Students Build Solar Collectors to Conserve Enviroment 4-26-2011



Roy Caplinger explaining the Drainback System.



by Jeff Bell

   

    The ability to cut household utility costs and conserve the planet is the desire and need of most homes nationwide. Solar thermal installation designs and ideas allow nature to handle a large portion of household heating needs; some of which are being learned at WVU Parkersburg.

    Solar Thermal Installation (Set155) students are developing a thorough knowledge of the solar water heating systems, which they have designed.  Ordered parts are arriving daily while the fabrication of various other parts is beginning in the campus fabrication class.  Whereas the basic knowledge of how each system works is crucial, the entire project from energy analysis to unit installation can be extensive.

    The installation of the collectors is very crucial in determining the efficiency of the heating system. If the solar collectors are hooked up in a series, simply one hooked up directly in line with another, the heating capabilities are greatly improved, according to Gary Thompson, class instructor. The proper angle and southerly direction of the collector will determine the heating efficiency as well.

    The collectors themselves are relatively cheap at approximately $180 each, but the rest of the material and supplies needed, depending on the setup, can quickly elevate the costs. Pumps, heat exchangers, thermal couplers and more are relatively numerous to the system and can be expensive; however, the overall savings will eventually pay for the costs.

    With the new solar collectors and other parts now physically available to them, the students have begun to perform temporary set-ups: explaining how their system will hook up to the collectors, circulate and heat the household water. “Next week, we will start mounting the hardware to the white-boards, the students will need to practice their soldering techniques and create a list of tools and expendable materials,” Thompson said.

    The finished products, the carts, will be used as trainer models. “We are creating carts that will be used by other classes to help them learn,” Ruth Wagoner, drainback team leader, said. The satisfaction of a job well done is coupled with a well-rounded training experience.

    The class also instructs students on the importance of energy conservation and the ability to perform energy consumption analysis or site surveys on a building. A site survey includes the knowledge of customization and energy needs of an individual system, the documentation needed and the ability to determine the permits required in the area. The energy conservation aspect is of growing importance to the environmentally minded.

    The damage being created by the use of fossil fuels is not irreversible, but steps need to be taken soon, according to environmentalists. “This class will make one aware of the damage that the use of non-renewable energy sources can cause,” Wagoner said. “It teaches us other ways of using energy wisely,” Wagoner continued. This skill is yet another form of marketable knowledge learned in the duration of this class.

    The sales, marketing and distribution of these new systems appear to be leading motivating factors to these students. “I want to design and build one of these for my own house, so when I begin to sell them, I will be able to show one in working condition,” John Shreve, drainback team member, said. “I have been in sales almost my entire life; I hope to use this knowledge to sell these systems,” Charlotte Fittro, drainback team member, said. The economic downsizing that has affected this area is yet another factor motivating the students.

    “With all of the plants shutting down around here, we are going to have to use our new knowledge to make it,” Fittro said. The future for solar technology is bright, relatively cheap and very environmentally friendly.

Donny Jones Shares His Love for Civil War 4-26-2011

by Jeff Bell

   

    A battle-hardened veteran of the Civil War walks the halls of WVU Parkersburg. Donny Jones, a current sophomore studying Political Sciences and History, faces the tiring schedule of student life and also spends several weekends portraying 1st Sergeant Jones of the 36th Virginia Infantry, Company A, also known as the Buffalo Guard.

    The Buffalo Guard was originally formed in Buffalo, West (ern) Virginia in 1859 and was accepted into the Confederate States service in July 1861 according to Jones.

    “The Buffalo Guard has battle honors including Carnifex Ferry, Kessler’s Cross Lanes, Fort Donnellson and Fayetteville. The Guard was disbanded in April 1865,” Jones said. Jones’ fascination with the Civil War started at a very young age.

    As a child, Jones would accompany his grandfather while hunting for Civil War relics in area encampments and other sites. “I saw my first reenactment when I was 12 and joined the 36th Infantry when I was 14, working my way up through the ranks,” Jones said. Jones was promoted to the rank of 1st Sergeant Sunday, Mar 27.  “As a re-enactor, my goal is to portray the average confederate soldier, recreate battles for the public to see, and live as the boys of 1865 lived for weekends at a time,” Jones said. The schedule keeps Jones busy, averaging one event a month between Mar and Nov.

