Calhoun Community College Announces Program in Celebration of MLK Observation

January 6, 2017

Calhoun Community College Announces Program
in Celebration of MLK Observation

Calhoun Community College will pay tribute to slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the college's annual celebration program scheduled for Thursday, January 19, 2017.  This year’s program, hosted by the college's Black Student Alliance (BSA), will begin at 11 a.m. on Calhoun's Decatur campus in the Aerospace Training Center (ATC).  The program is free and open to the public.

Featured speaker for this year's program is civil rights activist, educator, and minister Dr. Frederick Douglas Reese. A native of Selma, Alabama, Reese is known as a member of Selma’s “Courageous Eight,” and was president of the Dallas County Voters League (DCVL) when that organization invited the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Dr. King to Selma to amplify the city’s local voting rights campaign. Reese was portrayed by E. Roger Mitchell in Ava DuVernay’s 2014 film, Selma. 

This campaign eventually gave birth to the Selma to Montgomery marches, which later led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act. Reese was also president of the Selma Teachers Association, and in January 1965, he mobilized Selma’s teachers to march as a group for their right to vote. Reese retired from teaching in 2001, and in December 2015, he has retired from the pastorate of Selma’s Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for 50 years. 

Reese graduated from Alabama State University, where he majored in math and science. He received a Master’s degree in education from Livingston University and two degrees from Selma University: a Doctorate of Divinity and an educational specialist’s degree. 

In 1960, Reese moved back home to Selma, started teaching science and math at R. B. Russell High School, and joined the Dallas County Voters League, the major civil rights organization in Selma since the state of Alabama started actively suppressing the NAACP in 1956. Two years after joining the DCVL, he was elected as its president. 

Reese has been married to the former Alline Prossing, for 63 years. They are the proud parents of 5 children and now reside in their beloved city of Selma, Alabama.

For more information on Calhoun’s MLK program, contact the college’s Dean of Student Affairs office at 256/306-2614 or the Public Affairs, Community Relations and Institutional Advancement office at 256/306-2560.

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Calhoun’s Ready to Work Program Currently Accepting New Students for 2017

January 3, 2017

Calhoun’s Ready to Work Program Currently Accepting
New Students for 2017

Calhoun Community College’s Ready to Work program is currently accepting registrations from new students for 2017.

Alabama’s Ready-to-Work program provides a career pathway for adults with limited education and employment experience. Ready to Work’s workplace environment provides trainees the entry-level skills required for employment with most businesses and industries in Alabama.

Successful completers of the Ready to Work Program earn the following certifications and credit hours:
* Alabama Certified Worker (ACW) Certificate
* ACT Work Keys – National Career Readiness Credential (CRC)
* FDIC – Financial Literacy Money Smart – 11 Certifications
* The potential of earning a total of 13 certifications
* Three (3) credit hours to be applied to the course of the student’s choice at Calhoun Community College.

To register visit www.calhoun.edu/RTW to download required forms.

For more information or how to locate the most convenient Ready to Work location, contact:
Ms. Tonya Dumas, Ready to Work Instructor/Project Manager, Calhoun – Huntsville Campus at tonya.dumas@calhoun.edu or 256-713-4866.

Ms. Adrianne Brim, Ready to Work Instructor – Edmonton Heights Community Center at adrianne.brim@calhoun.edu

Mr. Ronny Russell, Ready to Work Instructor – Decatur Career Center at ronny.russell@calhoun.edu

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CALHOUN'S EMS AND NURSING STUDENTS TO CONDUCT MASS CASUALTY TRAINING DRILL APRIL 23

April 13, 2015

CALHOUN'S EMS AND NURSING STUDENTS TO CONDUCT 

MASS CASUALTY TRAINING DRILL APRIL 23

Students from the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Nursing programs at Calhoun Community College will conduct a mock mass casualty training drill on Thursday, April 23, 2015, beginning at 9:30 am in the area of the Health Sciences Center and Kelley Gymnasium on the Decatur campus.

The mock disaster will simulate a scenario involving a threat to persons/property which has just occurred on campus. Approximately 25-30 simulated casualties will be a part of the exercise and will be portrayed by Calhoun Allied Health students, who will have a full range of mock injuries.

