SEPTEMBER 28, 2007

SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS

Starting Over

Helen Gridley, who had worked as a radiation therapist in her native England for more than 10 years, faced the prospect of starting over when she came to the United States because her British certification wasn’t transferable to the U.S.  “I knew I wanted to do something medical, I couldn’t see myself doing anything else,” she recalls.  As she explored her options, she discovered many local colleges had waiting lists for their programs–until she checked out National College, where she was told she could start in just a couple of weeks.

Coming to National was more than just a process of elimination, though.  Being able to take evening classes was essential to fit in with her schedule as a wife and mother of two young children.  Her fellow students were an inspiration as well.  “The people that you’re with, they’re amazing people,” she says admiringly. “[They’re] people trying to juggle work with children, grandchildren.” Her instructors were great, and she marvels at how the best ones always seemed to teach the most difficult subjects, such as pharmacology and microbiology.  “I don’t know how that works out,” she says. “[Microbiology] was a hard subject, but somebody that is passionate about teaching makes all the difference.”

Two weeks before she finished her rotation, they offered her a job! 

After 21 months in the classroom she was ready to get out in the field for her clinical externship, the final 11-week hurdle in the surgical technology program.  “It was wonderful,” she says.  “It’s basically what you work towards” through all the previous course work.  Helen’s rotation included several weeks at a children’s hospital in Cincinnati, and culminated in a five-week rotation at a small hospital in Dayton.  The award-winning hospital is expanding, having recently opened three new operating rooms, and the surgeries performed include “a little bit of everything.”

It’s not surprising that a woman willing to “start over” is glad to be in a field that is constantly changing.  “Every week there is something new coming out” in surgery, she says, and enjoys learning the newest techniques and procedures.  “It’s truly amazing what can be done with some of the new laparoscopic procedures” – surgeries which doctors perform remotely with special instruments and a viewing scope that can be inserted in a few small incisions.  By not requiring patients to undergo the trauma of a large incision, recovery time can be greatly reduced. We’re proud of Helen’s success and equally proud she chose National’s Dayton Campus to launch her new medical career!

DAYTON AREA

National Surgical Tech Week

The Dayton Area Campus celebrated National Surgical Tech Week with many activities and guest speakers.  Director of Health Care Education Michelle Boniella organized luncheons and breakfasts on various days along with surgical games and drawings for different prizes. During this special week, students were given opportunities to participate in a drawing for free gas certificates.

Brenda Engle, CST, CFA, was a guest speaker who provided first-hand knowledge about the field’s testing and certification requirements as well as information about future changes and demands in surgical technology. Engle is instrumental in formulating guidelines for the CST accrediting program in career colleges such as National. She has spoken at Congressional Sessions and is one of the leading CST authorities in the US. 

Student Heidi Vergakis is pictured in the campus’s Surgical Tech lab with guest speaker Brenda Engle.

DANVILLE, VA

Welcome Campus Visitors

Telvista and Bank of America recently paid a visit to the Danville Campus. Students were excited to learn more about Telvista and its employment opportunities. They also learned about savings and loan options from Bank of America.

Pictured is a student gathering information about Bank of America.

Generous Donors

On September 17th the local bloodmobile from the Danville Regional Medical Center visited the Danville campus. Medical Assisting student Debra Chilton organized the visit and encouraged students, faculty, and staff to donate blood. Bloodmobile representatives reported success with the campus’s contribution to the blood bank.  Thanks to everyone who gave. Your gift could mean the difference between life and death, making you a true hero to someone in need.  Way to go Danville!

Pictured is one of Danville’s heroes, Natalie Gibson, giving blood. 

KNOXVILLE

Official Installation

On September 12th, the Knoxville Chapter of Executive Women International (EWI) installed its officers for the upcoming year including Terrye Whitaker, Knoxville Campus Career Center Director. Terrye is the Vice-President for the upcoming year and will be President next year.  This organization currently provides the opportunity for one of our students to win a $2,500 scholarship. Terrye will be overseeing the collection of applications this year for that scholarship. EWI is a non-compete organization that provides professional development, business networking opportunities, and community activities.  Knoxville's Campus Civitan has even worked with this group stuffing stockings for the Salvation Army, one of its many community activities.

Knoxville Campus Career Center Director Terrye Whitaker, EWI Vice President, poses (standing 3rd from left) with other EWI members at a recent club function.

