PRESS RELEASES

January 2007

January 31, 2007

Items Of Interest About Gaston College

Ø       Due to popular demand, Gaston College has added a variety of classes that start in the coming weeks, either over the Internet or at various locations.  For a complete listing, go to www.gaston.edu and click on " Second Chance Classes Spring 2007 " or call 704.922.6214 or 922.6537

Ø       The Gaston College Foundation will provide more than $100,000 in scholarship assistance to Gaston College students for the 2007/2008 academic year.  Applications are available on the Gaston College website at www.gaston.edu and must be submitted by March 31.  For more information call 704.922.6511.

 Ø       Community Education has a large number of classes that begin many times during the semester.  You can brush up on your Spanish, develop/refine computer skills, learn Sign Language, prep for your contractor’s license, get your Notary license or take a host of Internet-based courses.  Call 704.922.6251, 704.922.6250 or 704.748.1057 for assistance.

Ø       Altrusa International of Gastonia, Inc. seeks applicants for its Pauline Scruggs Memorial Scholarship, which is administered by the Gaston College Foundation.  The Altrusa Club provides two awards of $600 each to Gaston College students through this program.  Pauline Scruggs Memorial Scholarship applicants must have lived or worked in Gaston County for at least one year.  A Foundation Scholarship Application is available at www.gaston.edu.

Ø       The Lincoln Campus of Gaston College offerings for second chance spring classes include many of the popular college transfer courses as General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and World Civilizations I and II.  If you are interested in any of these courses, please call 704.748.1055.

 Ø       Applications are now being accepted for the David Belk Cannon Family Scholarship which each year awards nearly $20,000 to Gaston College students.    Forms are available at www.gaston.edu and must be received by March 31.  For information on this and other forms of financial assistance at Gaston College , call the Financial Aid Office at 704.922.6227.  

Ø       Applications for the Vet Tech Program for the fall 2007 freshman class will be accepted until May 31, 2007.  For information please call 704.922.6469.  

Ø       Massage Therapy graduates from Gaston College have all passed the National Certification Exam for the past four years.  Applications for fall semester 2007 will be accepted now through March 9.  Call Stephanie Lutz at 704.748.1063 or Ann Hibbard at 704.748.1069 or visit the web at www.gaston.edu.  

Ø       Nominations are being sought for the 2007 Altrusa Award for Excellence which recognizes Gaston College employees.  Past and present students as well as others in the community may make nominations for this award.  Nomination forms and award criteria are available on the website at www.gaston.edu or by calling 704.922.6511.  Nominations must be received in the Gaston College Foundation office by March 1.  

Ø       Classes on Medication Aide will be offered at the Lincoln Campus of Gaston College on Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 13 – May 9 from 3 to 5 p.m.  The course will cover the six rights of medication administration for non-licensed personnel.  You must have completed a Nursing Assistant I course in order to qualify for this class.  Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate skills necessary to qualify as a Medication Aide with the North Carolina Medication Aide Registry.  For information call 704.922.6377 or 922.6372.  

Ø       The following Spanish classes will be held this summer and labs will also be offered:

SPA 111 01  MTWTH                   8-10 AM                  First Session
SPA 112 01  MTWTH                   8-10 AM                  Second Session  

SPA 111 02  TTH                       5:30-7:30 PM           Full Session
SPA 211 01  TTH                       11 AM – 1 PM Full Session  

For information call 704.922.6311.  

Ø       The Dietetic Technician Program for fall 2007 is accepting applications until May 1 or until all slots are filled.  Contact the Dietetic Technician Department at 704.748.1065.  

Ø       Applications for the fall 2007 Practical Nursing Program will be accepted until March 1.  For more information, call 704.748.1063.  

Ø       Motivational speaker Marcus Engel will be on the Dallas Campus on Wednesday, February 21 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon in the Myers Center Auditorium. Engel overcame unimaginable obstacles to return to college and reclaim his life. There is no fee to attend this event.  For more information, contact Amy Davis at 704.922.6224.  

Ø       The Cynthia Fraula-Hahn art exhibition and lecture on Women in Art will be held March 7 – April 5 in the Jeanne Rauch gallery.  For information call 704.922.6344.  