Calhoun nursing students will receive the “patients” from the EMS students for treatment at the college’s “hospital”, located in the Health Sciences Center. In addition to Calhoun EMS and Nursing faculty, Calhoun Police and Security personnel and area fire, EMS agencies, area police departments and air medical flight services from MedFlight will participate with the students in this endeavor.

The specific circumstances of the mock disaster will not be announced in order to preserve the “realness” of the event. Past mock drill scenarios have included a bus crash, bomb threat, and an active shooter incident.

So that students, staff and visitors to the campus will not confuse the drill with a real situation, notices will go out across the college and signs indicating a training drill is currently underway will be posted in the area of the activity.

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Calhoun Student Named 2015 Coca-Cola Gold Scholar

April 1, 2015

CALHOUN STUDENT TAYLOR PETERS NAMED 2015 COCA-COLA COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACADEMIC TEAM GOLD SCHOLAR

Ms. Taylor Peters, a student at Calhoun Community College, has been named a 2015 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars nationally and providing nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. As a Gold Scholar, Peters will receive a $1,500 scholarship and a special medallion.

With a perfect 4.0 grade point average, Peters is very active in a number of student organizations and activities at Calhoun.  She currently serves as Huntsville campus SGA president, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, as well as a member of the Warhawks, Calhoun’s official student ambassadors.  She was also selected from over 11,000 students at the college to serve as a student representative on Calhoun’s Presidential Advisory Search Committee.  Peters also serves as a mentor/tutor for first-time freshmen at Calhoun and is very involved in various activities within her community.  While at Calhoun, she has been listed numerous times on the President’s List for top academic achievement and is the recipient of several academic scholarships.

“As one of the nation’s Top 150 Community Colleges, we know that many of our students at Calhoun are among the top community college students in the country.  This recent honor which Taylor has very deservedly earned is further evidence of the quality of our students,” commented Calhoun President Dr. James Klauber, Sr.

“I know that I speak for the entire Calhoun family when I say how very proud we are of Taylor’s recognition.  Her award adds to the growing list of Calhoun students who have been honored on the national level for their academic accomplishments,” Klauber said.  

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society administers the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program and recognizes Coca-Cola Community College scholars during All-State Community College Academic Team Recognition ceremonies held in 38 states. Student scholars also receive recognition locally during ceremonies held on campus and internationally for those who are able to attend Phi Theta Kappa’s Annual Convention.

Community college presidents or their designated nominators may submit no more than two nominations per campus for this award. An independent panel of judges considers outstanding academic rigor, grade point average, academic and leadership awards, and engagement in college and community service in the selection process.

“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for their vote of confidence in community college students by investing in their futures,” said Dr. Rod Risley, Executive Director of Phi Theta Kappa. “Their support is especially welcome during this challenging economic climate, as more and more community college students need additional resources to help them complete their degrees.”

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said J. Mark Davis, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make it possible for deserving students to achieve their educational goals.”

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, headquartered in Jackson, is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 1,285 chapters on two-year and community college campuses in all 50 of the United States, Canada, Germany, Peru, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the British Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates and U.S. territorial possessions. More than 3 million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 134,000 students inducted annually.

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CALHOUN TO HOST 2ND ANNUAL “SAMPLE A DAY AT THE ACA” EVENT

February 9, 2015

CALHOUN TO HOST 2ND ANNUAL “SAMPLE A DAY AT THE ACA” EVENT

The Fine Arts Department at Calhoun Community College will host the 2nd Annual "Sample a Day at the ACA," on Thursday, March 12, 2015, beginning at 9:00 am.  The event is designed to showcase the Alabama Center for the Arts as well as Calhoun’s numerous programs housed at the Center.

The free event is open to all students, potential students and the community and will be held at the Alabama Center for the Arts, 133 2nd Avenue, NE in downtown Decatur.  Planned activities will include art and graphic design classes, tours of the facility and downtown Decatur, and opportunities to meet members of the Calhoun Fine Arts faculty, academic advisors, and college administration.  

For more information, call 256-306-2699.

