Spotsylvania Mall erupts in a song of joy:
http://ping.fm/Gp9ma

The best of the Season to all:
http://ping.fm/agjLW

my holiday message to Germanna faculty and staff:
http://ping.fm/XuQwX

Holiday Message - December 2010

Perhaps you know and have read the O Henry story, “The Gift of the Magi,” a tale with the author’s customary ironic twist. Two young people, married, poor, both sell their most precious possessions to afford a gift for the other.

She cuts her long hair to give him a chain for his pocket watch.


He sells his pocket watch to buy her a set of combs for her hair.


They should both be disappointed that the gifts that cost so dearly are now useless. But they are not. And O Henry concludes:


“The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men--who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.”


Their wisdom is in sacrificing something that matters to give to others.


Those of you who work for Germanna Community College give of your time, your caring, and much of your lives to serve our students and communities. You give the precious gift of believing in some who do not believe in themselves, expecting much from those who expect little, giving your time and most of all your keen attention.


Each of you comes with different beliefs and customs. All of you could choose to work at many other places, perhaps for higher wages. But all of you choose to serve at Germanna, and I am deeply grateful for that gift.


Thank you---and may each of you enjoy a holiday with family and friends, and enjoy a peaceful, joyous New Year.


Find the complete story here:


http://www.auburn.edu/~vestmon/Gift_of_the_Magi.html

yesterday's college potluck gave us good fellowship as well as good food

News about Stafford County:
http://ping.fm/OC664

The middle & high school students today were impressive in their poise, presentations, & knowledge. I encourage schools to participate:
http://ping.fm/ccpew

serving as judge at the regional We the People competition in Manassas

attending meeting of Chancellor's Council of Presidents

Mark Fried - you will be missed.
http://ping.fm/N0Xpy

visiting State Senator Ryan McDougle in his General Assembly office

attended joint mtg of Orange Chamber & Rotary-introduced West Point Rotarian Colleen Bonadonna who is visiting 200 clubs for polio awareness

at the Orange Food Lion with Rotary Club collecting items for the Food Pantry

Good news for Spotsylvania
http://ping.fm/mddcY

Welcome Stafford Superintendent, Randy Bridges:
http://ping.fm/tRTMs

The headline could be a joke, but it's not:
http://ping.fm/IKzaH

More on Euro-Composites
http://ping.fm/aW15t

70 Jobs for Culpeper
http://ping.fm/UIYfu

Germanna Today - Episode Three - A Conversation with Doris Buffett
http://ping.fm/K0WzZ

Germanna Today - Episode Two - 40 years of history
http://ping.fm/AgCT6

Germanna Today - Episode One - Germanna's Mission
http://ping.fm/Cn2JW

Germanna Today - Episode One - Germanna's Mission
http://ping.fm/8z3Av

Germanna Today - Episode One - Germanna's Mission
https://mail1.germanna.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://cmn.pegcentral.com/flash/media_player_798b.swf?server=nu-rtmp.pegcentral.com%26account=cmn%26videoFilename=Germanna1.mp4%26pointer=2cd5592ea36ab1eabe0c6ea804a1da46%26inTime=0%26startState=pause

Good news for Culpeper County
http://ping.fm/Aqnvg

We thank the Hudson family for establishing the Gertrude Yowell Hudson Yates Scholarship at Germanna:
http://ping.fm/Jwh7g

attending Fredericksburg Chamber Legislative Session

meeting with Delegate Albert Pollard to discuss coming legislative session

meeting finalists for the new career counselor position

Congratulations to Germanna student and Eagle Scout, William "Billy" Thomas:
http://ping.fm/dQpKv

on air with Bob Hagan on Newstalk 1230

emcee at the Orange Community Memorial Christmas tree ceremony

speaking to and celebrating the honor inductees to Psi Beta for psychology students

Congratulations to the Germanna psychology students being inducted into the Psi Beta honor society this morning

Governor McDonnell Announces Investment in Higher Education
http://ping.fm/WNffx

Another successful Germanna Alum:
http://ping.fm/IkzuS

met 3 graduates of Germanna's nursing program at the Culpeper Surgical Center-they are great examples of our alumni doing good work

Congratulations to Germanna's retired Dean of Nursing, Jane Ingalls, for being named Virginia's March of Dimes Citizen of the Year
http://ping.fm/1LpNx

Culpeper Chamber is sponsoring a Legislative Breakfast on Dec. 2:
http://ping.fm/5GF4v

Save the Date: Groundbreaking
http://ping.fm/y9Owc

Save the Date: Groundbreaking for the New Science, Engineering & Library Building on the Fredericksburg Area Campus of Germanna Community College

** Save the Date **

Groundbreaking for the new Science, Engineering & Library Building 

on the Fredericksburg Area Campus of

Germanna Community College

Friday, February 11, 2011 (afternoon)

Please save the date for the groundbreaking ceremony for our new Science and Engineering Building at the Fredericksburg Area Campus. This 50,000 sq. ft. facility will support the educational and workforce needs of our region.

As a leader in the community, your participation in this event is extremely important to us. Details will follow and a personal invitation will be sent closer to the event.

Sincerely,

David A. Sam, President
Germanna Community College

having lunch with Germanna donor Adam Fried

congratulations to Misty Mesimer (GCC Dental Program Director) and her husband on the birth of their daughter, Donna

Our Great Expecations Program means a lot to foster youth in Virginia:
http://ping.fm/qXEY7

congratulations to Germanna's Dean of Students, Pam Frederick, nominated as VP for Bus. Ed.& Tech. at the Orange Chamber of Commerce

chairing the weekly meeting of the Orange Rotary Club

Germanna offers options:
http://ping.fm/uXmQg

chairing the regular meeting of Germanna's Leadership Team---we are discussing the book Crucial Conversations

A Thanksgiving Message:
http://ping.fm/z2p5V

Thanksgiving Message - 2010

Thanksgiving Proclamation 1777

by the Continental Congress:

the first national Thanksgiving proclamation

IN CONGRESS

November 1, 1777

FORASMUCH as it is the indispensable Duty of all Men to adore the superintending Providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with Gratitude their Obligation to him for Benefits received, and to implore such farther Blessings as they stand in Need of: And it having pleased him in his abundant Mercy, not only to continue to us the innumerable Bounties of his common Providence; but also to smile upon us in the Prosecution of a just and necessary War, for the Defense and Establishment of our unalienable Rights and Liberties; particularly in that he hath been pleased, in so great a Measure, to prosper the Means used for the Support of our Troops, and to crown our Arms with most signal success:


It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive Powers of these UNITED STATES to set apart THURSDAY, the eighteenth Day of December next, for SOLEMN THANKSGIVING and PRAISE

***

With these words, the first official proclamation of Thanksgiving by an American Government was made in a time of war for independence. Beginning in 1789, George Washington began the tradition of a Presidential Proclamation, a tradition that continues to this day.

