2012 Blueprint Magazine

Get in the College Game – pg. 7 Smart Classrooms - pg. 10 Faculty Spotlight - pg. 22

The magazine of

Fall 2011 blueprint is published by the Community Relations & Development Office.

CCBC 1 Campus Drive Monaca, PA 15061 724-480-2222 www.ccbc.edu Administration Joe D. Forrester Ph.D., President Nancy Dickson Vice President, Community Relations & Development

PG. 14 -

Editor Leslie Tennant Director of Communications Writer Amy Sicuranza Publications Coordinator Design & Layout Scot Rutledge Graphics Specialist Faculty Columnist Thomas Heasley Copyright Š2011 Community College of Beaver County

IN THIS ISSUE

4 CCBC Recognized as Leader in National Movement

Learn why the college has received national recognition for helping more students complete college successfully.

7 Home Field Advantage

Read about CCBC’s game-changing marketing plan that is proving to be a win-win for the campus and the community.

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In a recent article in Bloomberg’s Business Week, it was reported that while there are 13 million unemployed in the United States, there are 3 million jobs that employers have been unable to fill for lack of appropriately trained workers. This report is one of many signs telling us the American workforce is changing and that workers need new skills and new abilities to be competitive in the emerging workforce.

Another sign comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting President’s Message that in the near future, 80% of jobs will require education beyond high school. In Beaver County, approximately 39% of our residents who are age 25 or older have a high school diploma but no further education.

Another 15 % never graduated from high school. For individuals such as these, CCBC is their gateway to their future.

We’re an “open admission” institution. Like most colleges, we welcome high school graduates and students who have experience attending another college or university, but we also provide opportunities for those who never completed high school. Serving everyone who resides in Beaver County is part of our mission, and in a future where access to learning beyond high school is an economic necessity, CCBC will continue to be a critical asset.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid make CCBC the most affordable college in the county.

The College Classroom Goes 10

High Tech Discover the ways innovative educational technologies are changing the way faculty teach and students learn.

24 News & Notes

As you review this new issue of blueprint, you will see the faces of our community: recent high school graduates and working adults; the 20 somethings and the 40 somethings; the currently employed who aspire to a better job and the unemployed who aspire to a new career. It is our ability to work with such a diverse student population that makes CCBC an exciting place to work and to learn, and our community is increasingly recognizing the value of having us as neighbors and friends.

For 2010-2011, our enrollment numbers were a reflection of the interest our community has in being part of the CCBC community.

• We had the largest enrollment in the history of the College; • For the first time in our history, we enrolled over 3,000 students in the Fall semester; • Enrollment of both part-time and full-time students increased and, • 1 in 7 students who graduated from a Beaver County high school in Spring 2010 enrolled at CCBC in the Fall semester.

It is becoming clear that many in our community have made CCBC their first choice as the college to attend. Some come with the intent of completing their associate degree before transferring to another institution to complete a bachelor’s degree. Some come to train for a specific career, others to develop new skills. At CCBC, there are many reasons to attend, and all are welcome. No matter where you are going in life, CCBC is your road to your future.

Find out about what is happening on campus.

Dr. Joe D. Forrester, College President

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InOn The Campus Community

CCBC Recognized as a Leader in the National Student Completion Movement “Being selected as a Leader College, one of only 52 nationally, is great recognition for the work done by the faculty and staff to promote the success of students,” stated President Dr. Joe D. Forrester following yesterday’s announcement. “It gives us an opportunity to celebrate their success along with celebrating the success our students are achieving.”

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or the third year, Achieving the Dream has recognized Leader Colleges. To earn the distinction, Leader Colleges must demonstrate commitment to and progress on the four principles of Achieving the Dream:

sustained positive student-centered changes.

They deserve enormous recognition for their focus on equity and excellence and for their extraordinary contributions to their communities and our nation,” Achieving the Dream President & CEO William Trueheart said.

• Committed leadership • Use of evidence to improve programs and services • Broad engagement • Systemic institutional improvement

Conceived in 2004 as a national initiative by Lumina Foundation for Education and eight national partner organizations, Achieving the Dream is focused on creating a “culture of evidence” on community college campuses in which data collection and analysis drive efforts to identify problems that prevent students from succeeding and develop programs to help students stay in school and receive a certificate or diploma or transfer to a four-year institution.

They also must show three years of sustained improvement of student success on at least one of the following measures of performance: course completion, advancement from remedial to credit-bearing courses, completion of college-level math and English courses, term-to-term and year-to-year retention, and completion of certificates or degrees. Additionally, each college must successfully implement at least one student success intervention or initiative that is advancing student outcomes that are of sufficient scale to benefit a substantial proportion of students.

“Community College of Beaver County has carefully analyzed student outcomes evidence and has implemented

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academic and personal advising for students in need of additional support, strengthening links to high schools and four-year institutions to improve student preparation, and increasing retention, persistence rates, and the number of certificate and degree recipients.

Achieving the Dream includes coaching to help colleges’ administrators, faculty, and staff lead institutional change and analyze quantitative and qualitative data.

“We expect these exemplary colleges to serve as mentors within the Achieving the Dream community of learners, as well as advocates for the values, principles, and mission of Achieving the Dream,” Trueheart said.

“Creating and implementing student success initiatives that have an enduring impact takes time and patience. It’s critical that we get it right and that we learn from institutions - like Community College of Beaver County - that have demonstrated success in key areas and have been able to sustain progress over time.”

The Leader Colleges include institutions large and small, rural and urban, single campus and multi-campus that are working to address a variety of student success challenges. These colleges have identified workable solutions to issues such as enhancing the experience of first-year students, improving developmental education, closing achievement gaps, strengthening

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Federal Dollars to Help Pennsylvania’s Community Colleges Train Workers for 21st Century Jobs

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ommunity College of Beaver County will use its portion of grant funds from the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) program to educate and train displaced workers in high-demand occupations.

Funding for this initiative is part a three-year $20 million federal TAACCCT grant awarded to Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges by the U.S. Department of Labor.

CCBC will use its grant funding to develop and deliver a certificate program in the rapidly growing industry of energy distribution, production and conservation.

The grant funding will support all of Pennsylvania’s community colleges in collectively responding to the commonwealth’s workforce development needs by helping each institution to rapidly produce high-skilled workers for employment in industry sectors that will define the economy of the state and the nation for years to come.

“The community colleges are collaborating in an unprecedented way to bring our workforce delivery and curriculum development systems to scale for achieving new levels of success with our adult students, particularly for our laid-off workers who have little chance of returning to prior wage levels without new credentials,” said Diane Bosak, executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges.

Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady of the United States and former community college professor, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, and Under Secretary of Education Martha Kanter announced the grant award.

According to the U.S Department of Labor, 57 percent of workers in trade-related fields hold only a high school diploma or its equivalent, and close to 60 percent of Pennsylvania’s trade workers are between 40 and 60 years of age. Employers cite a critical shortage of qualified workers to fill jobs in the growing industries of advanced manufacturing, energy and health care technology.