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New Calhoun Community College President Klauber Shares Plans for Future Growth

February 2, 2015

MEDIA ADVISORY - REMINDER

New Calhoun Community College President, Dr. James Klauber, Sr.,
to share immediate, long-range plans during February 4 news conference

Dr. James Klauber, Sr., Calhoun Community College’s new president, will discuss immediate and long-range plans for the college and take questions from the media during a news conference scheduled for this Wednesday, February 4, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. in the President’s Conference Room, third floor of the Math, Science and Administration Building on Calhoun's Decatur campus.
As Calhoun’s fifth president, Klauber officially begins his duties on February 1. His first day on campus is today.

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Calhoun Community College Break Ground on New Huntsville Building

November 21, 2014 

MEDIA ADVISORY

Event Reminder

CALHOUN COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO BREAK GROUND ON NEW MATH, SCIENCE & COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING IN HUNTSVILLE 

Calhoun Community College and the Alabama State Board of Education will officially break ground on a three-story, approximately 90,000 square foot Math, Science & Computer Science building in Huntsville on Friday, December 5, 2014, 11am at Calhoun’s Huntsville campus,102 Wynn Drive, Huntsville, AL. The $34M facility will be located on the west side of Wynn Drive directly across from Calhoun’s Huntsville/Cummings Research Park campus. Building construction/renovations will begin in early December. 

Ceremony speakers will include: 

• Tommy Battle, Mayor of Huntsville 

• Arthur Orr, Alabama State Senator

• Dr. Mark Heinrich, Chancellor, Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education 

• Dr. Charles Elliott, Member, Alabama State Board of Education

• Mary Scott Hunter, Member, Alabama State Board of Education

In conjunction with the groundbreaking ceremony, this event will also serve as a farewell to retiring President Dr. Marilyn C. Beck. With over 500 individuals expected to be in attendance, Calhoun is extremely excited about this milestone event. 

RSVP by emailing bth@calhoun.edu or via phone at: 256.890.4721

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Alabama Center for the Arts Breaks Ground for Phase II Facility

July 7, 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Alabama Center for the Arts Breaks Ground for Phase II Facility

Addition will house the Center’s Theater and Music Departments

 

Decatur, AL – A groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of the Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) is planned for this Thursday, July 10 at 10:00 at the arts center, located at 133 Second Avenue in downtown Decatur. The new addition will house the theater and music departments of the collaborative academic effort between Calhoun Community College and Athens State University, and is enhanced by support from the City of Decatur and the Morgan County Commission.

LIVE Design Group from Birmingham has been selected as the architect for the project. The $13.5M Phase II building will be adjacent to but separate from the Phase I portion of the ACA and will encompass approximately 44,000 square foot.

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Alabama Center for the Arts Breaks Ground for Phase II

For Further Information

Janet Kincherlow-Martin or Guy McClure

256-306-2561 or 256-233-8296

JKM@Calhoun.edu Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release
June 30, 2014
www.athens.edu
 

Alabama Center for the Arts Breaks Ground for Phase II  

Addition will house the Center’s Theater and Music Departments

 

Decatur, ALA. – A groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of the Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) is planned for Thursday, July 10 at 10:00 at the fine arts institution located at 133 Second Avenue in downtown Decatur. The new addition will house the theater and music departments of the collaborative academic effort between Calhoun Community College and Athens State University, and is enhanced by support from the City of Decatur and the Morgan County Commission.

“This phase of the total project has been in the planning stages since we initially broke ground in 2010,” remarks Athens State President Bob Glenn. “We are pleased with the community’s reception for Phase I and we look forward to working with Calhoun to further enhance the study of theater and music in the area.”

“We are extremely excited that we are seeing this next phase of the ACA now coming to fruition” commented Dr. Marilyn Beck, Calhoun president. “This partnership with our sister institution Athens State is allowing us to continue to work together in meeting the needs of our community,” Beck added.

LIVE Design Group from Birmingham has been selected as the architect for the project. The $13.5M Phase II building will be adjacent to but separate from the Phase I portion of the ACA and will encompass approximately 44,000 square foot.

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Photo: Artist rendering of Phase II of the Alabama Center for the Arts.

CALHOUN TO HOST ORIENTATION/INFORMATION EVENT FOR HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS

June 30, 2014

CALHOUN TO HOST ORIENTATION/INFORMATION EVENT 

FOR HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS

 

Calhoun Community College will host a Homeschool Orientation/Information event for students interested in or currently enrolled at the college. Events will be held at both the Decatur and Huntsville campuses of Calhoun.

