IN THIS ISSUE

Cougar Champions

Submit your nominations for full-time and part-time Cougar Champion of the month.

Full-Time Cougar Champion of the Month!

May Cougar Champion: Amber Werkheiser

Amber has led a very strong Financial Aid team that are dedicated to helping our students. I have been impressed with how they are able to juggle all that they do and be so kind to students while performing difficult jobs. She has been so helpful to me in administering millions of dollars of COVID Relief funds, while simultaneously adding funds to NC Reconnect students' accounts. Collectively, these have made a huge difference for the college and in helping our community recover from COVID. Thank you, Amber! I know it hasn't been easy, but you've always done it with a smile!

Amber Werkheiser
Director of Financial Aid

How long have you worked for CCCC?
I have been with the college for just over seven years.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
I am the Director of Financial Aid. I oversee federal/state student aid awarding and reporting. I lead the Financial Aid Office in student/family assistance and day to day operations.

Where were you born?
Sanford.

Where do you live now?
Sanford.

Educational credentials?
CCCC, AA College Transfer; UNC Greensboro, BA Communication Studies.

Tell us about your family!
My husband Phillip and I actually met and started dating as students here at CCCC in 2009. We attended UNC Greensboro and then Phillip went on to attend Campbell University and is now a Physical Therapist at Cape Fear Valley Health. We got married in 2015 and currently reside in Sanford with our two sons Elijah (4) and Andrew (2) and our cat Luna.

What are some of your hobbies or other interests outside of CCCC?
In my free time I really enjoy finding a nice spot to hang out in the Southern Pines area where I can try new food and drinks and listen to live music. I also enjoy art museums and attending music concerts when I can.

Who is one of your favorite fictional characters and why?
I really admire Max Goodwin from the show New Amsterdam. Max is so passionate and always knows what to do. Though sometimes stubborn, his character on the show is one to look up to.

What is your favorite meal?
I really like pasta dishes. One of my favorites is Garlic Noodles.

Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
I'd just like to say thank you for this recognition and thank you to my financial aid team for everything you all do everyday!

Part-Time Cougar Champion of the Month!

May Cougar Champion: Sara Delvalle Blair

Sara has been so critical to the success of externally funded projects at the college. For every dollar that comes in to support programs, students, and our community, she is behind the scenes ensuring that budgets are moving, that we are in compliance, and that outcomes are being met. She is an unsung hero. There are many people here that are so grateful for her dedication, her love of spreadsheets, and her attention to detail!

Sara Delvalle Blair

Director, Grants Performance

How long have you worked for CCCC?
I have worked for CCCC for about three and a half years.

What brought you to CCCC?
My family moved to NC due to my husband's military assignment to Fort Liberty. I was fortunate enough to find a job with CCCC once we relocated.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
My responsibilities include maintaining performance standards, ensuring compliance, and maintaining accurate administrative and financial records for all post-award grant activities. Additionally, I assist grant directors and managers by overseeing the progress of their projects to ensure that they are implemented successfully in accordance with the terms of the grant contract and the requirements of the relevant agency.

Where were you born?
Mexico City, Mexico.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Where do you live now?
I currently live in Sanford.

Educational credentials?
I have an MBA and BBA from Campbell University.

Tell us about your family!
My family includes my husband, Josh, our sweet daughter Abigail, and our two energetic dogs, Po and Kemp.

What are some of your hobbies or other interest outside of CCCC?
I enjoy spending quality time with my family, reading a good book, and participating in 5K races with my daughter.  

Who is one of your favorite fictional characters and why (from a favorite book, tv show, movie, etc.)?
I have always admired Harry Potter's ability to transform unfavorable circumstances into favorable ones. Despite his difficulties, he is never defeated by adversity and always rises to the occasion.

What is your favorite meal?
I enjoy eating Bibimbap, a delicious Korean dish, and anything my mom cooks.

Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
I'm touched and grateful for this recognition. It motivates me to keep pushing and contribute even more to the team's achievements. I'm genuinely thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing organization.

WOW! WHAT A TEAM!

