February Cougar Champion: Tracy Autry

Tracy Autry
Career Coach, Lead Triton High School

How long have you worked for CCCC?
10 years.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
I am a Career Coach for the CCP program.

Where did you grow up?
Harnett County.

Where do you live now?
Lillington.

Educational credentials?
I earned an Associate Degree in Accounting from CCCC, a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Franklin University, and cleared my NC Teaching Licensure Credentials through NC State University.

Tell us about your family!
I have been married to my husband Wayne for 29 years. I have three children and one grandchild and two dogs and they are my world! We love to do activities together as a family.

What are some of your hobbies or other interests outside of CCCC?
I love to craft. I make wreaths, canvas signs, heat press shirts, and sublimation tumblers.

What is your favorite meal?
Steak, baked potato and a salad.

Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
I absolutely love what I do and work with the best team at CCCC!

Coming Soon!

It's Not Too Late

There's still time to complete the 2024 College Services survey! No personal information will be collected through this anonymous link. Your feedback matters!

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Dunn Center Culinary Food Show

CCCC Culinary students at the Dunn Center will be showing off their culinary skills with many custom-crafted dishes that students created. Join us for a delicious time!

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#RedCarpetRegistration

#RCR 2024 is coming to a high school near you! This year's event series kicks off on Friday morning, April 12, at Chatham Charter School and will conclude on Monday evening, May 6, at the Lee Main Campus. Our goal is to meet with at least 350 graduating seniors this year!

We would like to thank everyone in advance for your assistance with this event; it is a huge undertaking and would not be successful without the support of MANY campus offices, departments, and personnel. If you have questions or suggestions about the event, please contact Mary Schmid Carter at promisek14@cccc.edu.

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Celebrating Black History Month - Travails & Triumphs

This free and interactive event was held on Feb. 24 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center in Sanford. Sponsors included the Central Carolina Community College Arts Career Community, the Heart of Deep River Historical Society, and the Alliance of Black Leaders and Educators. The event included five mini lectures and a mini museum.

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Information and Planning Conference (IPC)

On Feb. 9, the Student Outreach and Recruitment team hosted its annual Information and Planning Conference (IPC) on the Chatham Main Campus.

School counselors and administrators from the service area, including Moore, Wake, and Chapel Hill-Carrboro, learned more about CCCC’s programs, including Business, Physical Therapist Assistant, Building Construction, and Electrical Systems. This year’s theme was "planting the seeds for student success."

Thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success!

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Call For Art

Calling all CCCC Creatives! Unleash your inner artist and let your masterpiece shine! We're thrilled to announce the CCCC Library's 3rd Annual Art Show, and we want to see your art on display!

Submissions will be accepted from current CCCC students, faculty, and staff. All artwork will be displayed for one week in the CCCC campus libraries and artists must complete the submission form at tinyurl.com/submityourart24 to participate. The submission form deadline is April 9 at Noon.

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Supporting Veteran Students

CCCC cares about Veterans and those military affiliated! The CCCC Foundation, in partnership with the Veterans Upward Bound Program, recently purchased new mats for the machining shop on the Lee Main Campus. The purchase of the new mats address some of the distinct physical classroom needs for Veteran students.

In acknowledging and meeting the needs of Veteran students within the machining shop, CCCC has once again shown that we support our Veteran students and will continue to find ways to acknowledge their commitment, service, and sacrifices.

If you would like to learn more about how you can support this distinct population, please contact Jennifer Dillon, 919-718-7561 or jdillon@cccc.edu. Working together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of Veterans and those military affiliated within our communities.

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Something was Phishy This Month

David Haire, Director of Infrastructure and Security, Lee Campus

Something was Phishy this month....

The IT Security team completed the first large scale phish email training exercise in March. With the Phish Alert Button (PAB user guide available HERE), we were able to track reported phishing messages and send a special thank you to all our users who reported their mock-phishing emails.

From those who reported their emails, we randomly picked our first Golden Phish award winner: Pamela McKoy! They get our GoldPhish prize box and a $25 gift card to Amazon.com, generously provided by CCCC Foundation!

Keep a lookout in your in-boxes. You never know when I'll try for the next big byte!

