NYLA ALLEN NAMED TOP 10 PLAYER IN THE COUNTRY

"JAMESTOWN, N.C. — When Nyla Allen entered her final season playing basketball for Guilford Technical Community College, she did so with focus and drive. That summer, she worked out every day so that, in her words, she “could come out with a bang.” And she did.

This season, Allen racked up a number of accolades including NJCAA Region X Player of the Year and NJCAA Division II Player of the Week. And most recently, she capped off the season with the title 2014-2015 NJCAA Division II First Team All-American. In other words, she’s one of the top 10 players in the country. The distinguished title was not only a first for Allen, but also the college. 

 “I didn’t come here saying I want to be Player of the Year; it came to me,” said Allen, a forward from Greensboro. “I had intentions on doing everything right as a player — and as myself — and do whatever coach needed me to do. All of it came as a surprise, but I worked hard for it.”

It’s been an incredible season for the Titans as they claimed the NJCAA Region X Carolina-Virginia Regular Season Conference Championship and the NJCAA Division II Region X Tournament. They also made history when they advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament — a first for the team. The Titans finished the season with an overall record of 28-5.

“It’s been an amazing experience just to be a part of everything that we’ve been through -- and created even,” Allen said. “This has been a great two years at GTCC for me.”

Allen says she’s grown not only as a basketball player but also as a person. She credits Head Coach Bobby Alison for helping her progress, mature and make good decisions in her life – and on the court. Coming into her first season, she says she lacked control on the court, but with good coaching and structure, she says she learned to slow down and be effective. Allen was the leading scorer for the Titans, averaging 15.8 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.

“I’ve let basketball come to me and let the game be more natural,” she said. “I just love basketball. I’ve learned from some things. It’s taught me to make better decisions.”

Allen is a native of East Orange., N.J. She attended Ben L. Smith High School in Greensboro, where she also played basketball. She plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Pembroke on a full basketball scholarship and major in biology.

Guilford Technical Community College is the third largest of 58 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System. GTCC serves more than 40,000 students annually from five campuses and a Small Business Center. Learn more at www.gtcc.edu."

- A Press Release 

CLINE OBSERVATORY TO HOST NC SCIENCE FESTIVAL EVENTS

"JAMESTOWN, N.C. — Cline Observatory at Guilford Technical Community College will host a series of events in April as part of the 2015 North Carolina Science Festival, a multi-day celebration showcasing science and technology across the state.

The following events are free and made possible by a $500 sponsorship grant from the North Carolina Science Festival. All events will take place on GTCC’s Jamestown Campus, 601 E. Main St., Jamestown.

April 10: Interactive Science Demonstrations: Meteorites and More

6-8:30 p.m.

Science Hall

This event is an interactive evening of demonstrations and short presentations centered on meteorites. Noted North Carolina meteorite dealer John Sinclair will exhibit a variety of specimens from his own collection, along with displays from the extensive meteorite holdings of the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. Additional chemistry/physics/geology presentations and activities will be presented throughout the evening. The event is family-friendly. Cline Observatory will be open for telescope viewing, weather permitting.

April 17: Stellar Society Lecture – “Killer Death Rocks from Outer Space!”

7:30 p.m.

Joseph S. Koury Hospitality Careers Center

How close do asteroids and comets come to Earth? Just how common are planetary impacts, and what are the effects? Michael Solontoi, assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Lynchburg College, will discuss the study of our neighbors in space.

The talk is presented by the Stellar Society — GTCC’s student astronomy club. Cline Observatory will be open after the talk for telescope viewing, weather permitting.

April 24: Statewide Star Party

8:30 p.m.

Cline Observatory

Across the state, astronomy clubs, state and local parks, planetariums and nature centers will host public skywatching sessions. Participants will have an opportunity to view a variety of celestial objects, both inside and outside of the solar system, through provided telescopes. The event is family-friendly.

For more information, visit http://www.gtcc.edu/observatory or contact Tom English, professor of astronomy at GTCC and director of Cline Observatory, at trenglish@gtcc.edu or 336-334-4822 ext. 50023.

