THE ROCK

RCC and Chinqua Penn Enter into Partnership

WIN A $50 BOOK STORE CERTIFICATE!

Enter RCC’s “Constitution Day” (September 17) Contest!

Attention RCC Students! 

Please consider joining Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges.  Your campus chapter has a limited number of scholarships available to cover the one-time membership fee.  Funds will be awarded on a need/merit basis.  For more info contact Ben Wooster at woosterb@rockinghamcc.edu

Satterfield Will Head Student Success Center

For the past four years, Derick Satterfield worked at Mayland Community College in Spruce Pines with at-risk youth; guiding them through the process of obtaining a GED and encouraging them to continue their education by earning a degree.  He’s bringing that experience to Rockingham Community College as the new director of the Student Success Center.

The year-old center is designed to help students with a variety of needs – from study skills to time management – in an attempt to increase the likelihood of a successful college career.  Counseling is available as well as a variety of resources.

“I like working with this population,” said Satterfield, a Reidsville resident.  “I want to see them succeed and when they do, it’s rewarding.  It’s what makes me want to go to work every day.”

Satterfield earned a bachelor’s degree in textile technology from N.C. State University and master’s in education from Western Carolina University.

Sept. 6-7:
Folk Festival Moves to Fall

Businesses/nonprofits welcome at Folk Festival

Each year, hundreds attend the Rockingham County Folk Festival.  This year the festival is slated for Sept. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The extended hours provide businesses and nonprofit organizations 16 hours to showcase their products and services to people from across the county and beyond.

Rockingham Folk Festival coordinator, Vicki Longhofer, is currently accepting booth applications from businesses and nonprofits.  Applications may be received by contacting Longhofer at rcacdram@yahoo.com or by calling 336-349-4039.

Folk Festival Sept. 6-7:
Swing to the beats you love  

Whatever your taste in music, you can find it at the 19^th annual Rockingham County Folk Festival held on the Rockingham Community College campus in Wentworth.  This year’s extended hours – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 6 and 7 – gives you more hours to enjoy tunes that will inspire, excite, and delight.

Bring the entire family for hours of fun.  This year’s lineup is:

Saturday, Sept. 6

10 a.m., Vicky Wilson & Divine Host.  Gospel.

11 a.m., Jeni & Billy.  Traditional country, bluegrass, folk, Appalachian, country blues.  He has opened for Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Janis Ian and more.  She honed her skills as a song lyricist as a student of Pulitzer Prize winner and occasional rock lyricist, Paul Muldoon.

Noon, Slate Mountain Ramblers.  Family old-time band with a winning tradition of placing at fiddler’s conventions.

1 p.m., Michael Ken.  Country.  Ken won the 2006 Nashville Music Network’s annual talent show.

2 p.m., Heather Maxwell.  World music, afropop, R&B, and alternative rock.  Liven up your afternoon with this unique blend of musical styles.

3 p.m., Tucker Street.  A cappella barbershop harmony quartet.  Contemporary blend of current four-part harmony songs.  This quartet regularly competes in the Dixie District which represents seven southeastern states.

4:15 p.m., Calabash Blues & Boogie Band.  Music based largely on Texas/Mississippi/Chicago blues of the 40s and 50s.

Sunday, Sept. 7

10 a.m., Terry Agnor.  Christian music.  Many original songs.

11 a.m., Heather Berry & Tony.  Appalachia – a musical form that eventually became bluegrass.  Autoharp is prominent in their music.

Noon, GGB (Gods Garage Band.)Contemporary Christian.  This band is based in Madison.  Some original music.

1 p.m., Campus Tradition.  Bluegrass and country.  Comprised of three RCC employees and one RCC retiree.  This group has a following all its own.

2 p.m., Viajero Show.  Family Latino band.  Various styles and genres of Mexican and Latin music.

3 p.m., The Jeanette Williams Band.  Original, traditional, contemporary and gospel bluegrass, along with acoustic and classic country.  SPBGMA female vocalist of the year, state champion of the year, state champion male vocalist, Chris Austin songwriting contest winner.

4 p.m., Still Cruzin.  Motown, golden oldies, New Orleans jazz and blues, Carolina Beach and Shag, Old School fun, R&B, Swing, and current and classic dance tunes.  Opened or performed back-up for internationally acclaimed artists such as Percy Sledge, The Drifters, The Four Tops, Archie Bell, James Brown, B.B. King, Chairman of the Board and many more.