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Professional Services Career Panel

Thanks to the panelists—and to all who attended—the Central Carolina Community College Professional Services Career Panel, on March 7 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center in Sanford. The presentation will be able to be viewed at www.4cnclive.com.

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Business Technologies Career Panel

Thanks to the panelists—and to all who attended—the Central Carolina Community College Business Technologies Career Panel on March 13 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center in Sanford. The presentation will be able to be viewed at www.4cnclive.com.

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Survey Design Tips

Thinking of creating a survey? Here are some helpful pointers you can keep in mind when composing your survey questions.

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CCCC Career Expo and Job Fair

The Central Carolina Community College Career Expo Information Session was held on March 13 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center in Sanford. Middle and high school students had the opportunity to explore different career options and future opportunities at this event.

Here are scenes from the Central Carolina Community College Job Fair held also held on March 13 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic and Conference Center in Sanford.

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Pies for Pi Day

Pi Day festivities happened in Marchant Hall Conference room on March 14. Congratulations to the winners of our Pi Day Pie Bake-Off! After much anticipation and taste-testing, we're thrilled to announce the top bakers who were impressed with their delicious creations. Join us in celebrating their culinary talents and savoring the sweet victory of Pi Day perfection!

• Best Overall Pie: Dr. Kristi Short
• Best Creative Pie: Sandra Castonguay
• Best Fruit Pie: Jamie McLeod

Chef Regina Hargett and Chef Diana Wilson from Culinary, planned a Pi Day pie tasting contest for CCP students at Bragg Street Academy. Judges consisted of Dr. Chris Dossenbach, Superintendent, Mrs. Stacie Eggers, Assistant Superintendent, and Dr. Shannon Shuey, Principal (all pictured). Chef Diana is pictured in the white chef's jacket.

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Military Career and Resource Event

Please join us for the Military Career and Resource Event scheduled for Thursday, April 4, at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center in Sanford from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Various educational institutions, military leaders, community organizations, and employers will be in attendance to provide valuable resources and opportunities.

This community wide event is open to all members within our community; attendees do not need to be military affiliated to participate.

Use the QR Code found in the flier below OR visit tinyurl.com/VUB-Career-Fair to register.

Not able to attend? That's okay! Please share this exciting opportunity with others. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Karmisha Hernandez at khern141@cccc.edu or Jennifer Dillon at jdillon@cccc.edu for assistance. Thank you!

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Career Carnival

Here are scenes from CCCC's first Career Carnival, which provided learning activities for students to engage with our career communities! The Carnival was held March 19 on the LMC, March 20 on the CMC, and March 21 on the HMC.

Lee Main Campus, March 19

Chatham Main Campus, March 20

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Latin Dance Step Class

Want to get your heart rate up while moving to some Latin beats? Join us for a Latin Dance Step Class and move your feet to salsa, bachata, merengue and more. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! No partner dancing, just solo swaying for a great midday workout. Dr. Cristy Holmes, Dean of Arts and STEM, will be instructing in person.

Date: Thursday, March 28
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Location: Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center, Room 103

Please remember to bring your water bottle and comfortable footwear. Remember to mark your calendars! Let's continue to prioritize our physical health and well-being together!

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Two-part Brain Health Education Series

In partnership with the First Health Foundation, we are excited to host Dr. Karen D. Sullivan for her two-part Brain Health Education Series, "How to Deal with Aging and Memory Loss." Faculty, students, and staff are encouraged to share via Bb announcements, the community, and any other key stakeholders. Refreshments will be provided before the start of each session.

When: Thursday April 11 and April 25 at 5 p.m.
Where: Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center, Small Auditorium.

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College and Community Synergy at ACES Film Screening, Panel, & Reception

On Thurs., Mar. 14, there was college and community synergy at its best on display. CCCC's Academic and Cultural Enrichment Series (ACES) partnered with the non-profit organization The Hispanic Liaison, the art and media production company Nuevo South, and the Art Councils of Lee County and North Carolina to host a special event free to the public. CCCC students, community members, and civic leaders were meaningfully engaged during a film screening of Bulls and Saints, a new and powerful documentary film that explores immigration, identity, love, and loss by chronicling a Mexican family living in North Carolina.

