A native of Spotsylvania County, Virginia, Senior Judge Arthur L. Burnett served as an assistant United States district attorney in the early 1960s, working directly with United States Attorney General Robert Kennedy. He told his RCC audiences that Kennedy chose him to be his “eyes and ears” regarding the FBI surveillance of Dr. Martin Luther King and other civil rights leaders; Kennedy feared that some FBI tactics might have been veiled attempts to discredit the civil rights movement through “smear” campaigns and doctored evidence. Judge Burnett’s first-hand experience of the movement “brought a wealth of information and personal perspective to a very difficult time in American history,” says class instructor Jack Moore.

Burnett also discussed modern strategies aimed at combating many types of crime and, if possible, rehabilitating offenders. In addition to discussing the current “drug war” and the “warehousing” of humans in today’s prison system, he expressed his frustration at many legislative-driven “mandatory sentencing” guidelines that disallow the exercise of judicial discretion, and may lead to injustices in prison service time.

Judge Burnett is an engaging speaker who is passionate about the principles instilled in him through decades on the bench. He has seen the court system from all sides, and is confident that the system does work, but that it can be made to work better if it acknowledges cultural and historical perspectives, guards individual rights, applies all laws fairly, and shows compassion for those who must use it. The courts must offer second chances and believe in the overall goodness of people, said Burnett—“just telling it like it is, talking from the soul.” He left the RCC classes he addressed with plenty to think about, presenting the following crucial questions: are we ready to prevent crime by putting money on the front end? How are we going to deal with drug- and alcohol-related offences? How are we going to confront the mental health issues facing the country? And when are we going to acknowledge that we are part of a global society and figure out where we stand in the world?

“I believe the students gained a great deal from this single day,” says Moore. “In all of our Administration of Justice courses we stress the ‘real world’ practicalities of criminal law, and how the systems of criminal courts, corrections, and law enforcement work together.” He praised Burnett as a “distinguished public figure in the field of law” who spent over five decades “at the forefront of action in our nation’s capital,” and added that the feedback he has received from his students has been “overwhelmingly positive.” Moore credits RCC psychology professor Dr. Lisa Hill (who is a personal friend of Judge Burnett’s) with giving him the idea of inviting Burnett to speak to his classes.

Burnett graduated from Howard University summa cum laude with a major in political science and minor in economics. He then received his law degree from New York University School of Law in 1958, graduating in the top 10 percent of his class, and immediately thereafter beginning his law career in the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney General’s Honors Program. He gained the post of assistant United States district attorney in Washington, D.C., in 1965, and became the first general counsel—then called legal advisor—of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. He was the first African-American to be appointed a United States magistrate judge in the United States, and during the latter half of the 1970s served first as legal advisor for the United States civil service system, and then as principal legal advisor to then-president Jimmy Carter. President Reagan appointed him to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in 1987, and he retired from this post in 1998, becoming a Senior Judge of that court. Since 2004 he has been national executive director of the National African-American Drug Policy Coalition, Inc.; during this period, he has also taught as an adjunct law professor at Howard University School of Law and Catholic University School of Law.

SimMan is a computerized practice manikin used by RCC’s EMS, nursing, and nurse aide classes. Its lifelike anatomy, with interchangeable parts that can represent either male or female physique, is programmed to respond to medical procedures in the same way a human patient would, and to challenge and test students’ clinical and decision-making skills during realistic patient care scenarios. Rescue Squad members will use it to train new emergency medical technicians, and to enhance the skills of currently certified personnel. It should prove very helpful for familiarizing rescue workers with emergencies they have not yet encountered in real life.

In addition to the older model the GVFRS received, RCC’s SimMan “family” now includes SimMan Essentials, SimMan Bleeding Essentials, SimJunior, SimBaby, SimNewB (for newborn care), and two SimMoms, one for each campus. All of these are products of Laerdal Medical, and were purchased with the help of Rescue Squad Assistance Funds grants. These are subsidized by Virginia’s “$4-for-Life” program (which dedicates a fixed amount from each vehicle registration fee collected by the state to the support of local emergency medical services), and distributed through the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services.

