Summer Registration for curriculum students is under way Online registration is going on now. It will end on May 18. A Late Registration Period (face-to-face) will be held May 14-17. Monday thru Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Friday A list of Summer 2012 classes is available HERE. Class Schedule Cancellations (Purge for nonpayment of tuition and fees) May 14 - 5 p.m. NOTE: During the Late Registration period, student class schedules will be canceled daily at 5 p.m. daily for nonpayment of tuition and fees. Summer classes begin May 21. Craven's largest class ever honored at Commencement The largest class ever to graduate from Craven Community College was honored at the college's 45th annual Commencement Exercises May 12 at the New Bern Campus. Hundreds of family members and friends were on hand for the ceremony, which recognized the achievements of a record 618 students in the college's associate's degree, diploma and certificate programs, its Basic Skills programs and Craven Early College. "Commencement is always the happiest event of the year for us at Craven," said President Catherine Chew. "It is a time to congratulate our students for their achievements, to recognize our students' families for the support they have provided and to salute our faculty and staff for the amazing work they have done throughout the academic year." Nearly 240 students donned the familiar "Craven blue" caps and gowns and took part in the festive event. In all, Craven awarded a staggering total of 960 associate's degrees, certificates and diplomas to 520 students this academic year. Additionally, 20 Adult High School students and 53 GED students completed their studies this academic year at the college and were recognized. Forty-eight students from Craven Early College (CEC) earned their high school diplomas. Theirs was the second class of CEC students to complete the innovative five-year program. Twenty-three of the 48 CEC graduates also received associate's degrees, while the rest earned varying amounts of transferable college credit. This year's featured speaker was Col. Philip J. Zimmerman, commanding officer at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. A link to the Sun Journal's story about Commencement is available HERE. Craven's Medical Assisting program continues to gain momentum Craven Community College's Medical Assisting program is gaining momentum and taking a more prominent place on campus and in the community. Program leaders recently received a charter for a Craven County Chapter of the N.C. Society of Medical Assistants (NCSMA). Also, the popular program is currently accepting applications for new students for the Fall 2012 semester. "You can go anywhere and be a medical assistant," said Tyrone Jones, one of two instructors in Craven's Medical Assisting program and president of the new Craven County Chapter of NCSMA. "It appeals to someone who enjoys working with people, is energetic and is goal-oriented." Medical assistants typically work in doctors' offices or other ambulatory care settings, where they often are the first professionals that patients encounter. They frequently handle initial assessment interviews and procedures, such as taking medical histories and vital signs, performing EKGs and phlebotomy, removing sutures and changing dressings. Medical assistants also may assist physicians with patients' exams and physicals, as well as minor surgeries. They also take care of administrative and clerical tasks, such as answering telephones, scheduling appointments and assisting with insurance billing procedures to ensure that offices run smoothly. Craven offers both an associate's degree and a diploma option in Medical Assisting. The program is selective, meaning that not all who apply will be admitted. Medical Assisting can be a great option for men and women who are looking for stable employment options in the growing health care sector, said Jones, who lives in Snow Hill. He was initially drawn to the field after his previous job disappeared. "I wanted to get some marketable skills," Jones said, adding that he enrolled at Lenoir Community College to get his associate's degree in Medical Assisting. He has since earned a bachelor's degree in allied health management. Jones said launching a local NCSMA chapter for current and future medical assistants is important because it will enable professionals to stay current on issues and technology in the field. It also will create networking opportunities and options for continuing education units (CEUs), he said. Applications for Fall 2012 enrollment in Craven's Medical Assisting program are being accepted through May 24. The application is available at www.cravencc.edu/educational/degrees/medical-assisting.cfm For more information about the program or the new Craven County Chapter of the NCSMA, contact Jones at jonest@cravencc.edu or (252) 638-1031, or instructor Karen Thomas at thomask@cravencc.edu or (252) 638-1030. Community Fabric Awards presented at luncheon event Nearly 600 people were on hand April 17 as the Craven Community College Foundation presented the second annual Community Fabric Awards luncheon at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. New Bern attorney David L. Ward, Jr. received the Excellence in Individual Leadership Award, and CarolinaEast Health System, Ray Leggett, president and chief executive officer, was recognized