West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Workforce & Economic Development Division is rolling out a welding lab on wheels to meet a growing need for area businesses to provide on-site training and testing to welders. The mobile welding lab will be unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, at Hino Motors.

The welding lab, designed by WVU Parkersburg welding program faculty and staff, has the capability to transport four welding units, a bench grinder, and a generator to run all electric, tools, and lights to a company’s worksite. In addition, the lab is fully stocked with a toolbox and personal protective equipment needed for welding, such as welding jackets, safety glasses, welding hoods and more. Training will be provided by instructors in the college’s Workforce & Economic Development Division.

The purchase of the welding equipment was made possible through a Rapid Response Advance Grant from the West Virginia Community and Technical College System to address the state’s workforce needs.

“Being able to bring on-site quality welding training to industry partners in our seven-county service region saves our partners time and money,” said Michele Wilson, executive director, WVU Parkersburg Workforce & Economic Development. “We are excited to let companies know that our mobile welding lab is open for business. We are also thankful for the West Virginia Community and Technical College System who make these projects possible.”

WVU Parkersburg’s Workforce & Economic Development Division offers local businesses, industries and organizations a variety of training opportunities designed to increase employee productivity and efficiency, helping them to maximize profits.

Local businesses interested in scheduling the mobile welding lab may contact WVU Parkersburg’s Workforce & Economic Development Division at 304-424-8383 to learn more.

When race, class, religion and gender collide, a conversation begins. That conversation will take place on Monday, Oct. 21, with the special presentation of “The Defamation Experience.”

“The Defamation Experience” is a courtroom drama and unique diversity program that includes three phases; the play, deliberation and post-show discussion.

The play explores a civil suit between Ms. Wade, an American-American business owner, and Mr. Golden, a Jewish real estate developer. After a dramatic testimony, the judge decides it is time for the jury’s deliberation. The twist…the audience is the jury.

Following the trial, the audience will be asked to participate in a meaningful conversation about race, class, religion, gender and the law.

Funded in part by the Higher Education Resource Assessment, the event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the WVU Parkersburg college theater. It is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Kurt Klettner, WVU Parkersburg executive director for student support services, at kurt.klettner@wvup.edu or 304-424-8388.

The dedication of one Marine Corps veteran has been recognized with a scholarship covering the cost of welding tools and protective equipment needed for her classes and future career. Presented by the Mid-Ohio Valley Platoon of West Virginia and Ohio of the Marine Corps Veterans Association, the scholarship is a testimony to the allegiance of one Marine to another.

“The Marine Corps motto is ‘Semper Fidelis,’ meaning ‘Always Faithful.’ The Corps is faithful to every Marine, even after their service is completed, to make sure they have a successful post-military career,” said Darren Shearlock, WVU Parkersburg veterans advocate.

Alexis Wiseman is the first WVU Parkersburg student to receive a scholarship from the MOV Platoon of WV and OH of the MCVA. She served four years in the Marine Corps (May 2013 to May 2017), and received the rank of E-4, Corporal. Wiseman will graduate in December 2019 with an Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology.

“Earning this scholarship to help further my education in my career field is a true honor,” said WVU Parkersburg student Alexis Wiseman. “The Marine Corps Veterans Association is a community I am proud to be a part of.”

The MOV Platoon of WV and OH of the MCVA is focused on community service, including working with the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments and local Eagle Scouts, as well as providing flag etiquette classes, donations to the Sheriff’s K-9 units in Wood and Washington counties, a guitar lesson program for veterans and much more.

“In addition to our other work, we believe in providing scholarships to younger generations who are furthering their education,” said Executive Officer John Sprigg of the MOV Platoon of WV and OH of the MCVA. “It is our honor and duty to help veterans, and we cannot wait to help more students in the future.”

“We have the honor of being here today because of the Marine Corps veterans, and all veterans, who wanted to serve their country. They all took an oath that didn’t end when they put the uniform down, and that now includes helping the community using their veteran status,” said Shearlock. “I am proud to work with the Marine Corps Veterans Association who are dedicated to helping this area.”

