won first place with $750 and a plaque. Lindsay Medford won second place with $500 and a plaque, and Renee Smith won third place with $250 and a plaque. In addition to the individual prizes, the Interior Design program won $750 and a plaque.

The goal of the project was much more than to design a good-looking room. The project was to create a two-level office and residential space that the students had to research, plan and ultimately design.  Students had to follow specific criteria, much like they would in working with an actual client. The design had to adhere to many specifications like building codes and aesthetic appeal. The students worked on the project for approximately three months in which they developed concepts from the criteria, created space planning in CAD drawings, rendered perspectives and elevations and selected sustainable finishes for the projects. The specific focus was on using sustainable products and ADA guidelines.

This project also utilized sustainable and innovative products while creating a functional, and aesthetic setting for the two spaces involved.  The final work included numerous CAD drawings and hand rendered illustrations to demonstrate their plans, in addition to the selection of products and specifications.

The students worked on the project from January until the end of March as it was an extensive and demanding project. Parker was very proud of the winners, but also was very proud of all the students who entered who also had fabulous entries.  Although it is not a requirement of the contest, the program required that all students send their entries.  

“It was an impressive site to see CFCC projects overshadow the competition,” Parker said.

The class project was completed in Commercial/Contract Design II which was taught by Eliddia Mader. Additional support was given by Ernest Fernandez and Parker who consulted.

CFCC Student Inducted as Regional VP for Phi Theta Kappa

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is proud to announce that Erica Spivey, a current CFCC student, has been inducted as the 2008-09 Regional Vice President of North Carolina for the international honor society, Phi Theta Kappa.  As Vice President, Erica will represent North Carolina at regional and national conferences and events.  Along with other officers, she will develop regional goals and organize events and activities for all of the NC chapters of Phi Theta Kappa. 

CFCC’s chapter, Alpha Chi Sigma, won many awards at this year’s regional banquet in Clemmons, North Carolina, where thirty chapters attended from community colleges across the Carolinas.  Along with being elected as Regional Vice President, Erica Spivey won one of the awards given to the most distinguished chapter president.

“Erica has been a leader on campus, in the community, and has unlimited potential. She has started a mentor program, promoted recycling on campus, and leads by example in every endeavor she undertakes,” says Jason Earnhardt, Phi Theta Kappa Advisor.

Phi Theta Kappa’s mission is two-fold:  1) to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and (2) to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service, and fellowship programming.

As Regional Vice President, Erica will focus on the honors topic, “Paradox of Affluence:  Choices, Challenges, and Consequences.”  The honor’s topic is international within Phi Theta Kappa and encourages the study and exploration of the topic through case study and chapter activities.  Erica believes it is important for students to realize both the pros and cons of choices and she dedicates much of her time to mentoring and educating others on this and other important topics.

WILMINGTON - Dr. Peter Lyons, Commissioner of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, recognized Cape Fear Community College’s Nuclear Maintenance Technician program during a visit to CFCC’s North Campus on May 1, 2008.

The commissioner’s visit celebrated the North Carolina Community College System’s approval of the CFCC Nuclear Maintenance Technician program as an official two-year associate in applied science degree program.   Unique to CFCC, the program prepares students to work as technicians in the nuclear energy industry, including duties inside the reactor containment buildings of commercial nuclear power plants. 

Following a tour of CFCC’s training facilities, Dr. Lyons spoke to an audience of about 100 students, college staff and local business leaders at the BB&T Auditorium at the McKeithan Center. During his remarks, he stressed the importance of partnerships between industry and education to train future generations of nuclear technicians. 

“We must have a solid foundation of highly trained and skilled workers to ensure success for an increased safe and secure utilization of nuclear energy,” Dr. Lyons stated. 

“I believe that augmenting the college’s courses in the sciences and humanities, with practical experience at nuclear facilities and with specialized training at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s facilities in California and in North Carolina, is a very beneficial innovation that will ensure students are well prepared for these careers,” Lyons added. 

Students in the Nuclear Maintenance Technician program receive a stipend and free tuition from Granite Services, International, a wholly owned subsidiary of GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy.

CFCC Architecture Students Win Statewide Competition

WILMINGTON -  Cape Fear Community College’s architectural technology program participated in the 7th annual North Carolina Sustainable Building Design competition in Raleigh on Saturday, April 19 and came home with first place, defeating teams from top universities as well as other community colleges from around the state.

The goal of the competition was to incorporate “green-building” techniques and design plans to build a duplex for upscale retirement couples in the retirement community of Carolina Meadows, located near Chapel Hill, NC.

“The competition this year was the most strenuous and competitive of all I have been involved with.  All of the participating teams presentations were well thought out with outstanding ideas for environmentally friendly living solutions,” said Ron Wilson, lead instructor of CFCC’s architectural technology program.

This year competing teams included Duke University, North Carolina State University School of Design, East Carolina University, Appalachian State and several other community college architectural programs.  

CFCC’s team, “Arbor Creative” was selected as the winner of the 2008 competition.  The five members of the team will receive a prize of $3000 for their efforts. The students include:  Scott Biggs, Keith Burke, Alyssa Halle, Michael Tyler and Alex Dortschy.

Even more importantly, the duplex they designed will be built at Carolina Meadows for its retirees.  There will be approximately 22 duplexes constructed in the new neighborhood of villas.  Each duplex will be constructed using designs and sustainable/alternate energy systems designed and developed at CFCC. 
As the state winner, CFCC is now eligible to participate in the Green Building Council’s National Competition in Boston later this year.    

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CFCC Cosmetology Students Win Top Awards at S.C. Competition

WILMINGTON - Some Cape Fear Community College cosmetology students recently earned top awards at the Association of Cosmetology Salon Professionals (ACSP) competition on March 29 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. 

Awards were given for a variety of hair styling, makeup and manicuring categories. CFCC also earned first place in the school team of the year category. This is the first time that the School Team of The Year trophy has been awarded to a school outside of South Carolina.

“We are so proud of our students because of the professionalism and talent that they showed while in Myrtle Beach. We want to thank the Cape Fear Community College Foundation Board of Directors for the grant that allowed the Cosmetology School to attend,” said Mary Brown lead instructor of CFCC’s cosmetology program.

The list of winners are as follows:

Brittany Couch - 1st place in Female Hair Shaping

Brittany Couch - 3rd place in Female Daytime Blow-Dry

Christina Lewis - 3rd place in Fantasy Hair

Tia Howard - 1st place Bridal Gala

Terisha Batson - 2nd place Bridal Gala

Brandy Pearce - 3rd place Bridal Gala

Courtney Dale - 3rd place Fantasy Nails

Katie Lewis - 1st place Ladies Avant Garde

Tasha Gray, Phylicia Lewis, Demetria Butler - 1st place School Team of The Year

Micah Murphy, Elizabeth Hinkle, Brandy Pearce - 3rd place School Team of The Year

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