Central Piedmont Culinary Arts Alumnus Gene Kato ’99 Nominated for James Beard Award

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Congratulations are extended to Central Piedmont’s culinary arts alumnus Gene Kato ‘99, on being named a nominee. The awards are distributed by the James Beard Foundation, a nonprofit organization that celebrates, nurtures, and honors chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone.

The James Beard Awards are given in many categories, including chefs and restaurants, books, journalism, and broadcast media, plus restaurant design, leadership, humanitarian work, and lifetime achievement. Kato is one of six chefs nominated in award’s “Best Chefs: Great Lakes” category.

The category recognizes chefs who set high culinary standards and also demonstrate integrity and admirable leadership skills in their respective regions. Nominees may be from any kind of dining establishment, but must have been working as a chef for at least five years, with the three most recent years spent in the region.

Kato is the executive chef at Momotaro Restaurant, a Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood. Known as an innovator of Japanese cuisine, Kato is devoted to elevating Japanese cuisine while remaining authentic to tradition. His upbringing in a Japanese household in Charlotte, N.C., helped him learn how to cook the foods considered so integral to his heritage and culture.

Should he win the award, Kato will receive a certificate, a silver medallion engraved with the James Beard Foundation Awards insignia, and a complimentary professional membership for one year to the James Beard Foundation.

This year’s winners will be announced on Friday. Sept. 25, 2020, from Chicago, broadcast live via the James Beard Foundation’s Twitter feed.

New Virtual Sensoria Events

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The 2020 Sensoria festival had to be canceled, but many Sensoria events have now been adapted for your virtual access and participation. They’re available on the Sensoria website​! Tour the student art show. Watch a student’s short film. Join live “how-to” presentations on civic engagement and goal-setting, even when you have to stay home.

You might even earn extra credit for a relevant class for participating. It doesn’t hurt to ask your instructor. Thanks for checking it out, and stay well.

Central Piedmont Art Galleries to Host Summer Art Exhibition ‘Through an Artist’s Eyes’ beginning June 4

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Central Piedmont Art Galleries to host art exhibition ‘Through an Artist’s Eyes’ beginning June 4 and the event ‘Vandals Make Your Mark’ on July 9.
Central Piedmont’s Art Galleries are pleased to present “Through an Artist’s Eyes,” June 4 – July 16, 2020, in the North Classroom Building, located on Central Campus. “Through an Artist’s Eyes” is a collaborative exhibition with the Gaston County Museum of Art and History, featuring the artwork of Gaston County High School students and curated by Hannah Musselwhite.
“Through an Artist’s Eyes” showcases artwork concentrations spanning multiple disciplines, including drawing, painting, photography and 3D sculptures. Every year, Gaston County art teachers choose artwork from their students to be judged by the Gaston County Museum of Art and History (GCMAH). The winning artworks become part of the museum’s annual art exhibition of elementary through high school students. This year, the museum partnered with the Central Piedmont Art Galleries to display part of this exhibition on Central Campus showcasing the first through third place winners from the high school section.
“Vandals Make Your Mark,” is a collaborative event with GCMAH. The museum and Central Piedmont Art Galleries staff will demonstrate how to mix a painting medium of cornstartch, food coloring and water. This fun splash of color and culture allows Central Piedmont students the chance to explore their artistic expression by using the cornstarch mixture to paint the sidewalk. This event will occur in conjunction with the opening reception for “Through an Artist’s Eyes.”
  • Exhibition Dates: June 4 – July 16
  • Opening Reception: Thursday, July 9, 4-6 p.m. in the North Classroom Building
  • “Vandals Make Your Mark:” Thursday, July 9, 1-5 p.m. on the quad outside the North Classroom Building, Central Campus
  • Address: 1141 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28235
*These events are subject to change based on COVID-19 guidelines.

The “2020 Annual Juried Student Art Show” exhibition dates have been extended! This Show will remain on display in the Ross Gallery from now until September 24. An opening reception for the students will be rescheduled for early in the fall semester. Virtual Exhibition Access

Harmony With an Edge” exhibition featuring Alice Ballard has been extended! This show will remain on display in the Overcash Gallery until July 16. Alice will also be hosting a video lecture to be released later in June.

