Greetings! Here's your monthly guide to what's happening at CFCC.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Cape Fear Community College
Greetings from Jim Morton - CFCC President
Dear Sea Devil Community,

Our full spring term is well underway, we began another mini-session this week, and another session begins March 15. Enrollment is strong, and we are adding classes to accommodate students. Mini sessions are a convenient way to get needed college credits in a short time. Students can register here to take advantage of the March session.

CFCC's Economic and Workforce Development division has played an important role in the community as we've dealt with the economic impact of COVID-19. Thanks to our trade programs, individuals who have lost their jobs have been able to embark on short-term training that will help them find new careers in fields that are in demand locally. Our Small Business Center has helped local businesses navigate the difficult waters of the past year's pandemic. I'm happy to report that as of December 31, 2020, we've awarded $188,198 supporting 93 small businesses in New Hanover and Pender County—average grant awarded was $2,023. This assistance has been a welcome relief for area businesses that have been affected by the pandemic. Those of you who own or work for local small businesses, please take advantage of our free workshops, webinars, and confidential one-on-one business counseling to help you persevere during these challenging times. Check out our list of workshops/webinars here.

If you or someone you know is interested in attending CFCC or learning more about our programs, we have many virtual events and information sessions coming up or, you can call CFCC at 910.362.7000. Get a quick overview of our admissions process, attend a virtual interview workshop, or learn more about some of our health sciences programs, to name a few. Go to cfcc.edu/events to learn more.

Now is the perfect time to apply for our summer and fall terms. Please encourage potential students to apply early - especially if they plan to use financial aid. Students can learn more about completing the FAFSA at cfcc.edu/financial-aid. Remember that CFCC is here to help with FAFSA completion and we offer several FAFSA assistance events throughout the year. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for upcoming FAFSA events.

In closing, we've just released our 2019-2020 President's Report, highlighting campus and program news, enrollment statistics, and more. View the report here.

Thank you for taking a minute to keep up with CFCC. Go Sea Devils!


Sincerely,
Jim Morton, CFCC President
Here's a look at recent happenings at CFCC...
Congrats, Truck Driver Training Graduates
January 15, 2021
Congrats to these Truck Driver Training graduates who are on the road to a successful and exciting career! All 18 students in the class graduated, giving this class a 100% pass rate.

We are so proud of you and wish you safe travels as you start your career journey!
CFCC Receives $10,000 From Full Belly Project
The Cape Fear Community College Foundation is among the five organizations to receive funds from the Full Belly Project after the local nonprofit, dedicated to developing simple tools to improve lives around the world, announced its dissolution this past December.

Fully Belly Project's gift to CFCC established the Full Belly Project Technology, Innovation, Service and Agriculture (TISA) Scholarship for CFCC Economic and Workforce Development (EWD) students. The scholarship is now available to students in CFCC's EWD programs who live in Wilmington's Youth Enrichment Zone (YEZ) and/or are a participant in or graduate of the Voyage program (formerly known as the Blue Ribbon Commission). This scholarship will reimburse students for registration fees and up to $500 annually in books and supply fees ($250 per semester). CFCC Career Readiness Coordinator, Buc Brownlie proposed the idea of a scholarship to the Board at Full Belly Project, providing the opportunity for a unique and long-lasting way to support the community and honor the legacy of this important community organization.

"The Full Belly Project wanted to leave a lasting legacy of local impact. Fortunately, in working with the CFCC Foundation, we could do that through the TISA scholarship's creation and initial funding. The empowerment of local communities has been key to the Full Belly mission." —Dr. Lesley Daspit, Board Chair of the Full Belly Project

The Full Belly TISA Scholarship was created with a single $10,000 gift from the Full Belly Project. With the community's support, the scholarship can live on forever. The public is invited to support the Full Belly TISA Scholarship – especially those members of the community who so strongly supported the good work of the Full Belly Project in the past.

