Sandra excels at building an environment where students can succeed and at building relationships with industry partners that benefit students and employers. Sandra has competitions where her students build projects and employers come and judge the results. Many students have received job offers out of those events. During COVID, Sandra took her lab environment to students by building and distributing lab kits so that her students could have a similar learning experience to her lab while at home.

When a lead instructor in another department left the college, Sandra really stepped up. Being from a related field, she helped get the word out to candidates, participated in the interview process, and most graciously, prepared one of the program's Blackboard courses so that it would be ready for the new instructor when they were hired. She didn't ask for anything and volunteered to help with this course, just so students and the instructor would be in a good place when the class began.

In part of our rethinking of how we approached advisory boards in order to build better industry relationships, Sandra was one of the first employees to have an advisory board this year and she really embraced the new model of refocusing the board on our employers and their advice and suggestions.

Sandra has taken it upon herself to research a new program in Biomedical equipment repair, its classes, any overlap with other programs, and industry trends regarding hiring and placement for our students.

Sandra Castonguay
Lead Electronic Instructor

How long have you worked for CCCC?
10 years

What brought you to CCCC?
Steve Lympany called and asked if I could teach one class, so this is all his fault that I am here. You can blame him.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
I teach first- and second-year Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology students.

Where were you born?
Norman, OK

Where did you grow up?
Not sure I have yet, but mostly in Oklahoma.

Where do you live now?
Just outside the big town of Broadway.

Educational credentials?
Master of Science in Technical Management.

Tell us about your family!
I am married to my HS sweetheart, Mark. I am the proud mother of three beautiful daughters and a dog mom of three fur babies.

What are some of your hobbies or other interests outside of CCCC?
Creating beautiful stained-glass projects.

Which actor would portray you in a movie about your life?
Susan Sarandon, I was told I look a little like her.

Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
I am deeply humbled by this recognition. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to serve our students. It is a great joy to see them succeed.

February Part-Time
Employee of the Month: Kenneth McLamb

Kenneth has a reputation of being reliable, friendly, and handy in his role as a part-time member of the Harnett Main Campus Physical Plant team. He shows a willingness to tackle any maintenance or repair task and exemplifies the ethic of doing the right things and doing them the right way. He has always been willing to share his knowledge and expertise in solving challenging facility problems and works exceptionally well with staff, faculty, and his co-workers alike. He takes great pride in the quality of his work and fully understands the quality of the team's work is a reflection of the college itself.

As a retired CCCC Welding instructor, Kenneth puts his mastery of the torch to good use in tackling maintenance tasks that require a great deal of skill and applied engineering experience. In addition to his role in supporting the Harnett Main Campus Physical Plant team with a wide range of repair and maintenance tasks each week, Kenneth has, when needed, fabricated a number of customized fixtures to help improve campus operations and safety. In recent years, he designed and fabricated metal ramps to allow easier and safer access to high-curbed entrances on older college buildings. Within the last week, Kenneth fabricated handrails for the team to install at the front entrance to the Barbering and Senior Activities building at the Dunn Center, once again improving safety for students, staff, and patrons.

Kenneth has, when called upon, helped address maintenance or repair issues that do not have easily identifiable solutions. In one case at Harnett Main Campus, a large piece of mechanical equipment was installed (during the construction of the building) within a large, four-legged steel frame. A repair to the equipment became necessary, yet the design and installation of the original pedestal made the repair virtually impossible. Kenneth, using his masterful welding skills, carefully removed the pedestal legs and then after the repair was made, reinstalled them in a manner that future repairs would be relatively easy. His work was done with laser-like attention to detail. In fact, had Kenneth been present when the equipment was initially installed, he would have likely pointed out the flaw in the design of the frame. He has an eagle eye for such things.

Kenneth Mclamb

Maintenance

How long have you worked for CCCC?
Full-time for 13 years and part-time for nine years.

What brought you to CCCC?
I was doing some contract work at the school and was offered a position in Siler City by Preston Sellers.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
General Maintenance and ride around in the truck.

Where were you born?
Smithfield, but daddy said he found me under a stump.