The 1997 Ford Lifeline ambulance will serve multiple purposes for RCC’s EMS students on all levels, after the GVFRS signage has been replaced with RCC and EMS logos in the school colors of blue and green. EMS faculty plan to use it as a mobile simulation lab, traveling to RCC’s Kilmarnock Center, its satellite campus in King George, and its dual enrollment EMT programs at Middlesex and Northumberland High Schools. EMS program director Ellen Vest calls the opportunity for students to work with these simulations “vitally important in meeting the expectations of the new National EMS Education Standards.”

“Since the establishment of the EMS program at RCC,” says GVFRS assistant EMS chief Terrence McGregor (formerly assistant director of RCC’s EMS program), “many members of Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad have received training in advanced life support. Through this quality local training program, we have had the opportunity to enhance the level of care provided to the residents and visitors of Gloucester County.” He states that the Rescue Squad is proud to support the RCC program by using it to train their members, and through cooperation and collaboration on other issues.

Photo: RCC’s EMS program has recently traded one of its “SimMan” practice manikins for an ambulance that the Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad has retired from service. Left to right: Ellen Vest, director of the EMS program; and two Rescue Squad representatives, assistant EMS chief Terrence McGregor and firefighter and emergency medical technician James Duggan.

Richmond County Intermediate School’s Kathryn Morris and Ian Pearce won first and third places in Algebra I; after six years of sweeping the standings in that category, RCIS has yielded second place to Alana Beaton of St. Margaret’s School. First and second places in Geometry were awarded to Bai Xue (Alia) Chan and Xianyu (Tina) Wu, both of St. Margaret’s School, while Connor Pemberton of Richmond County Intermediate School came in third. In Algebra II, Nicolas Jett of the Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School in Warsaw placed first, with Hannah Gross of Essex High School in second place and Ken Pierson of Rappahannock High School in third. Jett and Pierson are both repeat winners from the 2012 contest, having gained first and second places respectively for Rappahannock High School in Geometry. Jett also won first place in Algebra I for Richmond County Intermediate School two years ago.

Each first-place winner received a $50 gift card, second-place winners received $35 cards, and third-place winners received $25 cards. Each winner also received an RCC T-shirt, and certificates were awarded to all participants.

The purpose of the contest, which has been held almost every year since 1973, is to recognize excellence in mathematics and to identify students with natural talent in this area, as well as promoting interest in mathematics in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. RCC math instructor Brenda Callis organized this year’s contest with valuable help and support from other members of RCC’s Mathematics Department, and from a number of RCC faculty and staff members who helped to set up, proctor, and grade the tests.

“The students are so enthusiastic about the contest!” says Callis. “I am optimistic that the use of these contests will make them more aware of our campuses, and perhaps more prone to begin their college careers as RCC students.”

Effective communication was recognized as perhaps the most important element—the ability to listen to each other and to compromise, and the freedom to express both positive and negative feelings. Lyon emphasized that her listeners should take time to talk, to settle disagreements fairly and allow for each other’s needs, always keeping in mind that men and women receive and process information very differently. She mentioned a phrase which has often been quoted as a key to getting along with others—“treat them as you would wish to be treated yourself”—and gave her own version. “No,” she said. “Treat them as they wish to be treated. Don’t get mad—stop, relax, and think about the other’s viewpoint.”

“I would like more programs like this,” commented one student. “I enjoyed the program, and got a lot out of the discussion.”

“This type of dialogue needs to occur with all of our students, to educate them about what is or is not a healthy relationship,” says Lorraine Justice, director of RCC’s Student Support Services (SSS) program, which sponsored Lyon’s appearance as part of its Red Flag Campaign. April has been declared Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the Red Flag Campaign strives to make friends and families aware of “red flag” behaviors that should alert them to the possibility of an abusive dating relationship.

Special thanks, said Justice, were due to Ebony Lynch, the Laurel Shelter’s sexual assault program coordinator, for helping to coordinate the event, as well as to Lyon for presenting the topic. Lyon and Lynch followed up the presentation by making informational materials available to students at RCC’s Glenns Campus Spring Fling on April 18.

Photo: Liz Lyon and Ebony Lynch represented Gloucester’s Laurel Shelter with information handouts for RCC students at the Glenns Campus Spring Fling.

