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HGTC Students Chosen for Co-op

Students in the Commercial Truck Driving Program at Heart of Georgia Technical College were caught practicing on the driving range.    Classes for next quarter begin soon- September 30 for day classes and November 2 for evening classes.  Financial aid deadline is September 8 and application deadline is September 16.  For more information contact 478-274-7842 or visit the web at www.heartofgatech.edu. 

HGTC Sets Summer Enrollment Record, Looks to Fall Quarter

On the heels of a record-setting summer, Heart of Georgia Technical College is ushering in fall quarter with new programs and high enrollment expectations.

HGTC set record enrollment for summer with 25 percent growth over the same period last year.

“We have more people taking more classes,” said HGTC President Dr. Randall Peters. “We have more summer students than we’ve ever had in the history of the college.”

Statewide, as the job market has shrunk during the recession, enrollment at Georgia’s technical colleges has ballooned as the career-minded head back to the classroom to get an edge in order to compete in the tougher job market. In fact, 18 of the state’s 28 technical colleges reported summer increases of more than 20%, including HGTC, making this the biggest summer ever for state technical colleges, according to the Technical College System of Georgia.

Peters said already this summer more applications have been processed in a day than have previously typically been done within a week. He said students interested in enrolling for fall quarter should start the application process now in order to get the classes they want.

The application deadline to enroll for fall quarter 2009 is Sept. 16. The fall quarter financial aid deadline is Sept. 8.

With fall quarter rapidly approaching, HGTC also has new programs and others forthcoming. The coming quarter marks the first fall for some of HGTC’s latest programs — cosmetology, nail technician and surgical technology.

All three programs have been met with well-received success so far. In fact, the cosmetology program, which began in November, has seen the biggest enrollment gains of any program at the college. New classes in cosmetology are starting every quarter to meet the demand, and the college is considering launching an evening class. Also, the surgical technology program just recently finished visitation for accreditation, and officials are awaiting word on the results come spring.

According to Peters, interest in the college’s allied health department, which includes degree programs such as radiologic technology and respiratory care technology; diploma programs such as medical assisting and paramedic technology; and certificate programs such as EMT and patient care assisting have seen the biggest demands for enrollment. There are presently openings in radiology and respiratory therapy.

Statewide, technical colleges have reached an all-time high in enrollment in the healthcare and technology programs during the past fiscal year.

“There’s a big demand for all of those,” said Peters of the allied health programs.

In addition to the allied health, other new programs, like drafter’s assistant and drafter’s technician, are also on the horizon.

“We’re looking at a lot of new programs,” said Peters. “We’re in the process of having a number of other new programs approved.”

Some potentials include veterinary technician, and a process plant technology program — a diploma program designed to funnel graduates to area power plants and industries such as Georgia Power and the soon to open Range Fuels in Treutlen County. Once implemented, it will be one of only a few of its kind in the state.

“It will be a rare kind of program,” said Peters.

With summer quarter enrollment reaching a record 1,400 and projections for fall leaning toward 2,000, Peters stressed that prospective students should look to apply early to get the classes and programs they’re seeking.

Fall quarter classes at HGTC begin Sept. 30.

For additional information, visit www.heartofgatech.edu or call (478) 274-7842 or 1-800-200-4484.

HGTC Fall Quarter Application Deadline Sept. 16; HGTC Announces Furlough Days

Students preparing to enter Heart of Georgia Technical College during fall quarter should take note of new registration and application deadlines.

The application deadline to enroll for fall quarter 2009 is Sept. 16. The fall quarter financial aid deadline is Sept. 8.

The new deadlines are necessary because the college will be closed for three days from September to December 31. The closure is the result of a recent announcement that all schools within the Technical System of Georgia take three furlough days sometime between now and the end of the year in an effort to address the state budget situation.

As a result,  HGTC employees will take two furlough days in September, and staff members will also furlough one day in December.

“The college will be closed on the designated furlough days — Sept. 23 and 24 and Dec. 21,”  said HGTC President Dr. Randall Peters.

“We are choosing to close the college on those three days,” said Peters.

With two less work days in September, students and prospective students will need to apply by Sept. 16 if they want to enroll for fall quarter.

The financial aid deadline for fall quarter is Sept. 8 in an effort to process the applications by the start of classes.

If students miss the September deadline for fall quarter, they can still apply anytime and begin classes during winter quarter.

Peters said the college has received numerous inquiries already regarding fall quarter, and he stressed that those who wish to enroll for fall should do so early.

Fall quarter classes at HGTC begin Sept. 30.

