Entrepreneurship issue - Community College of Baltimore County
Transcription
Entrepreneurship issue - Community College of Baltimore County
Success by Design Architect builds business from the ground up 1 SPRING 2005 • ENTREPRENEURSHIP ISSUE features the march family creates a perfect blend of compassion, professionalism and good business sense as they serve their community. 6 the seed of an idea grows into a flourishing business for new edge design. 18 COVER STORY al rubeling knows the importance of a firm foundation – in business as well as architecture. 12 departments 4 BENEFITS 16 COLLEGE NEWS Take advantage of discounts and services just for CCBC alumni. Stay current with college achievements and events. 5 21 THEN & NOW See a snapshot of where CCBC has been – and where we’re going. EXPRESSIONS CCBC alumni talent takes center stage. 8 22 CLASS NOTES ENTREPRENEUR Read about what your former classmates are up to now. Lisa Hetrick, this edition’s alumni entrepreneur, focuses on family and freelancing. 2 Greetings, CCBC Alumni! It may cover a relatively short distance, but it represents a considerable journey in the lives of so many. It’s a walk that embodies newfound knowledge and confidence. It’s a walk that flows from the desire to make a better life. It’s a walk that acknowledges there is no limit to what you can achieve – regardless of your unique talents, challenges or life experiences. I’m talking about that walk across the commencement stage. It’s a walk that I’m hopeful you can recall fondly – whether you made it last year or 40 years ago – whether it happened at Catonsville, Dundalk, Essex, or more recently at UMBC, where the CCBC’s inaugural Class of 2000 convened as graduates of our recently united, multi-campus college. Wherever and whenever your walk occurred, I’ve no doubt that it was a crucial passage in your life. I’m certain of this because I’ve been privileged enough to witness the remarkable transformations that take place each year at graduation. But these transformations don’t end here. They carry on with each of you as you pursue further academic achievements, continue to develop your potential, and positively impact the organizations where you work and the communities where you live. You have emerged as an incredible asset to yourself, your family, your work and, without a doubt, to the faculty and friends who encouraged you at The Community College of Baltimore County. We are proud of you, our alumni, and offer you this new magazine as a token of our gratitude and appreciation. You make CCBC shine! Emerge is our way of sharing your light so that we can celebrate the remarkable men and women you’ve become. 24 COMMUNITY NEWS CCBC moves beyond campus boundaries in meeting community needs. I look forward to meeting you within the pages of Emerge and at many of the events and activities the new CCBC Alumni Association is planning. I welcome your ideas for making more and better connections for you and other CCBC alumni with one another and with our current students, who can benefit so significantly from your wisdom and experience. Peace and health, 25 FINALE Irving Pressley McPhail, Ed.D. Chancellor The Community College of Baltimore County 1 Lewis Powell An image from the CCBC photo library closes this edition. CCBC Chancellor Dr. Irving Pressley McPhail Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement Bruce Berman Emerge is published twice annually for alumni by the Institutional Advancement Division of The Community College of Baltimore County. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Postmaster and others, please send change of address correspondence to CCBC Alumni Office, 800 S. Rolling Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21228. Senior Director for Public Relations Mary De Luca Editor Bonnie Y. Stecker The comments and opinions expressed within this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of The Community College of Baltimore County or its officers. Art Director/Designer Jodi Ceglia Contributors Hope Davis, Marsha Koger, Jacqueline Lucy, Mary Medland, Christopher Mihavetz, Elizabeth Schuman, Megan Reese Alumni Contributors Brendon Cavanaugh '03, Shayna Clevenger '99, Lisa M. Howard '04, Dawn M. Lang '02, Meg McKinley '83, Heath Plumb '01, Lewis Powell '05, Robert Ridgley '87, Brian Vinyard '00, Jessica Walton Contributions of articles, artwork and photographs are welcome. Emerge accepts no responsibility for unsolicited items. Address editorial correspondence to: Emerge, Room K217-B, CCBC, 7200 Sollers Point Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21222 or [email protected]. Please include writer/contributor’s name, address and daytime phone number. Submissions may be edited for clarity or space. CCBC Alumni Offices 1.877.alumnus (258.6687) Stephanie Melvin (Catonsville) [email protected] Janice Evans '88 (Dundalk) [email protected] The Community College of Baltimore County is an equal access/equal opportunity affirmative action institution. For more information, visit the CCBC Web site: www.ccbcmd.edu. Beverly Stoewer (Essex) [email protected] Emerge Spring 2005 • Volume 1, Number 1 CCBC Board of Trustees CCBC Alumni Association 2005 Board of Directors Lewis L. Kubiet President Rhonda Malkowski ‘88 President-elect Lori Christian ‘91 Secretary Danna A. Williams ‘87 Treasurer Laura Edwards ‘02 Karen Gunter ‘73 Janet Haley ‘70 Kesha King - SGA Catonsville rep Natalia Leimkyhler ‘76 Sabrina Mercer ‘04 Roy Moreland ‘63 Sandy Myers ‘79 Paula Sexton ‘95 Ashlyn White - SGA Dundalk rep Jonelle Williams - SGA Essex rep The Honorable Francis X. Kelly, Chairman Thomas M. Lingan, Esq., Vice Chairman Evelyn S. Brunner Aurelia T. Burt Regina E. Carson Dorothy E. Foos Linda C. Goldberg Elayne Hettleman Charles E. Kountz, Jr., Esq. Richard W. McJilton Cecile V. Myrick H. Edward Parker, Jr. 2 As president of the newly formed CCBC Alumni Association, I want to welcome you to the inaugural edition of Emerge, The Community College of Baltimore County’s new magazine for and about CCBC alumni. Whether you are a recent diploma recipient, a graduate of one of CCBC’s founding institutions (Catonsville, Dundalk or Essex Community College), or a current/transfer student, you’ll find much to read and enjoy within these pages. As alumni, you are an integral part of what CCBC is, and where the college is going. You are 50,000 members strong and growing. Even after you graduate, earn your certificate, transfer to a four-year college or university, or take your place in the workforce, you carry with you all that you learned and experienced at CCBC. You bring credibility to the valuable work CCBC does in Baltimore County. I hope you stay connected with CCBC by being an active member of the Alumni Association. Take advantage of the many benefits membership entails, including the opportunity to share your news and talents in future editions of Emerge. Each edition will center on a theme, with feature stories and related articles focusing on interesting and successful CCBC alumni. For example, this edition’s entrepreneurial theme is brought to life through articles like the cover story on Al Rubeling, an Essex alumnus and founder of the successful architectural firm that bears his name. You’ll also find an article designed to bolster the budding entrepreneurs among us. But that’s just one way to maintain your connection with CCBC. You can share your knowledge and experience with current students by being a mentor or tutor, or perhaps even an employer or internship sponsor. The opportunities you can make available to others are as numerous and valuable as those afforded to you as a CCBC student. Emerge is also full of news you can use every day. Be sure to read through the “Alumni Benefits” section to see the many ways your CCBC Alumni Association is here to serve you. “Class Notes” will keep you current with what your fellow alumni have been doing since their days at CCBC. While we are now a single CCBC Alumni Association, there are still offices on each of CCBC’s main campuses to serve you. Please take advantage of all we have to offer. Don’t hesitate to call or write with your questions, comments or suggestions. You may e-mail me directly at [email protected], or by mail at the address listed below. I look forward to hearing from you. But Emerge is more than just alumni news and entertaining features. In a tangible way, this publication symbolizes how the Catonsville, Dundalk and Essex alumni associations have joined to form a single, strong entity – one that will serve and benefit alumni as well as The Community College of Baltimore County. Best regards, Lewis L. Kubiet President CCBC Alumni Association 800 South Rolling Road Catonsville, Maryland 21228 Brendan Cavanaugh e Dear Fellow CCBC Alumni, 3 alumni benefits You received more than just a great education at CCBC. As an alumnus, you’re entitled to a wide range of benefits like those detailed below. We’re always working to add even more opportunities for you, so be sure to check this page in future editions of Emerge or www.ccbcmd.edu/alumni for alumni benefit news. CCBC defines alumni as those students who have graduated with an associate's degree, completed a certificate program, or completed 30 or more credit hours at any campus. CCBC Bookstores Become a Benefit Partner Six Flags Amusement Park CCBC Alumni can receive a 10% discount on CCBC imprinted items (excluding textbooks) with their alumni membership cards. Does your company provide insurance or financial services that would be of interest to more than 50,000 alumni throughout Maryland and across the nation? Contact the CCBC Alumni office at 1.877.alumnus (258.6687) to discuss how we can add your product or service to our growing list of benefit providers. Get your 2005 Six Flags tickets in April! Call the Alumni office at CCBC and get your special rate of $24.50. This is a tremendous savings over the gate admission price. We also have season passes for just $60.50 and if you hurry, we have Early Bird tickets for $22 (you must use them by June 19, 2005). Get a jump on all the fun before summer begins. Contact the Alumni office at 1.877.alumnus (258.6687). Counseling Services Individualized academic, personal and career counseling is available on each campus by appointment. For more information or to make an appointment, call: Catonsville 410-455-4382 Dundalk 410-285-9809 Essex 410-780-6368 Career Development/Job Placement Services Services include individual career counseling, planning, testing, job hunting skills, resume writing, and interviewing and placement services. For further information, call: Catonsville 410-455-4435 Dundalk 410-285-9927 Essex 410-780-6732 WorkingAdvantage.com Save on movies, sports, shopping and more with WorkingAdvantage.com. CCBC Alumni Association members