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 | | Linda Howard discusses the new Perkins Mini-Grants at All Employee Learning Day last week. |
Perkins Mini-Grants Offered to Faculty and Staff
As discussed at last week's All Employee Learning Day, the Carl D. Perkins Mini-Grant application is now available for faculty and staff. Recipients will receive a $5,000 mini-grant for projects emphasizing student learning and success. Applicants must complete paperwork detailing necessary supplies and budget for their project. Twenty grants will be awarded.
For those submitting applications for a Perkins Mini-Grants, who need a quote from the IT department for equipment or software, please put "Perkins Grants" in the subject line of the ticket you are submitting to IT. This will help expedite the process of receiving your quote in a timely manner.
Applications must be sent to Linda Howard by Friday, March 22, 2013 at 4 p.m. A review team will process the requests and select recipients. If selected, supplies must be ordered by June 1, 2013, and a final report must be submitted at the completion of the project. For more information, and application materials, please contact Linda Howard at 740.753.6557.
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Harlem Shake at Hocking
 | | Harlem Shake at Hocking |
Anyone who has noticed this dance craze taking the nation (and college campuses) by storm will enjoy our own students' creative version of the Harlem Shake!
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 International Students Share Culture at Rotary
On February 24, 2013, the English as a Second Language (ESL) students represented Hocking College at the Rotary International Dinner at the Inn at Hocking College. The ESL students decorated tables with cultural representations and shared information about their home countries.
The event was a success with many different backgrounds represented. Eight different countries were showcased including Oman, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Mexico, Columbia, Qatar, China and the Czech Republic. Students were accompanied by instructors Dominika Adamova and Suzanne Knauerhase.
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Alumni Spotlight
Massage Therapy Program Leads to Business Ownership
 Service is what led Stephanie Truitt to own and operate a business just 10 years after graduating from Hocking College. Truitt provides service to nearly 800 people in need of massage therapy.
Truitt graduated from Hocking College in 2001 with an Associate's Degree in Massage Therapy / Business Management. "I became a licensed massage therapist and worked in several different settings including full service day spa, health club and chiropractor's office," Truitt said.
In July 2011, Truitt opened her own massage studio in downtown Chillicothe, Ohio named Your Place or Mine Massage Company. "I now employ three licensed massage therapists, and I have a clientele that has grown to nearly 800 people in 15 months time," Truitt said.
Giving back to the community holds a special place in Truitt's heart. "I was a surrogate mother to a couple in Georgia in 2009," Truitt said. "My husband and I have volunteered with many groups during our marriage as well, including Army Family Readiness Group, American Legion Baseball, March of Dimes and Relay for Life."
Without the skills learned from Hocking's Massage Therapy and Business Management programs, the dream of owning a massage therapy business may not have been possible for Truitt.
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 Sales Class Raises Money to Support Midwest Big Cat Care
The Business Management and Entrepreneurship program Sales class will sell Donatos coupon books for a special fundraiser this semester. The coupon books are $5, but worth $30 in savings. Since Donatos provided the coupon books for free, the profits made from this fundraiser will be donated to the Sales class' non-profit partner, Midwest Big Cat Care. This program, headed by Dr. Jim Galvin, currently feeds four large cats in need near New Marshfield. For more information on purchasing a coupon book, please contact Scott Elliot at 740.753.7184.
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 | | Hocking AmeriCorps representatives traveled to Staten Island with students for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. |
AmeriCorps Representatives Help Hocking Students Succeed
Michael Whittemore and Spencer Hobson are on-campus representatives for AmeriCorps. Their main objective is to ensure that students have the proper resources and tools available to help them graduate on time, and obtain the skills necessary to succeed in their future careers.
The representatives also spend a large amount of time working on community service projects with students. Some of the previous projects included taking a trip to Staten Island, New York to aid in hurricane relief efforts, partnering with the Salvation Army to provide gifts for families in need during the holidays and a 9/11 vigil that raised $257 towards a veterans' memorial.
Whittemore and Hobson spend time at Hocking recruiting students that meet AmeriCorps need qualifications. Once the student accepts the mentorship, the representatives develop an education program that connects them with resources they need to achieve their goals.
AmeriCorps is a national service initiative aimed to assist communities in various areas with public safety, education, environment and health/wellness. For more information about getting involved with AmeriCorps at Hocking College, please contact Michael Whittemore or Spencer Hobson at 740.753.7070.
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Nature Center Hosts Spring Equinox Gathering
On  March 23, 2013, the Hocking Woods Nature Center will host the Spring Equinox Gathering from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dave Sagan, Nature Center Director, will guide participants through the universe inside the indoor star lab. Admission is free, and entertaining and educational activities will be offered, including local tree identification, lessons on snakes, ancient folklore and arts and crafts.