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Student Government Association (SGA) held a joint club meeting on July 20.  Other clubs represented included: The BRIDGE Club, National Technical Honor Society, Phi Beta Lambda,  RESP, SKILLS USA and  Student Practical Nursing Association.  The meeting was conducted by SGA president, Walter Jones.

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Practical Nursing Class of December 2009 held a Capping Ceremony on July 23.  The guest speaker was Pam Woodard.  Pictured (l-r) are:  Front Row – Udy Andrews, HGTC instructor; Charlotte Humble (Dodge); Terry Blount (Laurens); Pam Woodard , speaker (Laurens); Ginger Spires (Dodge); Kiley Smith (Bleckley), Justina Kunstbeck (Dodge).  Back Row – Bobbie Lowther, HGTC instructor; Michelle Holder (Telfair), Misty Lamb (Bleckley), Jessica Roberts (Telfair), Jessica White (Bleckley), and Deb Thomsen, HGTC instructor. 

Students at the Heart of Georgia Technical College Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center enjoy an ice cream break during a hot summer day.  Pictured are: LOIC students Patricia Hamilton, T. J. Walls, Chelsea Mann, April Moore, Brittany Wurster and Instructor David Taylor.  Ice Cream Day was sponsored by the college Student Government Association (SGA).

HGTC Foundation elects new officers

New officers for the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation were recently elected for the 2009 – 2011 term.  They are:  Penny Mackey, president (Laurens); Jeff Davis, IV, vice president (Laurens); Spencer Tydings, treasurer (Laurens), and Janice Irvin, secretary (Wheeler).

The HGTC Foundation officers serve a two-year term and began their duties at the Annual Meeting, which was held July 30.

The HGTC Foundation is the fundraising arm of the College dedicated to raising and providing resources for the College’s educational excellence and innovation.  All members of the Foundation serve in a volunteer capacity.

Heart of Georgia Technical College’s Continuing Education division recently kicked off a seven week highly interactive Team Interaction Skills course.  Topics covered in the course include human behavior styles, one-to-one communications, resolving interpersonal conflict, consensus decision making, effective meeting management, and working effectively together.  Participating in the current class are 19 individuals from Husqvarna, Alcoa, Case New Holland, and Heart of Georgia Tech.  Shown in the picture are “teams” competing to build a shelter from newspaper and tape only.  For more information on this course or other courses offered in the Continuing Education division of HGTC, please visit our website at www.heartofgatech.edu or call the Continuing Education office at (478) 275-6592.

HGTC Foundation Awards Dr. Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarships

     Five Heart of Georgia Technical College students received the Fred A. Smith Jr. Scholarships for summer quarter.

     The scholarship was established by The Merchants & Citizens Bank of McRae in memory and honor of Dr. Fredrick Augustus Smith, Jr.  The scholarship is based on financial need and is for students enrolled at the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center located in Helena.

     Students receiving the scholarships are Regina Buchanan of Hazlehurst, Lovie Williams of McRae, Nancy Poole of Alamo, Leroy Oliver of McRae, and Joyce Wooten of Alamo.

Scholarships create opportunities to change lives. Those interested in establishing a scholarship or donating to an existing scholarship, please contact Jenny Shuman at 478-296-6117 or foundation@heartofgatech.edu. The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

LOIC Technology Fee Scholarships

     HELENA—Ten Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center students have received the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center Technology Fee Scholarship from the Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation for summer quarter.

     Those receiving the award are Samantha Burkes of Rhine, Amy King of Milan, Joyce Wooten of Alamo, Leroy Oliver of McRae, Shirley McCrimmon of McRae, Regina Buchanan of Hazlehurst, Macie Alvarado of Helena, Nancy Poole of Alamo, Reece Swain of McRae, and Lovie Williams of McRae.

     The Technology Fee Scholarship is awarded quarterly to students enrolled in a program of study at Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center (LOIC) of the Heart of Georgia Technical College. The scholarship is awarded to students who are in a good academic standing with the college.  The scholarship is also based on financial need and the amount of funds available for the award.

     The HGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. If you would like to make a donation to support the technology fee scholarship, please contact Jenny Shuman at 478-296-6117, or visit the Foundation website at www.heartofgatech.edu.

