your success starts here

June 1, 2010

More Than 700 Graduate from RCCCScott Ralls, N.C. Community College President, Gives Address RCCC completed another successful academic year as it hosted graduates, families and friends at the 2010 graduation ceremony.More than 700 graduates received associate degrees, diplomas and certificates at RCCC’s 47th graduation ceremony, held May 22 at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center. Among the 725 graduates were the first nine to earn an associate degree in biotechnology at RCCC. They are the first students educated and trained at RCCC specifically to meet workforce

needs at the North Carolina Research Campus, in Kannapolis. RCCC’s graduating class of 2010 ranged in age from 17 to 65 (average age of 31), with 62 percent female and 38 percent male. Forty-nine percent of the graduates live in Rowan County, with 39 percent from Cabarrus County and 12 percent from surrounding counties. Approximately 20 of the graduates earned multiple degrees, while 25 previously graduated from RCCC in another program. Approximately 445 GED students

also graduated and took part in the ceremony. They ranged in age from 16 to 67, with an average age of 26. The GED graduates were split evenly between Cabarrus and Rowan County, with about 6 percent from surrounding counties.

More than 59 percent of the GED graduates were male. R. Scott Ralls, Ph.D., president of the North Carolina Community College System, served as commencement speaker. Ralls commended the

Recent News Releases & ArticlesNew Foundation Board MembersR3 Center Workshops for JuneRCCC Expands Academic ProgramsWoodson Foundation GrantStimulus Funds come to RCCC

click below for more information on . . . .2010 Excellence in Teaching Award Winners RCCC is honoring nine faculty members with 2010 Excellence in Teaching Awards. Louise Ginger Pack, a mathematics instructor and director of the Math Tutoring Center, has received the Outstanding Excellence in Teaching Award.

She has taught at RCCC for 11 years and has more than 17 years of teaching

experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in math education from N.C. State University, where she graduated magna cum laude. She

cont. pg. 5

cont. pg. 2

North Carolina Community College System President, R. Scott Ralls, Ph.D.

2

Faculty and Staff News The following faculty and staff members have recently joined the RCCC team or moved into new positions. Please extend them a warm welcome or congratulations.

Katie S. Herring – Financial Aid CounselorKatie Herring holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and banking from Appalachian State University. She has been employed as a teller with Wachovia Bank, a Wells Fargo Company for more than a year and a half. Her previous experience includes an internship with Gary Morgan, CPA, and a sales associate with Gap, Inc.

Jessica J. Everhart – Financial Aid CounselorJessica Everhart earned a bachelor’s

completed additional study at the University of Copenhagen. Pack and her husband, Bradley, reside in Concord, N.C. By receiving the Outstanding Excellence in Teaching Award, Pack also is RCCC’s nominee for the 2010 North Carolina Community College System’s R.J. Reynolds Excellence in Teaching Award. Three faculty members received Excellence in Teaching Awards with special distinction. They are:

• Pepsi Boyer, a web technologies instructor – for the use of

technology in instruction;

• Betty Stack, an English and

communications instructor – for active learning practices;

and

• Claudia Swicegood, a reading instructor – for support to the mission of the college.

The remaining RCCC Excellence in Teaching Award winners are:

• Donna Ginn, English instructor and acting program head for

English;

• June Hundley, mathematics instructor and director

of the Math Tutoring Center;

• Jacquelyn Loupis, social studies

instructor;

• LaNita Kirby, English instructor; and

• Leslie Pullen, biology instructor.

“RCCC has a long and proud tradition of hiring highly qualified and dedicated faculty in all of its academic programs,” said Rod Townley, RCCC vice president of academic programs. “The nine faculty members selected for this year’s Excellence in Teaching Awards certainly are representative of this tradition. All of them, and many others, do a wonderful job of providing top-quality instruction to the students at RCCC.”

degree in psychology from Catawba College and also holds a Nurse Aide I certificate. Jessica possesses three years of post-graduate professional work experience and an extensive background in a variety of direct customer service areas. Her most recent experience includes being a psychiatric technician/unit secretary with Rowan Regional Medical Center.

