November 2007

November 27, 2007

DALLAS, NC.  .  .Gaston College in collaboration with The Altrusa Club of Gastonia is seeking nominations for the 2008 Altrusa Award of Excellence. The award, which carries a cash prize, recognizes Gaston College employees who personify the mission of the college, who have made a significant contribution to the educational success of students, and demonstrate the ideal of lifelong learning through their life both on and off campus.

In 1993, The Altrusa Club established an endowment to support the award of excellence. and the first recipient was selected through the Gaston College Foundation in 1995.  More than $8,000 has been distributed through the award since it began.  Past recipients include Linda Greenlee, Brenda Falls, Roland Ball, Vicki Greene, Rhonda Smith Wood, Judith Cole, Peggy Truman, Louise Davis, Judy Jennings Bean, Bill Bambach, Bob Blanton, Amy Davis, and Nancy Porter.  Winner of the 2008 Altrusa Award for Excellence will be announced at the Gaston College Faculty/Staff Appreciation Luncheon on March 20, 2008.

Current Gaston College students, alumni and community residents are encouraged to submit nominations.

Nomination forms and award criteria are available on the Gaston College website at www.gaston.edu.  Forms are also available in the Morris Library on the Dallas Campus, at the Lincoln Campus and East Campus information desks, or by calling 704.922.6511.  Completed nomination packets must be received in the Gaston College Foundation office by March 1.

For more information, call the Gaston College Foundation at 704.922.6511.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS FOR 2008-2009 ARE NOW AVAILABLE
AT GASTON COLLEGE

DALLAS, NC .  .  . Gaston College is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2008-2009 academic year. A variety of scholarships totaling more than $100,000 in assistance is available to students through the Gaston College Foundation. Applicants will be considered for all scholarships for which they apply. Scholarship awards can range from $250 to more than $2,500 each through the Gaston College Foundation.

Applicants will be selected for scholarships 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. To be eligible, applicants must satisfy all Gaston College admissions requirements including any required placement tests for their program of study.

The following information must be submitted to the Gaston College Financial Aid Office by March 31:

• A Gaston College Foundation Scholarship Application. Applications are available on the Gaston College website at www.gaston.edu, Financial Aid office on the Dallas campus, in the Office of the Dean on the Lincoln campus, and East Campus in Belmont.
• A free Application for Federal Financial Aid is available on the web at www.fafsa.gov . Applicants should use Gaston College’s code #002973. Also applications are available in the Gaston College Financial Aid Office by calling 704.922.6227.

• An official copy of your high school transcript (for new students only) or an official copy of other college transcripts (excluding Gaston College).

The more than $100,000 in scholarship funds at Gaston College 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. For more information on making a gift in support of Gaston College, call 704.922.6511.

*NOTE: In 2006-2007, Gaston College awarded over $5.5 million in financial aid and scholarships to students.

November 26, 2007

DALLAS, NC .  .  .A new classroom building, part of the Gaston College’s $24.9 million bond campaign, will be named to honor the memory of a local farmer and cattle breeder who was an avid supporter of Gaston College. Today, the Gaston College Board of Trustees approved a resolution to name the general classroom building after William Marcus Robinson.

“Bill Robinson loved Gaston College and was one of our greatest supporters,” said Dr. Patricia Skinner, President of Gaston College. ”He supported the college and his generosity is helping students to get a college education. We feel it is only fitting, that we recognize his significant donation to the college by naming this classroom building after him.”

The Robinson Classroom Building will provide needed additional classroom space for the college to keep pace with growing enrollment and educational needs as well as meet increased demand for “core” classes required for every area of study, including health programs. The estimated 47,000 square foot building will house core classes including English Composition and Literature, Psychology, Sociology, Human Growth and Development, Foreign Languages, including language labs, and Communications. 

In March 2003, Robinson became part of the college's planned giving program, and was recognized for his future intended contribution to the college by being inducted into the Gaston College Foundation Heritage Society as a charter member.

Robinson, who died in 2005, left 60% of his estate, after taxes and other expenses, to establish a perpetual fund to be used to assist needy and deserving students in addition to being used for other unrestricted purposes. The fund, called the "William Marcus Robinson and Ira Blanche Robinson Fund," named for Robinson and his older sister left $1.25 million, the largest single gift ever received by Gaston College.