The Decatur campus session will be held Monday, July 14th beginning at 9:30am in the Aerospace Training Center and will be geared toward students interested in taking courses at the Decatur campus or those specifically interested in the college’s Advanced Manufacturing programs. For students interested in taking courses at Calhoun’s Huntsville campus, the event will take place on Tuesday, July 15th at 9:30am in room 301.

Sessions will include opportunities for students to speak with advisors and to explore the variety of program options available at Calhoun. Topics will include how to get enrolled, financial aid, dual enrollment programs, and information on transferring to a four-year university. Campus tours for students and their families will be available after the information sessions.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. To register or for more information, visit www.calhoun.edu/homeschool to reserve your place and schedule your tour.
For questions or additional information, call (256) 306-2492

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Calhoun/Drake State to Hold Joint Press Conference Announcing New Scholarship Opp

May 15, 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY

Calhoun, Drake State to Hold Joint Press Conference Announcing New Scholarship Opportunities for Dual Enrollment Students

Calhoun Community College and Drake State Community and Technical College, in conjunction with the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education, will conduct a joint press conference on Tuesday, May 20, 2014, 2:00pm to announce the specifics of new dual enrollment scholarships for area high school students and a new career technical dual enrollment tax credit which will allow more students to enroll in programs preparing them for high-demand, high-wage jobs.

The press conference will be held at the SES Dunlop Facility, 248 Dunlop Boulevard, Huntsville.  Representatives from the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education, Drake State, Calhoun, the local Legislative Delegation, business and industry representatives, along with other elected officials and local school leaders are expected to be in attendance.

New legislation passed this year will allow businesses and individuals to donate funds for career technical dual enrollment scholarships and to receive tax credits for up to 50 percent of the donation not to exceed $500,000, or an amount up to 50 percent of the taxpayer's Alabama income tax liability. Donors can direct up to 80 percent of contributions for specific career technical programs at a particular institution.~

For more information contact Yibeli Galindo-Baird, Public Relations, J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College, 256-551-3136 or Janet Kincherlow-Martin, Calhoun Community College Public Affairs, Community Relations and Special Events, 256-306-2561.

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MEDIA ADVISORY--CALHOUN ANNOUNCES 2014 GRADUATION ACTIVITIES

May 14, 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY

Calhoun Announces 2014 Graduation Activities

Calhoun Community College will conduct its 2014 graduation ceremonies Friday, May 16, 2014, beginning at 6:00 p.m.  The event will take place on the front lawn of the Math/Science/Administration (MSA) building on the Decatur campus.  In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to the Kelley Gymnasium, with televised overflow inside the MSA building.  For those unable to attend, the ceremony may be viewed live online at the following: http://new.livestream.com/CalhounCommunityCollege  Be sure to tune in early to check for compatibility issues.  

Over 1,700 students have qualified for graduation.  Of that number, close to 500 students plan to participate in this year's ceremony.  For the first time during the Calhoun graduation ceremonies, the college will recognize its Most Outstanding Alumnus.

Speaker for this year's graduation service is State Board of Education Member for District VIII, Mary Scott Hunter.  Elected to the school board in 2010, Hunter, is a practicing attorney, currently serving as corporate advisor for Compliance, Ethics and Risk for Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation.

Earlier in the day on May 16th, 182 students graduating from Calhoun's associate degree Nursing program (one of the largest classes ever) will participate in the annual Candle Lighting Ceremony. The ceremonies will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the Kelley Gymnasium.

For more information about Calhoun's 2014 graduation ceremonies, contact Janet Kincherlow-Martin, Public Affairs, Community Relations, and Special Events at 256-306-2561.

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Calhoun Announces 2014 Graduation Activities

May 7, 2014

Calhoun Announces 2014 Graduation Activities

Calhoun Community College will conduct its 2014 graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 16, 2014, beginning at 6:00 p.m.   The event will take place on the front lawn of the Math/Science/Administration (MSA) building on the Decatur campus.   In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to the Kelley Gymnasium, with televised overflow inside the MSA building.