Virtual Exhibition Access

Top 5 Ways to Stay Connected

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During this time where we’re all online together, it’s still possible to stay connected to each other and to Central Piedmont. Let Student Life & Service-Learning offer you some easy ways to maintain your connections virtually! Be sure to visit the Student Life Events Calendar for all our virtual events!

  1. Stay active and join our community partner, the Latin American Coalition, in their virtual run to support Charlotte’s immigrant communities affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Unlike a traditional race, a Virtual Run/Walk takes place where you are and when you want, anytime from May 4th through June 8th, 2020. Visit https://sharecharlotte.org/city-immigrants-virtual-run​ for more information.
  2. Join the online Seat at the Table with the Family Resource Center. Seat at the Table is a program created for students, faculty, and staff to have conversations that relate to their everyday lives outside of work and the (virtual) classroom. Friendships, mental health, self-care, and establishing boundaries are among the many topics that will be held during this stressful time. We meet online on Wednesdays at 12:30pm. Click here to joinusing the following meeting information (Meeting ID: 937-2645-1123 Meeting Password: 861458).
  3. Spring is a great time to set new goals. Adrienne Charleston, Life Coach, was supposed to take part in this year’s Sensoria celebration, and we are capturing her motivating talk here. She’ll discuss how to make goals, plan for each step, and achieve goals–with a tailored approach given the current pandemic paradigm.
  4. Looking for a way to stay connected and give back to the community? Make sure you follow @cpccstudentlife on Instagram on Mondays. Every Monday, we will rotate a  “how-to” video on an at-home service project with a Central Piedmont spotlight on one of our great community partners that you can volunteer with! ​
  5. Finals are coming! Study hard and connect with Central Piedmont Tutoring Services for any last minute preparation that you need support with. Visit their website for information on how to schedule a virtual visit and for free resources that can help you finish that last project or write that last paper.

Questions? Ideas? Email student.life@cpcc.edu and let us know!

Central Piedmont Graphic Arts and Imaging Team Takes Third in the Phoenix Challenge Competition

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The Central Piedmont Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology participated in this year’s virtual Phoenix Challenge College Competition. This competition represents a yearlong project that students from colleges all over North America find a solution to a flexographic printing problem. Over the course of the year, our students worked with industry professionals from Harper Corporation, Sun Chemical, Mark Andy, Wink Tooling, DuPont, JR Cole, and Parks Printing. The developed concepts, branding, packaging, and production for their project.

Under normal conditions, the students would have traveled to the FTA Forum conference to give their presentation. This year that format had to be converted to an online presentation using Zoom software. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the students’ progress long before the presentation. They were able to virtually continue the development of their project by using online meeting software. When it came to the production of the project, they found a local printer that set up a Zoom meeting at their press to run their materials. While they were not able to physically be there for the job, they were able to instruct the press person throughout the run.

Due to their efforts, they were awarded third place. The teams that placed above them were California Polytechnical Institute and Wisconsin Stoudt University. Our team represented the only two-year institution in the competition. The scores between the three top teams were very close, with our missing out on second place by only seven points out of 600. We are extremely proud of the diligence the students exhibited by carrying through with this project in such a drastic disruption to the norm.

Summer Leadership Academy Application Deadline is May 22

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Looking for ways to maintain your good momentum into next school year? Have some free time to improve your leadership skills? Join Student Life for our virtual summer series – the Summer Leadership Academy.

This free opportunity will connect you with other Central Piedmont students, offer you the opportunity to develop and practice important skills in time management, communication, conflict resolution, inclusion, and others – all things that will help you grow as a student and a professional.

Space is limited, so be sure to complete this ONLINE REGISTRATION form by May 22. This virtual series will meet online beginning Tuesday, May 26 from 2pm – 3:30pm, and will meet weekly on Tuesday afternoons for 8 weeks. We expect these sessions to be informative, interactive, and maybe even fun!

Students new to Central Piedmont are also welcome, but we ask that you have already completed your registration for Fall 2020 in order to be eligible to join. You do not need to be registered for the Summer 2020 semester. Students will need to be able to meet weekly, using a mobile device. At the end of our summer, students will receive a certificate acknowledging their successful completion of the program, which is a benefit to add to any resume or portfolio!