HGTC Foundation Holds Annual Meeting; New Trustees Welcomed

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Foundation held its annual meeting on June 30, 2009.  The following outgoing trustees were thanked and recognized for their service to the board:  Jimmy Allgood (Laurens), Lisa Black (Laurens), Beverly Brown (Telfair), Sheila Christian (Laurens), Susan Coffee (Dodge), Jep Craig (Laurens), Kay Graham (Dodge), Helen Harper (Laurens), Robyn Tanner (Laurens), Alice Todd (Wilkinson), Ed Touchberry (Laurens), Frank Wall (Wilkinson), and David Westerfield (Laurens).   The following new trustees were welcomed to the board:  Don Avery (Laurens), Jeff Davis, IV (Laurens), Phil Patel (Laurens), Raj Saxena (Laurens), and Spencer Tydings (Laurens).   After an informative meeting, the group enjoyed refreshments in honor of outgoing president, Ed Touchberry.  Touchberry passed the gavel to Penny Mackey, who will serve for the 2009-2011 term.

Pictured (l-r):  Raj Saxena; Don Avery; Phil Patel; Jeff Davis, IV; Spencer Tydings. 

HGTC Grad Open to New Opportunities

Gene Haun doesn’t often let situations or circumstances stand in the way of his progress.

Though homeschooled, the Rhine native readily adapted to the classroom setting when he enrolled at Heart of Georgia Technical College in 2006.

“Being homeschooled — it was really different,” Haun, a recent graduate of the college’s diesel technology and heavy equipment program recalled.  “I wanted to get the whole college experience.”

For Haun, adjusting, even with a hearing disability, was not much of an adjustment at all thanks to the help and support he’s had along the way. As a college student, he immersed himself in extracurriculars and campus life, taking part in BRIDGE (Broadening and Redefining Individuality, Diversity, Goodwill, and Excellence) Club and Student Government Association (SGA), and competing nationally in Skills USA.

He was elected vice president of SGA, becoming active in campus job fairs, tours and student assemblies as a part of the organization.

The college life adjustment was certainly not all seamless, and to help the adaptation process, he utilized HGTC’s special needs office as a resource.

Special Needs advisor Lydia Barfoot connected Haun to tutoring resources and encouraged him to get involved in student activities on campus.

“She helped me adjust to college life,” he said of Barfoot, whom he credits, along with his parents and diesel instructor Jillyn Baggett with providing the guidance he needed.

Barfoot says even though Haun has a hearing impairment, as a student, he was in no way at a disadvantage which is a credit to his personal strengths and attributes.

“Gene’s strengths have dominated in his college training,” she said. “He has chosen the program he loves---one he can excel in and be successful at---while following some of his other interests through involvement at school and in the community.”

Haun says getting involved and giving back to the community around him has always been a focus he aspired to.

“I really enjoyed volunteering and doing that type of thing in high school,” said Haun.

It was through making those types of connections on campus that Barfoot helped Haun land a summer internship with the Eastman office of the Georgia Department of Labor earlier this year.

“When the Department of Labor sent information out to the technical schools about the opportunity for summer internships, I contacted him and two other students I felt would meet the qualifications,” said Barfoot. “Gene immediately began the application process and saw it as an opportunity to get exposure to areas of the world of work that he would not know of except through an experience like this. I am proud of him and his commitment. I am also thankful that the Department of Labor has organized these internships for students in the community.”

Throughout the summer, he has assisted office staff with answering phones, creating forms and doing filing and paperwork.

His supervisor, Lori Martell, says he has been a welcomed asset to the office and a help to have on board.

“We have really enjoyed him this summer. He has been extremely helpful to our customers,” said Martell. “He’s gained a lot of skills here.”

According to Martell, these types of internship opportunities enable young adults like Haun to transition more readily into the workforce. She also commented that the office has been fortunate to land an intern position.

“I think that has been very good for him simply because it has opened his eyes to a different aspect,” said Martell.

“We’re just very fortunate to have him,” with budget cuts this year, she said. “If we did not have this group of people we would not be able to provide the services we’ve been providing for our customers.”

Haun says the work has enabled him to enhance his people skills and develop patience, an attribute that will likely benefit him in his long-term career plans.

“I want to own my own shop,” he said of his career goal of owning his own diesel mechanics operation. “My dad’s been driving a truck since he was 18. I’ve just been around them [trucks] all my life. They interest me.”

Haun plans to work toward earning his CDL license in the fall on his way to becoming a small business owner and being his own boss. In the meantime, he plans to keep plunging forward and making as many connections as he can.

 “A lot of times, those seeds you plant in college are sewn when you get out of college.”

The Dublin Exchange Club recently presented scholarships to three Heart of Georgia Technical College students.  Pictured (l-r) are: Gwyanna Brown, Criminal Justice; Otis Faircloth, Air Conditioning; Elizabeth Fordham, Medical Assisting; and Jim Shackelford of the Exchange Club. The students are all residents of Laurens County.

HGTC graduate fights to overcome injury, help and inspire others

Standing at the starting line of Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race, perhaps no other runner taking their mark could have ever imagined John Ware’s journey back to the annual 10K.