get access to special discounts. Visit www.ccbcmd.edu/alumni or call the CCBC Alumni office at 1.877.alumnus (258.6687) for your special order code. University Alumni Travel You can take advantage of the perfect week long getaway at the location of your choice for only $349. At University Alumni Travel Benefits, choose your vacation spot at any of its worldwide resorts. Call the CCBC Alumni office at 1.877.alumnus (258.6687) for your special order code. CCBC Libraries Alumni members have borrowing privileges at all three campus libraries by presenting an alumni membership card. Health/Life Fitness, Physical Development/Education Centers Racquetball, tennis courts and gymnasiums are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis when not in use by CCBC classes or teams. For more details, call: Catonsville 410-455-4430, Dundalk 410-285-9743 or Essex 410-780-6765 Swimming pool privileges are available free of charge during “open swim” hours. For hours call: Catonsville 410-455-4470, Dundalk 410-285-9743 or Essex 410-780-6342 Circuit Center privileges are available for alumni at each of the campuses. Fees and hours may vary. For information call: Catonsville 410-455-4470, Dundalk 410-285-9717 or Essex 410-780-6342 You must present your alumni membership card to access these areas. Children’s Learning Centers Part-time and full-time programs are available for children two to five years of age. The centers are fully licensed by the Maryland Department of Health. For more information, call: Catonsville 410-455-4242 Dundalk 410-285-9890 Essex 410-780-6900 Find Out More For information regarding alumni benefits, services and events on the CCBC campuses or how to obtain or replace your alumni card call 1.877.alumnus (258.6687) or contact: Catonsville 800 S. Rolling Road A-104 [email protected] Dundalk 7200 Sollers Point Road K-217C [email protected] Essex 7201 Rossville Road J-121 [email protected] And remember to check out our Web site at www.ccbcmd.edu/alumni 4 t then then & now At one time, the IBM electric typewriter embodied cutting-edge office technology. Taking an “advanced keyboarding” class provided these students with marketable workplace skills. now CCBC still offers keyboarding classes – although now they are computer-based – as part of the college’s Office Administration curriculum in the School of Applied and Information Technology (SAIT). Other courses in that curriculum offer students training in everything from desktop publishing to medical records management. Do you have any vintage CCBC photos you’d like to share with Emerge readers? Contact us at [email protected] for information on how to submit a photo for consideration. 5 ALL by mary medland photography by rob ridgley FAMILY in the In 1957 William Carrington March opened a funeral home at 928 E. North Avenue in Baltimore City, hoping to earn enough money to give his children a college education. Had he been able to look a few decades into the future he would have seen a picture of a thriving business that employed his wife, Julia Roberta, all four of his children – three of whom received degrees from The Community College of Baltimore County’s Mortuary Science program – and a fourth who went to mortuary school in New York. He would be proud that a few of his grandchildren would also be found hard at work along with their parents. After a stint in the army during World War II, William March attended mortuary school in New York. Returning to Baltimore, his full-time job was with the U.S. Post Office. Indeed, he certainly needed a full-time job: the year he opened the March Funeral Home he and his wife were to oversee a mere two funerals. SIBLINGS FOLLOW IN FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS AS THEY BUILD A UNIQUE FAMILY BUSINESS “I really have to give CCBC credit … the Mortuary Science program at Catonsville is one of the top mortuary schools, and it really did a great job of preparing us for the national board exams and the exam of the Maryland State Board of Morticians,” she continues. “The program was very challenging and I would consider it one of the best in terms of knowledge, theory and laboratory experience. It requires dedication and total commitment to succeed in this curriculum.” Originally a certificate program, but now an associate of arts degree program, Mortuary Science at CCBC includes classes in accounting, funeral theory, business, anatomy and embalming, among others. If the aforementioned enterprises were not enough, the March family also owns additional companies under the umbrella group Marcorp, Ltd., including the Monetary Development Group (insurance division), Maryland Service and Leasing (livery service), and Family Florist Inc. Although Annette acknowledges that she and her siblings – in addition to Cynthia, there are Erich March and Victor C. March Sr. ’95 – grew up in the business, not all immediately signed on after completing college. Annette and Cynthia went to nursing school, Erich picked up a degree from Johns Hopkins in political science and Victor worked as a certified public accountant before furthering their education in mortuary science, and subsequently joining their parents in the family enterprise. It’s a family affair “Our parents had us involved in the business from an early age,” says Victor Sr., who today is the company CEO. “We didn’t get an allowance, but we were paid for vacuuming the carpets, cleaning the bathrooms and polishing the furniture. It was hard for us to separate our family from the business, and consequently I think that all of us have a deep appreciation A father’s footsteps The first child to complete the program at then Catonsville Community College was Cynthia March Malloy ’75, who went into business with her father and today runs its Richmond, Va. facility. “My father’s greatest desire was to be able to have enough financial security to send all of his children to college,” says daughter Annette March-Grier ’85, who adds that today the firm has 115 full- and 20 parttime staff. “Things grew slowly for the first five years, but then business doubled and tripled. “Today our two funeral homes are the largest in this state, we recently opened another home in Richmond, and we have the largest African-American owned and operated cemetery in the country," Annette says. march family members (from left) a. lola, victor sr., erich, julia roberta, cynthia, arthur and annette tend to every aspect of their funeral home business. 6 for this enterprise. However, our parents encouraged us to pursue our own career choices, which was a great gift.” Of course, other staff working with the funeral homes include those who married into the family, such as Victor Sr.’s wife, A. Lola – another CCBC mortuary science graduate (1986) – and Annette’s husband, Arthur, who runs Maryland Service & Leasing. Running a funeral home is, understandably, not a profession for everyone. “You are really helping people through one of the most difficult times of their lives. As a mortician, you have got to be a caring person,” says Annette, adding that her background in nursing and the skills learned there have increased her effectiveness in her present position. “Not everyone is comfortable dealing with death … you have to be able to deal with your own losses or potential losses and be compassionate to others who are hurting.” Not surprisingly, all of the children credit their parents with their ability to empathize with people in mourning. “I think my parents were the greatest teachers of people skills,” continues Annette. “I don’t think there were two more compassionate, spiritual people anywhere.” She adds “ that her father, who passed away in 2002, was known as the “funeral director with a heart,” someone who reached out to families with little or no money. His work was as much of a calling as it was a profession. “This is a wonderful profession if you are service-oriented,” says Victor Sr. “But this is not a 9-to-5 business day … death simply does not take a holiday. However, there really is great joy in being able to celebrate a life and help people heal.” Reaching out Caring for others in need for more than 20 years, March Funeral Homes have been among the few such homes in the nation to have a bereavement support program for individuals living in the community. There is a professional counselor, and the program is free of charge and open to anyone in need, regardless of whether a loved one has been buried by the Marches or not, says Annette. “She’s being way too modest,” continues Victor Sr. “Annette’s one of the grief counselors and has done years of studying.” to college. Sadly, Thelma died in a house fire during the 1940s, yet William and Julia Roberta’s children today continue the scholarship. And at the Marches’ King Memorial Park, founded in 1973 and dedicated by Martin Luther King Sr. in memory of his son, the family annually sponsors a celebration for more than 1,000 families with a concert and inspirational speakers. Finally, the National Funeral Directors Association have recognized the Marches for their community service and innovative funeral services. And the future? Already Victor Sr.’s son, Victor Jr., a software engineer, works with his aunts and uncles; his sister, Carmalita, handles marketing and graphic design. The company’s attorney is Cynthia’s son, Walter Nathan Malloy Jr. All things considered, it’s probably a very safe bet to expect that at least a few of William and Julia’s great grandchildren will continue the tradition of working in the family business for years to come. The family has also reached out monetarily to those in need. The Thelma March Scholarship Foundation was founded in 1982 in memory of William’s sister, who was the first person in the family to go My father’s greatest desire was to be able to have enough financial security to send all of his children to college. ” annette march-grier above: william carrington march instilled in his children the importance of compassion and service to the community. left: four members of the march family – annette, cynthia, a. lola and victor sr. – graduated from ccbc's mortuary science program. 