Summer 2011 Volume 2 Issue 6

What’s InsideWhat’s InsidePage 3

~Donor Profile: Senator Frank Deem

Page 4-5~ Environmental Psychology Students Travel the State

~ Students Study Mexican Culture and Language in Guadalajara

Page 7~ Cindy Gissy Receives Bernard P. McDonough

Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year

Page 3~Donor Profile: Senator Frank Deem

Page 4-5~ Environmental Psychology Students Travel the State

~ Students Study Mexican Culture and Language in Guadalajara

Page 7~ Cindy Gissy Receives Bernard P. McDonough

Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year

Summer 2011 ~ Page 2

WVU Parkersburg 2010-2011 Snapshot

WVU Parkersburg has a long list of student success stories and Lee Shultz is at the top of that list. Lee is a non-traditional student attending WVU Parkersburg for the second time. He first enrolled after gradu-ating high school in 1999. Soon after coming to WVU Parkers-burg he was offered the opportunity to at-tend Apostolic Faith Bible College. Lee took that opportunity and moved to Kansas where he earned a teaching degree. Lee returned to Parkersburg, enrolled at WVU Parkersburg and since returning has earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Lee is very fond of WVU Parkersburg and feels that it is more than just a place to take classes. “One word seems to come to mind when I think of WVU Parkersburg, and that word is family. WVU Parkersburg is like your home away from home. It has a nice, friendly, safe environment and is a great place to make friends.” Currently, Lee is working on his Re-gents Bachelor of Arts emphasizing in ear-ly childhood education and leadership. Lee is very involved with student activities on campus as well as student government and club sports. Even from his first days on campus, Lee wanted to form sports teams at WVU Parkersburg. He worked with Director of Student Activities Tom Yencha to generate interest in the idea. Now, Lee is a member of the basketball, soccer, and golf teams on campus and joked, “If they let guys play volleyball, I would play that too!”

Lee is a student ambassador at the col-lege and is an officer in many clubs, includ-ing president of the Health and Wellness and Against Tobacco Clubs. He currently works in the Wellness Center on campus and at Lowe’s Home Improvement, while taking a full course load. During the Fall 2010 semester, Lee was very busy. He worked 80 hours a week, was enrolled in 15 course hours, and competed on both the basketball and soccer teams. That semester he made his first ever 4.0. “You talk about three hours of sleep a night, that was me,” Lee commented. WVU Parkersburg is truly a home for Lee. When asked about those who influ-ence him on campus, Lee paused. He went on to say, “Students, friends, teachers and faculty, as well have all influenced me. I’m afraid to even mention any one person, be-cause I don’t want to leave anyone out.” Not only focused on school, work and athletics, Lee also volunteers at many events to help different organizations on campus. Last summer, he volunteered at the West Virginia Interstate Fair. A booth was set up where volunteers sold drinks and snacks to raise money for Riverhawks athletics. The “Buck Hut” made around $7,000 for the college’s athletics teams. Lee was also a team member on the Criminal Justice Organization’s basketball team against the Harlem Rockets. The event took place in March and was a total success, especially with the kids. Lee had a wonderful time playing in the tournament and was very humbled by the children in at-

tendance. “I have never thought that I felt so important as when all of those kids came up to me and asked for my autograph.” While he may not be a traditional col-lege student, like many at WVU Parkers-burg, Lee goes above and beyond to help make campus life better for all of WVU at Parkersburg’s students.

Riverhawks Basketball — In addition to being a great student, Lee Shultz is a member of the Riverhawks soccer, golf and basketball clubs.

Lee Shultz Displays Student Success

West Virginia University Parkersburg and the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation work hard every day to make a difference in your community. In this edition of the Foundation’s newsletter, we are taking a look back at what we have accomplished over the past year. From campus improvements to the successful students, WVU at Parkersburg is dedicated to becoming an exceptional place to learn, work, and partner. Take a look at our snapshot from the past year.

