Greetings from DSLCC:
I am pleased to provide an update to the community on the past academic year at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. We have been successful in preparing more graduates ready to begin employment, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, enter a new career field or apply new skills in their current jobs. On May 13, we honored approximately 200 graduates who earned 275 credentials at Commencement and heard congratulatory comments and words of inspiration from our guest speaker, Virginia’s First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe.
We are currently holding summer sessions that allow students to get ahead in their studies toward completion of their chosen programs of study or to explore a new discipline. We are busy getting ready for the Fall Semester that will begin the week of August 22. Greeting new students and seeing our returning students is always a real highlight of the year for faculty and staff.
There is always something new at DSLCC. In response to community input, we are offering a new career studies certificate program in Arts Management. Visual and performing arts are important in our region and many behind the scenes tasks have to be done for every event, display or performance to be successful. This program will introduce students to employment and volunteer opportunities related to this field. Registration is underway now for the new courses.
Due to local demand, additional sections have been made available for our Associate of Applied Science Degree in Technical Studies: Electrical and Instrumentation Technology program. Jobs for graduates are expected to be plentiful, with good compensation and chances to advance. General education, program-related courses with hands-on labs, and work-based learning are part of this curriculum and will prepare those seeking to enter (or advance in) an industrial environment.
Sustainable Agriculture & Horticulture is also important to this area as more individuals seek healthier foods grown locally. Interesting courses will teach how technology is impacting farming and saving our resources. A new certificate has been added to complement the career studies program launched last year.
Discussions continue with community partners to look at more new courses and programs. As workforce needs change, we must adapt as well and teach the knowledge and skill sets that employers want applicants to have when hired. Watch for updates throughout the year and announcements on other courses and programs being explored by our leadership team and faculty.
A feasibility study was conducted during the Spring Semester by a consulting firm to assess programs and services needed throughout the Rockbridge area, well into the future. Results of the study will be used to guide decisions for expanding program options for those who reside or work in that area. DSLCC continues to reach out into all communities in our service area.
Our largest major gifts campaign is the college’s history ended with overwhelming success! Goals for “Imagine, Invest and Inspire—the Campaign for DSLCC” have been exceeded. We were pleased to announce that over $4.1 million was raised for numerous programs and services and enhancements to move the College forward. This achievement could not have been realized without the tremendous support of the entire community.
I am pleased and honored to work with all of those who step up to partner with DSLCC. We embrace our role in the region very seriously and work hard to be a catalyst for change, growth and economic prosperity.
Enjoy the summer! We hope to see everyone on the Clifton Forge campus or the Rockbridge Regional Center this Fall.
Sincerely,
John J. Rainone, Ed.D.
Note: This is a reprint of my annual letter to the local newspapers and online news outlets.