Fall 2008 Memphis, Tn 38101-0780

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Presorted Postage PAID Memphis, TN P.O. BOX 780 Permit No.441 FALL 2008 MEMPHIS, TN 38101-0780

FedEx $2 Million Pledge Is the Largest Gift in Southwest’s History

New State-of-the-Art Academic Building Breaks Ground

Highly Gifted 14-Year-Old Visit our website at Enrolls at Southwest www.southwest.tn.edu The new four-lane entrance to the Macon Cove Campus off Sycamore Southwest Now Magazine is a publication of the Communications and Marketing Department. Southwest Tennessee View Road is now open. Our new state-of-the-art library is shown in Community College, a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, is an affirmative action/equal opportunity college. 0110679REV08295 the background. It is scheduled to open in January 2009. SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE MAGAZINE

FALL 2008 VOL. 2 NO. 1 2 The President’s Message Southwest Now Magazine Southwest Tennessee Community College In this issue...Institutional Advancement Division touches the Memphis area community in Features Karen F. Nippert, Vice President many ways. Publisher and Editor 3 FedEx Supports Nursing Building Campaign with Communications and Marketing the Largest Gift in Southwest’s History Department Each year, about 24,000 people are impacted by the education and train- Robert G. Miller, Executive Director ing provided by the College in multiple locations throughout the met- 5 My Students, the Music and Me Production ropolitan area. It’s very likely most of you have met our graduates such Thomas Mitchell as… 7 Longing for a Country Design Erin Roberts • The mechanical technician who runs the computer diagnostics 9 An Errant Letter, “A Very Personal School,” Cover Photography on your car and How They Changed a Life Robert Jackson • The nurse who cares for you in the hospital • The chef who prepares your lunch at your favorite restaurant 11 Project SUCCEED Contributing Writers Dr. Nathan L. Essex, Dr. Cynthia • The laboratory technician who processes your blood work for Calhoun, Vickie Reyes, Dr. Kenny your annual physical 13 Southwest’s Educational Opportunity Center Yarbrough, Roseanne Landey, Kristie Has Generated Millions in Tuition and Fees Goldsmith, Christopher Owens, Pat • The junior class student continuing his or her work at any of O’Brien and Brenda Rayner the local four-year colleges and universities Southwest Tennessee Community • The emergency medical technician who answered your 911 call or College News College Senior Administration • The childcare professional who prepares your pre-schooler for

Nathan L. Essex, President success in the first grade. 14 Danish Students Visit Southwest Joanne Bassett, Provost and Executive Vice President Southwest is affordable. More than 90% of Southwest Associate of Ron Parr, Vice President for Financial Applied Science degree and technical certificate graduates go on to 15 Longtime Technology Virtuoso Named and Administrative Services Provost / Executive Vice President Carol Tosh, Vice President for Student work in the professions for which they are trained. Services and Enrollment Management Karen F. Nippert, Vice President for 16 Gill Center Commemorates 25 Years of Service Institutional Advancement For more information about Southwest, call us at (901) 333-5000 or Paul Thomas, Executive Director for Human visit our website at: www.southwest.tn.edu. Resources and Affirmative Action 17 TBR Chancellor Joins Ceremonial Dig for the John Floyd, Director of Internal Auditing New Academic Building Groundbreaking Sherman Greer, Executive Director of Government Relations Oyama Hampton, III, 18 Highly Gifted 14-Year-Old Enrolls at Southwest Director of Customer Service

We welcome your comments and/or suggestions 19 Memphis Hosts Desire2Learn International Conference for future articles.

Please forward inquiries via e-mail to: rgmiller1@ 21 Snapshots of Some New Administrative Faces southwest.tn.edu. Communications and Marketing Department, (901) 333-4024. Your Best Choice! 24 Southwest Hosts Members of the Shelby County Southwest Now Magazine is published Legislative Delegation semi-annually in the fall and spring 2008-2009 Southwest Basketball Schedule

MONTH DAY EVENT/OPPONENT LOCATION WOMEN/MEN TIME (P.M.)

OCTOBER 25 Spirit Express Verties Sails Gymnasium M 2 Institutional Advancement 28 Alumni Verties Sails Gymnasium W/M 6/8 2In this issue... 31 KKC Tip-Off Classic/Highland Chicago, IL M 6 25 Institutional Development Expands 31 Lady Bengal Classic/San Jacinto Eunice, LA W 6 26 Southwest Foundation Board Members Hold Retreat NOVEMBER 1 KKC Tip-Off Classic/Kennedy-King Chicago, IL M 3 1 Lady Bengal Classic/LSU-Eunice Eunice, LA W 4 8 Memphis Express Verties Sails Gymnasium W 2 27 Board Member Spotlight: Sam Chafetz 14 *Motlow State Verties Sails Gymnasium W/M 6/8 15 *Chattanooga State Verties Sails Gymnasium W/M 2/4 28 From the Desk of the Alumni Affairs Director 21 *Walters State Morristown, TN W/M 6/8 EST 22 *Roane State Harriman, TN W/M 2/4 EST 29 Southwest Alumni: Where Are They Now? 28 Georgia Perimeter Classic Atlanta, GA W TBA /South Georgia Tech 31 Scholarships at a Glance 29 Georgia Perimeter Classic Atlanta, GA W TBA /Georgia Perimeter 13 34 Alumni Spotlight: Gary Lynch DECEMBER 3 Mineral Area Verties Sails Gymnasium M 7 35 Invest in the Future: Nursing Building Campaign Update 6 Hiwassee Verties Sails Gymnasium W/M 2/4 13 *Cleveland State Cleveland, TN W/M 2/4 EST 36 Your Investment Dollars Make a Difference 29 Lady Saluqis Classic Verties Sails Gymnasium W 4/6 30 Lady Saluqis Classic Verties Sails Gymnasium W 4/6 37 Make Something Beautiful

JANUARY 3 Kennedy-King Verties Sails Gymnasium M 7 9 Mississippi Elite Christian Academy Verties Sails Gymnasium M 7 13 Shorter Verties Sails Gymnasium W/M 6/8 Kudos 15 Arkansas Baptist Little Rock, AR W/M 5:30/7:30 17 Genesis One Prep Verties Sails Gymnasium M 7 38 Two Southwest Foundation Board Members Receive Impressive 20 Arkansas Baptist Verties Sails Gymnasium W/M 6/8 State Government Commission/Board Appointments 21 *Dyersburg State Verties Sails Gymnasium W/M 6/8 24 *Jackson State (HOMECOMING) Verties Sails Gymnasium W/M 2/4 38 Southwest’s Communications and Marketing Department 28 *Volunteer State Gallatin, TN W/M 6/8 20 Wins Prestigious Awards 31 Shorter Little Rock, AR W/M 3/5 39 International Creative Competition Nets Southwest’s Communications FEBRUARY 4 *Columbia State Columbia, TN W/M 6/8 and Marketing Department with Nine Awards 7 *Dyersburg State Dyersburg, TN W/M 2/4 11 *Volunteer State Verties Sails Gymnasium W/M 6/8 14 *Jackson State Jackson, TN W/M 2/4 Sports 18 *Columbia State Verties Sails Gymnasium W/M 6/8 40 2008-09 Saluqis Basketball Schedule Released MARCH 3-8 TCCAA/NJCAA Region (at Cleveland, TN) W/M TBA VII Tournament 17-21 NJCAA National Tournament (at Hutchinson, KS) M TBA 17-21 NJCAA National Tournament (at Salina, KS) W TBA 40 1 *TCCAA/Region VII Games TheDear Colleagues andPresident’s Friends: Message Southwest is experiencing one of the most exciting times in its history. Fall enrollment has increased by 8.8% over last year’s enrollment. College restructuring has positioned the College to become more efficient and effective in service delivery to our students and community. The College has received unprecedented private funding for academic scholarships and the construction of a new Nursing, Natural Sciences and Biotechnology facility for our Union Campus. Plans to secure property for International Creative Competition Nets Southwest’s a new parking facility at our Union Campus are also evolving. Additionally, we Communications and Marketing Department with Nine Awards are placing greater emphasis on customer service with a goal of ensuring that our focus consistently remains on students and their needs. The MarCom Awards is an international creative kind in the world. There were over 5,000 entries from competition that recognizes outstanding achievement throughout the United States and several foreign coun- Perhaps the most exciting development regarding the College is the construc- by marketing and communication professionals. It tries in the 2008 MarCom Awards competition. The tion of a new state-of-the-art library at our Macon Campus with a new four-lane is administered and judged annually by the Associa- prestigious Platinum Award is presented to those en- entry into the campus. The library will become the centerpiece of the campus tion of Marketing and Communication Professionals tries judged to be among the most outstanding entries and provide significant and improved academic support for our students. headquartered in Arlington, Texas. Entries come from in the competition. The Gold Award represents exceed- Groundbreaking ceremonies have been held for a new state-of-the-art academic corporate marketing and communication departments, ing the high standards of the industry norm. Honorable building at Macon and the new Maxine Smith Center in the Germantown-Col- advertising agencies, public relations firms, design Mention Awards were granted to those entries that met lierville area which will enhance the College’s ability to expand existing pro- shops, production companies and freelancers. The the quality expectations of the judges. The listing of grams and offer new academic programs based on community and regional competition has grown to perhaps the largest of its awards earned by Southwest is below. needs.

A new state-of-the-art academic facility is planned for our Fayette County ser- Title of Entry Category Award vice area by officials within the county that will be managed by Southwest and involve a partnership which includes a private academy, a public school system, 2006-2007 Annual Report Annual Report/Educational Institution Gold a technical center, a Tennessee Board of Regents university and a University of Tennessee System institution. This unique collaboration represents the only one of its kind in the nation and will 2006-2007 Annual Report Design/Annual Report Cover Gold provide unprecedented academic and workforce development opportunities for citizens of Fayette County. 2008-2010 Catalog Brochure/Catalog Honorable Mention The college is in the process of infusing service learning into the curriculum wherein students are provided unique opportunities to serve our communities as a component of their academic course requirements. 2008-2009 Student Planner Brochure/Catalog Platinum

Southwest has also become one of the leaders in international education through significant participation of our Southwest Now Magazine-Spring Magazine/Educational Institution Platinum students and faculty in summer academic programs abroad. 2008 Edition

Most recently, Southwest has entered into new and expanded partnerships with private businesses and corpora- Southwest Now TV Program-June Video/Film/TV Program (Cable) Gold tions designed to provide valuable real world experiences for our students while also meeting vital community 2008 Edition needs. Southwest Scoop-August 25, 2008 E-Newsletter Honorable Mention Based on these exciting developments, Southwest is poised to become the college of choice and a national model Southwest Web Site Web Site Overall Gold for technical, career and transfer education. We are obviously excited with the College’s progress and look forward to continuing to respond to the educational needs of students, employers and communities in Memphis, “Your Best Choice,” mass transit Ads/Bench/Shelter/Mass Transit Honorable Mention Shelby and Fayette counties as well as the Mid-South region. We genuinely appreciate the commitment and sup- Bus King advertisement port the College has received from our community and look forward to a dynamic year of progress and service.

Cordially,

Nathan L. Essex President Southwest Tennessee Community College 2 39 FedEx Supports Nursing Building Campaign southwest with the Largest Gift in Southwest’s History

Southwest Foundation Board Members Received Government Appointments We are pleased to congratulate the Tennessee Board of Regents. Kudostwo of our Southwest Foundation Board Members who have been “I’m confident in the leadership recently appointed by Governor these Tennesseans will provide our Phil Bredesen to a state board or state’s boards and commissions, commission. and I appreciate the time and service they are willing to commit to Southwest Foundation Board serving the State of Tennessee,” President and Advisory Chair Bredesen said in a recent press re- Cato Johnson has been appointed lease regarding a list of appoint- Cato Johnson to the Tennessee Higher Education ments. John Farris Commission. A hearty congratulations to them both! Former Southwest Foundation Board President and current board member John M. Farris has been appointed to Mary McDaniel, vice president, Materiel and Corporate Sourcing, FedEx Express presents President Nathan Essex Southwest’s Communications and Marketing with a check for $150,000 toward a $2 million pledge to support Southwest’s expansion efforts. Department Wins Prestigious Awards The 2008 National Council for Marketing and Public Bermuda submitted entries to the competition. Those FedEx presented Southwest Tennessee Community College has already met its scholarship endowment Relations (NCMPR) District 2 Medallion Awards were states represented were Alabama, Florida, Georgia, College on July 28 with a check for $150,000 with goal of $1 million, and is now closer to meeting its $16 presented on October 20 in a conference ceremony in Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, this donation being the first installment of a 5-year, $2 million goal of building a new state-of-the-art nursing Spartanburg, South Carolina. The awards recognize South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. million pledge by the FedEx Corporation to support and biotechnology facility. Upon its completion, the excellence in community, technical and junior college Southwest Tennessee Community College captured the college’s latest expansion efforts, including a new facility will accommodate almost double the number of marketing and public relations activities. Many higher two silver and three bronze awards. Those awards are Nursing, Natural Sciences and Biotechnology Building. nursing and biotechnology students, thereby increasing education institutions from 11 states, the Bahamas and listed as follows: The gift is the largest in Southwest’s history. Southwest the number of available nurses in the community. President Nathan Essex enthusiastically accepted the Title of Entry Category Award historic gift from Mary McDaniel, vice president, “This pledge of support from FedEx is especially Materiel and Corporate Sourcing, FedEx Express. important as we strive to continue to impact our Southwest Now, June 2008 TV show College Video Program Bronze community and its residents,” said college president The new building is just one of the initiatives in the Dr. Nathan L. Essex. “More than 95 percent of our Southwest, Your Best Choice ad Radio Advertisement/PSA, Series Silver largest capital campaign in the college’s history. The graduates remain in Memphis and the surrounding area. campaign-alumni testimonials campaign, “Southwest and You, Investing in the This new facility will enable more of our residents to Future,” focuses on projects which will substantially impact their community and families.” Saluqis Softball 2008 Media Guide Sports Brochure Bronze expand opportunities for students in the College’s 2007-2008 Student Planner Student Handbook Silver Nursing, Natural Sciences, and Biotechnology McDaniel, who also serves as the vice chair of the programs and will help address critical workforce needs Southwest Tennessee Community College Foundation, Southwest Public Web Site Web Site Bronze identified by the Memphis bioscience community. The echoed the sentiment. “This gift sends a message to

38 3 the community about FedEx’s commitment to the health Biotechnology Technicians to assist researchers in the and well-being of this community,” McDaniel said. rapidly expanding biomedical and bioscience research Make Something and production fields. For more information on Southwest Tennessee Community College’s major gift campaign or to make About FedEx Beautiful a donation, call 333-4577. By Kristie Goldsmith FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers About the Nursing, Natural Sciences and and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of I love Southwest! Biotechnology Facility transportation, e-commerce and business services. That summarizes my thoughts as your new Executive With annual revenues of $38 billion, the company Director of Grants. I will tell you more about me later, but for now, let’s talk about what the Grants Office The Southwest Foundation is in the process of raising offers integrated business applications through does, and how you can help us to help you. $16.75 million through individual, corporation, operating companies competing collectively and foundation, and organizational support to build a new managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx Why do I love Southwest so much? I’ve found that the 74,000-square-foot Nursing, Natural Sciences, and brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most staff and faculty here to be welcoming, encouraging Biotechnology facility, to be located in the Central admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its and helpful. I can honestly say I enjoy my job, and I Medical District. The new facility will house an more than 290,000 employees and contractors to am glad I am here. Perhaps now is a good time for an Kristie Goldsmith expanded nursing program, as well as new classrooms remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, explanation of what the Grants Office does and how we can help you serve our students and community. and laboratories for the Natural Sciences courses the highest ethical and professional standards and the facilities? What is the return to Southwest? Granting which form the foundation of the nursing curriculum. needs of their customers and communities. For more Who We Are agencies want the projects to which they give money to The facility will also be home to the state’s first information, visit news.fedex.com. The Grants Team consists of Derrice Snipes, Stella succeed. And we ask questions here to insure that your Associate of Applied Science degree program, training Martin and me. Stella maintains the office and flow of grant proposals are successful. In some ways, a grant activity. Derrice handles all grant compliance deadlines proposal is a job interview candidate and the granting and in addition to her other duties, Derrice will soon agency is a potential employer. When our request ar- be heading into our community to help develop com- rives at a funder’s door, it is given a “once over.” Is it munity partnerships needed for specific grants who in neat, well-dressed and complete? What “job” does it turn will help develop more opportunities for funding. want to do with the organization’s money? Our office Later this year, we will hire a grant writer responsible helps prepare every grant to be successful once it gets for grant research and submissions. to the funding agency. We prepare each grant proposal to “get hired” to represent the work of that funder. What We Are Not We are not Financial Aid. During registration we make KG Phone Home that statement numerous times. It makes us want to Now about me: I have a wonderful, caring, supportive consider changing our name. But, we can’t do that, so husband and two great adult children who are the love we simply educate people as they call or come in. The of my life. One has graduated from college and is in good news is that we get to interact with our students nursing school and the other will be going to college and that helps us understand them and their needs, and fall 2009. And yes, even at age 51, I call my parents ultimately we can be more helpful to faculty and staff. every day. My parents inspire me and encourage me. Every day of my professional work life, my father and What We Do mother tell me to “make something beautiful.” Dad The primary goal for the Grants Office is to increase discusses my day and encourages me to see the best funding for Southwest. We process all federal, state and in any situation, regardless what is said or done that local government grants. In addition, we work closely day. He reminds me that every day I can choose “to with the Institutional Development Office to monitor see something beautiful or make something beautiful.” and submit grants to private foundations Why? We Every day when I come to work, I look around my of- need to increase funding for faculty programs, classes, fice and see the pictures my father hung for me. Each is student programs, new buildings, new offsite campuses alive with color and has a road leading somewhere -- to and newly established initiatives by Dr. Essex. With him it symbolizes that life is moving forward and we all these goals in mind, we will be busy this year! have a choice to move forward in our lives and making something beautiful every day or stay where we are in Participating in the gift presentation were (left to right) John Farris, Esq., Farris, Mathews, Branan, Bobango, Hellen & Dunlap, P.L.C./ How We Do It our lives! Member of TN Board of Regents; Stephanie Butler, Manager of Communication in Corporate Contributions of FedEx Services; Ed When a faculty or staff member submits a proposal to Lyons, V.P. Safety & Air Worthiness Air Operations/VP Rep for FedEx Diversity Council; Mary McDaniel, Vice President, Materiel & the Grants Office, we review it carefully. We must ask So my vision for the Grants Office is to move forward each Corporate Sourcing, FedEx Express; President Nathan Essex, Southwest Tennessee Community College; Cheryl Orange, Manager several questions during this process: Does this grant and every day, making something beautiful for Southwest. of Marketing of Web Integration Solutions of FedEx Services; and Gregory Duckett, Sr., Vice President, Corporate Counsel-Baptist fit within the Southwest goals? Does this grant require Memorial Healthcare/Member of TN Board of Regents. additional resources? Does this grant need additional 4 37 By Rose Landey Mak’n Music –