"We are honored that the Fully Belly Project chose CFCC as a recipient of these proceeds and we're delighted to be able to build upon the legacy that it began in Wilmington." —Shane Fernando, CFCC Vice President of Advancement and the Arts

Donors may contribute to the CFCC Foundation, honoring the Full Belly Project's incredible legacy by visiting cfcc.edu/give.

Read the full story here.
CFCC Students Assist NHRMC in COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts
From left to right: Mandy Cowie, CFCC Emergency Medical Service student and Marco Perez, CFCC ADN student
Cape Fear Community College’s Advanced EMT, Paramedic, and Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) students are assisting New Hanover Regional Medical Center in its COVID-19 vaccination efforts. New Hanover County Public Health is administering vaccines via a vaccination plan, which is broken down into five groups, with targeted populations prioritized to receive the vaccine in each group. At this time, NHC is working with group 2, adults age 65 years and older.

“I am proud CFCC students have the opportunity to get involved,” said Associate Degree Nursing Instructor Heather Caldwell. “Knowing that NHRMC has sought out our students to assist with vaccinations makes me proud to be an educator at CFCC. Our students are well-prepared to help with this important effort.”

“I feel a great sense of pride in being able to help our community in such a monumental way. This long-awaited vaccine is one of the first steps towards achieving normalcy,” said CFCC Associate Degree Nursing student Marco Perez.

Read the full story here.

For more information regarding vaccinations, visit health.nhcgov.com/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine .

To learn more about CFCC’s healthcare programs visit cfcc.edu/healthsciences .
CFCC Mini Sessions: Get Ahead This Spring!
CFCC's convenient accelerated sessions offer students full college credit courses at a quicker pace. Our 12-week session is now underway and the 8-week session begins March 15. Get your application started today at cfcc.edu/admissions.
Jessica Gaffney Nominated For YWCA Women of Achievement Award
Gaffney
We are excited to congratulate Jessica Gaffney, CFCC Arts and Humanities Theater Program Chair, for receiving this nomination.

Since 1985, YWCA's Women of Achievement Awards have honored over 400 women in celebration of their accomplishments in our community. As a nominee, Jessica is part of a prestigious group of women who are leading the way, making significant contributions in their respective fields. 

Congratulations, Jessica!
Military Career Transition Day: February 19
CFCC is here for those who are transitioning from military life to our area workforce. Our Military Career Transition Days inspire, encourage, and connect! Hear from subject matter experts and network with representatives from such companies as Pike Electric, Netapp, Biogen, PPD, and many more.

  • Learn about career opportunities in Raleigh, RTP, across North Carolina, and beyond
  • Hear from a Keynote Speaker who has successfully faced transitions in life
  • Hear from a Professional Development Panel of Veterans and Military Spouses
  • Meet participating companies

This event is open to veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses and caregivers. FREE for attendees, but please register early!

Register here
CFCC Celebrates Black History Month
This month we're celebrating by sharing inspirational posts highlighting inspiring African Americans. We offer our tribute and admiration. Let us all take some time to celebrate and recognize the great history and achievements of people of African descent!

Also, swing by the CFCC Library this month to check out our Black History Month display, where you'll find materials— including books and videos—to educate, illuminate, and inspire.
Leadership Wilmington Visits CFCC
January 26, 2021
It was great having Leadership Wilmington at CFCC to tour our downtown campus facilities! They toured Union Station, the medical sonography classroom, the newly renovated K-building which houses the Collision, Repair, and Refinishing Technology program, and more!
Leadership Wilmington is a 10-month program that works to educate, challenge, and motivate leaders and future leaders to utilize their leadership skills to work for the betterment of our community.
Don't Fear the FAFSA!
Did you know that students who complete the FAFSA are more likely to enroll in higher education, persist in their college coursework, and obtain a degree? Rising college students are not alone—there is a place to turn when it comes to completing the FAFSA. Check out MyFutureNC.org for help/info and monitor CFCC's website and facebook page for FAFSA assistance events.

NC First in FAFSA Challenge
In an effort to increase FAFSA completion, MyFutureNC is sponsoring the inaugural 2020-2021 NC First in FAFSA Challenge. The goal is to increase FAFSA completion in every high school in North Carolina and achieve a completion rate of at least 65%. As of January 29, 2021, 40,219 (38%) students have completed the FAFSA.