The Pilgrim Hall Museum web site has all official national proclamations since then: http://www.pilgrimhall.org/ThanxProc.htm

***

Thanksgiving should be more than just turkey and football. It is a wonderful chance to gather together with those dearest to us. However, not everyone can be present at the table.

It is a tradition at formal military dinners to leave a place setting and an empty chair for those who were lost in action.

I humbly suggest that we all consider doing so this Thanksgiving to remember those lost in war, those serving in war, and thus to honor them. They would be with us if they could. So let us not forget them whether they be family, friend or stranger.

We may also want to use this opportunity for those whom we love who have died or are unable to be with us for any reason.

***

Finally, every holiday is most special for children. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to extend traditions and teach our children about our history, about the sacrifice of those who have served in war and peace, and model the deepest meaning of family and friendship.

May every one of you enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving with family and friends.

David


Happy Thanksgiving
http://ping.fm/hYyq9

We are thankful for those like Culpeper Supervisor Bill Chase and Orange resident William Howard who served in war and peace
http://ping.fm/pwyKZ

We are thankful for our partnerships with local area Chambers of Commerce
http://ping.fm/6oFmB

Social Media and the role of college president: http://ping.fm/HDgXS

More coverage of the donation from Capital One to our Middle College
http://ping.fm/Vqye9

Congratulations to Cheryl Huff for receiving a VCCS Professional Development Mini-grant to help improve online education

My poem of reflection on a year spent in Lead Virginia:
http://ping.fm/lTeCM

LG Bill Bolling viist Germanna's Daniel Center in Culpeper
http://ping.fm/sEsbh

Lt. Governor Bill Bolling spoke at Germanna's Daniel Center
http://ping.fm/R4tJG

Germanna thanks Capitol One for its investment in our Middle College:
http://ping.fm/Kzv7W

finishing Lead VA and graduating in Richmond - a great experience

Caroline County student to earn Associate's Degree at GCC before high school graduation:
http://ping.fm/sjJEa

Congratulations to GCC's 2011 NISOD honorees: Cheryl Huff, Patti Lisk, Sarah Somerville, Leigh Hancock for contributions to student learning

Congratulations to Win Stevens, GCC Disabilities Services Coordinator, recognized at the Champions of Disability Employment Awards Luncheon

Congratulations to Germanna faculty member Cory MacLauchlin who signed with Da Capo Press to publish a biography of John Kennedy
Toole.

Germanna's newsletter is available here:
http://ping.fm/lgYMs

attending VCCS State Board annual meeting

celebrating Connie Kincheloe's retiring from the state Foundation for Community College Education

enjoyed last night's Chamber dinner in Madison

convening President's Council for November followed by individual meetings with direct reports

We thank Doris Buffett for being such a friend of Germanna
http://ping.fm/O9ajA

Germanna is happy to be a partner in the new Workforce One-Stop
http://ping.fm/zWe9v

meeting with Nursing faculty to listen to their ideas and concerns

meeting with all full-time faculty to discuss reengineering, budget, and other items, answer questions, and listen to concerns

Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyances of a good example. - Mark Twain

welcoming Doris Buffett and her biographer Mike Zitz to their talk and book-signing at our Culpeper Daniel Center

Attended Local College Board meeting

Congratulations and our deepest thanks to Culpeper Regional Health Systems, Germanna's 2011 Philantropist of the Year
http://ping.fm/dwUCk

Doris Buffett speaks tonight at Daniel Tech Center | Star-Exponent http://ping.fm/yRf63

Remember Forever

On this Veterans' Day, we should pause to remember the sacrifice our men and women have made and continue to make to defend their country, to go where we ask them, and to do what we ask of them. We should thank any veteran we meet. Unless we have been there ourselves, we can only imagine what they have faced so that we at home do not have to.

In tribute and with humility, I offer the following impression:

      Marine

He has every warrior’s eyes,
slits in sooty face,
unfocused pupils that
gaze for long distances.

He has blood and smoke
for the warrior’s paint
battled in streaks across
his ancient face.

In a year, when he is home,
Kentucky backfires will
send him into action again,
ready to combat shadows,

stirring dreams etched in
engrams, permanent
patterns of flash and sound,
death and dirt, pain

and that giddy elation
of dealing in mortality.
He felt pain. He dealt pain.
In Fallujah he fought until

it fell in smoking ruin.
He knew the way the roadside
erupted in fire and cloud
like Yahweh’s smoking pillar

but without its message.
He is ancient. He is eighteen.
He is a lit cigarette dangling
smoke from a hundred

burning rubble piles
into a dreadful blue
Iraqi heaven.
He has every warrior’s

dream---to be as
dead as necessary for
one more day closer to
what once was home.

met with Caroline Schools Superintendent, Greg Killough, at his office in Bowling Green concerning our partnership

enjoyed the CEO breakfast at the Jepson Center listening to Robert Nutting of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Ogden Newspapers, and & Springs Resort

attended meeting with UMW, GMU, Stafford County, and MTCSC on possible partnership

Met with study committee of Stafford EDA regarding Germanna's future plans in the County

Had a great lunch & conversation with UMW president Rick Hurley at La Petite

Germanna Student Leaders Attend 2010 VCCS Student Leadership Conference in Richmond

Germanna Community College again sent a team to this year's VCCS Student Leadership Conference:

• Brittany Curtis, S.G.A. President, is a Science major.
• Kim Harding, S.G.A. Vice-President, is a Liberal arts Major.
• Loren Catlett,Treasurer of S.G.A., is majoring in General Studies.
• Carla Craft, S.G.A. Secretary, is a Liberal Arts major.
• Amanda Dodson, S.G.A. Senator, is a General Studies major.
• Mark Mattozzi, S.G.A. Senator, is also V.P. of the College Republicans and a Science major.
• Morgen Jones, S.G.A. Senator, is a Science major.
• Eric Tate serves as a Work-Study student assisting in the Student Activities office and is a General Studies Major.
• Paige Riley is this year’s Commonwealth Legacy Scholar and a General Studies major. 