with the Excellence in Business Leadership Award. Donald Carpenetti, as the recipient of Craven Community College's Excellence in Teaching Award, received this year's Community Fabric Award for Leadership in Education. Ward, Carpenetti and CarolinaEast Health System each exemplify the purpose of the Community Fabric Awards, which is to showcase excellence in leadership as demonstrated by outstanding initiative, impact of service and inspiration of others. H. Martin Lancaster, president emeritus of the N.C. Community College System and a former United States representative from North Carolina, was the event's keynote speaker. Nelson B. McDaniel served as the master of ceremonies. Ward has been a long-standing pillar of our community, and his civic engagement is varied and accomplished. He has been a member of the New Bern Chamber of Commerce; a member of the Tryon Palace Commission; a member of the Tryon Palace Council of Friends; founding member of the Craven County Committee 100, Ltd.; and has served several terms as a member of the vestry at Christ Episcopal Church. One of the state's most honored attorneys, Ward also has been a trustee at his alma mater – the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His contributions are threaded throughout our community. CarolinaEast Health System, led by Ray Leggett, is an organization that has touched nearly every family in our community. It is one of the area's largest employers and is well-respected for its high level of compassion and care. Whether it is by offering cutting-edge health care services, supporting community health fairs coordinated by businesses and churches, or by direct philanthropic support for area non-profits, CarolinaEast Health System is an integral thread of the fabric of our community. Now in his third year at Craven Community College, Carpenetti's accomplishments are not limited to his chemistry classroom. He recently led a team of science faculty in a workshop titled, "Developing Undergraduate Research at Community Colleges: Tapping the Potential of All Students." Carpenetti has designed and led the Mad Scientist Camp for area youth over the last three summers and has led events during Craven's Middle School Science Outreach Day. He incorporates many techniques in his classroom. Most notably, he has incorporated creative writing assignments into his chemistry courses. Earn your Career Readiness Certificate at no charge! Craven Community College offers area residents a chance to earn the nationally recognized Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) for free! The CRC is administered by the company ACT through its WorkKeys program. It enables students to demonstrate their proficiency in Reading for Information, Locating Information and Applied Mathematics - all of which are important workplace skills. "The CRC certifies and attests that an individual has these skills," said George Kramer, an occupational extension coordinator at the college. "By earning the CRC, men and women can make themselves more marketable to potential employers and improve their opportunities for career changes and advancement." To earn this valuable credential, a student completes assessments in the three skill areas - Reading for Information, Locating Information and Applied Mathematics. The tests consist of questions and problems that occur in real world workplace situations. The exams are then scored, and students who place in the highest level (level 5) earn a "Gold" certification. Those who place on level 4 earn a "Silver" certification, while those who place on level 3 earn the "Bronze" certificate. Students scoring below level 3 do not earn the CRC, but there are online resources to help them brush up on their skills, college leaders say. Then students can retake any or all three parts of the exam to improve their scores. With help from a grant, Craven offers free testing for the CRC. The three-part exam usually costs $30. So far, area residents ranging from high school students to men and women who have been laid off have taken the CRC exams, said Kramer. Some area companies have made arrangements to have their employees tested for the CRC because it can potentially reduce the amount of time needed for on-the-job training. CRC testing also is an integral part of the college's ongoing JobsNOW effort, which is designed to help men and women quickly learn new skills in one of several key high-growth career fields, including law enforcement and health care. To participate in a JobsNOW program, students must take part in the CRC program. "That shows that the state of North Carolina places a great deal of importance on this," Kramer said, adding that a workforce with a high level of CRCs can be a valuable tool for encouraging businesses to stay in our community as well as for recruiting companies that may be looking to move into the area. For more information about the CRC, please contact Kramer at (252) 638-7289. New members inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Craven Community College recently inducted 71 new members into the college's chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Phi Theta Kappa honors the academic achievements of students at two-year institutions. To be eligible, a student must complete a minimum of 12 hours of curriculum course work at Craven and earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. The inductees, which