EnrollmentHeadcount 4,453

Enrolment StatusFull-Time 66.8%Part-Time 33.2%

Disadvantaged StudentsEconomically Dis. 27.6%

Jackson County CenterHeadcount 903

AgeTraditional Aged 53.6%Non-Traditional Aged 46.4%

Foundation ScholarshipsScholarships Granted 111

County of ResidenceJackson 17.3%Pleasants 3.8%Ritchie 4.4%Roane 3.6%Tyler 0.7%Wirt 4.0%Wood 61.1%Other 4.9%

Summer 2011 ~ Page 3

Donor Profile: Senator Frank Deem From helping to acquire the funding for the student plaza and clock tower to donating the funding for the Riverhawks golf club, Senator Frank Deem is always there for West Virginia University at Park-ersburg. Senator Deem has always loved West Virginia and he realizes what the college means to the surrounding community. A native of Ritchie County, West Virginia, Sena-tor Deem has strong ties to this area specifically, and his gener-ous donations have helped WVU Parkersburg from academics to student activities. He has helped with the Nursing School, Child-care Center, and Riverhawks athletics. One of Senator Deem’s pas-sions in life has always been golf. So much so, that in 1963 he built a course in Harrisville, W.Va. that is still there today. “Golf has been a great influence in my life. I’ve tried to learn to play all of my life and I’m still trying.” Senator Deem has estab-lished a scholarship for a Ritchie County native with an interest in golf to attend WVU Parkersburg or West Virginia University. He

also built a putting area at the Boys and Girls Club just last year. Testaments to Senator Deem’s love of golf are all over the area and now with the formation of the WVU Parkersburg Riv-erhawks Golf Club, that testament will be evident in an even greater capacity. Advice from Senator Deem to River-

hawks golfers is borrowed advice, but good advice. “One word, practice. Jack Nick-laus said it I believe, take a good grip and stance, and hit a lot of balls.” Senator Deem has followed his passion for golf many places around the world, in-cluding Pinehurst, NC, Pebble Beach, CA, and St. Andrews, Scotland, for The Open.

However, Senator Deem’s real passion is for West Virginia. With a 44-year legislative career, Senator Deem has met many of West Virginia’s citi-zens. He truly enjoys meeting these people and helping them, whether it be through his legisla-tive career or through enriching their local community college. Recently, Senator Deem has been working on a personal proj-ect that has him very excited. “I’m working on this computer. I’m so thrilled about this thing. It has taken me a long time, but I can use it.” Senator Deem has both a website and a Facebook page. He has been working on getting photos and information up on his page, so be sure to follow him to see what new things that he is supporting in the area and at your community’s college.

A Love of Golf — Senator Frank Deem (center), with Vice President of Student Services Anthony Underwood (left), and Director of Student Activities Tom Yen-cha (right), as Senator Deem donates golf balls to the WVU Riverhawks golf club.

Campus Improvements Then, Now, in the Future Many changes are being made on the West Virginia University at Parkersburg campus. The new addition of the memory garden and clock tower this past year only marked the beginning of many improve-ments to come. The new computer services lab was just completed in May. The furniture was delivered the week of the 24th and the em-ployees of the computer services and audio visual departments moved in that week. The new lab holds all of the colleges servers and is home to a brand new fire suppression system. The system uses CO2 in the case of a fire as opposed to the sprin-kler system in the old area. In the event of a fire, this system could save the college hundreds of thousands of dollars. This project was somewhat different from the other projects taking place recent-ly on campus. This project was done as an in-house project. College maintenance workers completed the entire job. Currently, the college is working on completing another large project on cam-

pus. The college theatre is in the middle of a remodel that is its first since it was built in the 1970s. Work began May 23rd and the $190,000 project should be complete by July 15. The theatre will receive new up-holstering on the seats, lighting, ceiling, floor covering, stage covering, and a ticket booth. The new remodel will be show-cased during the start of faculty develop-ment week this fall. Another project currently under way is the internal demolition and abatement of the Downtown Center. This project be-gan May 16 with Empire Builders. This process, which involves gutting the build-ing to the brick walls, sub floor and roof rafters, should be completed by July 15. The next step will directly follow that and will be the installation of the elevator and the completion of the facade. The entire first phase should be completed in summer 2012. The main campus can expect to see some upcoming projects beginning soon as