For more information about the MOV Platoon of WV and OH of the MCVA, scholarship opportunities or to become a member, contact Commanding Officer Roy Trembly at roy.trembly@gmail.com or 304-966-4419.

To learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s veterans’ resources, contact Veteran Advocate Darren Shearlock at darren.shearlock@wvup.edu or 304-424-8337.

The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors will meet Wednesday, Oct. 9. The meeting will take place at 3:15 p.m. in the Francis and Nina Phares Board Room (room 1300A) on the main campus. View the complete agenda here.

Connecting survivors, advocates and service providers, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a collective effort to raise awareness about, and end, the crime of abuse. Also advocating is the WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice student organization as they will host the local Domestic Violence Clothesline Project to bring to light the stories of victims and survivors in the region, as well as host an informational presentation about the role of the community in responding to domestic violence.

Emily Larkins, executive director of the Family Crisis Intervention Center, will present “Domestic Violence: A Community Approach” on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 12:15-1:00 p.m. in the college theater. She will speak on current responses to domestic violence, the Parkersburg Family Crisis Intervention Center’s role and more. Larkins and representatives from the center will be available to speak with attendees after the presentation. Resources and information will also be provided during the Clothesline Project display week.

The local Domestic Violence Clothesline Project will be on display Oct. 21-24, from 12:00-1:00 p.m., in the Criminal Justice Simulation Lab (room 0404) on the main campus.

The Clothesline Project is an artistic display of t-shirts decorated by survivors of domestic violence, or created in honor of someone who has experienced violence, and hung on a clothesline to serve as a testimony of the problem. Since 1990, each t-shirt reflects the experience of the creator, and the color of each shirt identifies a particular instance of violence:

White – Those who have died as a result of violence.

Yellow – Survivors of physical assault, and or, domestic violence.

Red, pink and orange – Survivors of rape or sexual assault.

Blue and green – Survivors of incest or childhood sexual abuse.

Purple and lavender – Those who have been attacked because of their sexual orientation.

Brown and gray – Survivors of emotional, spiritual or verbal abuse.

Black – Those who have been attacked or assaulted because of a disability.

“Each year, 12 million people suffer from intimate partner violence,” said Andrew Walker, WVU Parkersburg assistant professor and criminal justice student organization advisor. “Domestic Violence Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to remember victims and celebrate survivors of domestic violence. Hosting the Clothesline Project on campus brings the stories of victims and survivors to life and reminds us these are not faceless statistics. The events we have planned on campus to recognize this month also provide a connection to the existing services and resources in our community.”

The WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice student organization will also be collecting hygiene products (shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries, etc.) for the Parkersburg Family Crisis Intervention Center, a domestic violence safe haven, which services Calhoun, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt and Wood counties. Donations may be dropped off at the WVU Parkersburg Criminal Justice Simulation Lab (room 0404) or the Business, Accounting and Public Service Division office (room 1018).

For more information about the project or to donate, please contact Andrew Walker at wwalker1@wvup.edu or 304-424-8429.

Jan Dils Attorneys at Law is partnering with West Virginia University Parkersburg to provide support for local student veterans.

Held on June 29, the law firm’s Freedom Fun Run 5K raised $12,500 in funds for WVU Parkersburg’s student veterans and the Veterans Resource Center.

This annual event brings in proceeds each year to support student scholarships through the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation. Established in 2015 by the WVU Parkersburg Student Veteran Corps, the fund has provided several scholarships to student veterans at the college. With the funds raised from this year’s event, 12 more student veterans will each receive $1,000 to pay help pay for tuition and fees.

According to Darren Shearlock, the university’s veterans advocate, the resource center, “creates a space where we can help student veterans achieve their professional and educational goals. We provide work stations to give them a quiet place to study, as well as a space to socialize, and a place where veterans can discuss veteran-specific issues on campus.”

Other services provided by the center include helping students to manage college credit transfers and to secure financing through the GI Bill.