It seems like we’ve been on a roller coaster lately that became too stressful. Instead, she not only decided to “Mak’n It Happen” doesn’t want to stop. The stock market swings back continue with her classes, but also share her story with and forth. It’s up. It’s down. Gas prices are up. The others to show the importance of commitment and ac- housing market is down. The future seems so uncer- complishing goals. My Students, tain. Until you take just a minute and breathe, and realize all of this has happened before, and we’re still here. “I feel so good. I met one of my goals on this jour- the Music and Me Our future depends on preparing our community to be ney. I feel great and want to go further,” says Barbara. the best it can be, and preparing our citizenry to work She plans to attend either LeMoyne-Owen College or in whateverYour economic Investment times we may face. DollarsUnion UniversityMake to study a childhoodDifference disabilities. “I want to create a program of my own so I can help oth- At Southwest Tennessee Community College, enroll- ers just like me and my family.” ment is up and so are expectations. Students here still believe in the future and in the power of a good educa- Barbara was able to achieve her dreams because some- tion-so do we. We’ve seen first hand how change can one believed in her and gave her a chance. Whether happen when you invest in the future of someone’s you’re 62 or 26, education makes a difference in your education. Someone like Barbara, {whose last name life. And, your donation can make a difference in will be concealed from this article}. someone’s future. Dr. Steven A. Katz It seemed everything was working against Barbara. We know times are tight, and we know you’re trying Downsized from her job, she is a single mother of an to decide where to invest your donated dollar. Perhaps By Pat O’Brien adult son with cerebral palsy, and two school-aged you too have found success because of Southwest. children; one who spends many days at LeBonheur Now, you can help make a Southwest student’s dream “I always knew I would be a teacher. The question to become an English professor. Meanwhile, from age for dialysis treatment; and one with attention-deficit a reality by making a gift of $25, $50 or even $100. was, teach what?” Music was the obvious answer, but five, he continually took music lessons and, by age 23, hyperactivity disorder. Yet, in 2008 at the age of 62, We need your support in providing educational oppor- where would he teach it? Dr. Steven A. Katz reminisced always taught piano on the side. Barbara graduated. tunities to students living and working in the greater recently about the vicissitudes that brought him to the Mid-South region. We want to help as many students position of professor of music at Southwest, and how That decision, and State Technical Institute at Memphis Barbara’s journey began in 2000 when she decided to as possible to think and dream bigger dreams than they he, and others, created “Mak’n Music.” (now Southwest), provided Katz the venue for what was fulfill her dream of getting a college degree. She took ever imagined. to become his ideal life of teaching. “For me, it was the one class at a time because that was all she could afford. As a child, he had siblings much older than himself, school of the future,” he thought, when he started as When she could no longer afford to attend classes, she “Southwest was right for me because it felt like a fam- who had children not much younger than himself. “I an adjunct in 1979, then full time in 1983. Though the prayed and made a conscious decision to keep going ily,” says Barbara. dearly loved teaching even then, and I would teach school had no music program, “this was exactly how I back until she got her degree. With support from stu- ‘Stevie School,’ as my elders called it, when they came had envisioned my life as a teacher: teaching English dents and family, including her academic advisor Vava We are family here. We believe in our students. We over on Friday nights,” said Katz. What he taught was during the day; teaching music on the side.” Cook, Barbara kept going, and became a role model to believe in the future. Whether you donated for schol- whatever came to mind: “something I’d just learned or many. The younger students even viewed Barbara as a arships or books, for a new facility or a program, you something they’d suddenly found an interest in.” So, at The school eventually directed him to develop and mother figure. did the right thing. Let gas prices go up. Let house age five, he began a lifelong career. teach a music appreciation class. “That was wonderful prices go down. Let the stock market wobble. The and gave me a whole new enjoyment of teaching,” Though music was his great love, Katz chose early to stated Katz. He was also, unknowingly, preparing With the pressures of school and concern for her chil- dollar you donate here will always be wisely invested become an English teacher. He mentioned, “I loved himself for a giant step in his career. By then, he was dren weighing on her health, Barbara was hospitalized. in the future of our community. English and the interpretation of literature. I always a regular player on the Memphis entertainment scene Her doctors advised her to postpone her education if it felt that learning to communicate, in both oral and and becoming recognized locally as both an entertainer written form, was very important.” He also recognized and musician. He expanded his repertoire especially early that the world required more English teachers after realizing fully classical music wouldn’t cut it in than music teachers. Opting for practicality, he chose his work. Rather than abandoning the classics, though, 36 5 he started entering competitions, and became Katz credits many people with the success that grew recognized internationally as a winner in some classics so quickly. He cites, “the students, most of all, who Invest in the Future Campaign Update competitions, which also would prove useful later. were the greatest influence; the driving force in building the program. The opportunity to expand their Will you need a nurse today? Will one be there? In college, Katz had realized he had some very good repertoires, experiment with different types and styles teachers. Determined to be one of the best, he adopted of music {through performances in} Mak’n Music The nursing crisis is real, and it’s happening now. Shelby County lacks an estimated 650 nurses, particularly highly the unusual approach of taking notes on his teachers as became very important to them. They were excited qualified Registered Nurses (RNs). State nursing shortages are projected to increase to 40 percent in 2015 and 48.5 percent in 2020. Only six states have higher 2020 projected shortages. But, Southwest Tennessee Community well as classes. He then determined what would work and we just seemed to grow.” According to Katz, “they College is on a mission to change those statistics. The College is in the middle of the best for him in teaching music. He graduated with a started including ensemble play in all the concerts, in largest capital campaign in its history with an ambitious $16.75 million goal to raise book full of notes about teaching; what to do and not fact, recitals became variety music nights. Faithful funds for a Nursing, Natural Sciences and Biotechnology building designed to meet do. The notebook provided a foundation for lifelong audiences grew and {it attracted} music lovers from critical workforce needs identified by the Memphis bioscience community. effectiveness in the classroom, and was exceptionally outside as well as within the College.” helpful when his “opportunity of a lifetime” came in With support from major corporations such as FedEx and Medtronic, and major 2000, putting his experience to work in the building In December 2002 came the most earth shattering foundations such as the Hyde Family Foundation, the Assisi Foundation, the Plough of a music program at the Macon Cove Campus of change in his career, a heart attack, followed by open Foundation and the Thomas W. Briggs Foundation; and support from Baptist the newly formed Southwest Tennessee Community heart surgery. After completing the initial recovery Memorial Health Care Corporation and Methodist Health Care, the campaign is inching closer to its goal. College. Making use of courses he had enjoyed in phase, he began to realize…“I couldn’t play. I didn’t college, he designed curricula for more classes in have the stamina even to sit at the bench. I didn’t know The fastest way to get a nurse on the floor working where you’ll need him or her is Music Appreciation and four levels of Music Theory. if I’d ever play again,” stated Katz. It was many weeks an associate’s degree and for underrepresented populations, the associate’s degree is The opportunity to teach theory, especially, let him before he sat down to play the piano, and even longer the preferred gateway into the profession. greatly expand offerings to students. As well as theory before he, one day, played a complete song: the Claire for assigned pieces, he now offered courses to enhance de Lune. He played it all the way through and said, “I In 2007, Southwest nursing graduates achieved a 97.4 percent pass rate on the both general and specific musical knowledge, so just started crying. I couldn’t stop. I was so happy.” National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), the students could work ahead on their own. highest rate for all the associate degree nursing programs in the state of Tennessee. Our nurses take the same test as other nurses, including those that {have} four and With that came a complete change in his life as a piano six-year degrees. Southwest already produces top-notch nurses. Our current facili- Now, his years in local musical entertainment proved teacher. His choice of songs is different now but he ties simply don’t allow us to produce enough nurses to meet the current demand. their value. Along with private piano instruction, he constantly challenges himself to new ways of teaching created ensemble classes in which students blended their and entertaining audiences. While Katz has changed his What can you do to make sure a nurse is there when you need one? Make a donation abilities and talents with other musical instruments, and repertoire, he hasn’t toned everything down to to the campaign and help us produce even more top-notch nurses. Don’t take for Claire Fund-raising goal update voice, to originate a wide range of new and completely de Lune. His music is still vibrant but only occasionally granted that a nurse is going to be there when you need one. Make sure they are. different musical productions. This included jazz, does he let himself go, in a passage or two of “big Together, we can stop this one crisis. Call 901-333-4577 to find out how you can blues, rock, show tunes, and even classical. sound.” On the other hand, he’s spending more time on make a difference. interpretation of songs, more time learning music that Southwest Tennessee Community College Now too, his book of “musical notes” proved its value. is beautiful instead of astounding. “It’s different, but I Nursing, Natural Sciences, and Biotechnology Facility He had filled it with the best practices of his best can’t regret it. I’m still enjoying and loving my music,” Fast Facts teachers. These were successful approaches to teaching, remarked Katz. Best of all, “I think our music program including how to break out lessons for the most efficient is better than ever…we are still growing.” • 97.4% student pass rate on the NCLEX-RN Exam • Highest nursing vacancy in the state is in ways to reach different students on different levels, and • Number one in the state for NCLEX-RN pass rate Shelby County • Tennessee nursing vacancy rate may be as high as even how to assess and grade students’ performance In the aftermath of the heart attack, he learned a lot • National pass rate is 78.6% • An average of 250 students apply each semester 48.5 percent by 2020 from his students and received a lot from them. They and progress. Delightedly realizing just how well • Currently we only have space for 250 each year • Offer the first Biotechnology Technician Associate prepared he had become to take on this new task, Katz stayed with him and expected him to be there to teach • New facility will accommodate 400 per year Degree Program now says, “One of the best things was my opportunity them. It didn’t matter whether they hadn’t finished their • Current facility has 12,328 square feet • Need approximately 750 lab techs and assistants to learn more {varied} music and more about how to planned courses. They would travel back, come and be • New facility will have 74,000 square feet each year teach music.” a part of the music. Mak’n Music never stopped. • New facility will increase class size for • Associate degree preferred gateway into biotechnology technicians from 20 to 40 nursing by under-represented populations • Average student at Southwest is 27 and in need of financial aid • Average starting wage for nurses is more than $16 per hour

Rendering of the new Nursing, Natural Sciences and Biotechnology Building 6 35 Alumni Spotlight Longing for a Country By Brenda Rayner

Lynch is responsible for 140 employees in quality control. While many of his team members report to him Gabriela (Gaby) Castillo Marquez longs for something social injustice. She is an advocate of the DREAM Act from England, Germany and China, his hope for local that the average Southwest student takes for granted: (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors employees is that they take advantage of training op- U.S. citizenship. Marquez, a proud Latino, is a student Act). She has gone to Washington, D.C. to lobby, has portunities to improve in their field. “I’m interested in ambassador, president of the Diversity Club, an honor organized rallies in support of the act, and helped employees’ onsite training,” said Lynch. “Two years of student, a Spanish tutor, a volunteer for the Tennessee stage a rally for it in front of the National Civil Rights education may not be a priority for some people, but Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC), Museum. “The DREAM Act,” explained Marquez, Gary Lynch everybody needs some training.” and a spokesperson for “was created to help undocumented immigrants immigrant students Although Lynch has been successful, the journey wasn’t for this region. TIRRC is who are not of legal always easy. He had all three of his children during his a statewide coalition that status to enter college Breaking the traditional mold is hard work. time as a Southwest student. He credits professors Lou works to empower immi- and join the military.” French and Harry Nichols for helping him to perse- grants and refugees to par- It takes sacrifice, spirit and a sense of the big picture. vere. ticipate fully in their new Marquez was able For Gary Lynch, it took some understanding and en- communities. Marquez is to attend elemen- couraging Southwest faculty members, a supportive “My wife went into labor on the night of the final exam. involved in the national ef- tary and high school family and the right combination of experience and in- I called Professor Nichols to explain, but he had heard fort to get legislation passed in Memphis but feared tuition. all of the excuses before,” said Lynch. “When we ar- to provide some protection she wouldn’t get the op- rived home, the exam was in my mailbox with a note and support for the educa- portunity to go to col- Fast-forward 28 years later and Lynch, group director that said ‘Congratulations – get this back to me when tion of documented immi- lege. Fortunately for of Quality Control for Smith & Nephew, has become you can.’ Things like that helped me to push through grants. She also produced her, during her senior one of the highest-ranking employees with an associ- and get my degree. It would have been easy to just walk a film recording the life of year at Southaven High ate’s degree. Lynch, a 1980 alumnus from Southwest away.” the undocumented and ap- School in Southaven, Tennessee Community College, worked 10-hour days peared in a public service Mississippi, a substi- to provide for a wife and three boys while attending Lynch instilled the spirit of the community college set- announcement in support tute teacher and retired class twice a week. ting in his sons as well. His boys attended Northwest of that legislation. Marine was impressed Mississippi Community College. He and his family live with Marquez and Lynch studied biomedical technology and worked full in Hernando, MS. His job requires national and global Marquez was born in asked about her plans time at Richards Company, a business that specialized travel, but horse-back riding has become his favorite Mexico and moved to after completing high in trauma and orthopedics. Richards was acquired by pastime and source of relaxation. Memphis with her parents school. The teacher Smith & Nephew in 1986 and Lynch continued to climb when she was six. She contacted Clarence the company ranks. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree was Despite an untraditional path up the ladder of success, is the oldest of the four Christian, director of a low priority, but Lynch acted on instinct and illustrat- Lynch knows the value of education and understands Marquez children, the rest the Honors Academy ed how to chart a successful course on his own terms. how special his story is. of whom were born in the United States. Members of at Southwest. Because of Marquez’s high academic “I took classes after I graduated, but I was already past the same household, her siblings, can work, vote, join standing, Christian was able to offer her a scholarship. where people with master’s degrees were,” said Lynch. “I’m the last of the breed.” the military, leave and enter the country at will; and “I am here in college and I really did not think I was “My family needed me. I was already in a good role [at most of all attend the college of their choice. These are going to be able to make it because of tuition. I cannot Smith & Nephew] and a bachelor’s degree wasn’t go- the privileges afforded to U.S. citizenship. get any federal money,” said Marquez. “Luckily, I have ing to help.” my two scholarships. I am in the Honors Academy and A champion for the rights of people who are treated I am an ambassador for the school. Everything else unfairly, Marquez considers herself an activist against comes out of my pocket,” she said.

34 7 Spotlight on the Newest Established Scholarships “Southwest has given me so many opportunities. I introduced several forms of this bill in both the House Southwest Employee Spearheads Drive Davis Gives Back to the Community have been involved in almost everything in the Honors of Representatives and the Senate. Congressmen in Academy,” Marquez said. She and two other Honors the House have not brought the bill to a floor vote as for Nathaniel Parker Memorial Scholarship Establishes Fred L. Davis Scholarship Academy students made a documentary for an honors’ a stand-alone bill. Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ project based on the theme The Art of Film. The docu- DREAM_Act. mentary was about students who were non-citizens or non-residents, who wanted to go to college. Marquez Marquez participated in a lot of extracurricular ac- and her friends captured on video the stories of these tivities at her high school and in her community. She former high school band members, star athletes, honor was in the Key Club, the Spanish Club, played on the students, valedictorians or students who were really soccer team, and was on the yearbook staff. She loved involved in their schools, but who couldn’t go to col- helping people and felt the more she got involved, the lege because they were undocumented. They presented more assistance she could provide. “I’ve always liked the documentary as part of their honors’ contract and to help people and I think the best way to help people sociology class. It was so well reviewed that they pre- is through a variety of organizations. Not only in high sented it all over campus and at film festivals. “It just school was I involved, but also in the community. I did got so much attention. Everybody just sees things in a a lot for both Latino Memphis and TIRRC,” Marquez different way. When they come in the room [to see the beamed. documentary], they have a certain perspective. When they leave the room, it is totally different,” Marquez said.