well. A contract will be awarded by June 15 for the Applied Technology and Child Development Centers. One contract will be awarded to both and construction will begin within 30 days of the contract being awarded. Another new improvement that may soon take place could be the repaving of the east parking lot. If enough funding is available in the parking lot budget, the east lot will be repaved before the beginning of the fall semester. The parking areas will also receive two new call towers this sum-mer-one at the Caperton Center and one at the Jackson County Center. The Jackson County Center will also be receiving a new INCAPP lab this sum-mer. The lab will have 36 stations and will be completed for the fall semester. The improvements don’t stop in the summer, though. In August the energy maintenance training lab will begin con-struction and more exciting improvements will keep occurring as the campus and col-lege continue to grow.

Summer 2011 ~ Page 4

This May, as part of the Foundation and Study Abroad Endowments, Professor Anthony Betonte took a group of three students to Guadalajara, Mexico. They stayed in the city for two weeks to study Mexican culture and language. These students spent their time from May 7 through May 22 exploring the city known as the Pearl of the West, and received the trip of a lifetime. The group had to be very disciplined, though. They attended class for five hours a day. They worked on course work from 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. daily and then had an hour of discussion before returning to the hostel were they stayed. In the evenings, they were able to visit areas around the city and work on research. In Spanish 297, the students had to propose a topic to research before they even left on the trip. Then, while in the city, they were to use their spare time to complete the research. They are to present their papers on June 15 as an ending to the course. Jeremy Rollman, Jennifer Valdez, and Janet Medina are the students who went on the trip. They studied at the Institute for Mexican American Culture. While there, they were able to improve their Spanish during the conversation hour. Jeremy found this very useful. “I learned that I could read and hear Spanish fairly well, but my speaking needs a lot of practice. The Spanish school that we attended had a very good program called the conversation hour, this is where the students learning English and the ones learning Spanish got together and practiced. It was very beneficial for the language portion and also introduced you to other people at the

school taking courses.” Jeremy’s project was focused on the murals of Jose Clemente Orozco. The group was able to travel around the city and to some outlying areas to view the work of the artist. “I was very impressed and a little moved by his work,” Jeremy said. With the guidance of Mr. Betonte, the group became well informed on Mexican history. Janet, who had previously been to Mexico, was amazed at the history of the region that she had never before heard. “Mr. Betonte’s ability to explain the history behind the country as we were seeing it was amazing. He has great knowledge of the subject. I have been married to my husband, who is from Guadalajara, for 12 years and never knew the stories Mr. Betonte told about Mexico’s history.” All who attended the trip would suggest it to any s t u d e n t s who are interested a n d motivated enough to go. However, Mr. Betonte wants students to know that they must be disciplined and so much more in order to make a trip like this. “Students must travel well, be disciplined to go to class, and have to be willing to accept people living differently. They have to be disciplined to go out and study language and elements of culture, so they can come back with different views of the world. Students must really have confidence in themselves.”

Students Learn Language and Culture in Guadalajara The group received much support from WVU Parkersburg and the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation. Two of the students received the Lawrence-Berry Scholarship, while the third and Mr. Betonte received grants from the Foundation. Mr. Betonte was very thankful to all involved for this opportunity. “For several years the Internationalization Committee under Rebecca Phillips and Aaron Crites has been working to send students to a foreign experience. This year we had students with high GPAs who were interested in doing the preparation necessary. Vice-President Tracy also advised us on paperwork and preparation for the trip. Therefore everything was in

place for the foundation to support us. This was a serious academic

endeavor which involved class work before, during, and after the

event.” The trip meant

something different to all who went, but for Jennifer the trip meant many firsts. “I was able to experience many firsts, first time on a plane, first time outside of the US, first time taking public transportation (taxi and local buses), and certainly the first time being able to use my Spanish full throttle.”

Changing students’ views of the world — (far left) Spanish 297 students in Guadalajara with Go, one of the

many people that they met from,

not only Mexico, but all around the world. Go is from Singapore.

(left) A stature of San Miguel De Hidalgo who has much to do with Mexican culture and making the country what it is today.