CCBC, along with Pennsylvania’s other community colleges, have already begun work on strategies and statewide procedures to accelerate recruitment, retention, credential attainment and job placement for low-skilled adults.

For more information about workforce development and training programs at CCBC, visit www.ccbc.edu/WorkforceTraining.

Home Field Advantage

Home Field Advantage: Game Changing Marketing Plan is a Win-Win

H

ey, Beaver County students, get in the college game! That’s the challenge CCBC is posing to Beaver County high schools through a grassroots marketing strategy developed by the College’s Marketing and Public Relations Department.

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The program is aimed at creating stronger connections between CCBC and Beaver County high school students and their parents with a unique program that brings much needed funding back into the individual high schools straight from the College’s advertising dollars - a winning play for everyone involved.

Relying on hometown pride and western PA’s championship spirit, CCBC is offering marketing dollars to each of the high schools’ athletics programs in exchange for opportunities to promote the benefits of attending CCBC to their student population.

“Our market research has shown that we need to make a bigger impact on our local students and their parents as they are making decisions about what happens next after high school graduation,” said Nancy Dickson, CCBC’s Vice President for Community Relations and Development. “By putting some of our advertising budget back into the local economy, we are not only able to support the communities that support us, but we are establishing a constant visual presence in the places where our potential student lives, works, and plays.”

Working initially through the athletic directors, the college has the following high schools on board as of the fall semester include: Aliquippa, Ambridge, Blackhawk, Beaver, Central Valley, Hopewell, South Side, Riverside, and Rochester. Examples of advertising partnerships include: banners and/or signage at stadiums and fields, PA announcements during games, half-time promotions and giveaways, admissions and recruitment events, and tournament sponsorships. Messages focus on affordability, scholarships and financial aid, student life on campus, and academic opportunity.

“The significance of this project has extensive win-win ramifications for both the school districts and for CCBC,” said Leslie Tennant, CCBC’s Director of Communications who manages the marketing team responsible for implementation of the project. “It truly is a game changing strategy in how we market and recruit our students”.

Based on the success of the initiative’s first year, the College’s marketing team also hopes to expand advertising opportunities to high school arts programs, including bands, drama clubs, and school newspapers.

Game on!

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What’s New at CCBC? Innovative Certificate Programs Offer Fast-Track Training in High As an online instructor-led program, students can enroll and Demand Job Fields participate from anywhere in the country. Some participants may

Business Intelligence Certificate

If you Google Business Intelligence jobs, you will find a growing list of companies seeking qualified candidates with such job titles as BI Architect, BI Developer or BI Analyst. A company looking for these positions help organizations manages their physical and digital data. Business Intelligence, also referred to as BI, is the use of information to create and maximize value. Its purpose is to turn data into information, information into insight, insight into action, and action into measurable business value.

qualify for funding through PA CareerLink. For more information, contact CCBC’s BI Program Coordinator, Joyce Evans, at 724-4803449 or joyce.evans@ccbc.edu.

Homeland Security Certificate

Greg Steffine

The 24-week online instructor-led Business Intelligence (BI) program, one of the first of its kind at the community college level, provides students with critical skills designed to meet the growing demand businesses have for information.

The program prepares each participant to achieve associate-level certification as an IBM Certified Designer in Cognos 10 BI Reports. The total program cost is $8,000, which includes expert instruction, books, and the cost of the IBM certification exam.

“Over the years we’ve supported the community with innovative programs in continuing education and workforce development,” stated Deborah Micheals, CCBC’s Director of Business and Technologies. “In that tradition, we are excited to offer yet another program that positions participants for employment opportunities in one of the fastest-growing areas of information technology.”

Greg Steffine, a CCBC alumnus, is a trusted advisor and BI consultant to some of the most recognizable names in business. He currently serves as the national BI practice director for SDLC Partners, L.P., Pittsburgh’s 5th largest technology services firm and member of the Inc. 5000.

“The online certificate program is unique in its makeup,” said Mr. Steffine. “It combines 96 hours of instruction on business, how it works, and how decision-makers use information to create value and sustainable competitive advantage. We combine that with 158 hours of instruction and self-paced training on database fundamentals, SQL fundamentals, and the Cognos BI platform. The objective is to turn-out practitioners who can help address the challenge that employers face in finding candidates with enough business acumen and technical skill to effectively perform as report writers and entry-level analysts.”

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The new Homeland Security certificate program, which is now accepting enrollments for the spring 2012 semester, provides students who wish to become homeland security and emergency management technicians or support personnel with a basic knowledge of homeland security and emergency management. Students successfully completing the certificate requirements will find employment opportunities in the private security industry as well as local, regional, stage and federal homeland security and emergency management agencies.

The curriculum is designed to: • Prepare students to develop a broad overview of homeland security and emergency management program in the United States; • Understand terrorism and terrorist motivations; • Learn how to access and safeguard critical infrastructure and key resources; • Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking and decision making; • Demonstrate basic knowledge and process of funding sources and grants management; • Explain the basic issues of information security and cyber security in mitigating threat potential; • Apply principles of continuity of operations planning to an existing organization; • Identify elements of tire management programs; Recognize basic components of the criminal justice system; • Identify pre-hospital emergency medical services, hospital capabilities and awareness of weapons of mass destruction; • Define key organizations involved in homeland security and emergency management Personnel working in the Homeland Security and emergency management arena typically require an in-depth background check and a security clearance as they handle law enforcement sensitive information and national security materials on a regular basis.

For more information, contact CCBC’s Public Service Occupations Division at 724-480-3616.

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New Programs

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Grant Funding Leads to Free Training then Employment

urrent unemployment rates have decreased across the county within the last year but some community members are still struggling to update their skills and receive the training they need in order to find a new job.

From June of 2010 to June of 2011, Beaver County’s unemployment rate decreased by approximately 1.7%. However, during that same time period, Community College of Beaver County worked to turn those statistics around with the goal of training 24 unemployed workers in order to place them back into the workforce and help bolster the local economy.

And, we did it all for free!

In order to better address the training needs of those in the community, John Goberish, Continuing Education Manager at CCBC, pursued an Earmark Grant to provide funding for a Microsoft Office Applications Support Specialist Certificate program offered at both CCBC and at an educational training center in Aliquippa, PA. In July of 2010, CCBC began the process of training displaced and unemployed workers in need of updated computer skills after receiving the grant funding. One year later, 24 students for a total of three classes have enrolled in the program. To date, a total of 15 students secured employment.

After completing the program, students continue to practice their new skills in the computer labs in order to complete Microsoft

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Certification Tests for Excel and Word increasing their marketability with employers even more. As part of the program, students are also required to complete an externship.

Rachel Regester, who recently completed the program, learned about the training being offered at CCBC through the PA Women Work “New Choices” program. New Choices provides career development workshops, various classes, career counseling, job search assistance and more to displaced homemakers and single parents free of charge.

While facing divorce, Rachel knew she needed to reenter the workforce for a steady income. Although she operated a small home-based business for supplemental income while she raised her son, she realized

the importance of updating her skills in order to obtain employment.