Put your free time this summer to good use! Join us!

Questions? Contact Student.Life@cpcc.edu

Engineering Students Help Develop Face Shield Prototype for Healthcare Workers’ Use

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Dr. Jacob Garbini, chair of Central Piedmont’s engineering program, continues to produce components for healthcare workers’ face shields, using the 3D printers in Central Campus’s Advanced Technology Center.

Dr. Garbini received more 3D printing material on April 20, and, since that time, he has printed approx. 1,000 face shield parts. He delivered the parts to Charlotte MEDI on April 28.

While dropping off the parts, he learned from one of Charlotte MEDI’s representatives and a few healthcare workers, that an issue with the current design of the face shields is cutting into the heads of users. Considering a nurse’s shift is 12+ hours, this was unacceptable to Dr. Garbini.

As a solution, Dr. Garbini suggested he design his own face shields/masks, independently of Charlotte MEDI’s design, using only Central Piedmont equipment in the engineering lab. His design would address the practical nature of the shield. His request was approved!

Beginning this week, Dr. Garbini will work virtually with a design team, consisting of five personally-selected Associate in Engineering students studying civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. They are: Alexander Stephenson, Bailen Huggins, Lauran Echols, Laurick Amadi, and Luke Sewing.

The design team will meet virtually to develop a prototype based on utility, which includes comfort, cleaning, and assembly, by May 1. It will be tested by Atrium Main Hospital nurses by the end of the week so the team can receive feedback on its design/fit and make any necessary adjustments before Dr. Garbini mass produces the units in the college’s Engineering Lab.

One of the student volunteers, Lauran Echols, also serves as president of Central Piedmont’s Society of Women Engineers. She and her peers are on standby, waiting to contribute to the effort as well.

Dr. Garbini will need the assistance of as many individuals as possible as he strives to meet the demand created by in-need Atrium Main Hospital oncology nurses, local dental hygiene clinics, SC hospitals, and the Medical University of South Carolina.

“It’s exciting to think about the number of people we are helping with our innovation, effort, and collaboration — especially in this time of need,” said Dr. Garbini.

Learn more about Central Piedmont’s STEM programs.

Atrium Health Thanks Central Piedmont

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Eugene Woods, president and CEO of Atrium Health, recently thanked Central Piedmont – in a special email communication to Dr. D – for donating 18,000 gloves, 470 N95 masks, 150 level 3 mask shields, 200 surgical gowns, and 200 bouffant caps for its staff’s use.

Said Woods, “On behalf of our more than 70,000 teammates at Atrium Health, I’d like to say ‘thank you’ for your incredible donation. Please know your generosity is making a world of difference, and we certainly would not be where we are today without your overwhelming support. We are so grateful for our neighboring institutions like Central Piedmont Community College.  Not only are you deeply rooted in educating generations of our future leaders and innovators, you have also played a transformative role in pushing our community forward and stepping up to help serve our most vulnerable in their greatest time of need. Please know your generosity is making a world of a difference, and we certainly would not be where we are today if it wasn’t for your overwhelming support.”

Read full story here.

Barnes & Noble Bookstore Available Online, Submit Summer Textbook Orders Now

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Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Barnes & Noble bookstore is closed for in-store purchases until further notice; however, all purchases and inquiries can be submitted on the Barnes & Noble website during regular business hours.

Textbooks, Central Piedmont gifts and clothing can still be purchased online at https://cpcc.bncollege.com/shop/cpcc/home

If you are planning to attend the summer term, now is the time to submit your textbook order to Barnes & Noble.

Financial Aid students may submit their orders on the Barnes & Noble website.  Once financial aid eligibility is confirmed for the summer term, your order will be shipped.

Need to sell your college books?

Barnes & Nobles has partnered with MBS Textbook Exchange, the nation’s largest textbook wholesaler, to offer you the best prices for your used books. You can pack and send your books free of charge, and receive payment within 3 weeks. Learn more here.