Surrounded by thousands of fellow runners, none probably could ever believe the story that brought the Heart of Georgia Technical College grad back from life’s brink to race again.

Even today, there are moments when not even he can. 

Less than a year ago, on Sept. 13, 2008, an unsuspecting Ware was riding his motorcycle on the outskirts of town when a deer charged into his path, striking his left side before the collision ejected him from his bike onto nearby asphalt, splitting his helmet as he landed on the side of the road near the Dudley exit of I-16.

His injuries, doctors said, were catastrophic.

Ware suffered a collapsed left lung, a punctured right lung and brain damage. He spent 15 days in a Macon hospital before being transported to Shepherd Center in Atlanta where he underwent three weeks of intensive rehab.

Doctors initially told his family at best, he could only expect a 50 to 60 percent recovery.

But on the road to recuperating, a determined Ware came to a realization that would inevitably change his outlook and alter his approach — much to the pleasant amazement of doctors, family and friends.

The transformation began slowly, during his time at Shepherd, as Ware was struck by the number of younger patients going through rehab alongside him and by the patient and careful efforts of the doctors and staff.

Approaching 50 at the time of his accident, Ware was particularly moved by the story of a young woman, only 22, who was recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident. Seeing her and the countless others like her, Ware said, enabled him to fully appreciate his life and longevity.

The accident and his subsequent recovery opened Ware’s eyes to the fact that he’d survived because he still had a purpose to fulfill — to help and inspire others with disabilities and injuries.

“I felt I was so blessed,” said Ware. “He [God] brought me back for a reason.”

In search of newfound purpose, he reflected on his time at the Shepherd Center and a therapy session that took him to a nearby state park in Atlanta. A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Ware says that opportunity was quite possibly the most productive form of therapy he could have ever received — to be able to venture out again into the outside world beyond the sterile hospital walls.

“It brought me back and made me see I needed to keep on,” he said of the moment.

That therapeutic journey inspired Ware to work to share the same types of opportunities with others with disabilities.

Shortly following rehab, Ware says he received the best Christmas present he could have ever asked for, and perhaps the best avenue through which to fulfill his newfound mission — he reported for work at a full-time position at Robins Air Force Base. Ware had previously completed a co-op at Robins while still a student at HGTC. He’d returned to school as a refresher after having earned a degree in electronics 30 years prior. He’d been notified of the full-time post shortly before his accident.

On Dec. 24, he returned to Robins to begin work on weapons guide systems for A-10 Thunderbolts. He admits the job had its challenges post-accident, but despite memory loss, he was able to adjust. He realized that he had to learn to often do things differently to get the same end result as others with disabilities must often do.  

“There are limitations that shouldn’t be limitations,” he said. “You just have to find different ways of doing things.”

Shortly after returning to work, he started an effort to give back to others with disabilities as so many at Shepherd Center had given to him. He thought back to the therapy session at the park and soon discovered how he would go about doing just that. He arranged to bring in disabled veterans for an annual air show in an effort for them to feel some of the same spirit he’d felt in the park that day.

To his surprise, between 35 to 50 veterans, some in wheelchairs, were able to attend. The event was such a success, Ware hopes to continue to work with the Blue Angels and the Golden Knights to get vets at every Robins air show, and he now wants to also hold monthly programs and events at the base for vets with disabilities.

Ware says his efforts are to remind veterans with disabilities that there are no closed doors — just opportunities to go through a different direction.

“We need to provide them some sort of support after they get out of the hospital,” he said.

He says he’ll continue to work to arrange similar venues for veterans at upcoming air shows at Robins, and in the meantime, his memory is returning and he’s slowly getting back to his old self. A runner most of his adult life, Ware completed a half marathon at Tybee Island earlier this year, and this summer, he ran once again in the Peachtree Road Race — a fete that seemed so far out of reach just more than a year ago.  

Making his way toward the finish line during Peachtree, he passed Shepherd Center and waved to some of the staff who’d once worked so diligently to get him back on his feet.

“They were all floored to see me,” he said. “It took some effort, but I finished it.”

He credits the tremendous amount of support he received from his doctors and medical staff, as well as from co-workers at Robins, friends, family members and the HGTC family with aiding his recovery thus far.

“The support has just been unbelievable,” he said. “They all went out of their way for me.”

Now, Ware is simply thankful he’s got a few more races to run.

“I’ve been extremely lucky,” said Ware. “I’ve been very blessed.”

PHOTO CUTLINE: HGTC graduate John Ware makes his way to the finish line of his half-mile race at Tybee Island. Ware sustained brain injuries in a motorcycle accident last year.

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