Hocking College Alumni Times

Nathan Snyder '06 was the guest chef for the Richland County Ohio Farm to Plate Program on held recently at the Shelby Farmers' Market. This program is a combination of supporters, volunteers and a host of partners who link the growers of local foods with local chefs to the consumers.

Snyder is the Executive Chef of Bromfield's at Mohican State Park Lodge in Perrysville, Ohio. Snyder's training started here at Hocking College where he studied two years in culinary arts and another year in pastry.

While at Hocking, Snyder was the captain of the hot foods competition cooking team. He also took several medals in individual culinary competitions. He credits his mentor with assisting him in learning his craft, and is now a chef mentor himself. He assists students in the activities with the American Federation of Culinary Arts.

Hocktoberfest

Hocking's Alumni Homecoming

October 4 - 5

We are well on our way to finalizing plans for this year's Homecoming. We have partnered with Rocky Brands to offer HOCKTOBERFEST, a weekend of music, entertainment, and fun and we hope that you can join us.

Alums are specifically invited to attend the alumni dinner on Saturday evening. Visit the event website for additional information.

Fish Management Program Featured in "Aqua News & Notes"

Hocking College's Fish Management and Aquaculture program, through the School of Natural Resources, was recently featured in Ohio Aquaculture Magazine, "Aqua News & Notes."

"Hocking College aquaculture degree program graduates can be found staffing multiple state hatchery facility teams throughout Ohio and neighboring states, and in private enterprise aquaculture facilities as far away as Alaska and the Carribbean," the article stated.

Mike Miltner, current program coordinator and instructor, brings a long and varied career in aquaculture to Hocking.

"Hocking students get wet and get wet often, and after two years in this program have the passion, skills, sensibilities, and the requisite "slimy thumb" to do aquaculture elbow to elbow with seasoned fish growers in either state, federal, or private facilities," Milter said.

Read the entire article here.

Helping a Hocking Student Get Her Legs Back

Hocking College student Attiah "Tia" Fogle had dreams of joining the Navy and becoming a chef at the White House. As a culinary student, she was working toward this goal until last October, when a car she was in failed to negotiate a curve and ended up wrapped around a tree in Riley Township in Ohio.

Fogle and her two friends were on their way to Clyde, Ohio to spend the night at a friend's home before going to Cedar Point the next day. She had to have her legs amputated due to the severity of her injuries. Fogle has undergone 20 surgeries since the accident.

Her family owes $3.3 million in medical bills and has to make their home disabled friendly. To support the Fogle family and help Tia get her legs back, nearly 300 people attended a fundraiser that raised around $8,000. The family is very thankful for everyone's support.

Read more about Tia's journey.

Dean of Hospitality to Represent Hocking College at Ohio Ecological Family Farm Association Conference

Hocking College's Dean of Hospitality, Alfonso Contrisciani, will be a presenter and conduct cooking workshops at the upcoming Ohio Ecological Family Farm Association Conference, February 2014 in Granville, Ohio.

Contrisciani previously attended the conference as a farmer and was very impressed with the organization. He will be presenting this year as an educator, master chef and farm to table restaurateur. Contrisciani will represent and showcase the Hocking College School of Hospitality and Rhapsody restaurant.

Alumni Spotlight

Hocking College Leads to 40 Years Dedicated to the Forest Service

Steve Munson's '73 career in the Forest Service began with his education at Hocking College, "providing the foundation that allowed me to be successful in my career path," he said.

A graduate of Hocking College's Forestry program, Munson has had a life-fulfilling career. During his days at Hocking, he worked for the Ohio Division of Forestry planting trees and participating in timber stand improvement projects. His degree from Hocking College has allowed him to live in Utah, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Arkansas.

Munson began his career with the Forest Service as the supervisory technician for the Gypsy Moth Research Development Group. When the project ended in 1978, he transferred to the Forest Health Protection staff in St. Paul, MN. Upon completion of his Bachelor's degree, Munson was promoted to a staff entomologist position where he worked in the St. Paul office covering all federal lands in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana and Missouri. Munson became the supervisory entomologist in the early 90's and later accepted the position as the Group Leader for the Forest Health Protection program in the Intermountain Region.

