IN THIS ISSUE

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FULL-TIME CCCC Employee of the Month!

Employee of the Month: Craig Ciliberto


Employee of the Month

Craig Ciliberto selflessly gives of himself to the program and the College. In the last month, Craig has recharged several college vehicles and diagnosed problems with them. He personally repainted the first-year automotive classroom, which dramatically improved the learning environment.

Craig regularly helps faculty and students with their vehicles and has taken care of students who would otherwise be stranded. Craig is a worthy recipient of employee of the month.

Craig wishes to say, "Thank you for the nomination and being selected. I really enjoy the opportunity to work with everyone at CCCC.  They are truly wonderful people. Thank you."

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Employee Recognition Program Expanded

In February, we expanded the monthly Employee Recognition Program to cover part-time employees as well!

Our part-time staff and adjunct faculty make up approximately 46% of our employees at the College. Without them, we absolutely could not meet the ever-changing needs of our students and community. As a result, we felt it was well past time to begin recognizing them for the "essential piece" of the puzzle that they are.

The existing nomination form for the full-time Employee of the Month has been edited to include part-time nominations. Please be sure to submit your nominations for part-time staff or adjunct faculty each time the nomination window opens!

PART-TIME CCCC Employee of the Month!

Employee of the Month: Beatrice Matthews


Employee of the Month

Beatrice Matthews builds encouraging and supportive relationships with the student-users and student-employees in the AAC. She is reliable and innovative, helping in all the activities and functioning of the AAC. CMC's AAC could not serve the students as it does without Bea as part of the community.

Bea is aware of everything that occurs in her center. She works hard at learning student names and needs and she is quick to remind them on how to behave in an academic setting. She is very good at training students to be good tutors and lab assistants.

Bea is always patient, upbeat, and attentive to both faculty and students. She has a calm demeanor; her simple presence seems to have a positive, soothing effect on everyone in the room! She guides young tutors and assistants, and encourages students. She is a "go to" person in academic assistance.

Bea definitely puts the needs of our students first. She is an efficient and effective coordinator of tutoring services at Chatham Main Campus. She helps prepare incoming students with New Student Orientation, and assists in organizing AAC workshops. She is a great role model and an asset to the Academic Assistance Center, and she contributes to its reputation as the friendliest department on campus.

Bea cares a lot about our students and their needs. She works hard to make sure they all have access to the resources they need to help them be successful.

Beatrice Matthews

Academic Assistance Center Facilitator

How long have you worked for CCCC?
I have worked for the college for seven years.

What brought you to CCCC?
I came to work here after being out of work for several years after an extended illness. I went to work with the great staff at Vocation Rehab in Siler City to help me get back to work. I worked as an administrative assistant for a little over a year with the Culinary Department under the great leadership of Chef Hamm and his staff. I was transferred to the Barber Center at West Harnett for about a year and then transferred to Siler City and worked for the Barber Department at Jordan-Matthews High School under the instruction of Raychon McKoy. I currently work at the Academic Assistance Center Chatham Main Campus.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
The work I do here is very fulfilling. I work with the most dynamic group of people anyone could ever ask to work with. What I do here is a hard question. I will try to name some of them. I match tutors with students that have requested tutoring and find times and space for them to meet, schedule and proctor testing appointments. Oversee lab and the lab assistants, and help students as they come in with anything they need. Work with instructors to schedule and help any student with what ever their challenge may be.

Where were you born?
I am a native (born and raised) of Siler City, NC.

Where do you live now?
I currently reside in Siler City.

Educational credentials?
I received my Associate Degree in Business Administration from ECPI University, Greensboro, and a Customer Service Certification.

Tell us about your family!
I am a single mom to one beautiful, smart and hardworking young lady (Joanna), and a foster mom to my nephew, equally as smart and plays drums like you wouldn’t believe (Emanuel).

What are some of your hobbies or other interest outside of CCCC?
I love to travel, and take long walks. I love the ocean and can sit for hours watching it. I love spending time with my family. They can be a challenge, but at the end of the day they are my family, and I love them very much.

What superhero power would you most like to have?
If I had a superpower it would be being in multiple places at the same time.

Which actor would portray you in a movie about your life?
The person I would want to portray me in a movie about my life would be Julia Roberts. Not because we look so much alike (lol), but because I love her in almost everything I’ve ever seen her act in. She is an awesome actress.

What is your favorite meal?
I love a good grilled streak with grilled veggies.

Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
I would like to let my CCCC family know how much I appreciate them. I love working with everyone and enjoy meeting new staffers when we have opportunities to come together. I truly feel I have been blessed to work here and I look forward to sharing many more memories with everyone. Thank you.

