April 2008

Welcome to my second President's PLog.

This spring season is a beautiful time of the year on the campus of Piedmont Virginia Community College and a very exciting time for PVCC students, faculty and staff.

In May, more than 300 of our students will graduate with a degree or certificate, and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine will deliver our commencement address. To each graduate, I want to express my personal congratulations and wish you the very best as you pursue employment or additional education in the future. It has been a pleasure having you at PVCC, and we look forward to your continued association with the College as a PVCC alumna or alumnus.

We have two other reasons for celebration. One of our students - Jacob Neal from Nelson County -- has been named as the top community college student in Virginia and one of the top 20 community college students in the entire country. Secondly, another of our students -- Sarah Murphy from Albemarle County - has earned the 2008 Distinguished Student Award at PVCC.

Permit me to tell you something about these two exceptional students.

Jacob was honored by being named to the All-USA Community College Academic First Team. This is a national competition sponsored by USA TODAY newspaper, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, and the American Association of Community Colleges. Students are judged on academics, leadership and service. Out of the 6 million community college students across the country, Jacob placed in the top 20 for his hard work, creativity, talent and perseverance.

Jacob was featured in the April 7 edition of the USA TODAY newspaper and he received a $2,500 scholarship. But that is not all. Jacob was the highest-rated student from Virginia earning him the designation of Virginia New Century Scholar and a $2,000 scholarship from the Coca Cola Foundation.

Jacob is the third PVCC student in the past four years to be named Academic First Team and the Virginia New Century Scholar.

He is the last of three Neal brothers to attend and graduate from PVCC. His brothers are graduating from UVA and Virginia Tech this year. He plans to study biology at the University of Virginia on his way to becoming a teacher of biology at a community college.

Now a little about Sarah Murphy, recipient of PVCC's 2008 Distinguished Student Award. This award recognizes students who demonstrate exemplary service or leadership at the College and through activities in our service region and beyond. Students are nominated by a faculty member, and the recipient is selected by the College's Awards Committee.

Sarah's honor recognizes her extraordinary contribution to PVCC's student life; the establishment of the Graphics Club; leadership with the Student Art Club, initiating the PVCC film series as well as ART ATTACK, a one-day festival of art competitions; and serving as a student leader in the College Senate and the Student Government Association.

Sarah has accomplished all this while taking a full load of classes, maintaining a high grade point average and working several part-time jobs. She hopes to continue her education at James Madison University.

Every member of the PVCC family takes great pride in Jacob's and Sarah's success. These are amazing students who would not have received these honors without the caring, dedication, and excellence of the PVCC faculty and staff.

So I think you can see why we're excited here at PVCC.

This would be a great time to visit our beautiful campus. Graduation begins at 6:00 p.m. on May 9 and is open to the public. On May 17, the Spring Fling Open House is a great way to learn about PVCC classes and programs (see the website for details). I hope to see you at PVCC.

Frank Friedman
PVCC President
ffriedman@pvcc.edu