Advisors  who accompanied the team include Jimmy Cassesse, Student Activities Assistant and Tami Goodstein, Student Activities Coordinator along with Dean of Student Services, Pam Frederick.

 

The students report that a major highlight of the conference was a presentation from Wes Moore. Moore is a Rhodes Scholar and combat veteran of Afghanistan who worked as a special assistant to Condoleezza Rice. Our students received copies of his book, The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates. The students found his comments inspirational. They had the opportunity to have him sign his book after the session.

 

On Saturday, I enjoyed presenting a session entitled "It's NOT All About Me: Servant leadership in a Time of Uncertainty" for about 60 of the 450 attendees.

My congratulations to the team who represented Germanna and their colleague students very well.

spoke about Germanna C C to the Madison County Lions' Club early this morning

Congratulations to Frank Kuhn Jr. proving you truly are never too old:
http://ping.fm/8K7TC

Germanna's Spring semester registration has begun:
http://ping.fm/cEhdd

Germanna Nursing students help community at Health Fair
http://ping.fm/mDPxD

so proud of the student speakers at Yesterday's scholarship reception and Foundation banquet Michael Ly, Shavanta Hayes, Jennifer St. John

Our deepest thanks to the Orange County Chamber of Commerce for its resolution congratulating Germanna on our 40th Anniversary

looking forward to today's Scholarship Luncheon with donors & student recipients & tonight's Foundation Dinner Meeting at LOW Clubhouse

Haiku:
Gray, trembling aspen,/sun streaked in autumn gold leaf,/rustling of old leaves.

Congrats to Marcy, our Great Expectations Coordinator, & our Financial Aid Director, Michael on the birth of son Benjamin Michael Farris

Congratulations to Chuck Gyory
- 2010 Henretty Outstanding Citizen of Culpeper http://ping.fm/UOY74

attending Culpeper Chamber dinner and awards cdremony

We thank the Culpeper Business Women’s organization for offering a “Moms” scholarship to women attending GCC this spring 2011 semester
http://ping.fm/QFX2k

attended and celebrating the ribbon-cutting for the new Fredericksburg Area WIB. A great partnership Germanna is proud to be a part of.

The loudest voice is not always the voice that should be heard---vote to be heard.

GCC Nursing students gathered 359 lbs of canned goods to Fredericksburg Food Bank in October---287 meals for hungry residents - great work!

presenting a student success workshop called "How to Get the Most out of Your College Professor"

chairing weekly Orange Rotary Club meeting

The GCC Educational Foundation Annual Meeting and 40th Anniversary Gala is this Friday at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse in Orange County

Congratulations to Eastern Shore CC President Linda Thomas-Glover on her Inauguration Friday October 29.

25 College Presidents You Should Follow On Twitter (Thanks for the compliment)
http://ping.fm/gIe96

GCC partners to explore Stafford Tech Center
http://ping.fm/P9lrg

Halloween event to benefit vet memorial at GCC Culpeper:
http://ping.fm/FS0GH

A great event to help raise awareness of and support for research for breast cancer at our DTC
http://ping.fm/0GFiY

New option for GCC students - Stafford Loans
http://ping.fm/EA9Yv

just completed a very productive "Planning Fair" with our College Leadership Team - great work folks!

Congratulations to Carolyn Bynum and Germanna's Middle College program for receiving a $20,000 grant (10k/year for 2 yrs) from Capitol One.

Celebrate 40 Years - Germanna Educational Foundation's Annual Dinner Meeting: Nov 16 at 6:15pm in the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse, Orange VA

attending the October meeting of Germanna's College Council

Germanna is seeking an HR Director. Please forward this link to any likely candidates:
http://ping.fm/Th09Y

GCC Gets $15000 Grant to Increase Industry Certifications: http://ping.fm/8Fase

GCC Gets $15000 Grant to Increase Industry Certifications

We are pleased to announce that Germanna Community College has been awarded a grant to Grow Workforce Credentialing in the amount of $15,000 from the Virginia Community College System.  The grant is designed to enable colleges to increase the number of students completing an industry certification or licensure and thereby support the Achieve 2015 goal of student success.  Congratulations to Martha O'Keefe for her success in leading this effort.

attended weekly meeting of the Chancellor's Advisory Council of Presidents

chairing bimonthly meeting of VCCS presidents' technology committee

just met our two Dutch visitors from technical colleges there---Welcome Jacque Peeters and Marja van Noort-Trum

chaired this month's President's Council meeting

Congratulations to Butch Davies for a much-deserved recognition:
http://ping.fm/AO5f4

Germanna Wins Marketing & Communications Awards

At this year's VCCA Excellence in Communications Awards judged by Virginia Commonwealth University's Creative Services Department, Germanna's Marketing & Publications won the following awards:

• First Place - 3D Objects (40th Anniversary Pin)

• Second Place - Signage & Displays

• Second Place - Catalogs & Schedules

• Second Place - 3D Objects

• Third Place - Annual Reports & Viewbooks

Congratulations to Barbara Marinaro and Barbara Taylor.