Rentals for this semester can be returned at any time but no later than May 12. Please click here to access Rental FAQ’s or feel free to contact your bookstore at any time with questions.

Top 5 Ways to Stay Connected

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During this time where we’re all online together, it’s still possible to stay connected to each other and to Central Piedmont. Let Student Life & Service-Learning offer you some easy ways to maintain your connections virtually! Be sure to visit the Student Life Events Calendar for all our virtual events!

  1. Join the online Seat at the Table with the Family Resource Center. Seat at the Table is a program created for students, faculty, and staff to have conversations that relate to their everyday lives outside of work and the (virtual) classroom. Friendships, mental health, self-care, and establishing boundaries are among the many topics that will be held during this stressful time. We meet online on Wednesdays at 12:30pm. Click here to join using the following meeting information (Meeting ID: 937-2645-1123 Meeting Password: 861458).
  2. Staying Connected While Staying Home: Civic Tech for Community Organizing. This program includes Christine Edwards, CEO of Amplify Charlotte, April 29th, 3pm-4pm. Join viaWebEx. We’ll cover strategies and best practices of staying connected through civic engagement while at home. Contact justin.knoll@cpcc.edu with any questions.
  3. Like poetry? Watch our SWAG (Student Writers’ Assembled Guild) students as they read their own poems and poems by US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo. These students would have presented at an Open Mic for all at Levine Campus, and Joy Harjo was scheduled as our Irene Blair Honeycutt Distinguished Lecturer for Sensoria 2020.
  4. Attend the FREE webinar for students – “Crisis Budget Management.” We are offering this program each week through the end of the term.  Learn important information about how you can best manage your money through this difficult time. Click here to see our options of dates, to register, and to receive login information for joining the webinar. You can also visit the Student Life Events Calendar for complete details as well.
  5. Volunteer from your home and challenge others to get involved too! Stay active and join us as we raise awareness and funds to help community partner, Cool Kids, who works to support kids with cancer. They are holding a virtual 5K challenge! You can run or walk 5K, invite your friends, share on social media and support a good cause!

Questions? Ideas? Email student.life@cpcc.edu and let us know!

It’s Not Too Late – Apply for FAFSA This Summer

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Did you know?  You can still apply for the 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to attend summer courses.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the application that you must complete to determine your eligibility for federal, state, or institutional student aid, such as Pell grants and work-study opportunities. Complete the FAFSA even if you are not sure that you are eligible for aid. You could be eligible for more than you expect.

It is tough to predict exactly how much money your family will receive, but complete the FAFSA even if you are not sure your will get financial aid. If you wish to apply for Central Piedmont scholarships and many other scholarships, you will need to have completed the FAFSA. Additionally, if your family’s financial situation changes while you are in school, it will be easier to determine if you qualify for any resources if you have completed the FAFSA.

If you haven’t done so already, complete the 2019-2020 FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. If you need help, contact a Financial Aid Representative at (704) 330-6942 or visit us online.

Advisory: Gov. Cooper extends statewide stay-at-home order through May 8

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North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced yesterday he is extending his statewide stay-at-home order through May 8. The order continues to restrict gatherings of more than 10 and allows only essential businesses and institutions to operate. The stay-at-home  order is aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19.

As announced previously, Central Piedmont Community College will complete the spring 2020 semester with students learning – and the vast majority of employees working – remotely.

The spring 2020 graduation ceremony scheduled for May 14 has been postponed. The college plans to hold a number of smaller, in-person, program-focused ceremonies on Central Campus, July 29-31. We will communicate the specific plans as soon as they are complete, but please mark these dates on your calendar. In the meantime, the Graduation Committee is exploring other ways to honor graduates during the month of May. More details to come.

Our summer terms will take place as scheduled. The method of instructional delivery – in-person, online or a combination of the two – will depend on the future severity of the pandemic. Our top priority will be keeping everyone safe. Priority registration for our current students for the summer and fall semesters began April 17. Open registration for new students begins April 27.

Current students who have not done so already should register for their summer and fall classes quickly while plenty of seats are still available.

