Alumni Newsletter - June 2013
In This Issue
Grads Excel on Nursing Exam
Alumnus Starts Culinary School
Grad Takes Athens Co Position
HC Stable Credit Rating
Perry Campus Offers Training
Congrats to PTK
Ranger Grads Become Cadets
Freeman Named Director
Starting a New Tradition
Summer Bash Schedule
CANCER SUCKS 5K
Fire Students Attend Conference
HC Featured in ConnectED
Bounty on the Bricks
Reentry Summit Held
Diversity Training
Former Student Performs
Do We know YOU?
 
Alumni Spotlight 
   

Alum Celebrates Birthday in Radical Ways  

Jeanne Thomas is an 87 year-old Hocking College alumna that has a passion for adventure. She is constantly looking for new experiences and enjoys learning new things. 
 
This past year, on her 86th birthday, Thomas climbed 113 steps to the Hocking Hills Canopy Tours Super Zipline and took a leap of faith.

Thomas is no amateur when it comes to adventures. 
 
For her 85th birthday, she tried skydiving, claiming that she never had a fear of heights and always felt the urge to jump. At the age of 60, Thomas retired from her job as a licensed practical nurse to hike the Appalachian Trail. 
 
She completed 824 miles over two years and met her sixth husband. At age 70, Thomas decided to acquire more education. She chose to study Addiction Counseling at Hocking College, but soon realized it wasn't for her. She chose instead to complete her Associate's Degree in Business and Tourism. Thomas graduated from Hocking College at age 74.
 
Thomas plans to take a break from her radical celebrations to think of more adventures she has yet to try. "I have decided it is so hard to think of something different to do each year, that I'm only going to make an occasion out of it every five years," she said. "I'll think of something by the time I'm 90, and something else by the time I'm 95, and something else for 100."
 
For more information, see the profile story in the Athens Messenger.
 
Hocking Grads Excel on Nursing Licensure Exam   
  
The Hocking College School of Nursing achieved a 95.65 percent passing rate for first-time candidates on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Practical Nursing (PN) and achieved a 97.14 percent passing rate on the NCLEX for Registered Nursing (RN) program for the time period January 1 to March 31, 2013.

Across the United States, graduates with an associate's degree only achieved an 84.15 percent passing rate for PN, compared to Hocking's 95.65 percent passing rate. Nationally, graduates with an associate's degree had a 79.89 percent pass rate for RN, in contrast to Hocking's 96.30 percent passing rate. When taking the NCLEX, a graduate has up to six hours to complete the RN exam and five hours for the PN exam. 

 

Alumnus Starts Culinary Arts School 
  
Chef Selwyn Wickham, Class of 1991, recently  pursued his dream of starting his very own culinary arts school, The Central School of Culinary Arts on Market Street, Chaguanas. In 2012, Wickham established this school as a culinary finishing school and gourmet cake centre. He teaches students cake baking and decorating, pastry and bread making.

"I also teach students to cook with style, which means that they get to prepare new dishes for their families that is not the usual rice and peas that so many people get stuck in a rut cooking," Wickham said. He works with eight students per class, providing a more intimate experience for the student.

Wickham followed his passion and attended the San Fernando Technical Institute to study food preparation and cafeteria operation. He later attended the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI) where he earned a scholarship to Hocking College. Wickham completed his Associate's Degree in Applied Business in Culinary Arts.

Wickham became very involved at Hocking College. As a member of the Phi Theta Kappa and the chapter of Alpha Mu Delta, he was elected as the vice-president of the International Student Society and Culinary Club vice-president of Alpha Mu Delta.

Among many accomplishments, Wickham was the silver medalist at the 1997 Culinary Showpiece Competition in Puerto Rico and, in 2005, was part of a culinary team chosen to represent this country at the Caribbean Federation competition in Miami, Florida. The team won second place, and Wickham was awarded a silver medal in the pastry chef competition.

The 46-year-old chef credits his mother for his cooking abilities. He is certain she would give him a run for his money. Wickham has achieved many goals because of his talent and continues to pursue his passion. "For me, cooking always brought me a sense of satisfaction. I love seeing people enjoy food. That is the pleasure of cooking," he claimed.

For additional information, see the article in the Trinidad Express.

Alumni Spotlight 
 
Hocking Grad Takes Athens County Position 
 

Hocking College graduate Jon Arnold has recently been added to the Athens County Sheriff's Office as a new deputy. Arnold worked full time with the Hocking College Police Department and part time with the Nelsonville City Police Department for four years.

