FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NETWORKING PROGRAM BRINGS TOGETHER FRIENDS, COMPUTERS

Terry Palmer, left, and Dorothy Calloway

DANVILLE, VA, June 26, 2007 – They never expected to find friends at Danville Community College, or each other. Terry Palmer of Red Oak and Dorothy Calloway of Danville are two non-traditional students who met in a computer networking class and became close friends. They graduate this summer with Associate in Applied Science Degrees in Information Systems Technology – Network Specialization.

Palmer and Calloway were both laid off from their jobs at WestPoint Stevens, Inc., and Dan River, Inc., respectively. With some financial aid, they enrolled in the Network Specialization track. This led to their paths crossing in a class taught by Steven Carrigan, Assistant Professor of Information Systems Technology.

“In the very beginning of their training, these two ladies managed to find each other and realize that by working together, they could be successful,” says Carrigan. “Their skill levels have increased by working together, and I am very proud at how seriously they took their education here at DCC.”

Palmer, who first came to DCC in 2005, says their in-class meeting increased to friendship and now the two also enjoy studying together.

“We met last fall (2006),” Palmer recalls. “In Mr. Carrigan’s class, we paired to work on several projects together and also started to work together outside of class. We now meet in the library and study together all of the time.”

“It’s more productive to work with a partner,” adds Calloway, who first came to DCC in 2006. “It’s been helpful because one person might know something the other might not.”

For Palmer, choosing DCC was a smart decision. She says the college offered three different Information Systems Technology specializations and because of the networking track, she decided to travel the extra distance from her home to Danville – a one hour trip each way.

“I wanted to learn something different,” Palmer explains. “I worked in an office for 20 years and only had one viewpoint about computers. I had no idea how much more there is to know about a computer.”

Palmer was named to the Vice President’s Honors List and most recently to the President’s Honors List. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year college students, and the National Technical Honor Society, America’s highest recognition for excellence in career and technical education.

 “IST (Information Systems Technology) is not an easy program,” Palmer admits. “The curriculum builds on itself each semester. What you learn in your first semester carries on to the next as you work with new equipment.”

Calloway agrees that the program is challenging. She graduated from DCC in 1995 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in IST—Microcomputer Specialization, but she wanted to learn more about computers and enrolled again.

“I wanted to brush up on my skills,” Calloway explains. “Using the knowledge I had, I wanted to come back to college and get an in-depth education in networking so I can find a good job.”

She liked her job as a lab technician at Dan River and hopes to find an even better position in the area. By attending DCC, she believes she has been adequately prepared for a networking job.

“We learn about routing, switching, frame relays and other technicalities,” says Calloway. “After Mr. Carrigan teaches a subject, it’s a great feeling to get the computers to connect.”

Calloway adds that her son, Michael, 18, also likes to work with computers. He recently graduated from George Washington High School and plans to enroll at DCC in fall 2007. Making it a family affair, Calloway says her daughter, Jennifer, 21, is also considering DCC with plans to enroll in the Practical Nursing program.

Calloway says her experiences at DCC have been great, and she encourages others to attend the college. However, what she admires the most about DCC are the faculty, staff and administrators who regularly help students on an individual basis. Palmer full-heartedly agrees with this assessment, and they credit Carrigan and other faculty members for helping them succeed.

Carrigan says the Information Systems Technology – Network Specialization includes courses which provide an emphasis on designing, creating and maintaining local area networks. The curriculum also provides instruction in microcomputer hardware, microcomputer software and basic electronics concepts. Students who graduate from the program are prepared for employment in the network technology field in positions such as PC Support Specialist, PC Support Technician, Network Administrator, Network Support Specialist, Network Engineer or Data Communications Specialist.

“I can't say enough good things about Dorothy and Terry, and how proud I am of their hard work,” Carrigan says. “It has been my pleasure to have them in the Networking Curriculum.”

For more information about Information Systems Technology - Network Specialization, contact Steve Carrigan at 434.797.8528; toll free: 800.560.4291, ext. 8528; or click here.