Jenny Bodenheimer – Administrative Programmer and Computing OperationsJenny Bodenheimer has been employed by RCCC since 2008 as an administrative data coordinator. She holds a B.S. in computer science from the UNC-Charlotte. Previously, Jenny was employed as a programmer/analyst/EDI specialist with Health Care Savings Inc.

Norman Albrecht – Administrative Programmer and Computing OperationsPreviously a part-time chemistry instructor at RCCC, Norman Albrecht graduated from Grinnell College with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Norman also has completed significant additional coursework at UNC-Charlotte in information technology. He was employed as a senior project supervisor with Henkel for 24 years.

Cassie Plott – English Instructor. Cassie Plott is a graduate of UNC Charlotte and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English. Cassie has been a part-time English instructor at RCCC for 10 years. Prior to joining RCCC in 2000, she was employed with SouthTrust Bank.

Teaching Excellence from pg. 1

3

‘Cell Phones for Soldiers’ Effort Is Big Success The RCCC chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society collected 84 donated cell phones during its April 2010 “Cell Phones for Soldiers Drive.” Donations were accepted on each campus in the student services office and through a display during the Earth Day festivities. The Cell Phone for Soldiers program encourages the recycling of unused or outdated cell phones. Collected

equipment is sold to ReCellular, with the proceeds used to purchase calling cards for U.S. military personnel serving around the world. ReCellular pays up to $50 for each donated phone. “We are excited we exceeded the fall semester totals. This shows that our students really want to support the effort,” said Elana Miles, project coordinator and SGA president. “The result of this project is a twofold

accomplishment. We are protecting the environment, while at the same time supporting our troops.” If you are interested in donating an old cell phone to the Cell Phones for Soldiers program, visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com. Karen Lynden, lyndenk@rowancabarrus.edu, serves the RCCC PTK advisor.

Cosmetology Continues Community Service

RCCC’s Cosmetology Program has been active participants in the Rowan County Relay for Life event for the past four years. Each year students, staff and faculty volunteer their time and skills for the community wide event. Each year dozens willingly step up with their shears in one hand and eagerness in the other. This year was no exception. On April 30, with 45 students and 11 staff and faculty members, the Cosmetology students cut and accepted more than 170 feet of hair for the Locks of Love organization. Participants arrive during the dinner time hours and work into the night to prepare and accept donations of hair given to the Locks of Love, based in Florida. Locks of Love is part of an ongoing effort to produce wigs and hair prosthetics for children who have gone through chemotherapy or may have long-term hair loss from any medical diagnosis.

The Cosmetology Program sends out a special thank you to Becky Sifford and Cheryl Peeler for helping the students get started four years ago and supporting them and the event every year since. Cosmetology also thanks the Locks of Love donors. “These donors have graciously grown their hair for several years to donate in memory of or in honor of loved one, explained Angela Cameron, Cosmetology staff member. “This is always a heart-warming experi-ence that gives the students pride in what they do and the knowledge of how their career choice can help in many different ways.”

4

Motorsports Student Featured in State Magazine Brandon McReynolds, a student in RCCC’s Motorsports Management Technology program, was featured recently in the “Motorsports Industry News” magazine, a publication of the North Carolina Motorsports Association. In addition to his RCCC studies, McReynolds competes in NASCAR’s UARA-Stars Late Model Series. The son of NASCAR broadcaster and former crew chief Larry McReynolds, Brandon has won multiple events over the last couple of years, including an UARA race at the Rockingham, N.C., Speedway in mid May.

Also at Rockingham on the same day, RCCC Motorsports student Clay Rogers drove to victory in a USAR feature event. The Motorsports Industry News article featuring Brandon McReynolds was promoted on the magazine’s cover, with the heading: “All Around Racer.” “We’re doubly proud of Brandon and Clay and all of our motorsports students,” said Richmond Gage, motorsports program head. “Our students work hard and represent our program and the college well.”

