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CFCC reaches all-time record enrollment

CFCC Public Information Office — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:27:49 +0000

Nearly 9,000 students taking classes at Cape Fear this spring

There are more students enrolled at Cape Fear Community College than ever before. As of today, CFCC has the largest student body in its 52-year history. Currently, CFCC has 8,886 students enrolled in credit classes. That last previous record was set in the fall of 2009 when the college enrolled 8,860 students.

College officials report that the slow economy and poor job market have increased the demand for job training and higher education.

“Its not unusual to see enrollment increase during times of economic troubles. CFCC’s programs are designed to help give people specific skills needed for a variety of occupations. It’s why community colleges are here,” said CFCC Public Information Officer David Hardin.

In fact, enrollment at community colleges all over the state have grown to record levels. Compared to last year, NC’s community colleges have grown collectively by 27,000 students – that’s the equivalent of adding the student body of UNC-Chapel Hill.

At CFCC, the most popular technical programs prepare students for careers in health care, business, computer technology, culinary arts, early childhood education, criminal justice, and marine technology.

CFCC’s college transfer programs have also increased in popularity. Over 3,700 students are currently enrolled in CFCC’s associate in science, associate in science or general education programs. Since courses taught in the college transfer program are accepted at all public and many private four-year institutions in the state, the program has become more attractive to students pursuing a four-year degree. This option can also save thousands of dollars in tuition and fees compared to a four-year college.

For example, CFCC’s tuition and fees for one semester is $664 for a full-time student. Tuition and fees at NC’s public four-year universities range between $2,000 and $2,600 per semester.

The quality of education and affordable tuition make community colleges an increasingly popular option.

In recent years, the college has been able to accommodate more students by increasing class sizes and offering more online and hybrid courses. CFCC also plans to build several new classroom buildings in downtown Wilmington and at the North Campus in Castle Hayne.

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LM Restaurants Provides CFCC with Scholarship for Hotel and Restaurant Management Program

CFCC Public Information Office — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:56:49 +0000

LM Restaurants recently provided a gift of $8,800 to the Cape Fear Community College’s Hotel and Restaurant Management program. Fifty percent of the gift will be applied to tuition scholarships for students in the program and fifty percent will purchase program supplies.

Mindy Amerson, marketing coordinator for LM Restaurants, stated that she hopes “this contribution to Cape Fear Community College’s Hotel and Restaurant Management Program will help enrich lives of students by improving the school’s resources and relieving the stress of tuition of those in need.”

CFCC’s hotel and restaurant management program is one of the most popular programs at CFCC and trains employees for many local eateries in our area. While in the program, students get hands-on training is restaurant management at their own restaurant, “Our Place,” located in downtown Wilmington, which serves a wide variety of regional and international cuisine once a week during the fall and spring semesters.

LM Restaurants is the parent company of many award-winning restaurants including Eddie Romanelli’s in Wilmington and Leland, Bluewater Grill and Oceanic in Wrightsville Beach, and Henry’s in Wilmington. LM Restaurants also manages AQ Catering and Events located in Wilmington. Carolina Ale House is also a part of LM Restaurants, which just opened its new location on November 11, 2009 on South College Road in Wilmington.

CFCC is one of the oldest and largest in the North Carolina community college system. Approximately 27,000 students take classes at the college each year. Studies show that for every dollar spent education CFCC students, more than $2.36 is returned back to the local community. Additionally, CFCC helps boost the economy of New Hanover and Pender counties by generating an additional $435 million business sales and $192 million in labor income.

For more information about the College, Foundation, endowments, or scholarship opportunities, please contact the Cape Fear Community College Foundation at (910) 362-7331 or visit www.cfcc.edu/foundation.

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CFCC silent auction raises thousands for earthquake relief

CFCC Public Information Office — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:04:56 +0000

On Friday, Jan. 29, hundreds of people turned out for CFCC’s silent auction which earned an estimated $3,800 to benefit survivors of the Haiti earthquake. The event was coordinated by the CFCC art department and other employees at the college.