    “We travel all over this somewhat local area of W.Va., VA., Tenn. and Ky.,” Jones said. This may sound exciting, but this hobby is not for the faint of heart.

    “You need to have a love of the Civil War or at least of US History,” Jones said.

    The Buffalo Guard has the proud honor of being the best Confederate impression in the state and maintains a very strict uniform regulation, but the complete uniform of the re-enactor can be compiled over time.

    With plenty of veteran re-enactors available, the uniform kit of a new recruit will quickly become authentic.

    “Achieving a good impression does take a little time,” Jones said.

            According to Jones, the regiment is always interested in meeting new Civil War re-enactors. Contact Jones via e-mail at JacksonCoRebel@aol.com or on facebook for more information

Police Officer Recognized During Police Memorial Week 4-26-2011

by Rachel Terzo

   

    The United States recognizes heroism and bravery by the observance of Memorial Day on May 29. What a lot of citizens don’t know is that police officers have their own holiday dedicated to them as well.

    Police Memorial Week, celebrated May 15-21, is a federal holiday that was established for citizens to express their gratitude to those who serve. This holiday honors police officers all over the nation. Although this holiday isn’t as prevalent as Memorial Day, Police Memorial Week recognizes law enforcement agencies all over the nation for their hard work, long hours, and dedication to serving their communities.

    The holiday originated in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy declared May 15 as National Police Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week when May 15 starts as National Police Week. President Bill Clinton passed a law in 1994 that summons for the U.S. flag to fly at half-staff May 15.

    Captain of the Wood County Sheriff’s office, Mark King, says, “The most rewarding part of my job is being able to talk to and help children.” When asked the same question, WVU Parkersburg campus police officer Al Collins said, “keeping people safe.”

    Since there is currently not an event in Parkersburg scheduled in observance of the holiday, anyone can individually celebrate Police Week May 15-21 to show your appreciation for their local police officers. Police Memorial Day/Week doesn’t have to be celebrated strictly during the designated calendar times.

    In 1989, the first annual candlelight vigil was held at the site of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Judiciary   Square in Washington, DC.  In October 1991, President George Bush dedicated the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. To this day, the memorial contains the names of more than 16,000 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

    Promos On-Time has a small selection of gifts for people who have a policeman they want to thank. People may visit http://www.promosontime.com/d/264/national-police-week.htm to browse through different gift selections.

    A live candlelight vigil will be held May 13 in observance of Police Appreciation Week. Anyone who is interested in participating may sign up via

e-mail at http://www.nleomf.com/programs/policeweek/.

A Busy Month for Health and Wellness 3-29-2011

by Trey Bailey

  

 If March wasn’t a busy month for the student health and wellness group at WVU Parkersburg, then April surely will be.

    The group is back at work again trying to attack different health issues head on. 

    Last year the group tried to help with such issues as substance abuse, breast cancer awareness and domestic violence.  This year the group is supporting the fight against tobacco use.  The CDC, Center for Disease Control, estimates that one of every five deaths can be attributed to tobacco use.  

  On March 4 the wellness group took a trip to the state Capitol where Pamela Santer, who oversees the group, and other student members set up a booth displaying the harmful and unhealthy use of tobacco products such as cigarettes.

    The group didn’t only have handouts ready to be passed out but also had more visual examples of student activities against tobacco.  One example on display was the 10,000 or more cigarette butts that were picked up in less than 45 minutes around campus last semester. 

    On April 20, WVU Parkersburg’s student health and wellness group will be celebrating Earth Day 2011.  Santer and the group plan to have a booth set up with recyclable hats and reusable shopping bags.

    The same day will include open invites for volunteers to sign up to help plant 300 trees around campus.  People can sign up, but the planting will not occur the same day.  The trees will be planted along the walking trail behind campus.

    On April 28, the health and wellness group, in conjunction with the SEA, student engagement activities, will be participating in  a “Be Well Day” for choosing healthy lifestyles.  Booths will be showing information on health issues, but as an added bonus there will be colorful ribbons representing pink for breast cancer, purple for domestic violence and other ribbon representations.

    Students and faculty are invited to participate in a parade that day which will take place on the walking path behind WVU Parkersburg.  Participants are encouraged to dress up and have some sort of small-scale float by wheel barrel, wagon or other. The “float” should represent some theme on choosing a healthy lifestyle or disease prevention.  The winner for the best “float” will be awarded $25 for whatever cause they choose to represent.