Robinson lived most of his life with his sister, Blanche, who raised him after his parents died, at their family's home on Robinwood Road. He became an avid supporter of Gaston College as a young man after attending a class for restaurant workers. At the time, Robinson worked at the old Shoney's restaurant, which was located on the corner of South New Hope Road and Franklin Boulevard, now the current site of O’Charley’s.  From that time on, Robinson kept up with the college, watching it grow and visiting the campus often for special events.

First Floor

Second Floor

Third Floor

The Robinson Classroom Building project architect is LS3P Associates, LTD.  The building will be constructed at the eastern end of the Dallas campus next to Morris Library and opposite the  Rauch Science and Fine Arts Building. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2008.  

November 18, 2007

GASTON COLLEGE BEGINS A NEW REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR ITS CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM STARTING NOVEMBER 27TH

DALLAS, NC.  .  . The Continuing Education Program of Gaston College’s Economic and Workforce division will implement a new in-person registration process starting Tuesday, November 27, 2007, that will allow students to pre-register and pre-pay for a variety of courses during specified times at the Dallas and Lincoln campuses.  Students will also still have the option to mail in or fax in registrations if they prefer.

Registration will be held on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon first floor lobby of the Dalpiaz Student Success Center (DSC), on the Dallas Campus. Students may register at the Lincoln Campus on Thursdays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Room 102. A special registration session will be available for those interested in enrolling in spring real estate courses on November 26, 27, and 28 at the Dalpiaz Student Success Center.

This new registration process provides Gaston and Lincoln county residents interested in taking continuing education classes with another in-person registration option instead of waiting for the first class meeting, as done previously. 

“Gaston College like most community colleges in North Carolina is adopting a pre-registration/pre-payment process for their continuing education students,” says Karen Less, Dean of Continuing Education at Gaston College. “The new system accommodates a new administrative computer system and provides better service to students. This new process is also supported by the Learning Resources Network (LERN), an international lifelong learning organization, which Gaston College joined in 2007.” 

Pre-registration and pre-payment will not be required for tuition-waived courses in the public safety areas or for our Safe Driving Programs, which include Defensive Driving, Attitudinal Driving Dynamics, and Motorcycle Safety.

For more information about this new process, contact Nancy Hopper at 704-922-6252.

November 13, 2007

ITEMS OF INTEREST ABOUT GASTON COLLEGE

• Gaston College will host a program for seniors on How to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft on Tuesday, November 27 presented by AARP of North Carolina. For more information, call Tanya Dyer at 704.922.6264.
• The Gaston College Visual Art Club will sponsor a one-of-a-kind holiday sale of student artwork on Wednesday, November 28 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. and Thursday, November 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Beam Gallery, Dallas Campus. The sale will feature hundreds of pieces of art created over the last year including ceramics, holiday cards, printmaking, painting, jewelry, drawing and photography. The prices start at under $5 for cards and under $20 for larger items. For more information, call Jason Story at 704.922.6245.
• A donation drive to support the Life Skills Program AHS/GED Second Chance Prom will be held on Friday, November 30 and Monday, December 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. across from the Pearson Life Skills building, Dallas Campus. Total donations will be weighed and Gaston College will receive vouchers of equal value to be distributed among Adult High School and GED students to use at Goodwill stores for purchasing prom attire. The event is being sponsored in partnership with the Gaston College Life Skills program and Goodwill Industries. For more information, call Joy Morrow at 704.853.5328, ext.251.
• A Discussion and demonstration on "Holiday Cooking" is scheduled on Tuesday, December 4 from 10 -11 am in the multipurpose room at the Lincoln Campus, 511 S. Aspen Street in Lincolnton. The session sponsored by the Dietetic Technician Program at Gaston College, will focus on ways you can enjoy holiday foods and desserts and not pick up extra pounds. Examples and information on low fat calorie recipe substitutions will be available. For more information, call Juanita Gunnell at 704.748.1065.
• Gaston College is offering a new certificate program in Export Operations. The four-course certificate can be completed online in just two semesters.  Courses in supply chain management, international business, transportation management, and global logistics will be provided through the Business Administration Department. For more information, call Jim Sisk at 704-922-6404.
• Around 100 Gaston County teachers will participate in The Linda Rader Teacher Conference at Gaston College’s East Campus on January 22 and 23, 2008.  The event kicks off the College’s new Teacher Renewal Program and will feature Cheryl Sigmon, a veteran 30-year teacher and author of numerous professional books on literacy including the best selling “Teacher’s Guide to Four-Blocks” and “Modifying Four-Blocks for Upper Grades.” Teachers will earn continuing education units (CEUs) for attendance. To learn more about the Gaston College Teacher Renewal Program, contact Jackie Ammons at 704-922-2241 or Ammons.jacqueline@gaston.edu.
• Spring registration for returning Gaston College students will continue through noon on November 16th.  Students should consult their WebAdvisor accounts and then make an appointment with their advisor. Be sure to bring a list of preferred courses you wish to take for spring semester to discuss with your advisor. For assistance with WebAdvisor contact your advisor or call the registrars office at 704.922.6232.
  Also, Student Services hours will be extended to 7 p.m. during the advising and registration period. The dates for the extended times are listed below:

