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| Patrick Cline, Dean's List; Dr. Carl Bridges, Hocking College Provost; Tyler Hatfield, Dean's List; and Dr. Ron Erickson, Hocking College President |
Hocking College STARS Receive Awards
The Student Team and Academic Recognition System (STARS) award ceremony, honoring outstanding student and group achievements, was held Thursday, March 20, 2014. Presenters Giles Lee, Director of Co-Curricular Education; Kerry Hagerty, Student Affairs Coordinator; Kathleen Temple-Miller, Biological Sciences faculty; Julie Cohara, Sociology faculty; Hocking College President, Dr. Ron Erickson; and, Hocking College Provost, Dr. Carl Bridges, honored the recipients.
Hagerty presented the first award for "Most Outstanding Contribution to Campus" to students involved in Hocking College Proud sprit club for their work in the "Paint the Plow" project. Ohio Department of Transportation District 10 invited area schools to express their creativity and paint a plow blade. Hocking Proud members Kiara Ivory, Jenna Ferguson, Katelyn Croghan and Alexis Nixon spent time over three days, including more than four hours on the third day, to finish their Hocking College inspired design on the 4 foot by 11 foot plow blade.
The second award was presented to the Geology Club with the "Green Award," for the Friends of the Hocking River Fall River Sweep. Last fall, several club members spent a day on the Hocking to collect debris and trash. Members retrieved 14 tires, miscellaneous debris and at least 10 bags of trash in and along the Hocking River.
The Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society (PTK) received the "Most Outstanding Contribution to Community" award for their Honors-In-Action Project. The Honors in Action Project encourages students to work together on a research project and develop a program to benefit the community beyond the campus grounds with a different topic each year. The topic last year was, "The Culture of Competition" and led Hocking College PTK students to focus on ways for small agricultural businesses to be competitive with corporate agricultural industries. They spent numerous hours conducting research and collecting data to reach a conclusion.
Dr. Erickson presented the "We Are One Hocking Award" to the English as a Second Language (ESL) 1143 Composition class for their incredibly successful fall book drive. The students worked to collect a variety of books to support the ongoing literacy efforts of Better World Books, an organization that has raised over $12 million towards literacy programs and libraries in the USA and Africa. The students collected 1,176 books, filling 41 boxes and weighing 2,050 pounds.
Students who were named to the Autumn 2013 Dean's List were also honored at the ceremony for their achievement.
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 Hocking Fish Management Students Work Hands-On with ODNR Staff
Hocking College Fish Management and Aquaculture (FMAQ) students are teaming up with Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife professionals this spring to help out on Lake Snowden projects.
The Capstone Fisheries Management class has already started their first project at Lake Snowden. The class is working on a Snowden fishery improvement project requiring bundling and deploying donated Christmas trees to improve the lake's habitat. Later this spring, the students will assist ODNR staffers on a largemouth bass population study calling for their skills in electrofishing, processing and marking and recapture of the bass in order to obtain data for ongoing lake management.
Mike Miltner, Hocking College Natural Resources instructor and FMAQ Program Coordinator, is pleased with the opportunity for cooperation with ODNR District 4 staff and the hands-on learning experience that will be offered to second year FMAQ students. |
 Therapeutic Riding Program Participates in Festival
The Atco/Hocking College Therapeutic Riding Program recently participated in the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities annual "Disabilities Awareness Festival."
The festival promotes the capabilities of individuals with disabilities in the community. This is the second year the Atco/Hocking College program participated in the event.
The Therapeutic Riding Program started in the fall of 2012. Sarah Baker, owner of EMBE Acres donates the use of her facility for one weekend a semester and during this weekend students from Hocking get a chance to work with individuals from Atco. The class is supervised by Heath Harter, Hocking College instructor, and Tami Harter, a certified riding instructor through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International and a workshop specialist at Atco.
 The partnership between Hocking College and Atco continues to grow. In 2009, individuals came from Atco once or twice a semester to learn horsemanship skills and decorate the horses. Since then it has grown to four visits a semester plus the weekend program. The visits during the semester helps prepare both the individuals from Atco and Hocking College students for the weekend when the individuals from Atco get to ride the horses. |
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Global Dialogues Features Hocking Students
Global Dialogues, an organization that strives to encourage creative young people to cultivate empathy, compassion and unity through the power of media, has completed a film incorporating ideas from two Hocking College students, Ndeye Penda Leye and Kaylee Dressing.
The organization hosts yearly contests to empower young people across the world to speak out about serious taboo topics such as child abuse and sexuality. The contest gives participants creative freedom to write fiction or non-fiction, create a video, play, poem or short story, but all creations must be related to a given subject.
