November Full-Time
Employee of the Month: BJ Thompson

"BJ goes above and beyond her job description to help others. She is the heart of the Library and cares about each and everyone who walks through the doors. She exemplifies what it means to care about equity and access with all patrons and if a resource is not available will advocate to help problem-solve until a workable solution can be found. Even when understaffed, BJ makes sure that everyone feels special and taken care of whatever their needs. She is well respected and a joy to work with at CCCC."

"BJ purchases coffee and treats not only for the Library staff, but for the other employees that share the common space. She listens to her patrons and helps to connect them to resources outside of the Library when their needs are more than just a Library resource."

"When there is a question about the Library and its resources the most common phrase I hear around the college is 'have you asked BJ?' That has to be one of the highest forms of praise from colleagues."

"Each Friday, BJ looks around and thinks of ways to make the Library more accessible and usable for the patrons. She and others have rearranged the space to be more comfortable and adaptive to their studying and collaborative needs. She doesn't wait until the time between semesters. She uses any time when there are less patrons in the space to rearrange and optimize the space. She truly cares for each person and listens to feedback and tries to put it into action as quickly as possible."

Part-Time CCCC Employee of the Month!

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Professional Development Day

Images from PD Day at Chatham Main Campus

Images from PD Day at Harnett Main Campus

Images from PD Day at Lee Main Campus

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CCCC-AEOP Basket Raffle Winners

On behalf of the CCCC Association of Educational Office Professionals, I would like to thank you all for your support in our Basket Raffle. We had an amazing turnout and it is all because of YOU! Please help us in congratulating our winners!

Basket 1 - CCCC, Crystal Sanders
Basket 2 - Italian, Susan Macklin
Basket 3 - Family Night, Susan Macklin
Basket 4 - Giving Thanks, Elizabeth Hodges
Basket 5 - Canine #2, Christy Jones
Basket 6 - First Aide, Trinity Faucett
Basket 7 - Garden, Lisa Matthews
Basket 8 - Self-Care, Donna Boykin
Basket 9 - Crazy Cat, Denise Martin
Basket 10 - Canine #2, Vicky Wesner
Basket 11 - Gift Card, Fernanda Perry

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First-Generation Celebration Days

We are excited to announce that we celebrated over 200 faculty, staff, and students at the CCCC First-Generation event on Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 on all three campuses.

The event kicked off at the Lee Main Campus, then made its way to the Chatham Main Campus, and wrapped up at the Harnett Main Campus.

As CCCC faculty, staff, and students trickled in, they were greeted with hot cocoa and apple cider, and cookies from a local bakery in Sanford. The events were decked out with holiday music and a magnificent balloon arch that participants could take pictures under. As participants stepped through the golden streamers in the doorway, they were greeted by event volunteers.

Our photo booth station captured the moment with a polaroid camera. They say a picture is worth 1000 words, but nothing compared to the inspirational messages left behind on the hand cut-outs that each participant wrote about “What does being first-generation mean to me” or “I support first-generation students because”. We couldn’t let participants walk away with only holiday cheers so we offered them the chance to “Step Right Up and Spin the Wheel”! Where they could win a gift card, prize cup filled with goodies, college supplies, and much more!

TRIO Student Support Services will honor the first-generation participants by displaying all of the inspirational messages and polaroid photos from the event. This “First-Generation Wall of Honor” will be located at Lee Main Campus in Hockaday Hall, Student Center to raise awareness and continue to celebrate CCCC’s first-generation faculty, staff, and students.

TRIO Students Support Services would like to thank the First-Generation Committee that helped plan and bring this event together through their continuous passion and support. A special thanks to the volunteers who made the day of activities come to life and ensure this event felt special. Thank you to all students, faculty, and staff who helped facilitate conversations and awareness. Lastly, we deeply appreciate the special appearances made by Provost Mark Hall and Provost John Mathews and thank Dr. Chapman for their support of CCCC’s first-generation faculty, staff, and students.

For more information on TRIO Student Support Services, please visit www.cccc.edu/trio/sss.