The Rockingham County Folk Festival music is free.  Treat yourself.  Treat your girl or guy.  Treat the family.  As noted, the music changes every hour.  Performances are held in the Apple Amphitheater so you can come and go as you please.  There’s room to dance and food vendors will be there to slake your hunger or thirst.

The planning and implementation of the festival is a cooperative endeavor of the Rockingham County Arts Council, the Rockingham County Fine Arts Festival, the Rockingham County Historical Society, and Rockingham Community College.

Major sponsors include the Rockingham County Government, RCC, and the RCC Foundation. Corporate sponsors include Duke Energy and the News & Record. 

Egypt:
Travel with RCC to the
Land of the Kings

Student Government Association Installs New Officers

SGA officers for 2008-2009 are (left to right) Jeana El Sadder, president; Adam Cardwell, vice-president; William Benge, parliamentarian; Crystal Boswell, public information officer.  Not pictured are Stephen Castle, treasurer and Brittany Dalton, secretary.

Campus Improvements Continue

            Paving of gravel pathways, replacement of a cooling tower, and repair work at the James Library and Advanced Technologies Building are among campus improvements scheduled this fall.

            The college opened bids on Aug. 12 for paving the gravel paths that run through the center of campus.  Applying asphalt on these paths will make them more usable for foot traffic.

            The cooling tower at the Advanced Technologies Building has developed major leaks, and the college is working with an engineer and contractor to replace the equipment on an emergency basis before it fails.  The tower, which is beyond its expected life, helps to air condition the 20-year-old building.

            The college also is working with another engineer on two other projects:  repair of cracked concrete underneath the balcony at the rear of the library, and replacement of glass blocks in the stairwells of the Advanced Technologies Building.  Both these areas have been marked off with caution tape for safety.

            Several other projects were completed this summer.  The gym floor was refinished, with new lines painted to correspond with National Junior College Athletic Association basketball rule changes.  The college’s maintenance staff re-landscaped the front of James Library.  The stage at the Apple Amphitheater, which had developed cracks, was repaired in time for graduation ceremonies in July.  Also, the roof drainage system at the Industrial Annex was repaired, thus extending the life of the roof.

            Design work continues on the McMichael Civic Center, a 41,000-square-foot facility that will include a theater, exhibit hall, and office space for several non-profit agencies.

LAC + MLC = AT3:  One-Stop Shopping for Academic Needs

     When the Early College program came to campus last spring, the Learning Assistance Center (LAC), which had been located on the second floor of the Humanities Building since its beginnings back in 1993, had to find a new home.  After some discussion, it was decided that combining the LAC with the Multimedia Learning Center (MLC) would produce the perfect combination in one place:  all of the technology of the MLC and all of the student help and tutoring of the LAC.  The result is an exciting new center, Academic Technology, Tutoring, and Testing (AT3, for short). The AT3 is now open for business in the ADT Building, room 106, the home of the former MLC.

      Known for its excellent technology and independent study business courses already, the AT3 also houses the equivalent of the Writing Center on other campuses.  In addition to individualized help for writing projects, the AD3 helps students learn study and test-taking skills valuable for student success.  “Over the last eight years, I’ve been sending students to the labs that now make up the AT3,” said Assistant Professor Bob Costa.  “I have seen quantum changes in the quality of writing assignments, even as early as the next assignment.”

      “All students should take advantage of this center,” added English instructor Robert Brandon.  “For my students who take advantage of the center, two things happen:  First, their grades improve.  But, more importantly, their writing also improves.”

      One of this year’s peer tutors in the AT3, Joe Somers, is paying back to this year’s students the help he received his first semester at RCC.  “My history teacher suggested that I go to the lab to learn to write essay test questions.  What I learned helped me write the 4-6 page paper I had for his class.  My motivation for tutoring is that I want my fellow students to have the same success.”

     “I’m really glad that RCC has a place at which students can get help,” added Meredith Brown, a peer tutor for the last four semesters. 