Ø       Did you know there is a club at Gaston College for Education Majors?  For information about the Educators of Tomorrow club, please contact John McHugh at 704.922.6237 or email mchugh.john@gaston.edu.  Your input and contribution will help to make this organization a success.  

Ø       Learn to prepare simple federal and state tax returns through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.  You will be asked to donate about four hours a week helping at a VITA site from February through April 15.  For more information, call 704.266.5005 or 704.922.6352.  

Ø       The family of Geraldine Casey has asked that anyone wishing to do a memorial please consider WSGE.  All checks must be made payable to the Gaston College Foundation with the notation that the gift is for WSGE in memory of Geraldine Casey.  If additional information is needed, please contact 704.922.6511.  

CONGRATULATIONS TO…..  

Dan McClellan, instructor in Broadcasting Production Technology; and Broadcasting student Marc Mues who have been awarded the Communicator Award of Excellence in the field of audio production.  This is an international awards competition that recognizes outstanding work in the communication field.  The Communicator’s prestigious Award of Excellence is presented to those entrants whose ability to communicate makes them the best in their field.

Gaston College ’s Fire and Rescue Programs, under the direction of Phil Welch, have been fully re-accredited by the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission.

January 30, 2007

Gaston College Honors Jerry Cochrane

The Gaston College Board of Trustees has honored Lincoln County resident Jerry W. Cochrane by naming the proposed Science and Technology Center on the Lincoln Campus for him.

  “It is fitting that this building be named for Jerry Cochrane because of his keen interest in and contributions to the education of Lincoln County citizens and his special relationship with Gaston College,” said Randy Vinson, chair of the Gaston College Board of Trustees.  “Jerry has been a supporter of the College for 20 years through his service as a member and Vice Chair of the Gaston College Board of Trustees, director of the Gaston College Foundation, member of the original Steering Committee to renovate the old Lincolnton High School into the current Lincoln Campus, and as a member of the fundraising campaign for the planned science and technology building.”

Cochrane, who graduated from The Citadel then earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Florida , served in the US Air Force and Air National Guard for 30 years before retiring as a Major General. The former president of Cochrane Furniture Company and Lincoln County Man of the Year is known for the time and energy he has given to make Lincoln County a better place. A long-time member and past president of the Lincolnton Rotary Club, he was Chair of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners (1986-1990 & 2000-2004) and has served on the boards of a variety of organizations including the Partnership for Children of Lincoln & Gaston Counties.  He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Helping Hands Health Clinic where he still serves. He is vice chair of the Carolinas Medical Center Lincoln Trustee Council, serves as a member of the Lincoln Economic Development Association, and is an elder in the First Presbyterian Church.

 The current Lincoln Campus of Gaston College building and, now, the Lincoln Campus Science and Technology Center are the result of  the support and financial backing of local and state government, business, industry and many local citizens.  Cochrane worked quietly behind the scenes to gain much support for both endeavors, most recently in helping to secure $1 million from Lincoln County for the project that will bear his name.

The Jerry W. Cochrane Science and Technology Center will house two science labs with prep rooms and storage space for supplies as well as a science lab/classroom. This building will house the needed science laboratories and prep rooms in order for Gaston College to offer a complete college transfer degree in Lincoln County . In addition, computer labs, classrooms, and office areas will be included. The site of the old Lincolnton Grammar School , adjacent to the current Lincoln Campus, was chosen as the ideal site for the new facility.  Dennis Williams of Williams Design, architect for the project, incorporated details from the grammar school into the design of the new building. (See Lincoln Building Room Plan)

“We are extremely grateful to Jerry for his leadership over the years, “comments Dr. Patricia Skinner, Gaston College president, “and especially appreciate his assistance in making this new facility possible so that we will have the science labs we so desperately need. He continues to be a driving force for Gaston College and the local people we serve.”

 The total estimated cost for the Jerry W. Cochrane Science and Technology Center project is just over $2.4 million.   The college has received approval of the construction documents by the State Department of Insurance and is awaiting final approval by the State Construction Office.  It is anticipated that the project will go out for bid in March, with construction expected to begin in April.  The projected completion date is February, 2008.

