Math instructor Carol Douglas received an e-mail from graduate Aaron Hensley, who is now attending UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in statistics. "You were a major catalyst for my success in mathematics. In high school, I failed Algebra I and I barely completed the technical math sequence required for me to graduate. Yet when I took your class, I did very well. You made math seem unintimidating. I realized that I could learn math and do it successfully. I worked my way up to Calculus II and even took differential equations at A-B Tech the summer after I graduated. I eventually realized that math is a beautiful thing," he wrote.
Vice President of Risk Management and Operations Max Queen had praise for Plant Operations Director Benny Smith and Eddie Davis, Plant Operations coordinator at the Enka site, for their work in repairing the HVAC system.
"On Tuesday, May 26, at 9:00 AM, the primary chiller located in the Small Business Center/Technology Commercialization Center was brought back on line following a complete system teardown and rebuild which included removal, shipping, receiving and reinstallation of a 3,000-pound motor that powers the system. Thirty minutes following start-up, chilled water temperature registered at 44 degrees and rooms temperatures were noted between 68 and 71 degrees. Please join me in thanking Benny Smith and Eddie Davis for their efforts to repair the HVAC system at Enka following the 'single phase' electrical event that occurred. Due to the size, location, and age of equipment, initial projections for repair were estimated at 8-12 weeks. Realizing the adverse impact on building occupants, Benny and Eddie worked hard to isolate problems, identify repairs necessary, coordinate efforts with Mechanical Systems Service technicians to restore operation of the primary chiller and service to the campus in less than 4 weeks! This is a great example of the dedication and commitment these men bring to their work."
Dr. Joseph Fox, Business Administration chair, wrote a paper with Dr. Kevin Pennington, an associate professor of Higher Education at Western Carolina University, that was published in the Journal of Applied Research in the Community College Spring 2009 edition. The article titled "The Effect of Economic Development of an Entrepreneurship Program at a North Carolina Community College" presented the findings from a review of Haywood Community College's entrepreneurship course.
A-B Tech student John Ellery sent an e-mail to counselor Susan Grosoff-Fienblatt in appreciation for her assistance and advice in his journey to the Associate Degree Nursing Program. "I want you to know how much I appreciate the work you are doing and what a tremendous benefit it has been to me to have your advice concerning choosing a new career and going to school," he wrote. "It is not easy returning to school after so many years, but thanks to you I understood my choices and the steps I needed to take in order to fulfill my plans for becoming a nurse."
A-B Tech was well-represented at the Enka Triathlon at Biltmore Lake June 13. Stephen Maag, Early College liaison/advisor, served as a volunteer after winning first place in his division in last year's race. Liz Atkinson, Lavender Fund Scholarship advisor, swam as part of a relay. Meg Turner, Early College principal, placed 14th overall in the 750-yard swim, 17.5 miles bike ride and 3.1-mile run. Kenet Adamson, Arts and Sciences dean, says he happily finished without a heart attack, and his son Tanner placed 5th in his age group.
Tech Talk is published by the Communications Office for employees, students, and friends of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.
Editor: Mona Cornwell, Writer: Martha Ball, Designers: Justin Page, April Sides
Send submissions to: Mona Cornwell, Director of Communications, at mcornwell@abtech.edu
Publication of the next issue
is scheduled for August 3.
Deadline for submissions is July 17.