SPRING 2020 Time will tell
– plus – COVID-19: The world has changed Outstanding, Rising Star alumni | Music defines him New Clark president | Getting back more than giving 2 | contents contents | 3
Contents I don’t consider myself a Joan of Arc type of person. I don’t look back to see what wonderful things I did. But I have to say, I was very pleased that (those things) happened.
– George Oberg Jr. ’58, an LGBTQIA+ activist
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[Spring 2020] Volume 21, Issue 1 Time will tell Copyright 2020 10 50 years of activism by a Clark alumnus help shape Clark College Foundation the Northwest’s LGBTQIA+ movement. Clark’s new Music defines him Printed by Journal Graphics Autism used to shape Ian Engelsman’s interactions Portland, Ore. president with others; now music is this Clark College Dr. Karin Edwards brings leadership in closing drummer’s guiding force. achievement gaps, working in equity and building Clark Partners Clark College Foundation partnerships with the community and businesses. 1933 Fort Vancouver Way Vancouver, WA 98663-3598 360.992.2301 jjj Read more at CLARK PARTNERS PRODUCTION CLARK COLLEGE FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE STAFF 4 ALUMNI AWARDS clarkcollegefoundation.org Lisa Gibert, chief executive officer Clark Partners is published three Editor in chief Rhonda Morin Copy editors Ed Boston 6 TIDBITS Vivian Cheadle Manning Joel B. Munson, chief advancement officer times a year (spring, summer and Join us on Facebook at Contributing writers Lisa Gibert winter). We welcome your Erica Schwenneker Daniel Rogers ’01, chief financial officer facebook.com/ClarkCollegeAlumni Deon Gillespie comments at 15 THE WORLD HAS CHANGED Kelly Love Graphic design Greg Holly Hal Abrams, vice president of development [email protected] Join us on Twitter Lily Raff McCaulou Wei Zhuang or 360.992.2301. 20 GETTING BACK MORE THAN YOU GIVE For a full staff list, visit clarkcollegefoundation.org @alumniclark Joel B. Munson Photography Jenny Shadley 25 IN MEMORIAM Claire Sykes Join us on Instagram COVER: George Oberg Jr. ’58 in his Vancouver home. Oberg is a 26 CLASS NOTES alumniclark pioneer in the Northwest’s LGBTQIA+ movement. alumni awards | 5 Gina Mosbrucker ’88
The Honorable Gina Mosbrucker ’88 owns and operates small family businesses in her hometown of Goldendale, Wash. In 2014, she ran and won a seat in the 14th District of Washington’s House of Representatives as a Republican. She’s the vice chair of the Republican caucus, the second-highest position in Republican leadership. Mosbrucker is also the ranking Republican on the House Labor and Workplace Standards committee, A Tradition of Excellence and serves on the Appropriations committee and the State Government and Tribal Relations committee. We celebrate Clark College alumni who are making a difference on the local and world stage, and at Clark. They are leaders. They make substantial contributions to their communities. They produce outstanding achievements. They are truly inspiring people. Ophelia Noble ’98
Ophelia Noble ’98 is a passionate community activist with a background in public health. She founded the Noble Foundation in 2011 to provide communities with outreach, advocacy, community organizing and organizational support. The group speaks out at city council and local town hall meetings, and before others that oppose advances for non-dominant communities. The foundation is continuing its Cross-cultural Narrative Project, capturing authentic community voices in Outstanding Alumni Award Southwest Washington. The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes those who deliver exemplary service to the community and Clark College, and exhibit personal and professional achievements. George Oberg Jr. ’58
George Oberg ’58 attended Clark after serving in the U.S. Army. His career began Lucy Estrada-Guzman ’90 at Food Machinery Corporation in 1959 where he worked his way up to become a chemist. In the 1970s, Oberg became active in the gay community, becoming the first While she was a student at Clark College, Lucy Estrada-Guzman ’90 got a job at Clark president of a group called The Second Foundation. In June 1971, the group launched County’s Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance program. She the first gay pride celebration in Oregon. For 50 years Oberb’s activism helped to realized then she wanted to teach and continued her college studies earning a master’s shape