Get Your Veggies Now at the Spring Market

Two weeks left of the Spring Market series at the Student Farm on the Chatham Main Campus in Pittsboro. Each Thursday until June 29, we harvest a selection of our certified organic produce and set up a market stand from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays.

A few notes regarding the market:
  • The market is located in the packshed — this is the largest building on the farm, directly through the gate.
  • This is a cash only market. All funds go directly to support programming for the very students whose hard work and expertise brought you the veggies.
  • Please bring your own bags. For some crops we will have small bags and cartons available, but to shop it would be helpful to have a bag.
  • The vegetables will change weekly. If you are interested in receiving a weekly newsletter with the vegetables that are available for sale, please email Beverly Diniz at bdiniz@cccc.edu.

Leftover produce will be donated to our local food pantry.

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CCCC Retiree Celebration

Thank you to these Central Carolina Community College family members for their dedicated and appreciated service! Their faithfulness will be long-remembered by all who have benefited from their outstanding service. They were honored at a retiree celebration on May 18 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center.

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Recognizing VUB Spring 2023 Graduates

by Jennifer Dillon, Veterans Upward Bound Program Director

Veterans Upward Bound recently had the privilege of recognizing the Spring 2023 graduates who served, or are currently serving, in the United States military by distributing graduation honor cords in acknowledgment of their commitment, service, and sacrifices.

In partnership with the Veterans Affairs Office and Foundation, these graduates were recognized for their perseverance and determination as they dropped-in to receive their graduation honor cords. This opportunity allowed us to express our deep appreciation for their service and celebrate their academic success here at CCCC.

Veterans Upward Bound would like to thank the Foundation for providing the red, white, and blue honor cords, and the Business Services for the lovely floral arrangements which created a celebratory atmosphere befitting our service members and their families. A special thank you to Angie Estes, Veterans Affairs Coordinator. Ms. Estes’ continual hard work and commitment to serving veterans, active service members, and military affiliated students is much appreciated!

Left image: Karmisha Hernandez-Lucian and Jennifer Dillon
Right image: Angie Estes and VUB graduate Ricky Renbert

All throughout the year, there are opportunities for faculty and staff to join in celebrating and honoring current and former United States military service members and their families. Stay tuned for information about our upcoming 9-11 Commemoration event. Your continued support and appreciation in action is vital to ensuring the success of our veteran students, active military students, and their families. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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David S. Heesacker Featured Contributor on WalletHub

Business Administration Instructor, Steve Heesacker, was featured in WalletHub's piece about Cheap Car Insurance in North Carolina.

Congratulations, Steve!

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CCCC Night at the Ballpark

Thanks to the Sanford Spinners for hosting Central Carolina Community College Night at the Ballpark on Monday, June 5, at Tramway Park. Kelvin Hunt, CCCC Director of Student Outreach and Recruitment, threw out the first pitch. Alexandra Dowdy, CCCC Director Divisional Operations & Foundation Events, sang the National Anthem. CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman is pictured with faculty and staff who came out to the ballpark to enjoy this outing.

Alexandra Dowdy sings the National Anthem.

Watch Kelvin Hunt throw out the first pitch.

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A Lesson in Gratitude

With the academic year drawing to a close, the Lee Academic Assistance Center found an opportunity to demonstrate gratitude for the help received during the year. Tutors, lab assistants, and students frequenting AAC services were asked to provide nominations of faculty they greatly appreciated and found exceptionally helpful during the year.

Peer coach Makenzie Cox said, "My experience was a little different. Being a student and an employee in the AAC, I had the chance to work more closely with some faculty. I wanted to nominate someone who not only helped me personally, but who I also saw going above and beyond for others."

Hoping to provide some cheer during the busy week of final exams, a student-led "delivery team" deployed to drop off the small tokens of appreciation. On behalf of Academic Assistance, thank you for helping us make this year a success!

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Federal Work-Study Requests for 2023-2024

by Amy L. Berrier-Gerber, M.Ed., Associate Director of Financial Aid

Please make your plans now to request student assistance through the Federal Work-Study Program for the 2023-2024 academic year. Please complete the request form as soon as possible.