7 class n o t e s THE 1960s Roy G. Moreland ’63 has been self-employed for 25 years at Rolynn Vending and was founding vice president of the Essex Alumni Association in 1967. He has been married to Lynn Busch for 41 years. They have two children, Roy and Heather, and two grandchildren, Michael and William. Roy is an active member of several community organizations. THE 1970s Dennis Seymour, Ph.D. ’70 is a full-time professor of Criminal Justice at CCBC and department chair for the Criminal Justice Studies program in the School of Justice. He is also an instructor for the Baltimore County Police, the Maryland Transportation Authority Police and the Maryland Army National Guard. David Warfel ’71 received a B.S. from the University of Maryland, and before his retirement worked as an education and training officer in logistics and resource management. David and his wife, Patricia, raised seven children, have 15 grandchildren (at last count), and are looking forward to the birth of their first great-grandchild. Mary Ann Jayman ’72 has a B.S.R.N. and a master’s equivalent and is now retired. John G. Kehring ’72 is retired. Veronica Curry ’73 is a child care licensing specialist for the Maryland State Child Care Administration in Baltimore County. Curry writes “Winters Lane,” a column in the Catonsville Times. She is also a part-time performer named Diva Geneva on The Kinderman, a local children’s television show, and is about to publish her first book, Meet Diva Geneva. Janet M. (McDonald) Miller ’73 attended the University of Baltimore. Janet is now a field auditor for the Comptroller of Maryland. Brad Ebersole ’74 is vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at Baton Rouge Community College in Louisiana, ending a 28-year career at CCBC. He most recently served as vice chancellor for Student Learning and Development at CCBC. William A. Sheavly ’74 is the owner of Walnut Street Investments, Inc. and Sheavly Investment Management, Inc. in Virginia Beach. William has written My Father’s War, a book about his father’s experiences in World War II with the famous Fighting 69th Infantry Division. He has also just completed his second book, The Stories of Our War, a collection of memories from soldiers in the 69th Infantry Division. H. Scott Swartzwelder, Ph.D. ’74 is a professor of Psychology in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences department at Duke University Medical Center. He is also a senior research scientist and consultant Scott has published several books on substance abuse and has appeared on national television and radio news programs, as well as in publications such as Rolling Stone and USA Today. He is married with three children. Daniel Toland ’74, a member of Dundalk’s first graduating class, went on to graduate from Towson State University. Dan worked as an adjunct faculty member at CCBC Dundalk from 1981-2001 where he taught accounting and tax-related subjects. Dan lives in Dundalk with his wife, Flo, has two sons, and has operated Toland and Company, Inc. since 1979. Donna Jacobson ’74 is the owner of Third Floor Promotions in Hunt Valley, Md., which has been in business for a little over a year. Her company provides promotional products to a variety of organizations. She is married with two children. 8 Joseph P. Griebel ’75 graduated with a B.A. from the University of Baltimore. Joe has been a Baltimore County firefighter for 19 years and is currently captain at the Dundalk fire station. He lives in Dundalk with his wife, Wanda, and their daughter Jessica. Cristine A. Fluke ’76 graduated from Morgan State College. Cris now works for the Maryland State Department of Child Protective Services, and she and her daughter Meaghan live close to the Mount Washington area. Michael W. Kirby ’76 attended University of Louisville and earned a Southern Police Institute Certificate. Mike is major, commander of Special Operations for the Maryland Transportation Authority Police. He has been married to Patricia for the past 27 years; together they have proudly raised two daughters who have graduated from college. Bonnie Lou Leisure ’77 used the accounting skills she gained at CCBC to establish her own business as an estate planner. She is a former president of the DCC Alumni Association and currently serves as the president of the DCC Foundation. Bonnie and her husband, Tom, live in Dundalk, as do their two daughters and grandchildren. Ronn Wade ’77 is director of the Maryland State department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s State Anatomy Board and the Anatomical Services division of the University of Maryland Medical School. He was recently profiled in The Baltimore Sun in an article titled “Life After Death.” He is married with four children. Vicki (Wayne) Chitwood ’78 is director of the Emergency Department and assistant chief nursing officer at Twin Cities Hospital in Niceville, Fla. She is responsible for day-to-day operations, budget, staffing and personnel as well as ER preparedness. Vicki has been director for nine years. class notes Amanda Smith ’78 earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and a master’s degree from University of Baltimore. Mandy, CCBC’s director of Auxiliary Services, has been employed by CCBC for 33 years and lives in Canton. William E. Welsh ’78 retired from the Baltimore County Police Department after 30 years and is currently employed as a community liaison/police specialist with the Maryland Police and Corrections Training Commissions. He is a member of the Maryland National Guard with 29 years of service. Bill and his wife, Teddie (a CCBC staff member), are the proud parents of two children, Brooke and Joshua. Myron D. Campbell ’79 has been employed for 31 years in Media Services at CCBC Essex. Myron has been married to Joan Alt for 28 years and they have three daughters. Crystal, 25, graduated from CCBC Essex in 2002. Twins Kathleen and Amanda, 20, currently attend CCBC Essex. A member of the Baltimore Road Runners Club, Myron has completed several marathons. Kit Ehrman ’79 has written two books, At Risk and Dead Man’s Touch. Both books take place in Maryland horse country and are centered on the character Steve Cline, a 21-year old barn manager. Kit is currently residing in Columbia, Ind. Contributing alumni photographers for this issue of Emerge: Brendan Cavanaugh ‘03 P3 Imaging • www.p3imaging.com 410-382-4478, [email protected] Rob Ridgley ‘87 Reckner Ridgley Productions cell 410-336-8611, fax 410-536-9472 Heath Plumb '01 www.heathplumb.com [email protected], 410-591-1456 cell Lewis Powell '05 443-286-2139 To volunteer your photography expertise for future editions of Emerge, contact Jodi Ceglia at 410-869-1227 or [email protected] THE 1980s David Fletcher ’82 became successful in the real estate field and is not only president and broker for Arrow Real Estate, but also owner of Fletcher Properties. David and his wife, Kathryn, live with their two daughters in the Parkville area. Debra Hickman ’83 is the president and CEO of Sisters Together and Reaching, Inc. (STAR), a Christian-based, nonprofit organization providing spiritual and emotional support, counseling and testing to HIV-infected and affected people and their families. Hickman is associate pastor at City Temple of Baltimore Baptist and a seminarian at Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. Penny C. (Dearth) Jester-Sorrick ’83 is the program assistant in the Apprenticeship and Construction Technology program at CCBC Dundalk. James Sweat ’84, ’87 retired from Bethlehem Steel and has been in real estate for 33 years. Jim was also a professional wedding photographer for many years and says he has lived in Gray Manor since the streets were dirt. He and his wife, Joyce, have three children and five grandchildren. Arlene Hartlove Barry ’85 attended Salisbury University and graduated from Towson University. After several years as a fifth grade teacher at St. Rita’s School, she is now a proud stay-at-home mom who lives with husband, Mike, and 29-month-old daughter Olivia (“Liv”) in Dundalk. Debra (Rogers) Bright ’85 is currently a grants coordinator with the Grants department at CCBC. Her responsibilities include drafting grant proposals and working with faculty on grants initiatives and private funding. Arlene Barco Ghio ’85 moved to California and earned her degree in journalism from California State University, Long Beach. Arlene worked as the Community Relations officer for the City of Torrence, Calif. until her retirement in 2003. Arlene and her husband, Bill, live in Chestertown, Md. 9 Devon A. Blackwood ’86 graduated from University of Baltimore with a B.A. in Psychology and is finishing up his master’s degree. He works in the department of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital and is president and CEO of B.W. Affiliates, LLC, a mental health and substance abuse counseling office. In 2003, he wrote Beyond The Lingo: Working Through Recovery Concepts (A Guide for Addicted Persons and Their Families). Mary Emerick Harvey ’86 received an associate's degree in Information Technology from CCBC after first receiving her B.S. from UB in 1980. Mary has been involved in Baltimore County government for almost 20 years and now serves as the director of the Baltimore County Office of Community Conservation. She and her husband live in Perry Hall. Gregory Livingston ’86 received a certificate in Business Management from CCBC while employed by Bethlehem Steel. Gregory had a lengthy career with Bethlehem Steel as senior Human Resources representative, and now is employed by the Housing Authority of Baltimore City. Gregory and his wife, Mary (a CCBC employee), live in Randallstown and have two children and two grandchildren. Debra (Brockschmidt) Penczek ’86 furthered her education at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and the National School of Banking in Connecticut. Deb is vice president of Operations and controller for NBRS Financial in Rising Sun, Md. She and her husband live in Perry Hall and are parents of four children/step children. Mary Rydzewski Wortman ’86 graduated from University of Maryland in 1988 and in 1994 from Towson University with a Master of Education degree. Mary has worked as a first grade teacher at Our Lady of Hope/ St. Luke School since 1988. She and her husband, John, live in Dundalk with their two children. Kenneth L. Andrews ’87 has been an active member of the Air National Guard for 19 years and recently served a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Ken is a bachelor who lives in Bowleys Quarters, Md. class notes Keith Strait ’87 is employed by Lesco, Inc. as a service center manager and is the owner of the Perring and Merritt Bingo establishments. Keith and his wife, Teresa, live in Edgemere and enjoy traveling with their three children. Debra Blimline ’88 has been with Baltimore County Public Schools for many years and now works as an Administrative Secretary with BCPS. Deb was voted Office Professional of the Year in 2001 by the Baltimore County Administrative Educational Office Professionals. She lives in Dundalk and has two daughters and three granddaughters. Jerry Foehrkolb ’88 has been a technical support specialist at CCBC Dundalk for 17 years. Jerry and his wife, Shirley, have four children and live in Harford County. Danna (Archie) Williams ’88 was a teacher in the Baltimore County school system for ten years and is currently working with the Baltimore