A wide variety of items were donated, including drawings, paintings, photographs, pottery and jewelry made by artists from CFCC and the local community.

The highest bids for individual items were $150, which went to a hand-sculpted ceramic bowl, and $125 for a painting called “Mad Emu.”

The auction was held in the college’s cafeteria, which donated 10% of its lunch specials along with pizza and popcorn sales by student clubs.

Since 2005, the college has held charity art auctions for a variety of causes – a Katrina follow-up in 2006, a fund raiser for Dreams of Wilmington in 2007, Leo Hodson medical fund in 2009 and now Haiti in 2010 – one a year since the 2005-2006 school year.

According to art instructor Ben Billingsley, it’s important for students to realize the value of their work to help others.

“As an artist and as a teacher I thought it was important to find a way to let people at CFCC use their creative abilities to help those in need – furthering students artistic skills in the name of public service/service learning,” Billingsley said.

He added that ”so many of our students don’t have the financial means to donate much to relief organizations – but they could make and donate art.”

Overall, Billingsley was pleased with the event and is grateful to the support from the student artists and bidders who participated.

“I feel this project involved more students, more members of the community, and raised more money than we ever have before – to me it was an unqualified success,” he said.

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CFCC Alumni Association Announces First Scholarship

CFCC Public Information Office — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:59:42 +0000

The Cape Fear Community College Alumni Association has launched a campaign to fund its first-ever scholarship for CFCC students. “As the Association enters its third year, we feel it’s an appropriate time not only to look forward, but to give back,” said CFCC Alumni Council President Josh Kinchen. The association recently sent a letter to its 700+ members asking for assistance in funding the CFCC Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship.

“We hope to raise a minimum of $10,000 to endow this scholarship by the end of 2010. The good news is that our goal can easily be reached if each one of our current alumni members donates a gift equal to the year they graduated,” said Kc Spangle, Alumni Council Vice-President. “For example, if alumni graduated in 1978, we want them to consider giving $19.78.”

The association is also in the midst of a membership drive, hoping to increase its membership to 1,000 members during 2010. The CFCC Alumni Association currently offers free membership with valuable benefits such as discounts at local merchants, free admission to CFCC athletic events, regular email updates, family-friendly events and its annual Homecoming celebration. Membership is free. (In lieu of paying annual alumni membership dues, which many schools charge, the association is instead asking for voluntary scholarship support.)

Once endowed, the CFCC Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship will be awarded to a CFCC student with a family member or legal guardian who is a member of the CFCC Alumni Association. Student applicants will be required to have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and submit a 500-word essay addressing the question, “What or who inspired you to attend Cape Fear Community College?” The scholarship may be awarded to a full- or part-time student in any program of study.

Tens of thousands of CFCC alumni live in southeastern North Carolina. Once they graduate, CFCC students become an important and integral part of the community and our neighborhoods. You’re likely to find a CFCC student working in nearly every office and shop in the region. They are a key part of our economic vitality because they stay and work here when they graduate.

To join the CFCC alumni association, visit www.cfcc.edu/alumni. To donate to the CFCC Alumni Legacy Scholarship, visit http://foundation.cfcc.edu/give.

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Firefighters Train at CFCC’s Safety Training Center

CFCC Public Information Office — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:49:53 +0000

WILMINGTON – Over 600 North Carolina firefighters spent the weekend of Jan. 8-10 training at Cape Fear Community College. Emergency personnel from all over the state came to CFCC’s Safety Training Center at the North Canpus for real-world experience.

Training activities included classroom instruction, and hands-on activities in survival training, arson fire detection, emergency driving, ladder drills and much more.

For video coverage about this event, visit WWAY-TV3’s web site here.

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Wachovia Wells Fargo Donates $5,000 for Scholarships

CFCC Public Information Office — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:59:47 +0000

The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation has given Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) $5,000 for scholarships in business programs. This donation will provide ten merit-based, partial tuition scholarships in the amount of $500 to students enrolled in one of CFCC’s business programs or to students with a pre-major in business administration, accounting, economics, finance, or marketing who plan to transfer to a four-year institution upon completion of the associates of arts degree at CFCC.