     The AT3 is open from 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Monday through Thursday, 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 on Friday, and 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. on Saturday.  Individualized FREE tutoring is available from 8:30 to 3:30 Monday-Thursday and 8:30 to 12:00 on Friday.  Expanded tutoring hours are expected.  Students can call Extension 2123 for appointments or submit papers to martinj@rockinghamcc.edu for online help.  Walk-ins are also welcome.  Students should bring a copy of their instructor’s assignment along with their own writing when they come for a writing session.  Schedules for Spanish tutors will be posted as soon as they become available

Planning to Complete Your Program?
Here's What to Do Now!

Are you planning to complete your program requirements at the end of the semester?  If you will complete all of your requirements for a certificate, diploma or degree at the end of the fall semester, you need to complete a "Notice for Degree" form and turn it in to the Records Office as soon as possible.  We need for you to notify us when you have completed your program requirements. 

 The "Notice for Degree" forms should be completed at the time of registration for the semester in which you expect to graduate. The last day to submit a "Notice for Degree" form for the students completing requirements at the end of the fall semester is Friday, October 17, 2008 at 5:00 PM.  The graduation fee can be paid at a later date and must be paid whether or not you plan to participate in the graduation ceremony.  We need for you to apply for graduation now so we can verify that you are in the process of completing your program requirements, order the appropriate degree and prepare our lists for graduation.  The next graduation ceremony will be May 15, 2009 so apply now if you plan to graduate in May.

Please see the information below that is printed in the college catalog concerning graduation.  If you have any questions concerning your academic progress, please feel free to contact your faculty advisor or a counselor in the Student Development Division.

Application for Graduation:

 Students who expect to complete requirements for a degree, diploma, or certificate must apply to the Records Office for graduation by filling out a Notice for Degree form. These forms should be completed at the time of registration for the semester in which the student expects to graduate. Graduations are held at the end of the spring and summer semesters.

To be eligible for graduation, the student must have completed the appropriate program requirements, have a final cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in the selected program of study and have cleared all indebtedness to the college including tuition, fee, fines, etc.

It is the policy of the college that at least 25 percent of the Semester Credit Hours required for graduation be taken at RCC.

The college encourages participation in graduation, but if you choose not to participate, you can pick up your degree, diploma, or certificate from the Records Office during regular office hours after the day of graduation.

R.J. (left) and Chris Marks, former athletes at RCC, have returned to campus as coaches.

Former RCC Athletes Return to Coach Baseball Team

The Marks brothers - R.J. and Chris - are baseball players, coaches, and aficionados of the game. Natives of Brown Summit, the two climbed the ranks from little league players to college athletes to coaches and/or instructors.

"I think you're born with a love of the game," said older brother R. J. Marks. "It's in your blood."

The two are bringing their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm to Rockingham Community College's baseball program - for the second time. They were once RCC athletes. In fact, R.J. was team captain of the college's inaugural baseball team in 2000-01. Now he has accepted the position at RCC as the head coach. Chris, who played on the team from 2002-04 and was named to the All-Region 10, will serve as assistant.

"This area has talent pool of great baseball players. I hope to take them and make this a program the college and the area will be proud of."

In experience, the two have their bases covered. R. J. excelled as a catcher and outfielder; Chris as a pitcher and infielder.

They have a string of records, too. R.J. Marks was a two-time All-Conference baseball player at Guilford College where he served as team captain during his senior year. For seven years he has instructed children through adults at the Greensboro Batting Center, worked as a strength coach at Carolina Acceleration in Greensboro, successfully operated a family business since 2004, served as head coach from collegiate to the Greensboro Palomino and Pony levels, and managed the Stan Musial League which were North Carolina runners-up for four consecutive years.

He graduated from Guilford College with a bachelor's degree in exercise sports studies and is married to the former Haley Rumsey of Madison. The couple expects their first child in fall 2008.

Chris Marks graduated from High Point University in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in sports fitness and training. In addition to RCC, he was a scholarship player at Lander University in South Carolina, and a member of the Thomasville High Toms in the Coastal Plain Collegiate league. Chris has pitched an all-star game and won the Southern Collegiate Baseball League championship for the Kernersville Bull Dogs. He has worked as an instructor at the Greensboro Batting Center.

As head coach, R.J. Marks' philosophy is simple: "Our players, in this order, must be quality citizens, excellent students, and exemplary athletes. My goal as coach is to develop strong student athletes and to help them move to the next level athletically and academically."

