New Career and Transfer Center making sure students on right path

The counselors in Germanna’s new Career and Transfer Center have a question for GCC students:

“Do you know what you want to study and do you know where you want to transfer?”

Marie Hawley and Sheryl Williamson want to make sure students are on the right path--that there are as few missteps as possible. Missteps can be costly both in terms of time and money, they say, slowing students on their way to degrees and costing thousands of dollars in extra tuition and lost earnings. 

Career Counselor Hawley says of the new Center:

“This is an opportunity for students to really put together their career interests, things they’d like to study and make sure the pieces fit together to transfer for a bachelor’s degree.”

 Hawley said that when it comes to certain programs at universities where Germanna has a guaranteed transfer agreement, “we have to inform [students] that you cannot just do general studies and transfer--you need a degree focus.”

For example, she said, Germanna may have a guaranteed transfer agreement with a university, but not guaranteed entry into its business school without certain prerequisites.

Transfer Counselor Sheryl Williamson said: “We try to encourage students to look ahead. … What sometimes happens is that student graduates with that mentality transfer, they are then faced with taking additional math classes.”

“Or not admitted to the program,” Hawley said. “But if you prepare properly, you can align yourself.”

 “If you start at a four-year school, you have to declare a major by your junior year,” Williamson pointed out, adding that Germanna students should be thinking about that major before they transfer.

“The sooner you know where you want to go and what you want to do, the sooner you can match up your course work so it transfers more seamlessly,” Hawley said.

The Career and Transfer Center also offers assessments through the Virginia Education Wizard, counseling and information sessions and workshops in resume writing and mock job interviews. It also brings representatives from over 40 colleges and universities on campus as part of an annual College Fair. This year’s event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Daniel Center in Culpeper and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Fredericksburg Area Campus in Spotsylvania.

The Center also offers resources “to help identify career paths students may not even know exist,” Hawley said.

It also helps connect students and employers for internships.

Williamson and Hawley have over 50 years of combined experience in education.

The Career and Transfer Center is located in room 228 of the Dickinson Building at the Fredericksburg Area Campus in Spotsylvania.

The Center phone number is 540/834-1841.

Email addresses for the Center:

Career Counselor Marie Hawley mhawley@germanna.edu

Transfer Counselor Sheryl Williamson swilliamson@germanna.edu

Sabrina Dunaway sdunaway@germanna.edu

Career and Transfer Center's Sheryl Williamson and Marie Hawley

Germanna Educational Foundation honors Bruce and Sandy Davis

The Germanna Community College Educational Foundation honored longtime supporters Bruce and Sandy Davis Friday night, unveiling a plaque naming the atrium of the Dickinson Building on the Fredericksburg Area Campus in Spotsylvania for the couple.

Bruce and Sandy Davis

Bruce Davis is a former co-owner of Freeman Beverage who recently bought 18 Beltone Hearing Centers in Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. He has also served as chief liaison to the president at Germanna.

GCC President David A. Sam praised the Davises for their generosity in giving back to the community, both in terms of  funds and time

After their hard work paid off in business success, he said. “they decided to invest in Germanna and our students.” 

Davis noted that the definition of “atrium” is any chamber that’s connected to other chambers or passageways and that “all kinds of students pass through here.”

Another definition, he said, is the upper chamber of the human heart.

Davis said that he and his wife, in their time in Fredericksburg since coming here in 1989, have tried to invest in the community not only here at GCC, but through the Germanna Historical Foundation and the Lions Club.

“It’s part of our heart,” he explained.

Davis said community colleges are making a difference today, “transforming lives in a way never seen before…

“It used to be that if you graduated from high school you did OK, but if you got a four- year degree you could do a lot better,” he said. “Now, companies don’t always want someone with a four-year degree. They often want someone with an associate’s degree they can train and immediately get into their workforce.”

Davis said Germanna “helps transform so many lives of young people who don’t necessarily always have the advantages some of us have. That’s why we’ve invested in the college and in other things as well.
“Because the heart pumps blood out into the body,” he said, “and the body’s the community.”

Getting to Know: Donna Alexander, Student Success Coach

 Germanna Community College has launched a Student Success Coach Program. The coaches stay with students all the way through their time at Germanna, giving them the help they need to succeed in college and in life.
We'll meet each of the coaches in a series of Q&A profiles--Student Success Coach Donna

Donna Alexander

Alexander works with students at GCC's Fredericksburg Area Campus in Spotsylvania.

·     Where are you from?

I'm from London, Ontario Canada. I now live in Fredericksburg.

·     Where did you go to high school and college and what degrees do you have?

I went to high school in London, Ontario Canada and then attended two years at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, where I obtained a Medical Administration diploma.  In 2000 I married a Marine and moved to a place I had never even heard of, Beaufort, S.C.  I started working at The University of South Carolina as a program specialist with a trio program.  I started taking courses toward my Bachelor’s Degree.  After my husband retired, he started a second career in D.C. and we moved to Fredericksburg in 2004.  I started taking more courses at Germanna.  After 8 years of assisting students and encouraging them to obtain their education, I decided to resign my position to do the same.  I graduated in May 2014 with my B.S. in Business and Psychology from Liberty University.  I'm deciding on which program I will take toward my master’s.