According to Shearlock, the opportunities available to student veterans at WVU Parkersburg are invaluable in helping them move forward professionally.

“Right now, across America, we’re in a changing economy. Jobs that your parents used to have won’t be able to provide a lot of young people the careers that they’re looking for to reach that middle-class lifestyle. In order to change with the economy, they need new skills. And at WVU Parkersburg, we’re able to help them achieve those skills, get degrees and certificates that will make them competitive in a 21^st Century environment, at one of the lowest rates in the state,” Shearlock said.

In addition, for many students, pursuing higher education can provide benefits that go beyond the academic and the professional. Shearlock gave the example of a student whose husband passed away, leaving her without a source of income or social support.

“When she came in, there were two things we could do for her. One was to help her re-tool and get back into the workforce. But just as importantly, we could give her a sense of purpose with what she was doing with her life…We provided that social support structure,” Shearlock said.

Shearlock’s personal and professional background gives him relevant insight. He served over 20 years in the U.S. Army and was deployed numerous times. He took advantage of the GI Bill to earn his master’s degree and went on to pursue a doctorate with the goal of teaching at the collegiate level.

“When an opportunity came to both educate people and help veterans at the same time, I couldn’t pass it up,” he said.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg will host the fourth annual Parkersburg Pop Con on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., in the College Activities Center. The event is a celebration of popular culture comics, costuming (cosplay), sci-fi, gaming, and film, and will feature numerous authors, publishers, designers and artists.

During Pop Con attendees will get to meet:

• Christian Foster, co-founder of Cos-vets; a group of U.S. Military Veterans and cosplayers who advocate cosplay and Veterans Charities. Foster is a Mid-Ohio Valley Native who formed Cos-vets to create a greater bond and understanding between veterans and their families within the cosplay community.

• Shawn Langley, a southern Ohio comic illustrator and concept artist who is best known for his work on the “Earthruler” graphic novel and “Rapid City: Below Zero” comic series. Langley also produces original concept art for various authors and publications, primarily for horror and fantasy fiction genres.

The event is supported by the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation and proceeds from Pop Con will benefit the college’s community childcare center, the Center for Early Learning. Proceeds will provide needed learning resources, playground updates, and childcare scholarships to cover childcare costs for WVU Parkersburg students’ children while they attend classes.

Each year, more than 600 people attend Pop Con for games, contests, cosplay, vending, and much more. “Students, children, gamers of all ages and the entire community can find something of interest at Pop Con,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at WVU Parkersburg, and President and CEO of the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation. “We are excited that this event will help our students and their children with childcare costs.”

The event schedule is as follows:

11 a.m.: Opening ceremony takes place

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.: “Your Junkyard Angel: How to make wings, and other props from recycled goods with Wayward Owl” begins in Panel Room 1, room 1535

12 p.m.: “Magic the Gathering” table top gaming tournament will take place in the 1300 hallway

1 – 2:00 p.m.:

• Youth cosplay contest takes place on the main stage in the College Activities Center

• “Sewing Workshop with Khaleesi Alysie: 5 mistakes you need to stop making if you ever want to be good at sewing,” in Panel Room 1

• “Pop Con (pop culture) Trivia” begins in the Gaming Galaxy, located in the cafeteria

2 – 3:00 p.m.:

• Adult cosplay pre-judging takes place in the Press Room, room 1532

• “Lightsaber Academy” begins in Panel Room 1

• A video game tournament, sponsored by MultiVerse Comics LLC, takes place in the Gaming Galaxy

3 – 4 p.m.: Adult cosplay contest takes place on the main stage

5 p.m.: Closing ceremony takes place

To enhance the event each year, the Pop Con planning committee reviews feedback and surveys from past attendees and vendors. “We hope that this year is better than ever,” said Doug Anthony, Chief Information Officer at WVU Parkersburg and co-chair of the Pop Con Planning Committee. “In addition to the wide selection of popular vendors, we have some amazing cosplayers who are willing to share how they make their one-of-a-kind costumes.”