Have your say - Rappahannock United Way
http://ping.fm/dQtqd

despite the rain, GCC Educational Foundation's Ray Glazebrook Golf Tourney was held today - we thank the sponsors and golfers

Our balanced scorecard will soon be available as one way we are accountable to our communities and stakeholders
http://ping.fm/8RB29

Despite the heavy rain, the GCC Educational Foundation Ray Glazebook Golf Tourney was held today - my thanks to sponsors and players

Monday Oct 25 Green Jobs Conference
http://ping.fm/c130g

Congratulations GCC pre-nursing student, Jayne Flanders:
http://ping.fm/xkGs7

About 500 helped celebrate Germanna's 40th yesterday
http://ping.fm/1lezw

We appreciate the Star Exponent's kind editorial but 14,000 students will go through GCC in this year and hundreds of thousands have in our history:
http://ping.fm/vRyXu

Our own Jeanne Wesley on community colleges:
http://ping.fm/EOvSF

"Unsung heroes":
http://ping.fm/xCS7F

Come hear noted Historian, Frank S Walker Jr.---Today:
http://ping.fm/QLisL

GermannaFest Today!
http://ping.fm/ApC2O

Congratulations to GCC graduate, Darleen Neff:
http://ping.fm/F37vq

Come one, come all: This Saturday Oct 9 at GCC's Locust Grove Campus - GermannaFest. Free. Music. Food. History. Fun. From noon to 7.

attending the 2010 Virginia community college disaster planning & recovery summit

arose early to talk about this Saturday's GermannaFest with Ted Schubel on NewsTalk 1230 during the drive time

welcoming the Dental Assisting Accreditation visiting team

Germanna Sponsors Green Jobs Conference for Oct 25, 2010
http://ping.fm/3Jx0y

Germanna's Fall 2010 Green Jobs Conference Scheduled for Oct 25 at the Culpeper Daniel Technology Center

Monday, October 25, 2010

A one-day conference on opportunities for

green living & working

Germanna Community College Daniel Technology Center, Culpeper, Virginia

Green Communities

Green Jobs

WORKSHOP SERIES:

9:40-10:40 – repeated 10:50-12:00

Green Building Professional Development

• The Changing Building Code:

Jeb Paarfus, Culpeper County Green Building Resource Center

• Marketing High-Performance Homes:

Amber Stewart, ICF International

• Green Building Training & Certification Options:

Sustainability Works

Andrew Grigsby, Principal, Commonwealth

Efficiency and Green Living for Consumers

• Top Ten Home Energy Upgrades:

Adam Letcher, Owner, Building Performance Retrofitters

• LEAP, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, and HomeStar: Understanding the New Programs

for Home Energy Improvements:

Cynthia Adams, Director, Local Energy Alliance Program of

Charlottesville/Albemarle County

• The Local/Organic Food Business Opportunity:

Environmental Council with panelists

Don Lock, Conservation Officer, Piedmont

Green Business

• Smart Grid, Smart Buildings, Pace Financing, Renewable Energy:

Rappahannock Electric Co-op

• Cloud Computing:

Terremark

• LEED Buildings:

Turner Construction

• Green Roofs:

Oscar Warmerdam, Owner, Sempergreen

Welcome:

8:15 - 8:45am

Dr. Sam, President, Germanna Community College

• Frank Bossio, Administrator, Culpeper County

Kickoff Plenary:

8:45 - 9:30 am

The Green Technology Transformation: Virginia’s Business Opportunity: Dr. Carole Inge, CEO, The National

Institute for the Commercialization of Clean Energy

Luncheon/Keynotes:

12:00 – 1:30pm

Virginia’s energy future:

Stephen Walz, Director, Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy

Energy Independence: Federal Efforts:

Senator Mark Warner’s office

Call 540-937-2900 and register now: Only $20 which includes lunch.

Joseph R. Daniel Technology Center

18121 Technology Drive, Culpeper, VA 22701

540-937-2900 • www.germanna.edu/workforce

GCC Marketing Department wins award:
http://ping.fm/OyqG7

Germanna Marketing Department Wins Thoth Certificate of Excellence

Congratulations to Germanna's  Marketing Department  for winning the Thoth Award Certificate of Excellence in written communications for last year's Annual Report. This award is given by the DC chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Celebrate Constitution Day:
http://ping.fm/VXu52

GCC Students - Student Govt. Elections Underway:
http://ping.fm/RWG8U

Student Government Elections Underway

Germanna students:

Elections are currently underway for Student Government President, Vice President and 8 senator positions. This is your opportunity to make your voice heard.
To vote:

Sign into Blackboard

1. Click on “GCC Student Activities” in the “My Organizations” box
2. Click on the blue “Voting/Surveys” button on the far left at the top of the page
3. Click on the SGA Office elections survey to vote for President and Vice President – you can vote for one candidate for President and one for Vice President
4. Click on the Senator Elections survey to vote for Senators – you can vote for up to 8 individuals

 Voting closes at 5 pm on Wednesday, September 22, 2010.

If you have ideas on how we can all work together to make our community better, have your say at
http://ping.fm/7qP8c

had enjoyable lunch meeting with Tim Tobin, CEO of the Spotsy Med Ctr

attending regular meeting of Community Action Task Force or Rappahannock United Way

Germanna Community College's Center for Workforce and Community Education awarded $16,500 Institute of Excellence Grant

Germanna Community College's Center for Workforce and Community Education has been awarded a $16,500 Institute of Excellence grant for the development and implementation of a Medical Office Assistant program. With the region's growing population base, two new hospitals, and the expansion of regional clinics, Germanna is committed to working with the college's medical partners to support local health care community needs. In addition to being identified locally as a important career, it has been identified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as an occupation "growing faster than average."


The local health care community will identify curriculum needs and local one-stops will help identify potential program participants. The new program will incorporate field trips, job shadowing, and possible internship/externship opportunities, to enhance learning and foster employment success.

My thanks to Dean Martha O'Keefe for her leadership and work and to all of those who assisted her.

Jammin' for Germanna:
http://ping.fm/MCB0n

Germanna Community College Announces Class of 2011 - President's Leadership Academy for Faculty and Staff

Germanna Community College is proud to announce the inaugural class of our new President’s Leadership Academy for employees of the College. Over 40 qualified faculty and staff were nominated for 14 spots. Therefore, the selection was especially difficult and many others who were equally deserving were not selected. We hope they will be nominated for future classes.


Those selected more than met the criteria as described in their nomination forms and come from a variety of roles, responsibilities, backgrounds, and college locations. The Class of 2011 includes members of all five employee groups and will begin their monthly sessions on September 17. As part of their work together, the Class of 2011 will split into two teams, each to work on an internal service learning project to benefit the college and the people we serve.