include a transfer member from Lenoir Community College, represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds and programs of study. The new members are: Lee-Anna Nicole Alexander, Lisa E. Belt, Sharon Nicole Blango, Kristen Renee Bonner, Andrew Tyler Borner, Danielle Kay Branum, Tara-Lynn Britt, Kristen Marie Broome, John Burbine, Thomas Junior Byrd, Charles Michael Cabrera, Lori G. Calabrese, Saundra M. Campanelli, Jacqueline Y. Cary, Michael David Caudill, Michelle L. Cetera, Joseph Brian Charboneau, William Kirk Chisholm, Sarah Ann Coker, Richard Lewis Cooke, Mary Verna Celeste Costley, Betty H. Cutler, William Eason, Rachel R. Edwards, Katelin Jo Engel, Thomasina Fonville, Audrey Leonnette Foss, Dawn Games, Maralena Renee Gay, Ever A. Gifford, Christopher David Gremillion, Alexandra Danielle Hall, Jessica Renee Infante, Magan Marie Ipock, Andrea Nicole Jenkins, Laura C. Jimenez, Kimberly D. Johnson, Lisa O. Jones, Paula S. Jones, Margaret Barbara Juzwa, Samantha Jean Kerkenides, Anthony K. Lassetter, Patrick David Lebo, Regail Devone Lewis, Frazier Lewis Jr., Gail Lynn Lindsey, Jarrod Harley Marsh, Maurice Matthews, Kelly Baker Mayo, Elizabeth Kathryn Montanaro, Chelsea Nicole Morales, Timothy Joe Mullins, Erin Elizabeth Murray, Hugh D. Muse, Sara Madeline Neilson, Leon Earl Outerbridge Jr., William Clinton Parker, Trinita Laurece Petifer-Hardy, Kristina C. Powell, Oscar Thomas Quick, David M. Ryan Sr., Melissa Farmer Smith, Rachel J. Smith, Larry Michael Sowers, Sara Lynn Stafford, Katie Marie Styron, Melissa Trenum, Virginia Lorrie Van Dam, Amanda Jane Vega, Rachel Laurie Wheeler and Samantha Hailey Wallace. Students honored at Founders' Day Ball Craven Community College honored some of its highest-achieving and most active students at the Founders' Day Ball on April 21. About 200 people were on hand at the Carolina Colours Social Pavilion for the festive event, which provided the college with an opportunity to highlight students who have excelled in the classroom and who have been leaders on campus and off. The night's top awards included the President's Excellence Award, which annually goes to a student who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and had provided exceptional service to the college and the surrounding community. Also, each academic department's dean recognized two outstanding students from their respective program areas who have excelled in the classroom and outside of it. "We take pride in recognizing students for their high academic achievements and leadership skills," said Dr. Daryl Minus, the college's vice president of Student Services. "These awards help us to showcase some of our best students." Marlena Brokob of Havelock received this year's President's Excellence Award. Brokob, who will be transferring to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall, has served as president of the college's chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Brokob also received one of the two Dean's Excellence Awards from the Liberal Arts and University Transfer area. The department's other Dean's Excellence Award went to Christopher Gremillion of New Bern. The Dean's Excellence Awards for the Career Programs area went to Michael Sowers of New Bern, as well as all 10 members of the college's Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition Team. Team members are Tripp Beasley, Joshua Buck, Thomas Byrd, David Conner, Nathan Dayvault, Eric Hardy, Joseph Huffman, Rob Middleswarth, Ethan Warwick and Brad Welker. The two Dean's Excellence Award winners from the Health Care programs area went to students Beth Ann Durr of New Bern and Samantha Hailey Wallace of Seven Springs. Also at the event, student Andrea Oliva received the Student Services Leadership Award, while the college's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was recognized for its extraordinary service and dedication. Student Government Association officers, members of the Student Activities Board and the college's team of Student Ambassadors were saluted and thanked for their service to the college. Members of Craven's student clubs and organizations also were recognized at the ball, which featured a "South of the Border" theme, a catered meal and dancing. Early Childhood Education degree program earns national certification Craven Community College's Early Childhood Education program has received accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The NAEYC's Commission on Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation awards its prestigious accreditation to associate degree programs that demonstrate evidence of meeting the Professional Preparation Standards. Craven's program is one of approximately 140 accredited associate degree programs in the United States, with North and South Carolina representing 20 percent of those. Craven is the 15th accredited program in the N.C. Community College System. Dr. Terri Colòn, lead Early Childhood Education instructor, has led the college's accreditation process since December 2009. She received notification from NAEYC earlier this month that the college's new accreditation had been awarded for a period of up to seven years. "It took a village to get this accreditation," Colòn said, citing initial work by former program director Sherry Forrest and former Dean of Career Programs Mark Faithful. She also singled out adjunct instructor Lori Blaney, who