Becoming a citizen is a difficult process and Marquez and her family One of the greatest challenges have been working at it for years. It The late Nathaniel Parker Fred Davis has been especially hard, she said, that the undocumented immigrant because their initial efforts were spoiled when the lawyer handling Lana Harris of Purchasing and Auxiliary Services has Fred Davis is always looking to make a change when their case ran off with their money, status presents for Marquez is one is needed. When he saw the need for scholarship forcing them to start the process all united many of her fellow Southwest employees to create a lasting legacy for a friend and colleague. opportunities for students in the Orange Mound com- over again. One of the greatest chal- college tuition. munity, he jumped at the chance to give back to the lenges that the undocumented im- The Nathaniel Parker, Jr. Scholarship was created in neighborhood that reared him. migrant status presents for Marquez honor of the former Executive Director of Business is college tuition. According to Dr. and Administrative Services, who died December 20, Davis, a Southwest Foundation board member, took George Malo, associate vice chancellor of Research In describing what’s in her heart regarding the plight of 2007 after a brief illness. Harris said her idea to set root in the Orange Mound community more than 40 and Assessment for the Office of Academic Affairs, the undocumented, she responded, “Each is a person, up the scholarship began almost immediately in the years ago. While several opportunities were presented Tennessee Board of Regents, maintenance fees and whether it is a family, a head of household, a child, or weeks after Parker’s passing. To date, the scholarship to him to relocate, he remained committed to the area. tuition for international and out-of-state students is a student. They have to go through so much that other has received more than $11,000 in cash and pledges so slightly less than four times more than in-state stu- people can’t see.” She added, “I really focus on the far, with donations from co-workers, church members His commitment has translated into an opportunity dents. This presents a financial hardship for Marquez. students because they want to go to school and move and professional peers. for a current Southwest student. He decided to invest She feels that the passage of the DREAM Act would up in life, but they are stuck. When it comes to the in the education of the community and in the fu- greatly assist with her struggle to pay tuition. students, the only mistake they made was following Harris added the outpouring of support for the scholar- ture of Southwest by establishing the Fred L. Davis their parents.” ship is a testament to the respect Parker’s colleagues The DREAM Act is a piece of proposed federal leg- had for him. She stated, “He was the kind of person Scholarship for a first-generation college student from islation that would also provide undocumented im- Marquez is a fighter. This is her last semester at who showed people that he cared.” Parker’s family the Orange Mound community. He has opened the migrant high school students the opportunity to obtain Southwest. She will graduate with three majors: soci- has also been very appreciative of the effort, accord- gates of opportunity for students that were closed due permanent residency. The students must be planning to ology, social work, and Spanish. She plans to pursue a ing to Harris. “They were overwhelmed at Southwest’s to hardship and {a lack of} resources. attend college or serve in the armed forces to become bachelor’s degree in either sociology or social work at thoughtfulness of doing this in his memory.” permanent residents. Congressmen have continually the University of Memphis or Ole Miss. “I’ve given back to Memphis because Memphis has Donations to the Nathaniel Parker Memorial been so good to me,” said Davis. “I’ve tried to return Scholarship can be made to the Southwest Foundation. the favor as much as possible.” For further information, contact the Foundation office at 333-4394. 8 33 Spotlight on the Newest Established Scholarships It all started a couple of years ago, when the mail 9. With the poverty and apathy in our community 8. How important do you think Southwest An Errant Letter, went awry. Shawn Little received an invitation from today, many feel one person cannot make a dif- scholarships are to our students? Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) congratulating him on his ference. What would you say to those people? VERY! Some would not be able to attend exceptional scholarship, and asking him to join the We cannot allow ourselves to think in this were it not for these scholarships. “A Very Personal prestigious national honor society. Of course, it was a manner because the power is in the numbers. mistake. Whatever a student can give back can be 9. With the poverty and apathy in our community pooled together with funds from others to today, many feel one person cannot make a dif- School,” and Rather than the 3.5 grade point average PTK requires, have an impact that can help many students ference. What would you say to those people? his had just slipped again, and brought a notice from that may need help with books, or other Everyone can do something to impact society. the College that he was suspended for the next semes- miscellaneous items and cost. Money is not the only way to contribute. ter. That was not a mistake. Time is more valuable. How They 10. Would you recommend other Southwest But that errant letter delivered an important message to alumni fund an endowed scholarship? 10. Would you recommend other Southwest Little. It came at the right time and completely changed If so, why? alumni fund an endowed scholarship? Changed a Life his life. He stated, “I read it and read it over again. I I recommended an endowed scholarship If so, why? thought I want that and know I can get it; the prestige because it is an opportunity to create Most definitely…it is very fulfilling to know By Pat O’ Brien and self-respect…I can do it.” a gift that continues for years to come. The that you have assisted in allowing someone to ease of payment option it affords you fulfill their dream. So it all converged: a growing realization of to participate is pretty painless. dissatisfaction with himself and a hunger for a lot more than he was doing… and the letter. A Tale of Two Graduates – Darrell Thomas Little convinced the dean that, “if you’ll 1. What degree did you pursue? waive the suspension, things will be differ- Biomedical Engineering Technology ent.” Then he talked to Clarence Christian, his former sociology professor and director 2. When did you graduate? of the Honors Academy. Christian pulled no 1985 punches. He told Little that to do what he wanted, he would have to start all over. This 3. Why did you choose Southwest? would involve retaking most of the classes he Southwest had the field that I wanted to had taken over the past three years, wiping pursue. out the poor grades, and replacing them with a lot more respectable grades. “Mr. Christian 4. Did you further your education after graduat- became my mentor on my journey. I followed ing from Southwest? up on all his advice. After I reached a 3.25 Yes grade point average, he admitted me into the Honors Academy. Now I’m at a 3.6. I brought 5. Why did you decide to open your own my ambition and determination to his office business? that day, and he has guided me in the right It allows economic freedom and opens doors direction ever since,” said Little. for the creation of jobs. So simply told, Shawn Little’s success sounds 6. What inspired you to establish the Darrell and simple. But, he says “there was a lot more here LaTina Thomas Scholarship? than a redeemed grade point average.” Little’s The inner desire to give back to my commu- high school background had been similar to nity that has given so much to me and my his earlier performance at Southwest. Right family. after that, he’d stumbled into the University of Memphis with no advice or guidance, and 7. How do you think this scholarship will impact little belief in his ability as a student. He soon a student? dropped out. Hopefully it will free them from the worry of tuition and books. They will be free to study Darrell Thomas and focus only on school. Shawn Little 32 9 Things hadn’t changed much by the time he enrolled at MIFA, hosting food and clothing drives, participating Southwest a few years later. He had decided to become in various charity walks and chairing fundraisers for a firefighter. Southwest was an easy choice since it was the Honors Academy. He is also taking advantage of the only college in the state offering fire science. It free classes FedEx offers. Scholarships at a Glance wasn’t long before he discovered a lot of other good Spotlight on the Newest Established Scholarships reasons for being at Southwest. But, while he soon Most important, Little has made significant changes in recognized there is an immense difference between himself. He has set goals that he constantly reevaluates Sylvester Tate and Darrell Thomas are two sides of the same coin. Both are 1985 graduates of Southwest who studied technology and started businesses in the same field. Thomas and Tate are also members of the Southwest Southwest and a large university, “there’s a lot of truth and redefines. “If I’m not pushing myself to become Foundation Board of Trustees, and each has established an endowed scholarship for Southwest students. However, in that old cliché, ‘if you do what you’ve always done, more knowledgeable about business … a better stu- these two alums have different motivations for endowing their scholarships. We asked them about their Southwest you’ll get what you always got.’” And he kept on do- dent, better employee, and better husband …constantly experience and why they chose to give back to Southwest. Here are their responses. ing what he’d always done. Then, the letter came. moving forward … I feel like I am falling behind,” said Little. 4. Did you further your education after “At Southwest, my professors actually got to know graduating from Southwest? me, and they cared a lot more than I did at first about One major decision was to disassociate himself from I attended the University of Memphis for one me getting the most out of their classes,” stated Little. friends he realized held him back. He contends, “If you semester. I attended school while in the Many gave him their home phone numbers in case he are strong enough to do it, you remove an enormous military at Tidewater Community College, needed extra help. Or, they‘d go grab coffee together weight that was dragging you down, away from your the University of Florida, and a host of after class and go over assignments. He added, “It’s goals. I am blessed with five or six friends who are like military aviation schools. a very personal school, you know.” Little then began brothers … of unquestionable integrity, loyalty, and 5. Why did you decide to open your own working seriously on his studies. character, as supportive of me as I am of them. And business? the Honors Academy helps me network with others I started my business because it was always About the time he enrolled at Southwest, Little started like a family, helping each other perform at our upper a burning desire of mine. When the working at FedEx and discovered he really loved busi- capacity.” opportunity presented itself, I took the dive ness. He also knew he could go as far at FedEx as he and it was the best decision I could have wanted, if he was willing to work very hard. With Little proudly remarks, “and my wife Casey is my big- made for my career. I did not want to be in a his grades moving upward, he was permitted to add gest fan!” Without his wife believing in him from the position where someone else had control of a second major, business administration. According to beginning, he says there’s no way he would be where my destiny. Little, “The parallels between the programs made them he is today. Casey plans ultimately to become a doc- a perfect fit for a career in transportation – logistics, tor. She is completing a biology degree at University 6. What inspired you to establish the Robert Earl dangerous goods, and leadership fundamentals classes, of Memphis, then plans to enter Southwest’s nursing Tate Endowed Memorial Scholarship? among others.” But he was finally forced to work up to program. “We both work so we can continue paying My brother was the first male child in my his capacity and he loved it. for her education without loans, and the nursing degree family to attend college. He received a will be an excellent income source while she’s finish- football scholarship to the University of “For me, though,” says Little, “acceptance into the ing her M.D.,” stated Little. Tennessee at Martin. He succumbed to cancer Honors Academy made the big difference. It’s about during his first semester of college. I have a lot more than just grades. It helps us understand that As for the future, Little says, “I hate to think where I’d Sylvester Tate always wanted to do something in we, as individuals, can make a real difference if we be if I hadn’t found Southwest.” He believes if you’re remembrance of his life. [Establishing a concern ourselves with matters involving the commu- willing to work, Southwest has “everything for every- scholarship] was the first thing that came to mind because it was something I could do, nity, the betterment of our college – knowledge that body,” from the single parent plodding along to get A Tale of Two Graduates – Sylvester Tate and it would be ongoing. goes well beyond the classroom. Many of us are taught there a class at a time, to the top achiever determined in college what to know, but not how to think.” In to make it to the top university. 1. What degree did you pursue? 7. How do you think this scholarship will impact honors, he says, they learned the difference. Electronic Technology a student? Where is he going from here? To Vanderbilt (hope- I think in these economic times, any help a In addition to honors, Little joined Alpha Beta Gama fully!) to major in business, then NYU or Syracuse for 2. When did you graduate? student can receive is very beneficial, with (business honor society), and has just received his sec- his MBA. Added Little, “No matter where I go from 1985 the cost of all aspects of higher education ond invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa – this time, no here, my degrees from Southwest will always have the continuing to increase. mistake! He is president of the Honors Academy this proudest spot on my office wall. I am confident that 3. Why did you choose Southwest? year and vice president of the International Association I will be a lifelong learner. Even after my MBA, if I I chose Southwest because it was recommended 8. How important do you think Southwest of Administrative Professionals. His activities include return to Memphis, I know I’ll come take some more as a great school, was economically feasible to scholarships are to our students? Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor, Meals on Wheels for classes here at Southwest.” attend, and had flexible hours that would meet I think students look forward to these kinds of my need as a full-time military person. scholarship opportunities to help bear the cost associated with school. I am constantly asked if I know how one can receive a scholarship. 10 31 Cristin Caccamisi Featured on The Commercial Appeal Front Page Project SUCCEED Supporting Developmental Studies Students One Class at a Time Cristin Caccamisi, a recent graduate from the EMT/paramedic program at Southwest Tennessee Community College, was featured on the front page of By Dr. Cynthia B. Calhoun and Dr. Kenny Yarbrough The Commercial Appeal’s Real Estate section for buying her first home last summer at the age of 22. She currently works as a clinical applications spe- cialist with GE Healthcare. She trains staff in the use of medical diagnostics applications, such as stress and EKG machines. She spends most weekdays traveling all over the country to deliver training, returning to Memphis for the weekends.

Roman Johnson Book Review Featured in the Tri-State Defender

Roman Johnson, a 12th grade student at Middle College High School located on the Union Avenue campus of Southwest Tennessee Community College, recently had his book review of the nonfiction work, Why Are So Many Black Men in Prison?, published in the Tri-State Defender newspaper in Memphis. He will graduate in May with a high school diploma and an associate degree in liberal arts.

Dr. George Grimes Credits Southwest Tennessee Community College With Helping Him Start His Own Practice

Dr. George Grimes, a retired Army colonel, associate professor, and veterinarian, credits classes in small business and computer basics taken at State Technical Institute at Memphis for helping him launch his own practice in the 1980s. After (Left to right) Dr. Kenny Yarbrough, Coordinator; Mrs. Rosie McCray, Developmental Studies reading instructor receiving a graduating from Texas A&M University in 1943, Grimes served in the United certificate of appreciation; and Dr. Cynthia Calhoun, Director States Army for 21 years as a full colonel. Upon retirement, he went back to vet- erinary school and received a master’s degree in biomedical communications. College campuses are joining the ranks of corporate and Access and Diversity grant of $50,000, a peer mentoring He became an associate professor at the University of Illinois in 1970. grass roots organizations in implementing peer mentoring program was developed and specifically designed for this programs to help people overcome challenges and reach targeted group. He opened his own private practice in 1984 and had a lot of knowledge in his their full potential. On a college campus, mentoring is field but wasn’t prepared to run his own practice. “Southwest provided a place generally practiced to increase the retention of students, Project SUCCEED-Students United for Classmates: for me to learn how to do basic things in setting up a small business,” said Dr. not only to complete courses, but ultimately to graduate Commitment, Empowerment, Educational Development Grimes. He became proficient in using computers due to classes he took at State Technical Institute at Memphis from college. Southwest Tennessee Community College -was launched in spring 2008, following a fall semester of from 1984 until 1989. Because of those classes, Dr. Grimes assisted in developing a program that allowed veteri- is genuinely committed to utilizing peer mentoring as an planning and recruiting student mentors, as well as faculty, narians to take computers into exam rooms and calculate drug dosages for animals, unprecedented at the time. intervention strategy for enhancing the performance of to welcome mentors into their classrooms. Upon comple- students enrolled in Developmental Studies reading and tion of an orientation for student mentors and faculty, Dr. Grimes has since retired from his private practice in Somerville, TN and currently resides in east Memphis. writing classes, the College’s most vulnerable students. Project SUCCEED mentors are prepared to discuss stu- Through funding from a Tennessee Board of Regents dent transition-to-college strategies with Developmental

30 11 Studies students during regular class meetings, by phone, has demonstrated exceptional motivation, character, and e-mail, and in individual face-to-face sessions. Topics compassion. Just meeting her is a blessing. Thank you such as time management, goal setting, use of campus for this program.” Southwest Alumni resources, college transfer, and communication with in- structors and academic advisors are part of a calendar of Since spring 2008, 17 peer mentors and seven activities for mentors to address. Mentors participate in Developmental Studies faculty have participated in Project Where Are They Now? focus groups to discuss their experiences following their SUCCEED. The seven faculty are Marjorie Dernaika, class presentations, and invite mentees to attend a cul- Debbie Hunt, Rose McNeil, Rosie McCray, Miki minating focus group at the end of a semester. Findings Richardson, Lois Washington and Susan Turner. More Gordon Lintz Joins Thompson Cancer Survival Center from focus groups, in addition to surveys, are used as than 350 Developmental Studies students have shared of Knoxville, TN as Chief Administrative Officer qualitative research methods to evaluate the program. in the mentoring process. Additionally, mentors have gained experience with leadership responsibilities and Gordon Lintz has joined Thompson Cancer Survival Center, a subsidiary of the One mentee’s response at the end of the semester was, “I commitment to an assignment to completion. Some have Covenant Healthcare System of East Tennessee, as Chief Administrative Officer. learned how to manage my time, take notes, and I have also been privileged to attend professional meetings such Lintz was formally employed with Baptist Memorial Health Care of Memphis, made a great friend!” as the International Mentoring Association Conference in TN, where he led Baptist’s strategic planning efforts for its cancer services and Las Vegas, Nevada; the 4th International Conference on supervised the hospital’s skilled nursing facility, clinical research and stem cell A mentor stated, “At first I was worried about how they Research in Access and Developmental Education in San transplant program. Lintz received an Associate of Applied Science degree in nurs- would accept me, but I was encouraged not to give up. Juan, Puerto Rico; and the Mentoring for Student Success ing from Southwest in 2001. This program helped me to believe in myself.” and College-Wide Engagement workshop at Southwest. This exposure to professionals from across the globe was A faculty member commented, “I am so pleased to memorable for the mentors and added value to their men- have (mentor name) as a mentor for my students. She toring experiences.

Chris Triplett, PE, CPESC Joins Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon as Project Engineer

Chris Triplett has joined Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, Inc. (BWSC), as a project engineer in the firm’s Memphis office. He will direct and design civil and environmental engineering projects such as industrial, commercial, and residential site development. His responsibilities will also include projects involving public utilities, storm water and sediment controls, landfill closures and covers, and environmental remediation and restoration. Triplett received an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology from the State Technical Institute at Memphis in 1991.