·     How long have you worked at Germanna?

I worked here from 2004 to 2012 in Tutoring Services; I came back to work at GCC Locust Grove Campus Counseling from February to June, 2014.  I started back on September as a Student Success Coach.

·     What do you like about working at Germanna? About being a Student Success Coach?

I love that Germanna employees are so committed to the academic success of each and every student! It is wonderful to be part of an environment in which we are all working together with the same purpose.

Being a Student Success Coach allows me to spend much more time with students.  I had always felt when I was in tutoring, that sometimes it isn’t the material of the class the student struggles with.  I saw students struggling with confidence.  They didn’t have someone telling them they could do this.  They didn’t have someone cheering them on.  Now I get to actually do this with students, and I couldn’t be happier.

·     What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

So far, the only challenge has been getting students to make initial contact.  Once they do and I can explain what my role is in their academics, they are thrilled. 

·     What’s your advice for Germanna students?

Follow directions and go to all your classes.  For instance, if an instructor wants you to complete a paper in a certain style and length and gives you a due date,  give them what they ask for.  Most of all, take advantage of the free resources available when you need help.  You never have to go it alone at Germanna!

·     For students graduating from high school and thinking about college?

If you are thinking about college, go to Germanna first.  You'll not only save a considerable amount of money, but you will become part of a very comfortable environment with staff that are here to see you succeed!  It will make the transition to higher education much smoother.

·     For older students thinking about returning to college?

There is the feeling for older students that they are going to be the only one. Germanna has many mature students and that's why a community college is a great environment for a returning student.  As a mature student myself, I understand the rigors of balancing work, children and life.  Germanna has the resources available to help with that.

·     What misconception does the public have about community colleges and community college students?

I'm not sure, but perhaps they think that community college is not as prestigious as a four-year institution, but with Germanna’s guaranteed transfer admission agreements, it makes sense to start here.  Here at Germanna the classes are smaller and much more affordable.  Also, the resources to help with the transition to college are more personal.

·     Are you married and do you have children?

I'm married to a retired Marine, Denny; and have a 12-year-old daughter, Olivia.  I also have four grown, inherited children (I hate to say step).

·     Fun fact about you?

I love trivia so much that I read trivia books and play Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit on my game system at home. 

·     What’s your favorite book?

"The Collected Works of Edgar Allan Poe"

·     Your favorite movie?

"Bridesmaids," "The Avengers," and "Raiders of the Lost Ark"

·     Your favorite TV show?

"Game of Thrones" and "Modern Family"

·     Your favorite sport and team?

Hockey of course! The Montreal Canadiens.

STEM careers not only for boys, Girl Scouts learn at GCC

Mirela Fetea, Ph.D., (right) answers questions from area Girl Scouts who participated in hands-on science workshops at Germanna Saturday.With her (background, l-r, are Trudy Witt, Ph.D. Prof. of Biology, GCC student Zilmara Montecinos Bonnet, Izabela Sikora, education technician wih the Tri-City Soil and Water Conservation Board, JoAnn Schrass, Ph. D., Biology professor.)

Fifty Girl Scouts from Fredericksburg and Stafford and Spotsylvania counties deconstructed electronic devices including computers, printers, smart phones and televisions and learned about physics and ecology during the first Girl Scout Science Day Saturday at Germanna Community College's Fredericksburg Campus in Spotsylvania.

Isabella Grasso of Girl Scout Troop 5214 takes part in a "Deconstruction" workshop during Girl Scout Science Day at Germanna Community College's Fredericksburg Area Campus in Spotsylvania Saturday. participated in hands-on science workshops led by Germanna Community College faculty at the Fredericksburg Area Campus on Saturday, (Photos by Robert A. Martin)

During a panel discussion about women in science, Dr. Mirela Fetea, who teaches physics at Germanna, told the Girl Scouts not to worry about stereotyping that implies girls aren't suited to STEM careers.

"Just pursue your dreams," Fetea told the Girl Scouts. "If you want to stay home and raise your children, that's ok. But there's nothing wrong with chasing your dreams, whatever they are. Even if you are told you cannot do it. Show people you can."
Dr. Trudy Witt, who teaches biology at GCC, told the Girl Scouts not to be concerned about being pigeon-holed as a "nerd."
"I always remind people that nerds make more money," she said with a grin.
"It was pretty fun," 12-year-old Evelyn Pailthorpe of Stafford Troop 3546 said of the day.
"We're really excited about having the opportunity to get elementary school-aged girls thinking about careers in science," Witt said.

Germanna Biology Prof. Trudy Witt with local scouts
during Girl Scout Science Day at GCC.

Getting to Know: Student Success Coach Matt Fitzgerald

Germanna Community College has launched a Student Success Coach Program. The coaches stay with students from enrollment through graduation, giving them the help they need to succeed in college and in life.

We’ll meet each of the coaches in a series of Q&A profile—Matt Fitzgerald works with students at the Fredericksburg Area Campus in Spotsylvania.

•  Where are you from?   

