John Wood Community College

JWCC's Welding Program Featured in National Magazine

John Wood Community College’s new four-week welding program was recently featured in the Welding Journal. An article in the national publication highlights JWCC’s program and the opportunities it creates for students to gain skills that are in demand by regional manufacturers. The Welding Journal has been in publication since 1922 and features articles on innovative welding programs and technology developments in the industry.

JWCC is now offering its fourth four-week welding training program during which area employers visit classes to recruit students. Many students completing the coursework have been offered positions with local companies and many continue at JWCC to earn welding certificate or pursue other career and technical degrees.

JWCC’s four-week welding program provides basic training designed for local manufacturers seeking workers to fill open positions. Students take a basic welding course, lab and a welding symbols/ blueprint reading class taught by an experienced welding professional at JWCC’s Workforce Development Center. The program also teaches students how to interview with a potential employer and the skills necessary to secure a job.

For more informational about John Wood’s welding program visit www.jwcc.edu/weldingprep or contact www.admissions@jwcc.edu .

School Gardens Seminar Offered for Teachers at JWCC

John Wood Community College will host a School Gardens seminar for teachers June 1 from 9 a.m. to noon in room D022 of the JWCC Heath Center at 48^th and Harrison in Quincy. Cost is $25.

Creating school gardens is an increasingly popular method of engaging students and reconnecting them with the natural world. A garden can help make science more exciting or even stock a school’s salad bar. The seminar will help teachers discover the many benefits of school gardens and what it takes to get one growing on school grounds. Teachers will learn how to grow specific types of crops, receive lesson plan ideas and see examples of successful models at other schools. The seminar will also feature hands-on opportunities for teachers to begin a school garden.

More information is available by contacting David Camphouse at 214.641.4340 or dcamphouse@jwcc.edu. Interested teachers or other participants can register by calling 217.641.4905. Mastercard, Visa, Discover and checks are accepted. Please call to register.

Belva Dodd and Pat White Retire from JWCC

Two full-time staff members recently retired from John Wood Community College. Belva Dodd, accounts payable specialist and Pat White, building services worker.

Dodd retired from JWCC following 30 years of service. She joined JWCC in 1982 as an accounts payable specialist. A resident of Quincy, she was named Full-Time Staff Member of the Year for the 1996-97 academic year. Dodd has also assisted her husband, Kevin Dodd, with dance classes offered through JWCC’s Community Education Office for many years. She earned a certificate in accounting and data processing from Truman State University.

White retired from JWCC following 22 years of service. She began as a part-time housekeeper for the JWCC Agricultural Center in 1990 and became a full-time building services worker for the Quincy campus in 2001. A resident of Perry, White is a graduate of Griggsville High School.

Al Beck Donates 20th Poetry Book to JWCC Library

Al Beck , former John Wood Community College instructor and professor emeritus at Culver-Stockton College, recently donated his 20^th book of poetry, “A BEE BITE” to the JWCC library.

The title of his latest work stands for “Al Beck’s Exuberant Efforts” and the word “Bite” reflects the sting in readers’ consciousness to make them think about the absurdity of the human condition, including frailties and idiosyncrasies of behavior and thought. Beck’s latest poems featured in the book include his signature play on words and rhymes that are hidden along with deeper philosophies.

Beck is a creative teacher, artist and writer. His other works of poetry include “God is in the Glove Compartment” and the more recent “An Awesome Possum Shares Wild Wisdom.” Last year Beck’s poem “AGING IDEA” was recognized in the National Senior Poet Laureate competition.

In addition to his poetry, Beck has published numerous articles on art education and exhibited artwork internationally and regionally. He works with diverse media, including clay, papercasting, glass fusion, photography, printmaking, painting and assemblage.

Hess Presents at Truckload Carriers Association

Don Hess, professor and chair of transportation programs at John Wood Community College, recently made presentations for the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA’s) national convention in Orlando, Florida and for the TCA’s Recruitment and Retention conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Truckload Carriers Association is a national trade association focused on the truckload segment of the motor carrier industry and oversees the Professional Truck Driver Institute.

Hess created JWCC’s truck driver training program in 1994 and has been honored by the Professional Truck Driver Institute for his work in developing and revising training standards for the industry, and currently serves the Institute as commissioner. He is a graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln and previously served as lead instructor at the Center for Transportation and Safety Education in Drumright, Oklahoma prior to joining JWCC.

Next Four-Week Welding Training Class to Start May 14 at JWCC Workforce Development Center

Employers Visiting Current Classes to Recruit Students

A new four-week basic welding training program at John Wood Community College is opening a pipeline for area manufacturers seeking skilled workers for dozens of open positions. The next four-week training starts May 14 at JWCC’s Workforce Development Center at 4220 Kochs Lane in Quincy.

“In just four weeks, students can have a valuable skill that is in huge demand,” Pam Foust, JWCC dean of career and technical education said. “Employers are visiting with students during class, and many have already landed jobs before completing the training.”