 Since moving to the present Lincoln Campus building in 1998, the Lincoln Campus has grown fourfold.  Gaston College now serves nearly 4,000 students in Lincoln County .

January 30, 2007

Gaston College
Business and Industry Classes

Gaston College ’s Continuing Education Program will offer a variety of business and industry related classes in the coming weeks. Classes include the following: Basic Forklift Operator/Operador del Montacarga offered in both English and Spanish teaches the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to operate a sit-down counterbalanced, SP Gas powered forklift.  Students will learn safety aspects, operations, basic maintenance, and OSHA compliance issues. Please call/llame por favor 704.922.6447 to pre-register.  The class in English will be on Saturday, February 10 from 8 to 12 noon in the Albright Public Safety Building , Room 127.   The cost is $50.  The class taught in Spanish will be Saturday, February 17, from 8 to noon in the Albright Public Safety Building , Room 127.  The cost is $50.

The SHRM® Learning System Course: Human Resources PHR/SPHR Preparation Review (SEF 3001) provides an overview of key areas in HR Management.  Course materials include six modules that correspond to the six functional areas, responsibilities, and associated knowledge defined by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI).  The program is offered in cooperation with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as study material for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification examinations administered by HRCI.  Participants may take the course without taking the exam.  This course in no way guarantees or ensures success on the HRCI exam.  Pre-registration with fee payment is required.  SHRM Learning System text and materials are included in tuition cost. The course will be held on Tuesdays, February 13 - April 24 from 6 to 10 p.m., Dalpiaz Student Success Center , Room 219. The cost is $732.

Providing Excellent Customer Service covers positive attitude, job knowledge, appearance, body language, and skillful listening techniques, all necessary in providing excellent customer service.  The course will be held on Thursday, April 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Dalpiaz Student Success Center , Room 219.  The cost is $50.

ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence is designed to help anyone responsible for quality management system development and implementations become a more proficient professional.  Topics include exam logistics, organizational leadership, team processes, environmental analysis, strategic planning and customer relationship management. The class will be held Tuesday through Friday, February 6-9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Dalpiaz Student Success Center , Room 119.  The cost is $595. Seating is limited in these classes.  To pre-register call, 704.922.6447.

January 19, 2007

Nominations Sought for Altrusa Award

 January 18, 2007

GC Foundation Scholarships Available

 The Gaston College Foundation will provide more than $100,000 in scholarship assistance to Gaston College students for the 2007/2008 academic year.  Applications are now being accepted for these scholarships which range from $250 to more than $2,500. A variety of scholarships are available based on community involvement, character, academic standing, and financial need.  Many are based on career interest including but not limited to business, accounting, aviation, health-related fields, paralegal studies, mechanical engineering technology, automotive technology, and other areas of study.

 Applicants are considered for all scholarships for which they qualify.  To be eligible for a Gaston College Foundation scholarship, applicants must satisfy all Gaston College admissions requirements including any required placement tests for their program of study.

 Applicants for Gaston College Foundation Scholarships should complete and submit the following materials to the Gaston College Financial Aid Office by March 31:

 *A Gaston College Foundation Scholarship Application, available on the Gaston College website at www.gaston.edu. Applications are also available in the Gaston College Financial Aid office on the Dallas Campus, in the office of the Dean on the Lincoln Campus as well as the East Campus in Belmont , or by calling 704.922.6227.

 *A Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (available in the Financial Aid Office or on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Applicants should use Gaston College ’s code  # 002973.

 *An official copy of high school transcript (for new/freshmen only) or an official copy of other college transcripts (excluding Gaston College ).

The scholarships are made possible through the gifts of local donors that include individuals, businesses and foundations.  The Gaston College Foundation, Inc. encourages and secures financial gifts in support of Gaston College and its programs.  Gifts to the Gaston College Foundation are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.  Call the Gaston College Foundation at 704.922.6511 if you have questions about making a gift in support of Gaston College . 

January 18, 2007

Cannon Family Scholarship Call for Applicants

 Applications are now being accepted for the David Belk Cannon Family Scholarship which each year awards nearly $20,000 to Gaston College students.  Anyone enrolling at Gaston College as a full-time curriculum student is eligible to apply for the scholarship, which was established by the late David Belk Cannon through the Community Foundation of Gaston County. 

