Heritage Mascot Builds
Campus Morale
Attending a career college can be a very different experience from a traditional University education. The single-minded focus on career preparation found at schools like Heritage College and Heritage Institute offers many advantages, but students do miss out on some fun aspects of traditional student life.
“We don’t have a football team,” said Heritage Executive Vice President, Shannon Beeler. “We also don’t have fraternities, dances, dorm rooms, protests, or intra-mural sports. Our students think it’s a good thing that we don’t have all these things because we can keep their tuition lower and graduate them sooner without all the distraction. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun!”
This is the story of how, on a lark, some Heritage students and employees created a mascot for a career college.
In November of 2007, students and staff at the school’s Oklahoma City campus began appearing in “Heritage Fighting Leafs” t-shirts. The “Fighting Leafs” was the brainchild of students who wanted to find a way to express pride in Heritage and in their decision to improve their lives through education.
“Our logo is an orange autumn leaf,” said Heritage Massage Therapy Instructor Kimberly Merritt. “The leaf is a symbol of the renewal our students experience as they transition to their new lives and their new careers.”
“The first time we saw the “Fighting Leaf” was last Halloween,” said Heritage College Director Cheryl Morris. “Some of our students dressed as our logo leaf for the holiday. When we asked them what they were, they said ‘We’re the Fighting Leafs!’”
The joke resonated with the staff and students at the college.
“Many of our friends go to 4-year universities,” said Heritage Personal Fitness Trainer Program Manager Ken Forehand, “and we always see them in their Sooners and Cowboys gear, so I thought ‘why not?’ Many college administrators might have tried to shut us down. It could have felt threatening to them because it was funny and it didn’t come from the top down. But Heritage encouraged the “Fighting Leafs” idea.”
The school administration supported the idea to the extent of having t-shirts, sweatshirts, and baseball caps printed for all of its campuses.
From that point, the “Fighting Leafs” story became even more interesting.
Heritage President Richard Shepard told the story of the “Fighting Leaf” to a gentleman he was seated next to at an industry dinner. The man asked him what the name of the leaf was. Shepard was stumped. No one had thought about naming the leaf. The man at the dinner insisted that all college mascots need a name.
When Shepard returned to work the following day, he put out a call for names for the “Fighting Leaf.” It became a contest. There were so many names submitted that Shepard decided to put them to a vote at the annual Heritage Directors’ Meeting. On the first day of the meeting, the directors were asked to consider the mascot names and be prepared to vote on the last day of the conference.
When it came time for the vote, Shepard introduced the subject by crediting the man he met at the industry dinner for the idea to name the mascot. The man at the dinner had shared a story with Shepard:
On January 3, 1942, five brothers from Waterloo, Iowa, joined the U.S. Navy. The Sullivan brothers (Albert, Francis, George, Joseph, and Madison) made a pact that they would serve together. Upon enlistment, the Navy agreed that they would be allowed to stay together throughout their service. The brothers were assigned to the USS Juneau. Nine months later, during the battle of Guadalcanal, near the Solomon Islands, she was steaming toward base when a torpedo from a Japanese submarine sent her to the bottom. All five brothers perished. Their story became the inspiration for Steven Spielberg’s film “Saving Private Ryan.”
The Navy has since honored the “Fighting Sullivan Brothers” by naming two different ships in their honor. One of the brothers, Albert Sullivan, was married and left behind an infant son, James.
James grew up and fathered two children (John and Kelly Ann), who are now the only surviving members of the Sullivan family.
The man sitting next to President Shepard, and the man who suggested that the “Fighting Leaf” needed a name, was John Sullivan.
Upon hearing this story, the assembled Heritage Directors knew instinctively that the name of the leaf was “Sully.” “Sully the Fighting Leaf” is therefore named in humor and named in honor of sacrifice.
Heritage Students
Learn Through Role-Playing
Heritage Institute X-Ray Medical Technician® students in Jacksonville have developed a new way to learn about applying their classroom and laboratory learning to real-world situations. The students collaborated with their instructor, Mike Scott, to develop an Emergency Room role-playing laboratory at the school’s X-Ray Medical Technician® clinic.
“It was just like a real-life scenario,” said Scott. “We had other students playing the parts of crash and accident victims. The victims were covered in fake blood and acting their hearts out. It was a very high-pressure situation for our XMTs.”
The students transformed the clinic into a simulated triage station. They then played the roles of medical professionals, using the medical skills and terminology that they had been studying at Heritage.
“The idea was to make it real,” said Amy Evans, a student in the program. “The classroom and labs have prepared me extremely well for my new career. But it’s great to get some idea of what it might be like to apply my knowledge and skills in a real-world situation.”
