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AlumNet
News COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
ALUMNI NEWS MAGAZINE
CCAC Welcomes Dr. Quintin B. Bullock as its Ninth President
CCAC PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Message from the President Dear CCAC Alumni and Friends: It’s an honor to serve as the Community College of Allegheny County’s (CCAC) ninth president. CCAC’s mission is to provide affordable access to quality education and offer a dynamic, diverse and supportive learning environment that prepares the region’s residents for academic, professional and personal success in our changing global society. As a graduate, you know firsthand the opportunities CCAC offered you, and we continue to provide myriad opportunities to each student we serve. Today, CCAC offers more than 155 programs, as well as lifelong learning, community education, continuing education and workforce training courses. We continue to make great strides, but like most colleges, we have challenges ahead of us. In spite of some challenges that CCAC has faced to date, we have successfully achieved a number of important goals, enhanced our focus on student success, secured numerous sources of funding to support myriad financial needs of students, launched new academic and career programs and completed some impressive capital projects. In 2016, the college will celebrate an historical milestone—its 50th anniversary. When CCAC first opened its doors in 1966, 1,505 students eagerly registered for classes at Allegheny and Boyce campuses. This cohort of students were pioneers, and for many of them, CCAC was their only option for a college education. Today, we annually educate 55,000 credit and noncredit students. It’s no surprise that CCAC is the number one choice of high school graduates and the largest provider of educational services in western Pennsylvania. I look forward to leading CCAC into the future, and hope you will join us for the activities and events that will commemorate our historic anniversary.
AlumNet
News COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
ALUMNI NEWS MAGAZINE
SPRING 2014
table of contents
CAMPUS UPDATES
COVER STORY
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APP CREATED BY STUDENT
SWEET SUCCESS
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Sincerely, Dr. Quintin B. Bullock, CCAC President
AlumNet Magazine
Spring 2014 • Volume 9, Edition 1 Community College of Allegheny County Dr. Quintin B. Bullock–CCAC President CCAC Educational Foundation Rose Ann DiCola Executive Director Jodi Beemer Director, Development Jarrett S. Stull Director, Major and Planned Gifts Rocco Pacella Alumni Affairs Coordinator Cara Huey Coordinator, Foundation Relations and Executive Assistant to the Board
CCAC AlumNet News Rocco Pacella–Editor Fusionmarx–Publisher, Designer NPC, Inc.–Printer Jarrett Stull–Contributing Editor Cara Huey–Contributing Editor CCAC Alumni Affairs Contact 808 Ridge Avenue Byers Hall, Room 103 Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412.237.3033 alumni@ccac.edu | ccac.edu/alumni AlumnNet Magazine is published four times a year by the Office of CCAC Alumni Affairs, as an outreach to CCAC alumni and friends.
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CCAC NEWS
Campus Update: CCAC-Boyce Campus There have been substantial renovations made to the Physics Laboratory. This lab is used by all CCAC–Boyce Campus physics courses. These updates were partially funded by a grant from the R.K. Mellon Foundation received during CCAC’s Imagine and Achieve campaign. Students at CCAC–Boyce Campus’ newly renovated Physics lab working on an experiment. Thanks in part to a grant from the R.K. Mellon Foundation received during CCAC’s Imagine and Achieve campaign, there have been significant updates made to the Radiation Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Chemistry and Physics laboratories at CCAC– Boyce Campus. These updates will help CCAC continue to provide its students with valuable, practice-based experience needed to succeed both in their field of study and in the workforce. The college also now offers a Paramedic program at CCAC–Boyce Campus. This is the first year a program such as this has been established at CCAC. The program offers an Associate of Science degree, which is the only associate degree of its kind in Allegheny
County, as well as a certificate that prepares students for a career as an Emergency Medical Technician or entry-level paramedic. Students gain hands-on, situational experience by utilizing the program’s new laboratory, including a simulation apartment, as well as CCAC’s own simulation ambulance. Other additions include a federally-funded Perkins Program Center, a KEYS (Keystone Education Yields Success) Program Center and a Renew Center for students over the age of 50 who are looking for new or different careers. In the near future, CCAC–Boyce Campus plans to renovate its Biology laboratory facilities.