Where did you grow up?
Broadway.

Where do you live now?
Broadway.

What are some of your hobbies or other interest outside of CCCC?
Working in my shop.

Which actor would portray you in a movie about your life?
Redd Foxx.

What is your favorite meal?
Any breakfast food.

Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
It's been a pleasure working for the college.

Espresso Yourself

We say it A LATTE
But Could Never
ESPRESSO it enough....

Thank you for your continued support of the CCCC Foundation.
We appreciate all you do!

Foundation: Why I Give

CCCC Foundation

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From The Bookstore

Lee Campus Bookstore in Sanford

The Lee Campus Bookstore is open. Please visit any weekday. We open at 9 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. except Fridays. We close at 2 p.m. on Fridays.

Harnett Campus Bookstore in Lillington

The Harnett Campus Bookstore is open. Please visit any weekday. We open at 10 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. except Fridays. We close at 2 p.m. on Fridays.

Pick up
CCCC spring gear
at centralcarolinashop.com

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Job Corps Scholars Program

by Jennifer Dillon, Director, Job Corps Scholars Program

CCCC's Job Corps Scholars Program is excited to share that we have expanded our available technical training programs to include the college's new Google IT Support Technician certification and the Manufacturing Technician training, as well as the upcoming Commercial Drivers License (CDL) training course. These are just a few of the 130 technical training programs participants may choose from.

The Job Corps Scholars Program serves students, age 16 to 24, from low income backgrounds who have already received their high school diploma or equivalency and are now seeking to earn in-demand, industry recognized credentials within 12 months or less (certificate or diploma or short term skills training). We provide counseling services, both personal and employment, to support and facilitate each student's success. Once they have received their credentials, we provide job placement assistance, apprenticeship opportunities, and/or assistance with continuing their postsecondary education or exploring/joining the U.S. military. We provide full financial assistance for tuition, fees, and any required course materials, as well as, financial assistance for childcare and transportation costs.

CCCC's College Access Programs play a significant role within our communities; working to provide education pathways for those who may not otherwise have the opportunity. We can't do it alone. Your support and advocacy are vital to the success of such programs, like the Job Corps Scholars. To learn more, please call us at (919) 718-7299, or email jobcorps@cccc.edu.

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News from the Foundation

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News From The Library

by Jessica Thomas, Lee Main Campus Library Assistant

Lee, Harnett and Chatham Library Event Highlights

National Library Week

From April 3rd to the 9th, come and celebrate libraries with us! Stop by the Lee or Harnett campus library to sign our "I love the library" banners or take part in our "guess the book" contest with a candy prize that's sure to delight! We'll also have staff recommended books on display. Hope to see you soon!

Art in the Library

We invite you to stop by the CCCC Lee, Harnett, and Chatham Libraries to see local artwork created by our amazing students, faculty, staff, and members of the community. There will be opportunities to chat with the artists and learn more about the artwork on Wednesday, April 27. Interested in sharing your creativity? There is still time to submit your creations. For more information, please email mpruitt@cccc.edu.

Words on Wheels

The library is coming to you! Words on Wheels (WOW) is a mini bookmobile for faculty. Morgan will be out and about on Harnett's Main Campus and the Harnett Health Sciences Center on April 13. If you have specific book or DVD requests, you can let us know before we come and we will bring those to you. We will collect any library returns you may have as well. Be sure to have your library card with you. Email Morgan Pruitt at mpruitt@cccc.edu with requests and questions.

Lunch & Learn: Teaching with Visual Literacy and Library Resource

Join us April 5th at Noon for an online lunch and learn workshop! CCCC Librarians will discuss issues related to copyright and fair use, particularly within the classroom. The librarians will also provide resources for accessing and sharing content from the public domain and creative commons.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the session, faculty will be able to:

• Understand the value of visual literacy in the classroom
• Identify how the library can help to support visual literacy in teaching and learning
• Articulate the importance of visual resources in research

Register for this event.