The students acted as first responders in numerous emergency scenarios. In one trauma room, a patient experienced a heart attack. In another room, a woman was brought into the clinic in labor and gave birth to a child (doll). Victims of a car crash stumbled into the clinic covered in fake blood.
“Everything happened really fast,” said student Daniel King. “We rarely even got one patient stabilized before another came in the door.”
X-Ray Medical Technicians® are fully trained medical assistants who are also trained as limited-scope x-ray technicians. During the simulation, the students focused on EKGs, vital signs, preparing and administering IVs, and suturing and dressing wounds.
“I definitely chose the right school,” said X-Ray Medical Technician® student Lakeffia Risby. “We have tons of fun here, but it’s all about the career. I’m going to be ready to work as soon as I graduate.”
Wichita Campus Holds
First Graduation
Less than a year ago, Heritage College Wichita opened its doors to students looking for a change in their lives. And on a Friday night this past November, 62 graduates walked across the stage realizing their dream had turned into reality.
“I’ve been with these students since the beginning and it was extremely fulfilling seeing them move forward and take the next step in their lives.” said Carrie Fralish, Director of Career Services.
Since it opened in February 2008, Heritage College Wichita has seen remarkable attendance numbers and a packed parking lot at its campus nearly every day. And the recent graduation was no exception. In the glitzy Century II theatre, with a capacity of 600, friends and family were standing in the aisles to show their support for the students they had seen accomplish so much in such a short time.
Wichita Chief of Police Norman Williams conducted the commencement speech. Applause erupted as he reminded them that the restraints of life no longer hold them back because “education is freedom.”
Several of the graduates were honored with special awards. Kendra Allen (pharmacy tech), Monica Girrens (pharmacy tech), Ashle Kendall (pharmacy tech), Caroline Land (massage) and Estella Ruggles (massage) all were recognized for maintaining a GPA of 100%. Melissa Caro Lopez (massage) received the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award for completing more than 30 volunteer hours. And Don Olson (massage) was recognized for Perfect Attendance, even with the obstacle of relying on public transportation to get to school every day.
Heritage College Wichita will hold its next commencement in the spring. There are already plans to move it to a larger venue.
“We were thinking we’d have 150 students our first year, and we now have well over 300,” Campus Director Carlton Croft said. “The reception in the community has been amazing.”
Makeovers prove
valuable teaching
tool for cosmetology students
It’s not often that a student can get an education and provide a community service at the same time. But that’s exactly what’s happening to a group of cosmetology students at Heritage Institute in Manassas, Virginia.
Students are providing haircuts and styles, facials and manicures at an elderly care home in the area. And most recently, they’ve been performing valuable makeovers to low income people trying to improve their self-esteem and appearance for job interviews.
“I really think what we do helps them out,” said Gretchen Pearson, a junior in the cosmetology program. “They’re always so grateful and happy when we’re done. It’s heartwarming.”
Heritage Institute has offered cosmetology services to battered women’s shelters in the area for some time, but the school recently formed a new relationship with Northern Virginia Family Service. The organization helps train low income people for office jobs. Staff member Suzy Mead recently sent her first client to Heritage.
“Tracy is a bright, single mom who had bleached, then dyed her hair orange when she first came to us and was now sporting dark roots,” said Mead, describing the client she sent for a makeover. “She barely had enough money for food, let alone a haircut. As she was about to go on an internship, I thought she was a perfect candidate. Tracy made the appointment, and when she returned the next day some of us didn’t recognize her.”
Pearson, along with a classmate and teacher, performed the makeover on Tracy, which included a haircut, color and style. By the time they were done, Pearson said just about everyone was in tears. “Tracy was just so appreciative, she couldn’t stop crying. Then we all started crying.”
Heritage Institute Director Tess Anderson said these types of makeovers are valuable lessons for students. “At the end of the day, students realize that things in their life could be worse than they are.”
Anderson said they’re planning to have more clients from Northern Virginia Family Service in the future. Meanwhile, Pearson and other cosmetology students also continue to volunteer their time and services with Hearth and Home, an elderly care facility in the area. They provide massages, rollers sets (hairstyle for women) and manicures.
“The elderly love it because they get to be around young people,” Anderson said. “And this is a great way for our students to learn and give back to the community. And they get excited and come back and talk to other students about it.”
Angels Provide Special Holiday
Cheer in Fort Myers
On a corner table in the student lounge at Heritage Institute in Fort Myers sits a small Christmas tree. The little tree is just four feet tall, yet it holds the holiday hopes of several dozen Heritage students and their families.