Tickets to Pop Con are available at the door. Adult general admission is $5, but children 10 and under will be admitted free with an adult ticket purchase. Veterans and current armed forces members showing a valid military ID card will also receive free admittance.

Visit parkersburgpop.com for a detailed list of vendors and more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Jackson County Center will host a scholarship fundraiser honoring Violet Mosser and featuring nationally syndicated columnist and motivational speaker Linda Arnold. The event will take place Oct. 1, starting at 6 p.m.

The goal of the event is to raise $5000 for the Violet Mosser Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will provide scholarships to WVU Parkersburg students attending the Jackson County Center (JCC). The fund, was established by the WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors to memorialize the contributions of Violet Mosser, who worked many years at WVU Parkersburg on both campuses.

“This means so much to us. My mom did everything she could to help students prepare for and have a successful academic future,” said Amanda (Mosser) Anderson, Violet’s daughter.

Violet was a Jackson County native who attended classes and worked at the college. She began working at JCC in 1985 as an office assistant. In 1986, she enrolled in the RBA program with coursework focused on business and communications. In 2001, she graduated with her RBA from WVU and took a position at the main campus of WVU Parkersburg as an admissions counselor. When the opportunity arose to work at JCC, she returned to support students and staff there.

Violet continued her education throughout her career. Twenty years after starting her first class, she obtained her master’s degree in corporate communications from WVU. She took all of her classes at WVU Parkersburg through a cohort between the college and university.

Violet was also a member of the WVU Parkersburg Staff Council and the Board of Governors. When alive, she remarked on her experience in working to improve staff support as “The most positive thing that WVU Parkersburg has given me is the opportunity to serve students and staff.”

Mosser gave much back to the campus community.

“No matter the role, Violet was there to serve to the best of her ability. This was true as a Board Member and throughout her various positions within the college. Violet strived to assure that the college and JCC were well represented, and that all students were being served,” shares John Gorrell, retired Dean of the Jackson County Center. “At JCC, she was responsible for recruitment, Student Government advising, student activities, ADA compliance, and a large portion of the academic advising. She was truly an integral part of the JCC family and was highly respected by all students, faculty, and staff.”

In addition, Violet was a philanthropic supporter of the Children of Classified Staff Scholarship fund through the Foundation and to Give Local MOV, sponsored by the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation.

WVU Parkersburg president, Dr. Chris Gilmer and CEO and Dean of the Jackson County Center, Dr. Steven Smith will honor the memory of Violet during the Oct. 1 event “Are You Living Life Fully — Or Just Going Through The Motions?” presented by Linda Arnold, a nationally syndicated columnist and author.

“While I did not have the pleasure of knowing her personally, it speaks well of Violet Mosser that those who knew her best counted her their friend and remember her so incredibly fondly,” shared Gilmer. “Clearly, her life exemplified the values of hard work, determination, and generosity of spirit which still define the workforce at WVU Parkersburg and are the values we work daily to instill in our students.”

The event will kick off with live Americana music from the Rhodes Family and a variety of refreshments provided by O’Brian’s Catering. A book signing will follow the program with a limited run of Arnold’s books provided at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees may also bring their own copies for signing.

Tickets are available at the JCC main office for $10 each. Students of WVU Parkersburg may pick up a ticket free of charge with a valid student ID card, while they last.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the scholarship formed in memory of Violet as the program is sponsored by David and Linda Dickirson.

The Foundation is also accepting pledges in support of the Violet Mosser Scholarship Fund. Contact Dr. Torie Jackson, President and CEO of the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, at Torie.Jackson@wvup.edu or 304-424-8247 to learn more.

The third annual Mid-Ohio Valley (MOV) Career Fair, presented by U.S. Senator Joe Manchin and West Virginia University at Parkersburg, will be held Friday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event takes place on the WVU Parkersburg campus and is free and open to the public.