Friends of the Library Book Sale: Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction

Visit the Chatham Community Library on April 1 and 2 for the Friends of the Chatham Community Library book sale! It’s back in a new, pandemic-era version! To make shopping as safe as possible, the book sale format has changed to offer only part of the inventory at several sales this spring and summer, allowing ample space to spread out the items and to give shoppers a less crowded setting. The spring sale takes place on Friday, April 1, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. and features fiction, mystery, and science fiction titles. All items will be $2 each. Pay by cash, check, or credit card.

Walk & Talk Book Club

Greet spring by establishing a fun and healthy habit! Meet up with fellow readers from March 25 until April 11 at the bike rack just outside the library entrance to walk the campus path, practice rusty social skills, and exchange book ideas. Bring your reading list, a like-minded friend, or even your dog for an opportunity to walk and talk about books at the library.

Library Event Calendars

Want to know what else is 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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College Success Center Updates

CCCC Campus Resource Fair!

The CCCC Campus Resource Fair was held on Lee Main Campus on February 9th, 2022. Students had the opportunity to connect with essential campus resources here at CCCC. They enjoyed exploring and asking questions. There were door prizes, yummy treats, and students learned all about the many ways CCCC is here to serve them!

A special thanks to the faculty and staff who made this event possible!

• Academic Assistance Center - Talia Friday, AAC & Writing Center Coordinator
• CCCC Bookstore - Tyler Blake, Store Manager
• Finish Line Grant - Zack Ledwell, Finish Line Coordinator
• CCCC Library
• Ruby McSwain Cougar Market & Career Closet - Dr. Emily Hare, Executive Director of the CCCC Foundation and Laura Musslewhite, Administrative Assistant
• Student Activities - Katy Jones, Student Activities Coordinator
• Student Assistance Program
• Success Coach Team - Jennifer Babb, Jess Hinsley, and Amy Gustavson
• CCCC Brothers of Excellence - Candice Solis, Director of Onboarding and Success
• TRiO SSS - Jessica Rogers, Director of TRiO SSS
• Veterans Upward Bound - Jennifer Servi-Roberts, Director of Veterans Upward Bound
• Campus Friends: S3 Housing Connect

We Care Week!

During Valentines Day week, the Success Coaches shared messages of love and support for all CCCC students. You may have seen a Success Coach peek into the classroom with some goodies or caught them at a "We Care" stand in the halls, simply spreading student support all around. Heart shaped stress balls were enjoyed by all and students expressed gratitude for Valentine's Day appreciation!

Upcoming Workshops

Bring it on Finals: Test-Taking Strategies Workshop

With final exams just around the corner, The Success Coach Team is offering a special workshop for your students based on the development of test-taking skills. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to be exposed to new test taking strategies that can help them achieve academic success. Students will meet virtually with the Success Coach team to discuss keys to test preparation, how to strategically approach different kinds of exam questions, and learn effective ways to manage testing anxiety. If you know of a student that could benefit from attending this workshop, please encourage your students to RSVP to attend the Tuesday, April 19, workshop.

Please email the Success Coach Team at success@cccc.edu with any questions about student resources or coaching needs.

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CCCC Brothers of Excellence

Upcoming Workshops

Friday, April 8 from 1 - 2 p.m. 'Bout My Business: Minority Male Community Leaders Sharing Tools in Entrepreneurship in Partnership with the CCCC Career Center.

Wednesday, April 13 Noon - 1 p.m. Lunch & Learn-Breaking the Ice: Minority Male Mental Health and Wellness.

If you know of a student that could benefit from attending CCCC Brothers of Excellence Workshops, please encourage your students to RSVP to attend the above workshops.

Event Updates

Brothers of Excellence is in Full Spring Swing!

We hosted our spring meeting in February. We had new students, mentees, and participants attend. A special thank you to CCCC faculty and staff who attended as well to show support for our students and their success this spring semester!