MARTINSVILLE

Tunes at Twilight

Director of Admissions Barbara Rakes and Campus Director John Scott from the Martinsville Campus worked the Tunes at Twilight event in Uptown Martinsville on September 19th. The event featured a street jazz band, vendor and crafts tables, as well as food vendors. Barbara and John manned a National College display and took the opportunity to tell event goers about the exciting career-training programs available at the Martinsville Campus.

Barbara is pictured speaking to a prospective student about the exciting things that take place at National.

STOW

A Warm Welcome

The City of Stow along with the Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce recently presented National College with a “Welcome” sign for display in the Stow Campus front lawn. Campus Director Kim Ames and the campus staff truly felt welcomed with this public display.

Kim is pictured accepting the lawn sign from Mayor Karen Fritschel and Chuck Wiedie, Economic Development Coordinator for Stow.

ROANOKE VALLEY

Meeting of the Minds

On September 14th, the Roanoke Valley Campus had a full house at a quarterly in-service meeting with a two-hour professional development training seminar on business ethics presented by Ken Redick and Neil DeMasters from the Carilion Employee Assistance Program.

The team training was lively and thought-provoking as the content focused on implementing a corporate ethics program. The Carilion consultants explained what the ethics program entails and how to get it launched. The liveliest segment went beyond the guidelines for ethical decision making when the group discussed risks and obstacles that come with ethical problems. This year’s in-service program was rated most popular than previous workshops.

A League of their Own

On September 20th, the Roanoke Valley Campus hosted a debate organized by the Coalition of Roanoke County Civic Leagues for five candidates vying for the Roanoke County Board of Supervisor vacancies. The five candidates, Bradford C. Archer (Ind), Joseph B. “Butch” Church (Ind), Jerry W. Custer (Ind), Charlotte A. Moore (Dem), and Rodney W. McNeil (Rep), participated in a debate-style question and answer forum. The event attracted as many as 50 guests as well as the Roanoke Times who did a thorough article recapping the event.

Director of the Information Technology program Matthew Poole is pictured just before the debate began as he welcomed the candidates and audience to National College.

A Frank Discussion 

The Roanoke Valley Campus’s conference center has been used to its fullest potential recently. On September 26th, former Roanoke Mayor Ralph Smith, currently a candidate for the Senate of Virginia (22nd District), met with several classes at a time in the conference center. He discussed topics ranging from entrepreneurship to his views on government and his campaign platform. Smith described how his own career college education helped him achieve his goals, and how he believed applying principles of business to government can promote more efficient use of public resources.  After his presentation, students and faculty members asked questions on a variety of topics, such as why National College students were required to pay sales tax on their textbook purchases, and how Mr. Smith would seek to solve Virginia’s transportation problems.

The College’s Department of Government Affairs also extended an invitation to Mr. Smith’s opponent, Michael J. Breiner, as well as 21st District incumbent Senator John S. Edwards, who is running unopposed, to speak to students.

Sharing our Success Stories

Bob Cohen (2nd from right), from the Career College Association (CCA), recently visited the Roanoke Valley Campus.  Bob, Senior Vice President, Communications, had the opportunity to meet with several National College graduates and discuss the role their education played in their paths to success.  Pictured are (l-r) Roger Dalton, director of governmental affairs; Alan McDilda, Computer Network Technician graduate; Kimberly Shepherd, Bachelor of Business Administration–Management graduate; Carol Adams, Administrative Office Professional (legal) graduate; and Amy Wilson, Bachelor of Business Administration–Management graduate.

MADISON

Financially Speaking

The Madison Campus recently held a mini job fair for students. Career Center Director Rosemary Templeton wanted to assist students looking for part-time work with flexible hours that will allow them to continue focusing on their education responsibilities. Bank of America and USBank were among the job fair participants. Student Monica Ferrell learned helpful information from a USBank representative about student loans and career opportunities in the banking industry.

Student Ashley Bain is pictured talking with a sales representative from Bank of America at the campus’s mini job fair.

FLORENCE

Student Activities

The Student Activities Committee (SAC) at the Florence Campus recently organized a cookout for welcome all students at the start of the fall quarter. SAC grilled and served cheeseburgers and hotdogs with assorted condiments, chips, and potato salad. While the students enjoyed the festivities it was a great time for Career Center Director Frank Wells to invite local companies on the campus to showcase their opportunities in the business, computer, and medical fields.