Please join me in congratulating the members of the Class of 2011:

Full-Time Faculty

• LaZalia Richardson (English, Fredericksburg Area Campus - FAC)
• Samantha Wilson (Nursing, Locust Grove Campus - LGC)
• Shashuna Gray (Biology, FAC)
• Cory MacLauchlin (English LGC

Part-Time Faculty

• Don Taylor (Communications, LGC) 
• Tina Lance (Business, FAC) 
• Jillian Noel (Professional Studies, FAC) 

Classified Staff

• Aubrey Collier (Facilities, FAC)
• John Brittingham (Technical Services, Culpeper Center - DTC) 
• Kelly Wolfe (Counseling, LGC)
• Pat Monical (Organizational Planning & Assessment, LGC) 

Administrative Faculty 

• Julie Mersiowsky (Distance Learning, FAC)
• Cheri Ober (Workforce Development - FAC- Regional One Stop Center)

 Wage Employee  

• Kristy Morton (Business Office, FAC)

One of our bravest students. GCC is proud to serve "Summa and her children:
http://ping.fm/XA7yn

support Germanna Com. College when you buy your next vehicle plate:
http://ping.fm/CKZdb

"Great Expectations" for foster care youth:
http://ping.fm/PCxds

yesterday: meeting of college Leadership Team on planning for "Challenge and Change"

More coverage of our Win-Win grant:
http://ping.fm/VVoHV

Germanna's having a birthday:
http://ping.fm/nlB5H

North Stafford center 'bulging at the seams'
http://ping.fm/3zc2l

attending the monthly College Council meeting and doing a presentation on "Challenge and Change" and the VCCS reengineering task force

attending the bimonthly board meeting of the Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development

meeting with senior staff and consultants from Hanover Grants to improve our success rates at earning grants funding

GCC has been selected to participate in project “Win-Win,” an effort to contact current or former students in completing associates degrees.

coaching a recent Germanna graduate on how to become a college teacher

greeting the Small Business Sales Growth seminar attendees at the Fredericksburg Area Campus

meeting with and then speaking to full-time faculty in their first meeting of the new academic year

Good news---GCC has received a Chancellor's Award for Career Coaches & therefore we are expanding our program to serve Orange High School

presiding over this week's Orange Rotary Club meeting

last night's part-time faculty convocation was attended by 200 - I enjoyed meeting and talking with these valued teachers

enjoyed a spirited President's Council meeting today followed by lunch with Charlie Payne

Congratulations to Tom Blalock
http://ping.fm/L7Lyo

with team from GCC, attending Chancellor's annual planning retreat

with team from GCC, attending Chancellor's annual planning retreat

Great news for Caroline County:
http://ping.fm/GhkHn

had a great meeting yesterday w/Anthony Romanello and Tim Baroody of Stafford Cty and Rick Hurley of UMW on needs for higher ed. in Stafford

attending meeting of the Community Impact Task Force for Rappahannock United Way

Getting ready to talk with the Fredericksburg Chamber's Next Generation leaders group:
http://ping.fm/svzOh

Two Germanna leaders named to 2011 Class of Leadership Fredericksburg.
http://ping.fm/BldJ0

Germanna Leaders Named to 2011 Class of Leadership Fredericksburg

My congratulations to the members of the 2011 Class of Leadership Fredericksburg and to Germanna's own, Russell James and Win Stevens.

This announcement acknowledges that all of you are already leaders and that you are recognized by your colleagues and the Chamber as people well worth investing in.

From the annoucement:
The Leadership Advisory Board is pleased to announce the Leadership Fredericksburg 2011 Class Fellows:

Rob Adams – Stafford County Public Schools
Brandon Bailey – Union First Market Bank
Mike Bielinski – M & T Bank
Sara Branner – Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Michael Colangelo – Johnson Realty Advisors, Inc.
Terry Cunningham – Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center
Eric Fletcher – Mary Washington Healthcare
Jennifer Hawkins – Stevenson Ridge
Russell James – Germanna Community College
Tony Kala – Courtyard by Marriott
Ellen Killough – Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center
Amy Lamb – Mary Washington Healthcare
Dermaine Lewis – Wachovia Bank
Matt Mitchell – Virginia Commerce Bank
Allyson Moerman – University of Mary Washington
Mary Parnell – Rappahannock Region Small Business Development Center
Krystal Sams – PBGH, LLP
Mike Smith – Stafford County Government
Terria Spencer – Union First Market Bank
Win Stevens – Germanna Community College
Eric Stohr – BCI, Inc.
Amy Thamvanthongkham – SunTrust Bank
Leigh Anne Van Doren – Fredericksburg Parent Magazine
Sarah Walsh _ Rappahannock United Way
Kara Ward – Vanderpool, Frostick, & Nishanian
Beth Williams – Hilldrup Moving & Storage
Whit Yelverton – Mary Washington Healthcare

Our thanks to Doris Buffett and her Sunshine Lady Foundation for investing in our students.
http://ping.fm/QpslT

had an enjoyable lunch with the newest Local College Board member, Tony Troilo, of Culpeper

Most of Germanna's graduates remain in their local communities:
http://ping.fm/cZzV3

Triplets will be Germanna students this fall:
http://ping.fm/97NES

attending the last meeting of the 2009-10 Germanna College Council

GCC alumn Audrey Baise - A wonderful example of the new generation of servant leaders. http://ping.fm/aXOnN

met with Jon Krawchuk and MIke Zitz at Channel 21 in Culpeper to plan out the "Germanna Today" television shows

attending first meeting of Germanna's President's Council for the new fiscal year

Success: Germanna's Accreditation - Full Compliance

It gives me great pleasure to report that SACS reviewed both of our required Monitoring Reports at its recent June meeting and found that the College had satisfied all recommendations. This means that no additional follow-up is needed.

I would like to take a few moments to thank all of the members of the college community for their outstanding efforts in helping the College make such dramatic progress that Chancellor Dubois and our SACS staff liaison had complimented us on our progress. Many faculty, managers and staff worked very hard to achieve this success.