As an official 2015 North Carolina Science Festival event, GTCC is among hundreds of community-based events showcasing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities for the citizens of North Carolina.

“The North Carolina Science Festival is about communities coming together to celebrate the wonders of science,” said Jonathan Frederick, Festival director. “Thanks to the talents of our event hosts across the state, there’s something for everyone.”

Founded in 2010, the North Carolina Science Festival is the first statewide science festival in the United States. GTCC’s Cline Observatory has participated in the festival since its inception. During a two-week celebration each spring, the festival brings hundreds of events (hosted by schools, colleges, libraries, museums, parks, businesses and other community organizations) together under one banner to recognize the economic, educational and cultural impact of science in North Carolina. The festival is presented by Biogen Idec Foundation and produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For more information, visit www.ncsciencefestival.org.

Guilford Technical Community College is the third largest of 58 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System. GTCC serves more than 40,000 students annually from five campuses and a Small Business Center. Learn more at www.gtcc.edu."

- A Press Release

GTCC TITANS CLAIM SPOT IN NATIONAL TOURNAMENT MARCH 17-21

"JAMESTOWN, N.C. — The Guilford Technical Community College women’s basketball team made history on Saturday.

The No. 1 seed GTCC Titans won the NJCAA Division II Region X Tournament, defeating No. 2 seed Cape Fear Community College 82-65 on Saturday (March 7) at Brunswick Community College.

GTCC will advance to the NJCAA Division II National Championship March 17-21 in Overland Park, Kansas, where they will compete against 15 other teams. This is the first time that the GTCC women’s basketball team will play in the national championship.  They’re also the first team in the history of GTCC’s athletics to compete in a national championship. This is Head Coach Bobby Allison’s sixth time in his career coaching a team to a national tournament.

“I am happy for this group of kids that they are going to get a chance to play on the national stage.  I have been there previously and it is something that you cannot explain until you are there.  We have a great group of kids who work hard and play not for themselves but, for each other. 

The seeding of the 16 teams will be announced on Tuesday. A link to the 16 competing teams can be found here:

This has been a strong year for the Titans, finishing the season with an overall record of 27-3 and a Region X record of 17-1.

Last week, the Titans also racked up accolades. Forward Nyla Allen of Greensboro was named NJCAA Region X Player of the Year and Head Coach Allison was named Coach of the Year. In addition, Allen and the Titans’ best low post scorer, Selena Lozada of Greensboro, made the 2015 All-Region X Team. Forward and Team Captain Priscilla Nobles of Jamestown also made the Region X All- Academic Team.

In Saturday’s championship game against Cape Fear, the Titans trailed early as Cape Fear raced out to an early 12-point lead. GTCC fought back to cut the halftime lead to five points (38-33). By the second half, the Titans’ depth and pressure wore down the Sea Devils. The Titans behind clutch free-throw shooting and a great defensive effort outscored Cape Fear 49-27 in the second half to secure the victory. 

Several Titans demonstrated key performances in Saturday’s championship game:

·      Leading the Titans in scoring was JaLisa Davis with 18 points, including four three-point shots. 

·      Nyla Allen, the Titans’ leading scorer for the year, scored 10 points but also dominated the glass, collecting 23 rebounds. 

·      Selena Lozada scored 8 points and 12 rebounds, while holding Cape Fear's leading scorer to just four points.

·      Kiana Davis had a huge performance in the first half, coming off the bench to score 10 points to keep the Titans close when they were struggling. 

·      Not to be lost was the ball-handling and free-throw shooting of the Titans’ two point guards: Letricia Smith and Anissa Linder. The two combined to play 40 minutes, gained eight assists and four steals. More impressive was the fact that in 40 minutes neither player committed a turnover against the Cape Fear pressure. Down the stretch they sealed the victory combining to shoot 19 for 20 from the free-throw line. 

Guilford Technical Community College is the third largest of 58 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System. GTCC serves more than 40,000 students annually from five campuses and a Small Business Center. Learn more at www.gtcc.edu."

- A Press Release

GTCC DEBUTS NEWS WEBSITE

"JAMESTOWN, N.C. — Guilford Technical Community College’s Office of Marketing and Public Information has launched a new website (http://news.gtcc.edu) this week devoted to showcasing the college’s news and feature stories.