• Brian Bridgers, Controller
• Anthony Farrior, Assistant Director, Veterans Upward Bound
• Oscar Hernandez,Coordinator of ESL Career Pathways
• Jairo McMican, Dean of College Access Services
• Kevin Pearson, TRIO Upward Bound Program Director
• Douglas Wells, Education Navigator

Brothers of Excellence Mentoring Program

Mentor/Mentee Highlight of the Month: Kelvin Hunt and Ronnie Bautista-Rodriguez

"My program is Business Administration. My hobbies are working on my car. I enjoy fixing and cleaning it. I like to always have feedback and advice from other people, so I felt that joining Brothers of Excellence would be a good fit for me. I also felt that it was a way to get involved in school activities, and get to meet new people. I have really enjoyed meeting Mr. Hunt. He is a very wise and nice person, he has given me some really good advice and knowledge. He's very caring, and he always tries to help me with whatever he can. I have also enjoyed attending meetings and events which share a lot of knowledge from mentors and mentees." ~ Ronnie Bautista-Rodriguez

"I've had a lot of people to help me along my journey in life, and if not for them, I wouldn't be where I am today. I think I've always had an interest in helping others, and my job at CCCC allows me to do that naturally. I've mentored in the past and thought the CCCC Brothers of Excellence program would be another great opportunity to serve, and hopefully impact someone in a positive light. I have enjoyed getting to know my mentee (Ronnie), his story, and hopefully providing small nuggets of wisdom he can use throughout life. Also, he got to experience eating somewhere he had never been before (HWY 55), so that was cool! The workshops we have attended have been great as well." ~ Mentor Kelvin Hunt, Director of Student Onboarding and Outreach

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

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Red Clay Review

The 2021 issue of Red Clay Review is available for your reading enjoyment. Download the complete issue of the Red Clay Review or view online at Red Clay Review.

The Red Clay Review is calling for writing and visual art submissions. Visit the Red Clay Review website for complete information!

Open the Door by Erika Hoffman

Anyone who's taught public high school day in and day out for a decade or more will likely concur most schooldays are humdrum: few stick out in one's memory after a significant passage of time. Looking back on that portion of my life, I recall a few unique ones. Back in 1974 or maybe 1975, there was one such day at Southwest DeKalb High School in Atlanta, Georgia - the day Pat Conroy showed up.

What made this world-famous, lauded Southern novelist come to my English class? After all, I was only a 24-year-old rookie teacher. Back in the day, kids sought extra credit because A's weren't passed out like Skittles. Kids proffered all sorts of ideas for projects they'd complete to augment their GPAs. I came up with a suggestion. I'd offer extra credit to anybody who invited a published writer to be our guest speaker on Fridays.

"Could my mom come? She publishes the church bulletin?" queried one hopeful chap.

"If she gives us pointers on writing, sure!"

A quiet towheaded boy with almost pure platinum hair in a bowl cut whose Coke-bottle glasses magnified the palest blue eyes shyly raised one hand. I couldn't remember his ever volunteering before. In a meek voice, he said, "I know someone. He wrote a book. Can he come?"

"Toby, what's his book about?"

"Water," he answered.

"A science book?"

Toby Williams shrugged and looked about to retreat into his usual state of perpetual quietude when I added, "Certainly. Any published writer will teach us something. Toby, can he come this Friday?"

Toby nodded. In truth, I can't remember now if the kid said this writer was his cousin or uncle. (Presently, my mind is just like a steel ... whatcha-ma-callit!)

No matter.

...

Continue reading this prose online on page 16 at Online Red Clay Review

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Welcome New Full-Time Employees!

New employees as of Feb. 28

• Wade Genthe, BLET Director
• Thomas Lackey, Lead Instructor, Truck Driver Training Program
• Tim Short, Electrical Systems Technology Instructor
• Brian Simpson, Coordinator of Institutional Effectiveness

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Thank you

To my CCCC Family,

Thank you for the beautiful flower that was sent to honor of my mother. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers that uplifted my family at such a difficult time. Thanks for the continued prayers as we heal.

Susan Macklin and Family

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Congratulations

Congratulations to Amy Berrier-Gerber, CCCC Associate Director of Financial Aid, who has received the SASFAA (Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators) Distinguished Service Award, which was presented at the organization's annual conference in Montgomery, Ala.

The award is the highest honor bestowed by the organization, given to individuals who have made outstanding, significant, and meritorious contributions to the advancement of student financial aid or the profession. Amy served as president of the organization in 2015-2016.