County Board of Elections. She is treasurer for the newly formed CCBC Alumni Association. Rhonda Williams Malkowski, ’88, went on to Salisbury State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications. She has worked in the automotive financing field for 11 years and is now employed by Chrysler Financial. Rhonda and husband Edward Malkowski ‘91 live in Dundalk. Share it with us ... Are you getting married? Starting a family? Got a new job or promotion? Looking for an old classmate? Let us know what’s going on in your life and, if possible, throw in a photo! (digital or 5x7 headshot) Here's how: • Send an e-mail to [email protected] • Go to www.ccbcmd.edu/alumni and complete the online form. • Send a note to Emerge, CCBC, Room K-217B, 7200 Sollers Point Road, Baltimore, Md. 21222. Be sure to include your graduation/attendance year(s), campus and daytime phone number. THE 1990s Lori Christian, ’91, a secretarial science major at Catonsville, now works as receptionist at Cardinal Gibbons High School. She enjoys singing and is often called upon to sing the National Anthem. Lori, whose daughter and son have also taken classes at CCBC, lives in Reisterstown. Thomas G. Burke Jr. ’92 is an investigative producer with KMGH in Denver, Co. Thomas won an Emmy for writing in 2001 for 2000 Images, a video essay showcasing images from the year 2000. He won another Emmy for writing in 2003 for Scorched Earth, a feature about a couple who had lost their home to a forest fire. Paul W. Huffman Jr. ’92 works for the U.S. Department of Defense and has worked part time for 19 years for the Maryland Air National Guard. Paul and his wife, Jamie, were recently married in April and are relocating with their two children, Kayla and Julie, overseas for the next two years. Edward Spraggins ’93 graduated magna cum laude in linguistics and with honors in French from UMBC. He received his master’s degree in 1998 from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. He is now employed by Woosong University in Daejeon South Korea as an English conversation teacher. Aprile Crawford ’95 is currently the director of CareersUSA, a staffing agency that hires temporary and temp-to-hire workers. Her responsibilities include traveling to develop new business clients and working with temp-to-permanent employees. George P. Mulvenna ’95 enjoys music, learning and various exercise activities and says his main accomplishment is being in touch with himself and his purpose in life. 10 Luci M. Smith ’96 received her B.A. from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. Luci teaches ninth grade social studies and 11th grade U.S. History at Eastern Technical High School. Luci is an outdoors person and animal lover and has one dog and three pot-bellied pigs. Sharon Baker ’97 works for Medicare and Medicaid and continues to take classes to assist with her job. Sharon and her friend co-own and work together at Too Cute Crafts. Sharon and Frank, her husband of 11 years, have four children and live in Dundalk. Patricia L. (Goodman) Kirby ’97 attended the University of Baltimore and Strayer University. Pat is the Honors Program secretary at CCBC Essex. She has been married to Michael for 27 years Together they have proudly raised two daughters who have graduated from college. Michael Connolly ’98 recently graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Juris Prudence from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Michael lives in Dundalk with his wife, Laurie, and their four children. He works for Barry R. Glazer as a law clerk. Yvonne J. Cunha ’98 is now living in Deltona, Fla., and continues to take classes at the local college. Joel A. Labute ’98 traveled from Canada to attend CCBC. Joel graduated from Towson University and now works in the financial services department of American Express. Joel and his wife, Jen, live in the White Marsh area of Baltimore County. Nicholas Aubr ’99 sends his regards from Geneva, Switzerland. Nicholas writes that he misses Essex, and attending was one of the best experiences of his life. Heather Marcus ’99 is single and has been living in Scottsdale, Ariz., for about a year. Heather is working as a leasing consultant and is also a special events photographer. class notes Consuella Rene’ Livingston Craig graduated magna cum laude from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland with a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Elementary Education. Consie now teaches at Deer Park Middle Magnet School. She and her husband, Keith, are the proud parents of Keith and Kenya. 2000-present Candace N. Kirby ’02 graduated from Villa Julie College with a B.A. in Business Communications in December 2004. She has been accepted to Towson University to pursue a master’s degree in Accounting. Michael L. Wolod ’02 is currently attending the University of Baltimore Corporate Communications Program, and is an intern at BGE. His goal is to start his own business. Mary E. Bowen ’03 is a digital imaging and Web design specialist at Cappy Jackson Photos, Inc. Mary enjoys the sunny outdoors, especially at the ocean beach house spending time with her family. Shannon L. Kirby ’00 graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a B.A. in Spanish (English minor) in 2003. She has moved to Pennsylvania and is teaching sixth grade English as a Second Language at Lebanon Middle School. Shannon plans to return to school to earn a teaching certificate, and ultimately to teach English abroad. Hilde F. Carter ’03 is the initiator of “Jason’s Law,” a legal measure passed in 2004 by the state of Maryland, permitting police officers to obtain a blood sample if a driver is suspected of being under the influence of drugs. The law takes its name from Hilde’s son, who was hit and killed by a drug-intoxicated driver. Hilde worked diligently to get the law passed, appearing several times before legislators in Annapolis. Paulette Lato ’03 is employed by Defense Contract Management Agency as a warranted contracting officer. Paulette lives in the Edgemere/Sparrows Point area. Paris L. Pittman ’03 currently attends Towson University and is graduating in May 2005 with her B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management. She works in the Foundation office at CCBC Essex and plans to obtain her master’s degree in Human Resource Development. Teresa R. (Nelson) Gordon ’01 married John Gordon in March 2004. Teresa is the assistant coordinator of the Center for Service Learning at CCBC Essex. Star K. Johnson ’01 attended Union Memorial for a Registered Nursing diploma. She participated in a marathon in 1995, finishing in 4:21:10. Captain Jeffrey Scott Woolford ’01 was accepted to the University of Maryland Medical School. He was also featured in local newspapers during Operation Southern Watch and during the war in Iraq. Christina Bregenzer ’02 works for MIE Properties, Inc. managing the overall operations of the office. Tina will be attending school for her master’s degree or J.D. in fall of 2005. Tina bought her first house in Owings Mills, Md. and is engaged to be married in July. Crystal M. Campbell ’02 graduated with honors in 2003 from York College in Pennsylvania. She is currently employed at Sheppard Pratt Hospital in Ellicott City as a recreational therapist. Keeping in touch has its rewards ... an entire semester’s worth! By updating your CCBC Alumni Association contact information, you’ll automatically be entered in a drawing to win a full semester’s tuition at CCBC. You can also enter by requesting information on any of our alumni benefits (see page 4 of this edition of Emerge). Here’s how ... • Log on to www.ccbcmd.edu/alumni and submit an updated “Alumni Information Form.” • Call 1-877-alumnus (1-877-258-6687) and speak to an Alumni Association representative. One name will be selected at random on June 15, 2005 to win a full semester’s tuition at CCBC (approximate value: $1350). The winner may opt to take an equivalent value in Continuing Education (non-credit) classes. The prize may be used solely by the winner, or shared with the winner’s spouse and/or child(ren). There is no expiration date by which the prize must be used. The winner will be notified via e-mail by June 20, 2005. You are eligible to enter if you are (1) a CCBC graduate with an associate’s degree, (2) a CCBC certificate program (30+ credits) graduate, or (3) an individual with 30 or more CCBC college credits who was not actively enrolled at CCBC in the Fall 2004 or Spring 2005 semesters. Limit of one entry per person. For full contest rules visit www.ccbcmd.edu/alumni. Call or go online now to update your Alumni Association record. We’d love to see you back at CCBC! 11 Batting 1000: Ballplayer Turned Architect Builds Successful Business by elizabeth schuman photography by rob ridgley The first time he applied to architecture school, he struck out. So, he bettered his game – attending his local community college, taking courses in engineering, mathematics and the sciences. And he went up to bat. Again he struck out. But this time, in his corner he had the backing of a community college guidance counselor, who saw in him promise. She went to bat for him – convincing a formidable dean that this student was, indeed, a winner. And for Albert “Al” Rubeling Jr., FAIA, that second chance turned into the home run of a lifetime. Today, a respected and honored Towsonbased architect with a portfolio encompassing banking, education, health care, religious and retail spaces, Al has never lost sight of where he came from. A 1972 graduate of Parkville High School, Al grew up watching his father, major league baseball player Al Rubeling, play in ballparks around the country. Almost 27 when he broke into the majors with the Philadelphia A’s, the elder Rubeling – who also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates – sparked a love of the game in his son. So it was no surprise when the younger Rubeling decided that he, too, wanted to play baseball. Except his parents had other ideas. “My father always regretted that he didn’t have a college education,” he recalls. “And my mother was dead set against baseball. She wanted me to do something else.” Fascinated with the art of building since childhood, Al fondly recalls visiting construction sites with his two older sisters. “I loved it and was always building something,” he says. Thinking he could combine collegiate baseball with architecture or engineering, Al set his sights on the University of Virginia, where he was promptly rejected. Not sure what to do next, Al opted to attend what was then Essex Community College. “It was a perfect fit for me. I had all the classes and attention I needed. It was a good transition.” It was, he says, the single most important decision he could have ever made. A solid beginning