Students and staff of Rappahannock Community College enjoyed music, volleyball, bungee races, talent shows, and lots of good food at the annual Spring Flings on April 11 (Warsaw Campus) and April 18 (Glenns Campus). In addition, attendees had the opportunity to pick up information from tables manned by RCC’s Student Support Services Office, its financial literacy program, its Library Center, the Middle Peninsula Community Services Board, the Virginia Employment Commission, George Mason University, Saint Leo University, Old Dominion University, the Haven (a Northern Neck shelter for victims of domestic abuse), and Laurel Shelter (a similar facility in Gloucester). The Glenns Campus celebration included a bake sale benefiting Laurel Shelter.

This year’s event returns to a favorite site near Gloucester, the historic Inn at Warner Hall (the ancestral home of George Washington’s great-great grandfather). Improvements made by current innkeepers Theresa and Troy Stavens render the setting more sumptuous while retaining the historic ambiance.

Setting the Preakness Party apart from other fundraisers is the stellar array of taste temptations offered by the area’s leading chefs. More restaurants and wineries are participating than ever before. For 2013 the list includes Arnest Seafood & Café (Tappahannock), Bangkok Noi (Gloucester), Eckhard’s Restaurant (Topping), Indian Creek Yacht & Country Club (near Kilmarnock), the Inn at Warner Hall, Kilmarnock Inn (Kilmarnock), the historic Lancaster Tavern (Lancaster Courthouse), Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury (Irvington), the Steamboat Restaurant at Piankatank River Golf Club (Hartfield), and Tommy’s (Reedville). Guests will also be treated to a variety of Virginia wines poured by Belle Mount Vineyards (Warsaw), Good Luck Cellars (Kilmarnock), and Ingleside Vineyards (Oak Grove).

Volunteering as emcee for the ninth straight year is WRAR’s affable radio personality, Jon Stallard. The smooth Harris Simon Jazz Trio—back by popular request—will liven the proceedings as well.

This year’s array of fascinating and desirable items for the silent and live auctions promises something for all tastes and pocketbooks. Fabulous travel packages, one-of-a-kind antiques, jewelry, fine art originals from leading area artists . . . and several mysterious surprises! Once again, the live auction will be directed by the ever-engaging Manuel Haynie; auction offerings can be previewed at http://www.rappahannock.edu/foundation/preakness-party/. The afternoon will conclude with the thrill of viewing the Preakness Stakes horse race live on overhead big-screen TVs.

RCC president Dr. Elizabeth Crowther emphasizes that the college is unswervingly dedicated to making higher education accessible and affordable to any qualified resident of the Northern Neck or Middle Peninsula who wishes to take advantage of the opportunity. The RCC Educational Foundation uses Preakness Party proceeds to support the college’s mission—“to provide access to high-quality educational experiences for members of its community, preparing them for success as learners, employees, and citizens of the 21st century.” Each year the Foundation funds scholarships that help students to excel, as well as sponsoring creative projects and innovative programs that cannot be fully supported by state allocations. Preakness Party attendance helps to provide for higher education within the 12 counties of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula—a 3,000-square-mile area—and to promote access via scholarships, at a time when state funding is at an all-time low, to both academic courses and continuing education opportunities for area residents.

In addition to admission fees and auction bids, large portions of the Preakness Party net proceeds come from generous corporate contributions made by loyal supporters of the college. To date these include Bank of Lancaster and Bay Trust Company, C&F Bank, Chesapeake Bank and Chesapeake Investment Group, EVB, Hickory Grounds Solutions, Union First Market Bank, and Wells Fargo Advisors.

“In its eight years of existence, the Preakness Party has netted more than $400,000 in support of the RCC Educational Foundation’s mission of providing student scholarships, and professional development funding for RCC faculty and staff,” Clough notes. “And this year’s event already promises to snare the single largest net proceeds to date.”

Clough wishes to emphasize that as the Preakness Party nears sellout status, those who plan to attend should phone the Educational Foundation at 804-333-6707 and make the required reservations without delay. The admission charge of $50 per person covers all food, drink, and entertainment.

Photo: Guests attending the expanded RCC Preakness Party on May 18, at the Inn at Warner Hall, will feast on delectable creations from the area’s leading chefs and restaurants, sip fine Virginia wines, groove to a live jazz trio, and root for their favorites as they view the Preakness Stakes on large-screen TVs. Proceeds of the Party support the RCC Educational Foundation. Pictured, from 2012: Preakness Party guests enjoy delicious Black-Eyed Susan Punch, the official beverage of the Preakness Stakes Race.

