A recent seminar using Autodesk 3D Max software was presented at Richmond Community College in participation with the Kenan Fellowship Program. (L to r) Kenan Fellows Sandre Lane of Laurel Hill and Fred Morris of Rockingham are joined by Richmond Senior High School student Grady Lorenzo and RSHS Architectural Drafting instructor Greg Norton in learning how to create models using the animation software. Mark Winslow (standing) was the trainer. Morris will develop teaching materials for use with the i3D systems at the college and high school.
The Kenan Fellowship Program at Richmond Community College is already benefitting the community. RCC recently sponsored a seminar to train RCC’s Kenan Fellow Fred Morris of Rockingham and Mechanical Engineering Technology Chairman Dr. Randy Henson to use 3D software. The seminar was opened at no cost to 14 faculty and students from RCC and local high schools.
“This training session is designed to help participants learn to model using Autodesk 3D Max software. The reason it was offered is because the Kenan Fellowship was awarded to create teaching objects for use with the i3D systems in our classrooms. This proves the fellowship program is paying dividends, because we are bringing in other people who would not have been able to participate without it,” said Morris.
Morris’ project is to create teaching materials. He is working with RCC Dean of Instructional Services Carl Howald and Mechanical Engineering Technology Department Chairman Dr. Randy Henson to determine what objects should be created for use at both the high school and college levels. Morris teaches Principles of Technology and Computer Networking at RSHS.
“The project will be physics related and focus on the STEM related content areas of science, technology, engineering, and math,” said Morris.
The seminar covered basic modeling, materials, lighting, rendering, and animation. Participants said it is the same software used to animate commercials and movies.
Grady Lorenzo, a senior at Richmond Senior High School, is a certified i3D trainer and will teach other students how to use basic programming and game simulation this year. He said his strengths lie in programming, but the seminar allowed him to improve his modeling skills.
RCC Mechanical Engineering Technology major Israel Braddock said the program is similar to the AutoCad program used at RCC and adds another level of design.
“It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to attend such a seminar that is so costly and do it at no charge. There are lots of jobs available to people skilled in this software. It’s a great skill to have,” said Braddock.
Henson said the software could be used by his students in projects for their capstone courses during their last semester of study.
Sandre Lane is a Kenan Fellow who teaches at Carver Middle School in Laurel Hill. Her project also involves 3D technology.
“It’s amazing and challenging to be exposed to this type of technology. I have learned a great deal and will be able to bring new concepts into my classroom,” she said.
Vice President for Instruction Johnnie Simpson said representatives from BRAC, the Department of Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission, have met with representatives from education, business, industry, and governmental agencies to discuss how they can benefit the counties in their service area. The donation of i3D equipment to the college, and public schools is one of the outcomes.
“A chance encounter with a Kenan Fellow representative at a BRAC meeting gave me the opportunity to say RCC would love to host a fellow and that community colleges should be given consideration when selecting partners. I am delighted we are able to participate. It’s also nice to know that 12 of the 19 Kenan Fellows from the Class of 2010- 2012 are from the BRAC region,” said Simpson.
RCC President Dr. Dale McInnis said participating in the Kenan Fellowship Program strengthens the college’s curricula as well as its partnership with universities and public schools.
“Ultimately, we will better serve our students and the businesses and industries that employ them. The need to integrate STEM related concepts is evidenced by the customized training we provide industry. As technology advances in the workplace, we must prepare our graduates to be competitive for these jobs,” said McInnis.
Morris said hosting the three-day training session shows the value of having RCC in the community.
“RCC is important for more than just the academic programs it provides to adults. Providing the extra things, such as this training, Truck Day for first graders, and other programs is important to our community. Having the Cole Auditorium and the DeWitt Performing Arts Series reaches people who otherwise could not attend such performances. Just having the facilities for community members to use for other functions is important. We all need to realize exactly how much RCC contributes to our quality of life,” said Morris.
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