“I knew that to gain any type of solid position, I needed strong MS Office skills, particularly Word and Excel,” states Rachel. “When I heard about the opportunity to learn in a dedicated environment, particularly free of charge, I jumped at the chance.”

Rachel, who is now employed full-time as Administrative Manager at The Woodlands Foundation, learned through her own personal experience the importance of keeping up-to-date with the job market and knowing what qualities employers seek.

“The combination of the MS Office program with the PA Women Work sessions gave me a newfound confidence in my abilities, including the ability to still learn quickly and present myself in a professional manner,” she explains. “These qualities are vital in today’s working environment.”

Students also receive job placement assistance and career guidance during and after the program.

“John Goberish, his staff at CCBC, and the instructors of PA Women Work’s New Choices program are truly dedicated to their students, helping them in any way possible,” says Rachel. “They help us link with career services and many job networking opportunities. I cannot speak highly enough about their enthusiasm and helpfulness.”

In preparation for MOS Certification Tests for Word and Excel this fall, graduates of the program continue to practice in the provided computer labs and are ready to enter the ever-changing workforce with upto-date skills and renewed confidence.

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C://CCBC Prepares Techno-Students In and Out of the Classroom

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ith the ever-changing technology available at our fingertips today, students are looking for new ways to access information that is important to them in the most convenient way possible. The most current instructional technologies are available in every learning space on the CCBC campus, and as a result, the College is preparing students to enter the workforce technologically prepared in a variety of ways.

The Interactive Classroom

Instructors at CCBC know that today’s students need an engaging and interactive learning experience in order to receive the best education and be prepared for the job market or continuing studies after graduation. The technology available in all classrooms and labs gives students the experience and confidence they need to succeed in today’s technologically-driven world.

Take a look at how CCBC’s faculty are using technology in their classrooms to help students learn:

Business

Rogers makes his students aware of the software and its capabilities on the first day of class in order to make sure they keep on task with what is being discussed in class instead of browsing websites.

“The students are usually amazed by the software and the control it allows,” he says.

“Most then understand that you can monitor their usage and capture a snapshot of their activity.”

In addition to its monitoring capabilities, the program can also be used as a student input device to record opinions, answers and feedback. This allows for an interactive

user to write notes in digital ink. Slater uses the technology to save the documents created in class, including notes and audio of the lecture, and make them available online to students who missed the class or wish to re-watch the lecture.

Slater understands that students have issues outside the four walls of the classroom and believes that the available technology allows them to have greater access to the information she teaches in class.

In addition to the instructional technology in each classroom, program specific technology is utilized frequently in order

Paul Rogers, Assistant Professor/Business, utilizes SynchronEyes, a computer monitoring software program included in the instructional technology that is available in all classrooms, in his courses.

“I use it to display classroom material on the students’ computer and for tracking,” explains Rogers. He continues, “Specifically, PowerPoint slides, documents, and spreadsheets can be simultaneously displayed on all of the students’ machines.”

Rogers explains how the software also allows instructors to monitor student computer usage.

“If an instructor hits a display button, all 24 monitors appear on the instructor screen. You can watch their usage and monitor access to inappropriate sites, games, applications, and more. If an inappropriate site is detected, you can lock a particular workstation or display a message. You can also restrict internet access by computer.”

experience from everyone in the classroom, including students who would not normally feel comfortable voicing their opinions, sharing thoughts, or commenting on lecture topics.

Office Technology

Mary Jo Slater, Associate Professor/Office Technology, uses SMART Board and its software capabilities. SMART Board allows for an interactive connection from the computer to the whiteboard. The SMART Board acts as a large touchscreen that allows the

to keep students competitive in today’s job market. Slater incorporates real- world projects into her classes so that students can have experience with the software they continue to use after completing the office technology programs.

“The technology we are able to use to help a student succeed is great,” says Slater. “The wireless capability on campus has students using their laptops and collaborating around campus for studying.”

Technology

Slater keeps track of the job market in order to provide students with the skills they need to find employment after completing their certificate or degree program at CCBC. She has good news to share from her Microsoft Word course for the summer of 2011.

“Every Office Technology student who attempted the Microsoft Word exam passed,” she states. “All of the students received certification for Word 2007 from Microsoft.”

Starting in the fall of 2011, her courses now use Microsoft Office 2010 and provide an introduction of QuickBooks during the Microsoft Excel course. She also uses SAM (Skills Assessment Measurement) software that incorporates exams for students to help them prepare for the Microsoft Certification exams.

Technology helps in others ways, too, explains Slater. “Every course I teach, except for Medical Billing, is paperless. All assignments, exams, and collaborations are completed using Blackboard and CCBC email.”

Visual Communications

The College’s Visual Communications program depends on the instructional and program-specific technology in order to provide students with the experience they need to succeed after graduation.

“Visual Communications is inherently technologically dependent,” states Trish Foley, Instructor/Visual Communications.

“As technology trends now have a lifespan of 6 months, the challenge I find myself facing is to keep up with its advancements in order to present a competitive learning environment consistent with the real world. This department more than meets that challenge.”

The labs used for the Visual Communications program provide students with a well-rounded educational environment and unique learning experience. In addition to computers equipped with HD displays, HD projectors with stereo audio, whiteboard, various digital media players, WIFI, laptops, portable projectors and

various printers, students use a new media lab with the latest design software, media production and video editing labs, audio production labs, a photography darkroom, and a Visual Communications studio with compositing screens, backdrops, lighting, microphones and more to create quality studio and location photography, animation, and video.

“The benefits of hands-on experience in the Visual Communications classroom promotes the kinesthetic learning style [by] supplementing lecture, discussion and demonstrations, while allowing the students to use software and equipment in a real world scenario,” explains Foley.

Foley emphasizes the importance of assigning projects that students will be expected to perform as they enter the workforce or continue their studies.

“I have always incorporated real-world scenarios and service learning projects in Visual Communications courses in order to help students develop a professional portfolio

that would best assist in their job search or transfer to a university” says Foley.

Computer Information Systems

Carl Dennis, Assistant Professor/Computer Forensics, reiterates the importance of the instructional and program-specific technology he uses in the classroom. Over the last two years, significant changes were made to the hardware and software used in the College’s Computer Forensics and Networking courses.

“Changes will be ongoing to ensure that our programs are in tune with employer needs in the 21st century,” states Dennis.

Dennis’s courses also incorporate lab work where he provides students with real-life situations and has them repair PC problems, install and configure equipment, learn different operating systems, disassemble and assemble PCs, and more.

“PCs with hot-swappable drives are used for the Client Operating System and Server Operating System classes so student can work on projects during a class period and then remove the drive and secure it in the storage cabinet,” explains Dennis. “[This is] to ensure their

work will not be accidentally deleted or modified by other students.”