Pictured enjoying the cookout are (front to back) Samone Ramos, Greg Linville, Diane Sams and Terry Newby.

CAMPUS SUPPORT

A Few Good Men

National College’s own “Filthy Five” recently took on the challenge of the 12th Annual Marine Mud Run for the fourth consecutive year. The Marines host this charitable event to benefit Toys for Tots and Camp Roanoke, organizations for underprivileged children.  Mud run veteran and team Captain Walter Rondeau, Chief Financial Officer for the College, led the 5-man team of adventurers.

Pictured left at the start of the race are this year’s Filthy Five: (L to R) Nathan Chitwood (Information Systems), Brad Scaggs (Repayment Success), Captain Rondeau, Mark Bixler (husband of Administrative Assistant/Financial Analyst Joanne Bixler), and Nasri Salamoun (Roanoke Valley MBA graduate and part-time instructor).

Walter carefully planned the strategy to tackle this 5k (3.1 mile) course that included a lot of running in addition to wading knee-deep in the Roanoke River. Participants also had to get through a shallow mud pit obstacle; a steep, long, and muddy mountain trail; and a deep mud pit that required swimming or crawling under the ropes to the finish line. Brad (left) and Nathan (right) are pictured braving the mud pit obstacle.

In following Marine battle philosophy to “never leave a man behind,” the teams under the close eye of the Marine Mud Police were required to hold hands as they crossed the finish line.

The team finished in 26th place out of 99 teams with an impressive time of 32:02.  The team shaved nearly two minutes off last year’s time of 33:59. Thanks and congratulations to the “Filthy Five” for admirably representing National College, supporting a good cause, and having a lot of good “clean” fun. We look forward to continuing the tradition next year and hope to add a co-ed team as well. 

Brad, Nasri, Walter, Mark, and Nathan are pictured again (left) sporting their dirty tees after the race.

HARRISONBURG

New Professional Association

On September 19th, the Harrisonburg Campus hosted the local chapter of the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC).  Dawnelle Sager, a coding consultant for Rockingham Memorial Hospital, worked with AAPC to create a local chapter for people who work in billing and coding field.

This professional organization provides ongoing education and certification opportunities for coders. As a college that offers a Medical Billing & Coding program, a partnership between National and AAPC is a great match. The College encourages students to become active members of a professional organization such as AAPC to enhance their knowledge of the field and maintain their certifications.

On another note, Director of Health Care Education LeeLee Breeden has been busy making plans to host the Certified Professional Coding Exam in November. This opportunity will help support the educational needs of coders in our community.

Pictured above are members and prospective new members of the American Association of Professional Coders as they review pamphlets and information about the newly formed professional organization.

BLUEFIELD

Delegate Visit

With help from the College’s Department  of Government Affairs, the Bluefield Campus recently welcomed visitor Anne B. Crockett-Stark from the Virginia House of Delegates, 6th district. Delegate Crockett-Stark met with students and discussed the importance of training for future careers and making themselves employable. She emphasized the need to train for the skills necessary in their area. She also encouraged students to vote for candidates in the upcoming election who they feel will improve their working environment.

Delegate Crockett-Stark then meet with some staff and faculty and talked about the area’s industrial development and funding for southwest Virginia. Campus Director Denver Riffe and Delegate Crockett-Start also discussed the possibility of working to repeal the sales tax on student text books. The campus is pleased by the delegate’s visits and hope to have her come back next Spring as a graduation speaker.

Delegate Anne B. Crockett-Stark, Virginia House of Delegate, 6th District, is pictured addressing students at the Bluefield campus.

CHARLOTTESVILLE

Partner Recognition

Charlottesville Campus Community Resource Coordinator Andrea D. Copeland and Regional Director of Community Development Karen Jackson recently met with representatives from Lexis Nexis and the Charlottesville Department of Rehabilitation Services (CDRS) to present them with plaques for being Partners in Education. Lexis Nexis and CDRS financially assist students with tuition costs. Along with this funding, these students also get financial support from the College with the Business Partnership Grant (Lexis) and the Workforce Development Grant (CDRS); thus allowing most or all of their education to be paid for.

 
Andrea and Karen are pictured presenting an appreciation plaque to Human Resources Representative Ashleigh Slawski (center) of Lexis Nexis (above left) and to Rehab Counselor Minyon Yuille of CDRS (above right). Thank you Lexis Nexis and CDRS for being our Partners in Education!