helped Colòn develop standardized syllabi and course outcomes in line with new NAEYC standards. Other instructors in the program, including Pat Morrow, Rachel Eure, Kristin Coombs, Dorothy Smith-Davy and Carol Hawkins, were instrumental in providing course information for the accreditation process. In addition to its associate's degree program, Craven also offers a number of diploma and certificate options in Early Childhood Education and related credentials. "We are so proud of Terri and the work done by everyone associated with Craven's Early Childhood program," said Diane Tyndall, the college's chair of Business, Technology and Education programs. "Earning this certification took a long time, but it was worth it. It shows that our program is indeed a high-quality academic offering." Twenty-seven graduate from ADN program The following 27 people are graduates of Craven Community College's Associate Degree Nursing program for Spring 2012: Jessica Armstrong, Holly Barlow, Jennifer Barnum, David Besanko, Mindy Boeck, Joyce Brewer, Jennifer Bucklew, Hannah Caston, Kimberly Copeland, Jane Crotty, Sara Dennis, Tiffany Dunbar, Beth Durr, Shawn Klabo, Amanda Lacy, Charlotte Lane, Andrea Lofton, Maureen Neal, Meagan Needham, Heath Parrish, Stacy Paul, Sarah Rilinger, Rebecca Scott, Gary Smith, Sheila Stith, Sophia Theodorou and Michaela Williams. College salutes recipients of Excellence Awards Craven Community College has announced the recipients of its 2012 Excellence Awards. Donald Carpenetti, a Chemistry faculty member, is the winner of the 2012 Excellence in Teaching Award. Now in his third year at Craven, Carpenetti works hard to make his classes and lab activities relevant to students. He has redesigned the chemistry lab curriculum to include many inquiry-based experiments so students could improve their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. Not only was he the recipient of the college's 2012 Excellence in Teaching Award, Carpenetti also received the Community Fabric Award for Leadership in Education in April. Part-time math instructor Mary Winslow was honored as the second-ever winner of the college's Adjunct Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award. Winslow has been with the college for more than five years. She primarily teaches developmental math courses. Winslow brings real-world examples into her classroom and routinely makes herself available for extra help outside class. Her love for math shines through as she shares her enthusiasm for learning with her students. Sara Jones, Craven's laboratory coordinator, received the 2012 Staff Excellence Award. She often can be found on campus on the weekends preparing experiments for Monday classes and ensuring that faculty and students have all the resources they need for class experiments. Outside of class, Jones has been actively involved in many science and math outreach programs, such as the Science Outreach Day, Girls in Science program and the Mad Scientist camp. PTK chapter garners 14 awards at regional conference The awards keep coming for Craven Community College's chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society. The group brought home an amazing 14 individual and group awards from the recent Carolinas Regional Phi Theta Kappa Convention in Myrtle Beach, S.C. This year's strong showing comes just a year after the chapter garnered 10 awards at the regional convention. Chapter leaders say they are proud of the strong performance and of the work that PTK members are doing on campus and in the community. "Phi Theta Kappa is focused on community involvement and service," said Marlena Brokob, chapter president. "It shows our college's commitment to academic success and excellence, both in and out of the classroom." Phi Theta Kappa is an international organization that recognizes the academic achievements of students at two-year colleges. To be eligible, a student must complete a minimum of 12 hours of curriculum course work at Craven and earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Craven's chapter has been extremely busy in recent years. It has grown its membership and has worked hard to increase its profile on campus and in the community. The chapter helped to commemorate New Bern's 300th anniversary by researching and recording a series of historical "minutes" that were broadcast on Public Radio East and by creating a popular video documentary titled "Voices of New Bern." Chapter members have helped out with campus and community volunteer projects, and several members have received individual recognitions in the form of scholarships and other honors. Seven chapter members joined chapter advisors Kathryn "Kate" Amerson and Pamela Baldwin at this year's PTK regional conference. The 14 awards earned by the group, known officially as the Alpha Phi Nu chapter, were:
Brokob said chapter members are staying busy. The group is involved in a number of activities, and there are plans for PTK leaders and members who are traveling to South America in May to create a "Voices of Peru" documentary as the 2012 Honors in Action project. Brokob said she is happy the chapter has remained strong, even as many of its most active members have moved on to four-year universities or other endeavors. "In recent years, the chapter has been very active," she said. "I'm proud that we've been able to keep the momentum strong and build on their work." |