“This was the fourth annual blood drive at the Glenns campus,” says nursing professor Mary Dorsey, who coordinated the event. “It continues to be a successful partnership between the college and community, and supports service learning goals for the ADN students, who always voice satisfaction with volunteering for the event. Every unit of blood donated is used to help three people, who may need plasma, packed red cells or platelets.”

“The Business Management Citizens’ Advisory Committee assists with the liaison relationship between the college and regional, business, industrial, professional, and other organizations and agencies,” says associate professor of information systems technology Ruth Greene. “The current membership represents a variety of industries and sectors, which support activities including the recruitment of students as well as curriculum planning and review processes. The dialogue between faculty and committee members ensures the relevancy and currency of curricula planning and review.”

A particular issue on this occasion was RCC’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management. RCC associate professor of accounting Pradeep Ghimire presented the results of a survey distributed among the attendees, which asked whether job applicants who had completed this degree would be more likely to be hired, and whether it would make current employees more likely to be promoted. A majority of the responses were “yes” to the first question, and “no” to the second, indicating that on-the-job experience is considered more valuable than academic work to those seeking increased responsibility within their companies. Several attendees mentioned internships and job shadowing as a way for students to gain this experience.

Greene then listed proposed changes to the Business Management degree, including a less advanced introductory computer course, a business math course instead of one on statistics, Office Accounting and Computerized Accounting instead of Principles of Accounting, and several added courses in supervisory skills, interpersonal dynamics, and marketing. All of these changes were supported by the committee members.

Next up for review was RCC’s Culinary Arts program, which was outlined by assistant professor and program coordinator Chef Hatley Bright. Bright emphasized that her students are as much in need of business skills as of those related to cooking. Ghimire and Greene are working with Bright to add several courses to her program that cover the business aspect of running a restaurant or other food services.

Several committee members had suggestions for creating new jobs, training people for jobs, and helping them get jobs. Bill Taliaferro of Montague Farms spoke about bringing in teleconferencing technology that would allow him to run his business without constantly travelling to meetings; he would need trained employees to develop the idea and put it into action. Gary Hogenson of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management agreed that training is necessary, but stated that the key quality he looks for in a job applicant is a good attitude. Writing skills, he said, are also very important.

HR and maritime claims consultant William Blencowe asked whether RCC has a course that addresses the detailed process of starting up any business, especially the vital factor of whether there will be any customers for the services it offers. Douglas Lemke, president of the Northumberland County Chamber of Commerce, noted that simply telling someone a business will not work is not very helpful, but that it is possible to communicate your detailed concerns about the venture. Angela Davenport, Lowe’s Tappahannock manager, added that knowing your audience is the most effective tool for the success of a business in an area. In answer to these concerns, Ruth Greene stated that RCC offers a course in small business management, and also collaborates with Joy Corprew, director of the Warsaw office of the University of Mary Washington Small Business Center, to hold workshops on the subject.

Representing the business community on this occasion were Steve Bland of Alcova Mortgage; Blencowe; Stuart Bunting of Rappahannock Westminster Canterbury; Dennis Burchill of Two Rivers Communications, Inc.; Davenport; Patricia Gallagher of EVB; Claudette Henderson of Richmond County’s Department of Social Services; Hogenson; Margaret Hudnall of the Home Builders Association of the Rappahannock; Mike Jenkins of Bay Consortium WIB, Inc.; Kimberly Kent of the Virginia Employment Commission; Jennifer Kostyniuk of Dominion Virginia Power; Lemke; Pat Lewis of Chesapeake Bank; assistant Essex County administrator Linda Lumpkin; e-commerce company owner Tammy Revere; and Taliaferro.

RCC administrators and staff who attended, in addition to Alexander, Bright, Ghimire, and Ruth Greene, were webmaster and iTunes U administrator Michael Greene; Glenns Campus academic dean Robert Griffin; Warsaw Campus academic dean Patricia Mullins, with her administrative assistant, Fran Mitchell; dean of dual enrollment Petie Norris; and dean of technology and distance learning Leslie Smith, with her administrative assistant, Kristy Walker.

Photo: Among the presenters at the annual meeting of RCC’s Business Management Citizens’ Advisory Committee were (standing, left to right) associate professor of accounting Pradeep Ghimire; Chef Hatley Bright, coordinator of the culinary arts program; and associate professor of information systems technology Ruth Greene.