Funding for this project will help CFCC attract bright students who may not otherwise enroll or remain in college because of financial struggles. These scholarships will also help close the widening gap between the number of students with financial need and the number of scholarships available to students pursuing a career in business. The scholarships will be awarded to students from low to moderate income households.

“The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation has a strong focus on supporting education and we are proud to support this scholarship fund,” said Randy Tomsic, Wilmington Market President for Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company.

“We know that the students of today are tomorrow’s future leaders.They’ll comprise our workforce and help define our economy. A college education helps ensure students receive the necessary skills and knowledge needed for success, both in business and life,” Tomsic said.

The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation is a private foundation that provides grants to eligible 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations to support the following focus areas: Education, Community Development, Health/Human Services, Arts/Culture, Civic and Environment. The mission of the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation is to build strong and vibrant communities, improve the quality of life, and make a positive difference. Before Wells Fargo and Wachovia merged, the foundation was named the Wachovia Foundation.

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Student Architecture Project Earns National Recognition

CFCC Public Information Office — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:55:01 +0000

CFCC’s architectural technology program recently won honors on the national level. On Nov. 11-13, a project designed by a a group of architectural technology students took second place in a national green-building design competition at the U.S. Green Building Council’s Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Phoenix, Arizona. The expo is the world’s largest conference and expo dedicated to green building.

The student team was made of Eli Barrett, Larry Carr, Patrick Gorham, and Josh Lee. Their project was up against 25 other teams from colleges and universities all over the country. Teams had to first qualify to compete by winning first place at a state-level competition. Earlier this year, the same project won 1st place in the N.C. Sustainable Design Competition. The project involved developing an energy efficient building design using renewable materials and principles.

CFCC was the only community college that was qualified to participate at the national level. The first place team was made up of a team of young professional designers from New York City.

Larry Carr traveled to Phoenix and represented the CFCC team at the conference.

“It was incredible. There were so many different designs there. When they called our names, I was amazed. It was a thrill,” Carr said.

Ron Wilson, CFCC’s architectural technology lead instructor, is especially proud of his students’ achievement because they not only competed against other schools, but professionals in the field.

“To be recognized nationally shows that our students have the talent to be successful in the green building industry,” Wilson said.

An estimated 26,000 people attended the three-day conference, which is sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council. The conference featured a keynote speech by former Vice President Al Gore and a concert by Cheryl Crow.

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Heroic Ft. Hood Police Officer Graduated from CFCC

CFCC Public Information Office — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:18:50 +0000

Ten years ago, Kimberly Munley was an aspiring law enforcement officer and enrolled in the Basic Law Enforcement program at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, NC program in August 1999.

Instructor Ricky Simpson remembers her as an “excellent student who was quick to smile and tackle any assignment.”

“She was small in stature, but very large in heart and determination. She would not be denied the opportunity to work in law enforcement. No matter the task - driving, defense tactics, building searches, firearms or the 30 other areas of study she was up to the task,” Simpson said.

CFCC’s Basic Law Enforcement class was approximately 17 weeks at that time. After passing the N.C. State certification examination in December 1999, she was certified to work in N.C. She was hired by the Wrightsville Beach Police Department and did well.

Sea Devil Basketball Team Starts Season With Memories of Kansas Still Alive

CFCC Public Information Office — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:08:34 +0000

Last spring, the Cape Fear Community College basketball team’s first ever run at a national title ended in Hutchinson, Kansas during the first round of the NJCAA national tournament. Since the last buzzer sounded in that final game, Cephas Oglesby and Alec Schmitt vowed they would make a return trip.

“We have to get back there,” Oglesby said. “To be seven minutes away from advancing one step closer to a national title and letting it slip away is hard to gut.”

Now ranked at #30, the Sea Devils lived with that feeling all summer long and they look to repeat last year’s title run this year, but they must do so without six players from last season’s team.

