I want to commend everyone for the hard work and extra efforts they put forth in making the 2012 Virginia Western Commencement Ceremony the best ever. I have heard over and over how wonderful the stage area looked, that the screens were most beneficial to the audience, that the ushers did a great job with the large crowd and that the number of faculty and staff present was gratifying. Having the largest graduation class in history didn't hurt, either!

The Commencement Committee and Dr. Mary Loritsch didn’t miss anything. Other departments and individuals such as the Marketing and Institutional Advancement staff, Facilities Management staff, Media Geeks, Campus Police, ushers and Carlton Mabe, Student Services staff, Records staff, college volunteers, marching faculty, Faculty Marshal Steve Huff and platform participants made this an event to remember.

Graduation is the highlight of the college year. The event that took place Friday evening was done with that in mind and it showed to our students, parents and friends what we think of them. Thanks again to everyone involved. You did Virginia Western proud!

Please enjoy the links below if you were not able to attend the ceremony.

Bobby Sandel

2012 Commencement Ceremony http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOdzB07KONU

2012 Commencement Ceremony in 30 Seconds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xigQu3Kjeno

2012 Thank You Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1haogyOSi0

Join the Chef's at our culinary kitchen for our non-credit cooking classes this summer! Enjoy creating and eating some yummy concoctions. Contact Lacey Carey at lcarey@virginiawestern.edu or 857-6210.

Herbs: # 30429 HOST 2269-X1 Monday, June 25 from 6 - 9pm

Enjoy a unique twist on herbs. This class will identify and show how to use fresh herbs to enhance recipes, as well as discuss health benefits they possess. $40 per person.

 Soup Making: # 30428 HOST 2267-X2 Monday, June 11 from 6 – 9pm

Learn the basic techniques of soup making.  Once you have the techniques down, you can make  soup from anything. Heart healthy, cream based, gazpacho... so  yummy! $40 per person.

 Tailgating: # 16261 HOST 2266-X3 Monday, July 9 from 6 – 9pm

You will be the envy of all the other football fans this fall with these great tailgating recipes! $40 per person

REACH/Student Support Services has moved to Webber 212. All students must check in the “front” office, W 212.

Avis Quinn is now in W210

Martha Richardson is in W 211

Hillary Holland is in W 209

Rick Robers is in W 206.

The department of Distance Learning and Instructional Technology has moved to Business Science Building. Here is the information:

Ramona Coveny, M314

Carrie Cao, M312

Susan Gibson, M313

The ID Room will only be open Wednesday, May 16 from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM during the first week of summer classes.  No exceptions.

The following week, the ID room will be open Monday, May 21 – Thursday, May 24 from 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM.

Once the Student Activities Office relocates to the Thomas Center, new summer ID room hours will be posted.

To help us process students, faculty, and staff faster please instruct everyone to have their other valid photo ID, Employee or Student ID number, and paperwork proving their current VWCC status (newly printed schedule, ID request form, etc.)

WORKFORCE SERVICES - http://www.virginiawestern.edu/workforce/classes/index.php

SUMMER CAMPS - http://www.virginiawestern.edu/summercamps/campinfo.html#general

CAREER EXPLORATION & ENRICHMENT CAMPS

Grades 1-12, beginning June 18, 2012 – August 10, 2012. Topics will include Arts, Etiquette, Forensics, Health Technology, Horticulture, Mechatronics, Music, Robotics, Science and more!

 For Registration and more details contact Paulette Parkhill 540-857-6514 or pparkhill@virginiawestern.edu

CDL CLASS A DRIVER TRAINING PROGRAM

Offered in partnership with CDS Tractor Trailer Training: Next class begins May 29th! This program is designed to be skill-based and hands-on to prepare you for the trucking industry. Courses are intended to focus on developing a strong work ethic, teamwork, and self-confidence.

For additional information contact Dan Semones 540-857-6476 or dsemones@virginiawestern.edu

AIRBRUSH PAINTING CLASS

Classes begin May 24^th. ART 195-C1, course # 31318 Course allows students to practice in a lab setting and discover solutions to many challenges associated with Airbrushing. Basic movements, Tools & supplies, Frisket film, Stencils, troubleshooting and safety will be covered. 

PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXAM PREP CLASS

BUSC 2510, course #32174.

Follow link for more details: http://virginiawestern.edu/workforce/classes/pmpcert.php

Does your office hold events throughout the year? If so, reserve your space and resources today! It’s never too early!

This is just a reminder to schedule rooms and resources as soon as possible so that you don't miss out on the location or date of your choice. The college's prime event locations such as the Natural Science Center and Whitman Theater go quickly. In addition to reserving the space, support departments, such as the Media Geeks and FMS, are booked out months in advance. Help us help you!

Contact Tara Nepper or follow this link to reserve your space at any ON-CAMPUS LOCATION. http://calendar.activedatax.com/virginiawestern/OpenEntryFacility.aspx?fid=1.  Some locations may require department/division approval but you can start here and Tara can help you complete your request. You can also use this link to request resources from Campus Police (unlocking doors, parking, etc) and the Media Geeks (projector, lectern, microphone support, etc) for your event.

Contact Dana Asciolla if you need a computer lab, classroom or conference room at the ROANOKE HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER downtown Roanoke.

Contact Cassandra Dove if you need a lecture hall, computer lab or formal conference room at the GREENFIELD EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTER in Daleville.  http://www.virginiawestern.edu/workforce/GreenfieldCenter.php

Contact Mike Greer if you need a computer lab or classroom at the FRANKLIN COUNTY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER in Rocky Mount.

To reserve FMS resources use the FMS work order system or contact Judy Lienhardt.

Post submitted by Tara Nepper

Are your students  interested in an internship in their program of studies? Students must take the 1 credit prep class that employers want them to take prior to interning. It is not too late for students to register for SDV106, Preparation for Employment. It will be taught the first 5 weeks of the summer semester. Class meets on Tuesdays, 2-5:00pm, starting May 22.  Students could obtain an internship this summer or fall.  It is preferred that students interested in interning are at least half way through their program of studies. They can take SDV106 anytime.  Please encourage your students to participate in an internship. It is a great opportunity for students to gain valuable experience in their field, it looks great on a resume, and an internship could possibly lead into a full time job within that company. Any questions can be directed to Gailen Miles at gmiles@virginiawestern.edu or they can call 857-7298.