During the College’s renovations, a computer rack cabinet was added to the PC Hardware lab. The computer rack holds two servers with two different operating systems, VMWare VSphere 4.0 and Microsoft Server 2008 R2, so students can experience the differences and similarities in each operating system. Dennis also knows the value of keeping up with the newest technology trends.

“Students are now being instructed in the installation, configuration, and management of Virtual Server technology,” states Dennis. “Along with Cloud Computing, this is currently a hot topic in Information Technology.”

The labs have a variety of operating system software available from CCBC’s Academic Alliance agreement with Microsoft.

Students work with Microsoft Windows 7, XP Mode, and built-in virtualization tools. Other operating systems such as Windows XP, Red Hat Linux, and Ubuntu Linux are installed by students in the Client Operating System classes. The Wireless Networking class utilizes third-party wireless traffic monitoring tools. Network access points from different manufacturers are used to give students the opportunity to install and configure a variety of equipment. The Computer Forensics lab has six dedicated PCs that are used to simulate a Forensics Analysis lab.

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Anatomy of 21st Century Classroom

“Students install several available forensic tools to analyze data captured from other PCs in the labs, giving them a hands-on experience in data capture and analysis,” says Dennis.

“Past PC Hardware students created “Peg”, a working computer mounted on a pegboard,” he states. “The computer is fully functional and all components are labeled to identify each component. It is on display in the PC Hardware lab and is a great teaching tool.”

Students also created “Sarah”, a surface touchscreen PC, as well as a Head-Tracking PC that causes images on a computer screen to move forward or away from the person viewing the computer monitor. Dennis also incorporates projects to help the community.

CCBC is the only college in the Commonwealth that can boast of 100% technology in every classroom. Each classroom is equipped with, a full-featured instructional podium or equipment rack installed with: • Wireless Internet Access • PC for instructor use • Auxiliary ports to handle guest laptops, with the ability to connection to: • Document Camera • VHS/DVD player • Theater style Wall Mounted Speakers • Full control of the above features to a Ceiling Mounted LCD Projector for content presentation • Some rooms may include Interactive Smartboards • Some rooms may include Interactive Sympodiums (interactive monitors)

“The PC Hardware students have also done three service learning projects for Beaver County non-profits,” tells Dennis.

With these industry-experienced instructors and up-todate technology in all CCBC classrooms and labs, graduates can seek employment or pursue a higher degree with confidence knowing their experience at CCBC gives them a head start (or click) on the competition.

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New Provost

Welcome, Dr. Melissa Denardo,

New Vice President For Learning And Student Success/Provost After a nation-wide search and a review of 54 applicants, CCBC selected Dr. Melissa Denardo as the new Vice President for Learning and Student Success/Provost for the College.

Dr. Denardo was the Assistant Campus Dean for Kent State University in Salem, Ohio, a position she held since 2009. Prior to this appointment, she served as Vice President for Academic Affairs for Aiken Technical Community College in South Carolina; as Executive Director for the CMU/CCAC Survivability and Information Assurance Institute; as an Assistant Professor of Business Technology Support and Training at IUP and as a Program Director for Computer Information Systems at the Vail Campus of Colorado Mountain College. She earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership in Higher Education Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.

The Vice President of Learning and Student Success/Provost is a member of the College’s senior management team with responsibility for innovative leadership in creating and sustaining a learning environment which values and supports student retention, persistence and completion. The position has the responsibility for the College’s credit and non-credit instructional programs, academic service programs, enrollment service programs, and assessment of instructional effectiveness.

“Dr. Denardo brings a wealth of talent and experience to CCBC,” said Dr. Joe Forrester, CCBC president.

What is a QR Code?

A QR (quick response) code is a barcode that can be scanned by a smartphone’s camera and transfer information, including websites, photos, videos, and more.

How do you scan the QR code?

You need an app for your smartphone in order to scan the QR code. You can download a free app at http://uscn.me/app.

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You can afford college, and CCBC shows you how. . . .

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Cover Story

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s college tuition costs continue to sky rocket at both public and private four-year colleges and universities, Community College of Beaver County offers you the smart decision for your future and your checkbook. Affordable tuition, ease of transfer, quality faculty, and a wide variety of scholarship opportunities make CCBC the first choice for many students in Beaver County. In fact, with the help of financial aid and scholarships, some students have the opportunity to attend CCBC at little to no out-of-pocket cost.

n addition to scholarship opportunities for new students, the College also offers a variety of options for current students at CCBC. For example, the Barnes and Noble Book Scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time student in good standing who applied for financial aid and is eligible to receive book aid. Other scholarships are general ones for tuition and fees, and more specific ones for students in such majors as nursing, aviation, police technology, radiologic technology, and more.

Let CCBC help get your feet back on the ground with information that lets you more easily navigate the often rocky road of financing a college education.

Alexandra Brooks, a CCBC alumnus who is currently a student at California University of Pennsylvania, received the Garbinski Scholarship in the fall of 2008. She says, “It was very motivating to receive a scholarship that recognized my current achievements rather than my achievements from high school.” She continues, “It was awarded to students with the highest grade point average (GPA) from each high school, but it was based on our GPAs while at CCBC the first semester.”

Go to College for Free - Scholarships

Did you know that Community College of Beaver County offers two, full tuition scholarships to the best and brightest in the senior classes of all school districts in Beaver County?

The Academic Excellence Scholarship is awarded to all students in the top 10% of their graduating class at the time of application as indicated on the high school transcript.

The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to the next top-ranked student who is not eligible for the Academic Excellence Scholarship at the time of application, and has a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

“Being a recipient of the scholarship reduced my financial burden; which allowed me to concentrate on my classwork.” She continues, “I have worked very hard to further my education and receiving the Garbinski Scholarship helped me achieve my dream of completing my college education.”

To view a complete list of scholarships available at CCBC, turn to the back cover of blueprint, or visit www.ccbc.edu/ccbcscholarships.

The scholarships cover the cost of tuition and fees for the student’s first two semesters (fall and spring) and have a renewal option for those students who maintain a qualifying Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0. while enrolled at CCBC. The scholarship does not cover the cost of flight fees for Aviation students.

Free money to attend college sometimes can make all the difference in a student’s decision to enroll in classes.

“When I got my Academic Excellence scholarship, I actually decided to attend college,” said Katie Shablesky, a current Medical Administrative Assistant major at CCBC. “Before I received this scholarship, I was not planning on attending college at all.”

“I couldn’t afford it [college]. I watched a family member fail out of a four-year college and be $100,000 in debt,” continues Katie. “I decided that the only way I would go to college is if I received a scholarship.” And Katie did get a scholarship Katie’s advice, “fill out as many scholarship applications as possible.”

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Other Programs

Veterans Benefits Including Post 9/11, Chapters 30, 1607, 31, and 35, Federal Tuition Assistance and Education Assistance Program CCBC is a Military Friendly School.

It Pays to Graduate – Flat Rate Tuition

Every Little Bit Helps - Financial Aid

One of the biggest challenges facing potential college students and their parents is how to apply and receive financial aid to help supplement higher education costs. CCBC encourages all of our students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for grants and other aid. Even if you don’t think you qualify, fill out the FAFSA forms.