Anthony Lipscomb transferred to Mid Continent University while Charlton Conner and Justin Tyson both signed at Urbana University in Urbana, Ohio. Jovonte Eaford traded in his Sea Devil blue for the black and gold of Pfeiffer University. High flying Charles Baker takes his rim rattling acrobatics to Elizabeth City State University and David Best will continue his promising career at North Carolina Central University.

“Replacing these young men was a very challenging task,” commented head coach Ryan Mantlo.

“They were such tremendous leaders and were the epitome of what our team really stands for. I can assure you they will be missed, but on the same token assure you their replacements are eager to leave their own legacy at CFCC,” Mantlo said.

Cape Fear returns four players from last season’s active roster and five more from a red-shirt season. Guard Cephas Oglesby headlines this talented class as he returns for his sophomore campaign after averaging 16.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest last season. Starting point guard Alec Schmitt and sharp shooting Hunter Matthews look to continue their solid play while Rico Clark brings a hardnosed, team first mentality to the Sea Devils. Sophomores Randolph Howell and Keith Davis return to action from their red-shirt season. Howell enters his sophomore season after averaging 10.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per game during his freshman stint with the Sea Devils while Davis transfers in from Manatee Community College. Richard Shepherd rounds out the 2009-10 sophomore class. Shepherd, a 6′4” guard transferred to Cape Fear from Brunswick Community College where he poured in 10.3 points per game, ranking 25th all time in single season scoring during his freshman year.

This year’s freshman class brings a wealth of talent to the Sea Devils. Mid-State 3A player of the year Nick Jefferson anchors the front line along with All-Cape Fear region selection, and Two Rivers Conference Player of the Year Vernon Payne. Swing man Tavares Speaks looks to help bolster the guard position while Josh Gorham and Tazmon Foster provide depth to the point guard position. Forwards Jordan Richardson and Jared Yeager round out the 2009-10 roster, giving the Sea Devils the ability to stretch the defense from the front line.

“There is no question we have the ability to be a special club this season,” commented Mantlo.

“We have to work harder than everyone else out there right now and learn to play as a team. If we can do that, the sky is the limit,” Mantlo said.

The Sea Devils hit the court as they open up at home against Wake Tech Community College Monday, November 2. Tip off for the contest is slated for 7:00 p.m. in the Schwartz Center.

For the full schedule, visit www.goseadevils.com

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The Grainger Foundation Donates $5,000 to Cape Fear Community College

CFCC Public Information Office — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:37:39 +0000

The Grainger Foundation recently made a $5,000 donation to the Cape Fear Community College Foundation during a presentation at the College’s North Campus. The donation was made following a recommendation from Keith Lobbestael, manager of Grainger’s branch in Wilmington. The gift will fund five $1,000 scholarships for students in CFCC’s Industrial Systems Technology program.

“Grainger has a strong commitment to technical education across the country,” said Lobbestael. “We are proud to support Cape Fear Community College and its goal to build a skilled local workforce.”

CFCC Students selected to receive Grainger Scholarships for the 2009-10 academic year are: Cody Faucette, Mark Geibault, Billy Webb and Marcus Williams of Wilmington, NC and Andre Jordan of Castle Hayne, NC.

The Grainger branch in Wilmington has been serving the local community for over 20 years and is committed to helping the communities in which its employees and customers live and work. Grainger has been serving North Carolina businesses for more than 60 years, providing supplies and equipment needed to keep their facilities running. The company has 11 locations across the state, including its Wilmington location. For more information about Grainger’s support of local communities across the country, please visit www.grainger.com/community.

Illinois-based W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), with 2008 sales of $6.9 billion, is the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China and Panama. Through a highly integrated network including more than 600 branches, 18 distribution centers and multiple Web sites, Grainger’s employees help customers get the job done.

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is one of the oldest and largest in the North Carolina community college system. Approximately 27,000 students take classes at the college each year. Studies show that for every dollar spent educating CFCC students, more than $2.36 is returned back to the local community. Additionally, CFCC helps boost the economy of New Hanover and Pender counties by generating an additional $435 million business sales and $192 million in labor income.

For more information about the College, Foundation, endowments, or scholarship opportunities, please contact the Cape Fear Community College Foundation at (910) 362-7331.

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