Another great start to a new semester and academic year! Thanks to everyone for helping guide new students and welcoming those who returned to continue their studies. The DSLCC team has been incredible working together in all areas of the College. the three New Student Orientation Sessions had record numbers with over 200 students attending. The greatest pleasure for me has been meeting with our students and hearing so many of them speak highly of this College. I agree that the faculty and staff go above and beyond to provide a meaningful educational and personal student experience for those who enroll at DSLCC.
Again, welcome back and accept my deep appreciation to all who do their best to serve our students each and every day!
Remembering September 11
Our sense of stability and security was forever changed on Sept. 11, 2001. I hope you all take time to remember and reflect on 9/11, now fourteen years removed.
Many of us have our own personal memories of that day and find comfort in sharing with others as we remember, mourn, and reflect on the effects of this significant date. In an effort to reflect upon what happened, please take a moment to pause in remembrance of the fallen and the survivors. We praise those heroes who gave their lives to help others, and we honor those who were the first responders.
Please join me in remembering all who were lost, and all who survived them.
Bubbles, Bands & Brunch Fundraising Event
The DSLCC Educational Foundation is pleased to once again present Bubbles, Bands, and Brunch fundraising event! The theme for this year is The Great Gatsby Gala” and all indications are that it will be a fun affair. Since its inception in 2003, proceeds from Bubbles fundraisers have provided funds for scholarships to continuing students at DSLCC in addition to funding specialized equipment for classrooms, instructor training and innovative programing for full time faculty members. It is because of support from our community that we are able to continue to help change the lives of our students and foster positive community growth.
We hope to see you there!
DSLCC Wins $1.4 million Grant for Student Support Services
DSLCC was pleased to announce the continuation of a five-year, $1.4 million Student Support Services grant from the US Department of Education. DSLCC’s grant monies fund The Achievement Center. It is one of the federally funded TriO program designed to enhance the success of each undergraduate student in the college, with a particular interest in first-generation, disabled, or lower income students. The program aims to increase graduation rates as well as prepare students to achieve success at a post-secondary institution.
The funding enables us to continue the programs and support services that we have offered students for years, housed in space known as our Achievement Center. Many students have indicated upon completion of their DSLCC experience that the extra help provided by the staff allowed them to be successful in achieving their goals.
New DSLCC Website Launched
DSLCC is pleased to announce the launch of our new college website (www.dslcc.edu). Working with The Ivy Group of Charlottesville, DSLCC now has a mobile-responsive design with a fresh and crisp look. Many thanks to the Ivy Group team as well as the Dabney team headed by Tamra Lipscomb, Paul Vosteen and Gail Johnson.
DSLCC Partners with Mary Baldwin College
I am very pleased to report that DSLCC and Mary Baldwin College will partner to offer area residents the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree without leaving the area through Mary Baldwin College’s Adult Degree Program (ADP). Students will be able to complete their first two years through DSLCC and enroll in junior- and senior-level courses through MBC, completing them without travel to the Staunton campus or any other satellite locations. This program will be available on the Clifton Forge campus and at the Rockbridge Regional Center.
The first area of focus will be Social Work with two courses scheduled this fall. Additional areas being considered are in Business, Education, and Nursing (BSN) options.
New Six-Year Strategic Plan Completed
DSLCC has a new guiding document--Pathways 2021: DSLCC’s Strategic Plan. We are privileged to have had the contributions of so many people who truly care—from community leaders to employers to benefactors to governmental representatives and volunteers from the community at large. The impact of that level of interest and support may be seen and felt daily by our faculty, staff and students, and, as I also stated last fall, there is a large number of people who “…are excited and who approach the building of a great community college with a passion.” I believe this plan will move DSLCC from “Good to Great.”
Complementing the VCCS Strategic Plan set forth under the leadership of Chancellor DuBois, the DSLCC Plan will address the call for more credentials—the documentation of knowledge and skill sets that resonates throughout the world of work. Graduates must not only meet personal goals, but must also be able to demonstrate what they know in ways that speak the language of employers and prove how they can contribute to meeting current and emerging needs for a well-trained workforce.
To show students that goals are achievable with dedication and hard work, we must pave pathways for them. We will define and ladder steps through which they can advance. We will work to secure resources to assist students with their educational journey to personal, educational and career success. The nine Goals in the Strategic Plan cover all aspects that must be addressed to build a solid foundation for the College’s future, from marketing the institution to student success, securing resources, meeting workforce needs, and engaging the community in a variety of ways.
I invite the DSLCC Community to embrace Pathways 2021 and help us in achieving the goals of changing lives, strengthening community, and providing pathways to success.
You can find a complete copy of the plan on our website at http://www.dslcc.edu
Kudos and Events
Congratulations to our 2015 Nursing Graduates who achieved a 96% pass rate on their NCLEX licensure exam! Congratulations to those who achieved this milestone and thanks to those who worked with our students to prepare them.
Chef Phil McManus was a guest on a segment of the “Weekend Diner” on September 6 for WDBJ7. Check out his guide to grilling at http://www.wdbj7.com/video/grilling-options-for-the-labor-day-holiday-on-weekend-diner/35131502
DSLCC was proud to co-sponsor the Buena Vista Bed Race on Labor Day Weekend. We are proud of the DSLCC Team who finished in 2nd Place. Congratulations to Billy Ould, Chris Shiraki, Alum David Shofstahl, and students Greg Lester and Sara Smith. It was a fun event and promises to be even better next year.
Do You Have News for the Next “News & Notes”?
If you would like me to share your news in an upcoming issue of News & Notes, you may submit it anytime directly to Gail Johnson at gjohnson@dslcc.edu.
For More Information
If you have any questions about any of the information contained within, please contact me at jrainone@dslcc.edu. Thank you!
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