According to the Calhoun Admissions Office, over 1,700 students have qualified for graduation.   Of that number, close to 500 students plan to participate in this year's ceremony.   A unique feature added to the ceremony several years ago will continue this year – the graduation procession will be led by bagpiper Ryan Morrison.  Also this year (and for the first time), the college will recognize its Most Outstanding Alumnus.

Speaker for this year's graduation service is State Board of Education Member for District VIII, Mary Scott Hunter.  Elected to the school board in 2010, Hunter, is a practicing attorney, currently serving as corporate advisor for Compliance, Ethics and Risk for Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation.

Hunter graduated cum laude from The University of Alabama, also earning her Juris Doctorate degree from The University of Alabama School of Law.  After graduating from law school, she was commissioned as a United States Air Force Lieutenant, serving for 10 years as an Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG). As a military attorney, she first served in the active duty Air Force, then in the Reserves, and finally in the Alabama Air National Guard - attaining the rank of Major. Her assignments included two overseas tours to Korea and Germany and a wartime deployment to the Middle East. Her military awards include: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, and a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.

Hunter's husband, Lieutenant Colonel Jon Shultz, is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and is now a traditional guardsman with the Alabama Air Guard where he flies F-16 fighter jets. The couple jointly own a small technology company, Torel Technology, LLC and have three children, two boys and a girl, ages 9, 6, and 5.

She has served on the Board of Directors of the Alabama Association of School Boards, in leadership for the National Association of School Boards, and is currently a trustee for Athens State University. She has been recognized and awarded honors for her leadership, her economic and workforce development efforts, and for her community service activities. In 2012, Hunter sought to raise $40,000 to celebrate her 40th birthday and to celebrate the healthy life of her own third child who was born 8 weeks premature in 2007 – successfully raising $60,000 for the March of Dimes.

Mary Scott is often described as a "servant leader." Her core values are Integrity, Service, and Excellence.

Earlier in the day on May 16th, 182 students graduating from Calhoun's associate degree Nursing program (one of the largest classes ever) will participate in the annual Candle Lighting Ceremony. The ceremonies will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the Kelley Gymnasium.

This year's graduation week events will kick off with the College's 2014 GED graduation on Tuesday, May 13th at 6pm in the Kelley Gymnasium.   Close to 200 students will be participating in the annual ceremony celebrating this important milestone. During the ceremony, selected members of the graduating class will share personal stories about their experiences in the GED program.  Calhoun President Dr. Marilyn Beck will provide a congratulatory message to the class.  

For more information about Calhoun's 2014 graduation ceremonies, contact Janet Kincherlow-Martin, Public Affairs, Community Relations, and Special Events at 256-306-2561.

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Calhoun Students Big Winners in 2014 Alabama SkillsUSA Competition

May 5, 2014

Calhoun Students Big Winners in 2014 Alabama

SkillsUSA Competition

Several students representing Calhoun Community College recently attended the Alabama SkillsUSA Leadership conference in Birmingham, earning five 1^st place, four 2^nd place, and four 3rd place medals in competition.   The Calhoun winners were:

First Place Winners:

Nick Cordier, Madison, AL - Computer Maintenance

Jacob Rippy, Madison, AL - Cosmetology

Lena Sledge, Madison, AL - TV/Video Production (first year Calhoun has   competed in this category)     

Thomas Rutherford, Hatton, AL - Architectural Drafting

William Johnson, Athens, AL - Internetworking

Second Place Winners:

Justin Renshaw, Decatur, AL - Internetworking

Rebecca Jones, Huntsville, AL - Architectural Drafting

Thomas Steele, Hartselle, AL - Technical Drafting

Hunter Partridge, Madison, AL - Precision Machining

        

Third Place Winners:

Ronald Campbell, Sheffield, AL - Job Skill Demonstration

Nelson Sanchez, Decatur, AL - CNC Milling

Jared Bailey, Athens, AL - CNC Turning

Calista Blankenship, Sommerville, AL - Job Interview

All gold medal (first place) winners will automatically go on to compete at the National Leadership and Skills Conference to be held in June 23-28 in Kansas City, MO.

SkillsUSA, formerly known as VICA, is a national non-profit organization devoted to preparing students for careers in technical, skilled, and service occupations. It serves more than 300,000 high school, college, and professional members. Alabama currently has close to 9,000 members.