It is required that all supervisors attend annual FWS Supervisor training prior to receiving a FWS student. Complete the form, then I will contact you to schedule a virtual supervisor training.

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Graduating Leadership Sanford

Congratulations to Justin Pedley, CCCC Veterinary Medical Technology Animal Facilities Manager, who is a member of the 2022-2023 graduating Leadership Sanford class. The Leadership Sanford program aims to provide a continuous, diverse supply of creative leaders to the community by developing their knowledge of the region and providing them the opportunity for meaningful action. Here, Justin Pedley (right) is pictured with Susan Gomez, Chamber of Commerce Director.

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2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration

CCCC recently celebrated its second annual Juneteenth celebration on June 15. Hosted by the Black Employees Resource Group, the event was open to all.

The event started with the audience participating in singing the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice, then continued in learning unknown facts, fashion show (models, April Raines, Sie Ellis, Aisha Nettles, Laser and Photonics student, and Rueben Malone, Associates in Arts student). The closing poem was Freedom by Langston Hughes. There was music, laughter, comradery, and knowledge shared throughout. The food selection provided was created with careful thought, sentiment, and intention. Little known facts were strategically placed throughout the room. For example, learning about the significance of the "Red Pop" soda or bookmarks with additional historical facts.

Students were enthusiastic to receive information about furthering their educational journey in speaking with representatives from Johnson C. Smith University and Fayetteville State University. Students were also able to speak with Career Services, TRIO, and the AAC to receive information regarding services and resources.

A very special thank you to:

Catherine Godbold and AAC Staff
Rashaunda Ashford, Brothers of Excellence
Felicia Gilmore, Career Services Coordinator
Fred Stanton Jr., TRIO Services
Cougar Market
Dr. Susan Johnson and Cosmetology students
Shateara Gilbert, Cosmetology Instructor
Katy Jones, Student Activities
Seth Buchanan, Director of Academic and Transfer Success & Aviso Administrator
Dr. Emily Hare and the Foundation
Johnson C. Smith University
Fayetteville State University

Models:
Sie Ellis, beloved housekeeping staff
Aisha Nettles, Laser and Photonics student
Rueben Malone, Associates in Arts student
Kassie Lyles and Tanner Whitt of Broadcasting
April Raines, B.E.R.G. Member
Talia Friday, B.E.R.G. Co-Chairperson

For those who were unable to attend the event, it will be viewable on-demand within the next few weeks. For more information please contact Adana Arnold aarno893@cccc.edu.

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SEANC Visit

Images from the SEANC visit on June 21, held in the Marchant Hall Conference Room at Lee Main Campus. Questions were answered regarding the State Health plan, pay raises, retirement, legislation, SEANC insurance programs, member discounts, etc. The representative for SEANC is Celia Wilson, (919) 397-7364 cwilson@seanc.org

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Department Donations Wish List!

What is a Department Donations Wish List? Dr. Short met with all the departments and they've listed some items they could use that other departments or employees might donate. If your department wants items added to the wish list, or you have items to be donated, please contact Robin Walker.

Arts

Social Sciences

Travel easels. Here is an example.

Social Sciences/ACES has a growing collection of Smithsonian public museum exhibits on historical and cultural topics. The exhibit panels are mounted on foam board. The intent beyond display at CCCC events and in our campus libraries is for other school and community groups to access them through free loan. If the loan kit also came with lightweight travel easels to borrow, more school/community groups in the service area could create/house exhibits with ease.

Applied Technology

Electrical Systems

EST will take anything small like lights, light ballast, LED drivers, HVAC capacitors, contactors, relays, etc. that you know is bad or will not work correctly. Anything we can use for "show and tell" and students can troubleshoot to see what is broken and how it broke.

Industrial Systems

Small- to medium-sized electrical and/or mechanical in nature. This could be individual components or small machines. Broken (not working) - even better.

