Heritage Center honored with 2 state awards Congratulations to the Jackson College Heritage Center for receiving two state awards in one year! First, the Heritage Center received the 2018 Governor’s Service Award for Education Service Leader this past spring. Given by Gov. Rick Snyder and the Michigan Community Service Commission, it recognizes the Heritage Center for “supporting youth engagement in service and volunteerism” and for “making a difference on campus and in the community.”
“outstanding contributions to the appreciation, collection, preservation and/or promotion of state and local history.” The award recognizes the documentary “Answering the Call: A Memorial to Jackson Junior College Student Lt. Zenneth Pond.” Pond lost his life during a military flight mission in World War II. His friend from JJC, William Maher, lived a full life until passing away in 2011. Maher always worked to keep his friend’s memory alive. Their stories live on through this project.
Then in September, the Center received the 2018 State History Award for Educational Programs. Presented at the Michigan History Conference, this award honors institutions that demonstrate
“We are honored that the great State of Michigan recognizes the JC Heritage Center work twice in one year!” said Agy. “The work done at the Jackson College Heritage Center is life-changing.
Our students give of themselves with no expectation of reciprocity. We have grown to love our community more and more with each project.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society broadens education, opportunity When a student accepts their invitation to Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) – Alpha Rho Lambda Honor Society at Jackson College, they open a world of opportunity!
NOVEMBER 2018 / VOLUME 1 / ISSUE 1
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PTK is an international honor society for two-year colleges. To be eligible, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. PTK is available at all Jackson College campuses, and in the Prison Education program.
sky high for cloud computing specialists Computer network specialists with knowledge of cloud computing are in demand in today’s job market! To meet this demand, Jackson College launched a new cloud networking program this fall, leading to an Associate in Applied Science in Cloud Networking. Just a few years ago, most network servers were located on a company’s own premises. But now, with cloud computing and virtualization, data and computing services can be stored off-site. The “cloud” is a virtual environment available over the Internet to users on demand. A cloud networking specialist manages information in the “cloud.” Companies offering these computing services are called cloud providers. With the need to manage the explosion of “big data,” networking personnel need these new skills. In the new program, students learn about virtualization, using software to simulate hardware function and create a virtual computer system, or virtual machine (VM). Multiple VMs
can run on a single computer, enabling several operating systems and applications to run on one physical server or “host.” “This new degree incorporates the cloud, learning about the cloud, building networking in the cloud and securing them,” said Assistant Professor Larry Choate. “It’s very similar to networking skills, almost an intermediate networking. This provides another set of skills our students can take into the workplace.” CAREERS IN DEMAND Choate said Michigan is a hotbed for technology careers. He has talked with employers who would hire someone with cloud networking skills on the spot. The career outlook for computer and information technology occupations is expected to grow 13 percent through 2026,
which is faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand will stem from greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security. Jackson College’s cloud computer classes offer students ample opportunity to work hands-on and practice problem-solving. Students build projects, create problems and then figure out how to fix them. This also helps students get to know one another and work together, important interpersonal and teamwork skills. Students have the opportunity for preparation for a number of certifications, including CompTIA+ Cloud+, Cisco and VMWare. To learn more, visit www.jccmi.edu/ program/cloud-networking or contact Choate at ChoateLarryG@jccmi.edu.
BENEFITS Members may apply for more than $36 million in transfer scholarships. They have access to online assistance for transfer help in developing soft skills and creating a career plan. Members meet regularly and have the opportunity to work on research projects that have local and global impact. Students have had their research and original works of poetry published. Professor Emeritus Martha Petry serves as the advisor for Jackson College’s PTK chapter. “We are trying to educate the whole student, and this brings out understanding of leadership, an opportunity to learn about the Jackson College community and the local communities and countries in which they live,” Petry said. “We are helping our students to achieve even more than they can in the classroom.” To learn more about PTK, visit www.jccmi.edu/phi-theta-kappa or contact Petry at PetryMarthaJ@jccmi.edu.
1928–2018: After its start in 1928, Jackson Junior College enrollment grew quickly, holding its own during the dark days of the Great Depression. From the first class of 113 students in 1928, the young college grew to more than 1,000 students by the end of the 1950s.
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