Tryouts for the team were held in July. For more information, call 342-4261.

 New CWED Dean Praises NC Community Colleges

Former director of the Adult Basic Education and Family Literacy program at Clatsop Community College in Astoria, Oregon, Bill Pierson, has been named dean of community and workforce education division at Rockingham Community College. Pierson started his new duties July 7. He replaces Lisa Hendren who retired July 1.

"This is a great opportunity," said Pierson. "The North Carolina system is known throughout the country. It's a chance to work in a well-designed, robust system that is nimble and can respond to community needs quickly."

Pierson received his education at Oregon State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in adult education/history/cultural anthropology.

In addition, Pierson brings 15 years of business management experience through his work in the copper mining industry.

Pierson says he will be pursuing grants to enhance current programs, developing partnerships with the public and private sector, and will continue offering more online courses.

Sigma Kappa Delta Offers Challenges to Prospective Members

Sigma Kappa Delta is an English Honor Society for two-year colleges and will be sending out letters for eligible members to join the Nu Gamma chapter in the upcoming weeks. If you are selected as a candidate for membership, please consider joining. There are four hallmarks of this society. The first is to recognize the student’s academic achievement, particularly in English coursework. The second is to promote the love of reading. The third is to connect students with similar interests and goals, and the fourth is to reach out to others, both on campus and in our surrounding community. We will be taking field trips this semester to Chinqua-Penn for Gatsby Day and another to the Shakespeare Festival in High Point. Members will receive an e-mail inviting them to the first meeting for the semester, set for September 23^rd at 2 pm. We will be welcoming our new members and discussing other agenda items. Please plan to attend this meeting; we need your participation.

Irish Visitors Share Their Culture with Rockingham County

Rockingham Community College spent a month hosting two Irish women studying the local educational system. The 22-year-olds hold master's degrees in education from the University of Ulster in Coleraine, Ireland.

"Our teaching methods and yours are quite similar," said Colleen McCullagh, an English, drama, and media graduate. "What we found especially interesting were the community college classes. Many of the adults attending those classes have been out of school for a while and it was interesting to see how they adapt to the classroom again."

As part of their education of the American educational systems, the visitors were treated to a wide variety of activities. They toured RCC, attended and participated in several RCC classes, visited three high schools and a middle school, volunteered in fourth and fifth grade classes, and participated in an ESL class. County and RCC students were treated to talks about the Irish culture and educational system and demonstrations of Irish sports.

For fun and cultural enrichment, they attended drama productions and Grasshoppers baseball game, participated in local sports, ate local foods, shopped, attended church services, and met and socialized with both UNCG and RCC students.

"Everyone has been so nice," said Carol Lynch, a geography and personal development graduate. "This is my first trip to America. It's so big I thought people wouldn't care about a couple of women from Ireland, but I was wrong. They have been interested in us and in Ireland. Everyone has been very kind."

By coming to the states, the two women missed their July 2 graduation ceremony. But since jobs are hard to come by right now in Ireland, they say making the trip was educational and will help their resume.

"It will show we are willing to meet challenges and branch out," they explained.

On July 27, the two headed back to Ireland where Lynch will soon begin teaching geography at a secondary school (the equivalent of American middle and high schools) and McCullagh will coach soccer while waiting for a job opening. The 22-year-olds hold master's degrees in education from the University of Ulster in Coleraine, Northern Ireland and are fully qualified to teach the equivalent of K-12 in Northern Ireland.

Rockingham County Folk Festival Sept. 6-7

Musical Performers

Clockwise from top left: Jeanette Williams, Still Cruzin, Campus Tradition, GGB, Michael Ken, Calabash Blues & Boogie Band &Slate Mountain Ramblers.

College Works to Cut Student Commuting Costs

In response to the crippling cost of gas, Rockingham Community College administrators have begun reformatting the curriculum schedule.

"Fifty percent of our student population attends college part time," said Dr. Robert Keys, RCC president. "These are individuals who have jobs, families, and community commitments. As commuting costs rise and they look for ways to cut costs, I know they will logically look at their education as a place to make cuts."

Keys and his staff began exploring avenues to minimize students' commuting costs in ways that would not jeopardize services.