Enhancing the Educational Experience: CCAC Math Cafés and Learning Commons The educational experience frequently extends well beyond the classroom. With that idea in mind, students at six CCAC campus/center locations have had the means to enhance their learning experiences through CCAC Math Cafés and Learning Commons. Launched in the fall semester of 2012, the Math Café and Learning Commons areas offer students one-on-one and group help in mathematics and reading and English, respectively. Both programs were partially funded through grants from the R.K. Mellon Foundation and the Heinz Endowments, and are staffed by a facilitator during all open times. The CCAC Math Cafés, alone, have seen 22,212 visits and have been utilized by 4,350 students since opening. Internal studies have found that students who attend Math Cafés three or more times see an improvement in their understanding of mathematical concepts.
The Math Café at the CCAC–Allegheny Campus Library gives students the opportunity to better understand mathematical concepts in a teaching environment outside the classroom.
CCAC AlumNet
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CCAC Welcomes Dr. Quintin B. Bullock as its Ninth President On March 5th, 2014, CCAC welcomed its new president, Dr. Quintin B. Bullock. Bullock brings many years of experience to CCAC with an accomplished background in both education and community leadership. “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Quintin Bullock to the Community College of Allegheny County. It is rare when you find an individual who possesses the right combination of leadership qualities and experience necessary to run a diverse, multi-campus community college such as CCAC but I, along with the rest of the board, feel that we have found that person in Dr. Bullock.” – CCAC Board of Trustees Chair Amy M. Kuntz
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CCAC welcomes its new president Dr. Quintin B. Bullock holds a Bachelor’s in Pre-Med (Biology/Chemistry) and a Master’s in Biology Education, both from Prairie View A&M University. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center: Dental Branch. He also has various leadership training experiences in areas including the League of Innovation in the Community College Executive Leadership Institute, the American Association for Community Colleges Future Leaders Program, the Thomas Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership, the Wharton/IRHE Program in Higher Education and the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents. Dr. Bullock began his career as a high school science teacher. He then furthered his education and went on to become a director for STEM enrichment programs, served two Provostships at Tidewater Community College and eventually became president at Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) in 2009.
Furthermore, he has spearheaded many new capital projects. These include SCCC @ Center City, a 31,000 square foot satellite center located in Schenectady; a 12,000 square foot addition to their music building; updates to the HVAC system in two buildings; and the construction of college suites (SCCC’s first student housing). Dr. Bullock has also led the development of an SCCC extension site in Albany County. Dr. Bullock was also appointed by Andrew Cuomo, governor of New York, to serve on the Capital Region Economic Development Council as well as co-chair for the Workforce Development and Education Work Group and co-chair for the Rotterdam and Schenectady New York Rising Communities Committee. He has also been active on numerous boards and has received numerous leadership and community honors. These include the Capital District YMCA President’s Award in 2013; the Community Fathers Incorporation Exemplary Service to the Community Award in 2012; the Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year Award in 2011; and the National TRIO Achiever Award in 2011.
“My leadership mantra is grounded by the parable of the faithful servant, ‘to whom much is given, much is required’.” During his presidency at SCCC, Dr. Bullock developed a five-year strategic plan: Gateway to Excellence, fostered new business, industry and community partnerships, oversaw the obtaining of over $12 million dollars in state, federal, and private grant money for college services; and managed the development and launching of new academic and career programs that respond to an emerging workforce.
“My leadership mantra is grounded by the parable of the faithful servant, ‘to whom much is given, much is required.’ Every cog in the wheel of my professional journey has not only afforded me rich new knowledge to become a better leader, but has also provided me with critically important information in which to enact a vision—a vision for higher education in general and community colleges in particular,” says Dr. Bullock. “I thank SCCC for its past, and CCAC for its future support. I am ready, willing and able to serve as CCAC’s new president.” Dr. Quintin B. Bullock is sure to bring many exciting projects and developments to CCAC. His diverse background in education and community involvement will, without a doubt, be a valuable asset to both the students and the faculty.
