A recent visit to the Ralph Stanley Museum in Clintwood, Virginia, kicked off the start of an “added value” educational experience for students in the General Studies Learning Community at Southwest Virginia Community College this summer. The real icing on the cake came, however, when the man himself walked through the front door of the museum.
Looking dapper in a black shirt and tie, Dr. Ralph Stanley extended a warm handshake to all the students and faculty visiting from SwVCC that day. Jeff Brown and Greg Horn, both musicians themselves and instructors at the College, had previously contacted the famed traditional bluegrass star to ask if he might be able to meet with the students during the visit.
Dr. Stanley graciously met with the students, in spite of his busy touring schedule. He signed autographs, put his arms around the students for photographs, and smiled at the positive comments made about the museum that celebrates the music, history, and accomplishments of the Stanley Brothers.
“When my family gets together every summer for a family reunion, everyone plays music – and if they can’t play, they flatfoot!” commented student Shawnna Statzer. “I’m going to come back to this museum and bring my grandmother. She would love it.”
In the General Studies Learning Community this summer, instructors Margaret James, Amanda Bohon, Laura Brown, and Sandy Belcher are putting a special focus on aspects of southern Appalachian culture. The Clintwood trip and a future visit to the Appalshop film studio, radio station, and Appalachian culture gallery in Whitesburg, KY, are part of an initiative to involve students more informally both inside and outside of the classroom. Increased opportunities for social interaction among students and staff have been proven to enhance learning and keep students in classes where they feel they are part of a group of friends.
Students taking fall semester classes in General Studies at SwVCC can become part of a learning community focusing on contemporary culture of Native Americans by registering for the Humanities Seminar (HUM 198-01) or Topics in Honors (HUM 195-01). A trip to the Native American Museum of Culture in Washington, DC, is being planned by faculty teaching classes for the Learning Community. For more information contact the SwVCC Humanities Office at 276.964.7205.