Please continue to take precautions to stay home and stay healthy. The college has established the Central Piedmont Cares initiative to connect with you and to connect you with helpful resources, as we all continue to navigate this rapidly changing situation. Visit the Central Piedmont Cares website for information regarding available resources.

Student Employee of the Year: Michael Padgett

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Each year, during the second week in April, colleges and universities across the country recognize the importance of the student work experience during National Student Employment Week. Student employment offers students career-enhancing opportunities, the ability to develop skills relevant to any career, and better preparation for the job market upon graduation.

At Central Piedmont our student employees perform invaluable services with enthusiasm, dedication, and initiative. Indeed, many departments depend on the contributions of this reliable workforce for their daily operations.

Congratulations to Michael Padgett on representing Central Piedmont as Student Employee of the Year for 2020.  Michael works in the Military Families and Veteran Services Department at the Levine Campus. His passion to help students succeed and strong work ethic led him to be selected for this award. Michael is a wonderful teammate to his co-workers and goes above and beyond for everyone. His dedication to helping others only comes second to the dedication he has to being there for his family.

On behalf of the Financial Aid Office and the Federal Work-Study Program, thank you to all our student employees for their hard work and contribution to Central Piedmont.

Barnes and Noble Book Buyback and Rental Return

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With classes moved online, the bookstore has new virtual processes to support you. If you have rented textbooks, they can be returned free by shipping back via UPS. Keep in mind, you will need your order number to print the UPS shipping label. This can be found in the confirmation email from your online order OR if you rented your textbook in store, find it in any of your rental reminder emails. The UPS label can be printed on or before your Charge Date. Please go online for the easy step-by-step Rental Return instructions.

Need to sell your college books?

Barnes & Nobles has partnered with MBS Textbook Exchange, the nation’s largest textbook wholesaler, to offer you the best prices for your used books. You can pack and send your books free of charge, and receive payment within 3 weeks. Learn more here.

Please return rentals for this semester by June 15. Please click here to access Rental FAQ’s or feel free to contact your bookstore at any time with questions.

Elevate Your Career with Virtual Career Services

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Career Services has developed new online tools that provide immediate, reliable career resources to help you navigate your job search during the pandemic and beyond. It’s never too early to start preparing for your future. 
If you need assistance navigating the job market, or are unsure of what you need, complete a quick and easy New Career Interest Form and a career counselor will reach out to you during normal business hours.
Check out some useful online resources available:
  • 7-minute Resource video: View our Elevate Your Job Search from Home video. A quick, accessible video showing students how to succeed in taking their job search online.
  • Virtual Job Search Success Tip Sheet: A one-page, accessible guide with tips and article links to help students get ready for a new reality. View the guide here.
  • Job Market Tips during COVID-19: A one-page, accessible guide to managing the new economy, staying informed, and reaching out for help from the college. View the guide here.
  • Our Students & Graduates webpage: A page devoted to online resources available 24-7, including our Career Guide, student job board, mock interview software, and resume builder. View resources here.

Career Services staff are available to meet with students via phone, WebEx, e-mail and live chat (coming soon!). Email career.services@cpcc.edu or visit cpcc.edu/career if you need any assistance.

Student Heroes: Graphic Design Students Shed Light on Mental Health During COVID-19

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Like many other students, this spring semester began with many unforeseen adjustments. Professor Kenn Compton tasked his Design 4 students to take on a capstone project with one mission: to have a positive impact on changing the world. A dedicated class of 8 advertising and graphic design students began researching and landed on mental health as an area of opportunity to make this positive impact.

The original project objective was to develop mental health break rooms on campus to provide relief for students who found themselves overwhelmed during the day. These mental break rooms would incorporate useful resources designed by the class, including coping techniques corresponding with different illnesses to assist students in need. As Central Piedmont shifted to a new learn-at-home environment, the project scope also required a shift.

Team Project Manager, Georgina Burton shared “We need to be here to encourage people to keep fighting and to get stronger, because they will get stronger.”  Despite the unexpected and ambiguous circumstances brought on by COVID-19, Georgina and her classmates were not deterred from providing a solution to such a vitally important issue – arguably even more important in light of current circumstances.