In particular, I would like to thank the following:

• The members of the Assessment Steering Committee for their efforts in keeping academic program and general education assessment efforts on track
• Marcy Pride, Karen Bowers and the staff of the library for their efforts to ensure that our library services and resources met accreditation requirements
• Associate Dean Paula Gentry for her tireless efforts in the areas of academic assessment and serving as an effective liaison to academic program heads

I wish to especially thank Dr. John Davis, GCC’s Director of Organizational Planning & Assessment. As the College’s accreditation liaison Dr. Davis was responsible for much of the operational and tactical activities that comprised our responses to the recommendations. In this role, he was responsible for shepherding us through this entire process and drafting our Monitoring Reports.

Again, my deepest gratitude to all of our faculty and staff for what they do every day and for all they did in helping the College to successfully complete this leg of our reaccreditation journey.

Congratulations to our own Shawn Gill on the birth of her healthy baby boy on July 5.

chairing first meeting as President of the Orange Rotary Club

attending the regular meeting of the Board for the Thomas Jefferson partnership for Economic Development in Charlottesville

Good news for commuters to our Fredericksburg Area Campus:
http://ping.fm/gYyGW

having breakfast with college VPs and Foundation Director

Other Person of the Year Sponsors: Merrill Lynch / Holmes, Riley & Associates - University of Mary Washington

Other Person of the Year Sponsors: Dominion Resources/Dominion Power - Butch Davies & Ms. Marty Moon

Other Person of the Year Sponsors: Culpeper Regional Health System - Culpeper Wood Preservers (Joe & Linda Daniel) - Union First Market Bank

Our thanks to sponsors of last night's Foundation Person of the Year event - Mary Washington Healthcare – Event Sponsor

1992 Starcraft camper being raffled to benefit William Carrington Memorial Youth Fund - tickets $5 each from any Orange VA Rotary member

attending a debriefing meeting of the GCC Commencement team and thanking them for coordinating a wonderful event this year

greeting and talking with local business leaders attending seminar on doing business with the Federal Government, cosponsored by FRA and GCC

Memorial Day – Remembering Fallen Officers

As we remember and honor the fallen, we should thank those in law enforcement who protect us here at home. Here are some from our region who died in the line of duty:

Deputy Sheriff George Robert Lillard Jr.
Culpeper County Sheriff's Office, VA
EOW: Sunday, November 20, 1960

Officer Roy Glen Wright
Fredericksburg Police Department, VA
EOW: Tuesday, May 5, 1964

Officer William Franklin Mines
Fredericksburg Police Department, VA
EOW: Tuesday, May 5, 1964

Police Officer Todd Allen Bahr
Fredericksburg Police Department, VA
EOW: Friday, June 6, 2008

Deputy Sheriff Craig Lamont Brooks
King George County Sheriff's Of..., VA
EOW: Friday, May 15, 1998

Detective Richard Lee Samuels
Spotsylvania County Sheriff's O..., VA
EOW: Thursday, September 22, 1988

Deputy Sheriff Ford T. Humphrey
Stafford County Sheriff's Office, VA
EOW: Thursday, October 9, 1980

Deputy Sheriff Jason Edward Mooney
Stafford County Sheriff's Office, VA
EOW: Friday, October 19, 2007

 

Source: The Office Down memorial Page

http://www.odmp.org/browse.php?abbr=VA

Dr. David Sam and Michael Latsko

Dr. David Sam and Erika Smith discussing "How Would You Brand Southern Virginia"

Mel Tull, Bill Dunnington and Dr. David Sam in front of the pace car at Martinsville Speedway

Dr. David Sam down on the track at the Martinsville Speedway

Tracey White, Dr. David Sam, Edie Patterson, Crystal Twitty, Michael Latsko, Dr. Marilou Johnson and Jim Corcoran at the Smith River Sports Complex

Dr. Liam Leightley, Executive Director of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research giving the Class of 2010 a tour of the facility

Memorial Day 2010

As we gather with friends and family and enjoy a long weekend, may we all enjoy good company, good food, and good times.

Let us also—each in our own way—remember those who put themselves at risk so that we may be safe and free to enjoy such weekends. And let us not forget those of every war who paid the highest price in their nation's service.

What follows is a partial list of those who cannot be here with us this weekend. We honor their sacrifice:

Cpl. Nicolas D. Parada Rodriguez

May 16, 2010

29, of Stafford, Va

Army Cpl. Ryan C. McGhee

May 13, 2009

21, of Fredericksburg, Va

Marine Sgt. Donald J. Lamar II

May 12, 2010

23, of Fredericksburg, Va

Army Col. Jon M. Lockey

July 06, 2007

44, of Fredericksburg, Va

Army Sgt. Dustin J. Perrott

June 21, 2007

23, of Fredericksburg, Va

Army Staff Sgt. Robert M. Stanley

March 05, 2007

27, of Spotsylvania, Va

Marine Sgt. Joshua J. Frazier

February 06, 2007

24, of Spotsylvania, Va

Army Col. Paul M. Kelly

January 20, 2007

45, of Stafford, Va

Army Pfc. Edwin A. Andino II

September 03, 2006

23, of Culpeper, Va

Marine Cpl. Brett L. Lundstrom

January 07, 2006

22, of Stafford, Va

Marine Cpl. Christopher L. Weaver

January 26, 2005

24, of Fredericksburg, Va

Army Sgt. David A. Ruhren

December 21, 2004

20, of Stafford, Va

Army Spc. Nicholas C. Mason

December 21, 2004

20, of King George, Va

Army 2nd Lt. Leonard M. Cowherd

May 16, 2004

22, of Culpeper, Va

Source: The Military Times: Honor the Fallen http://militarytimes.com/valor/search.php

Germanna hosts high tech nursing conference

GCC in the news:

Daniel Center is site of state gathering focusing on use of human simulators.

in Culpeper at our Daniel Center welcoming attendees at the Virginia State Simulation Alliance conference of nursing educators

attending the Board meeting for Germanna's Educational Foundation

meeting with candidates for the Career Counselor position

100% of Dental Hygiene Students pass their Boards. Germanna's program is a partnership w/NVCC. Congratulations.

Germanna in the News: From the Stafford County Sun
http://ping.fm/uMuH0

3131 Pounds Lost - $156,610 gained

The Culpeper Just Drop It Campaign resulted in more than 3,132 pounds lost by participants and a resulting donation of $156,610.00 for the Nursing and Allied Health Programs at Germanna Community College.