After the screening, there was reflection and Q&A about Hispanic identity and culture in the United States. A panel featuring the Chilean-born filmmaker, Rodrigo Dorfman, as well as local teachers, activists, and a CCCC student anchored the discussion. The community dialog was in Spanish with interpretation services provided to English-speakers, making this evening the first-ever bilingual CCCC ACES event. Throughout the evening, everyone also enjoyed a floating reception with authentic Mexican food, bilingual community resources, and a photobooth of cultural artifacts.

Sanford Mayor Rebecca Wyhof-Salmon, Deputy Director of The Hispanic Liaison of Lee County Hannia Benitez, and CCCC ACES Coordinator Bianka Stumpf are all smiles at the success of the perspective-taking and culture-affirming event.

Good food is a universal language at the Bulls and Saints reception at the Civic Center on March 14.

Born in Guatemala, Chile, and Mexico, panelists Hannia Benitez, Rodrigo Dorfman, Ana Gonzalez-Ortega, and Casandra Juarez-Rodriguez speak of their own sense of identity and how they preserve their heritage cultures while living and working in the United States.

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Winning Spellers of The CCCC Hive

Each year CCCC sends a team (or two) of spellers to Delta Rho's annual Beginning Life with Books Spelling Bee. Delta Rho is a group of Lee County educators who serve or have served in school settings from preschools to community colleges.

The bee's fundraising proceeds purchase a copy of Goodnight Moon for every baby born at Central Carolina Hospital.

A lifetime of literacy begins in the cradle after all. The CCCC Hive took top honors and W-O-N against 37 other local teams. Ask them to spell words like ducats, buccal, bivouac, smellfungus, and dozens more. I-M-P-R-E-S-S-I-V-E.

C-O-N-G-R-A-T-U-L-A-T-I-O-N-S to the winning spellers of The CCCC Hive: English/Humanities Instructor Dr. Andrew Walser (captain), Social Sciences Chair Leigh Beam, CCCC Foundation Board Member and Former Chair Lynda Turbeville, and CCCC Alum Lawrence Brooks!

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The Copy Center has Gone Digital

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Views From Around CCCC

Here's a dose of joy from our furry cow friends at the Central Carolina Community College Veterinary Medical Technology large animal facility.

Daffodils growing on CCCC Student Farm.

Please feel free to send along any images you might capture from around all of the CCCC locations! Send them to Cris at coliver@cccc.edu. Thanks!

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CCCC REGULARS

WWGP Radio

Listen live to WWGP Radio

Thanks to WWGP Radio and Margaret Murchison (right) for hosting Amber Werkheiser (left), CCCC Financial Aid Director, on Feb. 28.

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Thanks to WWGP Radio and Margaret Murchison (right) for hosting Felicia Gilmore (left), Career Center Coordinator, on March 8 to talk about the CCCC Job Fair that was held on March 13 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center in Sanford, N.C.

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News from Foundation

Quarterly Update from the Foundation

Summer Camps are LIVE!

For more information on what is being offered and how to register, please visit here.

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Golf Classics

Harnett Golf Classic
March 21 at 1 p.m. at Chicora Golf Club in Dunn.

Chatham Golf Classic
May 15 at 9 a.m. at Chapel Ridge Golf Club in Pittsboro.

 

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Campus Events

The Foundation continues to assist Faculty/Staff with departmental needs and requests. Please contact Abby Walker if you would like to discuss ways the Foundation can help you and your department!

Recently, the Foundation helped support the following requests:

• New Faculty Orientation
• Student Learning Division Family Day
• Annual Career Expo/Job Fair
• Applied Technologies Day/Recruiting Event
• National Student Nurses Association National Convention
• Red Carpet Registration & Student Support Event

Foundation staff had a great visit with Scott Butcher recently and got a first-hand account of all the exiting student projects going on in the Industrial Technologies Department and Skills USA!

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2024 Campus Fund Drive

The 2024 Campus Fund Drive for employees is almost here! Packets and additional information will be sent out shortly! Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

The Foundation has awarded over $9,000 in student emergency funds since January!

Three new scholarships were established during the quarter:

• Rotary Club of Lillington - Trades
• Pedley Family - Vet Med
• Ahylea Memorial - Cosmetology

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Community Events

Foundation staff presented to the Piedmont Coastal Society of Plastics Engineers and received two donations for their endowment and scholarship program.

Mertek made a $2,500 donation to the Laser and Photonics program.