The class decided to create the same mental health safe spaces online and launched a creative digital campaign on Instagram called Innerpeas2020. Sylvia Bowie, counselor on Harper campus, assisted with providing reliable statistics and resources to help shape their content, and the team leveraged their design skills to create the mental health campaign, which launched on April 8. They have now embarked on a 30-day campaign providing useful resources to students, staff, and the entire Central Piedmont community.

Navigating life with mental illness can be overwhelming, but having a supportive community and helpful resources makes the journey easier. Everyday, Innerpeas2020 shares a helpful graphic covering coping skills and resources, and releases practical and engaging tips every Tuesday and Friday. Check out innerpeas2020 on Instagram for encouraging messages and practical tips to cope with mental illness during these challenging times.

Kudos to these Central Piedmont student heroes for making a positive difference:

  • Cristina Isshika
  • Georgina Burton
  • Antoinette Bright
  • Nicholas Graber
  • Alyssa Melendez
  • Ashley Rice
  • Brittany Scott
  • Adam Harper

Practicing Self-Care from Home

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“I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.” – Audre Lorde

Seat at the Table (now Virtual Seat at Table) brings the Central Piedmont community together through conversation on the things important to us. Every Wednesday at 12:30pm, you will get the chance to spend time on yourself and listen to other folks on a different topic every week. You will also be able to access tools on how to best practice intentional self-care during these uncertain times.

If interested, e-mail Nawje.Samuda@cpcc.edu to be added to the e-mail list and learn how to join virtually.​

Top 5 Ways to Stay Connected

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During this time where we’re all online together, it’s still possible to stay connected to each other and to Central Piedmont. Visit the Student Life Events Calendar for some easy ways to maintain your connections virtually!

  1. Attend the FREE webinar for students – “Crisis Budget Management.” We are offering this program each week through the end of the term.  Learn important information about how you can best manage your money through this difficult time. Click here to see our options of dates, to register, and to receive login information for joining the webinar. You can also visit the Student Life Events Calendar for complete details as well.
  2. Looking for a good social support group during this strange time? Join Danielle, from the Central Piedmont Family Resource Center, for FRC virtual open office hours on Thursdays at 4pm, beginning April 23. She’ll host students for a virtual group gathering with guided discussion on healthy practices during this stressful time. Visit the Student Life Events calendar for details or email Danielle.Dosunmu@cpcc.edu if you’d like to attend!
  3. Join Student Life and the Central Piedmont Library to jam with DJ-CK in celebration of National Library Week on Friday, April 24, 6pm-8pm. Library Live 2020 is being sponsored by CP Library and Student Life, and students, faculty and staff are invited to jam with DJ-CK as he plays classic music from major recording artists. Let us bring you some joy as you shelter in place!
  4. Visit our student juried art show! Support your fellow student artists who were selected to participate in this special event. Click here to see the full show.
  5. Miss the blood drive that Central Piedmont hosted? There are many other opportunities in our community as donating blood is a priority need right now. Click here to learn about other blood drive opportunities.

Questions? Ideas? Email student.life@cpcc.edu and let us know!

Central Piedmont Instructor is Changing the Face of Healthcare

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Dr. Anne McIntosh wearing “The Communicator” mask

During this time where being solution-oriented is paramount, Central Piedmont instructor Dr. Anne McIntosh’s ingenuity has changed the face of healthcare. As Founder & CEO of Safe’N’Clear, Inc., Dr. McIntosh designed “The Communicator mask” a medical facemask with a clear panel to allow facial expressions and lip-reading for the deaf and hard-of-hearing to be communicated while protecting both patient and healthcare workers. Inspiration for the mask stemmed from Dr. McIntosh’s own birthing experience, and her inspiration was met with a unique, and extensive set of skills as a Central Piedmont Communication professor.

While 93 percent of the meaning of communication stems from non-verbal cues, this is especially important amongst deaf and hard-of-hearing patients who rely on facial expressions and lip reading during conversation. The Communicator mask enables speech to be less muffled, decreases communication breakdowns, and improves patient outcomes. Manufactured in the United States, the mask is being used by American Sign Language interpreters to help ensure their own personal safety while still providing effective interpretation and communication to their patients.

Read the full story. ​