 

Arnold graduated from Hocking College in 2012 with an Associate's Degree in Police Science, which gave him a chance to gain real experience and "hands-on learning." He wished to follow in the footsteps of his father, who was a former Nelsonville police officer.

"I'm happy to be a part of a professional organization that serves Athens County citizens," Arnold said. "I'm an Athens County man."

Read the complete article in the Athens Messenger.

Hocking College Achieves Stable Credit Rating from Moody's

 

Through a recent review and campus site visit, Moody's Investor Services has assigned an A3 underlying rating and Aa2 enhanced rating to Hocking College's $22 million of General Receipts Improvement Bonds, Series 2013. 

The enhanced Aa2 rating is based upon support from the Ohio Credit Enhancement Program for community and technical colleges. The underlying Moody's A3 rating is stable. The rating outlook for the enhanced rating is stable based on the State of Ohio's (Aa1 G.O. rating) current outlook.

According to the Moody's Investor Services report, "The A3 underlying rating and stable outlook reflect Hocking College's important role as an access oriented and low cost provider of higher education in the Appalachian region of southeast Ohio, balanced operating performance and adequate debt service coverage."

Gina Fetty, Vice President of Financial Services, noted this as a significant achievement for Hocking College. "As this is the first time Hocking College has gone through the rating process with Moody's Investor Services, we are extremely pleased with the rating and that they have confirmed in their report the stability and positive outlook of the institution." 

Hocking College is preparing for an upcoming bond issuance to help fund the purchase of two residence halls from the Hocking College Foundation, improve the information technology infrastructure and replace the fire alarm systems throughout campus.

More information regarding Hocking College's rating assignment can be found in the Moody's Investors Service press release on its website at www.moodys.com.

Perry Campus Offers Training for New Lex Students

 

Hocking College Perry Campus recently offered 'CPR for Babysitting' and 'Heavy Equipment' activities for New Lexington middle school students.

This was the first year Perry Campus hosted the activities, which proved to be successful. The children enjoyed themselves while learning safety measures.

For the 'CPR for Babysitting' activity, all 12 of the participants became certified and received a certification card. The 'Heavy Equipment' activity consisted of ten children. They each received hard hats while working with the materials, which left a lot of smiles on their faces. 

Congratulations to Phi Theta Kappa Society

 

The Alpha Mu Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Hocking College received special commendation during the Ohio Regional Convention March 1- 3, 2013 for fulfilling all requirements to be named a "One Star Chapter." The chapter was also recognized at Phi Theta Kappa's 95th Annual Convention in San Jose, California on April 6and on the society website at pkt.org.

 

The Five Star Chapter Development Plan is a guide used for developing a strong chapter, improving student engagement on campus and recognizing progress in the attainment of goals set by the chapter. As chapters reach these milestones they progress through each level of the Five Star Plan, ultimately reaching the pinnacle Five Star Level.

 

To view these awards, please visit http://convention.ptk.org/sites/default/files/docs/awards_program_2013.pdf.

Ranger Academy Grads Become ODNR Cadets

 

Ten Ohio State Parks ranger cadets were sworn in Friday, May 17 by Ohio Department of Natural Resources' (ODNR) Director James Zehringer and ODNR Deputy Director Glen Cobb.

Three of the ten Park ranger cadets, John Deblo, Eryk Grycza and Christopher Mack, are graduates of the Ranger Academy at Hocking College.

The ten new cadets have completed more than 500 hours of class and field training at the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy. 

For more information, visit the ODNR press release.

 
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Career Corner  
Hocking College offers great resources to our alumni to aid you in your job search.
  
Alumni Career Center: Check out our Featured Job Opening .
  
College Central Network: Members receive access to valuable career seach tools incuding resume builders, videos, podcasts, and informative arictles.  Register today to receive their regular e-newsletter.  Here's an article that appeared in their recent issue:

Add this telephone interview action step to your personal job search checklist:

R-i-i-i-i-i-i-ing! Surprise! Employer calling!! It's true. Once your job search is under way and word is out that you are available, expect to receive unscheduled calls from some employers. The tone of an employer's call may be informal, but make no mistake - you are being interviewed. Their goal at this stage is to determine whether or not you should remain on the list for further consideration. Your goal should be to convert each call into a future face-to-face interview, if possible.