The GTCC News website features a clean, fresh and modern design and provides users with one central location to browse the college’s latest news releases, feature stories and media coverage. It also gives the college a platform to share the accomplishments of its faculty, staff and students and to highlight the innovative education, training and partnerships GTCC continues to cultivate.

In addition, the site features a photo gallery page spotlighting campus events, news briefs delivering quick snippets of information and a section where visitors can share their GTCC story.

GTCC Webmaster Maritza Mandarino designed the site using the WordPress content management system. GTCC’s Public Information Officer Carla Kucinski is the owner and main contributor of the site. The project has been in development for nine months.

Guilford Technical Community College is the third largest of 58 institutions in the NC Community College System. GTCC serves more than 40,000 students annually from five campuses and a Small Business Center. Learn more at www.gtcc.edu."

- A Press Release

GTCC THEATRE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR ‘GREATER TUNA’

"JAMESTOWN — Guilford Technical Community College’s Theatre Program will hold auditions on Monday, February 23 for its spring production of “Greater Tuna” by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard. Auditions are open to the community.

Auditions will be held 3-4:30 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. February 23 at GTCC's Fine Arts Theatre, Room 111, in the Joseph S. Koury Hospitality Careers Center on the Jamestown Campus, 601 E. Main St., Jamestown. The Koury building is located across the street from the Ragsdale athletic field.

GTCC’s Theatre Program practices color-blind casting. Auditionees should bring a written statement (or resume) of prior theater experience and a one-minute monologue.  In addition, auditionees will be asked to read from “Greater Tuna.” A script will be provided. The age range of roles is 18 to 80 and covers a wide variety from radio disc jockeys to homemakers.

“Greater Tuna” is a laugh-out-loud comedy set in the fictional small town of Tuna, Texas. The bevy of eccentric characters, including two clueless radio disc jockeys, a zany animal rights advocate and a crooked judge, have made this fast-paced show popular with audiences throughout the world.

The play debuted in Austin, Texas in 1981 and moved to off-Broadway in 1982.  Subsequently, the show has toured nationally, and has been performed by theater companies throughout the world.  A “Greater Tuna” special aired on HBO in 1984. 

For more information, contact June Guralnick at jmguralnick@gtcc.edu or call (336) 334-4822 ext. 50299.

Guilford Technical Community College is the third largest of 58 institutions in the NC Community College System. GTCC serves more than 40,000 students annually from four major campuses and three specialized centers. Learn more at www.gtcc.edu."

- A Press Release

GTCC STUDENT RECEIVES $5,000 ‘RETOOL YOUR FUTURE’ SCHOLARSHIP

Richie Post

"JAMESTOWN, N.C. — Guilford Technical Community College student Richie Post has been awarded a $5,000 scholarship from tool manufacturer hilmor®. Post of Greensboro is pursuing an associate degree in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technology. He was one of six recipients of hilmor’s Retool Your Future scholarship contest, established to support the next generation of HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) technicians.

Post also received a hilmor® Starter Kit with an estimated retail value of $900 and a trip to the AHR EXPO in Chicago (Jan. 26-28). In addition, GTCC’s Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Department received a hilmor® Green Wall display, an estimated value of $5,000.

More than 500 students from over 180 trade schools applied for the Retool Your Future contest with submissions of 250 words or less explaining how the HVAC/R industry will “retool their life.”

“This is a powerful program in how it helps to not only identify, but celebrate, the amazing men and women looking to enter and grow their skills in a profession that often serves as a second career and doesn’t get a lot of attention,” said Andrea Halpin, senior manager, Brand Marketing, hilmor®. “We were incredibly moved by the powerful and compelling submissions, and we’re proud to be able to assist these inspiring students to retool and conquer their future.”

Since Post was old enough to walk, he was in the garage helping his father work on his dirt-track race car. As a U.S. Navy veteran, he served as an Electrician’s Mate on an Amphibious Assault Ship, earning several ribbons and medals including two Armed Forces Service Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal. Post served in Operation Desert Storm, Black Hawk Down and Operation Provide Promise. With his natural mechanical ability and his deep desire to serve and help others, pursuing a career as a HVAC/R technician was a perfect fit. 