Louise Blue-Walker Self-Publishes Her Second Book

Louise Blue-Walker has just self-published her second book, Blue Poetry: Life is a Teaching Session. Are You Paying Attention? Her writings focus on how families communicate using a Christian perspective. Blue Poetry can be found at Davis-Kidd Bookstore, Church of God in Christ Bookstore and the Tennessee Baptist Bookstore. Blue-Walker received an associate degree in family services (First row-left to right) Melissa Geeter, Daphne Rooks, April McCray, Ashlea Geeter, and LaKesa Green from Shelby State Community College in 1985. (Second row-left to right) Peeradet Prakongpan, Marcus Norwood, Ebony Thompson, Sherry Smith, and April Hall (Not pictured) Augustus Cole, Cherelle Elrod, Chanelle McKinney, Joi Ragland, Latonya Sanders, Diana Sawyer, and Rodney Taylor

12 29 Southwest’s Educational Opportunity Center Has Generated Millions in From the Desk of the Alumni Tuition and Fees for the College Affairs Director Hello Southwest Alumni: By Vickie Reyes From Small Acorns Great Oaks Do Grow recently accepted into Southwest’s Radiology Program I write this, my first official communication to you, as a reminder that and she is thrilled. Maria’s academic work is excel- each of us plays a role in keeping Southwest the college of choice for That fact highlights that Southwest’s TRIO Educational lent and she serves as a role model for her family and all Mid-Southerners. Each year the arrival of our newest Southwest Opportunity Center (EOC) Program, which began life friends. She will be the first person in her family to students provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what makes as my graduate school project, has spread its branches graduate from college. All of the EOC’s staff members Southwest special. I believe it is our alumni that have the ability to take to serve thousands of potential adult college students salute Maria Centeno for her achievements and stand us from a good institution to a great one. in the Memphis area. Funded by a U.S. Department of ready to help her in any way they can. Education TRIO grant of $226,600 annually, the EOC I look forward to opportunities to work with you as part of my own serves more than 1,000 students every year and at least Some of the students served by the EOC in its first Southwest education. Recently we had an Alumni Association Family two-thirds of them are potential first generation adult five years enrolled at the University of Memphis, UT Outing at Ellendale Lodge in Bartlett. We had perfect fall weather and college students from low-income homes. The EOC Nursing School, Tennessee Technology Center and Christopher Owens alums brought their families to enjoy the day and get to know other program has significantly exceeded its enrollment other schools. However, most EOC college-ready stu- members of the Southwest family. I am inspired by your support of our goals every year. dents chose Southwest Tennessee Community College alumni events and promise more occasions for fellowship. as the place to begin their college careers. EOC stu- The Educational Opportunity Center is located at 5390 dent enrollment added more than $5 million in tuition Your commitment to the Alumni Scholarship has been phenomenal! We mailed letters to our alumni celebrat- Mendenhall Square next door to the Southeast Center, and fees for Southwest during the program’s first five ing the success of one of our own, Barbara Hicks, who graduated at the age of 62. Because of your loyalty and is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday years. to this great school, many of you wrote checks to the scholarship fund to help current students reach their through Friday. EOC staff will see students other goals. times by appointment, and they will go to community service agencies by appointment to work with groups We take every opportunity to instill alumni spirit in our current students as well as our past graduates. If you all across the Memphis area. want to strengthen your bond to Southwest, join the Alumni Association. For a membership fee of $15, the Alumni Association can help you stay involved in the life of the College and informed about Southwest’s The EOC Program provides many services, all free, to help potential adult college students enroll in higher achievements and challenges. education programs at the institution of their choice. Among the services the EOC provides are: Now is the time to join us. We want to update you on Southwest, but we also want to hear about your successes as well. Please feel free to contact Alumni Affairs with your suggestions at 901-333-4344 or e-mail at: • Computer lab with internet [email protected]. • Assistance with basic computer skills • Career exploration and counseling With your continued support, I am confident we will build a better Southwest together. • Academic, personality and career assessments • Educational planning • Assistance in completing admissions and financial With all best wishes, aid applications • ACT, COMPASS and GED Test Prep Christopher A. Owens • Tutoring Director of Alumni Affairs Maria Centeno is a good example of a nontraditional EOC adult student. She is a working mom in her mid- (Left to right): Ora White, Diana Sawyer, K.T. Matthews, and Kathy Simpson -- Seated: Vickie Reyes, Director twenties and she takes care of her family and home in addition to attending Southwest. Ms. Centeno was

28 13 There Is More Work to Do for Trio’s EOC Program at Southwest Southwest Puts Out Welcome Board Member Spotlight One of every four Memphians lacks a high school or Mat for Danish Students GED diploma, and the EOC has assisted hundreds of potential postsecondary students to begin studying for their high school or equivalency diplomas prior to The International Education Department at Southwest One catered dinner was all it took for Sam Chafetz to presented,” said enrolling in college or vocational training. The EOC recently hosted 22 international exchange students realize he had made his best choice. Chafetz. “They is addressing the problems of the severely education- who arrived October 3 for a week from Svenborg, wanted to be able ally disadvantaged adults in our area by developing Denmark. The program promotes global experiences Chafetz, an attorney with the law offices of Baker, to rise above the partnerships, actively participating in city-wide liter- for students, faculty, and staff at Southwest. The Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, and educational and acy coalitions and developing resources through grant students attend Svenborg Business College and look Southwest Tennessee Community College Foundation income level of funding. The staff of the EOC is working with numer- forward to coming to Memphis each year in order to Board member, knew his involvement in making their parents and ous organizations and programs, including Mid-South experience the educational and cultural diversity of Southwest the school of choice for Mid-Southerners was grandparents. Reads, the Memphis Literacy Council, Memphis City our great city. important. He had no idea how significant his decision They work three Schools Division of Adult Education, MCS Even Start to become more involved would be until a coincidental and four jobs in Program, Buckman Laboratories, Hollywood Library, meeting with our culinary alumni on a Saturday after- order to make Sam Chafetz Hollywood Community Center, Rhodes College, The Danish students noon. ends meet for Shelby County Correctional Center, and many others. arrive on the themselves and They are helping to develop a more coordinated and ef- Macon Cove “Graduates of the culinary program were preparing and their families, buy books, and afford transportation to and ficient adult education service delivery system among Campus following serving the food and they had the Southwest logo on from school—all so they can hopefully have, eventually, a delayed flight existing service providers, with the EOC serving as a their jackets,” said Chafetz. “I asked them why they were just one well-paying job, and have a normal life.” from New York. bridge from GED to higher education enrollment for wearing the logo. They said, ‘we are proud of our ac- EOC program participants. complishments.’” That day validated Chafetz’s decision His role is to help students accomplish that dream. He is to join the Southwest Foundation Board in July 2005. personally involved in acquiring funds for facilities and More Help Is on the Way He credits philanthropist and Southwest Foundation new faculty. His goal for this year’s board is to iden- Board member Bert Bornblum with introducing him to tify and display more successful alumni in Southwest’s Serving as a bridge to higher education for its program Southwest and urging him to get involved. marketing campaigns. While Chafetz’s fundraising participants, the EOC recently was awarded $20,000 responsibilities are essential for Southwest students to by the Women’s Foundation of Greater Memphis to “Bert Bornblum has been the subject of my fundraising succeed, he sees the big picture and understands how provide tutoring services for EOC students enrolled efforts for many decades,” said Chafetz. “In the religious important it is for Southwest to respond to the needs of in GED classes city-wide. The EOC is working on community that he and I both occupy, fundraising has the community. several projects at different levels of development that been a necessity for a millennia. He thought I could play will serve to facilitate the program’s efforts to get more a role on this board.” “The long and short of it is, unless we have an employee Memphis area adults into postsecondary education base that is well-educated, we will never pull ourselves programs. We anticipate that this year’s EOC enroll- A native of Memphis, Chafetz is a graduate of Christian out of just being a distribution center,” said Chafetz. “It’s ment at Southwest will push the total tuition and fees Brothers High School. He received his bachelor’s degree fine to be a distribution center, but unless we add value generated by the program {since its inception} to more from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and his to the products we are distributing, we will continue to than $6 million. law degree from Harvard Law School. Although he had have low wages.” never experienced a community college setting before Vickie Reyes is the director of the Educational Southwest, he understood its role in the Mid-South, and And just as Chafetz is proud of his choice to serve on the Opportunity Center. its importance to its students who are all striving for the board, he knows how proud our Southwest alumni are American Dream. about their achievements.

“At the first board meeting, I met two students who “Every student at Southwest – every graduate of presented their stories and it pulled at my heartstrings. Southwest is proud of his or her accomplishments.” It opened my mind to the possibilities that Southwest

Students applaud the warm welcome they received from President Nathan Essex.

14 27 Southwest Foundation Board Longtime Members Hold Retreat Technology Sports Theme Inspires Board Members to “Get in the Game” Virtuoso Named The Southwest Foundation Board held a retreat in the downtown law offices of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Provost / Executive Caldwell, and Berkowitz to chart new fund- Vice President at raising goals for the College Southwest and to foster a renewed sense of team spirit while enjoying some good-natured fun in the process. Members were even invited to wear the jerseys of their favorite sports team to get into the retreat’s theme, Anita Vaughn prepares to review ideas from a breakout session. Dr. Joanne H. Bassett “Get in the Game.”

Dr. Bassett recognizes the changing and shrinking Dr. Bassett earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees The Institutional Development department has world in her strong support of Southwest’s International in English at the University of Memphis and her expanded to include the newly established Donor Studies initiative. Last week, the first students returned doctorate in curriculum and instruction at the University Relations department headed by Cheryl A. Bingham. from studying in South Africa for three weeks. “One of of Memphis. She also attended the University of Maine Ms. Bingham will be responsible for developing a the most exciting facets of my position is celebrating in Orono and Portland, Maine (Junior Year Summer stewardship program for Southwest’s donors. Her a student’s success. When one of our students, the Residential); and Bates College, Lewiston Maine. responsibilities will include planning and implement- majority of whom are on financial aid, qualifies through ing all cultivation events with current and prospective donors and meeting regularly with the Development and Research committee to solicit ideas for enhancing the stewardship program. In addition, she will Gill Center 25th Anniversary: A Gala Event assure that the College’s donors receive appropriate and timely acknowledgements for their philanthropic Southwest Tennessee Community College recently The celebration was held at the Gill Center on Septem- deeds, and she will create and maintain a liaison pro- celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Gill Center, lo- ber 26. State Senator Jim Kyle was the master of cere- gram for high-end donors. cated at 3833 Mountain Terrace in Memphis. The Gill monies for the event. Dignitaries from city and county Center, named in honor of Dr. Elbert T. Gill, Jr., began government made proclamations before a full house of Already a standard model in most four-year universi- operation on September 3, 1983. Dr. Gill, a prominent supporters at the celebration. ties, the donor relations office is a newer component businessman in the Frayser community and a member in many two-year schools. Donors are the center of of the legislature, was instrumental in helping gain ac- our work and as our first and foremost priority, they cess to the campus for Southwest. Pictured (from left to right) are V.P. Karen Nippert; Grace Gill, deserve the greatest recognition and highest level of wife of Dr. Elbert T. Gill; Debbie Gill Bueltemann, daughter of Dr. quality. We are pleased to bring you this newest ser- Gill; Councilwoman Barbara Swearengen Ware; City Clerk Jimmy Cheryl Bingham vice, and we welcome your comments and feedback. The Gill Center, located in the heart of Frayser, plays Moore; Cent. Dir. Pat Anderson; Councilman Myron Lowery; Gen- an integral role in the community and collaborates eral Sessions Court Clerk Otis Jackson Jr.; Provost/Exec. V.P. Joanne In addition to managing the Donor Relations Program, with local organizations like the Fray- Bassett; Senator Jim Kyle; V.P. Carol Tosh; and V.P. Ron Parr. Ms. Bingham will continue her duties administering the Foundation Scholarship Program and Foundation ser Exchange Club, the Frayser Com- Special Events. munity Association and the Ed Rice Community Center. Gill Center Di- For questions concerning donor relations, scholarships or Foundation special events, please contact Cheryl rector Patsy Anderson said, “I’d like Bingham at 333-4504. to think that the Gill Center is the Frayser community’s college. It’s here for everyone no matter if it’s a youth group, or someone who is actually attending classes, an older adult who is coming back to either be retrained, or to just take some continuing education kinds of classes.” 16 25 Southwest Recently Hosted Members of the The TBR Chancellor Joins the Shelby County Legislative Delegation