“This was one of the best trips ever,” Phil McClung said about the trip portion of Psychology 410. This is the fifth year that West Virginia University at Parkersburg has offered ap-plied environmental psychology and it ap-pears that it won’t be the last. The course is 12 weeks and begins with a trip that many say has changed their lives. The Psychology 410 class took 11 students around the state of West Virginia the week of May 7th. The first stop was a mountain top removal site. Phil believes that this was one of the most moving parts of the trip for the students. From there they went to such places around the state as the New River Gorge, Cranberry Glades, and Seneca Rocks. The class is created in order to allow students to view how they can effect the environment, and how the environment can affect them. The group also went on a Tree Tops Canopy tour and conquered the West Virginia University Adventure course. These events promoted teamwork and forged bonds that were already pres-ent.

Environmental Psychology Educates, Challenges, and Inspires Students During the week of the trip, the entire group participated in all of the activities, from cooking and cleaning dishes to the zip line and adventure course. Some had never even before set up a tent, but all soon learned and banded together. The course is not over at the end of trip, however. After returning from the trip, students have to review films, analyze articles, research grants, and complete a major project. One of the first things that students do when they return is write their thoughts on the trip. Denise McClung, Chair of Social Sciences and Languages Division, also attended that trip and re-viewed the journals which the students had written their thoughts. “I had tears in my eyes when I read the journals, several said that it was a life-changing event.” The same thoughts are reflected by Phil, and they are both very thankful to have the opportunity to influence students lives in such a positive way. “Denise and I want to thank the Foundation for support-ing us. The dynamics of this class changes people’s lives and has a positive impact on both behavior and the environment.”

Changing Lives — The Psychology 410 class at the WVU Adventure Course. Many students who have gone on the trip say that it has forever changed their lives.

Summer 2011 ~ Page 5

Summer 2011 ~ Page 6

Healthy Relationship Seminars offered to Students

Now seeking donations of items of value to be auctioned during a fall online auction.

Help us reach our goal of 50 items in celebration of 50 years of being your community’s college!

All Proceeds benefit the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation

Our Fall Fundraiser - Online Auction

Healthy Relationships are an impor-tant aspect of life for college students and knowing the aspects of healthy relation-ships can mean academic success or failure to some West Virginia University at Park-ersburg students. Counselor Kurt Klettner realized this and in the Spring of 2011 he conducted a series on healthy relationships. Each of these seminars had a different speaker and focus. The first of which took place on March 2 and focused on healthy relationships in general. It was titled “What It Really Means To Be In A Healthy Relationship.” LeAnn Bates, M.Ed., LPC spoke about relationships not only with sig-nificant others and spouses, but friendship as well. She discussed love as well as for-

giveness as a multifaceted component. The second part in the series focused on intimate relationships and pregnancy. It was titled “How to Prevent Unplanned Pregnancy - How to Manage Unplanned Pregnancy.” It took place on March 23 and was open not only to students of WVU Parkersburg, but to their significant others as well. Family Nurse Practitioner Judy Ryan discussed sexuality in a very practical way. Her main focus was intimacy and the possibility of pregnancy. During her lec-ture, she spoke of how pregnancy not only effects the women, but the relationship as a whole. The last session of the healthy rela-tionships seminar took place on Apr. 19

and focused on domestic violence. “Un-derstanding, Preventing & Responding to Domestic Violence” was conducted by Certified Domestic Violence Advocate, Ann Pifer. She discussed these different aspects of domestic violence and the pre-vention of it. Klettner felt that many aspects of healthy relationships were not delved into, simply for lack of time. He plans to do an-other series on healthy relationships during the 2011-2012 year. The idea is to have four sessions, two in the fall and two in the spring. Klettner wants to involve more of our community partners as well as have many of the speakers who have already participated return.