Penda received a cash prize after placing in the top 20 out of more than 12,000 international entries last year for her fictional story, "Tears of an Angel" depicting the horrific mind games played by child abusers. Global Dialogues translated her story's concept and ideas into the film "Angel." Kaylee, although not a winner of a cash prize, was credited in the film for her compelling ideas.
This year's competition invites students to create a film on topics relating to HIV/AIDS, sexual violence against women or addiction. The top 20 international winners will receive a cash prize, as well as the top three overall winners. All entries must be submitted by midnight on April 12, 2014. For details on contest rules and requirements, click here.
See Penda and Kaylee's inspired film here.
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School of Natural Resources Receives Funding of Perkins Grants
Through the Perkins Grant process, Hocking College's School of Natural Resources has received the funding of several mini-grants. Each grant will provide the School of Natural Resources opportunities that encourage educational advancement and student engagement. - Kathy Temple-Miller - Biological Sciences: Grant will provide students with remote responders that allow faculty to measure student understanding throughout the course, as well as allow students to take texts, quizzes and participate in lectures.
- Ron Cass - Biological Sciences: Grant funds waterproof GPS units and portable solar equipment that will be used for mapping and field classes. These units will allow mobility and convenience to classes studying in remote areas.
- Heath Harter - Equine Health: Grant will offer therapy equipment to use for disabled riders during therapy riding sessions.
- Mike Caudill - GeoEnvironmental Science: Grant will provide a multi-gas monitor used to aid in environmental investigations.
- Scott Dunfee - Natural Resources GIS: A Trimble GPS Unit will be funded by the grant offering professional survey and mapping opportunities for students.
- Jackie Clark: Grant will fund a portable water distillation machine that will provide mobility and quality sanitation for all natural resources labs.
- Lance Booth - Farrier: A Blacksmith Buddy leg will be used for horseshoeing classes offering a chance to practice shoeing prior to trying to shoe a live horse.
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Graduation Awards Nominations Now Being Accepted
Nominations are now being accepted for this year's Graduation Awards. Awards include:
"We Are One-Hocking" Graduation Award Presented to one graduating American and one graduating International student who through their actions and involvement has made a significant impact on the cross-cultural understanding and campus unity at Hocking College. 
Richard Elston Award
In memory of Richard Elston, a former Hocking College Student Senate
president, this award recognizes a graduating student whose outstanding leadership has positively impacted the Hocking College community.
Student Life Award
Presented to any graduating student who has exemplified dedication and commitment to improving the quality of student life for all members of the Hocking College campus community. Student Employment Award Presented to a student who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in a position of student employment, to show extraordinary commitment to the job and provide outstanding service. Read more about the awards here, and find the nomination form here. Nominations are due to Giles Lee at leeg@hocking.edu by 5 p.m. April 4, 2014.
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 Athens County Children Services Encourages Wear Blue Day
Mark your calendars! Athens County Children Services are encouraging residents of Athens County to wear blue to demonstrate their commitment to the safety of children in the area on April 9, 2014.
Athens County Children Services received 1,640 reports of child and abuse this year, a dramatic increase from last year's 1,494. The best way to prevent abuse and neglect is to engage the community and raise awareness throughout the area. Be an active part of raising awareness and make sure to wear your blue! Check out the Athens County Children Services Facebook page for more information and spread the word about Wear Blue Day! |
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Board of Trustees Meeting
As a reminder, the Hocking College Board of Trustees will hold two meetings on Tuesday, March 25 at the Inn at Hocking College.
This will be the first meeting under the new board meeting format. The trustees will meet in a "Committee of the Whole" session from 4 - 6 p.m., followed by the regular Board of Trustees meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Both meetings are open to the public.
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 Cornerstone Course Provides Success for First Year Students
Cornerstone, formally known as Focus on Success, has proved itself as a beneficial and valuable program to those looking to prepare for their first year experience at Hocking College.
Cornerstone is a 15-week hybrid course that includes topics specific to Hocking College such as our technology, policies and procedures, services and extracurricular, as well as general college readiness preparation.
Based on the successes of the first class of students to take the class in Autumn 2013, Cornerstone has displayed its ability to serve its function properly. Results from the class showed 93 percent of the students indicated that they were better able to understand Hocking technology such as Moodle, and 63 percent reported that the course prepared them to excel academically in Hocking courses.
The Cornerstone program will continue to adjust and improve accordingly in order to offer the highest quality of learning for students. Additional improvements include the development of a shorter version of the course for transfer students, as well as, a completely online version.