Members of the State Legislature recently met with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Tennessee Ceremonial Dig for Our New President Nathan Essex and other college officials Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) during a luncheon on October 31, 2008. During the are currently conducting an environmental assessment luncheon, the President briefed the delegation on the of the area to determine an estimate of the possible Academic Building Groundbreaking college’s recent successes as well as its priorities for cleanup costs. Other related issues on the table were the coming year. Attending the meeting were Senators the extensive number of students on the waiting list Beverly Robison Marrero, Ophelia Ford, Mark Norris, for entry into Southwest’s nursing program and the and Reginald Tate as well as Representatives Karen shortage of workers in the fields of nursing and allied Camper, Jeanne D. Richardson, GA Hardaway and health sciences for the immediate area. The Nursing The Strategic Plan Executive Summary, A Blueprint General Assembly, got it approved, and the money is Speaker Pro Tem Lois DeBerry. Institute of the Mid-South shows Shelby County with for the Future 2005-2010, indicates that one of the here. We will build it fast before anything can be taken a current shortage of 720 plus nurses and over 800 lab college’s major initiatives involves total infusion away!” President Essex began by updating the delegation on the technicians. of information technology and its investment in ongoing campaign to erect a new Nursing, President Essex took electronic classrooms to make sure Southwest students Southwest President Nathan Essex expressed the Natural Sciences the opportunity to are prepared to function in the 21st century workforce. significance of the event in his welcome, “This is and Biotechnology highlight Southwest’s The new academic building, phase two of the Macon an exciting day for Southwest; one we have been Building - emphasizing enrollment which Cove Campus Master Plan devised in 1990, will move anticipating for many years, almost 20 years. We are the $2 million pledge is up 8.8 percent – the college closer to that initiative. indeed proud of this momentous occasion…this state- by corporate giant 11,445 compared of-the-art academic facility will FedEx; the largest gift to 10,515 last year. provide increased opportunities in Southwest history. He also discussed for Southwest to address the future He also informed new buildings that educational needs of a larger number them that because of are currently being of deserving students.” the college’s success constructed o r raising private dollars, sought that will Among the special guests were Regent Southwest was able Van Turner, Sen. Mark Norris, Rep. Lois DeBerry, Sen. Ophelia Ford, aid in increasing Greg Duckett of the Tennessee Board to move from number Rep. Karen Camper, and Sen. Beverly Marrero tour the current nursing enrollment and better of Regents; Mark Stansberry, assistant facility led by Mary Vines (2nd from left). 16 to number two on serve the Mid-South: to the president of the University of the Tennessee Board the Maxine A. Smith Memphis; Fred Davis, a member of of Regents’ (TBR) Capital Outlay Request. This was Center, the new library, as well as the new academic the Southwest Foundation Board; accomplished due to a pilot match program that TBR building on the Macon Cove Campus, and the progress Sylvester Tate, Southwest Foundation had implemented to provide incentives to colleges to toward building a new Fayette County Center. Board member/Alumni Association president; and representatives from raise more private dollars. Under the match program, Councilman Edmund Ford Jr., Representative G.A. Hardaway, Representative Karen if a college raised at least 15 percent of the total project TBR Vice Chancellor Gregory discussed several issues Camper, Foundation Board Member Fred Davis, TBR Chancellor Charles Manning, Senator Corker’s, Congressman Cohen’s, and Mayor Wharton’s costs, their project could be advanced on TBR’s Capital including enrollment increases for community colleges President Nathan Essex, Representative Barbara Cooper, Foundation Board Member/ Outlay request from the state. statewide, the 6 percent tuition increase for 2008- Alumni Association President Sylvester Tate, Foundation Board Member Greg Pohlmann, offices, to name a few. 09, budget reductions/reversions, Tennessee Lottery and Provost/Executive Vice President Joanne Bassett. TBR Vice Chancellor David Gregory was in attendance revenues and possible revisions that would expand the Provost/Executive Vice President and according to Sherman Greer, executive director of lottery to include those individuals who are over 25 Joanne Bassett gave an overview of the features The groundbreaking ceremony for the new building was Government Relations at Southwest, “he informed the years of age that have an income of $36,000 or less. and amenities of the new building, “A $21.7 million held June 25 on the Macon Cove Campus. Tennessee delegation that Southwest was the only college in the This would apply to working adults that have been out building, 109,000 square feet, almost a 40 percent TBR system to achieve that match and he emphasized of college for two or more years. Board of Regents Chancellor Charles Manning, present increase…It is going to be a wonderful, wonderful how significant that was for a community college.” for the occasion, said, “I am really glad to be here. This setting.” Capital Outlay Projects include all projects for which the Also attending the meeting were Cato Johnson, new building will provide state-of-the-art, 21st century primary objective is expansion of buildings by adding Southwest Foundation Board Chair, Memphis City classrooms, laboratories, offices, and conference A reception followed the “ceremonial dig” in the Farris new construction and renovations involving extensive Schools Associate General Counsel Van Turner, rooms. It will be completed in late summer or early Building; the turning of the first shovels of dirt to break changes in functional use. Southwest Provost/Executive Vice President Joanne fall 2009, and I am just delighted that we were able to ground for the new building. Bassett and Southwest Vice President of Institutional do this.” He added, “We got it all the way through the Also discussed were Southwest’s efforts to acquire the Advancement Karen Nippert. land to construct the nursing school. The United States 24 17 Highly Gifted 14-Year-Old Enrolls in Carolyn Head Returns as repository for books and materials and interaction with Executive Director of Library Services the students. I see it as a destination place, a gathering Fall Classes at Southwest place. This is the new trend for libraries now, to be a Carolyn Head has been selected gathering place.” to serve a second tenure “First, I am 14 and this is college,” was highly gifted and Fridays – psychology, speech, Spanish, military at Southwest, this time as young teen Graham Charles Elwood’s response to the science, and the honors program. “I am looking to [test Veteran Law Enforcement Officer Appointed Executive Director of Library Director of Police Services/Public Safety question ... ‘How is starting school this year different out of] math and English,” he said. When it comes Services. Her responsibilities for you than it was last year?’ Graham Elwood will to extracurriculars, he has several interests. So far, include supervising a new $17 be the first 14-year-old to attend Southwest Tennessee he has talked to Coach Reynolds about trying out for James Bolden has been promoted to Director of Police million plus library to open on Services/Public Safety. He came to Southwest in June Community College. Co-valedictorian of his Gateway baseball. the Macon Cove Campus in Christian School senior class of 116, Elwood fast-paced of this year as the associate director after having served January 2009. She managed 32 years in law enforcement. “I believe in service – to test out of five grades in six months to graduate at Elwood plans to major in law. His mother proudly and oversaw the development 13-years-old this past May. Gateway offers home said he has known since third grade that he wanted serving the people, serving the public. Coming here to and evaluation of library Southwest affords me the opportunity to continue my extension classes. “When they saw his ACT scores and to study law. “He sat on the bed and told me what operation and personnel life’s work of being of service,” said Bolden. his IQ tests, they said let him go at his own pace,” said schools he wanted to attend and what he wanted to services for the former Shelby Shelby Elwood-Raney, Graham’s mother. take,” she glowed. If all goes well, he will graduate State Community College Bolden’s first professional law enforcement from Southwest in 2010 and transfer credits to Rhodes Carolyn Head Library as library director opportunity came as a patrolman with the Memphis Though Elwood, who has an IQ of 170 and an ACT College or the University of Memphis to complete his from 1993-1997. score of 27, was awarded a Southwest President’s undergraduate degree. Police Department in 1968. Eight years later, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the criminal Scholarship, there will be no red carpet rolled out to “The thing I like about community college,” Head said, investigation division. Bolden rose through the ranks welcome him to campus this fall. He, his parents and Thereafter, he plans to join the military. Elwood comes “is that it is a melding of academia and the public. To as lieutenant, captain, commander, inspector, chief Southwest unanimously agreed to make his college from a long line of military men and plans to keep the me it is the best of both worlds. We serve more than inspector and chief of the MPD Training Academy experience as normal as possible. “My hope would be family tradition. “It’s fascinated me. My entire family just the faculty, staff and our students. We serve the that Graham would have as normal an experience as any has pretty much been military at one point or another community.” where he revolutionized training methods for all law other normal student would have,” stated Southwest and I really feel like I, at least, have a six or seven-year enforcement personnel. He retired in 1997 then returned President Nathan Essex. obligation to them.” He hoped to be going to West Point Head returns to the college with impressive credentials, in 2000 as deputy director of police services and was for his bachelor’s degree, but his age precluded him including 30 years of leadership, management and later appointed as director of police services for the Southwest’s new student orientation was recently held from attending. “So we’ve had to tweak the career,” supervisory experience within diverse organizational City of Memphis in 2003. Bolden served as director and Elwood blended in with all the other first-time said his mother. environments. Her 12 years of administrative experience of Homeland Security for District 11 and worked for students in his black t-shirt with sunglasses clipped to include: assistant director for Public Services for the Crichton College before coming to Southwest. the front. If that’s any indication, he’ll get his wish to Elwood is a young man with superior intelligence and First Regional Library System in northwest Mississippi; be just another student at Southwest. “I hope that my huge career goals. “I want to become Chief Justice of regional manager for the Nashville Public Library; As chief of public safety at Southwest, Bolden feels classmates will accept me. I am just one of them as far the Supreme Court,” he announced. Graham Elwood is branch team leader for the Seattle Public Library that a unified ‘community concept’ will best strengthen I as I’m concerned. I hope to just be another student,” off to an incredible start. System; and assistant managing librarian for Edmonds the effectiveness of public safety for the college. “I see he said. Branch Library, Sno-Isle Regional Library System. the Southwest community as almost like a city within She graduated from Tennessee State University with itself. … I would like The officials at Southwest worked a B. S. degree in sociology. She earned a Master of to see a community- with Elwood’s parents in advance of Library Science degree in urban librarianship from based public safety his enrollment to make sure that he Case Western Reserve University and an M. S. in urban initiative at the and Southwest were a good match. anthropology from Memphis State University. college in which “As far as us changing our program, the students, faculty we really haven’t done that because The primary responsibilities of library services fit well and staff are able that would not be giving him a true within the parameters of Head’s personal mission of t o interchange college experience; and that’s what service and with the direction and vision in which ideas and work he wanted,” said Kathryn Johnson, the college is headed in terms of community service, together.” Bolden executive director of enrollment especially for the new library at Macon Cove. “The is a Memphis State services. vision I have for library services is to develop ways that University graduate we can better serve our community. I think, particularly with a Bachelor His classes will be lined up backed- President Nathan Essex with this new library, we have that opportunity,” of Arts degree in to-back on Mondays, Wednesdays awards Graham Elwood Head said. “I want the library to be more than just a criminal justice. James Bolden the President’s Scholarship. 18 23 choices to suit every interest: comprehensive programs administration experience. He is responsible for all with convenient locations and class schedules and information technology resources for students and an ever-growing roster of online courses. ‘Whatever administration; application services, networking and Memphis Plays Host for works’ – those are the choices we offer our students.” telecommunications infrastructure services; client But, Hampton points out, society throws up roadblocks. services; and help desk services for the entire college. “Right now, it’s the economy, the scarcity of the jobs our Desire2Learn International students need, and the sheer complexity of balancing Avery says it is his perspective on the role information family, school and work; while attaining a successful technology plays in the organization’s structure that Conference education. That’s where my job comes in, coordinating qualifies him to handle responsibilities of this magnitude. access to all the help available.” But, while a good working knowledge of what makes information technology important in any organization is necessary, it is people skills that bridge the role of Desire2Learn Incorporated, a leading provider of “The proximity of location allowed 13 Southwest faculty Southwest has developed a myriad of ways, and a large information technology and the mission and vision of mission-critical enterprise eLearning solutions, held and Distance Education staff to take advantage of the team, to help students reach their goals. As Hampton the organization. “My goal is to align the technology its largest-ever users’ conference in July with 600 [overabundance] of quality sessions and workshops,” says, “We make sure our students are able to take resources with the business of the college in order to registered attendees, including global clients and said Dr. Elaine Adams, director of the Center of advantage of all the help we can give.” That help varies enable it to do what it is here to do. And that ‘business’ partners. FUSION 2008: Connect & Inspire, the premier Emphasis (COE) for Teaching and Technology at widely, beginning with dedicated teachers working is to educate students in this community,” said Avery. Desire2Learn (D2L) event of the year, was the fifth Southwest. With more than 140 sessions, five tracks and to develop the very best in our students and offering annual Desire2Learn Users’ Conference, held this year post-conference workshops, attendees participated in special help to those who need it. Financial help to Avery’s professional credentials include 10 years in higher engaging discussions offered in various fund college expenses, free tutoring, student mentoring education at Crichton College, as assistant professor of formats, from enriching networking events programs, career centers, advisors to guide students to business; director of information systems; webmaster; to forward thinking keynote speakers. the right courses at the right time – plus many other chief financial officer; and marketing consultant to the supportive programs and activities – give students the president and administration. He also was formerly Southwest attendees included Dr. Adams, wide range of help they need. At Southwest, everyone senior vice president of marketing for First South Credit Kendall Gloster, Corey Griffin, Jeannette is charged with supporting student needs in every way Union in Millington, Tennessee, and administrator and Gunter, Lisa Henriksen, Lydia Linebarger, possible. business manager for Faith Heritage Baptist Church and Clark McKinney, Brad Montgomery, Kim Christian Academy, also in Millington. Rittman, Gary Shockley, Brenda Smith, Hampton received his bachelor’s in history at the Lilliette Smith, and Vivian Stewart. University of Arkansas and his MBA from the In his new position at Southwest, Avery has several University of Phoenix, Memphis. directional themes. The first is customer service: “We Dr. Adams, who served on the conference must first recognize who our customers are. And often, committee, the program committee, and that means, not so much the students, as those who serve the Desire2Excel Awards committee, our students – faculty and administrators,” said Avery. said, “Reports from the attendees Jim Avery Provides New Leadership for The second theme is professional development. “I indicate that the sessions were helpful in Information Systems believe that, as an institution of higher learning, we need solidifying concepts already utilized in to set the example of being lifelong learners the Southwest distance education courses Jim Avery arrived at and develop to our fullest potential.” as well as challenging faculty to use tools Southwest in June as and features of D2L in innovative ways.” Executive Director of Avery earned an MBA with a concentration Information Systems in management information systems from the “One of the unique features of FUSION with a portfolio packed University of Memphis; a baccalaureate in was the participation of the D2L staff. w i t h information Dr. Elaine Adams presenting a Desire2Excel Community Award. marketing from U of M; and an A.A.S. in hotel The D2L staff members presented sessions technology, business and and restaurant management from Southwest. on the software which allow participants financial management, in Memphis, Tennessee at the Cook Convention Center. to interact, offer suggestions for improvements, and and higher education understand the development process,” said Dr. Adams. Attendees, representing institutions and organizations worldwide, had countless opportunities to connect, learn The conference proved beneficial not only for the and be inspired as they shared successes, best practices attendees but, according to Jeremy Auger, chief Jim Avery and innovative uses of the D2L suite of offerings. operation officer for D2L, proved beneficial for his team as well. “FUSION was a prime occasion for our diverse 22 19 and rapidly growing client base, partners, collaborators within the eLearning community, and members of the Desire2Learn team to learn, expand outlooks and experiment with new tools Longtime Congressional Aide Now Heads session. He also fosters relationships with legislators and technologies. … This very the New Government Relations Office from middle and east Tennessee and works with successful annual event sparks representatives from other Tennessee Board of Regents innovation and the sharing of Sherman Greer has schools across the state to collaborate and develop best practices throughout the D2L been appointed ideas. Greer added, “I am honored and excited about community on an ongoing basis,” Executive Director this opportunity. Southwest is making great strides to be Auger said. of Government known as the community’s college and I just hope that I Relations. This new am able to make a positive contribution to its continuing office promotes day- success.” He received his bachelor’s degree in political Lydia Linebarger, associate to-day contact with science and communications from the University of professor of developmental studies, city, county, state and Tennessee-Martin. observed, “FUSION showed how federal legislative ─ far ahead of the crowd Southwest Snapshotsbodies, of creating New new AdministrativeOyama Hampton III Named to New is with technology, training, and opportunities to build Customer Service Director Position course design. The COE staff does and support programs an excellent job in keeping us up-to- Faces at Southwest mutually beneficial Oyama Hampton III is uniquely prepared to fill the date.” She added, “The conference both to students and newly created position of Director of Customer was a great way to meet people A global spectrum of attendees network during a midmorning break. many sectors of the Service. At International Paper, during 10 years in from across the U.S. and Canada Sherman Greer local economy. positions including customer service, customer service and hear how they have been using committee and on the program committee. management, and sales, he formed in just two years D2L at their institutions. I picked up several new ideas Greer previously served as District Director for U.S. The conference was followed by a brainstorming one of the top from the people I met and have already applied them Congressman Steve Cohen and for many years was session at Southwest to discuss the implementation of ranking sales to my fall course.” Linebarger served on the conference a senior aide to former Congressman Harold Ford concepts and practices learned or refreshed from the teams in the Jr. “Initially, my focus is to build on relationships the users FUSION experience. division. That college has with elected and appointed officials to experience, plus enhance funding and grant opportunities. Given recent longtime civic cuts in funding for higher education we must be more creative and seek additional ways to partner with key involvement, stakeholders in the community,” said Greer. and many years dedicated to the A key responsibility of the Government Relations needs of young Office is to ensure that the president and the community people, give him of Southwest are kept up-to-date about government special insight activities and proposals that may directly impact the into the concerns college, its students, faculty and administrators. The o f c o l l e g e Oyama Hampton III students. He Jeremy Auger, chief operating officer for office also works in cooperation with other offices of Desire2Learn Incorporated, paused for a photo. the college including academic grants, corporate and also coordinates customer service training for faculty foundation relations, and public relations to maximize and staff, and works with committees and departments the college’s agenda. Another key aspect will be working to ensure exceptional service for internal and external with faculty to help identify opportunities for state and customers. federal appropriations. According to Hampton, now is an excellent time to be Greer makes it a point to maintain close contact with in college, “to be choosing your educational path, your the Shelby County delegation. He is in Nashville career. Choices are especially extensive at Southwest ... approximately once a week when the legislature is in 20 21 and rapidly growing client base, partners, collaborators within the eLearning community, and members of the Desire2Learn team to learn, expand outlooks and experiment with new tools Longtime Congressional Aide Now Heads session. He also fosters relationships with legislators and technologies. … This very the New Government Relations Office from middle and east Tennessee and works with successful annual event sparks representatives from other Tennessee Board of Regents innovation and the sharing of Sherman Greer has schools across the state to collaborate and develop best practices throughout the D2L been appointed ideas. Greer added, “I am honored and excited about community on an ongoing basis,” Executive Director this opportunity. Southwest is making great strides to be Auger said. of Government known as the community’s college and I just hope that I Relations. This new am able to make a positive contribution to its continuing office promotes day- success.” He received his bachelor’s degree in political Lydia Linebarger, associate to-day contact with science and communications from the University of professor of developmental studies, city, county, state and Tennessee-Martin. observed, “FUSION showed how federal legislative ─ far ahead of the crowd Southwest Snapshotsbodies, of creating New new AdministrativeOyama Hampton III Named to New is with technology, training, and opportunities to build Customer Service Director Position course design. The COE staff does and support programs an excellent job in keeping us up-to- Faces at Southwest mutually beneficial Oyama Hampton III is uniquely prepared to fill the date.” She added, “The conference both to students and newly created position of Director of Customer was a great way to meet people A global spectrum of attendees network during a midmorning break. many sectors of the Service. At International Paper, during 10 years in from across the U.S. and Canada Sherman Greer local economy. positions including customer service, customer service and hear how they have been using committee and on the program committee. management, and sales, he formed in just two years D2L at their institutions. I picked up several new ideas Greer previously served as District Director for U.S. The conference was followed by a brainstorming one of the top from the people I met and have already applied them Congressman Steve Cohen and for many years was session at Southwest to discuss the implementation of ranking sales to my fall course.” Linebarger served on the conference a senior aide to former Congressman Harold Ford concepts and practices learned or refreshed from the teams in the Jr. “Initially, my focus is to build on relationships the users FUSION experience. division. That college has with elected and appointed officials to experience, plus enhance funding and grant opportunities. Given recent longtime civic cuts in funding for higher education we must be more creative and seek additional ways to partner with key involvement, stakeholders in the community,” said Greer. and many years dedicated to the A key responsibility of the Government Relations needs of young Office is to ensure that the president and the community people, give him of Southwest are kept up-to-date about government special insight activities and proposals that may directly impact the into the concerns college, its students, faculty and administrators. The o f c o l l e g e Oyama Hampton III students. He Jeremy Auger, chief operating officer for office also works in cooperation with other offices of Desire2Learn Incorporated, paused for a photo. the college including academic grants, corporate and also coordinates customer service training for faculty foundation relations, and public relations to maximize and staff, and works with committees and departments the college’s agenda. Another key aspect will be working to ensure exceptional service for internal and external with faculty to help identify opportunities for state and customers. federal appropriations. According to Hampton, now is an excellent time to be Greer makes it a point to maintain close contact with in college, “to be choosing your educational path, your the Shelby County delegation. He is in Nashville career. Choices are especially extensive at Southwest ... approximately once a week when the legislature is in 20 21 choices to suit every interest: comprehensive programs administration experience. He is responsible for all with convenient locations and class schedules and information technology resources for students and an ever-growing roster of online courses. ‘Whatever administration; application services, networking and Memphis Plays Host for works’ – those are the choices we offer our students.” telecommunications infrastructure services; client But, Hampton points out, society throws up roadblocks. services; and help desk services for the entire college. “Right now, it’s the economy, the scarcity of the jobs our Desire2Learn International students need, and the sheer complexity of balancing Avery says it is his perspective on the role information family, school and work; while attaining a successful technology plays in the organization’s structure that Conference education. That’s where my job comes in, coordinating qualifies him to handle responsibilities of this magnitude. access to all the help available.” But, while a good working knowledge of what makes information technology important in any organization is necessary, it is people skills that bridge the role of Desire2Learn Incorporated, a leading provider of “The proximity of location allowed 13 Southwest faculty Southwest has developed a myriad of ways, and a large information technology and the mission and vision of mission-critical enterprise eLearning solutions, held and Distance Education staff to take advantage of the team, to help students reach their goals. As Hampton the organization. “My goal is to align the technology its largest-ever users’ conference in July with 600 [overabundance] of quality sessions and workshops,” says, “We make sure our students are able to take resources with the business of the college in order to registered attendees, including global clients and said Dr. Elaine Adams, director of the Center of advantage of all the help we can give.” That help varies enable it to do what it is here to do. And that ‘business’ partners. FUSION 2008: Connect & Inspire, the premier Emphasis (COE) for Teaching and Technology at widely, beginning with dedicated teachers working is to educate students in this community,” said Avery. Desire2Learn (D2L) event of the year, was the fifth Southwest. With more than 140 sessions, five tracks and to develop the very best in our students and offering annual Desire2Learn Users’ Conference, held this year post-conference workshops, attendees participated in special help to those who need it. Financial help to Avery’s professional credentials include 10 years in higher engaging discussions offered in various fund college expenses, free tutoring, student mentoring education at Crichton College, as assistant professor of formats, from enriching networking events programs, career centers, advisors to guide students to business; director of information systems; webmaster; to forward thinking keynote speakers. the right courses at the right time – plus many other chief financial officer; and marketing consultant to the supportive programs and activities – give students the president and administration. He also was formerly Southwest attendees included Dr. Adams, wide range of help they need. At Southwest, everyone senior vice president of marketing for First South Credit Kendall Gloster, Corey Griffin, Jeannette is charged with supporting student needs in every way Union in Millington, Tennessee, and administrator and Gunter, Lisa Henriksen, Lydia Linebarger, possible. business manager for Faith Heritage Baptist Church and Clark McKinney, Brad Montgomery, Kim Christian Academy, also in Millington. Rittman, Gary Shockley, Brenda Smith, Hampton received his bachelor’s in history at the Lilliette Smith, and Vivian Stewart. University of Arkansas and his MBA from the In his new position at Southwest, Avery has several University of Phoenix, Memphis. directional themes. The first is customer service: “We Dr. Adams, who served on the conference must first recognize who our customers are. And often, committee, the program committee, and that means, not so much the students, as those who serve the Desire2Excel Awards committee, our students – faculty and administrators,” said Avery. said, “Reports from the attendees Jim Avery Provides New Leadership for The second theme is professional development. “I indicate that the sessions were helpful in Information Systems believe that, as an institution of higher learning, we need solidifying concepts already utilized in to set the example of being lifelong learners the Southwest distance education courses Jim Avery arrived at and develop to our fullest potential.” as well as challenging faculty to use tools Southwest in June as and features of D2L in innovative ways.” Executive Director of Avery earned an MBA with a concentration Information Systems in management information systems from the “One of the unique features of FUSION with a portfolio packed University of Memphis; a baccalaureate in was the participation of the D2L staff. w i t h information Dr. Elaine Adams presenting a Desire2Excel Community Award. marketing from U of M; and an A.A.S. in hotel The D2L staff members presented sessions technology, business and and restaurant management from Southwest. on the software which allow participants financial management, in Memphis, Tennessee at the Cook Convention Center. to interact, offer suggestions for improvements, and and higher education understand the development process,” said Dr. Adams. Attendees, representing institutions and organizations worldwide, had countless opportunities to connect, learn The conference proved beneficial not only for the and be inspired as they shared successes, best practices attendees but, according to Jeremy Auger, chief Jim Avery and innovative uses of the D2L suite of offerings. operation officer for D2L, proved beneficial for his team as well. “FUSION was a prime occasion for our diverse 22 19 Highly Gifted 14-Year-Old Enrolls in Carolyn Head Returns as repository for books and materials and interaction with Executive Director of Library Services the students. I see it as a destination place, a gathering Fall Classes at Southwest place. This is the new trend for libraries now, to be a Carolyn Head has been selected gathering place.” to serve a second tenure “First, I am 14 and this is college,” was highly gifted and Fridays – psychology, speech, Spanish, military at Southwest, this time as young teen Graham Charles Elwood’s response to the science, and the honors program. “I am looking to [test Veteran Law Enforcement Officer Appointed Executive Director of Library Director of Police Services/Public Safety question ... ‘How is starting school this year different out of] math and English,” he said. When it comes Services. Her responsibilities for you than it was last year?’ Graham Elwood will to extracurriculars, he has several interests. So far, include supervising a new $17 be the first 14-year-old to attend Southwest Tennessee he has talked to Coach Reynolds about trying out for James Bolden has been promoted to Director of Police million plus library to open on Services/Public Safety. He came to Southwest in June Community College. Co-valedictorian of his Gateway baseball. the Macon Cove Campus in Christian School senior class of 116, Elwood fast-paced of this year as the associate director after having served January 2009. She managed 32 years in law enforcement. “I believe in service – to test out of five grades in six months to graduate at Elwood plans to major in law. His mother proudly and oversaw the development 13-years-old this past May. Gateway offers home said he has known since third grade that he wanted serving the people, serving the public. Coming here to and evaluation of library Southwest affords me the opportunity to continue my extension classes. “When they saw his ACT scores and to study law. “He sat on the bed and told me what operation and personnel life’s work of being of service,” said Bolden. his IQ tests, they said let him go at his own pace,” said schools he wanted to attend and what he wanted to services for the former Shelby Shelby Elwood-Raney, Graham’s mother. take,” she glowed. If all goes well, he will graduate State Community College Bolden’s first professional law enforcement from Southwest in 2010 and transfer credits to Rhodes Carolyn Head Library as library director opportunity came as a patrolman with the Memphis Though Elwood, who has an IQ of 170 and an ACT College or the University of Memphis to complete his from 1993-1997. score of 27, was awarded a Southwest President’s undergraduate degree. Police Department in 1968. Eight years later, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the criminal Scholarship, there will be no red carpet rolled out to “The thing I like about community college,” Head said, investigation division. Bolden rose through the ranks welcome him to campus this fall. He, his parents and Thereafter, he plans to join the military. Elwood comes “is that it is a melding of academia and the public. To as lieutenant, captain, commander, inspector, chief Southwest unanimously agreed to make his college from a long line of military men and plans to keep the me it is the best of both worlds. We serve more than inspector and chief of the MPD Training Academy experience as normal as possible. “My hope would be family tradition. “It’s fascinated me. My entire family just the faculty, staff and our students. We serve the that Graham would have as normal an experience as any has pretty much been military at one point or another community.” where he revolutionized training methods for all law other normal student would have,” stated Southwest and I really feel like I, at least, have a six or seven-year enforcement personnel. He retired in 1997 then returned President Nathan Essex. obligation to them.” He hoped to be going to West Point Head returns to the college with impressive credentials, in 2000 as deputy director of police services and was for his bachelor’s degree, but his age precluded him including 30 years of leadership, management and later appointed as director of police services for the Southwest’s new student orientation was recently held from attending. “So we’ve had to tweak the career,” supervisory experience within diverse organizational City of Memphis in 2003. Bolden served as director and Elwood blended in with all the other first-time said his mother. environments. Her 12 years of administrative experience of Homeland Security for District 11 and worked for students in his black t-shirt with sunglasses clipped to include: assistant director for Public Services for the Crichton College before coming to Southwest. the front. If that’s any indication, he’ll get his wish to Elwood is a young man with superior intelligence and First Regional Library System in northwest Mississippi; be just another student at Southwest. “I hope that my huge career goals. “I want to become Chief Justice of regional manager for the Nashville Public Library; As chief of public safety at Southwest, Bolden feels classmates will accept me. I am just one of them as far the Supreme Court,” he announced. Graham Elwood is branch team leader for the Seattle Public Library that a unified ‘community concept’ will best strengthen I as I’m concerned. I hope to just be another student,” off to an incredible start. System; and assistant managing librarian for Edmonds the effectiveness of public safety for the college. “I see he said. Branch Library, Sno-Isle Regional Library System. the Southwest community as almost like a city within She graduated from Tennessee State University with itself. … I would like The officials at Southwest worked a B. S. degree in sociology. She earned a Master of to see a community- with Elwood’s parents in advance of Library Science degree in urban librarianship from based public safety his enrollment to make sure that he Case Western Reserve University and an M. S. in urban initiative at the and Southwest were a good match. anthropology from Memphis State University. college in which “As far as us changing our program, the students, faculty we really haven’t done that because The primary responsibilities of library services fit well and staff are able that would not be giving him a true within the parameters of Head’s personal mission of t o interchange college experience; and that’s what service and with the direction and vision in which ideas and work he wanted,” said Kathryn Johnson, the college is headed in terms of community service, together.” Bolden executive director of enrollment especially for the new library at Macon Cove. “The is a Memphis State services. vision I have for library services is to develop ways that University graduate we can better serve our community. I think, particularly with a Bachelor His classes will be lined up backed- President Nathan Essex with this new library, we have that opportunity,” of Arts degree in to-back on Mondays, Wednesdays awards Graham Elwood Head said. “I want the library to be more than just a criminal justice. James Bolden the President’s Scholarship. 18 23 Southwest Recently Hosted Members of the The TBR Chancellor Joins the Shelby County Legislative Delegation