CCBC currently participates in the following financial aid programs:

Federal Programs

PELL Grant A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid.

The maximum Pell grant for the 2011-12 award year is $5,550. The amount depends on your financial need, costs to attend school, status as a full-time or part-time student.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) The FSEOG Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students to promote access to postsecondary education.

Federal Work Study (FWS) The FWS Program provides funds that are earned through part-time employment usually at the college to assist students in financing the costs of postsecondary education.

Federal Direct Loan Program The Federal Direct Loan Program provides loans to undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half time. Students can borrow up to $ 5500 for the first year and $ 6500 for the second year.

Say that you are interested in being a web designer. The degree program at CCBC is called Associate in Applied Science/Web Design New Media. The credits required to complete that degree are 60. That means your first year would require you to take two semesters, fall and spring. In each 15-week semester you would take five specific three credit courses. A credit is one hour of time you spend in the classroom.

As a result, you would need to come to class three days a week for one hour each day to earn those three credits for a particular course.

The current per credit tuition rate for Beaver County residents is $95.00. Translated, that means your first two years at CCBC could be as little as $5,700 excluding student fees and other expenses like textbooks. That same two years at a four-year college or university could cost you upwards of $30,000.

At CCBC, you can earn an associate degree in just two years if you plan your time and calculate your options. To encourage full-time students to complete their studies within two years, CCBC now offers a flat tuition rate. A single rate of $1,425 is applied for any Beaver County resident taking between 12 and 18 credits per semester.

“The landscape for students planning to transfer is changing dramatically,” said Dr. Joe Forrester, CCBC President. “Recently enacted legislation allows students who graduate with an Associate Degree to transfer to a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education university as a junior without loss of credit. We want to see more of our students taking advantage of this opportunity.”

Visualize your degree like a car and your education like your road to your future. You need 60 gallons of credits for your entire trip. Gas Station CCBC offers credits for $95.00 each and Gas Station Penn State offers credits for $630.00 each. Which station are you pulling into to get started on your journey towards success?

Add it up!

Access the Net Price Calculator on our website at www.ccbc.edu/tuition to find out what college will cost you.

Federal Direct Plus Loan Program The Federal Direct Plus Loan Program provides loans to parents of undergraduate students. Parents who pass the necessary credit approvals can borrow up the cost of education for students who are enrolled at least half-time.

State Programs Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency Grants (PHEAA) The PHEAA Program provides State Grants to eligible Pennsylvania residents in need of financial assistance to help them afford the costs of higher education State Vocational Rehabilitation Education Assistance (OVR) Serves people with disabilities that present a substantial impediment to their employment.

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Grants Student aid funds that you do not have to pay back (other conditions apply).

Work-Study A part-time work program to help you earn money while in college Federal Loans Student aid funds that you must pay back with interest Types: Perkins, Direct Stafford, Direct PLUS (graduate and professional degrees, student borrowers), Direct PLUS (parent borrowers), and Direct Loan Consolidation How to apply for federal student aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA is used to apply for federal financial aid (grants, work-study, and loans). CCBC also requires a complete FAFSA when you apply for any scholarships as well as to award state aid.

What you need to apply: Before you apply online, gather the documents needed to complete the application. You need: • Your Social Security card • Your driver’s license (if you have one) • Your W-2 forms and other records of earned income • Your (and your spouse’s, if married) Federal Income Tax Return • Your Parents’ Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student) • Your untaxed income records • Your current bank statements • Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records • Your alien registration or permanent resident card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)

What to do next: Follow all directions on any communications from CCBC or from the U.S. Department of Education, and respond by any deadlines.

If you haven’t already, complete an admissions application for CCBC. CCBC will send a financial aid award letter to you. This letter outlines the types and amounts of financial aid you may receive from federal sources.

About PA State Grants through PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency): You must complete FAFSA and the PA State Grant Form at pheaa. org. To be considered for a Pennsylvania State Grant, you must demonstrate financial need and meet other criteria determined by PHEAA. Visit www.pheaa.org to learn more.

Questions?

Call CCBC’s financial aid office at 724-480-3501 or visit studentaid. ed.gov or www.pheaa.org.

Source: Above information adapted from studentaid.ed.gov and www.pheaa.org

After you submit FAFSA: The application is processed and results are sent electronically to the schools you listed on your application. You receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which summarizes all the information you provided on your FAFSA. Make sure all information is correct. If you applied online and provided a valid e-mail address, you’ll receive your SAR in three to five days.

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CCBC Foundation News The CCBC Foundation goal is to enhance the educational environment and opportunities for students and faculty of the Community College of Beaver County through private support.

New Trucking Scholarship Available

The CCBC Foundation announces the establishment of the Robert D. Thompson, Jr. Memorial Scholarship by Southern Pines Trucking. Established in the memory of Robert D. Thompson, Jr., who passed away due to cancer, the scholarship is available for a full-time student enrolled at CCBC who is or has a family member in the trucking industry; or is pursuing a degree around the care or preservation of animals and/or their natural habitat.

Scholarship Spotlight:

Joseph Wells, Dan Donatella Aviation Scholarship

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n a clear day in Boise, Idaho, a young boy by the name of Joseph Wells was bitten by the flying bug. His passion for aviation spread so rapidly throughout his life that, as an adult, he ultimately moved his small, struggling family from Idaho to Pennsylvania just to enroll in the best Air Traffic Control program in the nation.

Now a current Air Traffic Control Joseph Wells major at CCBC, Joseph has received the Dan Donatella Aviation Scholarship, because of the great efforts he and his family are making in order to help him accomplish his childhood dream of flying.

“My wife purchased me a discovery flight through an aero club located at the Boise air terminal,” Wells explains. “The flight instructor was very informative and took me under his wing, throwing so much information at me that I could see that this was his passion and he really wanted to help others accomplish their dream of flying. He took time to go through a detailed pre-flight walk around making sure that I understood all the control surfaces and the effect that outside elements would have on the aircraft. As we were lining up at the end of the runway, he informed me that I would be taking off. I was a little bit nervous, but as he instructed me on what to do and I felt the wheels leave the ground, I knew that fixed-wing was what I wanted to fly.”

Donor Spotlight:

First National Bank – Phoenix Rising Community College of Beaver County sits in the heart of the devastated steel industry valley in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Like the story of the Phoenix, out of steel abandonment grows hope for future jobs and the support needed to rekindle the economic engine of Beaver County. CCBC’s primary objective is to educate in order to reshape the population to meet the needs of new job markets.

First National Bank (FNB) donated $17,500 unrestricted dollars to the Community College of Beaver County in two years. Not a staggering amount in the eyes of some philanthropic gifts but immensely significant to CCBC. FNB broke the ice for corporate donations to us.

They are the first to put their money in the growth of this college. Plus, they merged their business philosophy of integrity in business, value of employees, dedication, high ethical standards and commitment to the FNB mission with CCBC’s vision and mission. In the history of CCBC, there has never been a donor of FNB’s commitment.