When the tree was first put up in early December, white lights peeked out from behind 98 angel tree ornaments. Now, the glistening white lights shine brightly with the hope of smiling faces. The angel tree ornaments describe the holiday hopes of single parents and struggling families that are barely making ends meet.
Eva Hutson, Director of Heritage Institute in Fort Myers, is quick to remind her staff and teachers that the economy is “hard on everyone” and that we must “help our own through the holidays.”
The angel tree program is one way they are helping. Classroom discussions provided every student with the opportunity to confidentially fill out an application, listing the ages of their children, clothes sizes, or special wishes. Each application is reviewed and numbered. The angel tree ornaments, either blue or pink, indicate the wishes of girl and boy angels. Ornaments are taken home, appropriate presents are purchased, wrapped, and returned with the original ornament to be anonymously distributed to Heritage families.
Within the first three days, all of the angel ornaments were taken home. It has been common to hear instructors and staff talking in the hallways about shopping for their Heritage Angel.
The stories are heart-warming, to say the least. A single student with seven children at home filled out an application and wanted to remain anonymous. She told us how Heritage has become more than a school to her. “You really care. Without Heritage, my seven children would not be getting anything for the holidays this year.” The angel ornaments for all seven of her children have been taken home.
GED Program Gives Hope,
Changes Lives
It isn’t easy pursuing an education or career path when you haven’t graduated from high school. In fact, it’s quite challenging. But Heritage College in Denver has found an effective way to help. The school has implemented a GED preparation program that enables many candidates to earn their high school equivalency certificate, allowing them to prepare for rewarding careers. Those who gain their GED and enroll at Heritage often excel in their programs.
Over 50 GED candidates are served each year. Here are a couple of their amazing stories:
• One young woman, who we’ll call Edie, came to Heritage in the spring of 2007, hoping to enroll in the X-Ray Medical Tech program. Her husband had tragically lost a leg in an accident and was no longer able to support the family, which included Edie and four young sons. Edie had dropped out of school in ninth grade. The program assessment revealed that she needed extensive work in all areas. She worked with the Heritage provided tutor almost every day for six weeks and spent many hours at home studying. After six weeks, she had passed all parts of the GED test. She enrolled in her chosen program. Edie has completed half of the X-ray program now and is maintaining a 90% grade-point average.
• Another compelling story is that of a young lady we’ll call Lisa, who arrived at Heritage after having passed four of the five GED tests. She announced that she could not learn math, never could and probably never would. A review determined an unorthodox approach was needed. The program advisor worked on logical solutions to problems, with just a touch of skill building. Lisa responded well and soon began to have confidence that she could do math. She began to see some rhyme and reason in the “number game.” In less than a month, Lisa was the proud recipient of her GED is now on her way to preparing for a career as a pharmacy technician.
For Edie and Lisa, and all potential candidates, the first step in the GED preparation program is to assess their academic skills. Reading and math skill levels are measured using the official GED practice tests. After students have taken these tests, they meet individually with a Heritage tutor and devise a plan to help the individual achieve a GED. All tutoring is done on a one-to-one basis.
Many of the GED candidates who come to Heritage are products of schools that never gave them any individual attention. Often, these students never received praise for their accomplishments and were forgotten, drifting through their school years and finally out the door. This program helps them realize that they’re not forgotten and that it’s never too late.
The GED preparation program has worked well at Heritage College. At any given time, the school has between 20 and 25 students who are graduates of the program.
Alumni Spotlight
Success Stories from Recent Heritage Graduates
Key to Career Programs:
XMT X-Ray Medical Technician
MT Massage Therapist
PFT Personal Fitness Trainer
PT Pharmacy Technician
EST Esthetician
ST Surgical Technologist
CSM Cosmetologist
MA Medical Assistant
DENVER, CO:
Joseph Renzi, XMT, Concentra Medical Cntrs Float Pool: Renzi had to deal with the unexpected passing of his father, as well as his own wedding, but he still completed his program on time. In addition, he maintained almost perfect attendance and an “A” average.
Shanti Smallwood, MT, Littleton Adventist Hospital: When Shanti’s internship supervisor retired and left an opening for a replacement therapist, she had performed so well that she was hired as the newest member of the hospital staff.
Dennis O’Brien, PFT, Functional Fitness: Dennis did such a great job while on his internship that he not only was hired but also has since become a part owner in the business. He is currently looking to franchise.
Karen Joy, PT, Rx Relief: Karen was awarded the student of the year honors through the Colorado Assn. of Career Colleges and Schools for 2008. Her commitment to education through academics and attendance has proven her a success.