Jerry Chandler Receives Rotary

Award Jarrett (Jerry) T. Chandler, RCCC vice president of advancement, was recently honored as the 2009-2010 Distinguished Rotarian of the Rotary Club of Rowan County. Chandler was recognized as a distinguished Rotarian at the Rotary District 7680 annual conference, held recently in Wilmington, N.C. District 7680 is comprised of Rotary Clubs in the western and southern Piedmont region of North Carolina.Chandler has been a member of the Rowan Rotary Club for 17 years. He has served on the club’s board of directors for three terms and is a former vice president.He has spent 32 years at RCCC and has been in higher education for nearly 35 years. He holds a doctorate in adult education and higher education administration from N.C. State University. He also earned a bachelor’s degree from Alderson Broaddus College and a master’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Chandler and his wife, Connie, reside in Salisbury. They have two children and four grandchildren.

RCCC Planning Alumni Group

RCCC is planning to address a long-time need for more alumni interaction and connectivity by creating an RCCC Alumni Association. If you are an RCCC alum, please consider joining the inaugural Alumni Association Advisory Committee. For more details, contact Celeste Gruner at x3459 or celeste.gruner@rccc.edu.

5

graduates for their achievement. He cited a recent U.S. statistic that indicates only 18 of every 100 eighth graders in America today will go on to be college graduates. “At that rate,” Ralls said, “this generation of American youth will be the first in American history with lower educational attainment than their parents.” Ralls continued saying the RCCC graduates would see future success if they asked and answered well the important questions of “what, how and why?” “When you ask ‘what,’ you will find the paths that lead you to your passion,” Ralls explained. “And when you ask ‘how,’ you will find the perseverance of spirit that will carry you through obstacles. And when you ask ‘why,’ you will look for engagement in efforts that are larger than yourself and those that will help carry the next person beside you a little farther down their road as well.” During the ceremony, RCCC President Carol Spalding and Ralls presented a distinguished service award

to the college’s Board of Trustees. The award honored the trustees for their work and leadership in establishing partnerships with the universities and other organizations at the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC). The trustees’ efforts and vision will culminate in the opening of RCCC’s laboratory and classroom building at the NCRC, in August. The new facility will be the home of RCCC’s associate degree program in biotechnology. “RCCC’s Board of Trustees has worked tirelessly to create a preferred future of prosperous, educated citizens who are prepared for the jobs of the 21st Century,” Spalding said. Patricia A. Wagner, a new graduate of the associate degree nursing

program, was recognized for the receiving RCCC’s 2010 Academic Excellence Award. Serving as graduation student marshals were Rebecca Bunts, Deborah Clark, Lisa Cooper, John Elliot, Joyce Ledbetter, Mike Livengood, Preston Patterson, Cari Richards, Tina Williams, Alexander Wood and Virginia Yost.

Graduation from pg. 1

6

Almost there.Klingler prepares tohop up the top setof stairs in theCarmichaelRecreation Center.

Volume I Issue 10

In This Issue

Know Your Numbers

Mind Over Marathon

Member Tip of the Month

e-PharmacyWise

CWI Testing Update

Healthy/Light Recipe

Rum-Spiked GrilledPineapple with Toasted

Coconut

Physical Activity

Exercise: A drug-freeapproach to lowering high

blood pressure

Health Observance

May is High BloodPressure Education

Month

May is National High BloodPressure Education Month.About 74.5 million people inthe United States have highblood pressure, also calledhypertension. Hypertensionincreases the risk for heartdisease and stroke, the firstand third leading causes ofdeath in the United States.

Click here to learn more.