Dr. Joe Forrester, President of CCBC, and Dan Holquist, Executive Vice President for FNB, found common ground on how to engage employees and the need for by-in of the mission and vision of a company.

Beyond, dollars and cents, FNB truly contributes the services of each one of their employees to the growth of CCBC and our students.

FNB is the wind beneath the wings of the CCBC Phoenix.

A few weeks later, Joe took his Scout troop on a tour of an air traffic control tower in Idaho where he talked with the ATC tower manager.

The next day I went in to talk to the manager there to see what I had to do to get into that line of work. He told me I’d have to go to a CTI school and that the one in Pennsylvania was the best one in the nation. After a lot of research, and a big decision, my wife and I decided to move out here and pursue an ATC career,” he adds.

Joseph proudly received the scholarship funds in the spring of 2011 and is currently continuing to pursue his studies at CCBC’s Aviation Sciences Center in Chippewa. All thanks to the generous support of donors like Dan Donatella who are helping to make a once little boy’s dream come true.

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Shown From left to right: Greg Conrad, VP Marketing MGR; Yvonne Conner, VP Retail Banking MGR; Dr. Forrester, President of CCBC; Jack Manning , Chair CCBC Foundation; John Kochanowski, CCBC Vice Chairman; Brandon Miller, FNB Wealth Management

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Scholarship Winners Announced

The CCBC Foundation is proud to announce recent scholarship winners for the Fall 2011 semester: Barnes & Noble Book Scholarship • Kasey R. Martin, a Middle-Level Education major from New Brighton, PA; • Alan Mack, an Air Traffic Control and Aerospace Management major from Lewiston, NY; • Joshua Rule, an Air Traffic Control major from Kent, OH; • Amy Bowen, a Nursing major from Beaver Falls, PA; • Rayburn Mumbuna, a Natural Science/Liberal Arts major from Aliquippa, PA; and • Jason Kerr, an Air Traffic Control major from Waterford, PA

Beaver County Housing Authority Scholarship • ReMonica Richardson, a Networking major from Beaver Falls, and Ann Beighley, a Nursing major from Beaver Falls

Fannie Mae Person Endowed Scholarship • Stacy Mainwering, a Nursing major from Aliquippa

CCBC Foundation Scholarship • Amy Bowen, a Nursing major from Beaver Falls, PA; • Jennifer J. Drass, a General Studies major from Aliquippa, PA; • Casey D. Conner, a Liberal Arts major from Beaver, PA; • Jason Kerr, an Air Traffic Control major from Waterford, PA; • Alan Mack, an Air Traffic Control and Aerospace Management major from Lewiston, NY; and • Jennifer McDermott, a Culinary Arts and Business Management major from Rochester, PA

Edna Toothman Scholarship • Kayla Moore, a Nursing major from Beaver Falls, PA

Herman Petti, Sr. Scholarship • Kasey R. Martin, a Middle-Level Education major from New Brighton, PA

Justin Retsch Memorial Scholarship • Jesse Daugherty, a Radiologic Technology major from Monaca, PA

Waddell/Keppel Scholarship • Donna Kerns, a Radiologic Technology major from Georgetown, PA

Garbinski Scholarship • Andrew Young, a Social Science major from Beaver County Christian School, Class of 2009; • Jennifer Piltz, a Business Administration major from Hopewell High School, Class of 2009; • Jessica Alberti, an Allied Health/Nursing major from Beaver High School, Class of 2009; • Megan Lytle, an Early Childhood Education major from Southside High School, Class of 2009; • Alisha Saunders, a Criminal Justice major from Blackhawk High School, Class of 2009; • Geofry Lawton, a Business Administration major from Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Class of 2009; • Kevin Sturm, a Computer Forensics major from Monaca High School, Class of 2009; • Patrick Johnson, an Allied Health/Radiologic Technology major from PA Charter Cyber School, Class of 2009; • Albert Petruccelli, a Web Programming Specialist major from Rochester High School, Class of 2009; • Jacob Doyle, a Digital Media Design major from Western Beaver High School, Class of 2009; • Anna Marie DeSantis, an Allied Health/ Nursing major from Center High School, Class of 2009; and • Stephanie Jordan, a Medical Administrative Assistant major from Blackhawk High School, Class of 2006

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Community Connections Lifelong learning is one of the hallmarks of any community college and Community College of Beaver County is no exception. CCBC welcomes students of all ages through a variety of credit and non-credit offerings as well as special programs and learning opportunities for underserved youth in our community.

Here are just a few examples of how CCBC is making and strengthening community connections throughout Beaver County:

Summer Biz Camp Welcomes Students From Across the World

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ummer Biz Camp, sponsored by the College in a partnership with Entrepreneuring Youth (E Youth) and the Franklin Center of Beaver County, started in the summer of 2009 with the goals of introducing local youth to the thrill of entrepreneurship and providing them with the tools needed to create a business. This year, however; the camp was given an international twist when the campers were given the opportunity to interact with students from another country and culture.

Amber Ligett, 14 year old entrepreneur

In mid-July, eight Iraqi high school students and their mentor made a special visit to CCBC’s Summer Biz Camp. The group is part of the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program that is designed to empower a diverse group of Iraqi High School students and adult mentors from all parts of Iraq with the skills and knowledge to become catalysts for positive change in their communities. Students from Biz Camp presented what entrepreneurship means to their life as it relates to leadership, team building and civic engagement. The Iraqi students and Biz Camp students then formed teams to do an entrepreneurship activity, concluding with presentations from each team.

The students were given the task of creating a new candy bar for Hershey’s as well as designing the packaging for it and creating a marketing strategy to promote the new candy. At the end of the thirty-minute time allotment, the groups presented the new design and explained why their logo, design, and packaging would stand-out to the target market of 12 to 19 year olds.

“It was a wonderful experience for our students and opens up the global nature of the world to them,” stated Cathy Blanchard, Vice President of Entrepreneuring Youth. “Two of the Iraqi students shared their United States experiences and also allowed our young people a glimpse into life in Iraq.”

BC Youth Entrepreneurship Collaborative is Born

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uilding off their fruitful partnership, the three organizations (CCBC, Franklin Center and E Youth) are joining forces once again to launch the BC Youth Entrepreneurship Collaborative.

The group’s mission is to ensure every young Beaver County person has access to entrepreneurial education and support for a business enterprise of their own creation by providing sustainable, year-round educational and resource pathways for middle and high school students related to business and life skills development.

Together the future of Beaver County can be vibrant and alive with new businesses. To learn how your business can underwrite and sponsor programs, or to volunteer to serve as a business coach, speaker, mentor, or field trip host, please contact John Goberish, CCBC’s Continuing Education Manager, at 724-480-3450.

Center for Hope Music Camp Highlights Opportunities Available at CCBC

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n December 1 through December 3, 2010 and on February 4, 2011, approximately fifteen youth members from the Center for Hope in Ambridge, PA, along with their youth group leaders, Sue and Dave Otto, visited Community College of Beaver County to engage in a three-day Software Music Camp.

