The Stratford University Times
News of the Falls Church Campus – October 2015
Newsletter Office: Room 209, 2nd Floor South, Editor: John Thieman
STRATFORD RECEIVES AWARD FROM VIRGINIA ’ S GOVERNOR
A special recognition of Stratford ’ s outstanding contributions to assist veterans was
made recently when Virginia ’ s Governor Terry McAuliffe, center, presented Executive
Vice President Mrs. Mary Ann Shurtz, and Military Team Representative Councilman
Derrick Wood with a plaque noting the university’ s accomplishments for the year 2015.
The Perseverando Award recognizes the contributions that V3 ( Virginia Values Veterans ) certified organizations make who hire Veterans and demonstrate a superlative
level of engagement with the Veterans community. Upon receiving the award for the
university, Mrs. Shurtz said, “ We have pledged to help our veterans in any way we can
in pursuing their education and earning their degree. Receiving the Perserverando
Award is a real honor. ”
Last year, Stratford pledged and hired 34 veterans: two of the most recent hires was Director of Admissions-Glen Allen Yuri Providence, an Army Reserves veteran, and Woodbridge Nursing Faculty Member
Karen Atkins, an Air Force veteran. The entire military team, led by Keith Evans, can be proud of the numerous veterans ’ events hosted by the campuses throughout the year. The quality, dedication and patriotism
displayed in these events makes Stratford stand out and be recognized at the State level.
OPEN HOUSE ATTRACTS INTERESTED VISITORS
The Falls Church Campus hosted several open house sessions in October to introduce
the community to its facilities and provide the opportunity for new students to enroll in the
final start of this year ’ s study programs. Campus Director Dr. Voytek Panas encouraged the visitors to recognize and pursue what held the most interest for
them. He stressed that the university offered the skilled staff, faculty and
programs of study for them to acquire the necessary knowledge to reach
their goals. Next, Campus Dean Dr. Resto, introduced the staff and the
program directors who then met with the visitors and led them on tours of
their respective departments.
To the left, potential Nursing School students
ask questions of Director Deborah Schiavone. To
the right, Chef Derek Corsino explains the offerings
in the School of Culinary Arts.
SURPRISE SHOWER FOR THE COMING BABY
to
This will be the first child for Neha Kuhar, Director of the International
Student Office at the Falls Church Campus. Since the time to deliver her
baby girl is drawing near, Aerin Gilbert, Manager of Student Support Services planned a surprise baby shower for her. One afternoon Neha was called
the Escoffier Room on the 5th floor to handle a “ m atter of international importance. ” It was a total surprise when she realized the shower was for her and
the baby. Pictured with several friends left to right is: Ammara Mahmood, Mrs.
Mary Ann Shurtz, Neha Kunar and Mrs. Azra Khan. After refreshments, Neha
was given many useful articles for her baby and advice from the experienced
mothers and fathers present.
RECEIVED ENGLISH WRITING CERTIFICATES
Mary Ekpenyong
Varun Redfdy Chintakunta
Mohseen Syed
ENGLISH WRITING TEST DATES FOR Q5
Testing room location posted each day at 209S on day of test.
05 Oct Monday
06 Oct Tuesday
07 Oct Wednesday
08 Oct Thursday
09 Oct Friday
10 Oct Saturday
13 Oct Tuesday
14 Oct Wednesday
15 Oct Thursday
16 Oct Friday
1:00 - 2:30
10:30 - 12:00
1:00 - 2:30
10:30 - 12:00
1:00 - 2:30
10:30 - 12:00
1:00 - 2:30
10:30 - 12:00
1:00 - 2:30
10:30 - 12:00
Prior sign-up in Rm. 209S with an ID is required.
.
Nursing
SHARPENING THEIR SKILLS
Nursing course NSG330 offers many opportunities for nursing
students to develop the skills of their profession. In the left picture,
Instructor Susan Gardella observes Crysal White as she practices
reading the pulse of fellow student Polycarpe Mutombo. To the
right, Mary Karanja takes the blood pressure of Vernee Mariott.
Instructor Gardella commented, “ These students are now
practicing only a few of the many skills that we expect our nursing students to master during their training.
They will use them daily as part of their profession. ”
SUE GARDELLA NAMED NURSE OF THE YEAR
On Friday, September 25, 2015, the Virginia Career College Association honored Susan
Gardella as “ Teacher of the Year ” for Stratford University Falls Church Campus at its annual VCCA Conference. The award was presented to Ms. Gardella by Dr. Richelle M. Resto,
Regional 1 Dean, at Stratford University.
Susan Gardella has been a nurse for over 35 years. She graduated with a BSN from
East Carolina University. She received her MSN from Catholic University of America as a
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She has been teaching and practicing in a variety of settings and institutions.
She has been with Stratford University since 2012 and teaches Health Assessment and Pediatrics. She is
also the nursing simulation lab coordinator.