Nutrition

High Blood Pressure andNutrition

Join our list

Quick Links

Comprehensive WellnessOverview and Supports

Eat Smart, Move More,Weigh Less

QuitlineNC

Privacy Policy

Health Plan Options

Pharmacy

NC HealthSmart

About Us

Contact Us

Customer Services: 1-888-234-2416

Prescription Questions:

1-800-336-5933

Health Coach for EligibleMembers:

1-800-817-7044

May 18, 2010

Know Your Numbers: Managing High Blood Pressure

May Save Your Life

Do you or a loved one have high blood

pressure? Because high blood pressure

usually has no warning signs or

symptoms, you may not realize you

have it. About 74.5 million people in

the United States have high blood

pressure, also called hypertension. High

blood pressure is a major risk factor for

heart disease, stroke, congestive heart

failure and kidney disease.

Everyone should know their blood

pressure. Blood pressure includes two numbers: the first

number (systolic) represents the pressure when the heart

beats and the second number (diastolic) represents the

pressure when the heart rests between beats. Both of

these numbers are important. Your systolic blood pressure

should be less than 120, and your diastolic blood press

should be less than 80.

Click here to continue reading.

Mind Over Marathon

Ellen Klingler, special events director at NC State

University, is like many State Health

Plan members. She is a busy working

mother who hasn't always found time

to exercise. Ellen entered a fitness

makeover contest and won a free, 12-

week personal training package that

included fitness assessments, one-on-

one training sessions and health and

fitness advice from certified trainers.

After completing the program and

becoming committed to exercise, she

joined a running group.

Click here to read more of her inspiring story.

Member Tip of the Month

Get Discounts through Blue ExtrasTM

Did you know that the State Health

Plan has a Blue ExtrasTM discount and

reward program through Blue Cross

and Blue Shield of North Carolina

(BCBSNC)? These discounts are for

cosmetic procedures, weight

management programs, laser eye

surgery, hearing aids, vision, and Blue

365 discounts. You can also print money-saving coupons

for health and wellness products.

Edward, a State Health Plan member, had questions about

the Blue 365 discounts. He spoke to Milton, a Plan

customer service representative, and learned there are

three categories of Blue 365 discounts: Healthcare

Resources, Healthy Choices and Recreation & Travel.

Click here to read more.

Spring Edition of e-PharmacyWise Now Available

The State Health Plan recently launched an electronic

edition of PharmacyWise, a newsletter

that will help meet your requests for

more information about your pharmacy

benefits. Complementing the December

print edition of PharmacyWise, this

electronic version will be published each

spring, summer and fall and will be

sent to all Member Focus subscribers.

PharmacyWise is designed to help you

better understand your pharmacy benefits, with a focus on

medication adherence, safety and ways to save money on

your prescription medications. PharmacyWise will also

include updates on your pharmacy benefits, including new

programs and reminders of ongoing pharmacy programs.

If you have colleagues or family members who do not

currently receive Member Focus, please encourage them to

sign up today at www.shpnc.org. Click here for the spring

issue of PharmacyWise.

Comprehensive Wellness Initiative: Testing Update

Based on the review of enrollment statistics, random

testing for tobacco use will not be conducted for the 2010-

2011 Plan Year.

Click here to read more.

Almost there.Klingler prepares tohop up the top setof stairs in theCarmichaelRecreation Center.

Volume I Issue 10

In This Issue

Know Your Numbers

Mind Over Marathon

Member Tip of the Month

e-PharmacyWise

CWI Testing Update

Healthy/Light Recipe

Rum-Spiked GrilledPineapple with Toasted

Coconut

Physical Activity

Exercise: A drug-freeapproach to lowering high

blood pressure

Health Observance

May is High BloodPressure Education

Month

May is National High BloodPressure Education Month.About 74.5 million people inthe United States have highblood pressure, also calledhypertension. Hypertensionincreases the risk for heartdisease and stroke, the firstand third leading causes ofdeath in the United States.

Click here to learn more.