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WOW! WHAT A TEAM!

COVID-19 Updates

As you know, our college has been significantly impacted by COVID-19. Please be sure to keep updated at www.cccc.edu/coronavirus.

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Webinar - KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

The coronavirus has led to widespread fear on a global scale. The pervasive impact of the outbreak on a humanitarian and economical scale means that levels of extreme uncertainty and anxiety is rife and unprecedented business and health challenges are being presented across the world.

Whilst every person and every business strives to adapt to the situation and discover ways to continue whilst still mitigating the risks presented, societal stress levels remain high and the viral outbreak poses a very real threat to the wellbeing of our communities, from both a psychological and physical perspective.

Given that stress has an adverse impact on our immune system, it is more important than ever to retain a healthy sense of perspective, focus upon practical ways to adapt to the situation and respond in a composed way to the outbreak.

To help support you during this time, an online seminar Keep Calm and Carry-on – Maintaining Your Composure Amidst the Pandemic Panic will be available starting Saturday, March 21. The seminar will cover:

  • Strategies to tackle feelings of anxiety and stress
  • Practical techniques for working from home
  • Ways to address signs of panic in the workplace
  • Supporting your children
  • When to reach out for further help and support

Join the seminar by:
Visit www.mygroup.com > My Portal Login > Work-Life
Username: cccc2014
Password: guest
Toll-free: 800-633-3353

If you have any questions or need additional support, your EAP is available 24/7 at 800-633-3353 or online at www.mygroup.com.

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CCCC Hosts the 4th N.C. ACA Conference

On Feb. 24, CCCC hosted the 4th NC ACA Conference. This conference, themed Student Success: Visions for the Future, brought together ACA instructors from across the state to discuss and learn about best practices to offer community college the best first year experience possible.

The conference featured keynote speaker Dave Urso, Dean of Academic Affairs from Blue Ridge Community College in Rockingham, VA. His address, titled Challenge 2025: A Vision for Student Success, energized and motivated participants.

Also on hand were transfer admissions counselors from Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, NC A&T, NC Central, NC State, UNC-Charlotte, UNC-Greensboro, and UNC-Wilmington, who participated in a College Transfer Panel to discuss the college transfer process and answer attendee questions.

Session topics at the conference included:

  • Balancing Academic Rigor with Success in ACA Courses,
  • The State of Transfer in NC,
  • So You Think You Know What You Want to Do: Guiding Students Through Career Exploration,
  • Facing Unconscious Bias in the Classroom: What We Don’t Know About Ourselves Can Hurt Our Students,
  • and Forging a Strong Foundation: Selling the Vision and Establishing Community at the Start of a Brand New Class.

The NC ACA Conference is organized by a planning committee, which includes Seth Buchanan, Kerry Cantwell (Durham Technical Community College), Tonya Greene (Wake Technical Community College), Donna Housman (Central Piedmont Community College), Courtnea Rainey (Durham Technical Community College), and Chris Ziemba-Tolbert (Gaston College).

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From the Academic Assistance Center

Congratulations to Talia Friday! She joins the executive board of North Carolina Organization for Student Success (NCOSS) as secretary. NCOSS is the North Carolina chapter of the National Organization for Student Success (NOSS). For anyone interested in becoming a member, feel free to contact Talia at tfriday@cccc.edu or visit www.ncoss.org for more information.

new staff

Cody Thomas is excited to begin working with students as a Writing Coach at the Chatham Main Campus of Central Carolina. As an undergraduate, she worked as a Writing Tutor at Meredith College. Her professional background is in corporate finance and communications, and she is currently attending UNC Chapel Hill for her Master’s in Business Administration. Some of Cody’s favorite hobbies include riding her horse, running long distance, and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

new staff

Emily Blaaszczak joins the CCCC Writing and Reading Center at the Lee Main Campus. She graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Secondary Education. She also enjoys traveling to new places.

new staff

Matt Martin joins the Central Carolina Community College Writing Center at the Lee Main Campus. He is an English/Language Arts teacher with Lee County Schools. He began his teaching career in 2004 after 20 years as Sports Editor with The Sanford Herald, where he won multiple NC Press Association awards for sports reporting, feature writing and columns under the tutelage of CCCC publicist R.V. Hight. One of seven children and the eldest son of a U.S. Air Force career NCO, Matt served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Ord, CA, from 1980-84. He graduated from Old Dominion University with a BA in English in 1980. Following in the footsteps of his mother, who took bachelor's and master's degrees in her 50s, Matt graduated Summa Cum Laude from UNC-Greensboro with an M.Ed. in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) in 2009.