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 Reminder: Campus Greens Offers Spring Lunch and Learn Workshop
The Campus Greens Department/Greenhouse Operations are offering another chance to get away from the cold and into the color at their "Lunch and Learn" workshop being held Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at the Tri-County Career Center Greenhouse from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Those who attend will be educated on garden layout, composition and size, as well as, the differences on raised beds versus in-ground beds. A how and why on composting will also be explained with a potato bin garden demonstration. Those who didn't get the chance to plant vegetable seeds at the prior Lunch and Learn will be offered the opportunity again. Remember to bring your lunch and take part in an afternoon of gardening inspiration.
Please RSVP to Andrew Freeman at freemana7003@hocking.edu by March 31.
Check out http://campusgreensgardens.blogspot.com/ and stay updated on Campus Green Department news, plus learn gardening tips, see photos and more! |
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Dell Offers Exclusive Spring Discounts
Dell is encouraging Hocking College to kick off this spring with new deals and discounts on their latest technology. A variety of products including laptops, tablets and televisions are offered as part of these exclusive perks only available to college employees and students. With some savings as high as $555, it's the perfect time to try out a new tablet or laptop.
Visit www.dell.com/dullu/hocking to see the latest deals and steals for Hocking College. |
Hocking College Alumnus Overcomes PTSD
In Midwestern United States, Hocking College alumnus Brian Caskey grew up in a troubled household.
"I felt and was told many times that things wrong with our family or items broken around the house was my fault. Being a sensitive soul, this influenced my self-worth. At the age of about 12, I started using drugs and alcohol."
Brian used some substance or activity for the next 30 years so that he would not have to live life on life's terms.
He was successful by most peoples' standards. He earned an Associate of Applied Science at Hocking College, a Bachelor of Science at Arkansas Tech University and a Master of Science at Jackson State University, usually on the honor roll. After college, his substance usage grew and pain medicine was introduced for shoulder pain. From the outside, Brian looked as if his life was near perfection. Inside, Brian was struggling with his childhood traumas.
Around August 2011, Brian became monotone. He could not feel emotions and was suicidal.
"That is when a power greater than I kicked in and took control and guided me back to my true path."
He found the courage to ask about counseling and was directed to the Sierra Tucson Wellness Center. There, he found himself.
He realized it is normal to have post-traumatic stress disorder after living in a stressful environment growing up, and over time spent at the Wellness Center, came to terms with his past.
Currently, he has moved to southern California where he is working on a Ph.D. in Holistic Life Coaching. He has recently formed a support group called Hiking4Wellness.
Hiking4Wellness raises money to help children and adults of trauma attend Wellness Centers across the United States. Their goal is to raise awareness of the potential lifelong effects of childhood traumas, which can lead to post traumatic stress disorder and addictions, if left untreated. Their primary fundraiser of 2014 will be a hike of the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine and then back again. More information can be found at www.Hiking4Wellness.com.
Congratulations, Brian! Hocking College is happy to see you have found your path to happiness. Brian is a great example of how it is never too late to start over.
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Faculty Participate in LBJ Anniversary
In honor of President Lyndon. B. Johnson's War on Poverty Speech given 50 years ago, Ohio University and other local community organizations will be hosting an open conference to discuss and learn about the impact of the War on Poverty in the region. Linda Deeds, Director of Professional Development, and Joe Wakeman, Associate Provost of Curriculum and Instruction, will be participating on the panel.
Four topics will be discussed during this conference including Federal Trio Programs and Financial Aid, the Appalachian Community and Technical Colleges, Ohio University's Impact on Appalachian Ohio and Development of Recommendations for the Future.
Deeds and Wakeman, as well as a faculty member of Washington State Community College, will discuss the opportunities community and technical colleges provide in the war on poverty. Developing concurrently with LBJs war on poverty, community and technical colleges have offered low-cost, open door access for Appalachian residents who lacked the opportunity of higher education. Their presentation will trace the development of two-year colleges, examine their present impact and look at their future potential socioeconomic change.
The conference will take place in McCracken Hall Room 106 at Ohio University on April 4 from 10:30 to 3:30 p.m. A closing session will conclude the conference at 4 p.m. in McCracken Hall Room 214.
The conference is free, but registration is required. For more information, visit http://lbjsoutheastohio.com/.