In June of 2013, Munson will have completed his 25th year in the Intermountain Region and in August of 2014 he will complete 40 years of service for the Forest Service.

"I have had the privilege of working in all areas of the U.S. (South, Northeast, Midwest and West) and have worked in beautiful country in very diverse ecosystems whether in North America or overseas," Munson said.

Goodsearch to Raise Funds for Student Emergency Fund at Hocking College Foundation

Goodsearch donates money to your favorite cause when you search the internet, shop online or dine out at local restaurants. Goodsearch.com donates a penny per search to your cause.

The website is very easy; it's free and turns simple everyday actions into a way to make the world a better place. Please sign up today to help support Hocking College students.

Visit www.goodsearch.com to get started, and select "Hocking College Foundation" as your charity of choice.

Hocking Featured on Daytime Columbus

Hocking admissions representative, Dan Yeatts appeared again this year on Daytime Columbus with Gail Hogan on WCMH-4 in Columbus. They discussed the advantages of choosing a Hocking College education. Watch Dan here!

Hocking Grads Ace RHIT Exam

The Hocking College Health Information Management / Medical Records Program achieved a 100 percent passing rate for first-time candidates on the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) examination for the time period April 1 to June 30, 2013.

Across the United States, graduates only achieved an 80 percent passing rate for their first time on the RHIT, compared to Hocking's 100 percent passing rate.

An RHIT specialist is trained in assembling, analyzing, and abstracting medical records, as well as coding and indexing diagnoses and treatment used for research, reimbursement and statistical analysis.

Remembering Those We've Lost

As a result of our data search, we've been notified of some of the alums that we've lost over the years. We will miss these members of our Hocking family:

Jack Stone '00, Automotive Technology

Frederick (Rick) Ervin '86, Broadcasting and Telecommunications

Deborah Neidert '88, Nursing

Bonnie Spence '84, Nursing

Don Dillinger '73, Accounting and Financial Services

Philip Blackwood '93, Automotive

Michael Weiss '95, Associate of Technical Study

Karen Anderson '83, Wildlife Management

Karen Teicher '76, Nursing

Dianne Morton '94, Nursing

3301 Hocking Parkway

Nelsonville, Ohio 45764

alumni@hocking.edu

740.753.7010

Career Corner

Hocking College offers great resources to our alumni to aid you in your job search.

Alumni Career Center: Check out our

Career Center to browse or submit openings.

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 JOB INTERVIEW action step to your personal job search checklist:

Feeling nervous about an upcoming job interview? Join the club. Even the most confident, self-assured job seekers can find job interviews nerve-wracking.

What's the cure? Advance preparation. Interviews are about exchanging information - responding to questions asked by the interviewer and asking questions of your own. Success depends on having the information you need for thoughtful questions and answers right at your fingertips.

To make interview Q&A information easier to recall, try this: use sections of your résumé as a framework to help you remember facts and details. These may include Education, Work Experience, and Honors and Awards. Don't forget to include summer employment and internships you have completed. Make notes about the results you achieved both personally and for the employers.

IMPORTANT: Consider how you can add value to the employer's organization, and be prepared to discuss what you have to contribute.

Hocking College Partners with Circle Around the Square

Hocking College Culinary Arts program recently collaborated in a free summer art camp called "Circle Around the Square."

The program took place on the square in downtown Nelsonville for half of the program, while the other half was held at Hocking College. Barbara Campagnola, owner of the Nelsonville business Paper Circle, started the camp nine years ago after she learned the elementary and middle schools in Nelsonville did not offer art programming.

During the event, campers had the opportunity to learn, create, accomplish and be recognized. Each day the students worked at Hocking College in the kitchen with Chef Kathryn McGushin. They prepared their own lunch using ingredients from the Chesterhill Produce Auction or picked earlier in the day from the church garden. After lunch the students spent time at the college's fitness center swimming, climbing the climbing wall or playing ping pong.