new staff

Wilma Schroeder is joining the Writing and Reading Center after 2 ½ years working at the Chatham Academic Assistance Center as a Tutor. She loves reading, writing, and especially speaking and singing. A former social studies teacher, farmer, and food service professional, she brings all of this to her students to meet them where they are and improve their writing and reading. Wilma has studied Latin, Italian, and has learned lots of Spanish from Spanish-speaking friends and co-workers. She is happy and excited to be taking on this new role as Writing Coach, and invites you to come say “Hi” when you are on the Chatham Main Campus.

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Campus Fund Drive Packets

Campus Fund Drive Packets are out! We depend on YOU, our CCCC family, to help support the needs of the college and our students.

100% of the donations to the Foundation go directly to fund needs of our students and the college. We appreciate your continued support of the Foundation and its mission!

For more information, please visit our website at www.cccc.edu/foundation.

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TRiO Student Support Services Mentor Program

On Jan. 31, TRiO Student Support Services held its first Mentor Program event for 2020 focusing on the essential skills that students need to be employable.

Mentors and Mentees were able to meet up to reflect on what essential skills they feel are the most needed in the workplace. Mentees also received a Gratitude journal to work to build the essential skill of a positive attitude. The journal will allow the Mentors and Mentees to have something to reflect on whenever they meet for their monthly meetings.

We still have several students looking for Mentors if you are interested in joining the TRiO SSS mentor program please contact us today by reaching out to Academic Coach, Jennifer Dillion at (919) 718-7559 or emailing at jdill457@cccc.edu.

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CCCC Welcomed EducationNC

Central Carolina Community College welcomed EducationNC, which visited on Feb. 19 to hold a Student Town Hall event at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center in Sanford. Here are scenes from the event.

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Winter Desktop Wallpaper

Is Winter too long? Perhaps changing your desktop wallpaper is the inspiration you need. Download one of these beautiful photos by Kelly Baird.

Click on an image below, when the image appears in your window, right click on the image and "Save Image As" to your computer (somewhere you can find later).

  • For PC users, find that image wherever you saved it, right click on it and select "set as desktop background."
  • For Mac users, right mouse click on the image and select "Set Desktop Picture."

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SECU Branches Transitioning to Drive-Thru Only Service

SECU Branches Transitioning to Drive-Thru Only Service for Member and Employee Safety

Effective Thursday, March 19, State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) branches statewide will temporarily transition to drive-thru only for the majority of its services to reduce the possibilities of transmission of the coronavirus to members, their families and SECU employees.

Members who need to access safe deposit boxes, drop off tax return information, or inquire about a loan should call the branch to schedule an appointment. While SECU is closing branch lobby access for branches with a drive-thru to help protect the community, SECU remains open for business to make loans, take deposits and provide other financial services to its members during this time of uncertainty.

From applying for a loan to depositing a check, members can conduct most SECU business via other service channels that do not require a visit to the branch. We ask members to please utilize these channels, which include online Member Access through the SECU website, www.ncsecu.org; the SECU Mobile App, available for download from the Apple App and Google Play stores; 24-7 Member Services Support via phone at 1-888-732-8562; ASK-SECU Voice Response services at 1-800-275-7328; and over 1,100 CashPoints® ATMs located across North Carolina through which you can obtain cash, deposit checks, transfer money between accounts and receive other services.

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PERSONNEL NOTES

Thank You

The CCCC Unit of the North Carolina Association of Educational Office Professionals would like to thank everyone for their generosity in helping make our 2019 Silent Auction a big success this year.

Total amount collected to use for student scholarships: $1438.00.

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Welcome New Employees!

  • Lee Bryant - Staff Accountant
  • Anna Hoel - Financial Aid Technician
  • Zeickia Ledwell - Finish Line Grant Coordinator
  • Stephanie Morco - Mechanical Engineering Technology, Lead Instructor
  • Amy Nipper - Biology Instructor
  • Leroy Perez-Reyes - Cosmetology Instructor
  • Kaitlyn Schlein - Cosmetology Instructor
  • Lisa Smelser - Biotechnology Programs, Lead Instructor
  • Verenice Soto - Financial Aid Advisor
  • Marlon Wellington - Lead IT Technical Support