An art contest will also be featured this year for children in the community ages 3 to 18, and prizes will be awarded for winners of each age category. For more information, contact Barry Unger.
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 Villavicencio Named to Athens Area Chamber Board
On January 18, Libby Villavicencio, Executive Director of the Hocking College Foundation, was voted onto the Board of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce.
Villavicencio has extensive experience working with community colleges in the development role through her position at the OACC and has worked in development with nonprofit organizations since 1999. She has previously served as Vice President of Advancement for Lifecare Alliance and Vice President and Director of Foundation Programs for The Rensselaerville Institute, both in Columbus, Ohio. Villavicencio has also worked with the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, Catholic Social Services, United Way, National Church Residences and Volunteers of America.
The Athens Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that works to promote growth of local businesses, industries and institutions of higher learning. The chamber works to keep money in Athens County through various marketing initiatives, and serves as a liaison between local/state governments and educational institutions to promote local business development and growth.
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 Reminder: Hocking College Foundation Hosts Smile-A-Thon
The initiative, organized by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, is designed to increase student understanding of philanthropy and grow engagement on campus.
During the event, students, faculty and staff have the opportunity to thank someone who has made a positive impact on their lives. They will be asked to donate one dollar to the emergency fund for students in need. Then, participants may complete a "smiley face" card thanking someone who helped them succeed at Hocking College. The cards will hang on the glass wall of the Student Center Lobby.
"It is so important for students to begin making preparations to be philanthropic leaders within their community," Libby Villavicencio, Hocking College Foundation Executive Director, said. "On February 28, we want to celebrate the value of involvement by expressing gratitude to individuals who have supported them in their educational journey and throughout their lives."
While there, participants are encouraged to take a "Random Acts of Kindness" pledge. They will be asked to sign a banner, committing to making someone smile every day for a week. Culinary Arts and Baking students will provide a variety of delicious and free food and drink prepared for the event.
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February Board of Trustees Meeting
As a reminder, the Hocking College Board of Trustees will hold their monthly meeting Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 6 p.m. at the Inn at Hocking College.
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Wayne National Forest Hosts Wild Weekend Discovery on Owls
 On Saturday, March 2, 2013, the Wayne National Forest will host a Wild Weekend Discovery on owls for children ages 5-11. The program will be held at the Wayne National Forest Headquarters off of US 33 between Nelsonville and The Plains at either 10 a.m. or 12 p.m.
Join your kids as they discover the exciting mysteries of owls while dissecting their pellets. Space is limited to 15 seats per session, so be sure to pre-register by calling 740.753.0101.
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 Reminder: Logan Campus Announces 2013 Spring Seminar Series
Hocking College Logan Campus recently announced their 2013 Spring Seminar Series. The guests will lecture at the Energy Institute, Room 126 from 7 - 9 a.m. on the following dates:
- March 4, 2013, Jonathan Downes, Esq. will present, "Sailing the Employment Seas without Sinking Your Ship"
- March 18, 2013, Jeffrey Sams, Esq. lectures on, "Collection Law for the Small Business Owner"
- April 15, 2013, Corby Leach and Heidi Rimkus present, "Risk Management and Insurance for the Small Business Owner"
Tickets are $20 at the door, and registration begins promptly at 7 a.m. The presentation will last two hours, and time will be provided for question and answers afterward. For more information on the 2013 Spring Seminar Series, please contact Neil Hinton.
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Last Chance! STARS Award Nominations
The Student Team and Academic Recognition System (STARS) Ceremony for this term will be held on March 27, 2013 at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Multiplex and will honor achievements from autumn semester 2012. We are now accepting applications for nominations in the following areas:
"Green Award"
This will be given to recognize outstanding efforts from last quarter in the area of education of sustainable, renewable and environmental issues or the implementation thereof.
"We are One Hocking" Award
This award will be given to recognize outstanding efforts from last quarter in the area Cross-Cultural Education and/or community unification.
"Most Outstanding Contribution to Campus or Community Life" Award
This award will be given to recognize a project, which made a
positive impact on campus or community life last semester.
Please send nominations by e-mail to Giles Lee by the end of February 2013. Nominations should include the name of the group or person nominated and a description of the project, which includes the date the project took place. Feel free to include photos, video, evaluations and references in the nomination e-mail.
Decisions on award winners will be made by Student Government.