Thank you for your support of the Foundation.
We make a difference because of YOU!

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News From The Library

by Jessica Thomas, Lee Main Campus Library Programming Assistant

Lee and Harnett Highlights

Art Submissions to the CCCC Library’s 3rd Annual Art Show
Deadline: April 9, at Noon

Calling all artists! The CCCC Library is calling for submissions from faculty, staff, and students for our upcoming art show, which will be hosted in the library on each of the main CCCC campuses! Art work will be displayed for one week. Fill out this form to participate. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, April 9 at Noon.

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I Confess: Confessional Poetry and What Feels Real
Time/Date: April 16 at 11 a.m.

In celebration of National Poetry Month, join the CCCC Lee Campus Library as we embark on a journey of self-discovery as we unravel the enigmatic world of confessional poetry with Ty Stumpf! Join us for an illuminating exploration of the power of poetic expression!

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Faculty & Staff Short Story Book Club
Time/Date: March 22 and April 26 at 1 p.m. on Zoom

The short story for March is Alice Walker's "To Hell with Dying" and the short story for April is Shelley Jackson's "1005 Nights."

Want to join the book club? Email Morgan at mpruitt@cccc.edu to receive the Google calendar invite or if you have any questions.

 

Chatham Community Library Highlights

Submit Your Poem for the Downtown Poetry Stroll
Poems will be accepted through Tuesday, March 26

In honor of National Poetry Month, Chatham Community Library is coordinating a poetry stroll in downtown Pittsboro! During the month of April, local businesses will display poems written by community members in their windows. Submissions are open to all ages and voices. Poems must be the original work of the submitter, be appropriate for all ages, and fit on a single page. Poems will be accepted through Tuesday, March 26 at tinyurl.com/poetrystroll.

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Author Event – Marcia Zug's You'll Do: A History of Marrying for Reasons Other Than Love
Time/Date: March 2 at 10 a.m.

Author Marcia Zug will discuss her second book, You’ll Do: A History of Marrying for Reasons Other Than Love, a deep dive into the unromantic, but much more common than most would like to think, reasons for marrying throughout history. Zug is a family law professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Her previous book, Buying a Bride, explored the history of mail order marriage in the United States.

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Medicare 101
Time/Date: March 25 at 10:30 a.m.

Presented by LaTonya Nicholson, Medicare consultant with BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina, this session will cover what Medicare is, which options and plans are best for you, and how to enroll.

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Closed for the Good Friday and Easter holidays, March 29-30.

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Spring Book Sale
Time/Date: April 11-13

The Friends of the Chatham Community Library book sale includes over 18,000 items in all genres in excellent condition. Admission is free, and purchases may be made by cash, check, or credit card. On Friday, all books and materials are half price. On Saturday, fill a grocery bag for $5, with no limit on the number of bags.

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Library Event Calendars

Want to know what else is happening in the Lee, Harnett or Chatham Library this semester? Keep an eye on the Lee and Harnett Library Events Calendar and Chatham Events Calendar for events that interest you!

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From Institutional Research

Click to view full screen

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David S. Heesacker Featured on MoneyGeek

Professor David S. Heesacker was featured in WalletHub's piece about the Best Credit Cards for Building Credit.

Read David's most recent article: Best Credit Cards to Build Credit

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Navigate News

View the latest issue of Navigate News

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Psychology Majors Interview

The Psychology Majors Interview features Dr. Robbins from Methodist University. Dr. Robbins is a sports psychologist specializing in psychosocial variables that impact performance. Her research goal is to help improve personal satisfaction and performance by utilizing and building mental skills. For more information, contact Timothy Burns.

When: April 18
Time: TBA
Place: Zoom

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New Employees and Position Changes

Updates as of Mar. 1

Welcome!

February New Employees

• Marco Castel - XR Developer (EARTh Center)
• Richard Gillespie - XR Developer (EARTh Center)
• Joshua Webb - Associate Director (EARTh Center)
• Justin Chenoweth - 3D Technical Artist (EARTh Center)
• Daniel Dennison - 3D Technical Artist (EARTh Center)
• Robert Gillespie - Senior XR Developer (EARTh Center)
• Savannah Lowe - Financial Aid Technician
• Steven Price - PC Technician (LMC)

February Position Changes

• Kristin Turner - Career Coach (Chatham County)
• John Ainsworth - IT Lead Instructor
• Roy Allen - Dean, Public Safety
• Brian Post - Education Navigator and Juntos Advisor
• Terri Brown - Executive Director, Small Business Center

Congratulations!