When the calls come (and they will), shift into formal interview mode. Minimize the potential for interruptions and background noise by placing the caller on hold while you move to a quiet location. Or, ask if you may call them back at a later time. Then, crack open your "telephone interview survival kit" - r�sum�; career portfolio; "elevator" self-promo speech; information about the caller's company; interview question and answer lists (questions you would like to ask the caller and answers to questions the caller is likely to ask you). Be pleasant: watch the tone and volume of your voice, and remember to smile - it can be heard.

Heed the 60-second rule. You have less than a minute to make a positive first impression in a face-to-face interview. This is even more compressed when interviewing over the phone. So, be prepared and make every contact by telephone count.
Freeman Named Director of Landscape Operations   

     

Freeman Named Director of Landscape Operations

Andy Freeman has been named Director of Landscape Operations for Hocking College.  The position will be effective August 12, 2013.

In his new position, Andy will plan, coordinate and manage all college landscape projects; create and manage the master grounds management plan; develop a master landscape plan; plan, coordinate and manage the Landscape Academy; supervise the Grounds Maintenance Technicians and Landscape Management students; and, plan and direct the Hocking College arboretum in conjunction with the Tree Campus USA organization.

Andy has been the Landscape Management program Coordinating Instructor for Hocking College since 2009.  Prior to his position at Hocking, he worked in the private landscape industry for more than 12 years.  Andy has a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Contracting from Pennsylvania State University.  He is a Certified Landscape Technician and a Certified Professional Horticulturist.

Starting a New Tradition  

     

The School of Natural Resources held their first "Semester Survival" spring cookout onMonday, April 29.   The highlights included free burgers and dogs hot off the grill for the students, as well as an employee dunk tank provided by the Ohio National Guard!  Students were given the opportunity to dunk the dean, their favorite/least favorite instructor, or their student affairs coordinator.  

The lunch raised $68, with all proceeds going to the Grizzly Scholarship, which is awarded annually to an eligible second year natural resources student.   

Thank you to all the
students that participated and a big thank you to all the staff! Dunk tank "favorites" included Bob Scott Placier, going under a total of six times, while Sayre Flannagan and Amy Roe were both dunked four times, Dave Swanson once, and Ken Bowald was able to stay dry......this year.  

Inn at Hocking College 2013 Summer Bash Schedule 
 
Events will be held throughout the summer at the Inn at Hocking College. They include all you can eat delicious buffets for just $12.95, live entertainment, a full bar and patio seating. The entertainment and themes will be changing weekly. Vegetarian entr�e and children's dinner option will also be offered. Come enjoy these fun filled summer nights!

The schedule is as follows, from 4 - 8 p.m. on the dates indicated:

*    July 5, 2013 - Steak Night
*    July 12, 2013 - Cajun Shrimp Boil
*    July 19, 2013 - "J. B. King" Pig Roast

Cam and Sue CANCER SUCKS 5K Run/Walk to be Held at Hocking 

  

The third Annual 5K to honor the memories of Cameron Brown and Susan Ipacs will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at Hocking College. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race begins at 9 a.m.

 


This year, the race will support the Leukemia Research Fund at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Melanoma Research Foundation and Central Ohio Ronald McDonald House, as well as the Susan Ipacs Nursing Legacy Scholarship with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio,which is awarded to a Hocking College nursing student.

Cameron was the nine-year-old son of Lori and Eric Brown of Guysville, Ohio. Cameron underwent five years of chemotherapy and two bone marrow transplants before succumbing to Acute Myeloid Leukemia on October 30, 2008.

Susan Ipacs lived seven months after she was  diagnosed with malignant melanoma. She was 56 years old and the Associate Dean of Nursing at Hocking College when she died on October 21, 2010.

Registration is $20 if received prior to July 1 and $25 after July 1. Children's registration is $10. If received by July 1, children will receive a complimentary t-shirt.

Payment may be made via PayPal.com to [email protected] or mailed to:
Lori Brown
6979 State Route 329
Guysville, Ohio 45735

Fire Students Attend International Conference 

  

Recently, a group of public safety faculty, staff and students visited Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana to participate in the world's largest firefighter training conference, the Federal Department Instructors Conference (FDIC).

This is the fourth year that the School of Public Safety Services has attended this conference.  Faculty member Larry Hatem coordinates the trip, and Hocking Students participated in multiple educational exercises and demonstrations. Faculty and staff who served as trip advisors included Scott Mong, Betty Dalton, Curtis Martin, Crystal Howard, Tammy Monk and Greg Keefe.