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Congratulations to These Award Winners!

Congratulations to CCCC's Dr. Mark Hall - CCCC Chatham Provost, who received the Chamber Board Leadership Award at the Chatham Chamber of Commerce annual meeting.

Congratulations to CCCC's Malinda Marsh - NCWorks Career Center Coordinator, who received the Chamber Ambassador of the Year award at the Chatham Chamber of Commerce annual meeting.

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Denise Johnson Retirement Party

CCCC won't be the same without Denise Johnson, Human Resources Coordinator, who retires this month. Here are some scenes from her retirement celebration.

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University Transfer Day

The Central Carolina Community College University Transfer Day took place on Thursday, Nov. 18, at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center in Sanford. It was an opportunity for students to talk with representatives from many different colleges and universities to explore potential transfer options.

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Dr. Rodney Powell Farewell

Photos from Dr. Rodney Powell's farewell party.

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New Intranet Link to Portal

In alignment with the CCCC Strategic Plan objective to increase employee satisfaction with communication, Objective Leads Robert Barnes and Trinity Fawcett have arranged to add a new Intranet link to the CCCC Portal. By adding this link to the portal login, they hope to streamline employee access to relevant information available there. The Intranet link provides access to staff announcements, the college calendar, and helpful files sorted by department.

Members of the Strategic Planning Committee hope that this small change will help employees access important information, and will contribute to our efforts to improve employee satisfaction with communication.

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Work It Wednesday

During the final "Work It Wednesday" of the fall semester, Whitney Atkins of Hankalily Photographs came to campus and donated her time to provide professional photos for 12 CCCC students. "Work It Wednesday" is a new initiative of the CCCC Career Center to provide employability skills to students to help them prepare for the workforce. Some students took advantage of the free professional clothing from the Ruby McSwain Career Closet for their photos.

Student Jairo Diaz said, "Thank you! [The pictures] turned out great! Go ahead promote more of these opportunities!" The Career Center and Workforce Development Division looks forward to promoting more "Work It Wednesday" events next semester.

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Sandra Thompson Farewell Gathering

Photos from Sandra Thompson's farewell gathering.

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HOLIDAY SPOTLIGHTS

4CNC Holiday Messages

Visit 4CNC Live to view the variety of holiday messages! From Veterinary Medical Technology to Barbering and Cosmetology and many more!

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Cougar Express 2021

Scenes from the special holiday season "Cougar Express" drive-thru event on Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center, sponsored by the CCCC Foundation.

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Angel Tree

The Angel Tree program had a record number of applicants this year and thanks to our amazing donors, we were able to provide gifts for 101 children.

You read that right. 101!

While our donors will remain anonymous, thank you to those of you who donated gifts to the children this year. This program could also not have been run without the support of the amazing administrative teams at the Harnett, Lee, and Chatham Main Campuses, so many thanks to you all! Thank you to anyone and everyone who helped this program in some way, shape, or form. We could not have done this without you and you have made the CCCC family stronger for our students!

Lastly, many thanks to the volunteers who helped serve as elves to hand out presents! The following people are certainly on Santa's Nice List!

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CCCC-AEOP Christmas Luncheon

CCCC-AEOP (Association of Office Professionals) met at Davison's Steakhouse for its Christmas luncheon. Our organization is thankful for all the donations and contributions that were given to the Scholarship Basket Fundraiser. $1,275 was collected and will be used for student scholarships in the 2022 year.

Our members who were present are, left to right, front row: Kelly Brucker - 2 years of service, Gloria Cheatham - retired - 23 years of service, Alexandra Dowdy - 2 years of service, Martha Wilkie - retired - 22 years of service; second row: Debra McNeill - 20 years of service, Linda Spivey - retired - 33 years of service, Polly Bouldin, Treasurer - retired - 44 years of service; third row: Peggy Cotten, Secretary - 18 years of service, Wendy Craig, President - 2 years of service, and Donna Boykin - 8 years of service. We missed those members who could not join us.