The West Virginia University at Park-ersburg Leadership Academy just finished its 2010 -2011 year. Twelve faculty and staff members graduated from the academy after completing group projects and course work. The academy members worked on five projects to help improve the campus or community. Those projects included: increasing course offerings/ possibilities in Roane Coun-ty, reviewing the honors college system, improving financial aid communica-tions with students, promot-ing and tracking volunteer and service learning hours, and revision of the campus safety plan. All of the plans were presented by academy mem-bers to college administra-tion for further consideration and implementation. Co-fa-cilitator for the Leadership Academy Denise McClung felt that this was a great year for the academy. “It was an excellent experience. Both participants and administra-tion learned a lot.” Counselor Kurt Klettner

WVU Parkersburg helps shape leaders for the futurewas a member of the Academy this year and he was very excited to be allowed the opportunity to participate in the Academy. “Under the guidance of Cindy Kelly and Denise McClung, our Academy members were able to explore the many facets to ef-fective leadership. The experience allowed for personal reflection and individual growth, as well as an opportunity for team

building within our WVU at Parkersburg community.” Kurt worked on evaluating the finan-cial aid process in partnership with Jeremy Starkey. They looked into the communi-cation flow and timely process of applica-tions in the financial aid office. The Acad-emy members not only focus on improving campus through their projects, but simply

through advancing them-selves and their leadership skills. Kurt felt that the mem-bers were really able to make a great difference on campus. “Participation in the Academy went beyond academically stimulating discussions and exercises to include practical projects that allowed Academy mem-bers to work towards making a real difference here at our college.” The 2011-2012 Acad-emy year will begin in the fall and anyone interested can apply online. Simply go to the college’s home page, select the faculty and staff tab, and click the link for the Leadership Academy.

The 2010-2011 Leadership Academy Class - Front row: Matt James, Beth Wood, Drema Starkey, Tess Martin, Ryan Havely Back row: Kim Korcsmaros, Jeff Byrd, Heather Cline, Kurt Klettner, Lisa Flowers-Clements, Jessie Wass, Walt Newlon, Jeremy Starkey

Please help the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation Go Green.

To sign up for our e-newsletter, email your name and email address to Foundation@wvup.edu

Summer 2011 ~ Page 7

The West Virginia University at Park-ersburg Health Sciences Division is doing its part to impact the national nursing short-age, as well as to supply the Mid-Ohio Val-ley with skilled workers in the health sci-ences discipline. Between the Pharmacy Technology program, the Surgical Technology program, and the Nursing program, the Health Sci-ences Division is training many profession-als to enter the workplace. Many of these students stay in the area to find employment in the local hospitals and pharmacies. The Nursing program had 32 graduate nurses in May, the Surgical Technology program had six graduate from the program, and the Pharmacy Technology program gradu-ated three students with four completing the PTCB national certification. The Health Sciences program begins

helping in the community far before the students graduate, however. On their third week in the program, students begin clini-cals in area hospitals and nursing homes. The students start early, becoming comfort-able in a nurse/patient relationship. This helps the students, as well as area health care providers. The Health Sciences Division helps the community through various commu-nity service projects. The Nursing students completed 872 hours of community service this past academic year. Projects included assisting with the MS Dodgeball tourna-ment in March, PALS screening, and the Thanksgiving community dinner in No-vember. The Nursing students were also involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Walk. Not only are the students of the Health Sciences Division helping the community,

but they are helping on campus as well. Each student is required in their first semes-ter to complete a wellness project to display for students in the student lounge. Topics range from oral health to the disadvantages of smoking. Students of the division are involved with many state and national organizations as well. The Surgical Technology Program hosted the West Virginia State Assembly for the Association of Surgical Technolo-gists this past October. Surgical technolo-gists from Ohio and West Virginia came to attend the conference and it is hoped that WVU at Parkersburg will host the event again next year. With all that the WVU at Parkersburg Health Sciences Division is doing to help the campus and community, they are mak-ing a great impact for WVU Parkersburg.