The goals of helping people to be healthier and better manage their diets were possible through the leadership and support of Culpeper Regional Hospital, Powell Wellness Center, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Daniel and Germanna Community College.

The Hospital, Wellness Center and the Daniels committed financial support to the College and its joint program in nursing with Eastern View High School as a way of challenging participants and investing in the long-term health of the community. This donation will go a long way towards helping Germanna educate the next generation of nurses and health care workers. We thank them for their ongoing support

Our deep appreciation to Sandy Boone at the PWC, Lee Kirk from CRHS, Greta Haggerty from GCC, Joe and Linda Daniel, and other stakeholders including our faculty and nursing students. And congratulations to all the participants. You won both by becoming healthier and by helping Germanna Community College and its students.

attending the last Local College Advisory Board meeting of the 2009-10 academic year

at the head table with Governor McDonnell, Speaker Howell, Sen. Stuart, Del. Cole during the Stafford County Business Appreciation Luncheon

our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Marine Corporal Nicholas Parada-Rodriguez as we honor his service and sacrifice

Congratulations GCC Educational Foundation Bd member, L. J. Moyer, for receiving the Anne Crowe Essig Memorial Award for Community Service.

Congratulations to Amy House, Financial Aid Processor at Germanna CC, for completing her Associate in Business, summa cum laude.

My Welcome and Comments at Today's Nursing Pinning Ceremony

Good afternoon. On behalf of the Local College Board, Administration, Faculty and Staff of Germanna Community College, welcome to the 2010 Nursing Pinning Ceremony.

In honor and recognition of these newest nurses and of nurses everywhere, please let me begin by reading a poem:

Ode to a Nurse

She is a symbol in her immaculate white,
Softly treading through the stillness of the night,
Quick to cope with a sudden emergency,
She is that wonderful nurse who is on duty;
Day in and day out the constant rounds she will make
Weary, tired, the patient, she does not forsake,
Gently caressing the crying, frightened child,
Tenderly caring for the bedridden senile;
She is the nurse, the beautiful Angel in white.
She is like a star, shinning ever so bright,
Many tears, and smiles along the way she has seen,
But she will stand up, ‘ever like a great Queen.

This poem was written by a nurse, my mother, Ann J. Sam.

Her story is her own, but not very different from those of many of you who are graduating this year. She was one of 11 children who survived to adulthood in a family of Polish immigrants. She grew up in poverty, moving from house to house as her father worked the jobs he could find in Western Pennsylvania.

Of those eleven, all but one dropped out of school to help earn money for the family. The one who graduated from high school was my mother.

She dreamed of being a nurse, but her mother laughed and said, “We’re too poor. Just work any job you can until you find a husband.” And so she cleaned houses for several years and did some part-time bookkeeping.

WWII gave her an opportunity that otherwise may never have come: The Nurse Cadet Program. She had her education paid for by the government in return for a commitment to serve as a military nurse if needed. The war ended before she graduated in 1946 and so she did not serve in the Army.

But her life was one of service, especially through her career as a nurse. She was old school. She always wore her whites and her cap and her pin.

Last March, when she died at 91 years of age, she was still a licensed nurse.

I learned a lot from my mother, including what it meant to be a nurse. In the last part of her career, she worked as night nurse supervisor at a nursing home.

In her last few weeks of life, she struggled with pain, with fear, with confusion. It was hard for all of us in the family to watch.

But time after time in the hospital or the rehabilitation center, one nurse after another came to her side, ministered to the body and the machines, but also to her mind and spirit, held her hand, calmed her down, prayed with her, helped her to deal with her fears. Those nurses also cared for us, the family, listening to our concerns, helping us to deal with our fears and our mourning as mom slid away.

One day, one of the last days that I saw her alive, I was in the hospital room as a different nurse entered, checked the monitors, changed a drip, then talked quietly to mom. That nurse held mom’s hand, helped her to quiet her fears as mom knew her time was coming.

She spoke briefly to me and began to leave the room. It was then that I noticed that her name tag said “Ann, RN.”

I said, “Ann, you are an RN?”

She said, “Yes.”

And I said, “Ann who is an RN meet Ann who is an RN,” and I pointed to my mother. “You have just done for her what she did for countless people in her career. She worked at a nursing home. She held the hands of so many who were dying. She would be honored and proud to know you because you carry on in the great tradition of what it means to be a nurse. Thank you.”

And Ann the RN went back to Ann the RN and spoke quietly to her again about being a nurse. Then she finished, leaving the room.

So to you who are in the audience and are nurses, and to you who are about to become nurses, on behalf of families everywhere, on behalf of patients everywhere, thank you for ministering to our bodies, our minds, and our spirits. Thank you for making our pain a little less, our fears a little less, our hope a little more, our health a little better, and our final passing a little easier. You may not know how much of a difference you make, or you may not be thanked enough even if you do.

My mother is a tough act to follow. But, graduates, I know all of you will do her and nurses everywhere proud. Congratulations.

Thank you all for answering the great calling of nursing.

Germanna Students Volunteer at the 2010 Youth Health and Safety Fair - Mary Washington Hospital

My thanks to Greta Haggerty and 24 nursing student volunteers who helped out during this year's Youth Health and Safety Fair at Mary Washington Hospital on April 29, 2010.

According to Mary Washington Hospital Trauma Services, they helped provide "injury prevention-related education to over 180 middle school students from Stafford County Public Schools and Saint Francis of Assisi School. We reached many children by giving them knowledge and hands on experience regarding different aspects of good health and important safety practices....On behalf of Mary Washington Hospital Trauma Services, we greatly appreciate your involvement with our Youth Health & Safety Fair."

We are proud of you for this community service.

100% Pass Rate for Dental Hygiene Students

Germanna's Dental Hygiene students had a 100% pass rate on the Southeast Regional Board Examination (SRTA). This is the clinical exam that all of our graduates must take in order to apply for dental hygiene licensure in the Commonwealth.

Congratulations to the students and our dental faculty.

Germanna's Nursing Team wins second place----Excellence in Education Award

At New Horizons 2010: Discover What’s Next--- the Virginia Community College's annual conference, Germanna's Nursing Team won second place in the Excellence in Education awards (Best Practices in Teaching Face to Face category) .