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FAFSA Fiesta! in Financial Aid
During the month of March, students have the opportunity to participate in events hosted by the Financial Aid Department to earn points and win prizes. The more points earned, the greater the chance of winning the grand prize, an iPad mini! Students can join Financial Aid for the FAFSA Fiesta on Friday, March 28, 4 - 6 p.m. in the Student Services Concourse in Light Hall for tacos in a bag and help with the FAFSA, if needed. Students earn 20 points for attending this event. This event is the last opportunity to win a prize and enter the Grand Prize Drawing for an iPad mini. Students can also bring a copy of their FAFSA Confirmation Page for 2014-2015 to the Financial Aid Department and get 5 points. Prizes include free lunches, Hocking gear and the grand prize is a new iPad mini. Read more about March Madness here. Questions? Email or call Financial Aid at 740.753.7061. |
 Live Healthy Appalachia Upcoming Events
Start up your spring season by participating in some of the many upcoming events promoting and educating the Athens area on smart gardening and healthy eating.
Seed Exchange - Saturday, March 29
From 3-5 p.m. at the Shagbark Seed and Mill, swap seeds with the Seed Savers Exchange, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and sharing heirloom seeds, to gift, swap, buy or sell seed varieties grown in the area.
Free Seed Potato Giveaway - Monday, March 31
Enjoy a free seed potato giveaway hosted by Community Food Initiatives from 12-6 p.m. at ACEnet on 94 Columbus Road in Athens.
Kidfest - Saturday, April 12
From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., bring the whole family to the OU Convocation Center to enjoy a fun-filled and kid-friendly day with a kid's health fair, food, games and prizes!
Athens Farmers Market
Don't forget to visit the Athens Farmers Market located at 1000 East State Street every Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for fresh and local produce.
30 Mile Meal Night
Support your community and enjoy all the delicious food it has to offer. Every Tuesday, Athens community members are encouraged to try a new local establishment. Visit the website for a list of restaurants participating in the 30 Mile Meal Challenge
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Hocking Adjunct Professor Featured in BareBack Publication
Scott Urban, Hocking College Adjunct English Professor, has been featured in the recently released collection, Hearing Voices, published by BareBack Press. Urbans's two new poems titled, "nameless" and "Car: For Sale" will appear in Hearing Voices, alongside other pieces created by writers such as Mike Algera, Alyssa Cooper and Jean Jones. This collection highlights new work by writers who are known for straightforward, sincere and passionate poetry that pushes the boundaries of contemporary literature. Hearing Voices defines itself as a collection that is bold and brave that features talented writers from around the globe. Urban's previous collections include, Alight, Skull-Job and Night's Voice. He recently had his collection "God's Will" published by Mad Rush Books in December and is excited to now be part of the new Hearing Voices collection. Hearing Voices: The BareBack Anthology is now available on the BareBack Press website and Amazon.com.
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 Free Scrap Tire Drop-Off Event Scheduled
The U.S. Forest Service's Wayne National Forest and the Athens City-County Health Department is hosting a free Scrap Tire Drop-off event Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 8 a.m. till 2 p.m. at the Wayne National Forest Headquarters, located off US Hwy 33 between The Plains and Nelsonville.
The event is being held in support of the mission of Keep Southeast Ohio Beautiful, a regional affiliate of Keep America Beautiful that's helping create a healthier and safer place to live, work and play.
The event has the capacity to collect up to 1,200 scrap tires, which will be later recycled. Once 1,200 tires are collected, collection will stop. No tires will be received after hours. No tires will be accepted from tire shops, dealers or repair shops. No tires exceeding 54 in. in height and/or 16 in. in width will be collected.
"The Wayne National Forest is excited to partner again this year with Athens County to help collect scrap tires from the local community. In the last two years, the public has brought in over 4,000 scrap tires through our partnership," Forest Spokesman Gary C. Chancey said.
The public is reminded that dumping tires is also a felony offense in Ohio. Funding for the event comes from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/wayne.
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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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Landscape Students Contribute to Ongoing Project
Hocking College Landscape Management Program students have dedicated their time and knowledge alongside hundreds of student and individual volunteers to develop the Universal Design Living Laboratory, a national demonstration of home and garden in Columbus, Ohio.
The Universal Design Living Laboratory is a facility that was formed from an idea after it's creator, Rosemarie Rossetti, suffered from a spinal cord injury. Rossetti, now paralyzed from the waist down, desired to continue her love of gardening and turned to the concept of universal design principles to create an accessible landscape accommodating people of all sizes, ages, and abilities. With the help of her husband, the Universal Design Living Laboratory project began calling on the assistance of 207 corporate partners and hundreds of volunteers.
Hocking College Landscape students were involved in the installation of several features included in the project. Students helped to install a 500-gallon RainXchangeŽ rainwater harvesting system with a 20-foot stream and waterfall contributed, designed, and installed by Aquascape, Inc.
The Universal Design Living Laboratory hopes to teach individuals how to create a more comfortable living environment through demonstrating opportunities offered by universal design principles.
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