Health Sciences Impacts Campus, Community, and Students

Cynthia Gissy, Ed.D., has been in the education field since 1984. A full-time fac-ulty member at West Virginia University at Parkersburg for 13 years, she is now chair-person of the Education and Humanities Division. Dr. Gissy is this year’s Bernard P. McDonough Outstanding Faculty of the Year. Dr. Gissy felt a mix of emotions when she discovered that she was this year’s re-cipient. “I was shocked to say the least, ex-tremely honored, and humbled.” A native of Vienna, Dr. Gissy went to West Virginia University where she re-ceived her BAS in Elementary Education. She later went on to receive her Master of Arts and Doctorate of Education in Educa-tion Leadership from WVU as well. Dr. Gissy began her teaching career at Franklin Junior High School, where she taught Math. She worked for five years be-fore taking time off to be a mom. When Dr. Gissy began working for the college she held an adjunct position supervising student teaching. When she began to work full-time, she worked in both the education and math divisions. A few years ago, Dr. Gissy received the opportunity to participate in a cohort with WVU to work on her doctorate. At this time, both of her sons were still in school and she received aid from the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation for faculty de-velopment. She was very thankful for the assistance and the opportunity to acquire her Ed.D. “I am very thankful that the foundation gave me this opportunity and

helped with funding.” In Spring of 2010, Dr. Gissy took sab-batical to really focus on completing her dissertation. During her time working on her degree, David Lancaster, also of the education division, was going through the same program. They took the opportunity to carpool and help each other through the process. In Spring 2010 Dr. Lancaster received his degree and in December 2010 Dr. Gis-

sy and Missy Spivy, also of the education division, received their doctorates. This really helped the education division meet accreditation requirements. Dr. Gissy currently teaches Education 401 and 401L at Williamstown Elementa-ry. She enjoys working with the students, as well as the members of her division. “I truly enjoy working with the faculty in my division, and not just the education, but the English, music, and art as well.”

Outstanding Faculty of the Year — Cynthia Gissy, Ed. D. poses with her parents after receiving the 2011 Bernard P. McDonough Outstanding Faculty of the Year award. Dr. Gissy completed her Doctorate of Education this fall as well.

Gissy Receives Faculty of the Year Award

Summer 2011 ~ Page 8

Summer 2011Volume 2 Issue 6

Calendar of Events: SummerJuly 23 ~ Riverhawks Golf Tournament ~ Woodridge Plantation

August 27 ~ Community Appreciation Picnic ~ WVU Parkersburg

September 12-17 ~ Founders Week ~ WVU Parkersburg

Kim Jones ~ Executive Director

Molly Floding ~ Office Administrator

Katie Florence ~ Communications Assistant

WVU at Parkersburg Foundation304-424-8340

www.wvup.edu/foundation

300 Campus Drive, Parkersburg, WV 26104

West Virginia University at Park-ersburg is one of 20 colleges across 17 states to be chosen as part of the Higher Learning Commission’s Open Pathways project. Through this project, WVU at Parkersburg set two major goals: increase success, retention, and persistence in de-velopmental education; and create and implement career ladders for programs. WVU at Parkersburg has the fourth highest retention rate of students in the West Virginia Community and Technical College System. The college is fourth highest in total student success in the WVCTCS. This student success target includes graduation at retention rates. WVU Parkersburg Nursing students’ pass rates have increased 14 percent since 2007. This puts their pass rate at 94.7 per-cent, with the state standard at 80 percent. Since 2007, the amount of Associate Degrees earned by WVU at Parkersburg students has increased by 72 students. That is nearly a 20 percent increase. WVU at Parkersburg Se-nior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rhonda Tracy emphasizes the

use of data in determining goals. “We re-ally utilize data to be proactive in how we address need and concern in areas of aca-demic success.” With all of these increases in retention and student success, the Open Pathways Project is sure to bring even more success to WVU Parkersburg students. Many ar-eas are being focused on to achieve these goals including: improved student learn-ing, institutional process, and culture of the institution. Another item that WVU Parkersburg is using in order to impact and promote student success is the student success plan. This plan utilizes indicators in ar-eas of first year experience, student advis-ing, recruitment, student life, technology, and retention to increase student success. These areas are broken down into activi-ties, then further into strategies to be im-plemented to better achieve student suc-cess goals. While WVU Parkersburg is already advancing in the area of student success, it is clear to see that the college is setting the pathway to even more student success.

Student Success, A Big Issue on Campus

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