President Elizabeth Burmaster has announced the 2019 recipients of the Frederick Community College President’s Business Appreciation Awards. These annual awards recognize business and non-profit partners for their commitment, contributions, and support of the College mission and its students.

“Our business partnerships are a critical part of ensuring our students have every opportunity to succeed while at FCC and once they enter the workforce,” President Burmaster said. “Our College and community are fortunate to benefit from the expertise of these outstanding award recipients. We thank them for understanding the importance of public higher education and supporting our mission.”

The five award recipients will be officially recognized at the President’s Business Appreciation Awards Breakfast on Monday, May 6 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. in the Student Center. The Frederick County business community is invited to attend this event. To register, visit www.fccbusinessawards2019.eventbrite.com.

The 2019 award recipients are:

Business Partner of the Year – Dynamic Automotive
Dynamic Automotive has been an instrumental partner in developing and supporting the automotive program at FCC. During the development of this program, Dynamic Automotive provided expertise and guidance that were crucial to designing program curriculum and outcomes and led to the creation of structured externships. Since then, Dynamic Automotive staff have shadowed classes to provide feedback on curriculum and have offered externships at all their locations, hosting seven FCC students in the past year. Their support and expertise have helped FCC ensure its program prepares students to immediately succeed in the workforce, evidenced by the fact that Dynamic Automotive recently hired an FCC student to fill a job vacancy.

Non-Profit Partner of the Year – American Association of University Women (AAUW), Frederick Branch
The American Association of University Women, Frederick Branch has supported FCC and its students for almost 25 years through numerous fundraising efforts, including book sales and author events. For the last eight years, AAUW has held an annual tea that raises thousands of dollars to support the Project Forward Step program, coordinated by the FCC Office of Adult Services. The money raised by AAUW helps students in this program pay for tuition, childcare, transportation, and other expenses that make it possible for them to earn degrees and certificates that lead to living-wage employment.

Public Agency Partner of the Year - Frederick County Division of Emergency Management
The Frederick County Division of Emergency Management, which includes Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Communications, has supported FCC in many different areas of emergency planning and preparedness. The division has collaborated with FCC on action plans, served as assessors for emergency drills, and coordinated FEMA training for employees. It has also provided guidance on emergency communications and sends direct alerts to college administrators when appropriate. Above all, the Frederick County Division of Emergency Management has provided subject matter expertise that benefits all FCC students, faculty, and staff.

Business Donor of the Year - The Wine Kitchen on the Creek
For the past two years, The Wine Kitchen on the Creek has supported the FCC Hospitality, Culinary & Tourism Institute (HCTI) and the FCC Foundation through an event called the Scholarship Wine Dinner. This event raises funds for HCTI scholarships, while providing current HCTI students with a real-world culinary and hospitality experience. The dinner includes a gourmet five-course menu crafted by Executive Chef Jeff Beard. Chef Beard works with HCTI students leading up to the event, brings in additional staff from the Wine Kitchen to assist the students in preparing and executing the final dishes, and coaches the students during all phases of the dinner. General Manager John McCain trains the students on dining room service and wine service and provides wine pairings to go with each course. The Wine Kitchen is also an active internship site for HCTI students, hosting several students each year for a rigorous 240-hour internship. Students consistently report on the excellent experience and mentorship received, and several have gone on to join The Wine Kitchen team for permanent employment.

Business Leader of the Year - Jennifer Finley, Owner/Manager of the ArtistAngle Gallery
Jennifer Finley, owner and manager of the ArtistAngle Gallery in Frederick, has supported the FCC Art program in numerous ways. She participated in the Art Program Review Assessment, where she provided valuable insight and suggestions that helped improve art curriculum. She worked with the FCC Art Director on the development of the Walt Folger Gallery in the FCC Visual and Performing Arts Center and provided professional quality framing and signage to enhance the look of the space. She also provided professional matting and framing services at a discounted price to art students selected for the end-of-the semester art exhibit, helping them understand the process of exhibiting professionally. Jennifer, a former FCC student herself, received the 2018 FCC Distinguished Artist Award for her contributions to the FCC Art program. 

For more information about the President’s Business Appreciation Awards Breakfast, contact Caroline Cole at [email protected].