#1344 | February 28, 2013

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College’s Culinary Arts program has received 15 granite slabs, valued at more than $100 each, as a donation from Savannah’s Coastal Granite & Marble.

“It’s our pleasure to donate to such a worthy cause,” said Coastal Granite & Marble owner and former Savannah Tech student Luke Atwell. “I anticipate the granite slabs will be used and enjoyed for many years to come.”

Savannah Tech’s Culinary Arts students will use the granite slabs as part of the Baking and Pastry Program, which includes Chocolate and Confection Artistry courses. Students learn a variety of international and classical pastries and desserts using basic and advanced techniques, which meet industry quality standards in the Chocolate and Confection Artistry courses.

This spring, Savannah Tech opened a new classroom dedicated to the Chocolate and Confection Artistry classes. According to Savannah Tech’s Culinary Arts Department Head Chef Jean Vendeville, the granite cools melted chocolate so that the chocolate can be tempered and worked with more easily.

“We appreciate Coastal Granite & Marble’s generous contribution to our classroom and support of our culinary program,” said Vendeville. “Thanks to the donation, all workstations in the chocolate room have granite slabs, which are used by our students daily.”

Baking and Pastry classes began in fall 2012 and are taught at the Savannah Campus, along with select courses at teaching Kitchens in Effingham and Liberty. The Baking and Pastry program was developed by the College to teach the art of creating tasty baked goods, pastries, and confections, from traditional bread baking to beautiful showpieces.

The Culinary Institute of Savannah has earned distinction as one of the top four culinary programs in the country according to the American Culinary Federation (ACF). Under Vendeville’s leadership, the enrollment for STC’s culinary arts program has increased 130 percent since 2008. Vendeville has assembled a top-notch team of faculty, who have each earned national ACF certification under his leadership. For more information about Culinary Arts at Savannah Tech visit: www.facebook.com/ChefJeanVendeville.

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Baking & Pastry or Culinary Arts Program Information:
Amber Robinson 912.443.5719 or arobinson@savannahtech.edu

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

#1343 | February 22, 2013

Savannah Tech selected to participate in U.S. Department of Education study

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College has been selected by the U.S. Department of Education to offer Pell Grant funding to qualified students enrolled in selected short-term certificate programs, like the Commercial Truck Driving program.

Under current regulations, students enrolled in short-term certificate programs are not eligible for Pell Grant funding. This U.S. Department of Education experiment will assist legislators in determining the impact of expanding Pell Grant eligibility for students enrolled in short-term, career-oriented programs.

To be considered for the Pell Grant Experiment, potential students must complete a STC application for admission, be accepted to the Commercial Trucking Driving program, complete the 2012-2013 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, and submit a STC Pell Grant Experiment Consent Form before March 1. Newly admitted students to the STC Commercial Truck Driving program starting March 5 may qualify for Pell Grant funding to assist with tuition and mandatory fees. From the pool of qualified students, the U.S. Department of Education will randomly select participants. [Edited: Application/Experiment has closed.)

The U. S. Department of Labor indicates that in the next decade commercial truck driving is one of many jobs with a predicted 21% increase in positions and an increase in wage earning potential. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals base salaries start at approximately $25,000 up to $57,000 annually for those owning their own vehicles (before the mileage and cargo factors).

Savannah Tech’s Commercial Truck Driving program is offered at two campus locations:

• Effingham Campus – The daytime class meets Monday through Thursday for eight weeks from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Liberty Campus – The daytime class meets Monday through Thursday for eight weeks from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The next eight-week day class for Commercial Truck Driving begins March 5 at both the Effingham and Liberty campus locations. New students interested in enrolling in Commercial Truck Driving must be at least 18 years of age (21 years of age for interstate travel). For a full list of admission requirements, please visit: savannahtech.edu/IndustrialTechnology or contact the Industrial Technology Academic Advisor at 912.443.5859.

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Commercial Truck Driving, Industrial Technology Academic Advisor:  912.443.5859

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
ashaffer@savannahtech.edu | 912.443.5512

#1341 | February 14, 2013

Local Entrepreneur and Published Author to speak at Liberty Campus

Liberty – Savannah Technical College’s Liberty Campus will host its Black History Program featuring Kevin Thomas, co-owner/operator of Auto Super Center located in Hinesville, Ga., and author of How to Make Extreme Profits in Your Used Car Operations.

The Black History program is free, open to the public, and will be held at 6 p.m., on Monday, February 25, 2013 (100 Technology Drive, Hinesville, Ga. 31313). Thomas will be speaking on “Following Your Dream Until It Becomes Real.”

Thomas’ achievements include; President of the Hinesville Rotary Club and the Georgia Independent Auto Dealers Association, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce and serving as the county’s representative for the Coastal Area District Development Authority.

Also he is also the recipient of several local honors, including the Rotary District Governor’s Excellence Award, Liberty County Chamber’s Business Person of the Year Award for 2012, and has been recognized as one of Liberty County’s Top Ten Under 40.