“The MOV Career Fair is a great way for West Virginians and companies to meet so that our citizens can find careers and our businesses can hire capable, prepared workers,” said Senator Manchin. “As our state gains job opportunities, these career fairs are essential to ensuring that West Virginians are hired to fill those roles. I look forward to seeing the positive results of this career fair for our state and our people.”

Job seekers will have the opportunity to meet with more than 100 businesses and organizations actively seeking employees at the career fair. The college will also provide a free photo opportunity for those seeking professional portraits. Job seekers should dress professionally, bring plenty of resumes and research registered employers.

“WVU Parkersburg is so honored to work with Senator Manchin and his team,” said WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Chris Gilmer. “He has proven his commitment to our University and to leading the charge in workforce development in the Mid-Ohio Valley. We are glad to work with him and all of the communities we serve to link employers to prospective employees. We do this for our students and graduates who are highly trained and prepared to enter the job market, and for others in the area who need to find employment to advance their family and to live fully into their potential. We see ourselves as a bridge, and it’s a role we are pleased to fill.”

The MOV Career Fair 2019 is presented in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, Results Radio, the Workforce Development Board Mid-Ohio Valley and Workforce West Virginia.

The complete list of registered employers includes: Aardvark Communications & Security; Addus Home Care; Affordable in Home Care; Al Rec LLC; All Ways Caring HomeCare; Alliance Industries; Allstate; Amyx Inc.; Besl Transfer Company; Bi-Con Services; Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg; Bureau of the Fiscal Service; Calhoun County Schools; The Career Center – Adult Technical Training; The Chemours Company; Clayman & Associates; Combined Worksite Solutions; Community Resources Inc.; Contractor Transport; CSL Plasma; Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation Inc.; DSV Solutions; Eagle Pointe; Edward Jones; Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Parkersburg; EZG Manufacturing; FBI – Criminal Justice Information Services Division; FCC Hazelton; Federal Bureau of Prisons; The Galley; Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley Inc.; Grand Canyon University; H&R Block; Hanson Ready Mix; Havar Inc.; Hi-Vac Corporation; Human Resource Development Foundation Inc.; ICL; iHeartMedia Mid-Ohio Valley; Infor; Insulators Local #80; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Jan-Care; JCPenney; K.S. of West Virginia Co. Ltd.; Kanawha Place; KVC Health Systems WV; Lang Masonry & Restoration Contractors; Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center; Magnum Magnetics; Matheny Motors; Maxim Healthcare Services; Memorial Health System; Minnie Hamilton Health System; Mole Master Services; Morgantown Police Department; MOV Association of Government Accountants; MOV Transit Authority; N3; National Council on Aging – WV Resource Center; Ntiva; Ohio Valley Educational Service Center; ON-BOARD; Pactiv; PAIS; Peoples Bank; Perry & Associates, CPA’s; Planet Fitness; Plexus-PSA; Promanco; Results Radio; Rhodes Trailers & Truck Bodies; Roane County Board of Education; Salvation Army; ScribeAmerica; Snowshoe Mountain Inc.; SW Resources Inc.; Terra Sonic International; Thomas R. Moran Construction Co. Inc.; TMC Technologies of West Virginia; United States Army; United States Postal Service; Vacuum Truck Rentals; WesBanco Bank; West Virginia Air National Guard; West Virginia Army National Guard; West Virginia Sheet Metal Workers JATF; West Virginia University at Parkersburg; West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics; Westbrook Health Services; Western & Southern Financial; Wexford Health Source at St. Marys Correctional Center; Wolf Creek Contracting Co. LLC; Wood County 911 Center; Wood County Schools; Workforce West Virginia; Worthington Healthcare Center; WV Assistive Technology System; WV Department of Health and Human Resources; WV Department of Transportation / Division of Highways; WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation; WV Division of Natural Resources; WV ESGR; WV Laborers Training Center; WVU Extension Service; WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center; WVU Parkersburg Workforce & Economic Development; and Xtreme Labor Solutions.

For more information on the MOV Career Fair 2019, visit www.wvup.edu/career.