At Essex, he completed introductory courses and began figuring out his next step. “I learned after taking an engineering course that that profession wasn’t for me,” he quips. He also met Ileane Smith (formerly Oblonsky), a young guidance counselor who saw in him great potential. With her help, Al again applied to architecture school – this time at the University of Maryland. His dad went with him on the interview, and the two Rubelings spent time with the baseball coach, envisioning collegiate baseball as well. Despite Smith’s help, he didn’t make the cut. Grateful for her support and counsel, he sent Ileane, now an associate professor in Counseling at CCBC Essex, a dozen roses and a gift certificate to Hutzler’s department store. “That spurred me on. Students never did that,” recalls Ileane, who has been a CCBC mainstay for 34 years. “I knew he could prove himself and convinced the University of Maryland’s Dean Fogel that Al was worth another look.” That second look got Al on the wait list. Finally, one month before classes started, he was in. “I was so naïve. The year I applied, there were 350 applicants for 35 spots,” says Al, still grateful for Ileane’s effort. “She was just a tenacious woman who took ownership of me and wanted me to succeed,” he explains. At first, he thought he could continue playing ball while in school, but that thought quickly vanished when classes began. Adding that he had no idea the perfect storm was about to hit, he was soon slammed with a huge workload. “In architecture school, you get very little sleep,” he says. It’s a grueling major. Of the 124 students in the program’s second year, only 24 graduated, among them Al Rubeling. That endurance contest well prepared him for the workplace, where he soon began flexing his entrepreneurial muscle. Building on summer internships with the federal government, civil engineering and private architectural firms, Rubeling landed a coveted job with Nes Campbell & Partners. Making his mark “I was young and aggressive and when they gave me an inch, I took five miles,” says Rubeling, who has a storyteller’s gift. Quickly, he began heading projects, seizing every opportunity to learn more. Like medicine, architecture has a strenuous training program, requiring three years of work in an architectural firm, followed by passing a five-day examination, before becoming accredited as an architect. Soon after Rubeling passed his exam, his mentor died. At 26 years old, Rubeling decided that this was an unexpected (continued on page 14) 12 instead of following in his major league father's cleated footsteps, al rubeling jr. took a swing at a career in architecture. 13 (continued from page 12) opportunity to make a change. “I wanted to work for myself. My original goal was to have a gross revenue equal to my salary, at the time $16,000 a year.” He grossed $32,000. Looking back on those early years in business, Al grows nostalgic. “It was a romantic time that taught me a lot. It was about survival. I was responsible for everything, from doing the books to writing letters, doing specs, drawings and meeting with clients. I learned to value time management.” Taking care of business It was during those growing years that he set the tone for Rubeling & Associates: listening to the client, translating their wants into reality, coordinating and creating the right solution. Those early lessons found their way into his first book, How to Start and Operate Your Own Design Firm (McGraw/Hill, 1993). “I wanted to share the idea that starting a business involves the intellect and the emotion. The book deals with the fear, risk, success and guilt involved.” In building a business, he explains, guilt and fear are similar. “Fear keeps you running. Guilt helps you get up in the morning because you have to run a business, especially if you are responsible for employees.” Tall, with an athlete’s grace, it’s easy to see how Al was able to charge ahead. Admitting that he’s not the money guy, he sees a different role for himself. “I am the fearless leader and want to inspire others. I’m a starter, not a finisher,” he explains. For finishing the job, dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s, he turns to long-time partners John DiMenna, AIA, and David Recchia, AIA, who have been with him for 22 and 21 years, respectively. rubeling & associates' work brings light and energy to institutions such as (from top) ccbc essex child care center, st.ignatius church, south shore elementary school and notre dame preparatory school. annual billings. While his firm’s architecture dots the region, much of its work focuses on education and religious institutions, creating environments that enhance lives with places for prayer, reflection and learning, he says. “Architecture is a process. Architects help facilitate and problem solve. We help people recognize what it is they need. It’s our clients who allow us to do the work for them,” he says. He’s committed to professional development. In 1988, he served as president of the Baltimore Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and was president of the Maryland Society the next year. He was appointed to two terms on the Maryland State Board of Architects and the Baltimore County Architectural Review Board. He is also a member of the Leadership Baltimore County and the Baltimore Foundation of Architecture. From the student who couldn’t get into architecture school, he has risen to the top of his profession. In 1993, the American Institute of Architects recognized him with one of its highest honors by inducting him into the College of Fellows, awarded to only two percent of licensed architects. Al was the youngest, at 37, to receive the honor. A nationally noted speaker, he now serves on the national Board of Directors for the AIA. Family and community While building his career, this entrepreneur also raised a family. His sons – Kyle, 20, Korey, 19, and Kolby, 18 – prefer lacrosse to baseball and attended Boys’ Latin in Baltimore, Md. Kyle is now a student at Rutgers University, Korey is at Elon University and Kolby is at boarding school near Park City, Utah. Kolby plans to carry on the family tradition and attend CCBC Essex in the fall. Running a business isn’t solely about what you can do, it’s also about who you have on the team, believes Al. “These guys have unbelievable loyalty and belief in the company’s vision. They are analytical and doers.” “I’ve chosen Essex,” writes Kolby in a letter to his father, “because I think they can help me get back into the real world with ease.” The words move Al, and with a catch in his throat, he adds, “It’s pretty special that Kolby is going to Essex." Now, 26 years after hanging out his shingle as a young man, he’s built his business to include 28 employees and $5 million in A teacher at heart, Al harbors dreams of standing in a classroom, teaching others 14 (continued on page 15) (continued from page 14) what he has learned. “I want to give back because I like helping others succeed,” he says. “I want to be an agent of change, creating a quality of life for others.” That mind-set drives his philosophy of giving time, talent and treasure to family, church and education. Noting that he wouldn’t be where he is today without CCBC, Al served as president of the Essex Community College Foundation from 1988 to 1990. He has also supported the University of Maryland School of Architecture, serving as a member of the Visiting Committee for the School, and was the recipient of the School of Architecture’s Distinguished Alumnus citation in 1990. At his sons’ school, Boys' Latin, Al was named to a five-year term as trustee. He is also vice president of the Board of Governors for the Hillendale Country Club and chairs the Board’s long-range planning committee. sleek high-rise, as befitting a more sophisticated and mature image. Of her former student, CCBC’s Ileane Smith could not be prouder. “I’ve followed his career with enjoyment,” she says. “I’m not surprised he’s done so well. He always had a passion for his work. And if you met him, you would want to do anything you could to help his dream happen.” Dismissing the suggestion that her determination helped Al get his start, Ileane says, “He would have done it anyway, no matter what.” Now, a quarter-century later, thinking back to his earlier dream of becoming a baseball player like his father, Al is sure that he has made the right choice in becoming an architect. That said, the game is never far from his mind. Within the community, Al is known for his work as chair of the Architecture Committee for the Richard and Annette Bloch Survivors Park in Towson, Md., where he coordinated the design competition. His Towson office contains a gallery of his father’s sports equipment, news clippings and memorabilia. He’s fond of using sports analogies, explaining that everyone understands basic baseball lingo. Noting the differences in the generations, he says that his father, “a Depression-era guy who didn’t share his feelings,” never did tell his son that he loved him or was proud of his successes. On the horizon As his firm enters adulthood, he looks to the future. First on the agenda is an anticipated move from the modern Towson office he designed to a Only at his father’s 1988 funeral did Al learn that his father boasted to others of his son’s success. “I think, wherever he is now, my dad is pretty proud of what I’ve done.” CCBC CCBC benefits from alumnus' talent Like dozens of other institutions and businesses from New York to Florida, CCBC has benefited from the creativity, professionalism and attention to detail that are the trademarks of Rubeling & Associates. Specializing in architecture and interior design for education and religious organizations – as well as commercial, health care, historic, elder care and government entities – the firm has proved to be a perfect fit for a number of CCBC campus construction efforts. The Child Care Center at CCBC Essex, completed in 1988, is one of Rubeling & Associates’ most visible campus projects. The firm also designed and managed renovations for the Library, Physical Education building and president’s suite at CCBC Essex. Their latest campus project involves systemic renovations to the Science Building on the Essex campus. Rubeling & Associates recently won a competitive professional selection process to repair and upgrade the “guts” of the building, according to Gerry Kramer, CCBC senior director of facilities management. “The project may include some minor cosmetic work,” explains Kramer, “but is primarily focused on life safety and general mechanical work.” Everything from fire alarms and sprinklers to electrical system and elevator upgrades will be included in the renovation project. Except for roof repair, the building has had no major renovations since its construction 30 years ago. The current project contract calls for an 11-month design phase, followed by a 16-month construction phase. The $5 million project is slated for completion in the summer of 2007. al rubeling (center) and partners john dimenna (left) and david recchia take pride in meeting clients' philosophical – as well as logistical and budgetary needs. 