Congratulations, Amy!

Della Woods Newkirk graduated Summa Cum Laude from Capella University with a Ph.D. in Education. The program of study included research and residencies in Florida, Georgia, and Virginia.

Della made a perfect score on the comprehensive exam and successfully defended her dissertation, "Parenting & the Academic Success of Black Males: A Qualitative Study."

She has been inducted into The National Society of Leadership & Success, a national leadership honor society. Dr. Newkirk is a High School Equivalency Instructor in the College and Career Readiness Department, Harnett Main Campus.

Congratulations Dr. Newkirk!

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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

by Human Resources

Please contact Trinity Faucett with any questions.

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Member Focus Newsletter

by Human Resources

The Member Focus Newsletter keeps you up-to-date on your State Health Plan benefits. View the most recent issue at Member Focus Online.

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Birthdays

Birthday list provided by Human Resources

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 Anne McCracken in your thoughts as her husband, Dr. Frank W. "Webb" McCracken, passed away Saturday. Ann is a former English instructor at CCCC. Dr. and Mrs. McCracken were faithful supporters of the college over the years. Rogers-Pickard Funeral Home is assisting the family. The address for condolences is:

Ms. Ann McCracken and Family
520 Maplewood Drive
Sanford, NC 27330

Please keep Willie Palme, Mail and Print Production Technician, and family in your prayers as his father-in-law, Bernie Lawson Thomas, passed away on March 19. Read more and offer condolences at Cox Memorial Funeral Home.

Please keep Jeff Gannon, Lead Instructor, Building Construction Technologies, and family in your prayers as his father, Jack R. Gannon, passed away on March 14.

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CCCC-BAY

Things Wanted, For Sale, or For Free!

Elliptical for sale. $950. Buyer must make arrangements to transport from the seller's location, but the equipment is available right now!

Condition: Bought in summer 2020 and used less than 20 times, includes the owner's manual.

Brand & Model: Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer (Professional gym-quality equipment)

Features:

• Manual
• Hill
• Fat Burn
• Strength
• High-Intensity Interval Training
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Audio in jack for MP3, CD, or your Smartphone
• Headphone jack
• USB port for charging other devices
• Heart rate monitor
• Cooling fan

All questions can be directed to Kim Overcash at kover953@cccc.edu.

Pottery Barn coffee table for sale. Purchased brand new in Spring 2017. Rustic reclaimed wood style. Good condition. Email Erynn Stainback at estai049@cccc.edu for more pictures and measurements. Price reduced to $80.

What a great time of year to sell some things! CCCC-Bay is happy to post your 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!

 FACEBOOK

EMS Emergency Services Training
Student Activities
Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center
Veterans Upward Bound
COVID-19 Employee Support
Chatham Community Library
Center for Academic Excellence
Dental Programs
Dental Assisting
Dental Hygiene
CC Culinary Institute
CCCC Distance Education
Triangle South Enterprise Center
Early Childhood Education
TRIO Student Support Services
NCWorks Career Center - Chatham
CCCC Student Outreach
The CCW Career & College Promise
Triangle South WDB
Howard-James Innovation Center
Library
I am CCCC
Cougar Pets
CCCC Foundation

 TWITTER

CCCC Library
CCCC Advising
Triangle South WDB

 YOUTUBE

CCCC Library
Central Carolina CC YouTube

 BLOGS

Triangle South WDB
ESL at CCCC

 Digital NC

Central Carolina Community College, Images and Yearbooks

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 Primrose

My name is Primrose. I am a mature 7-year-old female that loves to play and cuddle! I am very laid back and make friends easily with cats, but am unsure around dogs. I am very sweet and love to be loved, but also know how to be independent. It is time for me to find my furever home!

Primrose

Meet Larry

Larry is a Beagle mix. He is now maturing at 5 years, but a lifetime of affection once he finds his furever home. It is time for Larry, too!

Larry

See all of the happy endings, or rather Happy Tails of Cougar Pets.

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 April 20 for the April issue. Upcoming issues:

• April 22
• May 27
• June 24
• July 22
• August 26
• September 23

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