Education
Smoky Mountain News
School of Nursing combines experiential learning with community service A makeshift clinic of folding chairs and tables, separated in clusters by curtains and canvas tents, has been set up inside a steel girder building in Clarkston, Georgia. Clarkston is home to a sizeable community of international refugees, enough so to sometimes be referred to as the “Ellis Island of the South.” This is where, more often than not, the process of assimilation begins for these immigrants. The new residents come with hopes for a new life. They also come with basic human needs. This provides an opportunity for volunteers from the School of Nursing at Western Carolina University. For five nursing students, one faculty member and two alumni, the day has been given over to assisting Great Faith Vision, a national Christian mission group, in operating the pop-up medical clinic, which for the time being will offer free vision care for young and old. The building has become a functioning optometry office, staffed with three optometrists and 40 volunteers. There will be vision and glaucoma tests, lens prescriptions, frames and lenses as needed, as well as other general health screenings. Cheryl Clark, an adjunct assistant professor, helped organize the trip. “Today we’ll primarily see people with origins in Thailand,” she said. “This community is home to a resettlement program that has accepted over 40,000 displaced persons from so many backgrounds and I think about different 50 countries. Some speak English or have some insight into American culture, in all its many forms. But many don’t. “Regardless, a warm welcome and compassionate care is here for them. And for our nursing students, this is another way of learning and growing professionally, giving them the sort of hands-on experience Western is known for.”
SCC’s eighth annual gala is Sept. 24 Generous supporters made sure the Southwestern Community College Foundation’s last two fundraisers were successful, even though the actual events had to be canceled. This fall, at last, it’s time to celebrate live and in-person with the eighth annual “Boots, Blue Jeans and Bling” gala. Set for 6 p.m. on Sept. 24, this year’s event will be held in the brand-new Harrah’s Cherokee Convention Center Ballroom. Table sponsorships start at $1,500, and individual tickets are $150. All proceeds support student scholarships through the SCC Foundation. Scheduled to perform is the versatile Asheville-based dance band Crocodile Smile. All attendees will enjoy a meal crafted by Harrah’s chefs along with a drink specially curated for the evening. Handmade crafts and vacation packages will be just some of the items up for bid in the silent auction, and the wine pull features several labels that are valued at four times the ticket price of $25. Guests can also play cornhole and participate in “Best-Dressed” and “Best Boot” contests. Through a significant rise in endowed funds
and growth of the annual gala, the SCC Foundation has been able to provide a record amount of scholarship funding each of the past few years. However, there is still a large number of students who need assistance. “Our goal is to be able to provide assistance to every deserving student who needs a hand up,” said Dr. Don Tomas, SCC’s President. “We have come a long way, and events like our annual fundraising gala are a tremendous help as we make progress toward our goal.” To sponsor a table or individual tickets, visit www.southwesterncc.edu/gala or contact Kathy Posey – SCC’s Institutional Development Associate – at 828.339.4227 or k_posey@southwesterncc.edu.
New food options coming to campus this fall Students that frequent Western Carolina University’s Brown Hall will have two new options for their eating pleasure this fall. But that’s not all. Those passing by the retail spaces in Noble Hall will notice a new restaurant this fall, as well — The Reading Room, a new concept designed
specifically for college students. Both places are scheduled to open in August. The space that was previously occupied by Steak ‘n Shake will now be shared by two new concepts – Blue Ridge Burger and 1889 Bistro. “The intent of these is to modify the servery in Brown so that people have more options besides getting in the serve room line,” said Robert Walker, WCU director of auxiliary services. “We think it’s going to be a pretty good option. We struggle with the servery in Brown with the line at dinner. It gets pretty intense up there. We’re hoping this helps create a better experience for (students) and gives them some more options.” As you enter the area where Steak ‘n Shake was located, Blue Ridge Burger will be the first station. Its menu features high-quality burger options, including a vegan burger, as well as a fish sandwich, Philly steak and a hot dog. It will also be a late-night option for those living in upper campus, staying open until 11 p.m. seven days a week. 1889 Bistro will be to the far left and will feature sandwiches such as Reuben, roast beef, submarine, grilled cheese and a portobello mushroom sandwich. The hours of operation will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The tentative opening date is Aug. 15.
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Those interested in a barista, cook or management position can apply at readingroomcullowhee@gmail.com.
HCC offers introduction to bladesmithing Haywood Community College is offering an American Bladesmith Society (ABS) Introduction to Bladesmithing class July 25 through August 5. This class is for beginning knifemakers and will be taught by ABS Master Bladesmith Scott McGhee. According to his website, McGhee learned the art at the age of 17. His handcrafted knives are beautiful, functional and extremely durable. To see examples of his work, visit guineahogforge.com. Students will be introduced to the concepts and techniques needed to make a knife. Participants will be taught metal selection and blade function. Different blade designs will be discussed. Hand forging to shape, normalizing, heat treating, grinding and tempering will all be taught. The semi-finished blades will be tested for their cutting ability, edge holding, hardness and flexibility. Students should be able to make a blade that will pass the equivalent of a Journeyman Smith Performance Test. Successful completion of this course will reduce the required three-year waiting period as an ABS Journeyman Smith judging in two years. This two-week class will be held July 25 through August 5, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $1,381.25. Registration ends soon. For more information, please call 828.565.4152, email alross@haywood.edu or visit creativearts.haywood.edu.
Workshops to help students prepare for healthcare programs The prospect of entering any of Southwestern Community College’s 16 Health Sciences programs can be a bit intimidating. To help ease the application process, SCC is offering a pair of TEAS Exam & Health Science Student Success workshops this fall. The first of these will be held on Mondays from Sept. 12 to Nov. 7 in Room 302 of the Health Sciences Center on Southwestern’s Jackson Campus. The other will be on Tuesdays from Oct. 4-Nov. 29 in Room 204 of the Groves Center on SCC’s Macon Campus. All sessions for both workshops are scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The workshops help guide prospective Health Sciences students through the application process and help them know what to expect on the TEAS Exam, which is required for entry into almost all healthcare career fields. To learn more about the Health Sciences programs that SCC offers, visit southwesterncc.edu or contact April Fouweather at a_fouweather@Southwesterncc.edu or 828.339.4305.