November 5-8 and November 12-15 - 8 a.m.–7 p.m. (evening staff)
December 3–6 and December 10-13 - 8 a.m.–7 p.m. (evening staff)
January 3 – 8 a.m.–7 p.m. (all staff)
January 7-10 – 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (evening staff)

November 2, 2007

ITEMS OF INTEREST ABOUT GASTON COLLEGE

• Nationally know motivational speaker Tawana Williams will be at Gaston College on Wednesday, November 7 at 11 a.m. in Myers Center Auditorium. Born in Wilson, NC, in 1963 without arms, she was trained as a baby to use her feet as hands. She can do just about anything that someone with arms can do, even braid hair and write a check. In 1981, as a senior in high school, she became addicted to crack cocaine because of peer pressure. Her addiction lasted 10 years. In 1991, after becoming tired of her lifestyle, she kicked her addiction and dedicated her life to helping others.
  Tawana is the author of the book, “I’m Different but I Can” and her latest book “Unarmed but Dangerous” was released in 2005. She is also an artist, a poet, a motivational speaker, wife, mother, and vocalist. This event is sponsored by the Gaston College Minority Affairs Committee. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 704.922.6200.
• Gaston College will sponsor a College Day on November 9 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Myers Center Campus Café on the Dallas Campus. Representatives from four-year colleges will be available to talk with Gaston College students. For more information, call Alice Williams at 704.922.6222.
• Spring registration for returning Gaston College students will be held November 12 – 16, ending at noon on the 16th.  Students should consult their WebAdvisor accounts and then make an appointment with their advisor. Be sure to bring a list of preferred courses you wish to take for spring semester to discuss with your advisor. For assistance with WebAdvisor contact your advisor or call the registrars office at 704.922.6232.
  Also, Student Services hours will be extended to 7 p.m. during the advising and registration period. The dates for the extended times are listed below:

  November 5-8 and November 12-15 - 8 a.m.–7 p.m. (evening staff)
  December 3–6 and December 10-13 - 8 a.m.–7 p.m. (evening staff)
  January 3 – 8 a.m.–7 p.m. (all staff)
  January 7-10 – 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (evening staff)