15 college news CCBC brings unique Red Hat training to area IT professionals Included for several years on the Baltimore Business Journal’s list of largest computer training providers in the Baltimore area, The Community College of Baltimore County is once again leading the way in offering information technology professionals training and certification in the industry’s newest and most trusted open source technology – Red Hat. Despite its evocative name, Red Hat has nothing to do with ladies’ fashion. It’s the company that distributes Linux, an opensource version of the UNIX computer operating system. Now, thanks to the CCBC School of Applied and Information Technology, CCBC offers the Red Hat Academy to IT professionals. It’s the only such certification and training program of its kind in Maryland. College faculty collaborate with K-16 teachers on best practices Zombie Prom is showcased at regional theater festival More than 75 college educators from throughout Maryland gathered at CCBC Catonsville in November 2004 to discuss best practices for teaching writing through literature. Dubbed College Composition Conversations II, this annual event is part of the K-16 English Alignment Project, designed to encourage the most effective strategies for teaching writing from a reading-based approach. Zombie Prom, a musical spoof directed by CCBC Essex Theatre Professor Carl Freundel, was selected to represent Region II at the 37th Annual Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in January 2005 at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa. Region II includes productions from graduate and undergraduate programs at colleges and universities in Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. According to Carol Joseph, Ph.D., professor of English at CCBC and host/coordinator for this year’s event, “College Compositions Conversations is the only forum, of the many state and national conferences available that I know of, where high school teachers and college and university professors can sit down in small groups and talk about our best practices for teaching writing and our common concerns. We all benefit from such a collegial sharing of ideas,” Joseph says. “It is also an example of Maryland’s teachers demonstrating their commitment to providing the best instruction possible to all K-16 students.” UNIX has been the operating system of choice for research institutions and software developers for many years and was the operating system upon which the Internet was built. Linux was developed by thousands of individuals – collaborating via the Internet and guided by Linus Torvalds (from whose name “Linux” is derived). What began as a better way to build software – openness, transparency and collaboration – soon shifted the balance of power in an entire industry, providing the operating system as well as support, training and certification. Today Red Hat is the world’s most trusted provider of Linux and open source technology. The Red Hat Certifications RHCT (Red Hat Certified Technician) and RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer) are listed among the top 10 certifications in the realm of Information Technology. RHCE is number one on that list. Now these certifications are available in your own back yard at CCBC. in the ccbc essex production of the rock-n-roll musical spoof zombie prom, toffee and jonny stay true to their love despite the fact that jonny is one of the walking dead. 16 The regional festivals showcase the finest of each region’s entered productions as well as offer workshops, symposia and regional-level awards. CCBC students Alex Cecchetti, Tamra Krohe and Lauren Pierce competed in the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Competition at the regional festival. A National Selection Team, chosen by the Kennedy Center, reviews all regional festival productions. This panel selects four to six of the best and most diverse regional festival productions to be showcased in the spring at the annual national festival at the Kennedy Center. Last year, more than 1,300 productions were entered in the KCACTF involving more than 200,000 students nationwide. This year, 70 participating productions were entered and CCBC was chosen as a regional winner along with Towson University, Clarion University, Bloomsburg University, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Wilkes University, Slippery Rock University, Ursinus College and West Chester University. “Selection as a regional winner is one of the highest recognitions that an academic theatre program can receive,” notes F. Scott Black, chairman of the department of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at CCBC. “And I am proud to say that this is the third time that CCBC Essex has received this important regional recognition.” School of Justice embraces public and private scholarships Respiratory Care training benefits medical office staff The CCBC School of Justice thrives on working partnerships. It has strong relationships with the Baltimore County Police Academy – located at CCBC Dundalk – as well as with the Maryland Transportation Authority Police. The School also has articulation agreements with the Baltimore County Public Schools to admit students into its programs, and with the University of Maryland University College (UMUC), Villa Julie and the University of Baltimore for its students to continue their studies to the bachelor’s level and beyond. Robert O’Connor, branch manager of Home Mediservice, turned to The Community College of Baltimore County School of Health Professions to see if a short course in Respiratory Care Therapy could make his non-therapist staffers (office staff, sales and marketing, and customer relations personnel) even more effective in their jobs. Possibly the most intriguing partnership has brought the East Coast Regional Center for Krav Maga Training to the CCBC Dundalk campus. This center, which has exclusive training rights for the five surrounding states as well as Maryland, specializes in teaching modern defensive tactics to law enforcement professionals. Krav Maga (Hebrew for “contact combat”) depends on a small number of instinctive moves rather than years of rigorous training. The Baltimore County Police Department adopted the system in 2003. Until the School of Justice brought Krav Maga to the campus, training in this system was only offered in California. Its move to CCBC provides a more cost-effective and convenient option for law enforcement and security professionals in the eastern United States. Londale Theus, formerly the director of the Force Training Division of Krav Maga Worldwide Enterprises, serves the primary instructor for the center, which offers its programs through CCBC’s Continuing Education and Economic Development division. Barbara Schenk, B.A., RRT, program director and Virginia Forster, M.A., RRT, clinical coordinator in the Respiratory Care Therapy program at the CCBC School of Health Professions, developed an innovative and comprehensive continuing education syllabus tailored to the company’s needs. During Summer 2004, eight Home Mediservice employees were the first to take the Practices and Principles of Respiratory Therapy course. The 16-hour lecture and 10-hour laboratory course covered topics such as anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, oxygen therapy, humidity and aerosol therapy, pharmacology, arterial blood gases, disorders of the respiratory system and mechanical ventilation. “The objective of the course was to expand the respiratory therapy knowledge base of the participants and, ultimately, to improve patient care,” notes Schenk. For Robert O’Connor and Home Mediservice, the results have more than confirmed his theory. “There has been a dramatic improvement in the way our staff interacts with patients since they have taken the program,” he says. college news CCBC at a glance The Community College of Baltimore County offers more than 100 different associate’s degrees and certificate programs, serving a variety of students – from the traditional post high school student, to the professional in the workforce, to the person who wants to launch a career, as well as people who enroll in lifelong/enrichment programs. From the outset, students benefit financially from attending CCBC. The average annual cost for a full-time student from Baltimore County attending CCBC is $2,600. Full-time students at public four-year colleges typically pay $6,000 annually, a difference of $3,400. After graduation, CCBC alumni continue to enjoy an annual return on their investment. CCBC graduates make 36.5 percent more money than graduates with a high school diploma or GED. They also earn annually an additional $4,746 for every full-time year they attend the college. CCBC is the preferred workforce training partner for Maryland businesses, serving more than 100 companies including H&S Bakery, General Motors Powertrain and Susquehanna Bank. CCBC’s workforce training gives students an edge in the workplace, providing them with the necessary skills to advance their careers and increase their salaries. In fiscal year 2004, CCBC enrolled more than 32,000 people in its workforce development courses. an innovative program offered by the ccbc school of health professions proved that a short course in respiratory care therapy helped home mediservice’s non-therapist staffers improve customer service and patient care. 17 ow New Edge Design is ready to gr When Johanna Hoehner and Michelle Cheek signed up for horticulture courses at The Community College of Baltimore County’s Dundalk campus, little did they know that a business partnership was about to blossom – and a prize-winning one at that. Since opening the doors of New Edge Design in 2001, the women have won two first prizes – along with “Best in Show” – at the Maryland Home and Garden Show. As if that was not enough, in 2003 and 2004 (their first two years in competition), Johanna and Michelle twice walked away with Chesapeake Home magazine’s award for its favorite garden. Humble beginnings Despite their company’s accomplishments, for better or worse the venture was originally greeted with skepticism. “At the beginning people viewed us as two housewives who were looking for a hobby,” says Johanna, who formerly worked as a nurse specializing in pediatric oncology. “The first year we had a hard time getting people to understand that this was