Welding

  • Welding Consumable
  • Torches
  • Gauges
  • New Welding Equipment
  • Hand Tools
  • Power Tools
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Carbon Steel Metal
  • Aluminum Plate or Pipe
  • Stainless Steel
  • Tungsten Electrodes
  • Grinding Blades
  • Wire Brushes
  • Saw Blades
Professional Services

Human Services

  • Therapeutic games to help students understand the multiple ways we can deliver counseling services.
  • Marketing decor to make the table more presentable at meetings at high schools and other opportunities.
  • Professional outdoor signs, which don't blow down in the wind and transport easily, for Saturday meetings.
  • Snacks for Saturday meetings.

Cosmetology

  • Dermaplaning tools and supplies
  • Microneedling device (no greater than 1mm depth)
  • Artificial lashes
  • Lash lift and brow lamination kits
  • Cameras with photo and video capabilities
  • Lighting equipment for live videos and photos
  • Microscopes
  • Slides (glass, blank)
  • Slides (biology - cells, hair samples, etc.)
  • pH testers
  • Barbering, Cosmetology, Esthetics or Nail Tech non-expired products
  • Barbering, Cosmetology, Esthetics or Nail Tech tools, equipment, and furnishings in working order
  • Mannequins with hair for cutting and chemical procedures
  • Mannequin tripod stands or stands that attach to chairs
  • Towels in new or like-new condition
  • White sheets (flat, twin) and twin-size blankets
  • Hair wefts and hair extensions
  • Hair extension kits
Public Safety

Criminal Justice

  • Comparison microscopes
  • Beakers
  • Test tubes
STEM

Engineering

  • Electronic and Computer Engineering students are looking for any equipment that is not in working condition for the Troubleshooting class to have items to learn to repair.
  • Wood, metal, or plastic scrap material for the "prototyping cart" mechanical engineering students use for various projects.
  • Wood screws, nuts and bolts, binding screws, screw eyes, etc. for the prototyping cart.

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES and EVENTS

AAC Congratulations

Congratulations to all of the amazing student staff members working in the Academic Assistance Centers without whom we would not exist. Congratulations to the class of 2023!

 

Hannah Brooks proudly displays a poster she made celebrating her acceptance into UNC Wilmington during the Lee Academic Assistance Center’s Transfer Student Celebration.

Congratulations to the following Academic Assistance student staff members on their huge accomplishments!

  • Lana Farah of the Chatham AAC who received the Academic Excellence Award in Spanish
  • Sarah Lawter of the Chatham AAC who received the Academic Excellence Award in Electrical Systems Technology
  • Aine Sotillo of the Chatham AAC who received the Excellence in Academic Assistance Award
  • Dylan Wallen of the Chatham AAC who received the Outstanding Student Award in Humanities/Oral Communication and the Academic Excellence Award in Sociology
  • Alexander Williams of the Chatham AAC who received the Academic Excellence Award in Medical Assisting
  • Makenzie Cox of the Lee AAC who received the Academic Excellence Award in Psychology
  • Victoria Nelson of the Lee AAC who received the Outstanding Student Award in Physical Science
  • Kyle Selem of the Lee AAC who received the Excellence in Academic Assistance Award
  • Jackie Vollbracht of the Lee AAC who received the Academic Excellence Award in the Associate in Science
  • Summer Alsagani, Carol Cottrell, Makenzie Cox, Jocelyn Gomez, Nubia Orellano, and Jackie Vollbracht of the Lee AAC who all have earned their high school diplomas from Lee Early College; Jackie Vollbracht also had the special honor of being the Lee Early College graduation ceremony speaker for 4th-year students.
  • Sarah Lawter of the Chatham AAC who graduated with an AAS in Electrical Systems Technology
  • Jessica Webb of the Chatham AAC who graduated with an AAS in Building Construction Technology; Jessica Webb had the special honor of being the Central Carolina Community College spring graduation ceremony speaker at the 2 p.m. ceremony.
  • Lana Farah of the Chatham AAC will be transferring to UNC Chapel Hill.
  • Willis Flores of the Chatham AAC will be transferring to UNC Charlotte.
  • Jocelyn Guadalupe-Ramirez of the Chatham AAC will be transferring to UNC Chapel Hil.
  • Solveig Lee of the Chatham AAC will be transferring to Meredith College.
  • Isai Ocampo of the Chatham AAC will be transferring to Appalachian State University.
  • Aine Sotillo of the Chatham AAC will be transferring to UNC Charlotte.
  • Jacqueline Tamayao of the Chatham AAC will be transferring to UNC Chapel Hill.
  • Dylan Wallen of the Chatham AAC will be transferring to Appalachian State University.
  • Cassidy Henderson of the Harnett AAC will be transferring to Hollins University
  • Summer Alsagani of the Lee AAC will be transferring to UNC Charlotte.
  • Carol Cottrell of the Lee AAC will be transferring to NC State University.
  • Makenzie Cox of the Lee AAC will be transferring to Liberty University.
  • Jocelyn Gomez of the Lee AAC will be transferring to Elon University.
  • Nubia Orellano of the Lee AAC will be transferring to UNC Chapel Hill.
  • Jackie Vollbracht of the Lee AAC will be transferring to Brown University.