Four high school graduates had the opportunity to intern with Circle Around the Square. They were each given a scholarship to Hocking College.

The campers' art work was displayed during the July Nelsonville Final Friday at the Stuart's Opera House.

Reminder: Tailgate and Bus Trip Planned for Hocking College Day at Ohio Football

Support Ohio University Bobcats Football at Hocking College Day on Saturday, September 7 against North Texas. All Hocking College alumni can buy tickets for just $5.

There will be a tailgate on campus that day followed by a bus trip to the game. The tailgate will run from 3 - 6 pm and the game starts at 7 pm. The Foundation will provide a main course and beverages for the tailgate but participants are asked to bring a side dish. No alcohol is allowed during the tailgate.

To order tickets for the game, call 740.753.7010 or download the Ohio Football Order Form and return to Jessie or Libby in the Foundation Office.

School of Hospitality Updates

The School of Hospitality would like to keep everyone up to speed with the practicum dining calendar and progresses.

Rhapsody restaurant will reopen for Fall service on September 12, 2013.
The Inn at Hocking College will open for fall semester lunch service on September 10, 2013. They will serve lunch from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
The culinary faculty will be complemented with another full time Certified Master Chef in autumn semester. A high profile executive chef will be joining the Rhapsody team as Executive Chef/General Manager. They will be announced formally when they join the culinary team.
D.J. Kitts will become a full-time teacher in the hospitality hotel program.
John Gutekanst, proprietor and master baker from Avalanche Pizza, will be teaching yeast dough and artisan breads as a adjunct faculty member.
Lastly, the School of Hospitality is very excited to have Kirsten Carpenter, the New Director of Catering and Events join the Hocking family.

Hocking College Names New Financial Aid Coordinators

Hocking College is pleased to announce Kellee George '86 and Jodie Lewis '97 as new Financial Aid Coordinators.

Lewis has worked for Hocking College since September 1998. She graduated from Hocking with an Associate's Degree in Applied Business, Office Administration. Lewis received her Bachelor's of Science, Public Administration at the University of Rio Grande. Her positions at Hocking have included: Financial Aid Assistant, Account Specialist and Student Loan Coordinator.

George has also worked for Hocking College for several years. She started in 2004 as an Account Specialist. She later became a Financial Aid Processor and Grant/Scholarship Processor. George graduated from Hocking with an Associate's Degree in Accounting, office practices and procedures.

A financial aid coordinator provides assistance to prospective students and their parents/guardians and current students with evaluating financial needs from a variety of sources and award financial aid according to government and institutional regulations and guidelines.

Student Awarded CHART/NRAEF Scholarship

Austin Zavodny from Fairfield Park, Ohio has recently been awarded the CHART/NRAEF scholarship.

The Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART, www.chart.org) in Miami, Florida hosted more than 270 people at their 86th Semi-Annual Hospitality Training Conference at the InterContinental recently.

The conference featured a service event, educational sessions led by hotel and restaurant industry experts, motivational speakers, authors, and consultants, and much more.

Scholarships were given to several participants. Zavodny will be entering his third year at Hocking College this autumn semester. Read the complete article at miamiherald.com.

Hocking Graduates Excel on the Nursing Licensure Exam

The Hocking College School of Nursing achieved a 97.22 percent passing rate for first-time candidates on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Practical Nursing (PN) and achieved a 92.31 percent passing rate on the NCLEX for Registered Nursing (RN) program for the time period January 1 to June 30, 2013.

Across the United States, graduates with an associate's degree only achieved a 73.55 percent passing rate for PN, compared to Hocking's 97.22 percent passing rate. Nationally, graduates with an associate's degree had a 79.89 percent pass rate for RN, in contrast to Hocking's 92.31 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.
Nursing courses for PN include fundamentals, geriatrics, obstetrics and medical surgical nursing. Additional classes focus on basic psychology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and pharmacology. Hands-on experience begins in the nursing skills lab before patient/client contact in extended care and assisted living facilities or hospitals.