Calhoun's SkillsUSA Chapter advisors are instructors Nick Agrawal (Computer Information Systems); Nina Bullock (Drafting); Steve Smith (Machine Tool Technology); Mark Rose (Industrial Technology) and Collis Sims (Electrical Technology).

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Calhoun Announces 2014 Big Read Event

May 2, 2014

Calhoun Announces 2014 Big Read Event

Pulitzer Prize Nominated author and historian Dr. Wayne Flynt to be keynote speaker

Calhoun Community College will culminate its 2014 "Big Read" project with a free community event to be held Wednesday, May 7, 2014, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Huntsville/Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe Street. Featured book for this year's Big Read is "All the King's Men" by Robert Penn Warren.

Keynote speaker for Wednesday's event will be Dr. Wayne Flynt, who will speak on the topic, "Political Idealism, Disillusionment, Accommodation, and Cynicism: Where the Historical and Literary Worlds of Willie Stark and Huey Long Intersect".

Professor Emeritus in the Department of History at Auburn University, Flynt has won numerous teaching awards and been a distinguished university professor for many years. His research focuses on Southern culture, Alabama politics, Southern religion, education reform, and poverty. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Online Encyclopedia of Alabama.

Of his twelve books (three co-authored), two deal with Florida politics, two with evangelical religion, three with poverty, and three are broad surveys of Alabama history.   Two of his books have been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

Flynt has been invited to lecture at universities and at "Big Read" programs in cities across America.  He has also been invited to lecture at Cambridge University, the University of Sussex, Queens University (Northern Ireland), University of Vienna, University of Szechuan, China, at the Roosevelt Center in the Netherlands, in Denmark, at a number of universities in India, and on ABC Radio Australia's nationwide "Book Club."  He was research scholar for a semester at Hong Kong Baptist University and also served a semester as Eudora Welty Visiting Scholar of Southern Studies at Millsap College, Jackson, MS.

Last fall, Calhoun kicked off its participation in the nationwide "Big Read" project, designed to encourage shared reading by having the college and surrounding community read and discuss the same book.   "Modeled after the National Endowment for the Arts, Calhoun's 'Big Read' has the goal of  engaging students, faculty, staff and the community in an energetic, robust, and academically-driven reading and sharing experience," commented Leah Vallely, Calhoun faculty member and coordinator of the Big Read project.

Hundreds of students, faculty, staff and community members have spent the last few months reading the book selected for Calhoun's "Big Read" program.

For more information on the Big Read Event, contact Vallely at 256-306-4758.

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Event Reminder: Honors Day

May 1, 2014

EVENT REMINDER

Calhoun's Top Ten Students among those to be honored during College's 45^th Annual Honors Day tomorrow

Calhoun Community College will recognize and honor its top students, alumni and staff for the 2013-14 academic year during the college's 45th Annual Honors Day program, Friday, May 2, 2014, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Kelley Gymnasium on the Decatur campus.

Among the students to be honored are the college's "Top Ten Most Outstanding Students," the most outstanding student from each of Calhoun's divisions and departments, and students named to Who's Who among Students in American Junior Colleges. Additionally, academic awards will be given to those students receiving Calhoun scholarships, and scholarships from four-year colleges and universities also will be awarded by representatives from those institutions.

Other awards to be presented include Athlete of the Year and recognition of Mr. and Miss Calhoun for 2014.  The college's most outstanding faculty, staff and administrator for 2013-14 will also be honored.

Calhoun President Marilyn Beck has announced that beginning with this year's Honors Day program, the college will recognize Outstanding Alumni from each of the four divisions.  

A picnic luncheon for students, their families, and Calhoun faculty and staff will be held immediately following the program.

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Calhoun Students, Faculty Member and President Receive National Recognition

April 30, 2014

Calhoun Students, Faculty Member and President Receive National Recognition

Students honored among nation's top two-year college students as Coca-Cola Scholars

Calhoun Community College students Savannah McCullough, Tiffany Merryman, and Andrew Jordan were recently named 2014 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Scholars. McCullough was selected as a 2014 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar, receiving a $1500 scholarship and special gold medallion. Merryman and Jordan were both selected as Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Bronze Scholars, with each receiving a $1000 scholarship and bronze medallion.