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Student Activities

by Katy Jones, Student Activities Coordinator

Student Government Association Executive Board Announcement
Please join me in congratulating the incoming 2023-2024 Student Government Association Executive Board! These students were elected by their peers and will begin a rigorous student leadership training program this summer. They are all very excited about their new positions and are ready to make next year CCCC’s best!

President
Regonal Spinks (He, Him, His)
Business

Vice President
Kate Perez
Associate of Science

Secretary
Robert "Randy" Clayton
Motorcycle Mechanics

Treasurer
Myriah Petitt (She, Her, Hers)
Nursing

Chatham County Representative
Vielka Ninel Gonzalez
Associate in Science

Harnett County Representative
Cynthia Hammons
Criminal Justice

Lee County Representative
Diamond Williams (She, Her, Hers)
Criminal Justice Technology

Distance Education Representative
Colette McCauly (She, Her, Hers)
Human Services Technology

Chatham Early College Representative
Kyle Hickey (He, Him, His)
Associate of Science

Harnett Early College Representative
Lucas Honan (He, Him, His)
Associate of Science

Lee Early College Representative
Johanna Acosta (She, Her, Hers)
Associate of Science

Student Activities Summer Newsletter
Have you read the latest edition of the Student Activities newsletter? Learn more about everything happening in Student Activities at CCCC!

Upcoming Summer Student Activities
These are the upcoming activities this summer for students! Please encourage your students to attend and participate!

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PERSONNEL NOTES

Birth Announcements!

Danielle Bruner and her husband Dan'l welcomed their second child, Grace Isla Bruner, on May 29, 2023, at 12:11 a.m. She was 19-3/4 inches long and weighed 7 lbs. 2 oz. Mom and baby are doing great and big brother Matthew is absolutely in love with his little sister!

Amy Nipper, Biology Instructor, and her husband, Jacob, are thrilled to announce the arrival of their son, Chase Jamison Nipper, on Tuesday, April 4th. Baby Chase weighed in at 7 lbs. 2 oz. and is very well taken care of by his two older sisters, Callie and Mackenna. Congratulations to you all!

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New and Changing Employees at CCCC

Updates as of June 1

May New Employees

  • Kaitlyn Sessoms, Program Coordinator, TRiO Upward Bound
  • Bayleigh Thomas Langston, Mail and Print Production Specialist

May Position Changes

  • Erin Blakeley - Customized Training Project Manager - VinFast
  • Kels Brucker - Administrative Assistant, Health Sciences (LMC)
  • Brianna Clark - YouthBuild Job Developer
  • Megan Kelly - Veterinary Medical Technology Department Chair
  • Emily Barrick - Health Information Technology Clinical Coordinator