International Students Have a Busy Summer

Hocking College's English as a Second Language

(ESL) students have

been quite busy this summer. The students visited a local honey producer, Jack Cantrell of Cantrell Honey, where they learned about honey production and bee cultivation. Then, the students spent a day picking their first strawberries at Vest Berries.

Lastly, the ESL students volunteered during the My Neighbor's Keeper Fundraiser Bike Tour on July 21 in Athens County. They worked at the break stops and the bicyclists were very appreciative of their help. The bike tour raised $945 and all proceeds will purchase gift certificates from the Athens and Nelsonville Farmers' Markets to be distributed to emergency food providers who will use the gift certificates to assist their clients.

Rhapsody Gains New General Manager

Please join us in welcoming Chef Anthony Schulz as the new Rhapsody General Manager. He is an award-winning, classically trained French chef with more than 18 years of restaurant experience, most recently at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. His talent has been recognized in magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post, National Geographic Traveler and Midwest Living.

Class Notes

This is a new section of the Times. Since completing our data search and locating so many more alums, we've heard from several of you and wanted to post updates on what you're up to. The following are a few:

Renee (Smith) Brunton '96

After graduating from the Licensed Practical Nurse Program, Renee worked several years in geriatrics. Since 2001, she has worked home health care with pediatric ventilator patients with varying disabilities. Renee is currently a board member of the Perry County Board of DD. She cares for her 23 years old daughter with Smith-Magenis syndrome and autism. She is also currently enrolled at Excelsior College School of Nursing long distance learning center working toward her RN degree.

Barbara E. Clarke-Reid '02

Barbara is a graduate of the Hotel and Restaurant Management program. She is opening a Pizza/Jamaica Take Out restaurant.

Brett Dormire '87

After graduation from Hocking's Wildlife Management program, Brett moved to Utah to work for Utah State University. He then returned to Ohio and continued his education at The Ohio State University with a Wildlife Biology degree. Brett then moved to Nashville, Tennessee for seven years. He started working for John Deere and then moved to Louisville, KY and finally ended up back in Powell, Ohio still working for John Deere as an area manager.

Tina (Kirkbride) Filler '85

Tina, a Travel and Tourism grad, and her husband, Thomas Filler '85, Wildlife Management, are interested in connecting with former classmates.

Brian Lesch '03

Brian is a graduate of the Fire and Emergency Services program. He currently works full time for the Liberty Township Fire Department in Delaware County, Ohio as a firefighter/paramedic. He's married with two beautiful children. Brian says that, "The associate's degree I obtained from Hocking is definitely paying for itself", as a degree is now needed to be eligible for promotion within his career field.

Erik Lewis '04

Erik is a graduate of the Fish and Wildlife Management program and went on the annual "Canada trip" for fish and wildlife students in 2002. He received a bachelor's degree in Wildlife Resources from the University of Idaho in 2006. After graduation, Erik moved back to Ohio and worked for the Ohio Division of Wildlife as a conservation worker for one year. He was then hired as a Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist for Pheasants Forever in 2007 and stayed with Pheasants Forever for six years. While employed by Pheasants Forever, Erik worked in Southwestern Ohio and in Spokane, Washington. In 2012, Erik began working for the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife as a Private Lands Biologist.

Ernest Meadows '98

Ernest earned his Associate of Technical Study from Hocking and is living in Crown City, OH.

Stephanie McClelland '93

Stephanie is interested in connecting with persons she "shared the trenches of RN school with years ago."

Courtney Robinson '00

Courtney feels that Hocking College has played a great role in his career and has contributed to his owning his own restaurant, called Island Vibes, in Columbus, Ohio. He says that his studies at Hocking College in Hotel and Restaurant Management allowed him to manage several hotels before opening his own Caribbean restaurant. Both Courtney and his wife, Leonie, are Hocking grads.

Grace Beck Williams '76

Grace is currently an RN Care Manager in clinic at the VA in Huntington, West Virginia and loves it! She finds it so rewarding taking care of our veterans after what they have done for us.

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!