“Beyond the Virtual Hospital: Clinical Simulation in the Virtual Community Setting” involved team members Karen Mittura, Katherine Quartuccio and Alice Doeppe.

Congratulations to Karen, Katherine, Alice, and Germanna's Nursing Department.

Financial Aid Applications Increase by Over 80%

As of today, Germanna Community College's Office of Financial Aid has received 2068 Financial Aid applications (FAFSA) for the 2010-2011 Academic Year. Last year on this date we had received 1134 FAFSA applications for the 2009-2011 Academic Year. This change represents an 82% Growth from last year to this year thus far.

My thanks to our dedicated Financial Aid staff who have responded to the challenge despite having no additional help.

Furlough Day

Dear Germanna Employees,

We are pleased to announce the State Board for Community Colleges has approved our request to use current year revenues to allow us not to take an unpaid furlough day. This means faculty and staff will not have to forfeit a day's pay.

We had hoped we could take this action as a small way of recognizing how hard you are all working and of not causing harm to your paychecks.

Thank you for all you do for Germanna and our students.

David Sam

Nursing Program Accreditation Reaffirmed

In its February 2010 meeting, the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission reaffirmed the accreditation of Germanna's Nursing program until 2015, when the next regular visit is scheduled.

My thanks and congratulations to our nursing faculty and staff and to all who support our nursing program.

Two Germanna Students Selected as 2010 COCA-COLA National Finalists

Germanna Community College students, Pamela Petzold and Rosana Marzullo-Dove, have been selected as a 2010 COCA-COLA NATIONAL FINALISTS! Selection as a Coca-Cola Finalist was based on scores earned in the All-USA Academic Team competition. This program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and is administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. As a NATIONAL FINALIST, these students will be provided each with a check for $1,000 this summer.

We congratulate both as very deserving of this recognition.

Celebrating my Mother's Life

My thanks to all who have sent my family and me your condolences and also to those who have generously contributed to the nursing scholarship in her name. Below is from the ceremony celebrating her life:

***

Welcome, Spring - by Ann J. Sam

Winter days have slowly gone
Leaving the snows behind,
The blustering cold is done
And signs of Spring I find;

The robins, hopping, chirping
Boldly facing the chill Of the new
Spring days lurking
With a touch of winter still;

But-bright is the sun shining
Blue are the skies above,
Flowers are bravely blooming
Giving Spring a gentle shove;

Soon the grasses will be green
And the trees with their new leaves,
These signs of Spring will be seen
For winter, we do not grieve;

So, blow gently the sighing winds
Come softly the soothing rains,
Upon the earth you will descend
Bringing welcome to Spring again.

***

My mother, Ann Joan Kon Sam, died on March 17, 2010, after a short illness.

In her time on this planet, she gave her children life and more than life. She gave us a love for life, a respect for life, the wisdom to celebrate life. She gave us a love for those things that enhance and celebrate life: art, music, poetry, reading, writing. She gave us a love for nature and animals, a desire to protect and preserve and value nature and all life.

She gave us a love for people, a deep respect for them, and a need to live a life of service above ourselves. She gave us the joy to laugh, to be playful, to have a healthy sense of humor.She gave us a love for good food, for cooking, for gardening, for food as a way to bring friends and family together. She gave us the courage to try new things, to recover from falls, to take responsibility, to be adult, to journey out, to learn, to grow, to pioneer.

She was the first in her family to complete high school, to get a professional job through her nursing education. We were among the first to graduate from college, to get advanced degrees, to become teachers ourselves.

She did not have the most loving of-parents, nor did she have a secure childhood. She gave us a loving parent and a secure childhood, and taught us to be parents and give the same to our children. In her youth, she remembered those few who were kind and generous, and she become kind and generous, and she expected that we would be kind and generous.

Above all, she loved. With passion and commitment she loved. With forgiveness and gratitude she loved. With humor and generosity she loved. So she taught us to live our lives with love, with an ethic of service, with playfulness and with commitment and with faith. With Meister Eckhart she would agree, "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough."

We say, Thank you mom, for the gift of life and how to live it, and most of all for the gift of you.

***

Hands - by David A. Sam
(For my Mother, Ann Joan Sam)

Hands, wonderful tools,
full of grasping, plucking,
strumming, stroking,
full of fists,
made for numbering,
made for thumbing.

Like all wonders, hands must
wither, becoming sculpture
of arthritis, blue-veined
deltas of decay.

My mother's hands once
held me, fed me,
cleaned me from the mess
of diapers, soothed and bound
my wounds and bruises.

My mother's hands
held a book, stroked
a punning pen, caressed
the life around her,

pale transparent flesh
over the green/blue tributaries
of her history.

***

Near her end, she said, "I guess it's the end of the story.... Time to write another story." She wrote an amazing story with her life. We will miss her as she goes on to write your next story.

To honor her courageous life, we have set up a scholarship in her name. Its purpose will be to help those who want to become nurses but, like her, find finances a barrier.

Contributions may be made to:

The Ann J. Sam RN Scholarship for Nursing
Germanna Community College Educational Foundation
2130 Germanna Highway
Locust Grove, Va. 22508.

Germanna Again Among the Fastest-Growing Community Colleges

Germanna Community College was listed as number 28 on the list of fastest-growing community colleges with headcount enrollments between 5000 and 9999.

In data provided by the US Department of Education, Community College Week newspaper listed community colleges who grew rapidly between Fall 2007 and Fall 2008.

http://www.ccweek.com/news/articlefiles/1490-CCW113009-AllPages.pdf

Germanna grew at a rate of 10.4% during that period.

Germmanna Employees Generous Despite the Tough Times

The 2009 Combined Virginia Campaign has ended. This is an opportunity for state employees to use payroll deduction to give to charitable causes.

Germanna Employees donated a total of $15,346. Out of 133 State agencies that contributed, we were number 24 for total contribution. Our percentage of donation compared to last year is 109.2%. This is a great accomplishment and speaks highly of our faculty and staff who have gone without raises and have taken on additional work as our student enrollment grows by about 10% a year while our state budget continues to be cut.

I am very proud to work with such caring people.