From the Caribbean to Charlottesville

Recently the city of Charlottesville had the pleasure of being host to the Honorable Rupert Herbert, Minister of Health from the Island of St. Kitts. With experience as a local TV talk-show host, Charlottesville Campus Community Resource Coordinator Andrea D. Copeland was asked to interview Minister Herbert and Reverend Dr. Lehman D. Bates, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, for a half-hour show on local station CPA-TV. The interview focused on the efforts being made to increase partnerships with institutions and organizations that will assist island residents with proper healthcare.

The Honorable Herbert came at the request of Dr. Bates and the Global Faith Alliance (GFA).  For three years, GFA has been partnering with the Island of St. Kitts to provide much needed medical supplies. Minister Herbert felt it was important to thank those in person who have been such a help to his people. He gave several presentations during his stay and was also given a Proclamation by Mayor David Brown. 

Before his departure back to the Island, Andrea was invited to have lunch with Minister Herbert at the historic Michie Tavern. Andrea said it was truly an honor to be selected to interview Minister Herbert. “He’s a wonderful individual,” she said, “I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the awesome work Ebenezer Baptist Church and Global Faith Alliance are doing to help people in need of better healthcare.” 

CINCINNATI

Staff Member of the Year

Staff and faculty from the Cincinnati Campus would like to congratulate new Director of Admissions Jessica Owens on her current promotion. Jessica has been an Admissions Representative at the campus for two years and her consistent top performance has awarded her the promotion. She also received the honor of Staff Member of the Year for the campus at a recently held regional meeting. Jessica has repeatedly proven her efforts and hard work and we are proud of her accomplishments. Best wishes, Jessica, in your new role!

INDIANAPOLIS

It’s Their Week

During the week of September 17th, the Indianapolis Campus joyfully celebrated National Surgical Technology Week. Students enjoyed cake, cookies, and punch with each other as Paula Waltz, Surgical Technology Director, and Mandy Rich, Clinical Coordinator spoke about their futures as surgical technologist. Paula and Mandy also provided insight about the history of the surgical technology field. 

Pictured (L to R) are Cassandra Wingfield, Terri Breedlove, Kayla Jefferson, Clinical Director Mandy Rich, and Judy Hearon.

New Career Center Directions

The Indianapolis Campus is proud to welcome new Career Center Director Aisha Sabur-Jarvis. Aisha is a seasoned employment advocate and has developed employment programs for Goodwill of Central Indiana, Indianapolis Urban League, and Job Corps. She is committed to the empowerment of adults and youth and looks forward to helping each student meet their future goals. Her main focus as the Career Center Director is to make sure each Indianapolis campus graduate gets a job.

Aisha holds a bachelor degree from the University of California, Berkeley in Public Administration and a master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan in Management of Communication and Motivation. Her community involvement with Indianapolis Private Industry Council, Indianapolis Urban League, Workforce Development Department and Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce will be a great asset to the development of the Indianapolis campus Career Center. We also, look forward to her event planning expertise as we launch campus job fairs for students, alumni, and supporters. 

New Career Center Director Aisha Sabur-Jarvis is pictured (center) at her welcome party with Campus Director Tim Pittman and Administrative Assistant Janis Lawson.

LEXINGTON

Constitutional Celebration

On September 17th, the Lexington Campus began the week with a celebration of Constitution Day.  George Oberg, government liaison, and Tena Varney, Career Center Director, greeted students on Monday morning with a copy of the Constitution and a trivia sheets created by work-study student Ashleigh Banks. Students were challenged with trivia questions about the ratification of the constitution as well as what amendments were enacted and why. The campus awarded the top six students with a National College t-shirt. Congratulations Mindy Foisy, Sharon Wheat, Hattie Easter, Michele Mullins, and Carolyn Sykes.

A Mini Fair

On September 18th, the Lexington Campus career center hosted a small fall career fair. Participating potential employers included ACS, Employment Plus, 5/3 Bank, People Plus, GTS Staffing, and Remedy Staffing. Representatives from these companies spoke to both students and graduates about possible job opportunities.

In compliance with regulations of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, in Tennessee National College is National College of Business and Technology. All references to "National" or "National College" within this email refer to "National College of Business and Technology" in the state of Tennessee.