Dr. Bassett recognizes the changing and shrinking Dr. Bassett earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees The Institutional Development department has world in her strong support of Southwest’s International in English at the University of Memphis and her expanded to include the newly established Donor Studies initiative. Last week, the first students returned doctorate in curriculum and instruction at the University Relations department headed by Cheryl A. Bingham. from studying in South Africa for three weeks. “One of of Memphis. She also attended the University of Maine Ms. Bingham will be responsible for developing a the most exciting facets of my position is celebrating in Orono and Portland, Maine (Junior Year Summer stewardship program for Southwest’s donors. Her a student’s success. When one of our students, the Residential); and Bates College, Lewiston Maine. responsibilities will include planning and implement- majority of whom are on financial aid, qualifies through ing all cultivation events with current and prospective donors and meeting regularly with the Development and Research committee to solicit ideas for enhancing the stewardship program. In addition, she will Gill Center 25th Anniversary: A Gala Event assure that the College’s donors receive appropriate and timely acknowledgements for their philanthropic Southwest Tennessee Community College recently The celebration was held at the Gill Center on Septem- deeds, and she will create and maintain a liaison pro- celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Gill Center, lo- ber 26. State Senator Jim Kyle was the master of cere- gram for high-end donors. cated at 3833 Mountain Terrace in Memphis. The Gill monies for the event. Dignitaries from city and county Center, named in honor of Dr. Elbert T. Gill, Jr., began government made proclamations before a full house of Already a standard model in most four-year universi- operation on September 3, 1983. Dr. Gill, a prominent supporters at the celebration. ties, the donor relations office is a newer component businessman in the Frayser community and a member in many two-year schools. Donors are the center of of the legislature, was instrumental in helping gain ac- our work and as our first and foremost priority, they cess to the campus for Southwest. Pictured (from left to right) are V.P. Karen Nippert; Grace Gill, deserve the greatest recognition and highest level of wife of Dr. Elbert T. Gill; Debbie Gill Bueltemann, daughter of Dr. quality. We are pleased to bring you this newest ser- Gill; Councilwoman Barbara Swearengen Ware; City Clerk Jimmy Cheryl Bingham vice, and we welcome your comments and feedback. The Gill Center, located in the heart of Frayser, plays Moore; Cent. Dir. Pat Anderson; Councilman Myron Lowery; Gen- an integral role in the community and collaborates eral Sessions Court Clerk Otis Jackson Jr.; Provost/Exec. V.P. Joanne In addition to managing the Donor Relations Program, with local organizations like the Fray- Bassett; Senator Jim Kyle; V.P. Carol Tosh; and V.P. Ron Parr. Ms. Bingham will continue her duties administering the Foundation Scholarship Program and Foundation ser Exchange Club, the Frayser Com- Special Events. munity Association and the Ed Rice Community Center. Gill Center Di- For questions concerning donor relations, scholarships or Foundation special events, please contact Cheryl rector Patsy Anderson said, “I’d like Bingham at 333-4504. to think that the Gill Center is the Frayser community’s college. It’s here for everyone no matter if it’s a youth group, or someone who is actually attending classes, an older adult who is coming back to either be retrained, or to just take some continuing education kinds of classes.” 16 25 Southwest Foundation Board Longtime Members Hold Retreat Technology Sports Theme Inspires Board Members to “Get in the Game” Virtuoso Named The Southwest Foundation Board held a retreat in the downtown law offices of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Provost / Executive Caldwell, and Berkowitz to chart new fund- Vice President at raising goals for the College Southwest and to foster a renewed sense of team spirit while enjoying some good-natured fun in the process. Members were even invited to wear the jerseys of their favorite sports team to get into the retreat’s theme, Anita Vaughn prepares to review ideas from a breakout session. Dr. Joanne H. Bassett “Get in the Game.”

Facilitator Tammie Ritchey of the Med Foundation emphasized to participants that a great Dr. Joanne H. Bassett is the newly appointed Provost/ century multimedia classrooms increased dramatically team always focuses on one common goal. She used the example of NFL players who come to Executive Vice President at Southwest Tennessee and a first-class faculty development program was their training camps with the ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl. Community College. Dr. Bassett has served at the instituted. This training program includes cutting- college in a variety of capacities since 1973. Her long edge training in technology so superior that it attracts In breakout sessions, board members and staff were divided and career at the college has included stints as professor of participants across the state and region, and from as far asked to brainstorm ideas on cultivation and strategy. Ideas in- reading, chair of developmental studies, and dean of away as Maine. cluded increased alumni participation, employee challenges, and distance education and instructional technology. improving overall relationships within the community’s private “We are exceedingly proud of the work we do with and public sectors. Board members were also encouraged to From the early days of the Apple II computers, Dr. our faculty in technology and pedagogy for both become more proactive and provide the names of at least five Bassett foresaw the important role that technology online and traditional classes. And we are always potential donors. would ultimately play in learning and teaching. In the trying to find ways to help our students achieve their 1970s she wrote BASIC programs to teach vocabulary goals while making their way through life. Our latest As a reward for their day’s work and to keep the motivation going, and reading skills; she was the first to train her initiative is ‘split (hybrid) courses,’ which include time the development staff-with pom-poms in hand-cheered on board Southwest President Nathan Essex (second from the right of department in the use of e-mail; and her department in the classroom with the professor and time out of members during “player introductions.” the projector screen) and Foundation Board Members discuss fund-raising goals for the College. was the first at the college to use a computer, projector, class on the computer. With this format, we are able and interactive presentation board in the classroom. to enroll a working adult in up to 12 hours a semester “Those were Stone Age achievements. Southwest now in just two evenings a week, or on Friday nights and uses video-conferencing equipment to teach courses Saturday mornings. These split courses are very, very across Fayette and Shelby counties, offers more than successful,” said Dr. Bassett. 150 online courses and nine online degrees, and uses podcasting and voice boards in its online and Dr. Bassett recently attended her second Oxford other distance education courses. Students have high Round Table in Oxford, England. Participation in the expectations these days; no more yellow notes and Oxford Round Table is by invitation only and includes chalk boards.” participants from around the world. The topic of this session was “The Regulation of Cyberspace: Balancing Members of the Advancement staff help Prior to accepting her new position, Dr. Bassett had been the Interests.” In her role of executive vice president (left to right) Sylvester Tate and Dr. Steve Ballard Foundation Board Members “Get in the dean of distance education and instructional technology over information services, this is a topic she handles sport jerseys from their favorite NFL teams. Game” during “Player Introductions.” for many years. During her tenure, the number of 21st regularly. “At the college, we are constantly battling 26 15 There Is More Work to Do for Trio’s EOC Program at Southwest Southwest Puts Out Welcome Board Member Spotlight One of every four Memphians lacks a high school or Mat for Danish Students GED diploma, and the EOC has assisted hundreds of potential postsecondary students to begin studying for their high school or equivalency diplomas prior to The International Education Department at Southwest One catered dinner was all it took for Sam Chafetz to presented,” said enrolling in college or vocational training. The EOC recently hosted 22 international exchange students realize he had made his best choice. Chafetz. “They is addressing the problems of the severely education- who arrived October 3 for a week from Svenborg, wanted to be able ally disadvantaged adults in our area by developing Denmark. The program promotes global experiences Chafetz, an attorney with the law offices of Baker, to rise above the partnerships, actively participating in city-wide liter- for students, faculty, and staff at Southwest. The Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, and educational and acy coalitions and developing resources through grant students attend Svenborg Business College and look Southwest Tennessee Community College Foundation income level of funding. The staff of the EOC is working with numer- forward to coming to Memphis each year in order to Board member, knew his involvement in making their parents and ous organizations and programs, including Mid-South experience the educational and cultural diversity of Southwest the school of choice for Mid-Southerners was grandparents. Reads, the Memphis Literacy Council, Memphis City our great city. important. He had no idea how significant his decision They work three Schools Division of Adult Education, MCS Even Start to become more involved would be until a coincidental and four jobs in Program, Buckman Laboratories, Hollywood Library, meeting with our culinary alumni on a Saturday after- order to make Sam Chafetz Hollywood Community Center, Rhodes College, The Danish students noon. ends meet for Shelby County Correctional Center, and many others. arrive on the themselves and They are helping to develop a more coordinated and ef- Macon Cove “Graduates of the culinary program were preparing and their families, buy books, and afford transportation to and ficient adult education service delivery system among Campus following serving the food and they had the Southwest logo on from school—all so they can hopefully have, eventually, a delayed flight existing service providers, with the EOC serving as a their jackets,” said Chafetz. “I asked them why they were just one well-paying job, and have a normal life.” from New York. bridge from GED to higher education enrollment for wearing the logo. They said, ‘we are proud of our ac- EOC program participants. complishments.’” That day validated Chafetz’s decision His role is to help students accomplish that dream. He is to join the Southwest Foundation Board in July 2005. personally involved in acquiring funds for facilities and More Help Is on the Way He credits philanthropist and Southwest Foundation new faculty. His goal for this year’s board is to iden- Board member Bert Bornblum with introducing him to tify and display more successful alumni in Southwest’s Serving as a bridge to higher education for its program Southwest and urging him to get involved. marketing campaigns. While Chafetz’s fundraising participants, the EOC recently was awarded $20,000 responsibilities are essential for Southwest students to by the Women’s Foundation of Greater Memphis to “Bert Bornblum has been the subject of my fundraising succeed, he sees the big picture and understands how provide tutoring services for EOC students enrolled efforts for many decades,” said Chafetz. “In the religious important it is for Southwest to respond to the needs of in GED classes city-wide. The EOC is working on community that he and I both occupy, fundraising has the community. several projects at different levels of development that been a necessity for a millennia. He thought I could play will serve to facilitate the program’s efforts to get more a role on this board.” “The long and short of it is, unless we have an employee Memphis area adults into postsecondary education base that is well-educated, we will never pull ourselves programs. We anticipate that this year’s EOC enroll- A native of Memphis, Chafetz is a graduate of Christian out of just being a distribution center,” said Chafetz. “It’s ment at Southwest will push the total tuition and fees Brothers High School. He received his bachelor’s degree fine to be a distribution center, but unless we add value generated by the program {since its inception} to more from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and his to the products we are distributing, we will continue to than $6 million. law degree from Harvard Law School. Although he had have low wages.” never experienced a community college setting before Vickie Reyes is the director of the Educational Southwest, he understood its role in the Mid-South, and And just as Chafetz is proud of his choice to serve on the Opportunity Center. its importance to its students who are all striving for the board, he knows how proud our Southwest alumni are American Dream. about their achievements.