    Students can also receive a free Frisbee if they stop by the booth on April 28.  With 250 Frisbees, it will be first come, first served for a Frisbee.  However, everyone can join in Frisbee games that will be held throughout the day. 

    Santer is excited about the upcoming events.  “These are great activities for students to get together and do something good and not only do school work every day.”

    For any information on any student health and wellness group activities or anything health and fitness related, Santer’s office is located in room 1535. 

WVU-Parkersburg Students Encouraged to Get Fit 3-29-2011

by Trey Bailey

    While winter seems to be fading fast and spring weather is coming back everyday, many students and faculty are probably thinking about one common goal — getting in better shape for the summer.

    One of the least visited rooms on the WVU Parkersburg campus is also one of the most important for those who have the goal to reach those beach bods.   

    Room 1537, better known as the exercise room, is full of space and equipment to mold bodies into better shape with working specific muscle groups. 

    An area most people probably would like to target for summer are the abdominal muscles.  Exercises that are generally done for this area are sit-ups and crunches.  Aside from manual exercises, individuals on campus can use equipment for ab workouts.  A popular choice for abdominal is the Tower 2500, though some might know it better as the “captain’s” chair.

    This piece of equipment stands out because it is the only one that doesn’t do any movement.  The person on the machine does all the movement. The machine basically looks like a chair that is missing the seat.  Two arm rests and a back rest at a elevated position.

    Persons using this should first stand on the chair and grip hand holds to stabilize themselves.  Next, a user will press against the pad and contract the abs to raise the legs towards the chest.  Remember:  Don’t arch the back and try to keep the back against the pad.  Then, slowly lower legs back down and repeat for 1-3 sets of 12-16 reps.  

    This  is considered the second most effective ab workout by the American Council of Exercise. 

    The Tower 2500 is currently missing both arm rests for repair.  When asked, Pamela Santer, director of health and fitness, stated that the repairs to the arm rests would have came sooner but the outrageous costs of replacing the arm rests did not meet budget expectations.  “The arm rests were priced at over $200 for the pair,” Santer said.  “I can repair the rests myself for a grand total of $11.”

    Santer assures that the rests will be repaired and placed back on the tower as soon as possible.

    As a health instructor, she teaches an aerobics class in room 1535, and she is also available for health consulting.  She can help students and faculty with eating plans and specific workouts to help target specific areas of the body. 

            People wishing to start a workout program or eating plan should consult a doctor or physician to find out what is best for their bodies.

Can't is a Word that does not Exist-by Joe Wolfe 3-29-2011

Student Gives New Meaning to "Senior" Class

 

    Sharon Marshall O’Neill is a woman who believes that the word “can’t” is the dirtiest word in the English language. She’s also quick to list a number of accomplishments that she was told can’t be done… Secretarial courses, Accounting courses, the Civil Service test, employment through the Board of Education, and ultimately 34 years of service at the Department of Treasury. These are all achievements that have paved a path for a comfortable retirement that many would be glad to boast. Sharon’s different, and before she lays claim to obstacles overcome, she is fast to emphasize that her accomplishments weren’t without conflict.

    “I had a very bad childhood, and a very bad marriage. This isn’t uncommon to what many people go through, but I encourage people who go through these situations to get past them,” O’Neill stated, then added, “You can’t let it stop you!”

    This advice might strike some as universal, but the weight of the message augments when you consider Sharon’s situation. That’s because O’Neill has opted to pursue her college degree at the remarkable age of 75.

    People told me, ‘You can’t go back to school at your age’…“Here I am!

    “I’ve been here since September of 2009 and I have an A average,” stated O’Neill with certain enthusiasm.

    Sharon is currently pursuing her Associate’s degree with an emphasis in history. What’s more, she intends to get her Bachelor’s degree following her Associate’s.

    “I will be over 80 by the time I receive my Bachelor’s degree,” she stated.

    Regarding her motivation to attend college at the age of 73, Sharon attributes her tenure to the goals she has set.

    “You’ve got to make yourself do it… you can’t just fiddle. If you set one goal, then make the next one bigger,” said O’Neill.                  She’s fast to reiterate that being told she can’t attend college at her age played a role in her attendance. On the subject of motivation, Sharon is quick to comment, “Can’t is the dirtiest word in the English language.”