For more information about the Black History program at Savannah Tech’s Liberty campus, contact Terrie O. Sellers at tsellers@savanahtech.edu or 912-408-3024, extension 6003.

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Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

#1342 | February 14, 2013

Savannah Tech and Armstrong sign articulation agreement for Criminal Justice program

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College President Dr. Kathy Love and Armstrong Atlantic State University President Dr. Linda Bleicken signed an agreement today, which ensures a seamless educational pathway for criminal justice students between the two institutions of higher education.

“We are pleased to announce the beginning of an important partnership between our institutions,” said Love. “This agreement ensures that students who receive an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Technology at Savannah Technical College have the opportunity to apply all of their coursework toward Armstrong’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. With this partnership, I can honestly say that the higher education community in our region is leading the way in the Complete College Georgia initiative.”

The articulation agreement lays the foundation for students to complete a new 65-credit hour Associate of Science in Criminal Justice at Savannah Technical College. Students will then be able to transfer their coursework in its entirety to Armstrong toward the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

“This agreement with Savannah Tech advances Armstrong’s pursuit to partner with our higher education neighbors in Savannah,” said Bleicken. “Through the effort, our goal is to give more students of all ages seamless access to programs that will best prepare them for the workforce.”

The agreement next goes to the governing boards of the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents and the Georgia Board of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) for endorsement. Upon both boards approval, Savannah Technical College will be one of the first TCSG colleges to offer an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice. In addition to general core courses, the program will feature 18 semester hours in criminal justice-related coursework – including introduction to criminal justice, principals of law enforcement, ethics and cultural perspectives, corrections, criminal law and constitutional law.

The Department of Criminal Justice, Social and Political Science at Armstrong offers the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. This degree consists of core courses in the administration of justice, criminology, ethics and criminal procedure coupled with a concentration in juvenile justice, law enforcement, research methods, penology and law. Coupled with relevant work experience, the degree sharpens the candidate’s competitive edge for state and federal law enforcement openings, court administration positions, and state and federal probation and parole positions. In addition, the degree is invaluable for mid-career advancement.

Thanks to an agreement signed last year by the USG Board of Regents and Georgia Board of the TCSG, there are now 27 core curriculum courses transferable to USG institutions from TCSG institutions accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The increased number of courses enhances how TCSG students are able to pursue baccalaureate degree opportunities at USG institutions.

About Armstrong:

Armstrong Atlantic State University, part of the University System of Georgia, was founded in 1935. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate academic programs in the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Science and Technology, the College of Education and the College of Health Professions. Armstrong serves approximately 7,500 students at its main campus in Savannah and a regional center in Hinesville. Its diverse student population comes from nearly all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 69 countries. For more information, visit http://www.armstrong.edu.

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#1340 | February 8, 2013

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College announces the following schedule of activities to commemorate Black History Month. Sponsored by the STC Student Activity Council, these events are free and open to the public. Some venues may have limited seating.

February 14 – Polish Up Your Knowledge, 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 – 2:00 p.m. STC Liberty cosmetology students will polish fingernails, while an African-American cosmetology/make-up/beauty care trivia game goes on. Liberty campus (100 Technology Drive, Hinesville, Ga. 31313).

February 19 –

• “At the River I Stand,” 10 a.m. – 12 noon. A film documentary recounts the two months leading to Martin Luther King Jr.’s death in 1968, coinciding with the 65-day strike of 1,300 Memphis sanitation workers. Presented by Savannah Technical College. Facilitated by the Savannah Regional Central Labor Council. Eckburg Auditorium, Savannah campus (5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, Ga., 31405).
• “Uneven Fairways,” 6:30 p.m. This documentary of the Negro Golf League, a Golf Chanel premiere documentaryis narrated by Samuel L. Jackson. Information and demonstrations about golf will also be included. Presented by The First Tee of Savannah. Eckburg Auditorium, Savannah campus.

February 25 – “At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality,” 6 p.m. This black history program features guest speaker Kevin Thomas, a dance troop and chorus. Thomas is a local businessman, entrepreneur and the owner/operator of Auto Super Center in Hinesville. Liberty campus.

February 26 – “Crossing at St. Augustine,” 6:30 p.m. This documentary, produced by Andrew Young Presents, features the untold story of the pivotal 1964 Civil Rights movement in St. Augustine, Fla. There will also be a special appearance by a participant in the movement. Eckburg Auditorium, Savannah campus.

Throughout the month there will be Black History Month trivia contests at the Savannah and Liberty campuses. Other activities at the Liberty campus include local author Mattie Brown reading and signing her book, Spencer Spider Spins Spinach Over Spaghetti, local artist Frank Spivey displaying artwork at the main building on Liberty campus and other displays that will be set up throughout the campus.