Marly Munguia, EST, Skintastics MediSpa: Marly received meritorious recognition through the CACCS in 2008 for her academic excellence. She is in the process of getting her state board license and has been offered employment at a spa.
FORT MYERS, FL:
Barbara Cardenas, EST, MAC Cosmetics: Barbara is currently working as a make-up artist and has done special effects make-up with a celebrity following. She is also a licensed cosmetologist.
Jessica Bianchi, PFT, Gold’s Gym: Jessica completed her internship and was hired. She has also passed her ACE exam and is now a Certified Personal Trainer. The comment written on her supervisor evaluation was that he “Couldn’t wait to have her on their team!”
Venix Courageux, PT, Walgreens Pharmacy: During his internship in Fort Myers, Venix was proactive and sought out a job on his own. He was hired at a Walgreens in his hometown of Immokalee, Florida, and started immediately after his internship.
Lyndsey Beckwith, MT, Dr. William Garofalo/LMT: Lyndsey was a straight “A” student, who averaged 96.7% attendance for her program. She passed her state massage license and was hired immediately at a chiropractic office.
Aaron DeBoer, XMT, Inst. for Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine: Aaron was a straight “A” student, who finished with a 97.3% attendance rate. He was hired from his internship and has already been promoted after just a few months.
JACKSONVILLE, FL:
Nicholas Desorbo, MT, Massage Heights: Nicholas maintained a positive attitude toward his education and profession and eventually found the perfect job. He is the lead therapist and hires all the massage therapists.
Bridgett Reedy-Rutherford, EST, Sessions Modeling Studio: Bridgett came to the school as a make up artist, working with models. She completed the program and continued her work and is now a licensed facial specialist with the desire to open her own studio.
Craig Pyles, XMT, Wekiva Springs Medical Treatment Cntr: Craig is working and going to Florida CC to get his AA degree. After that, he plans to transfer to the Univ. of Northern Florida and get a Master’s degree in behavioral therapy and organizational psychology.
Shawn Marsh, PT, Walgreens: Marsh, a single father of three, worked hard to succeed despite a very busy schedule. He impressed his internship site so much that he was hired on full time.
KANSAS CITY, MO:
Freddie Maluia, XMT, Boyce & Bynum Lab: Freddie battled a medical condition, as well as a parent having cancer, throughout his schooling. But he persevered, graduated and is now working as a mobile phlebotomist.
Natasha Lea, MT, Allure Spa & Massage: Natasha is a smart and outgoing student who overcame family and personal challenges to fulfill her dream. She is now a successful therapist at a top spa.
Carmen Gonzales, PT, Patient First Pharmacy: Carmen worked hard to succeed despite personal issues that initially affected her ability to start an internship. She overcame those issues and was hired while doing her internship.
Aaron Groll, PFT, Fitness First: Aaron was an excellent student both academically and in attendance. His commitment landed him a job in the first week of his internship.
MANASSAS, VA:
Mary Barbour, CSM, DEVA Hair Gallery: Mary worked in cosmetology as an assistant for many years and was offered an apprenticeship with her current employer. Instead, she chose to obtain a formal education. Mary said she is more skilled and confident than ever before.
Jairo Dager, MA, Nova Medical Group: Jairo is the first Heritage graduate to be hired at this facility, one of the larger internship sites. In his evaluation, a supervisor wrote, “Jairo is a wonderful student, great worker, and a joy to work with.”
Suzanne Fantigrossi, MA, Fair Lakes Urgent Care Cntr: Suzanne received good reviews during her internship and had several job offers. She chose to work as a certified medical assistant at Fair Lakes and is currently studying for the Limited Scope certification exam.
Alice P. Judah, MT, Stewart Family Chiropractic: Alice graduated with an impressive 101.3% GPA and 99.25% attendance. She took the NCBTMB exam while she was in school and did well. She is currently a licensed massage therapist working full time.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK:
Christy Singletary, EST, Schardein & Co Salon and Spa: Christy is currently working as a make-up artist at a prestigious spa in Oklahoma City. She received her state esthetics licensing and hopes to further develop her future by also pursuing a business relationship with the spa.
Richard Harrison, PFT, The Iron Pit: Richard was recently hired at gym where he completed his internship. He realized his goals in spite of an injury he received, which kept him out of school for several weeks. His perseverance paid off as he was quickly promoted to General Manager.
Dallas Lowry, PT, Univ. of Oklahoma Medical Cntr: Dallas secured his employment by demonstrating superior skills while on his internship. He reported that he loves his job in the large hospital environment.