    In comparing her academic efforts today to her past studies, she feels school today is a lot harder than it used to be. More specifically, she shared that the hardest part of her experience has been the memorization that curriculums encompass. “I don’t think there has been one class that we didn’t have to memorize in,” O’Neill stated.

    Beyond academics, it is a spectacle to witness the energy of life that Sharon brings to academia. She will tell you herself that her determination comes from her willingness to learn new things.

            “Don’t let a day go by where you didn’t learn something new. Whether it’s a new word, whether you meet somebody new, you have to have change. It’s a dynamic world, and you can’t just be a vegetable,” said    O’Neill.

Cooperative Education Feature-by Sami Daggett 3-29-2011

Student Enjoys College, Work

by Sami Daggett

Fred Morlan

    Fred Morlan, a pre-pharmacy major at WVU Parkersburg, has a job at Kroger pharmacy where he works 16 hours a week. He is able to work while still going to school, and even gets college credit for his hours worked. This is all accomplished through cooperative education.

    Morlan, who has been working at Kroger for over four months now, was told about co-op through his Chemistry professor. When he’s working, Morlan takes new prescriptions and manages stock, as well as several other things that keep him busy. “I do a little bit of everything.”

    Because he works 16 hours a week, Morlan is receiving four college credit hours this semester towards his major. This is a huge help for students. His only other classes this semester are Organic Chemistry 2 and Microbiology.

    Morlan has been a student at WVU Parkersburg since the fall of 2009. “I was pretty much set on Pre-Pharmacy, then after taking the classes, I realized I was set on it.”

    When asked if he would like to stay with Kroger after graduating, Morlan said, “I wouldn’t be opposed to working at Kroger. I really like it there. Plus, that’s a few years away. I don’t have anywhere else in particular I would rather work.”

    Most students consider their co-op jobs to be a great experience. Morlan adds, “I think it’s a very positive thing to be able to learn first-hand about your career path and know you’ve made the right decision before graduating.”

    Morlan believes co-op jobs aren’t for lazy students and can take up a lot of time, especially when students also have other classes at the college. Going into pre-pharmacy only adds to Morlan’s stress, saying, “What do I do in my spare time? That’s a good hypothetical question.”

            Al Edwards, head of the co-op department believes that even though it can put more stress on students, in the long run, co-op is completely worth the time students put into it. The on-the-job training is something students are unable to gain on campus, but definitely something that is needed.

Money...Money...Money-by Susan Moore 3-29-2011

Students Hit the Jackpot!

by Susan Moore

  

  Most Wednesday afternoons, students can find a variety of fun activities happening in the WVU Parkersburg student union.  These events are sponsored by the Student Engagement and Activities organization.

    During last week’s exciting event, one lucky student, Pam Kimble, walked away with $139 in cold hard cash.  Mega Game Show was the name and winning was her game.  This was after three thrilling rounds.

    Two other lucky students, Seth Bond and Jeff Bozoman, took home some extra cash as well.

    The Student Engagement and Activities (SEA) organization have several other events upcoming through the end of the semester.

    During April, events include: Organ Donation Awareness Day, April 6; a Job Fair, April 13; Earth Celebration, April 20; and the Final Finale Cookout, April 27.

    Students are encouraged to get involved during these events.  Each one is geared to add excitement and enhance the college experience.  That is exactly what happened for Pam, Seth and Jeff during the latest SEA event.

    Students participated in a number of game show challenges from various well-known shows, such as:  Let’s Make a Deal, The Price is Right, Family Feud, and Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?

    There were three rounds in which four students were playing for a spot in the coveted cash contestant seat. 

    After each round, the last contestant standing was eligible for the Mega Cash Cube money finale.

    Each contestant had the chance to walk away with as much as $500.  This was dependent on how many bills they could snag in their allotted time in the machine.

    So next time students find themselves looking for some action between classes, they should check out what the Student Engagement and Activities organization has planned for the afternoon. 

            They, too, could be walking away a winner.



Technology Students 3/8/2011

Star Technology Students Master Project Management

by Jeff Bell

Ruth Wagoner, flooded open-loop team leader, while learning a new profession of solar technology, is learning the intense world of project management as well. “I have learned how to use the Excel spreadsheet, and it’s a handy tool,” Wagoner said.

    Project management consists of organizing ideas, documenting information, contacting team members, monitoring team progression, producing professional bill of materials and more.      