• Gaston College needs community input as it plans for future educational programs and facilities.  Gaston and Lincoln county residents are invited to attend Listening Forums on Tuesday, November 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Lincoln Campus, and Wednesday, November 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Dallas Campus.
• If you’re looking to upgrade your computer skills the Gaston College Lincoln Campus will be offering Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 on Monday and Wednesday, November 19 – December 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. To register, call 704.748.1057.
• Gaston College will host a program for seniors on How to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 presented by AARP North Carolina. For more information, call Tanya Dyer at 704.922.6264.
• The Life Skills Program in partnership with Goodwill Industries will sponsor a donation drive on Friday, November 30 and Monday, December 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  across from the Pearson Life Skills building on the Dallas Campus. Donations are being collected to assist current and past AHS/GED graduates who would like to attend the Second Chance Prom scheduled in spring 2008. Total donations will be weighed and Gaston College will receive vouchers of equal value to be distributed among Adult High School and GED students to use at Goodwill stores for purchasing prom attire. For more information, call Joy Morrow at 704.853.5328, ext.251.
• The Dietetic Technician Program at Gaston College will be sponsoring a
   "Holiday Cooking" discussion and demonstration for seniors on Tuesday, December 4 from 10 -11 am in the multipurpose room at the Lincoln Campus, 511 S. Aspen Street in Lincolnton. The session will focus on ways seniors can enjoy holiday foods and desserts and not pick up extra pounds. Examples and information on low fat calorie recipe substitutions will be available. For more information, contact Juanita Gunnell at 704.748.1065.
• Jazz music is recognized around the world as an original American art form whose contributions continue to change and enrich music around the globe. This spring semester, Gaston College will offer Introduction to Jazz (MUS 112-01) starting in January 2008 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12 - 12:52 pm, Room 161, Myers Center, Dallas Campus. The class will cover the history of jazz, including it's origins in the blues, marching band music, work songs and ragtime music. Also, elements of improvisation, rhythm, and vocals set to rhythms, one of the very important elements in the development of jazz, will be explored.
• Gaston College is offering Truck Driver Training this spring semester. Registration will be held on Monday, January 7 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Room 42, Comer Building (CET 42). The cost is $957 (includes tuition, fees, and licenses). Class meeting dates/times are Monday – Friday, January 14 – March 13 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call 704.922.6263.
  
• “Gaston College FAFSA Completion Day,” a financial aid workshop for parents and students seeking help in paying for college will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Gaston County JobLink Center, 1391 Bessemer City Road, Gastonia. The free workshop is designed to help any student seeking financial aid for the 2007-2008 academic year to attend Gaston College. 

School representatives will be on hand to assist families in completing the 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is required for any federal or state financial assistance. Also, information about scholarships and grants that are available will be discussed including: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study, North Carolina Community College Grant, North Carolina Student Incentive Grant, and North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship. In 2006-2007, over $5.5 million in financial aid and scholarships was awarded to Gaston College students.

Students and parents need to bring specific records and personal data to complete the FAFSA application, including copies of 2007 income tax forms, W-2 forms, and bank statements; Social Security cards; and driver's license and immigration cards, if applicable. Also, participants may request personal assistance in Spanish, if needed. For more information or assistance, contact Peggy Oates, Director of Financial Aid and Veterans’ Affairs at Gaston College at 704.922.6227 or email oates.peggy@gaston.edu.                                                                                     

Congratulations to:

• Jessica Ray a second year student in the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Gaston College who was recently awarded the Judith Mann Nursing Scholarship. This is the first time a Gaston College student has been awarded this scholarship presented by the North Carolina Associate Degree Nursing Council. Ms. Ray has demonstrated outstanding performance in nursing school and the community. She has one of the highest grade point averages in her class and was selected by the faculty to lead a peer tutor study group during the spring semester. 
• Gaston College Instructor Michele Domenech and Service Learning students who volunteered on Make A Difference Day, October 27 with the United Way serving 40 lunches, met numerous people from the community, raised $110.00 for the Homeless Shelter and kicked off the coat drive, collecting 41 coats. sweatshirts and jackets. They also donated all food left over from the day to the Christian Ministry's Soup Kitchen.
• Students are still collecting clothes, food and coats for needy families that will be distributed  November 13-16. Donations can dropped off at the Craig Arts and Science Building, Room 100B on the Dallas Campus.
• Newly elected officers of the Gaston College Phi Beta Lambda Chapter, Lisa McLean, President; Kandi Moore, Vice-President; Holly Mills, Secretary/Treasure, and faculty adviser, Mrs. Jamie Conrad. Phi Beta Lambda stands for Future Business Leaders of America and is an education association that prepares students for careers in business and business-related fields. If you are interested in becoming a member of the chapter, contact Jamie Conrad at Conrad.Jamie@gaston.edu .
• The Textile Technology Center of Gaston College has been awarded the Export Certificate of Appreciation for Achievement in Trade by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The certificate was presented to John Anderson, Director of the Textile Center at the Piedmont Division Fall Meeting, of the Southern Textile Association, held Wednesday, October 23, on the Gaston College East Campus in Belmont.
  The certificate recognizes trade associations, technical associations, and other organizations for supporting U.S. export development and for creating opportunities for U.S businesses through trade.

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