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Cougar Market Donation Event

Thanks to everyone who donated to help feed families in need with the recent Cougar Market Donation Event. A special thanks to the following Sanford businesses — 2nd Glances, Added Accents, High Cotton Couture, With Love Boutique, Purple Poodle, and The Eyelight Cafe — for their willingness to serve as donation drop-off sites.

The Ruby McSwain Cougar Market, CCCC's Food Pantry, aspires to support student success by ensuring that no student goes hungry because of a lack of income or access to food. For more information, call Daniel Berndt at (919) 718-7337 or email at dberndt@cccc.edu. The event was sponsored by CCCC Phi Theta Kappa Beta Sigma Phi.

Photos: Gift donations at With Love Boutique (upper left), Purple Poodle (lower left), High Cotton Couture (upper right), Added Accents (middle right), and 2nd Glances (lower right).

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Hot Cocoa Bar

CCCC Foundation

Thank you for your overwhelming support of the hot cocoa bar! It was great catching up with each of you and seeing some new faces! We appreciate your continued support and look forward to working with you in the New Year!

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Foundation: Why I Give

CCCC Foundation

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From The Bookstore

by Tyler Blake, Bookstore Manager

Hello CCCC Family!

Bookstore Dates for Financial Aid Use

• ONLINE: Dec. 30 through Jan. 20.
• IN-STORE: Jan. 3 through Jan. 21.

Bookstore hours for Back to School for Lee Main Campus:

Please note that the bookstore will be open two hours longer for the first two weeks of classes.

• Monday, Jan. 3 to Friday, Jan 7: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Monday, Jan 10 to Thursday, Jan. 13: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 14: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Regular hours will commence on Monday, Jan. 17. Hours can be viewed on centralcarolinashop.com

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QEP Corner: My Academic Pathway

by Amy Gustavson, QEP Coordinator

Fall 2021 MAP Newsletter!

The Fall 2021 MAP: My Academic Pathway Newsletter is now available! MAP: My Academic Pathway is CCCC’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). The purpose of MAP is to provide a personalized approach that enables new students to make efficient, effective, and timely choices in order to complete their educational and career goals.

Learn more about My Academic Pathway by visiting our website!

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Professional Development

by Erin Blakeley, Coordinator of Professional Development

Spring Adjunct Night - NEW!

Our 2022 Spring Welcome Week includes our first Spring Adjunct Night on Wednesday, Jan. 5! We have incorporated the registration for Adjunct Night into the Welcome Week registration page this year. As always, you are invited to attend any session during Welcome Week! We are also excited to announce that adjunct faculty will receive a $50 stipend for attending the Spring Adjunct Night, just as you do in the fall.

Adjunct Open Lab

There is an Adjunct Open Lab scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 6. This is not a professional development session and attendance is not required. The open lab is simply a drop-in opportunity to receive one-on-one help from our Instructional Designers and Distance Education staff. Library staff will also be available to assist you with finding additional resources to support student learning in your course.

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News From The Library

by Jessica Thomas, Lee Main Campus Library Assistant

Library Instruction

Now is the time to schedule library instruction for your courses! The Library provides course-integrated library instruction to support your students' research assignments. The sessions are delivered in-person or online at all campuses. Topics vary by subject area. Take a look at our suggested lesson plans to learn more about the topics covered in a library instruction session.

In addition to class-length sessions, instructors are welcome to request 15-minute refresher sessions in their classrooms. Refresher sessions include an overview of how to use Summon Search, the class-related Library Research Guide, and how to get help.

Words on Wheels

The Lee and Harnett library will be out and about throughout the semester to bring the library to you! Fill out this form to let us know where you would like us to visit or what books interest you! You can also contact Morgan Pruitt (Harnett Campus) at mpruitt@cccc.edu or Jessica Thomas (Lee Campus) at jthom627@cccc.edu for more information. Hope to see you soon!