Information about how to enter the welding preparation program is available at jwcc.edu/weldingprep or by contacting JWCC at 217.641.4329 or admissions@jwcc.edu. The next session will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, May 14. Students will train Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for four weeks. Students can sign up and begin training on the 14th by visiting the JWCC Workforce Development Center. Payment for the training is required on the first day of class.

The new condensed welding program includes a basic welding class and lab and a course in welding symbols and blueprint reading. Other areas of concentration include oxyfuel welding and cutting, shielded metal arc welding and gas metal arc welding. All are taught by an experienced, local welding professional. In addition to welding skills, JWCC helps students prepare for employment interviews and offers advice on key soft skills necessary to secure a job.

Following the four-week training, students can add to their knowledge of welding by continuing their education at JWCC. By completing just three additional courses to earn a certificate, a basic welder could gain increased pay and responsibility depending upon their employer’s needs and qualifications.

Free Energy Management Training for Contractors, Facility Managers and Business Owners Offered at JWCC

John Wood Community College will host two free energy management seminars in May. National experts will provide information to assist local professionals, including contractors, building officials, municipal representatives and business owners with energy management and conservation tips. Both seminars will take place in room D022 of the JWCC Heath Center at 48^th and Harrison in Quincy.

“Measure What You Manage: How to Communicate Performance vs. Goals,” will be offered May 18 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This seminar will help participants learn to produce measurable electricity and gas savings for colleges, schools, hospitals, and businesses and create a culture of energy awareness by making energy efficiency a top level priority. Experts will also discuss how to raise the level of energy efficiency literacy for businesses and develop energy-saving campus demonstration projects. Registration can be made online at http://www.igencc.org/temt_ mwy.

“Energy Management: From Audit to Action,” will be offered Friday, May 25 from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. National experts will provide tips to convert energy savings ideas into reality and discuss steps to change human behavior and energy management. Participants will also learn the energy audit process using case studies focused on common energy retrofits and learn ways to gain senior management support and funding. Registration can be made online at http://www.igencc.org/temt _emfaa.

More information is available by contacting David Camphouse at 214.641.4340 or dcamphouse@jwcc.edu.

These seminars are made possible by the generous support of the Illinois State Energy Office Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN).

JWCC Children's College Set for the Month of June

The popular summer Children’s College Program at John Wood Community College will take place in the month of June to offer children new and fun ways to learn hobbies or explore future careers. The program is offered on a weekly basis with Monday through Thursday sessions offered from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. on JWCC’s Quincy campus. Classes ranging from acting and cooking to science and sewing are available for students who have completed kindergarten through sixth grade.

New courses this year include state-of-the-art Black Rocket Productions digital arts courses for students completing third through sixth grades, a green technology course presented by JWCC faculty and several media classes with Staradio personnel. Student s interested in their future career may also enjoy an emergency services class, Vet for a Week, or other field of interest classes.

JWCC’s Children’s College follows an all-day format to accommodate working parents’ schedules. However, students are not required to attend all day. If preferred, they may choose to attend only one or two classes either in the morning or afternoon.

Four different sessions are offered over the course of the summer. Session one runs from June 4-7; session two will take place from June 11-14; session three runs from June 18-21 and the final session will be offered from June 25-28.

During each session a hot breakfast and morning care will be offered from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. for $20 per week. Following breakfast students may choose two classes that will take place between 8:30 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. A hot lunch will be offered from 12:20 to 1 p.m. at a cost of $20 per week. (Students may also bring their own lunch for no additional charge). Students can then register for an additional class from 1 to 2:50 p.m. Afternoon care will be available from 2:50 to 5:15 p.m. at a rate of $20 per week. Families purchasing breakfast/morning care, lunch and afternoon care can pay $50 per week at a savings of $10.

Cost for classes range between $55 and $175 with topics including Lil’Legos Engineering, Soccer 101, Pots of Clay, Civil War Adventures, Junior Journalists and more. Taught by educational professionals and community members, students may choose from over 75 different options of classes upon registration.

Space is available for interested students. More information can be obtained from JWCC’s Community Education Office at 217.641.4941. A registration form and detailed listing of classes, camps and fees may be found on-line at jwcc.edu/community/childrens-college.

Three JWCC Faculty Members to Retire and Receive Professor Emeritus Status

Three full-time John Wood Community College faculty members will retire May 31. Diane Humke, professor of nursing, Carolyn Warren, department chair and professor of education and Lynne Weller, professor of languages and literature, will retire at the end of the 2011-12 academic year and be awarded the distinction of professor emeritus during JWCC’s 2012 commencement ceremony.

The distinction was established to mark JWCC’s 35^th anniversary in 2010. Based on the recommendation of the JWCC president, the Board of Trustees confers the title of professor emeritus to deserving faculty upon or after retirement. The recognition is intended to honor long-standing superior service to the College, its students and community. An engraved medallion with the official college seal is presented to those receiving emeritus status during commencement.