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Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

#1339 | February 6, 2013

Student and Instructor of the Year will represent College in state competition

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College announced its selections for the best of the best in 2013. Ashley Smith, a dental hygiene student, was named the College’s 2013 honoree of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) award, and Susan Pinkston, STC department head for business management, was selected as the College’s 2013 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Education honoree.

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), honors excellence in academics and leadership statewide among the state’s technical college students.

“Technical college education allows students to have hands on training, which in turns helps students to confirm their career choice,” said Smith. “Not only does the technical college provide superior education, it does so at an affordable cost.”

Smith is one of four finalists of the 44 nominated STC students. The other finalists are Dustin Bolgrihn (Welding), Natalia Martinez-Rivera (Criminal Justice) and Jonathan Gerbsch (Fire Science).

The Perkins Award honors technical education’s most outstanding instructors. The award has been an ongoing statewide program since 1991, and the recipients are technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.

Pinkston, the College’s 2013 Perkins honoree, has been the department head for business management at Savannah Tech since 2006, when she created and implemented the business management program at the College. She increased student enrollment from 12 in 2006 to more than 200 now. She also established the College’s human resources management technical certificate of credit. Before she started teaching, Pinkston worked in human resources for almost two decades.

“I chose to teach in a technical college in order to pay it forward,” said Pinkston. “As a non-traditional college student, I faced many of the same obstacles as my students. However, I always kept my eye on the prize (graduation) and persevered. Along my academic journey, there were others who encouraged and believed in me. I now pay it forward by listening, by being firm but fair, and by encouraging students to never give up.”

A recent STC business management graduate who is an expeditor for JCB North America, Kevin Steinbach, said: “The program that she has implemented is one that prepares each person that goes through it for real life work situations and instills the knowledge they need to succeed whatever their goals may be. I have never had the amount of confidence in myself and in my abilities that I had when I was under the direction of Mrs. Susan Pinkston at Savannah Technical College.”

All 26 local college winners for GOAL and Perkins will gather in April in Atlanta for the selection of the 2013 state honorees to represent TCSG as student and instructor ambassadors. In 2012, Savannah Tech’s Perkins recipient Chef Jean Vendeville was selected as the state’s Rick Perkin’s winner, and the College’s GOAL student, Kathryn Hoyt, was one of the top four finalists in the state competition.

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Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu

#1338 | February 4, 2013

Dry-laid wall training session is open to the public on February 23

SAVANNAH –Savannah Technical College will host its Historic Preservation Visiting Artisan series featuring Neil Rippingale, training manager from the Dry Stone Conservancy in Lexington, Kentucky, the week of February 18-23, 2013.

Rippingale has more than 25 years of experience as a “drystone waller.” He will teach Savannah Technical College students fundamental techniques of dry-laid stone construction throughout the week in the STC Historic Preservation lab (5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, 31405).

On Saturday, February 23, 2012, Rippingale will instruct and work with the students to build a dry stone wall from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the College’s Savannah campus behind the Student Enrichment Center. This event is free and open to the public.

Dry stone structures have advantages compared with mortared walls. Dry-laid walls rely on the skill of the craftsmen and the forces of gravity and frictional resistance. When correctly built, they have flexibility that allows them to conform to foundation settlement without damage. Because the sides slope slightly inward, ground movement locks the structures more tightly into place. They drain freely. Concrete footing is not needed, saving labor and material expense.

Rippingale joined the Dry Stone Conservancy’s staff in 2001. He is a Master Craftsman certified by the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain. Prior to joining the Conservancy, he was owner and manager of N.R. Stonecraft in Edinburgh, Scotland and worked as an independent walling contractor throughout the central belt of Scotland. Rippingale has received prestigious awards for his work including first place wins in Central Scotland Walling Competitions and the Pinnacle Award (DSWA’s highest award).He has taught drystone walling to more than 3,000 trainees and worked in Australia, Switzerland, Scotland, England, Nova Scotia and Montreal as well as most of the states in the USA. As the Conservancy’s Training Program Manager, Rippingale wears many hats – technical consultant, workshop instructor, mason mentor, certification program examiner and competition organizer as well as project superintendent for the Conservancy’s restoration and training projects.

The Savannah Tech’s Visiting Artisan series is the first effort of its kind at any of Georgia’s technical colleges, bringing three world-class craftsmen to campus each for a week throughout the year. Savannah Tech has the only public hands-on preservation program in the state. The program has gained international recognition and has contributed to a number of community-based preservation projects in the surrounding communities. The program is the cornerstone of new instructional programs in Green Building Technology, which focuses on a comprehensive view of systems and efficiencies in construction.

For information about the Visiting Artisan Series and Historic Preservation at Savannah Technical College, contact Steve Hartley at shartley@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.5864.

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Historic Preservation Department Head: Stephen Hartley
shartley@savannahtech.edu or 912.443.5864
www.facebook.com/STCHistoricPreservation

Media Contact: Amy Shaffer, APR
912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu