John Freeze has a passion for individual learning

Courtesy of Cahty Hefferin
Director of Communications and Marketing for RCC

Posted 2/14/2008

ASHEBORO - After being appointed to the Randolph Community College Board of Trustees in July 2007, John M. Freeze said he was pleased to learn the extent of the outreach that RCC has into the community. "I didn*t realize the College has as big an impact as it does throughout the county," said Freeze, president and chief executive officer of Commonwealth Hosiery in Randleman.

Photo of John Freeze

John Freeze has been appointed to the RCC Board of Trustees
(Photo courtesy of Randolph Community College)

Freeze was appointed to the RCC Board of Trustees by the Randolph County Board of Education for a four-year term that runs through June 30, 2011. A native of Randleman, Freeze obtained his early education at McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tenn., a military prep school, and he earned a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The CEO is the third generation to run his family's hosiery business, and he says his goals as an RCC Trustee are employer-related and center around the individual. "My passion is for the individual's growth," says Freeze. "I have seen so many people who, if they had the right education, could have achieved so much more in life. I want to make sure that individuals achieve the most they are capable of."

Freeze says he sees a void in our education system, with so much effort at the university level. "Our future relies on community college education," he noted. "We have 225 employees and there is a real need to upgrade the value of education for these employees and everyone."

Freeze has a long history of community service. He served on the Board of the Randolph County Partnership for Children from 2000-2006 and was chair in 2005. He has been involved in Success by 6 in Randleman and Randolph County, the Randolph County United Way Board, the Randolph County Economic Development Board, the High Point Open Door Shelter, and the Children's Home Society in Greensboro.

Professionally, he served on the High Point Board of the Bank of America, where he worked before joining his family business. He has also been active in the National Association of Hosiery Manufacturers.

Freeze has lived in Raleigh and High Point, but moved back to Randleman two years ago with his wife, Ellen. They have two children, ages 28 and 31, who both live in Raleigh. He is a member of the Wesleyan Memorial United Methodist Church in High Point and the First United Methodist Church in Randleman. His hobbies include golf, tennis, and hiking.

RCC Foundation Scholarship applications available

Courtesy of Cathy Hefferin
Director of Communications and Marketing

ASHEBORO (February 7, 2007) - The Randolph Community College Foundation scholarship application for the 2008-2009 school year is now available online at www.randolph.edu/scholars. Current Randolph Community College students and those planning to enroll in fall 2008 are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is April 30, 2008.

The RCC Foundation has over 55 unrestricted scholarships open to any student who has financial need and who enrolls in at least 6 credit hours and maintains at least a 2.0 GPA. These scholarships range in value from $150 to $1,500. An additional 60 restricted scholarships, which range from $150 to $2,500, have additional criteria such as enrollment in a specific program of study or residency requirements. Scholarships for 2007-2008 totaled over $125,000.

Joyce Wolford, director of foundation operations and executive director for the RCC Foundation, said students need to know that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for most Foundation scholarships. Even if students do not qualify for other forms of financial aid, they may qualify for a Foundation scholarship, said Wolford, but FAFSA results are needed to make that determination. "It's a free application that just takes some time," she said. "It's worth the effort!" FAFSA results must be available to the College by May 9 to be eligible for Foundation scholarships.

Students who need assistance completing the Foundation scholarship application can contact Wolford at (336) 633-0295.


Randolph Hospital announces scholarships for 2008

Courtesy of Lauren Ingold
Randolph Hospital

ASHEBORO- Paying for college can be overwhelming, but Randolph Hospital’s scholarship program can put a college education within reach for some very deserving students who wish to work in the healthcare field.

Since 2000, the hospital has identified key positions for scholarship funding based on current shortages in various healthcare fields as well as the future needs of the hospital. The positions selected for 2008 include: Registered Nurse (ADN and BSN) Ultrasonographer, Mammographer, Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technician, Registered Respiratory Therapist, Physical Therapist, Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Pharmacist and Certified Coding Specialist.

“The scholarships are available to employees and community members who wish to further their education,” notes Kathy Fetterley, senior director of Human Resources. “The scholarship program goes well beyond financial assistance and is an investment in the future of Randolph Hosptial, the community and the new employee.”

If you are applying for a scholarship, completed packets must be returned to the Human Resources office at Randolph Hospital by March 31, 2008. Once Human Resources reviews the applications, interviews will be scheduled with selected candidates. All applicants will be assessed based upon academic excellence, work and volunteer record, letters of recommendations, a personal statement, maturity and the desire to fulfill the requirements of the scholarship program.

The scholarship program helps students in a variety of ways. If an applicant is awarded a scholarship, the program will pay for tuition, books, required insurance, supplies and additional fees such as lab supplies and uniforms.

There is a monetary cap for an associate’s degree of $6,000, a bachelor’s degree of $12,000, a master’s degree of $12,000 and a doctoral degree of $12,000.

In 2007, three-community members were awarded scholarships totaling $24,000. Two of the candidates received funding for nursing and one for physical therapy.