“We wanted to open the College’s doors to a group of Beaver County’s youth who may not otherwise have the opportunity to visit a college campus,” stated Jan Kaminski, Director of Academic

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“We wanted to open the College’s doors to a group of Beaver County’s youth who may not otherwise have the opportunity to visit a college campus,” - Jan Kaminski Support Services. “The music camp exposed these individuals to CCBC’s newly renovated campus and gave them an opportunity to engage in the use of the College’s state-of-the-art classroom technology with personal assistance from our faculty.”

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The camp was facilitated by Kaminski along with College Trustee Fritz Retsch, and CCBC’s Placement Testing Specialist, Mary Phillips. Adjunct faculty member Malley Branchetti assisted the students in using SONY Acid Pro software to create their own musical CD, while Instructor of Visual Communications Trish Foley guided them in designing and creating their own CD cover.

“This music camp is definitely a program that helps build self-esteem with the kids,” stated Sue Otto. “We heard kids saying how great the campus is and how they’d like to go to college there someday.”

The Music Camp not only helped the participants with learning and creativity, but it was also the first step in introducing them to a college environment.

“This really helped us remove the ‘fear barrier’ with some of the kids!” stated Otto. “We promoted the fact that everyone has a chance to go to college at CCBC.”

Boy Scouts Earn Merit Badges with Help from CCBC and ACES Aviation

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ver 135 Boy Scouts from the Fort Pit District of Greater Pittsburgh Council of the Boy Scouts of America earned merit badges in Aviation, Radio, Weather and First Aid on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at the Beaver County Airport. The scouts were hosted

by ACES Aviation, who donated flight time, simulator experience, and instructors, and CCBC, who provided classrooms and instructors.

During their time at the Airport, the scouts worked on four types of badges. Paul Jencka and Steve Glaeser from The Experimental Air Craft Association Chapter 45 worked with the scouts on model aircraft building and aerodynamics badges. The National Weather Service handled the Weather badge while Jonathan Wasko, physician assistant, and his wife, Dr. Wasko, facilitated the earning of First Aid badges.

doors,” said Bob Tyrseck with ACES. ACES owner Sam Scriva agreed.

“Giving these young people the chance to see a potential future in flying or air traffic control is worth all the time in the world.

Our future rests in their hands.”

At the end of the day, the scouts not only earned their badges, but had shared a fun and unique experience that just might inspire a few of them to pursue a career in aviation at CCBC someday.

Service Learning Project Combines Classroom Learning with Community Service

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hen Community College of Beaver County student Vesta Bates, an Early Childhood Education major from Darlington, PA, received an assignment to help out in the surrounding community, she took it one step further and combined community efforts in order to help a larger cause.

When first given the assignment to create a project that would benefit the community, Vesta was unsure about how she could make an impact. With days left before the project proposal was due, tragedy struck Japan and Vesta knew what she had to do. Use her studies in education to bring together local schools to help with the relief efforts taking place in Japan.

“Her project was unique because she responded to a current international crisis,” stated Jacqueline Black, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at CCBC.

After speaking with the Red Cross, Vesta learned that monetary donations would be most helpful and she collaborated with two schools in the Blackhawk School District, Patterson Primary and Northwestern Primary, to collect donations. She also spoke with a local daycare and area businesses who all agreed to help with her collection efforts.

“I am learning about the kindness and generosity of people around you when you take on a project of this nature,” stated Vesta.

In addition to collecting monetary donations, Vesta took the opportunity to talk with the children at the participating schools and daycare about Japan, empathy, responsiveness, compassion, and personal responsibility.

“Her project took quite a bit of collaboration and effort and I was extremely pleased with her passion for it,” stated Black.

With her hard work and dedication, Vesta raised over $500 for Japan relief efforts in just one week.

Boy Scout Ready for Flight

“We can’t thank the folks at ACES and CCBC enough,” stated C.W. Kreimer, Chairman of Camporee Council of the Fort Pit District of Greater Pittsburgh Council. “We would never have had this kind of opportunity for these scouts to experience real world training that leads to a good job. I am impressed with all that ACES and CCBC has to offer.”

ACES Aviation used all their aircraft plus called in volunteers with other aircraft to assemble over 10 planes for use with the scouts.

“We got the call and decided that the experience for some of these scouts would be a once-in -a -lifetime deal, so we opened our

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“I have certainly learned exactly how much work it takes to begin collecting donations on what I consider a large scale,” stated Vesta. “I am also learning how rewarding it is to give something your best efforts. You can sit back and watch the fruits of your labor take shape!”

Vesta graduated with honors in May and transfers to Robert Morris University this fall. After she completes her education, her ultimate goal is to teach kindergarten and impart the lessons she learned at CCBC about being responsive to the needs of the world around us to her young pupils.

With her hard work and dedication, Vesta raised over $500 for Japan relief efforts in one week

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ven with the distinction of being CCBC’s longest tenured faculty member, Tom Heasley, who joined the college’s instructional staff in 1967, refuses to retire his sense of adventure. In the spring of 2010, he began planning a wildlife photography trip.

On August 16, 2010, he and his son, Dr. Eric Heasley, M.D., returned from a wildlife safari to Southern Africa. He recounts their adventure here in his own words: There were several regions that I knew I wanted to visit. They included: the Southern Cape of South Africa, the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, Northern Botswana and the Kruger Ecosystem in North East South Africa. The biggest question was how I would accomplish a study that would involve such a large geographical region. I ultimately decided to visit Southern Africa with the single objective of maximizing the opportunity to photograph wildlife.

The regions of Southern Africa during their dry season with the highest biodiversity would be our focus. We chose the Southern Cape of South Africa to dive with the Great White Sharks in Shark Alley, to view the Wright Whales off the coast of Hermanus and to photograph African Penguins and Cape Fur Seals.

The Southern Cape of Southern Africa is wonderful. The Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain, the East Coast, and the North Country are beautiful. We then traveled north to the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls to photograph the falls and the wildlife near the Zambezi. We crossed the border into Botswana to photograph the wildlife that migrates into Northern Botswana from Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, and the Kalahari Desert of Central Botswana. The animals make this trek annually during the dry winter season seeking the water and food available in Northern Botswana.

From Botswana, we traveled back to South Africa to spend time photographing the wildlife of the Kruger Ecosystem in North East South Africa. Wildlife was diverse and abundant in Botswana and the Kruger region. Sightings were made and photographs taken of: lions, cheetahs, leopards, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, impalas, African Savannah Elephants, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, Greater Kudus, African Buffalos, baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Sable Antelopes, nyalas, water monitors, Southern Ground Hornbills, Red-billed Hornbills, Martial Eagles, bushbucks, wildebeests, and more.

However, the highlight of the trip for me was photographing a lion pride in Chobe National Park feeding on an elephant that they had killed earlier in the day.

The information I brought back and the photographs taken are being presented to my classes in the Biological Sciences at CCBC as a way to give our students a rare glimpse beyond the pages of a textbook and into this wild world that all living creatures share.