Nutrition

High Blood Pressure andNutrition

Join our list

Quick Links

Comprehensive WellnessOverview and Supports

Eat Smart, Move More,Weigh Less

QuitlineNC

Privacy Policy

Health Plan Options

Pharmacy

NC HealthSmart

About Us

Contact Us

Customer Services: 1-888-234-2416

Prescription Questions:

1-800-336-5933

Health Coach for EligibleMembers:

1-800-817-7044

May 18, 2010

Know Your Numbers: Managing High Blood Pressure

May Save Your Life

Do you or a loved one have high blood

pressure? Because high blood pressure

usually has no warning signs or

symptoms, you may not realize you

have it. About 74.5 million people in

the United States have high blood

pressure, also called hypertension. High

blood pressure is a major risk factor for

heart disease, stroke, congestive heart

failure and kidney disease.

Everyone should know their blood

pressure. Blood pressure includes two numbers: the first

number (systolic) represents the pressure when the heart

beats and the second number (diastolic) represents the

pressure when the heart rests between beats. Both of

these numbers are important. Your systolic blood pressure

should be less than 120, and your diastolic blood press

should be less than 80.

Click here to continue reading.

Mind Over Marathon

Ellen Klingler, special events director at NC State

University, is like many State Health

Plan members. She is a busy working

mother who hasn't always found time

to exercise. Ellen entered a fitness

makeover contest and won a free, 12-

week personal training package that

included fitness assessments, one-on-

one training sessions and health and

fitness advice from certified trainers.

After completing the program and

becoming committed to exercise, she

joined a running group.

Click here to read more of her inspiring story.

Member Tip of the Month

Get Discounts through Blue ExtrasTM

Did you know that the State Health

Plan has a Blue ExtrasTM discount and

reward program through Blue Cross

and Blue Shield of North Carolina

(BCBSNC)? These discounts are for

cosmetic procedures, weight

management programs, laser eye

surgery, hearing aids, vision, and Blue

365 discounts. You can also print money-saving coupons

for health and wellness products.

Edward, a State Health Plan member, had questions about

the Blue 365 discounts. He spoke to Milton, a Plan

customer service representative, and learned there are

three categories of Blue 365 discounts: Healthcare

Resources, Healthy Choices and Recreation & Travel.

Click here to read more.

Spring Edition of e-PharmacyWise Now Available

The State Health Plan recently launched an electronic

edition of PharmacyWise, a newsletter

that will help meet your requests for

more information about your pharmacy

benefits. Complementing the December

print edition of PharmacyWise, this

electronic version will be published each

spring, summer and fall and will be

sent to all Member Focus subscribers.

PharmacyWise is designed to help you

better understand your pharmacy benefits, with a focus on

medication adherence, safety and ways to save money on

your prescription medications. PharmacyWise will also

include updates on your pharmacy benefits, including new

programs and reminders of ongoing pharmacy programs.

If you have colleagues or family members who do not

currently receive Member Focus, please encourage them to

sign up today at www.shpnc.org. Click here for the spring

issue of PharmacyWise.

Comprehensive Wellness Initiative: Testing Update

Based on the review of enrollment statistics, random

testing for tobacco use will not be conducted for the 2010-

2011 Plan Year.

Click here to read more.

Benefits InformationPlease Note New Submission Date

Full-time employee payroll changes must be submitted to Human Resources by the 13th of each month (except during December or as noted under special situations in which you will receive ample notification).

These changes include changes in 401(k) contribution, change in financial institution for direct deposit, withholding

changes, etc. Additionally, if you need to make any address changes or add or delete dependents to your health insurance for allowable reasons outside of open enrollment, please go to the eBenefits site at https://rccc.hrintouch.com to log into your account to make the change.

If in doubt of an allowable reason

for change outside of the open enrollment period, please refer to your benefit booklet which can be accessed through the State Health Plan website www.shpnc.org.

Almost there.Klingler prepares tohop up the top setof stairs in theCarmichaelRecreation Center.