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Birthdays

Birthday list provided by Human Resources

6/23 Phillip Pappas
6/24 Faye Stone
6/27 Christi Copes
6/28 Alyson Cochrane
6/29 Randy Baker
6/29 Cliff Sizemore
6/30 Roy Allen
6/30 Tracy Warren
7/1 Kathryn Horrell
7/2 William Warner
7/4 Anthony Garner
7/6 Billie Gardner
7/6 Cody Maddux
7/7 Wayne Cole
7/7 Misty Davin
7/7 Shirley Rijkse
7/7 Whitney Testa
7/8 Dane Peterson
7/9 Jennifer Babb
7/9 Jessica Willis
7/11 Gwendolyn Collins
7/12 Amy Bradbury
7/16 Vicky Wesner
7/18 Amy Berrier
7/18 Cathy Giles
7/18 Jodi Langston
7/18 Arthur McCullers
7/18 Ramona Petty
7/19 Christopher Nem
7/19 Rosa Velazquez
7/21 Meghan Brown
7/21 Morgan Steele
7/22 Kaan Ozmeral
7/22 James Pearson
7/22 William Taylor
7/23 Shelly Watkins
7/24 Gary Franks
7/26 Cameron McNeill
7/28 Jesse Jacondin
7/29 Glenda Lassen
7/30 Crystal Bennett
7/30 Eric Butler
7/30 Terry Cebulski-Field
7/31 Elizabeth Hodges
7/31 Elizabeth King

If you prefer not to be listed or if your name does not appear as you'd like, please email Cris Oliver.

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Calendars 2023-2024

Download the CCCC Holiday Calendar.

View the CCCC Summer Calendar.

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News From The CCCC Family

It is with heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Crystal Bennett's father-in-law, David Earl Bennett, 74. The funeral services were held at Sampson Chapel COCDOC in Clinton, N.C. Please keep Crystal and family in your prayers.

It is with sincerest sympathy that we let you know that Tiffany Stein's mother, Clara Stein, 73, of Sanford, passed away on May 31 at her residence. Learn more about Clara Stein and leave condolences at Miller-Boles Funeral Home website. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

It is with deep regret that we announce that Crystal Way's father, Robert Earl Watkins, 72, passed away on May 30. Learn more about Robert Watkins and leave condolences for the family at to L. Harold Poole Funeral Home. Please keep the family in your thoughts.

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CCCC-BAY

Things Wanted, For Sale, or For Free!

This is 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 Cris Oliver at coliver@cccc.edu and we'll feature in the next publication.

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COUGAR PETS

Cougar Pets

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 Maverick

Cougar Pets

My name is Maverick!

Life shouldn't be so complicated. For me, its easy! I make time to play, time to eat, time to sleep, and time to cuddle. If you are looking for a routine cuddle bear, then count me in!

Maverick

Meet Geneva
Cougar Pets

My name is Geneva!

Have you ever wondered how a lanky dog runs? Well come meet me and find out! I am a super silly girl who loves to play and dance. I really enjoy walks and do great on a leash.

Geneva

See all of the adoptions, 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 regular dental cleanings, blood work, and physical exams. We pride ourselves on the care that our cats and dogs receive during their stay. Contact www.cougarpets.org for more information on our colony dogs and available cats.

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College Salon Services

The mission of the Barbering and Cosmetic Arts Department at CCCC is to provide quality education and learning experiences for Barbering and Cosmetic Arts students.

For this reason, all services are available to faculty and staff. Services are performed exclusively by students under the supervision of Barbering or Cosmetic Arts instructors.

See all Salon services and pricing.

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CONTRIBUTE

Contribute to Cougar Bytes

Send along your Cougar Bytes contributions about our wonderful faculty and staff! We welcome your images, staff and faculty successes, events, and shout-outs in each issue. Submit your contributions to Cris Oliver in Marketing at coliver@cccc.edu.

Deadline for contributions is Thursday, July 13, by 5 p.m. for the next issue. Upcoming issues:

  • July 20 (Thursday)
  • August 25
  • September 22
  • October 20
  • November 17
  • December 15

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The next issue of COUGAR BYTES will be published on Thursday, July 20.

Flashback to Cougar Bytes July, 2016.