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 Reminder: Bobcat Basketball Presents Hocking College Day
Ohio Basketball fans get ready! It's not too late to get tickets at a reduced price for Hocking College students, staff and faculty for the February 27 game against Akron. All kids will also have the opportunity to create the pre-game tunnel for the Bobcats on the court.
Tickets are available online at OhioBobcats.com or by phone 740.597.3378. Make sure to enter "gobobcats" in the special offer box when ordering tickets online.
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Reminder: President's List Applications Due 
Students with a 3.5 or higher accumulative grade point average and a minimum of 30 Hocking College credit hours will receive an invitation to apply for consideration for the President's List. Students are asked to apply online this year via Survey Monkey. Those selected for the President's List demonstrate outstanding leadership and service, and maintain the highest academic standards.
Faculty and staff endorsements are critical in the selection process. Endorsements with specific information, completed by staff that work closely with a student and have first-hand knowledge of leadership skills and service activities, are a powerful point of consideration in the process. If you cannot provide specific information on leadership and service, please refer the student to another staff member for endorsement.
Students are ineligible for consideration if endorsement forms are not part of their portfolios at the time of review. This year's endorsements are due March 1, 2013. The selection committee will meet during March to select those fitting the criteria.
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Reminder: Soles 4 Souls Collecting Shoes 
Have a pair of shoes collecting dust in the closet? Why not donate them to those in need? Hocking College will collect shoes for the international non-profit charity Soles 4 Souls from February 13-28 in Oakley 312.
Consider donating gently worn or moderately worn shoes. Please bring in shoes strapped together with a rubber band or tied together by the shoelaces. Collectors must pay for shipping; however, the cost is minimal. Shipping is $1 per pair of shoes and $2 for boots.
Soles 4 Souls is a non-profit charity that provides relief to those suffering, in hopes to support micro-business efforts and eradicate poverty. Shoes will be donated to those victims of natural disasters or those subject to poverty in such countries as Jamaica, Haiti, Honduras, Tanzania, Costa Rica and India. For more information on Soles 4 Souls, visit their website.
Need help getting the shoes to the donation box? Send an e-mail to Carla Ryan-Hirst or call 740.753.6127, and she will send someone to pick them up.
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Reminder: Support Staff Collecting Blankets for Red Cross
 As the weather from the weekend changes back to the cold and dreary days of winter, we are reminded of those less fortunate and in need. Once again the Support Staff Bargaining Unit will collect blankets until the end of February for the Red Cross. These blankets are distributed during times of crisis such as tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, and fires. They are used for the Red Cross shelters that are setup, but mostly given to people who have lost their belongings due to the aforementioned situations.
Any size is accepted, but queen size is preferred, and blankets for children are nice. The blankets must be new. Drop off your donation to one of the following locations:
- Darlene Tipple - DVD 309
- Kim Coy - JL 367
- Betty Dalton - Public Safety Services Building
- Cindy Wasson - JL 154
- Nancy Holcomb - Logan Campus
- Cindy Dillinger - NNR 203
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Verbatim Hiatus
Verbatim will be on hiatus next week for Spring Break. In the meantime, please continue to submit your article ideas and feedback to verbatim@hocking.edu.
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Mission
Hocking College provides a unique, innovative, and quality education in a supportive experience- based learning environment, preparing students for employment and transfer education opportunities, while teaching the value of lifelong learning, promoting diversity and developing citizens who are engaged in their local and global communities.
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Faculty Member Receives OCTELA Award
Sue Fletcher, Associate Professor, will attend the Ohio Council of Teachers of English Language Arts (OCTELA) annual spring conference on March 23, 2013 to accept their Outstanding English Educator OCTELA Award.
Fletcher holds a Bachelor's in Organizational Communication from Ohio University and a Master's in Interpersonal Communication from Arizona State. Fletcher previously taught Speech and Communication at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Chandler, Arizona from 1989 to 1993.
She has worked for Hocking College since 2004, teaching classes such as Job Search Techniques, Verbal Career Skills and Interpersonal Relationships.
Congratulations to Sue for this honorary accomplishment!
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Alder Promoted to Fleet Supervisor
Congratulations to Will Alder who was recently promoted to Fleet Supervisor. Alder holds seven years experience as an employee of the Fleet Department at Hocking College. He is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, with 22 years of automotive and truck repair experience. He obtained his Associate's Degree in Automotive Service Management from Hocking College in 2010 and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's of Technical and Applied Sciences at Ohio University.
As the new Fleet Supervisor, Alder will plan, supervise and coordinate all of the daily activities relating to the repair and maintenance of Hocking College vehicles and equipment. Some of the responsibilities include interviewing and training employees, evaluating work and maintaining contact with equipment dealers.
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