a bona fide business. But even from the beginning, we were getting very good projects from a network of acquaintances.” Today the Parkville-based business owns a forklift, a couple of big trucks and employs six very loyal workers from Vera Cruz, Mexico, who come here on a 10-month visa program. They take on landscaping jobs that can be as short as a single day or as long as an entire month, and own a greenhouse that enables them each spring to buy up large quantities of plants and trees, subsequently used for New Edge projects. Both women are anticipating expanding their staff this year by adding a second crew of workers and an office manager. “When we were closed in January and February, we used that time to regroup and make plans for the future,” says Johanna. While at CCBC Dundalk, Johanna was hired by professor Karen Gahs to work in her landscaping business. After meeting with John Sanders, then director of the Horticulture program, Johanna traded in her Volvo for a pick-up truck and the business officially was launched. Although both women originally took horticulture courses for enjoyment, it was the inspiration of people such as John Sanders who made them believe they could become professional landscapers. “I never thought I’d end up where I am now,” says Johanna. “But the program was really geared toward students getting into this business. John was very encouraging and inspiring and we definitely learned a lot when he talked about his own experience as a professional landscaper.” Johanna and Michelle also give high marks to their fellow students – those who were in the program for professional purposes and those who were there simply for personal enrichment. “There was great camaraderie on the part of the other students, and even when we run into them now, everyone is very supportive,” says Johanna, adding that as members of the Maryland Horticultural Society she and Michelle often encounter fellow classmates. Learning by doing Although both women took courses that included landscape design, along with turf, greenhouse and business management, there was still plenty of learning on the job. For instance, Johanna notes that their first professional project was to build a pond. 18 by mary medland photography by heath plumb “We didn’t tell the client that we’d never done a pond before,” she says, adding that the two subcontract out patios and walls. “So there was a lot of running back and forth to our truck to read a book about how to build a pond.” There were also other challenges. “I was surprised to find out how much physical work is involved and how one has to be very good at multi-tasking,” says Michelle. “You’re trying to run a business, be creative, run a crew, meet all your client’s needs, get designs completed, get the bids out and meet with sales people … we’re working all hours every day of the week. “In the spring, when the snow melts, everyone wants your services right then and there. Even before we close our doors at the end of December for a couple of months, we’ve got clients lined up for the coming spring.” Job satisfaction Both women express a love for the outdoors – a trait central to their profession. “Having had a career where I was indoors all the time, I know that this really is better for me,” says Johanna. “I love seeing a landscape evolve from bad to beautiful, and I enjoy hearing a homeowner say, ‘I can’t wait to come home because the yard is so gorgeous,’ or remembering the time a woman burst into tears because a pond we created reminded of her childhood and how happy she had been.” Similarly, Michelle, who worked for a number of years for Connecticut-based Kinetic Instruments selling dental equipment, (continued on page 20) business partners and friends johanna hoehner (left) and michelle cheek parlayed creativity and a love of the outdoors into a successful landscaping business. 19 photo taken at the baltimore conservatory and botanic gardens prefers being in the open air. She grew up in western Pennsylvania with a father who loved the outdoors and a grandmother who owned a summer stock theatre there. As a result, Michelle was always exposed to creativity and to nature. If she has any regrets it is not having pursued landscape architecture while in college. [ “When I’m driving around and I see landscapes, I’m always thinking of what could be done better. I’m at my best when I’m outside creating gardens, yet when I’m back in the office I feel like I lose some of that creativity,” Michelle says. “I really need to get outside and touch plants and foliage to be inspired and creative.” “I think we bring a different twist to the landscape business because we are women and we have a different eye for detail and color than men,” says Michelle. “I can pull more out of my clients in order to figure out what they want and we’re more willing to be flexible … I often hear people say, ‘You can tell that a woman designed this garden.’ In spite of those who were leery of women making their way in what is typically a male-dominated profession, Johanna and Michelle (the primary designer) believe part of their success may very well be because they are female. “We both have a very good eye for detail, and Johanna, who grew up in Europe, has a very different eye for color and design, which works to our advantage.” While men typically are known for more formal gardens, the women incorporate a number of different resources – such as special lighting, cushions, furniture and items by local artists and sculptors – into their designs. e Rewarding efforts For the most part Johanna and Michelle find that their customers are referred to them by satisfied clients. Of course, the number of awards they’ve won hasn’t hurt. As a result of winning “Best in Show” at the 2004 Maryland Home and Garden Show, the pair earned the privilege of creating the garden at the entrance to the 2005 show at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. Oh, and there’s one other award that New Edge Design is especially proud of: Johanna and Michelle won the Pinnacle Award, which sees their fellow landscapers – men for the most part – voting for what they believe is the best garden. “The CCBC program was a terrific program, and all in all, everything has been working out to be just great,” says Michelle. it's not a simple task – building an award-winning garden atop a barren concrete slab. new edge design took great care to make this garden appear natural, as this sequence of photos from the 2004 maryland home and garden show illustrates. 20 [ (continued from page 18) express expressions Low Tide The creek continues to swell with each raindrop that ripples in never ending circles. From my dreary window seat I watch the little piebald boat buck against the pier sitting, a little lower now than it was two days ago. I refuse to bail it our. Thunder, like an angry god, is outdone only by the dance of the lightning. Lonliness settles with deafening silence and I look over at your empty chair, pushed back slightly from the table in just the spot it came to rest when you stood up. Shayna Clevenger ‘99 410-925-2584 www.shaynasphotography.com Dawn M. Lang '02 Accumulation 2 Jessica Walton Found fabric, sewing thread 30x90 inches 2004 An Earthday Poem She tickles the breeze with her subtle movement, painting colors of ecstasy in the wind She is the wine that once was water and now is merriment, ever changing, ever generous Beyond the milk crystal sky, she extends, Offering more than has ever been conceived by man, heard by ears, and seen by eyes To walk her miles is to understand only an element of her grace And to be of her is to be that of a mystery, A lover to the great fire, a sway to the tides, and a breast to the spring of life She is the sweet grasses that grow by the pond and the plush softness of the clouds, The pure white snow of a blizzard that brings silence to a city She is a child-like day dream, imagination and anticipation, The fruit of the tree, the cooling of a summer swim, the ocean of blood within the veins She is the pulse, the beat, a rhythmic ebb and flow to the breath of existence Nothing less, but far more Lisa M. Howard '04 Untitled Brendan Cavanaugh '03 2004 Do you have a creative side you'd like to share? Send your photos, drawings, short written works or other artistic expressions to [email protected]. Digital photos must be in jpeg, tiff or eps format, preferably 600 dpi. Be sure to include your name, mailing address, daytime phone number and year you graduated from/attended CCBC. 21 A BUSINESS by elizabeth schuman photography by brendan cavanaugh PROFILE: LISA HETRICK ‘89 AREA OF STUDY: MASS COMMUNICATIONS CURRENT FIELD: UNIQUE CREATIONS DESIGNER FOR WIT & WHIMSY DESIGNS AND GRAPHIC DESIGN FREELANCER FOR LISA HETRICK DESIGNS WORDS OF WISDOM: DON’T TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY! LOVE WHAT YOU DO! Instead of endless meetings, a 40-minute one-way commute and a frantic get-itall-done rush at day’s end, former CCBC employee Lisa Hetrick has redesigned her life. The 36-year-old graphic designer continues to create print pieces, Web sites and marketing plans through her company, Lisa Hetrick Designs. But she’s also using her creativity in another way – one that resonates with her role as mother to two children, Addison, 4, and Sydney, 1 ½. In August 2004, Hetrick started Wit and Whimsy Designs (www.witandwhimsydesigns.com) with longtime CCBC co-worker Jodi Ceglia, 30, mother to Madison, age 1. Created when the young mothers were unable to find well-made children’s gift wrapping, notes and tags, Wit and Whimsy Designs specializes in handmade paper and wood products featuring original designs such as “Busy Bugs,” “Fabulous Fashionista” and “Whirly Wings.” Products are sold through home shows and eventually will be available online. “What makes our products unique is that the themes and colors are carried through entire lines, so everything works together,” explains Lisa, who lives in Westminster. “Jodi and I have a passion for unusual items and knew that our family and friends were also searching. When we couldn’t find what we wanted, we started making it.” As an entrepreneur, Lisa points out that her success is tied directly to her education at CCBC. When she began as a student at CCBC Essex in 1986, she was unsure of a major. After a year spent experimenting, Lisa decided on Mass Communications, majoring in radio and television production and graduating a year and a half later as the Mass Communications “Student of the Year.” Do you own/operate your own business? Contact [email protected] for an opportunity to be profiled in an upcoming edition of Emerge. 