 At least one applicant will be awarded a $1,350 scholarship, with more than a dozen others awarded $750 scholarships to attend Gaston College .  A $2,000 scholarship is also available for those who received the David Belk Cannon Family Scholarship while attending Gaston College and who plan to continue their education at a four-year college or university.  Recipients will be selected based on character, academic achievement and financial need. 

 A special David Belk Cannon Family Scholarship application form is available on the Gaston College website at www.gaston.edu.  Forms are also available in the Gaston College Financial Aid office on the Dallas Campus, at the Community Foundation of Gaston County, and in the Deans’ offices at Gaston College ’s Lincoln Campus in Lincolnton and the East Campus in Belmont . Completed applications must be received by March 31.

 The David Belk Cannon Family Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Mr. Cannon’s wife and two children, who died in a tragic fire.  The scholarship now also serves as a memorial to Mr. Cannon who died in 1998. 

 For information on this and other forms of financial assistance at Gaston College , call the Financial Aid Office at 922.6227.

January 18, 2007

Altrusa Club Provides Gaston College Scholarship

 Altrusa International of Gastonia, Inc. seeks applicants for its Pauline Scruggs Memorial Scholarship, which is administered by the Gaston College Foundation.   Mrs. Scruggs was an early president of the club and was active in a variety of other organizations.  The Altrusa Club provides two awards of $600 each to Gaston College students through this program.

 Pauline Scruggs Memorial Scholarship applicants must have lived or worked in Gaston County for at least one year.  Selection will be based on academic achievement or promise, character and financial need.  Applicants must complete the standard Gaston College scholarship application form and provide two letters of recommendation.  Letters should be no more than one page and should be from adults who are neither relatives nor former employers. Deadline for applying for the Pauline Scruggs Memorial Scholarship is March 31.

 A Gaston College Foundation Scholarship Application is available on the college website at www.gaston.edu as well as in the Gaston College Financial Aid office on the Dallas Campus, in the Office of the Dean on the Lincoln Campus and the East Campus in Belmont , or by calling 704.922.6227.

 For more information on establishing a scholarship thorough the Gaston College Foundation, call Sylvia Bajorek at 922.6511.

January 8, 2007

Items Of Interest About Gaston College

·               In celebration of Black History Month, the exhibit “Self Taught Artists from the Coastal Plains,” art on loan from the North Carolina Wesleyan College Collection Exhibition, will be on display at Gaston College January 10 - February 16 in the Jeanne Rauch Gallery in the Rauch Science and Fine Arts Building, Dallas Campus. For more information or to schedule tours, call 704.922.6344.  

·               The Finance and Facilities Committee will meet on Tuesday, January 16, 2007, in the Board Room, 2^nd floor, Myers Center , Dallas Campus.  

*        The Gaston College Board of Trustees will be meeting with members of the state’s legislative delegation on Tuesday, January 19 at 10 a.m. at the East Campus, Harney Hall, room 201.  

·               The date of the January Board meeting for the Gaston College Board of Trustees has been changed to Tuesday, January 30.  It will be held at the Lincoln Campus in Lincolnton and will begin at 4 p.m.  

·               The Gaston College Small Business Center will offer an Orientation for Small Business Classes that will give an overview of the SBC Seminar Series and introduce attendees to the new tools for success. The classes will be held on Thursday, January 18 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Dalpiaz Student Success Center , room 215, Dallas Campus, and on Monday, January 22 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Campus.  

·               Also, classes on Marketing I for Small Business will be held to help businesses develop a marketing strategy to expedite their action plan for operational and promotional success which covers competitive analysis, trends, pricing, target market, profiling and prioritizing, mission, vision, and much more.  This class will be held Thursday, January 25 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in DSC, room 215, Dallas Campus and on Monday, January 29 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., room 118, Lincoln Campus.  To register or for more information, call 704.922.6449.  

·               In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Cynthia Fraula-Hahn art exhibition and lecture on Women in Art will be held March 7 - April 5 in the Jeanne Rauch Gallery in the Rauch Science and Fine Arts Building on the Dallas Campus.  For more information or to schedule tours, call 704.922.6344.  