Check out MyFutureNC.org/first-in-fafsa to learn more about this endeavor.
Small Business Center Upcoming FREE Seminars
CFCC Small Business Center offers great resources to assist our local small businesses. Here's a glimpse at a few upcoming events. Please attend if you can and tell a friend!

Tuesday, February 16, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Entrepreneur Academy, Part 2: Business Planner
Topic: Start-up Assistance
CFCC McLeod Building (Building S)

Thursday, February 18, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Webinar: Sales and Use Tax Workshop
Topic: Tax Planning
Online

Tuesday, February 23, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Entrepreneur Academy, Part 3: Power Up and Jump Start Marketing Your Small Business
Topic: Marketing and Sales
CFCC McLeod Building (Building S)

Wednesday, February 24, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Webinar: Social Media Made Easy
Topic: Marketing and Sales
Online

Thursday, February 25, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Webinar: Search Engine Optimization Made Easy for Small Business Owners
Topic: Marketing and Sales
Online

Tuesday, March 2, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Webinar: Entrepreneur Academy, Part 4: How to Find Customers
Topic: Marketing and Sales
Online

Thursday, March 4, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Webinar: Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Self-Assessment/Business Plan/Decision Making
Topic: Start-up Assistance
Online

This is just a snapshot of our offerings. View the entire list here.
Upcoming Events
UNCW Virtual Application Workshop at CFCC Virtual Public Event
UNCW transfer counselors will be available to answer questions about the transfer process and offer assistance with the transfer application via Zoom.

Tuesday, February 16: 11 am - 1 pm
Get tickets here
Dental Assisting Virtual Info Session
Learn how to get started in Dental Assisting with this one-hour information session you can attend on your lunch break!

Tuesday, February 16, 1-2 pm
Online Event: Access here
Sea Devils Live! Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology
Join CFCC's Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology program director Ed Hernandez and Dean Mark Council as they talk about this program offered at CFCC, the local demand for qualified employees, and how CFCC's program sets its students up for success (and apart from their competition).

Tuesday, February 16, 3:30 pm
Facebook Live Event: View here at time of event
Occupational Therapy Assistant Virtual Info Session
Learn more about this program that prepares individuals to work under the supervision of a registered/licensed occupational therapist.

Wednesday, February 17, 1 - 2 pm
Facebook Live Event: Access here
Whole Vet/020 Military Career Transition Day Virtual Event
Hear from experts and representatives from companies such as Pike Electric, Netapp, Biogen, PPD, and more. Learn about career opportunities in Raleigh, RTP, across NC, and beyond.

Friday, February 19, 10 am
Register here
This is just a partial list of happenings and program info sessions at CFCC! Check out all upcoming events at CFCC.EDU/EVENTS.
...Also—keep an eye on our social media for updates on program information sessions and other upcoming events.
News from the Wilson Center...
Wilma W. Daniels Gallery Features Renowned Artist Dorothy Gillespie 

The Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College and the Wilma W. Daniels Art Gallery are thrilled to announce an exhibition of works by internationally known artist Dorothy Gillespie. This exhibition, the first of 2021 at the gallery, explores the artist's multi-faceted work and features works from across six decades of her career. The exhibition, Dorothy Gillespie: Selected Works from the Radford University Collection, will run from now through February 26. The exhibition is open Mondays to Fridays, from noon to 5 p.m.

About Dorothy Gillespie
Born in Roanoke, Va, Gillespie was a groundbreaking New York artist from the mid-1940s until her death in 2012. She forged a truly independent and innovative career and helped blaze a path for women artists during the feminist art movement of the 1970s. Gillespie was a master of many media, including paint, paper, sculpture, printmaking, environments and happenings, ceramics, jewelry, and even set design. Her works are featured in numerous public and private collections, with Radford University owning the largest body of her work.

Learn more about Dorothy Gillespie and her art here.
Sign up for the Wilson Center mailing list here.