“My whole life I have enjoyed the opportunity to fix things and gain an understanding of how things operate and why,” Post said. “My skills as an electrician and my desire to serve the public have led me to choose a career in HVAC/R. I feel my life experiences have given me many tools to succeed in the field once I complete my degree. I am very excited and optimistic about my future.”

About hilmor

hilmor is revolutionizing the HVAC/R industry with smarter, more effective tools and equipment. Backed by one of the largest research investments in the history of the

HVAC/R industry, hilmor is dedicated to making technicians’ jobs easier. Located in

East Longmeadow, Mass., hilmor is a part of the Newell Rubbermaid global portfolio of leading brands. For more information, visit hilmor.com.

Guilford Technical Community College is the third largest of 58 institutions in the N.C. Community College System. GTCC serves more than 40,000 students annually from five campuses and a Small Business Center. Learn more at www.gtcc.edu."

- A Press Release

GEORGE FOUTS RECEIVES HIGHEST HONOR FROM STATE BOARD

George Fouts

"JAMESTOWN, N.C. — The State Board of Community Colleges has announced George Fouts as the recipient of the I.E. Ready Award, the highest honor bestowed on an individual by the Board. Named for Isaac Epps Ready, the first state director of the North Carolina Community College System, the award was created in 1983 to recognize individuals who have made significant, statewide contributions to the establishment, development or enhancement of the North Carolina Community College System.

Fouts of Jamestown, N.C. served two terms (1991-1994; 1997-2001) as executive vice president at Guilford Technical Community College. He retired to pursue teaching Development Education as an adjunct instructor (2002-2010) at GTCC and became the grant coordinator of the Developmental Education Initiative (2009-2010), a three-year effort (2009-2012) to make developmental education more effective and efficient in order to help underprepared students get on the completion track.

A teacher, mentor and leader, Fouts’ career in the N.C. Community College System and his major contributions span more than 40 years.

"It has been my good fortune to work for a System that provides an opportunity for so many North Carolinians to improve their lives and, in doing so, to improve the future of our state," Fouts said.

One of Fouts’ most significant contributions at GTCC was his expertise and guidance in the grant application process for Completion by Design (CbD), a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation initiative to increase graduation and completion rates among young, low-income students nationwide. As a result of his involvement, North Carolina became one of only three states to receive the competitive grant in May 2011.

Shortly after, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation named Fouts as senior partner for the cadre of North Carolina community colleges participating in Completion by Design. He became a nationally recognized consultant, who guided each institution in adopting a culture dedicated to student completion as well as counseled and empowered presidents and their teams to carry out CbD’s mission. His leadership and expertise were critical to the administration of CbD – both statewide and nationwide. Fouts retired from the position in 2013.

“George helped the colleges see the interconnections between CbD and all of their student success initiatives,” said GTCC President Dr. Randy Parker. “The implementation of Completion by Design is the crown jewel in George’s lifelong contribution to the founding principles of the North Carolina Community College System.”

A native of Thomasville, N.C., Fouts’ career in the N.C. Community College System began in 1973 as an instructor of English and philosophy at Western Piedmont Community College and eventually became executive vice president in 1983. He went on to serve as interim president of Mayland Community College and Roanoke-Chowan Community College, which he effectively led through particularly challenging times.

In 1989, he became special assistant to the president of the N.C. Community College System and coordinated the implementation of goals recommended by the Commission on the Future of the N.C. Community College System, creating much of the standardization that marks the System today.

“The work that our community colleges do is vital to ensuring that North Carolina has a skilled workforce,” said State Board Chair, Dr. Linwood Powell. “The recipients of these awards embody the foundation that North Carolina’s Community College System was built on – providing opportunities for education to all North Carolinians, taking students from where they are, as far as they can go.”

Guilford Technical Community College is the third largest of 58 institutions in the NC Community College System. GTCC serves more than 40,000 students annually from five campuses and a Small Business Center. Learn more at www.gtcc.edu.

- A Press Release