In response, college deans were able to reformat 20-25 business and science classes for the fall semester.

"Some three-day classes were consolidated into two and some five-day classes were consolidated into four," said Keys. "We will reformat more classes for spring semester and our goal by summer 2009 is to operate the college on a four-day week academic calendar."

At that time, the college will still be staffed five days per week but for most students the academic week will run Mondays through Thursdays. One exception would be clinical classes for health science programs. To make the four-day academic week a reality the hours classes are offered may have to be extended. Classes may begin at 7 a.m. as early as spring semester 2009 rather than at 8 a.m. as it is now.

Other possible plans for curbing student costs include offering three-hour courses on Fridays to replace those currently offered on three separate days for one hour each day, weekend courses which will allow students to take most or all of their courses on Friday nights and Saturdays, expanding online and hybrid courses, and offering some classes off-campus in various communities throughout the county.

"We need to rethink the campus boundaries to include the entire county rather than limiting our offerings solely to our campus in Wentworth," said Keys. "It makes more sense to send one instructor to a community location rather than have 30 students commute to our campus."

For that to be possible, however, enough students from an area would have to participate to make it cost effective for the college.

Keys also asked the Student Development staff to create and activate a referral service for students who want to carpool. This will be in place for this fall semester.

"Students are our priority," said Keys. "Since we live in a county with no public transportation, it is incumbent for the college to consider ways to minimize the costs incurred by every student who wants to continue his/her education. We have and will continue to actively pursue ways to bring those costs down. And we will continue to reassess our efforts and make whatever adjustments are necessary to minimize costs and maximize convenience to our students."

Where Can I Park?

Rockingham Community College is fortunate to have five large parking lots convenient to campus buildings.  The college attempts to provide safe and orderly roadways and parking areas for all who study, work, and visit the campus.

Most parking spaces on campus are designated for students and visitors.  A limited number are marked for faculty and staff.  Others are designated for the disabled, and a few are marked for visitors only.

The college’s five main parking lots are located across from the Science Building (Lot B), near the Humanities and Industrial Technology I and II buildings (Lot C), in front of Whitcomb Student Center (Lot D), at the Gym, Advanced Technologies and Owens Human Services buildings (Lot E), and at the Bishopric Lifelong Learning Center (Lot F).

Drivers who find one lot full should go to another lot, instead of sometimes blocking traffic while waiting for a space to open up.

Parking in the Administration Building lot is primarily for visitors.  Fifteen-minute parking is allowed in spaces in front of the building.

Parking regulations are in effect during day and evening hours.

Parking citations will be issued for failure to comply with campus regulations.  Fines in the amount of $5 are due for failure to display a parking sticker, parking sticker improperly displayed, prohibited parking (in roads, service roads, etc.) or unauthorized parking in reserved spaces, and utilizing two parking spaces.  Parking illegally in disability access spaces carries a maximum fine of $250.

“We’ll issue warnings the first few days of the semester, although continuous violations could result in a ticket,” said John Oakley, campus security officer.

Fines can be paid at the switchboard/reception desk in the Administration Building.

All students are required to register their vehicles.  Temporary parking permits are available for visitors and others who need to drive an unregistered vehicle on campus.

Oakley also encouraged drivers to keep their windows up, secure their valuables, and lock their doors when they leave their vehicles.  “We have a safe and secure campus,” he said, “but we also do not want to invite thefts and other crimes.”

What's New at the James Library?

by Michael Rose
Public Services Librarian

We've been busy over the summer at James Library, and there are several changes we want to share with you. The appearance of the library's web page has changed. Take a couple of minutes to get familiar with the new look. All databases are now available via an alphabetic list or a subject list. There is now only one password required to use all of our databases. The password will be sent to all enrolled students by college email during the first week of classes. No password is required for on-campus use. NetLibrary, our ebook database, is now accessible directly from the top of the library's homepage. Under "Guides & Tutorials", we have four new online tutorials with audio to help you improve your research skills. Check out our new Graphic Novel collection (http://www.rockinghamcc.edu/library/
graphicnovels/graphicnovels.html) and our display of new DVD's that arrived over the summer. And we have two blogs, the James Library Herald (http://jameslibraryherald.blogspot.com/) and Book Love (http://booklove.wordpress.com/) that you can read to learn more about our collections, technology news, and other issues that affect the library. Our new library hours are Monday - Thursday, 7:45 am to 7:00 pm, and Friday 7:45 am to 3:00 pm. Welcome to the Fall Semester at James Library!