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Faculty Spotlight

Thomas Heasley, Professor of Chemistry and Biology 23

A Wild Life Fall 2011

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News & Notes

News & Notes

Nursing Program Re-Accredited It is official! The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) has awarded the CCBC Associate Degree Nursing Program an 8-year continuing accreditation, the maximum award given by the NLNAC. The Commission scheduled the next accreditation visit for Fall 2018. The accreditation procedures included a rigorous self-study report and three-day site visit, which found the nursing program in compliance with all accreditation standards.

Professor Publishes Historical Work Adjunct history professor Brady Crytzer became a published author in April when The History Press published his book, entitled “Major Washington: Pittsburgh and the Mission to Fort Le Boeuf” President Named to National Commission Dr. Joe Forrester was asked and accepted the request to serve as a member of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission on Research, Technology, and Emerging Trends. Dr. Forrester will serve a threeyear term on the Commission. The key responsibilities of members of each Commission include: provide advice to the AACC Board and staff; encourage collaboration among community college entities and organizations; provide a forum for focused conversation about the important community college issues and priorities of the day; provide for increased involvement in the Associa-

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tion by AACC member CEOs and other professional staff; and provide leadership opportunities for members of the AACC Board of Directors.

College Receives Military Friendly Distinction The College receives the honor of being deemed “Military Friendly” for 2012 by G.I. Jobs Magazine. With this award, CCBC ranks in the top 20% of all college, universities and trade schools nationwide for the third consecutive year.

Phone System Upgraded to Improve Customer Service The College recently adopted a new call center application for the current phone system on campus. With Cisco’s Unified Contact Center Enterprise, the College now has the ability to route calls through a phone system with integrated computer technology, allowing for better call management and improved customer service. The new application allows callers to choose between four options, which were identified as frequent transfer requests, in order to improve the flow of calls to and from the College’s Information and Registration Center. Due to this feature, the staff member assigned to the option is able to better assist the caller by immediately knowing the purpose of the call. This allows for more efficient call times and interactions between staff members and caller.

Beaver County High School Seniors Receive Full-Tuition Scholarships The following students received either

The Presidential or Academic Excellence Scholarship for the 2011-12 academic year at CCBC: Presidential Academic Scholarship Annamarie Thompson, a Fine Arts major from Ambridge Area School District; Haley Grippa, a Business major from Beaver County Christian School; Timothy Stancec, a Criminal Justice major from Beaver Area High School; Alyssa Cobb, an Allied Health/Radiologic Technology major from Beaver Falls High School; Kristen Stubler, an Allied Health/ Nursing major from Blackhawk high school; Jamey Klass, an Early Childhood Education major from Central Valley High School; Brianna Krall, a Criminal Justice major from PA Cyber School; Michael Yablinsky, an Air Traffic Control major from Freedom High School; Krista Hinzman, an Allied Health/Radiologic Technology major from Hopewell High School; Andrew Craig, a CIS/Networking major from Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School; Lucas Postupac, a Business major from New Brighton High School; Jenna Whipple, a Criminal Justice major from Rochester High School; Jennifer Krall, an Allied Health/Nursing major from River Side High School; David Gray, a Criminal Justice major from South Side High School; and Amy Dusold, an Allied Health/Nursing major from Western Beaver High School

Academic Excellence Scholarship Megan Fullerton, an Allied Health/ Nursing major from Ambridge Area High School; Natalie Foster, an Allied Health/ Radiologic Technology major from

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Blackhawk High School; Devon Mottes, a Liberal Arts major from Central Valley High School; Anthony Kinest, a Computer Programming major from Central Valley High School; Brianna Barum, an Allied Health/Nursing major from PA Cyber School; Lisa Weber, a Business major from New Brighton High School; Cassandra Marketich, an Allied Health/ Nursing major from New Brighton High School; and Jessica Criswell, a Humanities major from Rochester High School President Gives Testimony before House Republican Policy Committee On Tuesday, September 20, the House Republican Policy Committee conducted hearings in Beaver Falls.

CCBC President Dr. Joe D. Forrester was asked to provide testimony and appeared on behalf of the College and the Commission for Community Colleges. The topic of the hearing was “workforce development, how to get students and the unemployed back and into work with the right skills that companies and industries need by working with communities, high schools, technical and community colleges and local business/industry.”

the advancement of degree-granting aviation programs that represent all segments of the aviation industry.

CCBC is one of 105 accredited college and university members and one of over 525 total members of UAA. Captain Romeo’s term began on October 1.

University Aviation Association in Alabama Selects CCBC Aviation Sciences Director as New Trustee Captain Carmen “Corkey” Romeo, Aviation Sciences Division Director at CCBC, is the newest trustee elected to the national University of Aviation Association (UAA) board.

UAA serves as the voice of collegiate aviation to its members, the industry, government, and the general public.

The organization plays a pivotal role in

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Download the latest Audio Books and e-Books for Free at the CCBC Library The CCBC Library now subscribes to the Overdrive database, which allows everyone who owns a Beaver County Library System card to download audio books and e-books for free. All it takes is a computer (PC or MAC), e-reader (Nook, Sony, but not the Kindle), or smart phone (iPhone, Android, Palm, Blackberry) as well as the free software provided by Overdrive. At present, there are 368 current titles available in this collection, plus thousands of public domain titles. Happy reading!

College Wins Grant Funding for Entrepreneurship Education John Goberish, Continuing Education Manager, attended the 9th Annual National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship Conference on October 10 and 11. CCBC was one of 11 Colleges selected to participate in the Coleman Foundation’s Elevator Pitch to receive grant funding for entrepreneurship education initiatives. CCBC was awarded $5,000 to establish a one-to-one mentoring program and a Venture Capital Fair for youth, $2,500 to utilize practicing entrepreneurs in the credit Entrepreneurship class, and $1,500 to produce a video highlighting the College’s entrepreneurship programs.

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Dates to Remember November 14 First day of spring 2012 registration for new students November 24-27 Thanksgiving Break – College closed November 30 15th Annual CCBC Foundation HollyDay Beaver Valley Golf Club 6:30 p.m.

December 2 Last day for payment of tuition for spring 2012 semester December 24-January 2 Holiday Break – College closed January 6 Last day to register for spring 2012 classes January 9 Day and evening spring classes begin April 18 Job and Career Fair Athletics and Events Center 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

May 10 Commencement Athletics and Events Center 6 p.m.

For a complete listing of campus events, visit www.ccbc.edu/Events.

To view the Academic Calendar go to www.ccbc.edu/academiccalendar.

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1 Campus Drive Monaca, Pennsylvania 15061-2588

Get Started on Your Road to Admissions and Registration Complete an online application at www.ccbc.edu/ApplyOnline.

Schedule an admissions interview by calling 724-480-3500.

Apply for Financial Aid online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Take the placement test. Practice sample questions at www.act.org/compass/sample Schedule your classes with an Academic Counselor by calling 724-480-3421.

Register and you’re on your way. . . .