Each year, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars nationally, and providing nearly $187,500 in annual scholarships. Students namedCoca-Cola scholars were selected from the more than 1,700 applications submitted this year. Funding for the scholarships is provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.

McCullough is a Mathematics major from Madison, Alabama, with a 4.0 GPA.  She serves as a Calhoun Warhawk student ambassador and is active in the Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta honor societies.  Savannah was one of the four nominees from the college for the 2014 All-USA Academic Team.  She serves her community through volunteering for the American Red Cross and serving as a Top Soccer Peer Coach.  Her goal is to eventually obtain her Ph.D. and become a college math professor.  She would like to empower females to seek out careers in math, science and technology-related fields.  

Merryman is a Pre-Med/Biology major from Huntsville, Alabama, who also holds a 4.0 GPA.  She is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa, serving as Vice President of Leadership.  Tiffany was also one of four nominees from Calhoun for the 2014 All-USA Academic Team.  She is active in her community through volunteering her medical expertise at a local doctor's office, serving meals at the Downtown Rescue Mission, and ministering to and visiting local prisoners.  As a brain surgery survivor, her goal is to complete medical school and specialize in the fields of neurology and oncology in order to conquer the disease that changed her life.  She will continue her studies this fall at the University of Alabama-Huntsville, where she has been offered a $3000 Transfer Merit scholarship.

Jordan is a General Education major from Valhermosa Springs, Alabama.  He is an active member of the Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta honor societies and was one of four Calhoun nominees for the 2014 All-USA Academic Team.  He is active in his community through his involvement in Manna House at his church and serving as a youth group leader and has also volunteered his time through tornado relief for victims of tornados in the past.  His goal is to finish his education at UA Huntsville, specialize in the field of computer science, and start his own business providing innovative and technological solutions for companies in the North Alabama region.  His GPA is 3.961.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society administers the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program and recognizes Coca-Cola Community College scholars during All-State Community College Academic Team Recognition ceremonies held in 38 states. Calhoun's student scholars will receive local recognition during ceremonies to be held on campus this week for the college's 45^th Annual Honors Day Convocation, Friday, May 2.

"We are so excited and extremely proud to have three of our very outstanding student leaders recognized as Coca-Cola Scholars this year," commented Calhoun President Marilyn Beck. "This recognition of Tiffany, Savannah and Andrew adds to the growing list of Calhoun students who have been honored on the national level for their academic accomplishments," Beck added.

Community college presidents or their designated nominators submit nominations for the Coca-Cola Scholars awards. An independent panel of judges considers outstanding academic rigor, grade point average, academic and leadership awards, and engagement in college and community service in the selection process.

"The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges," said J. Mark Davis, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. "We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make it possible for deserving students to achieve their educational goals."

Necia Nicholas, Biology department chair at Calhoun and an advisor for the college's Sigma Lambda Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, was among 30 PTK advisors internationally who honored with the 2014 Distinguished Advisor Award. The Distinguished Advisor Award recognizes advisors who have served at least four years and have made significant contributions to the growth of the individual chapter members, served as the chapter's advocate on campus, and encouraged the chapter to be involved on the local, regional, and/or international level of the organization. Advisors were nominated by their chapters through the Hallmark Awards application process and were selected by a panel of judges from over 75 nominees worldwide.

Calhoun President Marilyn Beck was honored with Phi Theta Kappa's Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction, named in honor of PTK's longest serving Board Chair and founder and long-time President of Highline Community College in Washington.  College presidents and campus chief executive officers, nominated by their local Phi Theta Kappa chapter, are selected for this award, which is based on their outstanding support of Phi Theta Kappa.

All awards were presented last week during PTK's International Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 1,280 chapters on two-year and community college campuses in all 50 of the United States, Canada, Germany, Peru, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the British Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates and U.S. territorial possessions. More than 2.5 million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 135,000 students inducted annually.

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College's 45th Annual Honors Day this Week

April 28, 2014

Calhoun's Top Ten Students among Those to be honored during College's 45^th Annual Honors Day this Week

Calhoun Community College will recognize and honor its top students for the 2013-14 academic year during the college's 45th Annual Honors Day program, this Friday, May 2, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Kelley Gymnasium on the Decatur campus.