Humke will retire following 25 years of service. A resident of Quincy, she joined the JWCC staff in March of 1987 as a nursing instructor and has since been a respected colleague and valuable resource for new faculty members. She received tenure in 1990 and was promoted to the rank of professor in 2004. She was also instrumental in the recent revision of JWCC’s nursing curriculum.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Humke has served on JWCC’s assessment and curriculum committees and as a Faculty Association officer.

A member of the Sigma Theta Tau international honor society for nursing and a registered nurse, Humke holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Illinois Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in nursing from University of Missouri-Columbia.

Warren will retire after 21 years of service. A resident of Quincy, she joined JWCC in 1991 as coordinator of childhood education. She received tenure in 1994 and was promoted to professor in 2004. Warren has served as chair of education since 1998.

A past JWCC Faculty Senate Assessment Committee chair, Warren has devoted significant time outside of the classroom to ensure rigorous standards in the College’s academic programs. She served as co-chair of JWCC’s Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation committee from 1998 to 2001. Warren also served as chief negotiator for JWCC’s Faculty Association and fostered a cooperative climate during contract negotiations.

Warren earned an associate degree from Freed-Hardeman College, a bachelor’s degree from University of North Alabama and a master’s degree from University of Tennessee.

Weller will retire after 22 years of service to JWCC. A resident of Lima, Weller joined the College in 1990 as an English instructor. She attained tenure in 1993 and was promoted to the rank of professor in 2003.

During Weller’s career at John Wood she was instrumental in expanding language, literature and humanities offerings, served as department chair for three years and initiated an English scholarship to assist students with tuition costs. She currently serves as chair of the Faculty Senate Internal Support Committee.

Weller earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Sangamon State University.

Thirty-Seventh Annual JWCC Commencement Ceremony Set for May 11 Ceremony to Include Inauguration of Dr. John Letts as JWCC's Fifth President

John Wood Community College will hold its thirty-seventh annual commencement ceremony on Friday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Activity Center on the Quincy Campus at 48^th and Harrison.

This year’s commencement ceremony will include the inauguration of JWCC’s fifth president, Dr. John Letts. The inauguration is a ceremony to formally install a new president and mark a new era in the College’s history. Dr. Letts assumed the presidency January 12, 2012. He previously held the title of vice president for student services and has served JWCC for 24 years.

Letts is past president and member of the National Council on Student Development and Quincy Noon Kiwanis Club. He is past president of the Illinois Community College Chief Student Services Officers and Good Samaritan Home. Letts currently serves as chair for the 2012 United Way of Adams County campaign.

Prior to joining JWCC, Letts served as dean of students and director of housing and student activities for Sheridan College and also served as director of housing and student activities for Peru State College.

He holds a doctorate in higher education management from New Mexico State University, a master's degree in counseling and guidance from University of Nebraska Omaha and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Chadron State College.

Mr. Phil Conover, former JWCC Trustee and administrator and current vice chair of the Quincy University Board of Trustees, will introduce Dr. Letts prior to the investiture and presentation of the symbol of office performed by Randy Sims, chair of JWCC’s Board of Trustees.

JWCC will confer 285 associate degrees and 165 certificates. Letts will confer degrees and certificates and Sims will accept candidates as graduates.

Luann Kleemeyer will represent the graduating Class of 2012 by delivering the invocation and benediction. She is a member of JWCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and dean’s list. Kleemeyer will receive an Associate in Science degree and plans to transfer to Quincy University to major in psychology.

Sebastian Francis and Meredith Brinkman will provide student reflections. Francis will receive an Associate in Science in engineering and plans to transfer to Purdue University to study aerospace engineering. He served as the 2011-12 JWCC Student Government Association treasurer, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter vice president for scholarship and was named to the dean’s list. Brinkman will receive an Associate in Science in agriculture and accounting. She plans to transfer to the University of Illinois to major in agri-accounting. She served as the 2011-12 JWCC student trustee, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Chapter secretary and is currently serving as the 2012-13 Post-Secondary Agriculture Students (PAS) vice president. Brinkman will also serve as the macebearer for the commencement ceremony.

Alan Balzer will provide the student response to the alumni investiture. Balzer will receive an Associate in Science in engineering and plans to transfer to the University of Missouri St. Louis to study civil engineering. He served as the 2011-12 Student Government Association vice president, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society vice president for leadership and was named to the dean’s list.

Sims will confer the distinction of Professor Emeritus to three retiring faculty members. Diane Humke, professor of nursing education, Carolyn Warren, department chair and professor of education and Lynne Weller, professor of languages and literature, will receive the honor.

Tiffany Frericks, sociology instructor, will be honored during the ceremony as JWCC’s 2011 Faculty Member of the Year. Cody Baggett, JWCC’s 2011 Staff Member of the Year, will also be recognized. Frericks and Baggett will serve as processional marshals for students and faculty during commencement.

JWCC’s Instrumental Ensemble will play processional and recessional selections and the College’s Concert Choir will perform a musical selection by Rollo A. Dilworth. Both groups are under the direction of Gary L. DeClue, department chair and professor of fine arts. The National Anthem will be performed by Grace Lotz, JWCC choral student.