Wachovia Awards Scholarships

Rebekah Lowe, Wachovia's regional president for Western North Carolina, and President Bailey congratulate students Annie Dowdell, second from left, and Megan Ledford, second from right, on their selection for Wachovia Technical Scholarships.

Two A-B Tech students have been awarded $500 scholarships in the Wachovia Technical Scholarship Program.

Rebekah Lowe, Wachovia's regional president for Western North Carolina, presented the awards to Information Systems Technology student Annie Dowdell of Asheville and Radiography student Megan Ledford of Canton May 7.

Wachovia distributes 113 scholarships valued at $500 each among the 58 colleges in the North Carolina Community College System each year. Recipients must be full-time students enrolled in the second year of a two-year technical program, and demonstrate financial need and scholastic promise. The scholarships provide $250 for the fall semester and $250 for the spring semester to pay for books, tuition, and transportation.

Established during the 1983-84 school year, the Wachovia Technical Scholarship was the first corporate scholarship made available to students through the North Carolina Community College System. Two scholarships have been awarded each year since then to deserving students at A-B Tech who meet the eligibility criteria.

Food, Fun, and Looking at Life From The Fourth Pig's Perspective

Celebration of successes, women, and improving communication skills were the themes of the A-B Tech Association of Educational Office Professionals' Annual Awards Luncheon and workshop held at the Enka Site on May 27.

Forty-five office professionals, administrators, and special guests enjoyed a delectable luncheon, a spirited performance by the A-B Tech Players entitled "The Wonderful World of Women's Advice,"and the story of the three pigs from the fourth pig's perspective. If you are wondering about this, ask one of the office professionals! Valerie Collins, Executive Director of Helpmate, expressed her appreciation to the Local for their donation to Helpmate in December. Thanks to everyone on campus who participated in this worthwhile project.

Two Erwin High School seniors, Bridgett Wells and Katie Sparks, were awarded scholarships totaling $2,500. Both students will enroll in A-B Tech's Accounting Program this fall.

Fran McDonald, secretary in Allied Health and Public Service, received the 2002-2003 Educational Office Professional of the Year award. Faye Muse, Director of Admissions, won the Administrator of the Year award. Congratulations to these ladies and a special thank you to them for all they do for the organization.

Officers for 2003-2004 will be: President - Kathryn Lemieux, Vice President - Pat Lail, Secretary - Diane Hall, and Treasurer - Joyce Dover. Outgoing President Brenda Katona thanked this year's officers, committee chairs, and all members of the organization for their support, service, and dedication.

A wheelbarrow filled with gardening supplies was raffled. Wanza Davis rolled away with all the goodies. All proceeds from this fundraising project will be used for future scholarships.

Denise Ryan with Firestar in Fayetteville presented an educational workshop on Communication and Power for Women.

If you are not a member of the A-B Tech Local and would like more information about our organization, please contact Pat Lail at extension 143 or any other member of the organization. Sharing educational opportunities, fun, and fellowship with colleagues is a wonderful way to build a stronger network within our college.

New Employees Join A-B Tech

Robin Bayne Keith is the new Chairperson for Surgical Technology in the Allied Health Division. Robin received her A.D.N from Mount Hood Community College in Gresham, OR, and her B.S.N. from Western Carolina University. She received her Certified Nurse of the Operating Room (C.N.O.R.) and L.P.N. Diploma from Guilford Technical Community College. Robin has been an adjunct instructor in Surgical Technology at A-B Tech. Before that, she spent 10 years as a staff nurse in the cardiovascular operating room at Mission-St. Joseph's Hospital. She is excited about the opportunity to "combine my dream to teach with my passion for my specialty and give it to students who chose this challenging field."

Marie Elliot joins the grounds keeping crew at the Enka Site. She is a graduate of Erwin High School and was a Human Resource Aide at the Department of Social Services for eight years before joining A-B Tech.

Jillena Guthrie joins Continuing Education as cashier. She received her A.A from A-B Tech and her B.A. from UNCA.