CHARLES KING JOINS CAREER SERVICES
Drawing upon his extensive experience with the Virginia Employment Commission in
career counseling, coaching in employable skills and assisting job seekers find employment, Mr. King looks forward to meeting the Falls Church students in his new position as
Career Services Coordinator at the Falls Church Campus.
Mr. King is available during the day in Room 210S. He said, “ I look forward to meet
and help all of our students with answers for their career direction, preparation and placement needs as a member of Career Services and the Stratford team. ”
Culinary
THE FRENCH CUISINE EXPERIENCE
The future chefs taking French Cuisine CUL257 at the Falls Church Campus are being introduced to an
important form of food preparation with a long tradition. Instructor Chef Christopher Carey explained: “ The
present French cooking traditions and practices have developed over hundreds of years from the time when
food preparation was influenced by Italy, the major European power. Large French banquets among the nobility offered all foods served at one time to be picked up and eaten by hand. Meats were preserved by salting, drying, or smoking in the chimney above a fire. Certain foods became popular because they could
brighten the table such as the green of leafy vegetables, yellow from saffron or egg yolk, reds and purples.
“ Another influence upon French food preparation came through the craft guilds. These early forms of
workers unions were regulated by the city governments and ruling nobles; with distinctions between those
who supplied the raw materials and the chefs who prepared the food.
“ High Cuisine, popularized in the first true French cookbook by chef La Varenne, encouraged lighter
dishes, and individual-sized preparations of pastries and turnovers. Other chefs listed recipes for various
food preparations in alphabetical order; making it easier to vary food preparations and offerings.
“ Modern French Cuisine recognizes the influence of Georges Escoffier who created stations to speed up
food preparation and production. Chefs at each station prepared an ingredient of the desired dish, which,
when ordered, could be combined into a ready-to-serve product in a short time. He also introduced the concepts of the kitchen brigade and dining room brigade, known today as the Front of the House and Back of the
House which identifies the general tasks performed in the areas of food preparation and customer service.
“ Today, the very mention of the word French Cuisine brings to mind the city of Paris, its colorful history
and the variety of exciting foods offered through its more than 9,000 restaurants. ”
FROM THE FRENCH CUISINE KITCHENS
Choice olive oils seasoned with
spices offered by Irene Pieper
Chicken Tagine
Jura Mountain Soup
- Final Taste Test Rhaphel Watkins
Marcus Stewart
“ T ” Dunnvatanachit
Edgar Munoz
Alsatian Onion Tart
Anchovy Onion Pizza
Menton Lemon Tart
Choucroute Gasni
Squab Bastilla
Carnival Fritters
Career Services
Stuffed Tomato Provencale
BUSINESS AND IT COMPANIES REPRESENTED AT CAREER FAIR
More than 25 local and national Business and IT companies were represented in September at a special Career Fair. Attendees included current students who were “ testing the waters, ” soon to be graduates, and
members of the community. Peter Bartell, program director said, “ It was rewarding to see so many students
attending whose appearance and resumes showed thoughtful preparation. ” Peter was assisted by Charles
King, career services coordinator, staff members of the Falls Church Campus, faculty and representatives
from other Stratford University campuses.
STUDENT SERVICES HOSTS STUDENT APPRECIATION WEEK
From the time new students enter the Falls Church Campus
until the time of graduation, Student Support Manager Aerin Gilbert, Student Support Officer Azra Khan and Coordinator
Tamika Brown offer many services to help them successfully
reach their career goals.
“ For all purposes,” said Aerin, “ this week the Center
could have been renamed, The Student Services Sundae Center. There was a steady flow of students and faculty attracted to the food treats featuring a variety of ice
cream embellished with a choice of many toppings. But there are many other reasons why students should
come to the Center: ”
Discounts at local retail stores, area restaurants and sporting events,
Insurance plans of various types for international Students,
Special student technology discounts in local stores,
Advance announcements of employer visits,
Student Ambassador volunteer program,
Individual tutoring and class coaching,
Sign-up for inclement weather alerts,
Free special gym fitness programs,
Assistance with student housing,
Discounts for Amazon Prime,
Clothing closet,
ID photos.
Aerin Gilbert commented, “ It ’ s been great to help those students who come by to
meet us, and we encourage them all to take advantage of the many services we provide to make their career
preparation more rewarding. ”
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES MARK CONSTITUTION DAY AWARENESS
Each year the Falls Church Campus marks the writing, ratification and the implementation of the U.S. Constitution in 1789. This Constitution is the world ’ s longest surviving written charter of government; and is special because the first three words - ” We The People ” - affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens ( R ef: U.S. Senate website ) .
Pictured is Patricia Achama, a student worker, signing her “ John Hancock ” to an article of the Constitution. Other students could also choose to become framers of the constitution as well.