Students applaud the warm welcome they received from President Nathan Essex.

14 27 Southwest’s Educational Opportunity Center Has Generated Millions in From the Desk of the Alumni Tuition and Fees for the College Affairs Director Hello Southwest Alumni: By Vickie Reyes From Small Acorns Great Oaks Do Grow recently accepted into Southwest’s Radiology Program I write this, my first official communication to you, as a reminder that and she is thrilled. Maria’s academic work is excel- each of us plays a role in keeping Southwest the college of choice for That fact highlights that Southwest’s TRIO Educational lent and she serves as a role model for her family and all Mid-Southerners. Each year the arrival of our newest Southwest Opportunity Center (EOC) Program, which began life friends. She will be the first person in her family to students provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what makes as my graduate school project, has spread its branches graduate from college. All of the EOC’s staff members Southwest special. I believe it is our alumni that have the ability to take to serve thousands of potential adult college students salute Maria Centeno for her achievements and stand us from a good institution to a great one. in the Memphis area. Funded by a U.S. Department of ready to help her in any way they can. Education TRIO grant of $226,600 annually, the EOC I look forward to opportunities to work with you as part of my own serves more than 1,000 students every year and at least Some of the students served by the EOC in its first Southwest education. Recently we had an Alumni Association Family two-thirds of them are potential first generation adult five years enrolled at the University of Memphis, UT Outing at Ellendale Lodge in Bartlett. We had perfect fall weather and college students from low-income homes. The EOC Nursing School, Tennessee Technology Center and Christopher Owens alums brought their families to enjoy the day and get to know other program has significantly exceeded its enrollment other schools. However, most EOC college-ready stu- members of the Southwest family. I am inspired by your support of our goals every year. dents chose Southwest Tennessee Community College alumni events and promise more occasions for fellowship. as the place to begin their college careers. EOC stu- The Educational Opportunity Center is located at 5390 dent enrollment added more than $5 million in tuition Your commitment to the Alumni Scholarship has been phenomenal! We mailed letters to our alumni celebrat- Mendenhall Square next door to the Southeast Center, and fees for Southwest during the program’s first five ing the success of one of our own, Barbara Hicks, who graduated at the age of 62. Because of your loyalty and is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday years. to this great school, many of you wrote checks to the scholarship fund to help current students reach their through Friday. EOC staff will see students other goals. times by appointment, and they will go to community service agencies by appointment to work with groups We take every opportunity to instill alumni spirit in our current students as well as our past graduates. If you all across the Memphis area. want to strengthen your bond to Southwest, join the Alumni Association. For a membership fee of $15, the Alumni Association can help you stay involved in the life of the College and informed about Southwest’s The EOC Program provides many services, all free, to help potential adult college students enroll in higher achievements and challenges. education programs at the institution of their choice. Among the services the EOC provides are: Now is the time to join us. We want to update you on Southwest, but we also want to hear about your successes as well. Please feel free to contact Alumni Affairs with your suggestions at 901-333-4344 or e-mail at: • Computer lab with internet [email protected]. • Assistance with basic computer skills • Career exploration and counseling With your continued support, I am confident we will build a better Southwest together. • Academic, personality and career assessments • Educational planning • Assistance in completing admissions and financial With all best wishes, aid applications • ACT, COMPASS and GED Test Prep Christopher A. Owens • Tutoring Director of Alumni Affairs Maria Centeno is a good example of a nontraditional EOC adult student. She is a working mom in her mid- (Left to right): Ora White, Diana Sawyer, K.T. Matthews, and Kathy Simpson -- Seated: Vickie Reyes, Director twenties and she takes care of her family and home in addition to attending Southwest. Ms. Centeno was

28 13 Studies students during regular class meetings, by phone, has demonstrated exceptional motivation, character, and e-mail, and in individual face-to-face sessions. Topics compassion. Just meeting her is a blessing. Thank you such as time management, goal setting, use of campus for this program.” Southwest Alumni resources, college transfer, and communication with in- structors and academic advisors are part of a calendar of Since spring 2008, 17 peer mentors and seven activities for mentors to address. Mentors participate in Developmental Studies faculty have participated in Project Where Are They Now? focus groups to discuss their experiences following their SUCCEED. The seven faculty are Marjorie Dernaika, class presentations, and invite mentees to attend a cul- Debbie Hunt, Rose McNeil, Rosie McCray, Miki minating focus group at the end of a semester. Findings Richardson, Lois Washington and Susan Turner. More Gordon Lintz Joins Thompson Cancer Survival Center from focus groups, in addition to surveys, are used as than 350 Developmental Studies students have shared of Knoxville, TN as Chief Administrative Officer qualitative research methods to evaluate the program. in the mentoring process. Additionally, mentors have gained experience with leadership responsibilities and Gordon Lintz has joined Thompson Cancer Survival Center, a subsidiary of the One mentee’s response at the end of the semester was, “I commitment to an assignment to completion. Some have Covenant Healthcare System of East Tennessee, as Chief Administrative Officer. learned how to manage my time, take notes, and I have also been privileged to attend professional meetings such Lintz was formally employed with Baptist Memorial Health Care of Memphis, made a great friend!” as the International Mentoring Association Conference in TN, where he led Baptist’s strategic planning efforts for its cancer services and Las Vegas, Nevada; the 4th International Conference on supervised the hospital’s skilled nursing facility, clinical research and stem cell A mentor stated, “At first I was worried about how they Research in Access and Developmental Education in San transplant program. Lintz received an Associate of Applied Science degree in nurs- would accept me, but I was encouraged not to give up. Juan, Puerto Rico; and the Mentoring for Student Success ing from Southwest in 2001. This program helped me to believe in myself.” and College-Wide Engagement workshop at Southwest. This exposure to professionals from across the globe was A faculty member commented, “I am so pleased to memorable for the mentors and added value to their men- have (mentor name) as a mentor for my students. She toring experiences.

Chris Triplett, PE, CPESC Joins Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon as Project Engineer

Louise Blue-Walker Self-Publishes Her Second Book

12 29 Cristin Caccamisi Featured on The Commercial Appeal Front Page Project SUCCEED Supporting Developmental Studies Students One Class at a Time Cristin Caccamisi, a recent graduate from the EMT/paramedic program at Southwest Tennessee Community College, was featured on the front page of By Dr. Cynthia B. Calhoun and Dr. Kenny Yarbrough The Commercial Appeal’s Real Estate section for buying her first home last summer at the age of 22. She currently works as a clinical applications spe- cialist with GE Healthcare. She trains staff in the use of medical diagnostics applications, such as stress and EKG machines. She spends most weekdays traveling all over the country to deliver training, returning to Memphis for the weekends.

Roman Johnson Book Review Featured in the Tri-State Defender

Dr. George Grimes Credits Southwest Tennessee Community College With Helping Him Start His Own Practice

30 11 Things hadn’t changed much by the time he enrolled at MIFA, hosting food and clothing drives, participating Southwest a few years later. He had decided to become in various charity walks and chairing fundraisers for a firefighter. Southwest was an easy choice since it was the Honors Academy. He is also taking advantage of the only college in the state offering fire science. It free classes FedEx offers. Scholarships at a Glance wasn’t long before he discovered a lot of other good Spotlight on the Newest Established Scholarships reasons for being at Southwest. But, while he soon Most important, Little has made significant changes in recognized there is an immense difference between himself. He has set goals that he constantly reevaluates Sylvester Tate and Darrell Thomas are two sides of the same coin. Both are 1985 graduates of Southwest who studied technology and started businesses in the same field. Thomas and Tate are also members of the Southwest Southwest and a large university, “there’s a lot of truth and redefines. “If I’m not pushing myself to become Foundation Board of Trustees, and each has established an endowed scholarship for Southwest students. However, in that old cliché, ‘if you do what you’ve always done, more knowledgeable about business … a better stu- these two alums have different motivations for endowing their scholarships. We asked them about their Southwest you’ll get what you always got.’” And he kept on do- dent, better employee, and better husband …constantly experience and why they chose to give back to Southwest. Here are their responses. ing what he’d always done. Then, the letter came. moving forward … I feel like I am falling behind,” said Little. 4. Did you further your education after “At Southwest, my professors actually got to know graduating from Southwest? me, and they cared a lot more than I did at first about One major decision was to disassociate himself from I attended the University of Memphis for one me getting the most out of their classes,” stated Little. friends he realized held him back. He contends, “If you semester. I attended school while in the Many gave him their home phone numbers in case he are strong enough to do it, you remove an enormous military at Tidewater Community College, needed extra help. Or, they‘d go grab coffee together weight that was dragging you down, away from your the University of Florida, and a host of after class and go over assignments. He added, “It’s goals. I am blessed with five or six friends who are like military aviation schools. a very personal school, you know.” Little then began brothers … of unquestionable integrity, loyalty, and 5. Why did you decide to open your own working seriously on his studies. character, as supportive of me as I am of them. And business? the Honors Academy helps me network with others I started my business because it was always About the time he enrolled at Southwest, Little started like a family, helping each other perform at our upper a burning desire of mine. When the working at FedEx and discovered he really loved busi- capacity.” opportunity presented itself, I took the dive ness. He also knew he could go as far at FedEx as he and it was the best decision I could have wanted, if he was willing to work very hard. With Little proudly remarks, “and my wife Casey is my big- made for my career. I did not want to be in a his grades moving upward, he was permitted to add gest fan!” Without his wife believing in him from the position where someone else had control of a second major, business administration. According to beginning, he says there’s no way he would be where my destiny. Little, “The parallels between the programs made them he is today. Casey plans ultimately to become a doc- a perfect fit for a career in transportation – logistics, tor. She is completing a biology degree at University 6. What inspired you to establish the Robert Earl dangerous goods, and leadership fundamentals classes, of Memphis, then plans to enter Southwest’s nursing Tate Endowed Memorial Scholarship? among others.” But he was finally forced to work up to program. “We both work so we can continue paying My brother was the first male child in my his capacity and he loved it. for her education without loans, and the nursing degree family to attend college. He received a will be an excellent income source while she’s finish- football scholarship to the University of “For me, though,” says Little, “acceptance into the ing her M.D.,” stated Little. Tennessee at Martin. He succumbed to cancer Honors Academy made the big difference. It’s about during his first semester of college. I have a lot more than just grades. It helps us understand that As for the future, Little says, “I hate to think where I’d Sylvester Tate always wanted to do something in we, as individuals, can make a real difference if we be if I hadn’t found Southwest.” He believes if you’re remembrance of his life. [Establishing a concern ourselves with matters involving the commu- willing to work, Southwest has “everything for every- scholarship] was the first thing that came to mind because it was something I could do, nity, the betterment of our college – knowledge that body,” from the single parent plodding along to get A Tale of Two Graduates – Sylvester Tate and it would be ongoing. goes well beyond the classroom. Many of us are taught there a class at a time, to the top achiever determined in college what to know, but not how to think.” In to make it to the top university. 1. What degree did you pursue? 7. How do you think this scholarship will impact honors, he says, they learned the difference. Electronic Technology a student? Where is he going from here? To Vanderbilt (hope- I think in these economic times, any help a In addition to honors, Little joined Alpha Beta Gama fully!) to major in business, then NYU or Syracuse for 2. When did you graduate? student can receive is very beneficial, with (business honor society), and has just received his sec- his MBA. Added Little, “No matter where I go from 1985 the cost of all aspects of higher education ond invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa – this time, no here, my degrees from Southwest will always have the continuing to increase. mistake! He is president of the Honors Academy this proudest spot on my office wall. I am confident that 3. Why did you choose Southwest? year and vice president of the International Association I will be a lifelong learner. Even after my MBA, if I I chose Southwest because it was recommended 8. How important do you think Southwest of Administrative Professionals. His activities include return to Memphis, I know I’ll come take some more as a great school, was economically feasible to scholarships are to our students? Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor, Meals on Wheels for classes here at Southwest.” attend, and had flexible hours that would meet I think students look forward to these kinds of my need as a full-time military person. scholarship opportunities to help bear the cost associated with school. I am constantly asked if I know how one can receive a scholarship. 10 31 Spotlight on the Newest Established Scholarships It all started a couple of years ago, when the mail 9. With the poverty and apathy in our community 8. How important do you think Southwest An Errant Letter, went awry. Shawn Little received an invitation from today, many feel one person cannot make a dif- scholarships are to our students? Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) congratulating him on his ference. What would you say to those people? VERY! Some would not be able to attend exceptional scholarship, and asking him to join the We cannot allow ourselves to think in this were it not for these scholarships. “A Very Personal prestigious national honor society. Of course, it was a manner because the power is in the numbers. mistake. Whatever a student can give back can be 9. With the poverty and apathy in our community pooled together with funds from others to today, many feel one person cannot make a dif- School,” and Rather than the 3.5 grade point average PTK requires, have an impact that can help many students ference. What would you say to those people? his had just slipped again, and brought a notice from that may need help with books, or other Everyone can do something to impact society. the College that he was suspended for the next semes- miscellaneous items and cost. Money is not the only way to contribute. ter. That was not a mistake. Time is more valuable. How They 10. Would you recommend other Southwest But that errant letter delivered an important message to alumni fund an endowed scholarship? 10. Would you recommend other Southwest Little. It came at the right time and completely changed If so, why? alumni fund an endowed scholarship? Changed a Life his life. He stated, “I read it and read it over again. I I recommended an endowed scholarship If so, why? thought I want that and know I can get it; the prestige because it is an opportunity to create Most definitely…it is very fulfilling to know By Pat O’ Brien and self-respect…I can do it.” a gift that continues for years to come. The that you have assisted in allowing someone to ease of payment option it affords you fulfill their dream. So it all converged: a growing realization of to participate is pretty painless. dissatisfaction with himself and a hunger for a lot more than he was doing… and the letter. A Tale of Two Graduates – Darrell Thomas Little convinced the dean that, “if you’ll 1. What degree did you pursue? waive the suspension, things will be differ- Biomedical Engineering Technology ent.” Then he talked to Clarence Christian, his former sociology professor and director 2. When did you graduate? of the Honors Academy. Christian pulled no 1985 punches. He told Little that to do what he wanted, he would have to start all over. This 3. Why did you choose Southwest? would involve retaking most of the classes he Southwest had the field that I wanted to had taken over the past three years, wiping pursue. out the poor grades, and replacing them with a lot more respectable grades. “Mr. Christian 4. Did you further your education after graduat- became my mentor on my journey. I followed ing from Southwest? up on all his advice. After I reached a 3.25 Yes grade point average, he admitted me into the Honors Academy. Now I’m at a 3.6. I brought 5. Why did you decide to open your own my ambition and determination to his office business? that day, and he has guided me in the right It allows economic freedom and opens doors direction ever since,” said Little. for the creation of jobs. So simply told, Shawn Little’s success sounds 6. What inspired you to establish the Darrell and simple. But, he says “there was a lot more here LaTina Thomas Scholarship? than a redeemed grade point average.” Little’s The inner desire to give back to my commu- high school background had been similar to nity that has given so much to me and my his earlier performance at Southwest. Right family. after that, he’d stumbled into the University of Memphis with no advice or guidance, and 7. How do you think this scholarship will impact little belief in his ability as a student. He soon a student? dropped out. Hopefully it will free them from the worry of tuition and books. They will be free to study Darrell Thomas and focus only on school. Shawn Little 32 9 Spotlight on the Newest Established Scholarships “Southwest has given me so many opportunities. I introduced several forms of this bill in both the House Southwest Employee Spearheads Drive Davis Gives Back to the Community have been involved in almost everything in the Honors of Representatives and the Senate. Congressmen in Academy,” Marquez said. She and two other Honors the House have not brought the bill to a floor vote as for Nathaniel Parker Memorial Scholarship Establishes Fred L. Davis Scholarship Academy students made a documentary for an honors’ a stand-alone bill. Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ project based on the theme The Art of Film. The docu- DREAM_Act. mentary was about students who were non-citizens or non-residents, who wanted to go to college. Marquez Marquez participated in a lot of extracurricular ac- and her friends captured on video the stories of these tivities at her high school and in her community. She former high school band members, star athletes, honor was in the Key Club, the Spanish Club, played on the students, valedictorians or students who were really soccer team, and was on the yearbook staff. She loved involved in their schools, but who couldn’t go to col- helping people and felt the more she got involved, the lege because they were undocumented. They presented more assistance she could provide. “I’ve always liked the documentary as part of their honors’ contract and to help people and I think the best way to help people sociology class. It was so well reviewed that they pre- is through a variety of organizations. Not only in high sented it all over campus and at film festivals. “It just school was I involved, but also in the community. I did got so much attention. Everybody just sees things in a a lot for both Latino Memphis and TIRRC,” Marquez different way. When they come in the room [to see the beamed. documentary], they have a certain perspective. When they leave the room, it is totally different,” Marquez said.