Take a Look at Photos from the Historical Collection

Within the Rockingham County Historical Collections section of the James Library web page (http://www.rockinghamcc.edu/
library/index.html), we now have a small sample of images from the collection available for viewing (click on "Digital Photographs"). The pictures are hosted at Flickr, the Web 2.0 image hosting website. New images will appear on the page throughout the fall semester. To go directly to the collection page, click on this link (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockcc_histcoll/); click on images to read the full caption.

Subway Returns for Third Year

Subway restaurant begins its third year of operation this fall in Whitcomb Student Center.

The restaurant, open 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

“From breakfast biscuits to fresh salads and subs, Subway offers a variety of options to RCC students, as well as the entire Wentworth community,” said Andy Strand, the marketing director of the Subway  restaurant. Strand is the marketing manager for 12 Subway restaurants in the area, including restaurants in Eden, Mayodan, Stokesdale, Reidsville, Madison and Kernersville.

Other aspects of RCC’s food operation include snack and Pepsi machines throughout campus. 

“We are glad we can provide these options for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors,” said Tony Gunn, associate vice president for administrative services at the college.

Student Success Center Is Now Open!

We are open and look forward to helping you achieve your academic and career goals.

WHO: We are a service of Rockingham Community College.  Our job is to help students reach their academic goals.

What: We assist students in developing skills for academic success and for overcoming personal barriers.

When: 
M     8:30 am-5 pm         
T       8:30 am-7 pm
W      8:30 am-5 pm
Th      8:30 am-5 pm
F        8:30-12 noon

Where: James Library, Room 207

How: We provide workshops, problem solving, computer access, a quiet place to study, one-on-one counseling & encouragement.

RCC Travel Video Series
for 2008-2009

These  videos will be shown again in Advanced Technologies Building Room 111, and showings will be held on Tuesdays at 1:00pm.  

Attendees are welcome to bring their lunches, and light refreshments will be provided.  Occasionally the snacks with be products from the countries featured.

Here is the video schedule for the upcoming year:
September 9 - Egypt
September 23 - Turkey
October 7 - Switzerland
October 21 - Denmark
November 4 - Antarctica

January 20 - Great Cities of Europe
February 3 - Ukraine
February 17 - Finland
March 17 - Ireland (St. Patrick's Day)
March 31 - Mexico City

Visit to Ireland Changed Her Life

It took a lot of gumption for a home town girl like April Garrabrant to leave Eden and strike out for Ireland - alone. Before that, she had traveled the east coast as far as north as New York and south to Florida and she always had company.

However, when the opportunity arose for the recent Rockingham Community College accounting graduate to spend two weeks in Ireland on an internship at the Alcan plant in Dublin, she was chosen based on faculty recommendations. The trip was partially funded by the RCC Foundation, Inc.

"I knew I would never have another opportunity like this" the 31-year-old mother of one said.

The Alcan plant manager and his wife graciously offered to house her duration of her stay in their country.

From that point on, Garrabrant's life began changing.

"At first, I definitely felt out of place," she said. "The people were so open and wanted to know all about me, but I'm a private person." Butting up against different cultural and social expectations caused Garrabrant to do some serious introspection. "I learned I need to open up and trust people more. I also learned people develop preconceived ideas about places and people and those ideas may not be true."

The change went even deeper. "I feel wiser now. I realize there is a world beyond Rockingham County and I want to see more of it; to understand it. I want my family to see it."

Garrabrant lost her job at Unifi in Reidsville in 2005. At that crossroad without a high school diploma, she chose to make something of herself by returning to school.

"I wanted to show my son what a person can do with a little determination."

After earning a GED, Garrabrant spent another two and a half years earning an applied science degree. On May 9, she walked across the stage to receive her diploma.

At Alcan, she had an opportunity to visit, observe, and participate in almost every area of the Dublin plant, giving her a complete picture of the international business and manufacturing process, including its accounting methods which she said are virtually the same as those she studied at RCC. She was surprised at some of their business practices such as the generous benefits packages.