   I'm from Stafford and am in the process of moving to the Fredericksburg area.

Matt Fitzgerald

• ·     Where did you go to high school and college?

     I attended Colonial Forge and Mountain View High School. I then came to Germanna and graduated with an associate’s degree in General Studies. I also transferred to the University of Mary Washington and finished there with a B.S. in Psychology.

• ·     How long have you worked at Germanna?

    Two years.

• ·     What do you like about working at Germanna? About being a Student Success Coach?

        I enjoy working with the other faculty and staff. Everyone is focused on the students and their success. Being a Success Coach, I am able to work with students one on one and be a part of their college experience.

• ·     What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

     Reaching the students. Emails and calls do not always bring responses. Most of the time I find them in class and then I set up a time to meet up later.

• ·     What’s your advice for Germanna students?

     Read the directions and ask questions. If you are ever doubtful or unsure, you need to ask questions. College is a place and time in your life where you hold all of the control. You have the choice of being successful or not.

• ·     For students graduating from high school and thinking about college?

    What do you want for your future? What do you need to do in the present to get there? College may or may not be in your plans, but be sure of what path will lead you to the life you want.

• ·     For older students thinking about returning to college?

       You are an inspiration. You have lived life and are now returning to school. Having an age-diverse college is beneficial to everyone. For the younger students, this is a great way to further develop their social skills: interacting with actual adults. It is also an opportunity for those students that are older to become a mentor in the classroom.

• ·     What misconception does the public have about community colleges and community college students?

      Community college is always considered to be “Plan B”. The last resort effort to go to school, or where everyone goes who is kicked out of their University.

·     Are you married and do you have children?

     I will be getting married this Spring, and no children at this time.

• ·     Fun fact about you?

    I have been playing drums for 15 years and I have tattoos!

• ·     What’s your favorite book?

    “Stuff Christians Like” – by Jon Acuff

• ·     Your favorite movie?

     “Kill Bill” (1&2), “Star Wars” (all), “Edward Scissorhands,” “Ironman.”

• ·     Your favorite TV show?

     “Chopped,” “Fast & Loud,” “American Pickers,” “Duck Dynasty.”

• ·     Your favorite sport and team?

   Football, Hokies. I also like to bowl.

Getting to Know: Lead Student Success Coach Antwan Perry

      In an effort to help students from enrollment to graduation Germanna Community College has launched a new Student Success Coach Program. The coaches will stay with students all the way through their time at Germanna, giving them the help they need to succeed in college and in life.

We'll meet each of the coaches in a series of Q&A profiles--Lead Student Success Coach Antwan Perry works with students at the Fredericksburg Area Campus in Spotsylvania.

Antwan Perry

·     Where are you from?

I am from Chesapeake and currently live in Fredericksburg.

Where did you go to high school and college?

I     I graduated from Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake. I graduated from Hampton University with a B.A. in Political Science, M. Ed. From Regent University in Student Affairs, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Regent University in Higher Education, and current Ed.D. student also at Regent University in Higher Education with an emphasis in Teaching.

How long have you worked at Germanna?

I have worked at Germanna for a little over 3 years.
What do you like about Germanna?

I like that everyone is focused on the success of the student. Germanna is very student-centered and student focused.

·     About being a Student Success Coach?

I like being a Success Coach because I get to focus my efforts on those students who might otherwise fall through the cracks without this specialized attention.
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

The biggest challenge that I face is that I am limited to a certain number of students when so many others need help. I try to find balance by focusing on my assigned students, and checking in with those others who need help as well.

What’s your advice for Germanna students?

My advice is to take advantage of all of your learning opportunities, and enjoy the time as Germanna as much as you can because you never get this time back!

For students graduating from high school and thinking about college?

For those considering college I would say do it! There is no other experience like it in the world, and education can literally change the entire trajectory of your life!
For older students thinking about returning to college?

For older students I would say, do it! The maturity that one would bring to the classroom coupled with the desire to learn can make for a very successful student experience.
What misconception does the public have about community colleges and community college students?

One misconception about community colleges is that they are not comparable to four-year colleges and universities; in actuality faculty at Germanna also teach the same courses at other area 4 year colleges and vice versa. All VCCS colleges are accredited by the same accrediting body of 4 year colleges and universities in in Virginia and across the country. So this means GCC and UVA, UMW, and GMU, for example, are all accredited by the same accrediting body.

Are you married and do you have children?

I am married to Yolande, and do not have any kids yet. However, when we have a child, if it is a boy, I will name him Richmond…she hates that name.

Fun fact about you?

In college I was a drum major in the marching band. If you have ever watched the movie “Drumline” you can understand how exciting it is to hold that position in an HBCU marching band.

What’s your favorite book?

I do not have a favorite book; however, I love the mostly anything by Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison.

Your favorite movies?

My favorite movie is the academy award nominated move, “The Color Purple”; however, “Scarface”, “Mommie Dearest”, “Steel Magnolias” and “Dead Ringer” get honorable mentions.

Your favorite TV shows?

Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Golden Girls, Martin, and Family Guy

Your favorite sport and team?

The Hampton University Pirates!!!!!