Hocking College Featured on ConnectED Magazine 


Hocking College was recently featured on the ConnectED Magazine Summer 2013 Issue for their partnership with the Tri-County Adult Career Center.

ConnectED is a quarterly e-newsletter produced by the Ohio Board of Regents designed to connect Ohio higher education to the business community.

The Tri-County Adult Career Center and Hocking College are partnering to work collaboratively to expand local workforce development training opportunities to area business. They want the business community to know they are a single point of contact for people who are looking for staff training and development.

To view this publication, visit https://ohiohighered.org/connected.  

"Bounty on the Bricks" Features Culinary School
 
Hocking College School of Hospitality will coordinate, spearhead and deliver the first ever 300-seat farm-to-table dinner down the center of Main Street in Athens on August 10, 2013 from 7-10 p.m.

With the assistance of local producers, Athens restaurant community and volunteers from Hocking College community, the Hocking College catering division will provide the food for the event.

The menu will include center of the table foods, such as all natural chips and assorted salsas. The salad course consists of fresh summer vegetables in sherry mustard vinaigrette. The main course offers bourbon and maple glazed "Local Ohio" BBQ angus brisket, fruit wood smoked "King Farm" chipotle chicken roulade and summer corn and country green beans. Lastly, dessert will consist of local goat cheese and honey panna cotta and homemade shortbread cookie.

Tickets are available online at www.athensfoundation.org. For more information, call the Athens Foundation at 740.594.6061. All proceeds will benefit the Athens Foundation. 
 
First Summer Reentry Summit Held at Hocking
 
The first Summer Reentry Summit was held recently at Hocking College for anyone who works with the ex-offender population in Southeastern Ohio.

The Summer Reentry Summit hosted experts who discussed topics in social services, corrections and criminal justice fields. These topics included House Bill 86, child support, Ohio BMV policy changes, the Ohio Fatherhood Commission, new tools to assist ex-offenders with employment and Senate Bill 337. Approximately 150 individuals came to learn from these professionals.  

The event was sponsored by Hocking College, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Athens County Reentry Task Force, Fairfield County Reentry Coalition and TASC of SE Ohio in conjunction with the Hocking County Reentry Task Force. Ohio counselors, social workers and marriage and family therapists had the opportunity to earn free Continuing Education Units (CEU's) by registering in advance. Certificates of Completion were also provided for Correcting Offender Behavior Units (COB's) for Ohio court system personnel.

The presentation will be available electronically for those professionals who were not able to be present at the Reentry Summit. For more information contact Betty Dalton, Office Coordinator, Department of Public Safety Services, at 740.753.6451 or at [email protected]
 
One Hocking Diversity Without Division Committee Offers Training Class
 
One Hocking Logo The One Hocking Diversity Without Division Committee is offering their first One Hocking Diversity and Inclusion Training on Thursday, August 29, 2013. The program is free for all Hocking College faculty and staff. The training will be available to K-12 teachers/administrators and community members for a fee of $50.

This day will be set aside for attendees to explore their own views, ideas and personal perspectives about diversity and inclusion, while participating in activities that will help attendees recognize and understand more about this subject.

The training will be held at the Inn at Hocking College and includes breakfast and lunch, as well as an invite for attendees to partake in a cross-cultural dinner at the Student Center at the end of the day.

Registration is at 8:30 a.m., with the  training from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Please RSVP to Molly Watson or George Petrovay with your name and contact information. For additional information, visit www.hocking.edu/onehocking.
Former Hocking Student to Perform at July Final Friday
 
Singer-songwriter Sean Rowe will play on Friday, July 26, for Final Friday on Nelsonville's Historic Square. Final Friday will take place from 6-10 p.m.with various artists' demonstrations, musical shows, dancers and much more.

Rowe has a longtime fascination with the wilderness versus his communal need to share his urban blend of acoustic soul with downtown denizens. Rowe attended Hocking College for two semesters to pursue a course of study that could use his wilderness passion as a teaching career.

"The school was very unique in that it offered a degree program in 'natural interpretation,'" Rowe said. "It's kind of like taking all the natural sciences and making them teachable to children or adults that have very little knowledge of the science of nature. They were hardcore science classes, but there was an element to them that was geared toward teaching it (on a hands-on level.)"

Rowe recently received a songwriting grant from the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA.) He previously won a prestigious NYFA fellowship worth $7,000.
 
Do WE know about YOU?

 

We are always interesting in hearing where our alumni are and what they are doing.  We want to know your story.  If you're interested in being a featured alumni, contact us today!