Reconnecting through CCAC’s Alumni Program Chapters Over the past year, the CCAC Alumni Affairs office has been working with college faculty and staff to establish three program chapters for graduates in the Nursing, Court Reporting and Respiratory Therapy programs. The three chapters are tasked with enhancing the CCAC Alumni experience through networking, social and professional development activities. The chapters also provide alumni with the chance to connect with former classmates, and act as an avenue for mentorship and service opportunities that help to further enrich the CCAC community. If you are interested in joining or starting a CCAC alumni chapter, contact Rocco Pacella at rpacella@ccac.edu or 412.237.4649.
Members of the CCAC Nursing Alumni Chapter steering committee gather after their first meeting of the year.
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
CCAC Student Develops Mobile App for Substitute Teachers
CCAC student Sara Duckworth was one of five students in the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC) Un–conference “Hackathon App” competition whose concept for a new technology app was chosen to be further developed. Sara’s idea, Sub-helper, would assist substitute teachers by providing them with everything they need for a successful day in the classroom. Examples include class rosters, class rules and seating charts. The app would also allow substitutes to contact the class’ everyday teacher for updates and/ or questions regarding the classroom agenda. Upon being selected, Sara was given the opportunity to work with technology students from Carnegie Mellon University to develop the app. Sub-helper was presented at the Un–conference on November 16, 2013 to glowing reception. Sara says the goal for the app is to bring harmony to the classroom, even if the teacher is not there. “My hope for this app is that it becomes a school–wide program so there is always consistency,” she says, “even if the teacher is out.” Sara owns the rights to the app and, as a result, will be given the opportunity to market it to different corporations. Upon graduating from CCAC–Allegheny Campus, Sara plans to further her studies in early education for the deaf and hard of hearing at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. Her positive experiences at CCAC are sure to aid in her success as she continues her studies. “The small class sizes are very helpful…,” she says. Sara currently resides in Monroeville, PA, and plans to graduate in May 2015.
CCAC Continues to Serve Alumni CCAC Job Placement & Career Services is available to provide all CCAC alumni with resources to help them find a career that is right for them.
Marilyn is now happily employed in the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Music as the assistant to the Jazz Director.
Marilyn Dice, who graduated from CCAC–Boyce Campus in 2007 with a degree in general studies, moved to Florida in 2010 and returned to Pittsburgh in 2012.
Have questions about getting the most out of your CCAC degree? Call Job Placement & Career Services today. Remember, you’re one phone call away from being our next success story.
Before returning from Florida, Marilyn began to wonder what she was going to do for a career once she was back in Pittsburgh. Then she remembered CCAC’s Job Placement & Career Services. Marilyn contacted Michelle Talbert-Horsey, director of Job Placement & Career Services at CCAC–North Campus, to discuss job opportunities. “Michelle began to email job postings that fit my experience and education,” Marilyn said, “and once I returned to the Pittsburgh area, Michelle began to provide me with contact information for local staffing services.” Upon arriving in Pittsburgh, Marilyn almost immediately had an appointment with a staffing service. Thanks to her strong CCAC educational background, Marilyn earned a job offer only three days after her initial interview.