Kaitlyn Ragan, MT, Therapy in Motion: While on her internship, Kaitlyn impressed the owners, who quickly offered her a position upon graduation. They were doubly pleased when they found out she would be pursuing an additional degree in physical therapy.
Christina Curry, XMT, Seminole Family Physicians: Christina commuted 120 miles each day for school, but she maintained excellent grades and a 98% attendance rate. She passed her NCCT exam in medical assisting and is now practicing near her hometown.
Cassie Gordon, ST, SW Integris Medical Cntr: Cassie completed a difficult program by achieving a 96% GPA and 92% attendance average. To further test her commitment, Cassie lost a close family member while completing her internship. She was immediately employed after her internship.
WICHITA, KS:
Roberto Simmons, MA, Hunter Health Clinic: Roberto was hired before his internship even ended. With great attendance, a strong work ethic, and compassion for the disadvantaged, his supervisor said he represented Heritage well.
Brandy Holderby, PT, Walgreens Pharmacy: Brandy interned in her hometown of Andover, Kansas, offering to work more hours than needed to help out the short-handed pharmacy. After her internship ended, she was offered her a full-time position.
Estella Ruggles, MT, Sveta’s Body Therapy: Estella completed her internship with one of the most elite spas in Wichita. After her internship, she was hired as a massage therapist and is steadily building up her clientele.
Donny Beisner, PFT, Members Gym: Donny’s “go get ‘em” spirit, combined with a passion for helping people achieve their fitness goals, got him hired at one of Wichita’s newest, most innovative gyms.
Heritage College Student
Wins Honor for Allied Health
In the unpredictable and dramatic young life of William Shireman, nothing has quite compared to the past few months. In June, on his 26th birthday, Shireman received a long-awaited kidney transplant. And just four months later, in October, he was the recipient of the 2008 Student of the Year in Allied Health Award on behalf of both the Kansas and Missouri Association of Private Career Colleges and Schools.
“I was called in one day and told that I was being nominated by the school for this award,” said Shireman, who attended Heritage College in Kansas City. “I was really taken aback. I thought maybe I was being called in to be told something bad. And as it turned out, I was being told how much I was appreciated by the faculty.”
Shireman recently accepted the award trophy at a luncheon in Overland Park, Kansas, and he admits it was hard to get through the ceremony without shedding a few tears.
The emotion was understandable. Shireman has overcome numerous obstacles throughout his life. At birth, he was diagnosed with prune belly syndrome, a rare disease with which babies have underdeveloped abdominal muscles and life-long complications with their kidneys, as well as scoliosis. Most infants with this condition do not live more than a few weeks.
Shireman did survive, and he had his first kidney transplant at the age of 6. When he was 19, the kidney, which had been donated by his mother, had become cancerous and was removed. When Shireman first enrolled at Heritage College in the summer of 2006, he was receiving dialysis from 5:30 to 9:30 three mornings each week. The treatment was necessitated by the loss of his kidney. Shireman said he didn’t mind that much being on dialysis for four hours a day, three days a week. It was far better than the eight hours he spent on dialysis every day when he was little.
“I’ve had numerous surgeries and procedures in my life, and it hasn’t always been easy,” Shireman admitted. “But you just don’t want to lie down and give up and be depressed.”
While Shireman waited for a new kidney on the donor list, he decided to give Heritage College a call after repeatedly seeing their television commercials. He was immediately drawn to the message therapy program because of his desire to help others. He knew what it was like to be in and out of hospitals, poked and prodded with needles, and he wanted to relieve peoples’ pain simply with human touch. Shireman said he also saw his schooling as a way to have some amount of control over his life. He couldn’t control his health, but he could control his success.
The Massage Therapy classes were held four hours a day, five days a week, a schedule which allowed Shireman to receive his dialysis and go to school simultaneously. Although he confessed it wasn’t always easy.
“Usually after you have four hours of dialysis, you just want to go to sleep,” Shireman said. “You’re just so darn tired after that. But I’d drudge off to school every day. I didn’t want to miss anything.”
Surprisingly, Shireman never missed a single class and was the recipient of the Perfect Attendance Award. He was in chronic pain and consistently visiting doctors, but he never left a homework assignment uncompleted and never neglected class time. And after 14 months, he graduated with degree in therapeutic massage.
In less than a year, Shireman had become a college graduate and undergone a successful organ transplant.
“Honestly, I really didn’t know what I was in store for when I first called Heritage College,” Shireman said it a recent conversation. “But I managed it, and I’m proud of myself. And so is my family. I can’t wait to start giving people massages.”