    The class, Solar Thermal Installation (SET 155), is teaching far more than the basics. “These students are learning a profession, not just a job. They are gaining marketable skills and knowledge to manage a project of solar thermal installation,” Gary Thompson, course instructor, said. The students are working through a series of milestones, each having different goals, developmental training opportunities and trials. Working with other classes is increasing the project management aspect.

    Drafting students, from the class Schematic Drafting, have created drawings from the sketches supplied by the solar teams. “All three designs were handed to each student. The student has had to complete a drawing for each of the teams,” Darin Affolter, drafting instructor, said. The teams and the drafting students have made all necessary revisions and developed the build diagrams, also known as the Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID).

    The P&ID is used to guide the construction, with modifications being noted as the build continues. After completion, Schematic Drafting students will revise the drawings with modifications, producing As-Built Drawings, which will become part of the final deliverable and solar system manual. Affolter is using these projects to teach another class as well.

    The Technical Drawing 2 class is also drawing several drawings to be used in the fabrication of intricate parts. “I have broke the class up into teams; each working on one cart design. These teams will create the working drawings to be used in the fabrication class during another milestone,” Affolter said. As with the Schematic Drafting course, these students will also need to produce a set of as-built drawings from notes concerning modifications. With all of this interaction, students from the three different classes have developed working relationships and an increased knowledge.

The solar technology teams are beginning to develop their knowledge and technical background as the projects progress. “They are getting fluent in all of the terminology each thought they would never understand,” Thompson said. “I am learning so much about all of this. It is hard work, but very enjoyable. Learning the project management side of things is very interesting,” Wagoner added.

Bungard Achieves Credit Hours at Work 3/8/2011

by Sami Daggett

  

  Cathy Bungard, a business major at WVU Parkersburg, has a full-time job at Suddenlink. She works 40-50 hours a week and is also receiving six credit hours this semester through the cooperative education work experience program at the college.

    Bungard is an unusual student because she was actually already working at Suddenlink before she knew about co-op. In fact, Bungard has worked at Suddenlink for almost nine years in the customer service department.

    She also worked at the company when it was known as “Charter,” but lost her job when the company closed. After a short hiatus, she went back to work at Suddenlink where she’s been ever since.

    The business major likes to keep her busy with going to school and working. She also shares a home with her husband in the historic district of downtown Parkersburg. Most of her spare time goes into remodeling her home and taking care of her rescue dogs, a Chihuahua and two Greyhounds. Bungard adds that she has “every video game known to man.” “I love technology and I have to have everything new and exciting that’s out there.”

    When she’s at work, Bungard works in the call center and supervises the Internet troubleshooting calls. “I’m responsible for the customer’s experience, and, of course, I want to make that as enjoyable as possible.”

    Bungard has enjoyed being in customer service and dealing with communications for a long time. In the past, she took business tech courses, which helped her realize what she wanted to do.

    After her counselor recommended co-op to Bungard, she saw it as a great opportunity to make the most of her college experience while gaining credit hours towards her degree. Her only other class this semester is multi-media presentation, which is good considering she often works more than 40 hours a week.

    Bungard says she would recommend co-op to students, adding “Absolutely, 100 percent.” She is happy where she is currently at and wouldn’t mind staying at Suddenlink after she graduates.

In the future, Bungard says she can see herself owning her own independent consultant firm and says that she and her husband might also like to own their own restaurant. For now, Cathy Bungard is finishing out her RBA degree and maybe getting some promotions at work.  There is one thing she made clear, she is happy where she is. However, with her recent work and experience, she will certainly be moving up the ladder.

SPRING BREAK!!!!!! 3/8/2011

by Jeff Fox

    “Gib, you want a relationship? That’s fine. Just remember that every relationship starts with a one-night stand. You came 3,000 miles for a reason didn’t you? Would you look at that reason? Go for it Gib, you’ve earned it,” said Anthony Edwards to John Cusack in the seminal 1985 spring break movie, “The Sure Thing.”

   While Hollywood, MTV and even the infamous Girls Gone Wild have spent years cashing in on the promiscuous party traditions of college spring break, reality for WVU Parkersburg students is far less sexy and glamorous than that which is portrayed through the media.

    Sure, it’s true that Cancun, Panama City, South Beach and even the old favorite, Daytona Beach, have their share of spring break delirium, but what are most WVU Parkersburg students planning for spring break?