A Conversation with Dr. David Watson

In late November, Morgan Pruitt sat down with Dr. David Watson, one of CCCC's Humanities instructors, to discuss his new book, Truth to Post-Truth in American Detective Fiction! If you missed the Author Talk, it’s now available online. Truth to Post-Truth in American Detective Fiction is also available for checkout.

Chatham Events and Announcements

The Chatham Community Library will be closed Dec. 23 - Dec. 27 for the Christmas holiday, as well as Dec. 31 - Jan. 1 for the New Year. Stop by soon to pick something out to read over the break! Additionally, Chatham Community Library will be closed Jan. 17 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

In recognition of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Chatham Community Library will host a virtual film screening of Dreamcatcher (2015), beginning Thursday, Jan. 13, and continuing through Thursday, Jan. 20.

Library Events Calendars

Want to know what's happening in the Lee, Harnett or Chatham Library this semester? Keep an eye on the Lee and Harnett Library Events Calendar and Chatham Events Calendar for events that interest you!

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Career and College Promise (CCP)

by Elizabeth Hodges, RN BSN CPhT, Career & College Promise Nurse Aide I Lead Instructor

The Career and College Promise (CCP) Nurse Aide students recently painted pumpkins for the Emerald Health and Rehab residents. Students learned that fine motor skills like coloring, cooking, and painting increase hand strength, hand-eye coordination, and mood. Robert Naylor from Naylor’s Family Farm and Corn Maze donated all the pumpkins in honor of his mother.

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College Success Center Updates

Finals Cheering Events!

Our Health Science & Human Services students were cheered onto their final exams by faculty and staff volunteers! We had six in-person cheering events that included words of encouragement, upbeat music, and pom poms! Distance education students received "cheer" emails that included words of wisdom and a cheering video message! These events were well received by our students. A first-year Veterinary Medical Technology student said:

"I just wanted to say thank you to all of you (please pass along to those whose email I don't have) on the cheering squad this morning. I was stressed about the exam and your energy and encouragement helped take the edge off and put a smile on my face (even though it was hidden under my mask :) Y'all are the best! You make us feel important, valued, loved, and a part of a team."

A special thanks to the faculty and staff who made these cheering events possible!

• Campus Friends: Samantha O'Connor, Mary Schmid-Carter, Adam Wade, and Heather Willett
• Dental Programs: Danielle Bruner, Wendy Craig, Fernanda Perry, Crystal Sanders, Vicky Wesner, and Macy Woods
• Health Sciences & Human Services - Administration & Department Chairs: Consuela Blazes, Thea Boyer, Carl Bryan, Bev Brock, Melissa Fogarty, Susan Johnson, Shelly Hodges, Christy Jones, Denise Martin, Tiffany Needham, and Erika Parker
• Medical Sonography: Julie Francis & Soni Sundquist
• Nursing: Barbara Campbell, Juanita Carter, Jamie Ferguson, Dawn Gregory, and Crystal Way
• Success Coaches: Candice Solis & Amy Gustavson
• Veterinary Medical Technology: Amy Bradbury, Lauren Braly, Kim Browning, Tina Godbey, Jessica Holt, Megan Kelly, Michelle Patterson, and Justin Pedley

Please visit the College Success Center for information on the Virtual Success Lounge and more.

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CCCC Brothers of Excellence

Barbershop Talk!

On Oct. 22, CCCC Brothers of Excellence hosted Barbershop Talk! During this session, students were encouraged to openly discuss critical issues that affect them as minoritized males. The idea is to create a safe space that allows students to discuss and brainstorm solutions to everyday challenges unique to their experience. With the success of this event, Barbershop Talk! will be offered again in the spring semester on various CCCC campuses.

A special thank you to Arthur McCullers, Lead Barbering Instructor, and Jairo McMican, Dean of Student Learning, for their leadership in this student support initiative.

Lunch & Learn

On Dec. 10, CCCC Brothers of Excellence hosted a Lunch & Learn session titled "Let’s Talk Money!" During this session, students and our dedicated mentors discussed topics surrounding financial literacy. Students shared: "I learned I should spend less on things I don't need and more on what I actually need” and “Spend money on yourself (savings)." This series will also be offered in the Spring 2022 semester.