22 entrepreneur “At Essex, I found a home,” she says. Lisa wrote and designed for The Montage, the CCBC Essex student newspaper, worked in the radio and television production studio, served as a teaching assistant and played softball (she had the highest batting average in Maryland). “Professors treated us like we were in real jobs. It wasn’t easy, but the classes were small and we had a lot of attention. We were always able to get help.” Lisa recalls. After CCBC, she excelled at the University of Baltimore, where she completed her B.S. in Corporate Communications, followed by an M.S. in Publication Design. “Thanks to CCBC, I was extremely well-prepared for the undergraduate and graduate programs.” After graduation, Lisa worked in advertising, health care, and – coming full circle – as director of Marketing Communications at CCBC. Now operating two businesses, Lisa says, “What I’m doing now is 100 times harder than working in an office.” But it’s exactly where she wants to be. 10 tips for making your business dream a reality by laurence aaronson Think you have what it takes to be your own boss? Join the club. Each year it’s estimated that entrepreneurs will start between 600,000 and one million businesses in the United States. Of those new companies, generally only four out of ten survive for six years; many do not make it beyond three years. Despite those daunting statistics, starting and operating a small business – becoming an entrepreneur – is still the dream of many citizens in free enterprise countries. The number of young people between the ages of 19 and 30 who are adding to our business community increases every day. Before you quit your day job and join the ranks of fledgling business owners, it’s wise to take a good hard look at your expectations, resources and goals … 1. Take a personality inventory. Are you persistent? Energetic? Resourceful? Independent? A good listener? These are all important personal characteristics of a successful entrepreneur. 2. Examine the potential risk involved in operating a business. Not only can you lose personal assets, but you may lose other career opportunities as well. 3. Know the commitment of time. You will be giving up weekends, holidays and vacations to pursue your business goals. The support of your family and friends is essential. 4. Evaluate the experience you have in the business you are considering. Continually gather data on the industry and the market. 5. Study your competitors. Identify trade associations associated with your product or service. 6. Understand the function of marketing and how to apply its concepts to your business. 7. Identify the material and financial resources you will need to start your business. Are they reasonably attainable and sustainable? 8. Begin writing a plan, outlining your goals and objectives and detailing the products and services you plan to offer. Be precise and comprehensive; however, be flexible as this plan will likely change as you continue your research. 9. Associate with other entrepreneurs and meet regularly – formally or informally – to share information about your business. Local Chambers of Commerce sponsor such events. Networking is an ongoing part of your business life. 10. Discuss your ideas with representatives of business counseling services that are available throughout the state. CCBC has an Enterprise Center that provides free business counseling. Call 410-455-6914 for information. When you have a focus on your business goals and have done the above homework, you are ready to contact professionals in accounting, law, insurance, etc. You’re an expert in your business; they are experts in theirs. Find advisors you trust and respect. They’ll help you construct a solid framework – and avoid serious missteps – as you build a successful business. addison (left) and sydney don’t need a phone to reach mom at her office during the day. Laurence Aaronson, professor of Business Studies and director of the Entrepreneurial Center at CCBC, is a former assistant district director of the United States Small Business Administration. For the past 35 years he has been providing managerial assistance to small business owners. 23 community notes Cockpit in Court announces summer production lineup Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre at CCBC Essex has announced its 2005 season, and what a season it is! The Mainstage Theatre provides the setting for the Baltimore premiere of Lucky Stiff, a Vegas musical comedy with deadly overtones, and the perennial favorite, Sound of Music. The Cabaret Theatre, the intimate theatre in the round, hosts Dial M for Murder, a Hitchcockian drama, and Crimes of the Heart, a warmhearted and zany comedy. The Court Jesters, Cockpit in Court’s children’s theatre, brings Honk – The Ugly Duckling to the J-Building Lecture Hall stage, with CCBC alumna Diane Trowbridge Smith as artistic director. The season runs June 17 – Aug. 7. For tickets and information, call the CCBC Box Office at 410-780-6369 or visit www.ccbcmd.edu/cockpit/index.html. The forums will advance the understanding of climate change and focus on actions individuals can take to reduce emissions and prepare for climate change impacts in their local communities. History comes to life through Chautauqua 2005 The CCBC Essex President’s Office and CCBC Liberal Arts division join forces with the Maryland Humanities Council to present Chautauqua 2005 to the Baltimore metropolitan area this summer. Chautauqua is presented as it was a hundred years ago – under a tent, with musical entertainment preceding the Chautauquans who appear in costume, assuming historical personas as they talk about their lives and answer audience questions. “War and Democracy: Personal Journeys” is this year’s theme. Join us to see and hear actors portray author and BBC wartime (WWII) correspondent George Orwell (July 7), Life photographer and the first female photojournalist (WWII) Margaret BourkeWhite (July 8), Tuskegee Airman and first African American graduate of West Point Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. (July 9) and Civil War president Abraham Lincoln, who viewed that conflict as “democracy on trial” (July 10). This free program will be held – rain or shine – at CCBC Catonsville. The Expo helps make the public aware of AAWCC and its goals of encouraging training and development, supporting women in leadership roles, developing communication networks, and providing information on programs, services and employment opportunities. The event also supports scholarships for CCBC students. The CCBC Catonsville chapter of AAWCC received the AAWCC’s 2004 Model Program Award at the American Association of Community College’s national conference. Diverse exhibits find a home at The Galleries at CCBC Art in our college communities is alive and well with 18 annual exhibits at The Galleries at CCBC. Jessica Walton, named director of galleries in January 2004, is responsible for exhibits at the three major campus galleries. Fall 2004 saw exhibits such as Family Air by internationally known fiber artist Annet Couwenberg, Biological Units by Lauren Levine, From Fibers to Fabrics: Art Quilts From Three African American Women by local artists Janet Bailey, Rosalind Robinson and Barbara Pietila, and Flash! The Art and Artistry of Tattoos. Color Lab Techniques: An Alumni Retrospective, held at CCBC Dundalk, showcased 20 years of students’ work and represented a wide spectrum of artists from photographers and photojournalists to professional artists. For information about current and upcoming exhibits at The Galleries at CCBC, call 410-455-4246. Global warming is a hot topic for Environment Project forums CCBC’s Environment Project is hosting a series of community-focused climate change forums designed to engage students, educators and community members in an open and frank dialogue about climate change. “Consensus among scientists both here and abroad is that global warming is underway. It has been nearly 18 years since the world had a colder than normal month. The 10 warmest years on record have occurred since 1990,” says Chris Fox, director of the Environment Project at CCBC. “These changes pose potentially huge impacts for Marylanders, yet few of them are aware of the implications or how to respond.” The Expo boasts a continuous schedule of workshops spotlighting local resource persons and nationally known presenters who donate their time to the event. The 2004 Expo served 150 businesses and nearly 1,500 other college and community participants. Women’s Expo features exhibits and services In honor of Women’s History Month in March, the American Association for Women in Community Colleges sponsors an annual Women’s Expo at CCBC Catonsville. Just completing its fourth successful year, the Expo is a two-day event featuring exhibits by businesses, women’s health providers, services and organizations run for and/or by women. art quilts demonstrated the creative and evocative use of fabrics and symbolism. 24 finale CELEBRATING AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURE pride each august for the past 10 years, ccbc catonsville has come alive with the sights, sounds, textures and tastes of american indian culture as the college hosted the annual baltimore american indian center powwow. “it’s important for the public to realize that there are native americans living within our communities and that they have a rich culture and wonderful traditions. the powwow provides the forum to share that culture and those traditions,” dennis seymour ‘70, powow coordinator for the last five years, department chair and criminal justice professor with ccbc's school of justice 25 Bring the whole family for an afternoon of at one of our three special events this spring ... Join us. There’s lot’s to do (rain or shine) … • Take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool • Enjoy music, games, demonstrations and activities • Meet the current alumni officers and directors • Win a door prize! Leap, Learn & Laugh! is a great introduction to many opportunities that will come your way as a CCBC alumnus, all designed to keep you connected to the people and places that have been such an important part of your life. CCBC Dundalk Saturday, May 7 12 – 3 p.m. Special feature: Garden tour 410-285-9463 (RSVP by May 2) CCBC Essex Saturday, May 14 12 – 3 p.m. Special feature: Birdwatching tour 410-780-6208 (RSVP by May 9) CCBC Catonsville Saturday, May 21 12 – 3 p.m. Special feature: Planetarium shows 410-455-4944 (RSVP by May 16) Parents: If you are receiving mail for your child, please update his/her address with the CCBC Alumni office. If you would like to continue receiving this magazine in your name, just let us know. A L U M NI 800 South Rolling Road Baltimore, Maryland 21228-5317 Return postage guaranteed Postmaster, please return cover only. www.ccbcmd.edu/alumni 26 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Baltimore, MD Permit. No. 4195