·               The application deadline for the summer 2007 LPN to RN Alternate Schedule Option program has been extended.  Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2007.  Applicants must meet minimum requirements to make application.  You may contact Jill Coy at 704.922.6369 to discuss these requirements.  

·               Classes for the Lateral Entry Certificate Program will be taught through the Internet in January and March 2007.  The two classes that will be offered during the spring semester are: Classroom Management and Instruction (EDU 163) and Learning Theory (EDU 243) on Saturday, January 13 – March 3, and Human Growth and Development (EDU 244) and Policies and Procedures (EDU 245) scheduled Saturday, March 10 – May 5.  

This program is for teachers who hold a lateral entry license but need specific additional coursework to become certified to teach by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Two courses will be offered every 8 weeks, thereby completing the 18 semester hours of credit within two semesters. Then the schedule will be repeated each year so that the program participant may elect to take one course at a time.  For more information, call Dr. Dewey Dellinger at 704.922.311.  

·               Prepare for your GED in two days through the GED Fast Track Program. Classes will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2007, and January 27, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Dalpiaz Student Success Center , room 219 on the Dallas Campus. To qualify for the program you must be 18 years of age with a valid Driver’s License and Social Security Card. Also, you must first take the placement test at either the Dallas or Lincoln Campus. The placement test schedule is as follows:  

Dallas Campus – 201 Highway 321 South 
Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Thursdays at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m.     

Lincoln Campus – 511 South Aspen Street
            2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 9 a.m.                         

To sign up or for more information, call 704.922.6320.  

·              Gaston College is offering a workforce development resource that helps businesses boost the skills of employees and helps individuals discover the training they need to perform successfully in their jobs. The North Carolina Career Readiness Certification is centered around the WorkKeys system, which tells workers and employers the skill levels needed to function at full potential. For more information on this certification, call Joy Morrow at 704.853.5328, ext. 251.  

·               The BioNetwork BioEd Center at Gaston College , in collaboration with the BioBusiness Center at AB Tech Community College, will sponsor a FREE workshop on Capital Formation: Needs, Models and Sources on Friday, January 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Dalpiaz Student Success Center , room 208, Dallas Campus. 

The workshop will focus on important business financing topics including how to prepare to seek financing, how to understand potential sources, how to present your opportunity, how to negotiate for financing, and how to put this financing to work. Also, a variety of helpful business resources will be identified.  

This workshop is designed to assist entrepreneurs, angel investors, Small Business Center staff, government officials, economic development officials, SBTDC staff and incubator managers, community college and university faculty, and nonprofit and private business support consultants and staff.                       

Space is limited.  Pre-registration is required.  Call Helene Burnham at 704.922.2226 or email burnham.helene@gaston.edu.

January 8, 2007

Gaston College Offers Free Workkeys Certification 
For First 100 Students

DALLAS , NC .  .  .Gaston College is offering a workforce development resource that helps businesses boost the skills of employees and helps individuals discover the training they need to perform successfully in their jobs.  The North Carolina Career Readiness Certification (CRC) is centered around the WorkKeys System, which tells workers and employers the skill levels needed to function at full potential.  

The testing fee to obtain Career Readiness Certification is $30 per individual, but as part of a statewide kick-off, Gaston College will provide free testing to the first 100 students.  Contact Joy Morrow, Gaston College Recruiter/CRC Specialist at 704.853.5328 Ext. 251, or morrow.joy@gaston.edu        

The North Carolina Community College System, North Carolina JobLink Career Centers , North Carolina Workforce Development Boards, and North Carolina Employment Security Commissions partnered to begin the North Carolina Career Readiness Certification Initiative to help certify the state’s Workforce.   

For businesses, the CRC offers a reliable means of determining whether a potential employee has the necessary literacy, numeric and problem solving skills to be “job ready.”   

For employees, the result is career success.  The NC Career Readiness Certification serves as a portable credential, with individuals able to earn three levels based on their test performance in Applied Mathematics, Locating Information, and Reading for Information.   

Information about the North Carolina Career Readiness Certification is also available at www.crcnc.org  or call Joy Morrow at 704.853.5328 Ext. 251.

2007 Press Releases

2006 Press Releases

©2007 Gaston College -  All Rights Reserved.