The two candidates who received funding to study nursing currently attend Randolph Community College and work on various units at Randolph Hospital. The candidate who was awarded a scholarship for physical therapy is completing his degree from the University of Findlay in Ohio and is working full-time as a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in the Home Health Department at Randolph Hospital.

The guidelines in the scholarship application specify that for each $3,000 of funding that the hospital provides, accepted candidates will work at Randolph Hospital in the specified field for one year. In addition, the candidate must attend an accredited college or university on a full-time basis and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.

For more information or to obtain an application, please call the Human Resources Department at Randolph Hospital at (336) 629-8830 or visit our website at www.randolphhospital.org.


Close to home ideas for Valentine's Day

"Fresh strawberries, dipped in chocolate is the Valentine favorite," says Chef Theresa Ferguson, owner and operator of "Just Desserts", in downtown Randleman. These confections are expertly handcrafted by a certified pastry chef. Flowers are also part of the Valentine tradition, but chocolate roses are a unique way to express your love. Select a dozen chocolate roses designed with or without "stems". Price ranges run form approximately $9 for a tray of dipped strawberries to approximately $14 for chocolate roses. Call "Just Desserts" for details. Valentine's Day orders must be in by Monday, February 11.

Extend Valentine's Day by taking your sweetheart to "Dinner, Dancing and the Arts" on March 15 in Archdale. "Timeless" will entertain you and your loved one as you enjoy a special meal prepared by Trish's Catering of Lexington. Tickets are available by contacting Diane Coltrane (434-2039) or Lois Bohnsack (687-7972) of The Northwestern Randolph County Arts Council. Festivities begin at 6:30p.m. in the Creekside Park Gymnasium. Tickets are $25.00 per member and $30.00 per non-member.

Schedule a romantic weekend getaway at the Bouldin House Bed and Breakfast. "It's a great way for time-starved people to get away for a mini-vacation," said Linda Cook, owner and operator. The "Romantic Interlude Package" is $200 plus the cost of the room. There are a variety of options within the package. Some of those options include two 30-minute massages or a lunch/dinner at one of the nice restaurants in High Point. Visit www.bouldinhouse.com for more details and reservation information.

"Adopt" a zoo animal for Valentine's Day

Celebrate Valentine's Day and support the North Carolina Zoo's animal enrichment program. The North Carolina Zoo Society has announced the 2008 Valentine's Day animal adoption program. Go online (www.nczoo.com) to view the 15 animals available for "adoption".

According to a zoo press release,"The $45 adoption package includes a cuddly plush bear, an adoption certificate, a photo and fact sheet about the adopted species, assorted chocolates (generously donated by Food Lion) and a romantic message from the sender. Funds from the adoptions will support the Zoo’s animal enrichment programs with treats, 'toys' and keeper training to improve the quality of life enjoyed by the Zoo’s animals."

To order go online or call (336) 879-7250, toll free at (888) 244-3736. February 6 is the last day to order for Valentine's Day arrival if sending by mail. For anyone interested in picking up the order at the zoo, call ahead and schedule a time.

RCC Foundation opens annual photo competition

Courtesy of Cathy Hefferin
Director of Communications and Marketing for RCC

ASHEBORO-The Randolph Community College Foundation is seeking submissions for its fifth annual Photography Competition. This year's competition opens with new categories. The nature category, added to the contest last year, was very popular and has been expanded into two categories--Nature: Animals and Nature: Landscapes.

The Foundation also added an Illustration/Digital Darkroom category for those who enjoy manipulating photographs in photo editing software. The fourth category, Places, has been retained from previous competitions. There are no limitations on where the photos were taken or in what year. Photos may not include people who are recognizable.

Best in Show, First Place and Second Place photographs will be custom framed and auctioned at the Scholarship Auction & Gala Dinner to be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Pinewood Country Club. In addition, all photographs earning an Honorable Mention will be auctioned by silent auction throughout the evening.

This year's event is a combination of the Foundation's scholarship fundraiser and the Photo Auction & Gala Reception. This year, all proceeds benefit the Community Scholarship Fund. These scholarships are awarded to Randolph County students, and preference is given to students who are the first in their families to attend college. Tickets, which include dinner and beverages, are $50 and are available from Joyce Wolford, director of foundation operations and executive director for the RCC Foundation.

The contest is open to all amateur and professional photographers with the exception of those employed by RCC's Photographic Technology Department, Development Office or the RCC Foundation. Cash prizes will be awarded as follows: $350 for Best in Show, $150 for first place (up to 4 winners), $75 for second place (up to 4 winners), and $25 for honorable mentions (up to 8 winners).

A jury of well-known and respected photography professionals will judge the entries through a blind process. Judging will take place immediately following the contest deadline with winners notified in April 2008.

An entry fee of $25 for up to three submissions and $15 for each additional submission must accompany entries and be received by the deadline. A $5 discount will apply to entries received by Feb. 15, 2008. The final deadline is 5 p.m., March 21, 2008.

Guidelines for the photo competition are available by calling the RCC Foundation office at (336) 633-0295, or may be downloaded from www.randolph.edu/photocontest/.