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Job Placement & Career Services contacts: CCAC–Allegheny Campus: 412.237.2545 CCAC–Boyce Campus: 724.325.6771 CCAC–North Campus: 412.369.3631 CCAC–South Campus: 412.469.6214
Let us know what you think of our new design! Visit ccac.edu/AlumNews
CLASS NOTES
Pittsburgh Baker Crafts Unique Local Treats Eliza Jane Bowman (`13, Allegheny) fell in love with pastries as a young girl while helping her mother and grandmother in the kitchen. “I remember the first time I was allowed to help with slicing the dough,” she writes on her website (www. elizasoven.com). “My grandma’s hand held mine as I grasped the very sharp knife, guiding me gently to cut the dough straight and clean. And the big smile she gave me when I carefully placed the resulting roll in the pan!” Upon entering adulthood, Eliza lived in New York City and began working as a Production Stage Manager for Ensemble Studio Theatre. However, her true passion remained with a different kind of art: the art she had fallen in love with as a child. “I started baking treats for patrons to buy on show nights: cupcakes, cookies, small cakes and more… I soon realized that I was much happier making cakes for theater-goers than I was making theater for them!” In 2011, Eliza moved from New York to Pittsburgh and quickly felt right at home. She began experimenting with different recipes of unexpected pairings, often using some of her favorite beverages to create tasty desserts. Everyone who tried her pastries raved about how good they were, and she realized that baking was more than just a hobby. She soon enrolled as a student at CCAC–Allegheny Campus and studied small business management, while also taking some pastry courses to stay in-practice. Two years later, after graduating from CCAC, she opened Eliza’s Oven and has been doing well ever since. Eliza’s Oven offers cupcakes, pies, cookies, lunch pastries, breads, scones and more. Many of which are made from Pittsburgh-produced beverages such as coffee, tea, whiskey, beer, wine and milk—the whiskey, beer and wine baked goods continue to be best-sellers. “I am happy to have found a home in a burgeoning culinary environment filled with local pride and a true sense of community, and am thrilled to add to that community by baking up smiles and good memories for all of you, just as my grandmother did for me.” Eliza’s Oven is located at the Pittsburgh Public market and also offers catering. For more information, visit www.pittsburghpublicmarket.org and www.elizasoven.com.
1982
Gary Motor (`82, South, Computer Science & Data Processing) Gary Motor currently works for Education Management Corporation as the director of Data Centers and IT Facilities. While he was attending CCAC–South Campus as an accounting major, a friend talked him into taking a computer class. The instructor in that class, Professor Eileen Wrigley, was the reason he switched majors to computer science and data processing, and he is certain that this switch was one of the best decisions he has ever made. As a result of attending CCAC, Gary has a career that he loves and not just a job that he has to do.
1988
James Barrett, Jr. (`88, South, Business and Public Administration) James just recently has had a book published through Abbott Press. The book’s title is A Summer to be Treasured, which is a coming of age story of four friends growing up in a Pittsburgh suburb in the 1970s. The book is available through AbbottPress.com and has recently been made available for reading on Amazon Kindle.
1993
Patricia (Mierzwa) Doane (`93, South, Liberal Arts) Patricia is employed by Carnegie Mellon University in the College of Fine Arts dean’s office. She lives in South Fayette Township with her husband,
Sam. Their oldest daughter attends Averett University in Danville, VA, and their youngest daughter is currently enrolled at CCAC.
1998
Danielle Davis (`98, Allegheny, General Studies) Danielle recently launched Davis Consulting Solutions, which offers businesses a modern day interpretation of the Chinese proverb, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Danielle is the proud mother of two and grandmother of two. She is also employed at the Micro-Business Institute at Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc., where she is the micro-business specialist.
2009
Brian Westrom (`09, North, Liberal Arts) Jim just started in Florida International University’s MBA program in January of this year and expects to graduate in May 2015. Brian was also recently elected president of the Economy Borough Civic Club and vice president of the Economy Borough Parks and Recreation Board.
CCAC AlumNet
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
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You Can Help a Student Achieve Their Goals
Your generosity ensures CCAC students are able to reach their educational goals. A gift from you today will enable us to continue providing a supportive and transformative learning environment that prepares graduates to meet critical needs in the region’s workforce.
UPCOMING EVENTS CCAC Alumni Night at the Pirates’ Game
July 23, 2014 PNC Park, 7:05pm Pirates vs. Dodgers RSVP by June 23, 2014 Come join CCAC Alumni, family and friends in rooting for the Pirates! For tickets and more information, contact the CCAC Alumni Affairs office: 412.237.4656 | alumni@ccac.edu
CCAC Educational Foundation Golf Tournament
September 8, 2014 Treesdale Golf & Country Club Register individually, as a company or as a team to help support CCAC students! For more information, contact the CCAC Educational Foundation: 412.237.6510 | jbeemer@ccac.edu CCAC AlumNet
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