    “My plans for spring break are to sleep in, I work two jobs and I'm usually gone from morning to night,” Brittany Coleman said. Pete Orn echoed that sentiment,“I plan to get a lot of rest, and work two jobs.” Working and also trying to catch up on some rest, not exactly the craziness that fuels a risque Hollywood movie or MTV special!

    With WVU Parkersburg being a community-based college, it’s student enrollment falls into a different demographic than WVU, Marshall or Ohio University. For example at WVU, 87 percent of the enrolled students are under the age of 24. WVU, Marshall, and Ohio all have an average student age around 22 years old. At WVU Parkersburg, the average age has been trending upward and now stands at 27.6 years old. That is essentially a six-year difference in average age, and in daily responsibilities. Daily responsibilities often revolve around family responsibilities; “I'll get to spend extra time with my kids,” Joe Mundy said.

    While WVU Parkersburg is a great place for a recent high school graduate to begin a college career, it has also become the place to complete one. Many   fellow students may have studied at other places and at other times, and through a variety of reasons are now enrolled at WVU Parkersburg. Going to school, raising a family, and working are many different priorities as compared to the typical spring break reveler.

    Don’t worry, WVU Parkersburg will have a few hearty souls who can drop responsibility for a week and head south for a much needed dosage of fun and sun, but the majority of students will be balancing school, work and family, as they try to find a little time to squeeze in some fun. “My friends and me are going to Myrtle Beach for the week ... @#%$ yeah spring break is the time of year we have been waiting for since Christmas,” proclaimed a student whom will remain anonymous.

    Many students will utilize the time off to prepare for upcoming projects. Hmmm … a novel idea, get ahead on assignments and then enjoy the nice weather locally in a few weeks. “I'm probably working on two or three projects that I have due at finals … I would love to go down to the beach, I’m going to try and get everything done so I can take two days and spend a day in the sun,” Student Government President Teresa Wamer said.

    One thing is for certain; WVU Parkersburg students will utilize their spring break in many different ways, the beach, the job, the couch, but remember to enjoy the spring break, just maybe not enough to inspire an embarrassing movie! 



Keeping Students Safe on Campus~by Rachel Terzo 2/8/2011

Cassandra Mills

by Rachel Terzo

Campus safety is one of many attributes to a student's college career. 

Al Collins, the head of WVU Parkersburg's campus security, has seven security guards to help him maintain a tight level of security on campus. Security guards also work beside the Parkersburg Police and Wood County Sherriff's department once a year for police training. Collins said that the security guards are his “eyes and ears” to incidents that may occur on campus.

A number of students had similar concerns regarding their safety at school. Freshman Kristen Sheppard said, “I think it would be nice if there was someone patrolling the parking lot in the evenings, or all the time for that matter, but especially in the evenings. I'm worried about people being in the parking lot at night.”

Cassandra Mills also had a similar quarrel. “I feel pretty safe on campus, but think cameras in the parking lot would be a good addition to the security,” she says.

What a lot of new and even seasoned students may not know is that the campus has two cameras in the lower parking lot, the Caperton center lot and in the Workforce and Community Education building.

Emergency buttons are located on the middle pole in the upper and lower parking lots. If a student presses the button in the event of an emergency, 911 is instantly notified.

Cameras are also located in the Early Learning Center, and a security guard is on campus 24/7 patrolling the lots and the buildings.

Sophomore Jessica Cross was also concerned about the lack of camera security. “I think they should put surveillance cameras in the lounge area,” she said

Collins stated that installing more cameras throughout the campus is “a timely and costly process. Slowly but surely we'll have more cameras, as soon as our budget allows us to.”

Students are urged to browse the Jeanne Clery report, or better known as the Crime Statistics Report, located on WVU Parkersburg's website under the campus safety portion. Every college that receives federal funding is required to have this report available for the public to view. The Clery report covers the past three years of incidents. Collins pointed out that the campus is “one of the safest in the nation” according to the Cleary reports, past and present.

The campus police encourage students to report any incidents they see, regardless of whether or not the student thinks the incident is trivial or harmless. “Thousands of sets of eyes work better than two, so please report any incident you see and be vigilant. We want everyone to be safe,” Collins said.

Veteran Helps Veterans~by Jeff Bell 2/8/2011

by Jeff Bell

John Wilson, Veteran representative, is working to certify and guide military veterans through the somewhat confusing educational benefits process. “I want to welcome all new military veteran students and all returning veteran students to a new semester at WVU Parkersburg,” said Wilson. 