Volume I Issue 10

In This Issue

Know Your Numbers

Mind Over Marathon

Member Tip of the Month

e-PharmacyWise

CWI Testing Update

Healthy/Light Recipe

Rum-Spiked GrilledPineapple with Toasted

Coconut

Physical Activity

Exercise: A drug-freeapproach to lowering high

blood pressure

Health Observance

May is High BloodPressure Education

Month

May is National High BloodPressure Education Month.About 74.5 million people inthe United States have highblood pressure, also calledhypertension. Hypertensionincreases the risk for heartdisease and stroke, the firstand third leading causes ofdeath in the United States.

Click here to learn more.

Nutrition

High Blood Pressure andNutrition

Join our list

Quick Links

Comprehensive WellnessOverview and Supports

Eat Smart, Move More,Weigh Less

QuitlineNC

Privacy Policy

Health Plan Options

Pharmacy

NC HealthSmart

About Us

Contact Us

Customer Services: 1-888-234-2416

Prescription Questions:

1-800-336-5933

Health Coach for EligibleMembers:

1-800-817-7044

May 18, 2010

Know Your Numbers: Managing High Blood Pressure

May Save Your Life

Do you or a loved one have high blood

pressure? Because high blood pressure

usually has no warning signs or

symptoms, you may not realize you

have it. About 74.5 million people in

the United States have high blood

pressure, also called hypertension. High

blood pressure is a major risk factor for

heart disease, stroke, congestive heart

failure and kidney disease.

Everyone should know their blood

pressure. Blood pressure includes two numbers: the first

number (systolic) represents the pressure when the heart

beats and the second number (diastolic) represents the

pressure when the heart rests between beats. Both of

these numbers are important. Your systolic blood pressure

should be less than 120, and your diastolic blood press

should be less than 80.

Click here to continue reading.

Mind Over Marathon

Ellen Klingler, special events director at NC State

University, is like many State Health

Plan members. She is a busy working

mother who hasn't always found time

to exercise. Ellen entered a fitness

makeover contest and won a free, 12-

week personal training package that

included fitness assessments, one-on-

one training sessions and health and

fitness advice from certified trainers.

After completing the program and

becoming committed to exercise, she

joined a running group.

Click here to read more of her inspiring story.

Member Tip of the Month

Get Discounts through Blue ExtrasTM

Did you know that the State Health

Plan has a Blue ExtrasTM discount and

reward program through Blue Cross

and Blue Shield of North Carolina

(BCBSNC)? These discounts are for

cosmetic procedures, weight

management programs, laser eye

surgery, hearing aids, vision, and Blue

365 discounts. You can also print money-saving coupons

for health and wellness products.

Edward, a State Health Plan member, had questions about

the Blue 365 discounts. He spoke to Milton, a Plan

customer service representative, and learned there are

three categories of Blue 365 discounts: Healthcare

Resources, Healthy Choices and Recreation & Travel.

Click here to read more.

Spring Edition of e-PharmacyWise Now Available

The State Health Plan recently launched an electronic

edition of PharmacyWise, a newsletter

that will help meet your requests for

more information about your pharmacy

benefits. Complementing the December

print edition of PharmacyWise, this

electronic version will be published each

spring, summer and fall and will be

sent to all Member Focus subscribers.

PharmacyWise is designed to help you

better understand your pharmacy benefits, with a focus on

medication adherence, safety and ways to save money on

your prescription medications. PharmacyWise will also

include updates on your pharmacy benefits, including new

programs and reminders of ongoing pharmacy programs.

If you have colleagues or family members who do not

currently receive Member Focus, please encourage them to

sign up today at www.shpnc.org. Click here for the spring

issue of PharmacyWise.

Comprehensive Wellness Initiative: Testing Update

Based on the review of enrollment statistics, random

testing for tobacco use will not be conducted for the 2010-

2011 Plan Year.

Click here to read more.