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2020 Pay Dates

MONTHDUE DATEPAY DATE
January Jan. 10, 2020 Jan. 31, 2020
February Feb. 10, 2020 Feb. 28, 2020
March Mar. 10, 2020Mar. 31, 2020
April Apr. 10, 2020 Apr. 30, 2020
May May 8, 2020 May 29, 2020
June June 3, 2020 June 30, 2020
July July 9, 2020 July 31, 2020
August Aug. 10, 2020 Aug. 31, 2020
September Sept. 10, 2020 Sept. 30, 2020
October Oct. 9, 2020 Oct. 30, 2020
November Nov. 10, 2020 Nov. 30, 2020
December Dec. 3, 2020 Dec. 23, 2020

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Birthdays

3/20 Amanda Carter
3/21 Frederick Brucker
3/21 Jeffrey Gannon
3/22 Nicholas Testa
3/23 Carla Parrish
3/24 Consuela Blaizes
3/24 Gary Lopossay
3/25 Billie Thompson
3/26 Peggy Cotten
3/26 Ken Hoyle Jr.
3/26 Michelle Sroka
3/27 Martha Wilkie
3/28 Erin Blakeley
3/28 Karen Brown
3/28 Bill Freeman
3/28 Christopher McNeill
3/30 Fernanda Perry
3/30 Lorraine Whitaker
4/1 Robert Barnes
4/1 Kenneth Conley
4/1 James Smith
4/2 Greg Hamm
4/2 Lisa Knight
4/4 Dawn Gregory
4/5 Juan Gonzalez-Venegas
4/5 Latasha McIver
4/5 Sara Newcomb
4/5 Thomas Price Jr.
4/6 Shatea McNeill
4/8 Jamie Ferguson
4/8 Denise Johnson
4/12 De-Ven Atkinson
4/12 Kelly Baird
4/14 Stanley Taylor
4/17 Rodney Boykin
4/17 Charity Turner
4/18 Holly Eldred
4/20 Kasey Patterson
4/20 Crystal Way
4/21 Kassandra Lyles
4/21 Lisa Smelser
4/22 Isaac Smith
4/24 Toni Williams
4/25 Wendy Cotten
4/25 Tyra Johnson
4/25 Jack Oglesbee
4/26 MontE Christman
4/26 Jessica Ingram
4/28 Teresa Brown
4/30 Pam Byrd

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

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News From The CCCC Family

The mother of Donna Cummings, CCR Administrative Assistant on HMC, passed away on March 16 at her home in Lillington. Mrs. Ora Mae Deal McNeill, 94, was born in Harnett County. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Please keep Donna and family in your prayers.

We would like to inform everyone of the passing of Dixie Holden's, Lead Nursing Instructor, father on March 11. Arthur B. Jr. was 72 years old. May we keep Dixie and her family in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

We want everyone to be aware that Michelle Powell, Math Instructor, lost her father-in-law on Feb. 24. His name was Howard Powell and he lived in Benton, KY. Please keep Michelle and family in your thoughts.


bereavement

Your Employee Assistance Program is here to assist during any difficult time.

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FACULTY AND STAFF ONLINE

COUGAR PETS

Cougar Pets News

Meet Emilio


Cougar Pets

Emilio

My name is Emilio. I am a 2-year-old male who is very loving! You can typically find me relaxing by the window. One of my favorite things to do is to let everyone know that I love them by rubbing up against their legs! When I do that, I get LOTS of pets. I am a calm boy, but can be playful, too! I cannot wait to find my furever home! Emilio is available for adoption!

Meet Saffron

Cougar Pets

Saffron

My name is Saffron. I am a 6-month-old female who would love to be your new best friend! I am a very sweet girl that loves to be close to people. Snuggling and being held are my favorite! I enjoy playing with other dogs and sunbathing. I cannot wait to find my furever home! Saffron is currently available for adoption!

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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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 Cris Oliver at coliv016@cccc.edu and we will feature in next month's publication.

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CONTRIBUTE

Contribute to Cougar Bytes

Send along your Cougar Bytes contributions!

Our monthly Cougar Bytes newsletter is focused on staff and faculty. We welcome your stories, successes, events, photos, or shout-outs in every issue. Please submit your contributions to marketing@cccc.edu or contact Cris Oliver at coliv016@cccc.edu with any questions or suggestions.

The deadline for contributions is Arpil 22 for the April issue.

To be sure your contribution is included, please submit at least two days ahead of the publication date. Thank you!


The remaining Cougar Bytes will be published on:

Apr. 24
May 22
June 26
July 24
Aug. 21
Sept. 25
Oct. 23
Nov. 20
Dec. 18

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The next issue of COUGAR BYTES will be published on Friday, April 24, 2020.