A special thank you to Kelvin Hunt, Director of Student Onboarding and Outreach and Gary Blankenship, Criminal Justice Instructor, for providing guidance to our students throughout this session.

Please visit CCCC Brothers of Excellence for more information on the program or contact us at mmsi@cccc.edu.

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Student Activities

The Final Meltdown and Cookies, Cocoa, and Cozy Books (x2)

On Chatham, Lee, and Harnett main campuses, students were treated to a fun way to unwind and destress as they prepare for and take their finals. They enjoyed a hot chocolate bar, with five different types of hot chocolate, various add-ins and toppings, tea, apple cider, and a ton of cookie options. They also enjoyed some take and make winter and holiday-themed crafts, take home s'mores, and were able to snag a De-Stress Kit that was unique to each campus!

A huge shoutout to the Chatham Academic Assistance Center staff, Lee Main Campus Library staff, and the Harnett Main Campus Library staff for serving as amazing program collaborators and campus partners!

Spring Welcome Week Call for Help

During the first week of classes, there will be a Spring Welcome Week happening in-person and virtually on all three main campuses and Student Activities needs your help in creating an amazing experience for our students!

You can help in three ways:

1. Volunteer to run an in-person program on your campus. (Everything is planned and paid for in advance. You would just serve as the on-site person to run the event.)
2. Send your already planned student programs during the first week of classes so that they can be advertised as part of Welcome Week.
3. Plan a workshop, event, tabling opportunity, or more for the first week of classes to be featured as part of Welcome Week. This could be a great opportunity to recruit students for clubs and organizations, spread the word about your program and offerings, or engage students during their first week of classes so that they feel more connected to the college!

These programs can be in-person, online, or hybrid and can be offered at any or all campus locations! They can be educational or just for fun!

Please email Katy Jones, Student Activities Coordinator, at kdjones@cccc.edu with any questions or if you are interested in helping with Welcome Week in any way!

Student Ambassadors Available for Spring Programs and Events

Services provided by the Ambassadors include:

Assisting with high school student campus visits

Serving as a guide for individuals and groups touring the campus

Hosting campus activities

Recruiting students

Speaking to community groups and agencies

Assisting with Foundation activities

Assisting with registration, graduation, and orientation

Assisting with student activities

And more!

If you are planning an activity or event and would like Student Ambassador help, please visit the website at www.cccc.edu/studentlife/ambassadors to submit a request!

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Welcome New Full-Time Employees!

New employees as of Nov. 3

• Timothy Myrick, Maintenance Technician
• Jessica Thomas, Library Programming Assistant
• Rosa Velazquez, Custodian

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Birthdays

Birthday list provided by Human Resources

12/18	Karen Weaver
12/19	Wendy Craig
12/19	Liza Guzman-Ramirez
12/19	Dianne Johnson
12/19	Nicholas Sullivan
12/20	Michael Parrish
12/21	Trevor Dobbins
12/22	Crystal Sanders
12/23	Maryann Aucompaugh
12/23	Anne O'Shaughnessy
12/24	Heather Willett
12/27	Henry Wilson
12/28	Katie Hall
12/29	Benjamin Buchanan
12/29	Derek Chester
12/29	Mike Spivey
12/29	Adam Wade
12/30	Darrell McLaurin
12/31	Kimberly Brzozowski
1/3	Brenda Barefoot
1/3	Michael Peluso
1/5	Kelly Dorman
1/5	Johnny Frye
1/5	Mariann Woodward
1/6	Michael Parnell
1/7	Virginia Bryant
1/7	Jason Rouse
1/9	Jessica Thomas
1/10	Jessica Brown
1/10	Ashlee Dockery
1/10	Nichelle Lariviere
1/10	David Watson
1/11	James Anderson
1/12	Katelyn Jones
1/12	Stephanie Whitaker
1/14	Tracy Autry
1/14	James Lassiter
1/14	Timothy Myrick
1/15	Richard Heptig
1/15	Andrew McMahan
1/15	Julie Reichbach
1/15	Margaret Roberton
1/16	Kelly Dehring
1/16	Pamela Riddle
1/17	Patricia Wicker
1/18	Amy Kennedy
1/22	Mary Burke
1/24	Richard Love
1/24	Abby Walker
1/24	Jason Ziebart
1/26	Mary Schmid-Carter
1/27	Walter Creswell
1/27	Benjamin Falero
1/27	Tina Godbey
1/27	Mark Hall
1/27	Joshua Johnson
1/27	Laura Musselwhite
1/31	Faye Miller

