FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DEREKE RIDGEWAY ON PATH TO SUCCESS

DANVILLE, VA, February 13, 2007 – Danville Community College Student Dereke Ridgeway’s late mother

Dereke Ridgeway, right, in his capacity as President of the Student Government Association, often welcomes visitors to DCC’s campus,such as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Bill Bolling, left.	Ridgeway is shown with fellow Precision Machining Technology student Josh McDowell of Danville. Ridgeway will graduate in May 2007.

 used to always tell him that if he “put his mind to it,” he can achieve anything he desired. Today, those very words inspire him to excel at DCC, on his job and in everyday life.

Ridgeway of South Boston serves as President of the Student Government Association (SGA) and will graduate in May of 2007 with a Diploma in Precision Machining Technology. He is a first-generation college student meaning neither parent has received a bachelor’s degree; however, he credits his father for encouraging his decision to major in Precision Machining Technology.

“I used to work for my father at a parachute factory in North Carolina,” says Ridgeway. “There, he would often use a lathe and milling machine. I worked at the factory on and off for about five years. I always admired how he could take a piece of metal and make it into something that served an important function.”

Ridgeway now operates milling machinery at EIT, Inc., in Danville, and says he is excited to be working in his field of study. At one time Ridgeway was working two jobs and going to school full-time, but he admits that was a struggle for him.

“Working two jobs was very tough,” says Ridgeway. “I nearly gave up almost every weekend for the last year. Sometimes I would work three weeks without a day off. But I knew I had bills to pay and realized that I’m fortunate to be working.

 “I chose DCC because it offers a great (Precision Machining Technology) program,” Ridgeway continues. “The program also has an outstanding and almost unreal job placement rate. I know a lot of people who have completed the program and are very successful now. A lot of companies may overlook other schools just to get potential employees from DCC.”

Precision Machining Technology is a two-year program designed to train persons for employment in the many occupations available in industrial manufacturing shops. Some of the occupational titles for graduates of this field include: Machine Tool Operator, Machinist, Tool and Die Maker, Mold Maker and Shop Manager. Individuals enrolled in the program will receive theoretical and practical experiences in technical drafting, working to proper tolerances, the care and use of tools and machines, computer numerical control programming, CAD-CAM training, metallurgy, tool making, jig and fixture design, precision measurements, and the development of leadership qualities.

Ridgeway credits Doug Poole and Troy Simpson, both Assistant Professors of Precision Machining Technology, as his mentors. He says they are great instructors who motivate their students and teach them what employers are seeking.

“I think that the skills Dereke acquired by being enrolled in DCC’s Precision Machining Technology curriculum will serve him and his future employers well,” says Simpson. “It’s obvious that he’s goal oriented because of his willingness to serve as SGA President.”

According to Ridgeway, being the SGA President is an accomplishment for him. In the position, he represents more than 3,700 DCC students. The purpose of the SGA is to promote a better understanding between the faculty and the students; to regulate and encourage activities beneficial to the morale of the students and the welfare of the College; and to act as the official voice of the student body. Representatives are elected from each curriculum. Ridgeway has helped plan events, such as the Owen Farm Corn Maze, Brunswick Stews and other fundraisers, plus student events, dances, and the annual Fall and Spring Flings.

“Being a part of SGA has been great,” says Ridgeway. “I like helping out and planning events. Just seeing all of the events turn out well is a good feeling.”

Another event he recently coordinated was the Madden 2007 (Football) Video Game tournament.  Ridgway organized the tournament to raise funds to benefit the proposed DCC Student Center. More than $1,000 of prizes was distributed to the winners. He also assisted in the SGA’s “Operation Santa” project, which yielded over $250 worth of donations for area “tweens” and “teens.”

In addition to his involvement with SGA, Ridgeway is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and organized DCC’s chapter of Virginia21, a non-partisan lobbying group targeting college students to become more aware of General Assembly legislation affecting higher education. He states that the organization is a “spark for young people” and adds that the group supported the recent Community College Transfer Grant legislation that would allow qualified two-year college students to transfer to a Virginia four year college or university at a community college price.

“The Community College Transfer Grant is very important,” says Ridgeway. “It gives a lot people the opportunity to further their education and get a bachelor’s degree—when they’re not able to under normal circumstances.”

Ridgeway says that DCC is a great place to go to college for both transfer students and individuals seeking employment after receiving their associate degree. He adds that the College is not only beneficial to students because of its quality programs, but because it is affordable and offers a variety of student activities. After he receives a Diploma in Precision Machining Technology, he hopes to buy a home, settle down, build motorcycles on his spare time and continue what he loves the most—being a machinist.

 “Viva La Machinist!” Ridgeway laughs. “It’s a phrase that a few of us in the Machine Shop class yell at good times. I came up with the phrase to remind us that there is no bad side of being a machinist.”

His instructor Doug Poole notes that Ridgeway’s optimistic personality is a great trait that brings encouragement to other classmates.

“(Ridgeway) is one of the top students in my class. He is dedicated to his work, and I can depend on him,” says Poole. “He is a team worker and that is what employers are seeking. I’m sure that he will be a success in life.”

For more information about the Precision Machining Technology program, contact the instructors Doug Poole at 434.797.8519 or Troy Simpson at 434.797.8558, or toll free at 800.560.4291, ext 8519 or 8558; or click here.