34 7 he started entering competitions, and became Katz credits many people with the success that grew recognized internationally as a winner in some classics so quickly. He cites, “the students, most of all, who Invest in the Future Campaign Update competitions, which also would prove useful later. were the greatest influence; the driving force in building the program. The opportunity to expand their Will you need a nurse today? Will one be there? In college, Katz had realized he had some very good repertoires, experiment with different types and styles teachers. Determined to be one of the best, he adopted of music {through performances in} Mak’n Music The nursing crisis is real, and it’s happening now. Shelby County lacks an estimated 650 nurses, particularly highly the unusual approach of taking notes on his teachers as became very important to them. They were excited qualified Registered Nurses (RNs). State nursing shortages are projected to increase to 40 percent in 2015 and 48.5 percent in 2020. Only six states have higher 2020 projected shortages. But, Southwest Tennessee Community well as classes. He then determined what would work and we just seemed to grow.” According to Katz, “they College is on a mission to change those statistics. The College is in the middle of the best for him in teaching music. He graduated with a started including ensemble play in all the concerts, in largest capital campaign in its history with an ambitious $16.75 million goal to raise book full of notes about teaching; what to do and not fact, recitals became variety music nights. Faithful funds for a Nursing, Natural Sciences and Biotechnology building designed to meet do. The notebook provided a foundation for lifelong audiences grew and {it attracted} music lovers from critical workforce needs identified by the Memphis bioscience community. effectiveness in the classroom, and was exceptionally outside as well as within the College.” helpful when his “opportunity of a lifetime” came in With support from major corporations such as FedEx and Medtronic, and major 2000, putting his experience to work in the building In December 2002 came the most earth shattering foundations such as the Hyde Family Foundation, the Assisi Foundation, the Plough of a music program at the Macon Cove Campus of change in his career, a heart attack, followed by open Foundation and the Thomas W. Briggs Foundation; and support from Baptist the newly formed Southwest Tennessee Community heart surgery. After completing the initial recovery Memorial Health Care Corporation and Methodist Health Care, the campaign is inching closer to its goal. College. Making use of courses he had enjoyed in phase, he began to realize…“I couldn’t play. I didn’t college, he designed curricula for more classes in have the stamina even to sit at the bench. I didn’t know The fastest way to get a nurse on the floor working where you’ll need him or her is Music Appreciation and four levels of Music Theory. if I’d ever play again,” stated Katz. It was many weeks an associate’s degree and for underrepresented populations, the associate’s degree is The opportunity to teach theory, especially, let him before he sat down to play the piano, and even longer the preferred gateway into the profession. greatly expand offerings to students. As well as theory before he, one day, played a complete song: the Claire for assigned pieces, he now offered courses to enhance de Lune. He played it all the way through and said, “I In 2007, Southwest nursing graduates achieved a 97.4 percent pass rate on the both general and specific musical knowledge, so just started crying. I couldn’t stop. I was so happy.” National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), the students could work ahead on their own. highest rate for all the associate degree nursing programs in the state of Tennessee. Our nurses take the same test as other nurses, including those that {have} four and With that came a complete change in his life as a piano six-year degrees. Southwest already produces top-notch nurses. Our current facili- Now, his years in local musical entertainment proved teacher. His choice of songs is different now but he ties simply don’t allow us to produce enough nurses to meet the current demand. their value. Along with private piano instruction, he constantly challenges himself to new ways of teaching created ensemble classes in which students blended their and entertaining audiences. While Katz has changed his What can you do to make sure a nurse is there when you need one? Make a donation abilities and talents with other musical instruments, and repertoire, he hasn’t toned everything down to to the campaign and help us produce even more top-notch nurses. Don’t take for Claire Fund-raising goal update voice, to originate a wide range of new and completely de Lune. His music is still vibrant but only occasionally granted that a nurse is going to be there when you need one. Make sure they are. different musical productions. This included jazz, does he let himself go, in a passage or two of “big Together, we can stop this one crisis. Call 901-333-4577 to find out how you can blues, rock, show tunes, and even classical. sound.” On the other hand, he’s spending more time on make a difference. interpretation of songs, more time learning music that Southwest Tennessee Community College Now too, his book of “musical notes” proved its value. is beautiful instead of astounding. “It’s different, but I Nursing, Natural Sciences, and Biotechnology Facility He had filled it with the best practices of his best can’t regret it. I’m still enjoying and loving my music,” Fast Facts teachers. These were successful approaches to teaching, remarked Katz. Best of all, “I think our music program including how to break out lessons for the most efficient is better than ever…we are still growing.” • 97.4% student pass rate on the NCLEX-RN Exam • Highest nursing vacancy in the state is in ways to reach different students on different levels, and • Number one in the state for NCLEX-RN pass rate Shelby County • Tennessee nursing vacancy rate may be as high as even how to assess and grade students’ performance In the aftermath of the heart attack, he learned a lot • National pass rate is 78.6% • An average of 250 students apply each semester 48.5 percent by 2020 from his students and received a lot from them. They and progress. Delightedly realizing just how well • Currently we only have space for 250 each year • Offer the first Biotechnology Technician Associate prepared he had become to take on this new task, Katz stayed with him and expected him to be there to teach • New facility will accommodate 400 per year Degree Program now says, “One of the best things was my opportunity them. It didn’t matter whether they hadn’t finished their • Current facility has 12,328 square feet • Need approximately 750 lab techs and assistants to learn more {varied} music and more about how to planned courses. They would travel back, come and be • New facility will have 74,000 square feet each year teach music.” a part of the music. Mak’n Music never stopped. • New facility will increase class size for • Associate degree preferred gateway into biotechnology technicians from 20 to 40 nursing by under-represented populations • Average student at Southwest is 27 and in need of financial aid • Average starting wage for nurses is more than $16 per hour

Rendering of the new Nursing, Natural Sciences and Biotechnology Building 6 35 By Rose Landey Mak’n Music –

It seems like we’ve been on a roller coaster lately that became too stressful. Instead, she not only decided to “Mak’n It Happen” doesn’t want to stop. The stock market swings back continue with her classes, but also share her story with and forth. It’s up. It’s down. Gas prices are up. The others to show the importance of commitment and ac- housing market is down. The future seems so uncer- complishing goals. My Students, tain. Until you take just a minute and breathe, and realize all of this has happened before, and we’re still here. “I feel so good. I met one of my goals on this jour- the Music and Me Our future depends on preparing our community to be ney. I feel great and want to go further,” says Barbara. the best it can be, and preparing our citizenry to work She plans to attend either LeMoyne-Owen College or in whateverYour economic Investment times we may face. DollarsUnion UniversityMake to study a childhoodDifference disabilities. “I want to create a program of my own so I can help oth- At Southwest Tennessee Community College, enroll- ers just like me and my family.” ment is up and so are expectations. Students here still believe in the future and in the power of a good educa- Barbara was able to achieve her dreams because some- tion-so do we. We’ve seen first hand how change can one believed in her and gave her a chance. Whether happen when you invest in the future of someone’s you’re 62 or 26, education makes a difference in your education. Someone like Barbara, {whose last name life. And, your donation can make a difference in will be concealed from this article}. someone’s future. Dr. Steven A. Katz It seemed everything was working against Barbara. We know times are tight, and we know you’re trying Downsized from her job, she is a single mother of an to decide where to invest your donated dollar. Perhaps By Pat O’Brien adult son with cerebral palsy, and two school-aged you too have found success because of Southwest. children; one who spends many days at LeBonheur Now, you can help make a Southwest student’s dream “I always knew I would be a teacher. The question to become an English professor. Meanwhile, from age for dialysis treatment; and one with attention-deficit a reality by making a gift of $25, $50 or even $100. was, teach what?” Music was the obvious answer, but five, he continually took music lessons and, by age 23, hyperactivity disorder. Yet, in 2008 at the age of 62, We need your support in providing educational oppor- where would he teach it? Dr. Steven A. Katz reminisced always taught piano on the side. Barbara graduated. tunities to students living and working in the greater recently about the vicissitudes that brought him to the Mid-South region. We want to help as many students position of professor of music at Southwest, and how That decision, and State Technical Institute at Memphis Barbara’s journey began in 2000 when she decided to as possible to think and dream bigger dreams than they he, and others, created “Mak’n Music.” (now Southwest), provided Katz the venue for what was fulfill her dream of getting a college degree. She took ever imagined. to become his ideal life of teaching. “For me, it was the one class at a time because that was all she could afford. As a child, he had siblings much older than himself, school of the future,” he thought, when he started as When she could no longer afford to attend classes, she “Southwest was right for me because it felt like a fam- who had children not much younger than himself. “I an adjunct in 1979, then full time in 1983. Though the prayed and made a conscious decision to keep going ily,” says Barbara. dearly loved teaching even then, and I would teach school had no music program, “this was exactly how I back until she got her degree. With support from stu- ‘Stevie School,’ as my elders called it, when they came had envisioned my life as a teacher: teaching English dents and family, including her academic advisor Vava We are family here. We believe in our students. We over on Friday nights,” said Katz. What he taught was during the day; teaching music on the side.” Cook, Barbara kept going, and became a role model to believe in the future. Whether you donated for schol- whatever came to mind: “something I’d just learned or many. The younger students even viewed Barbara as a arships or books, for a new facility or a program, you something they’d suddenly found an interest in.” So, at The school eventually directed him to develop and mother figure. did the right thing. Let gas prices go up. Let house age five, he began a lifelong career. teach a music appreciation class. “That was wonderful prices go down. Let the stock market wobble. The and gave me a whole new enjoyment of teaching,” Though music was his great love, Katz chose early to stated Katz. He was also, unknowingly, preparing With the pressures of school and concern for her chil- dollar you donate here will always be wisely invested become an English teacher. He mentioned, “I loved himself for a giant step in his career. By then, he was dren weighing on her health, Barbara was hospitalized. in the future of our community. English and the interpretation of literature. I always a regular player on the Memphis entertainment scene Her doctors advised her to postpone her education if it felt that learning to communicate, in both oral and and becoming recognized locally as both an entertainer written form, was very important.” He also recognized and musician. He expanded his repertoire especially early that the world required more English teachers after realizing fully classical music wouldn’t cut it in than music teachers. Opting for practicality, he chose his work. Rather than abandoning the classics, though, 36 5 the community about FedEx’s commitment to the health Biotechnology Technicians to assist researchers in the and well-being of this community,” McDaniel said. rapidly expanding biomedical and bioscience research Make Something and production fields. For more information on Southwest Tennessee Community College’s major gift campaign or to make About FedEx Beautiful a donation, call 333-4577. By Kristie Goldsmith FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers About the Nursing, Natural Sciences and and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of I love Southwest! Biotechnology Facility transportation, e-commerce and business services. That summarizes my thoughts as your new Executive With annual revenues of $38 billion, the company Director of Grants. I will tell you more about me later, but for now, let’s talk about what the Grants Office The Southwest Foundation is in the process of raising offers integrated business applications through does, and how you can help us to help you. $16.75 million through individual, corporation, operating companies competing collectively and foundation, and organizational support to build a new managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx Why do I love Southwest so much? I’ve found that the 74,000-square-foot Nursing, Natural Sciences, and brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most staff and faculty here to be welcoming, encouraging Biotechnology facility, to be located in the Central admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its and helpful. I can honestly say I enjoy my job, and I Medical District. The new facility will house an more than 290,000 employees and contractors to am glad I am here. Perhaps now is a good time for an Kristie Goldsmith expanded nursing program, as well as new classrooms remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, explanation of what the Grants Office does and how we can help you serve our students and community. and laboratories for the Natural Sciences courses the highest ethical and professional standards and the facilities? What is the return to Southwest? Granting which form the foundation of the nursing curriculum. needs of their customers and communities. For more Who We Are agencies want the projects to which they give money to The facility will also be home to the state’s first information, visit news.fedex.com. The Grants Team consists of Derrice Snipes, Stella succeed. And we ask questions here to insure that your Associate of Applied Science degree program, training Martin and me. Stella maintains the office and flow of grant proposals are successful. In some ways, a grant activity. Derrice handles all grant compliance deadlines proposal is a job interview candidate and the granting and in addition to her other duties, Derrice will soon agency is a potential employer. When our request ar- be heading into our community to help develop com- rives at a funder’s door, it is given a “once over.” Is it munity partnerships needed for specific grants who in neat, well-dressed and complete? What “job” does it turn will help develop more opportunities for funding. want to do with the organization’s money? Our office Later this year, we will hire a grant writer responsible helps prepare every grant to be successful once it gets for grant research and submissions. to the funding agency. We prepare each grant proposal to “get hired” to represent the work of that funder. What We Are Not We are not Financial Aid. During registration we make KG Phone Home that statement numerous times. It makes us want to Now about me: I have a wonderful, caring, supportive consider changing our name. But, we can’t do that, so husband and two great adult children who are the love we simply educate people as they call or come in. The of my life. One has graduated from college and is in good news is that we get to interact with our students nursing school and the other will be going to college and that helps us understand them and their needs, and fall 2009. And yes, even at age 51, I call my parents ultimately we can be more helpful to faculty and staff. every day. My parents inspire me and encourage me. Every day of my professional work life, my father and What We Do mother tell me to “make something beautiful.” Dad The primary goal for the Grants Office is to increase discusses my day and encourages me to see the best funding for Southwest. We process all federal, state and in any situation, regardless what is said or done that local government grants. In addition, we work closely day. He reminds me that every day I can choose “to with the Institutional Development Office to monitor see something beautiful or make something beautiful.” and submit grants to private foundations Why? We Every day when I come to work, I look around my of- need to increase funding for faculty programs, classes, fice and see the pictures my father hung for me. Each is student programs, new buildings, new offsite campuses alive with color and has a road leading somewhere -- to and newly established initiatives by Dr. Essex. With him it symbolizes that life is moving forward and we all these goals in mind, we will be busy this year! have a choice to move forward in our lives and making something beautiful every day or stay where we are in Participating in the gift presentation were (left to right) John Farris, Esq., Farris, Mathews, Branan, Bobango, Hellen & Dunlap, P.L.C./ How We Do It our lives! Member of TN Board of Regents; Stephanie Butler, Manager of Communication in Corporate Contributions of FedEx Services; Ed When a faculty or staff member submits a proposal to Lyons, V.P. Safety & Air Worthiness Air Operations/VP Rep for FedEx Diversity Council; Mary McDaniel, Vice President, Materiel & the Grants Office, we review it carefully. We must ask So my vision for the Grants Office is to move forward each Corporate Sourcing, FedEx Express; President Nathan Essex, Southwest Tennessee Community College; Cheryl Orange, Manager several questions during this process: Does this grant and every day, making something beautiful for Southwest. of Marketing of Web Integration Solutions of FedEx Services; and Gregory Duckett, Sr., Vice President, Corporate Counsel-Baptist fit within the Southwest goals? Does this grant require Memorial Healthcare/Member of TN Board of Regents. additional resources? Does this grant need additional 4 37 FedEx Supports Nursing Building Campaign southwest with the Largest Gift in Southwest’s History

38 3 TheDear Colleagues andPresident’s Friends: Message Southwest is experiencing one of the most exciting times in its history. Fall enrollment has increased by 8.8% over last year’s enrollment. College restructuring has positioned the College to become more efficient and effective in service delivery to our students and community. The College has received unprecedented private funding for academic scholarships and the construction of a new Nursing, Natural Sciences and Biotechnology facility for our Union Campus. Plans to secure property for International Creative Competition Nets Southwest’s a new parking facility at our Union Campus are also evolving. Additionally, we Communications and Marketing Department with Nine Awards are placing greater emphasis on customer service with a goal of ensuring that our focus consistently remains on students and their needs. The MarCom Awards is an international creative kind in the world. There were over 5,000 entries from competition that recognizes outstanding achievement throughout the United States and several foreign coun- Perhaps the most exciting development regarding the College is the construc- by marketing and communication professionals. It tries in the 2008 MarCom Awards competition. The tion of a new state-of-the-art library at our Macon Campus with a new four-lane is administered and judged annually by the Associa- prestigious Platinum Award is presented to those en- entry into the campus. The library will become the centerpiece of the campus tion of Marketing and Communication Professionals tries judged to be among the most outstanding entries and provide significant and improved academic support for our students. headquartered in Arlington, Texas. Entries come from in the competition. The Gold Award represents exceed- Groundbreaking ceremonies have been held for a new state-of-the-art academic corporate marketing and communication departments, ing the high standards of the industry norm. Honorable building at Macon and the new Maxine Smith Center in the Germantown-Col- advertising agencies, public relations firms, design Mention Awards were granted to those entries that met lierville area which will enhance the College’s ability to expand existing pro- shops, production companies and freelancers. The the quality expectations of the judges. The listing of grams and offer new academic programs based on community and regional competition has grown to perhaps the largest of its awards earned by Southwest is below. needs.

Cordially,

Nathan L. Essex President Southwest Tennessee Community College 2 39 2008-2009 Southwest Basketball Schedule

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FedEx $2 Million Pledge Is the Largest Gift in Southwest’s History

New State-of-the-Art Academic Building Breaks Ground