If you would prefer not to be listed or if your name does not appear as you'd like, please email marketing@cccc.edu and let us know.

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News From The CCCC Family

Please keep Melanie Yarborough, Campus Receptionist, and family in your prayers as her grandmother, Maxine Coggins Yarborough, passed away on Dec. 11. Visit Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home to express your condolences.

Please keep Lisa Key Brown, Chair of Developmental Studies, and family in your prayers as her father-in-law, Hulon Thomas Brown, passed away on Dec. 10. Visit Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home to leave your condolences.

Please keep Jamie Childress, Dean of Enrollment/Registrar, and family in your prayers as her stepfather, James T. "Jim" Churchwell, passed away on Dec. 7. Visit Miller-Boles Funeral Home to share condolences.

Please keep Erika Parker, Program Director of Health Information Technology, and family in your prayers as her mother, Miriam Riddle Stewart, passed away on Dec. 3. Visit Skinner & Smith Funeral Home to send condolences.

Please keep Robin Walker, Assistant to VP of Student Learning, and family in your prayers as her mother-in-law, Athelene Johnson Walker, passed away on Dec. 2. Visit Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home to send condolences.

Please keep Randy Foxx, Custodian at Siler City, and family in your prayers as his father, Tommie Foxx (former employee of CCCC), passed away on Dec. 2. Visit Knotts and Son Funeral Home to send condolences.

Please keep Tammie Quick, College Career Readiness Lee Coordinator, and family in your prayers as her stepmother, Joyce Ann Christian Quick, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 21. Visit Kiser Funeral Home for the full obituary and to send condolences.

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CCCC-BAY

Things Wanted, For Sale, or For Free!

CCCC-Bay is happy to post your unneeded, unwanted, or unused items in Cougar Bytes! Send an email (photos would be great) to Marketing at marketing@cccc.edu and we will feature in next month's publication.

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FACULTY AND STAFF ONLINE

Join the Activity on Social Media!

Do you write a blog, have a Twitter account, or Facebook page for your department or classroom? Share your link! Send to marketing@cccc.edu.

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COUGAR PETS

Cougar Pets News

Cougar Pets is a local animal rescue group housed on the Lee Main Campus. As part of the Veterinary Medical Technology program, our animals help teach veterinary technician students essential skills that will help future animals. All of the animals are rescued from shelters, and all are adoptable.

Meet Maria

My name is Maria! I am a domestic short hair brown and white tabby.

Maria

Meet Priscilla

Hello! I’m Priscilla, and I don’t know you but I already love you! My love language is quality time and my favorite thing to do is going on long adventures with my human friends where I can show off my stellar leash-walking skills!

Priscilla

All adoptable dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on all vaccines. They have had regular dental cleanings, blood work, and physical exams. We pride ourselves on the care that our cats and dogs receive during their stay. Contact us at www.cougarpets.org for more information on our colony dogs and available cats.

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CONTRIBUTE

Contribute to Cougar Bytes

Send along your Cougar Bytes contributions! Our monthly Cougar Bytes newsletter focuses on staff and faculty. We welcome your images of the campuses, staff and faculty successes, events, and shout-outs in each issue. Please submit your contributions to marketing@cccc.edu with any questions or suggestions.

The deadline for contributions is Jan. 25 for the January issue. Upcoming issues for 2022:

• Jan. 28
• Feb. 25
• March 25
• April 22
• May 27
• June 24

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