Among the students to be honored are the college's "Top Ten Most Outstanding Students," the most outstanding student from each of Calhoun's divisions and departments, and students named to Who's Who among Students in American Junior Colleges. Other awards to be presented during the ceremony include the James B. Allen Pin Award, given in honor of the late U.S. Senator James B. Allen of Alabama to the student who has demonstrated order through citizenship, scholarship and service; the Athlete of the Year; and recognition of Mr. and Miss Calhoun for 2014.

Calhoun President Marilyn Beck has announced that beginning with this year's Honors Day program, the college will recognize Outstanding Alumni from each of the four divisions.  "The persons to be honored on Friday were selected from nominations within each department and have distinguished themselves in such areas as medicine, education, industry, and community service," said Beck. "From this very accomplished group of four, we will then select one as our Most Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and will recognize this person during our graduation ceremonies on May 16," added Beck.

Academic awards will be given to those students receiving Calhoun scholarships, and scholarships from four-year colleges and universities also will be awarded by representatives from those institutions.

A picnic for students and their families will be held immediately following the program.

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Event Reminder - Calhoun EMS and Nursing Student Training Drill

April 23, 2014

EVENT REMINDER

Calhoun's EMS and Nursing Students to Conduct Mass Casualty Training Drill TOMORRROW

Students from the Emergency Medical Services and Nursing programs at Calhoun Community College will conduct a mock mass casualty training drill tomorrow, Thursday, April 24, 2014, beginning at 10:00 am in the area of the Aerospace Training Center and the Health Sciences Center on the Decatur campus.

The mock disaster will simulate a scenario involving a threat to persons/property which has just occurred on campus. The specific circumstances of the mock disaster have not been announced in order to preserve the "realness" of the event.  Past mock drill scenarios have included a bus crash, bomb threat, and an active shooter incident.  So that students, staff and visitors to the campus will not confuse the drill with a real situation, notices have gone out across the college and signs indicating a training drill is currently underway will be posted in the area of the activity.

Calhoun nursing students will receive the "patients" from the EMS students for treatment at the college's "hospital", located in the Health Sciences Center.~~ In addition to Calhoun EMS and Nursing faculty, Calhoun Police and Security personnel and area fire, EMS agencies, area police departments and air medical flight services from MedFlight will participate with the students in this endeavor.

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Calhoun Adult Education Program Announces Funding Assistance for GED Students

April 22, 2014

Calhoun Adult Education Program Announces Funding Assistance for GED Students

Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education providing funds for qualifying individuals to save up to $100 of the total GED® test fee of $120

Calhoun Community College announced today that the college has received funding from the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education which will allow qualifying individuals to save up to $100 of the total GED® test fee of $120. Additionally, full waiver of the $24 GED Ready® test fee is available for qualifying individuals. The GED Ready® test is the new name for the shorter length GED® practice test.

According to Chris Miller, Calhoun's director for Adult Education, the GED® Test now consists of four parts; Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. "Each part of the GED® test may now be taken independently, with the test fee for each part of the GED® being $30 or $120 for all four parts," Miller said.

The test fee waiver is $25 per test for qualifying individuals or up to $100 for all four parts. The qualifying test-taker would then be responsible for paying only $5 per test part or $20 total for all four parts.

The GED Ready® practice test also contains the same four parts as the GED® test and each part may also be taken independently. The test fee for each part of the GED Ready® test is $6 or $24 for all four parts.  Qualifying individuals may have the entire cost for the practice test waived.

To be eligible for the test waivers, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• A student must first be enrolled in a state approved GED® Preparation class and have attended at least 15 hours of class time. Calhoun offers state approved free GED® classes throughout its service area.
• To be eligible for the GED Ready® test fee waiver, a student must test at the 9^th grade level or above on the "A" level of the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE).
• To be eligible for a GED® test fee waiver for one of the four parts of the GED® test, a student must make a score of 150 or better on that same part of the GED Ready® test.
• To be eligible for a test fee waiver for all four parts of the GED® test, a student must score 150 or better on all four parts of the GED Ready® test.
  

For more information, please contact Calhoun's Adult Education program office at (256) 306-2830 for Morgan and Limestone Counties or 256-890-4729 for Huntsville/Madison County.

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