All veterans have a wide variety of funds and benefits available to them through various federal and state programs enabling veterans the opportunity to return to school. The veteran attendance and registration at WVU Parkersburg has continued to grow due in part to some of these programs and funds; increases of approximately 32 percent over the certified veteran enrollment of Fall 2009. Veteran enrollment is a primary driving force to benefit increase; however, some of the funds are directly related to the credit hours taken.

Veterans need to ensure and maintain updated records at the office of the veteran representative.  “I may know of another funding opportunity, another grant or possibly a prevention of overpayment if the veterans keep me informed of any and all changes in their registration status,” said Wilson. Certified veterans need only to maintain basic contact in order to insure proper benefit disbursement. Military veterans who may have not been certified yet may be entitled to benefits for which they are not receiving.

Pell grants and student loans have enabled veterans the ability to register and attend classes at WVU Parkersburg without ever realizing the opportunity of military educational benefits available. “These funds could offset the need for a loan or at the very least help the veterans reduce his/her debt,” said Wilson. Therefore, it is very important for all veterans to check with Wilson in the Financial Aid offices and ensure benefits are not being missed. “It is not a hand out, remember, freedom is not free,” said Wilson.

Small Town Girl Big City Dreams~by Jason Hall 2/8/11

Miss West Virginia, Erica Goldsmith

by Jason Hall

“And Miss West Virginia USA 2010 is… Erica Jade Goldsmith,” was the words that this Mineral Wells native had been dreaming of for years.  Goldsmith is a former student of West Virginia University at Parkersburg who has proven that a small town girl can work hard and make dreams come true.  Born and raised in Mineral Wells, WV, Goldsmith always worked hard to maintain her reputation as a hard-working honors student. She kept busy in high school with a load of extra-curricular activities, served as Senior Class President, and still made time for part-time jobs while looking her best and winning “Best Dressed” in her graduating class.

Her work ethic, combined with her love of fashion and glamour, led to a successful pageant career throughout her teens, winning several small-town titles and taking the “Miss Photogenic” award in nearly every pageant she competed in.

After high school was over, Erica decided to stay close to home and attended WVU at Parkersburg for two years, majoring in Journalism and taking part in several activities including Student Government.  However, her big dreams of working in the entertainment industry led her to finish her education at West Virginia University in Morgantown to earn her degree, a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism.

Goldsmith holds the title for several pageants including Miss Teen West Virginia USA 2006, in which she placed second runner-up at the national pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada.  However, she did not stop there she went on to win the title of Miss West Virginia USA 2010 and competed in the Miss USA pageant that was televised live on NBC this past May from the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

As Miss WV USA, Erica was given the opportunity to take part in many events throughout the state of West Virginia from attending fairs and festivals to participating in community service acts.

The state legislature also passed a resolution in her honor to recognize her great achievement and service to West Virginia.  Senator Frank Deem’s nomination allowed the opportunity for her to sit in on a legislative session as well as receive a tour of the state’s capitol and governor’s mansion. Parkersburg also rewarded Goldsmith with a key to the city for her ongoing community service and accomplishments.

She recalls the nationally televised event as unreal. Her schedule was filled with red-carpet events, photo shoots, rehearsals, and more. 

She shook hands with Donald Trump and Chris Angel, met celebrity chefs Curtis Stone and Paula Dean, danced with pop-rock band Boys Like Girls, was serenaded by Trace Adkins, had conversations with Joan and Melissa Rivers, and appears in the Rascal Flatts music video for “Why Wait” filmed during her stay in Vegas.

“It was such a fun experience and it’s completely surreal to see myself in a famous video,” said Erica about her music video debut.

Goldsmith went back to Las Vegas in August to watch the Miss Universe pageant and meet up with friends and acquaintances from her last national pageant experience.

“The winner of Miss USA goes on to represent the country in Miss Universe,” said Goldsmith. “This is the first time in five years that the Miss Universe pageant has been held in the USA, so I couldn’t miss it!”

Erica’s pageant career and hard work has done nothing but give her plenty of well-deserved opportunities. Now that her reign is over and a new Miss WV USA has been crowned, she is currently considering jobs throughout the country from modeling for a high-end cosmetics company to being a spokesperson and trainer for a national physical fitness program.

Whatever she chooses to do and wherever she decides to go, a part of her will always be in West Virginia, and WVU at Parkersburg, where her college education began.