Additionally, there have been numerous office moves in Lee County. Please see below a list of employees and their new current location.

Location Changes

• Amanda Carter - Marchant Hall - 9142 (Don Miller's old office)
• Don Miller - Marchant Hall - 9126 (Seth Buchanan's old office)
• Chris Newcomb - Marchant Hall 9148 (Amanda Carter's old office)
• Felicia Crittenden - Moore Center - 106
• Gerald Hunter - CWI - 114 (Felicia Crittenden's old office)

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Thank You.

College Family,

Thank you so very much for all of the kind words, thoughts, prayers and cards you have shared with me and my family during the passing of my mom. She was an amazing lady and would love to have gotten to know each of you.

It truly is an honor to serve with you and I appreciate all you do!

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Birthdays

Birthday list provided by Human Resources

Happy Birthday
to each of you!

If you prefer not to be listed or if your name does not appear as you'd like, please email Cris Oliver.

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Calendars 2024

Download the 2024 CCCC Pay Dates

Download the 2024 CCCC Holiday Calendar

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News From The CCCC Family

Please keep the family of, Robert R. Bidwell Sr., PT Criminal Justice Instructor, who passed away on March 18, in your thoughts. Learn more about Robert and leave any condolences at Legacy.com.

Meghan Brown, Associate Vice President of Advancement and Government Relations, lost her grandfather on Feb. 23. Please keep Meghan in your thoughts during this difficult time. Read more and leave condolences at Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home.

Ramona Jordan, Education Navigator (Chatham County), lost her father on Feb. 23. Please keep Ramona in your thoughts during this difficult time. Read more and leave condolences at Kimes Funeral Service.

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CCCC-BAY

Things Wanted, For Sale, or For Free!

WANTED!

Vet Med is looking for six metal cabinets to store feed in!

Do you have a two-door metal cabinet in your area that you are not using or is taking up space? Vet Med would love to take the cabinet off of your hands! These cabinets are great for storing animal feed and they are looking for about six cabinets in total. If you have a cabinet that you do not need, please contact Animal Facilities Manager Justin Pedley at jpedley@cccc.edu. Below is a reference picture of the two-door metal cabinets.

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COUGAR PETS

Cougar Pets

Cougar Pets is a local animal rescue group housed on the Lee Main Campus. As part of the Veterinary Medical Technology program, our animals help teach veterinary technician students essential skills that will help future animals. All of the animals are rescued from shelters, and all are adoptable.

Meet Oregano

Are you looking for a sweet household companion? If so, I will fit right in! I am a very social cat who doesn't seem to have many cares. I enjoy people, but I prefer to be the queen when it comes to other cats. I will definitely brush up against you for some sweet head scratches.

Oregano

Meet Gumbo

My name is Gumbo. I am the epitome of man's best friend. I love to play and I don't think I have ever met a stranger. I am very easy going although I do get the zoomies from time to time. Just like any good meal, you will want to savor me!

Gumbo

See all of the adoptions, or rather Happy Tails of Cougar Pets.

All adoptable dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on all vaccines. They have regular dental cleanings, blood work, and physical exams. We pride ourselves on the care that our cats and dogs receive during their stay. Contact www.cougarpets.org for more information on our colony dogs and available cats.

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College Salon Services

The mission of the Barbering and Cosmetic Arts Department at CCCC is to provide quality education and learning experiences for Barbering and Cosmetic Arts students.

For this reason, all services are available to faculty and staff. Services are performed exclusively by students under the supervision of Barbering or Cosmetic Arts instructors.

See all Salon services.

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CONTRIBUTE

Contribute to Cougar Bytes

Send along your Cougar Bytes contributions about our wonderful faculty and staff! We welcome your images, staff and faculty successes, events, and shout-outs in each issue. Submit your contributions to Cris Oliver in Marketing at coliver@cccc.edu.

Deadline for contributions is April 12 by 5 p.m. for the next issue. Upcoming issues:

• April 19
• May 24
• June 20
• July 18

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