the LGBTQIA+ movement in the Pacific Northwest. in education. While serving as an associate principal at Sarah J. Anderson Elementary School, she piloted a dual-language program for kindergarten and first grade. When she became the principal at Harney Elementary School in 2011, she added her expertise to strengthen the region’s first full-immersion dual-language initiative. Rising Star Award The Rising Star Award recognizes alumni, aged 35 or younger, who deliver exemplary service to the community and Clark College, and exhibit personal and professional achievements. Alexis Madrigal ’00 Gabriel Foster ’12 An author and scholar, Alexis Madrigal ’00 attended Clark as a Running Start student, continuing to Harvard University for a degree, magna cum laude, in Gabriel Foster ’12, a deputy prosecutor for Clark County, gives career English. He was a visiting scholar at U.C. Berkeley, was a member of Harvard’s guidance and develops internships for current students through Clark Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, and is a writer for The Atlantic. College Foundation’s Alumni Relations program. He teaches a course at Madrigal’s first book, “Powering the Dream: The History and Promise of Green Clark on landlord-tenant law. He also provides pro bono legal aid and Technology” was published in 2011. training for younger lawyers and law students through the Clark County Volunteer Lawyers program. campus news | 7
Gibert appointed to prestigious Popular Dental Hygiene program U.S.-Canadian council celebrates a milestone isa Gibert, CEO of Clark College Foundation, was appointed to the Council for Advancement and lark’s popular Dental Hygiene program is celebrating 50 LSupport of Education’s (CASE) Regional Council for years of graduates. Professor Kristi Taylor ’99 regularly the United States and Canada. The council is a redesign of C takes calls from dental offices in Washington, Oregon, CASE’s global volunteer leadership structure. The advisory Idaho and even Alaska inquiring about available graduates for councils will now oversee three regions: Asia-Pacific, hire. With hundreds of graduates in the last half century, Clark Europe and U.S.-Canada. The duties for the prestigious is fulfilling an industry need. They also give back regularly to U.S.-Canada post include setting strategy and budgets that the community by volunteering at the Free Clinic of Southwest align with CASE’s global strategy for the region; advising Washington and hosting the Kid’s Dental Day each February. CASE’s Global Board on risk management; and recruiting, This and a combination of technical and soft skills, like retaining and engaging members. Gibert’s term started in communication techniques, make Clark graduates attractive March 2020 and ends in June 2023. Gibert is one of the top to employers. “From the minute students enter the program fundraising leaders in the country. She’s the 2018 recipient until they leave, we review case studies and other activities of the National Commonfund Award for Leadership in to build their communication skills with patients,” said Taylor. Institutionally Related Foundations from CASE. It is one of What’s the biggest change in the last 50 years? “Students are Lisa Gibert, Clark College Foundation CEO. the fundraising industry’s most prestigious national honors. tech savvy,” said Taylor. “We have to embrace where they Photo by EA Photography are at.” Faculty do that by using a mobile application to test knowledge and digital mannequins that beep when students inject anesthesia correctly. For decades, the program has been
tidBits difficult to get into; each year there are about 100 applicants for 25 slots. The market for hygienists is strong, said Taylor. Many Clark students have job offers before they graduate. Soon, there will be more than two dozen available to hire. In February 2020, all 25 current Dental Hygiene students passed the first two of six board exams. Newest Hall of Fame inductees A student practices a procedure on a mannequin in 2014 in the Firstenburg Family Dental Hygiene softball player was inducted into Clark Athletics’ Hall of Fame Education and Care Center. for the first time. Michele (Westmoreland) Brown ’12 was A joined by the 1968 men’s golf and 1995 men’s basketball teams, basketball stand-out Dan Johnson and the family of the late Marc Hadenfeld, a 1969-1970 track and field record-setting athlete, at the February 8, 2020, ceremony. More than 160 guests, previous CORRECTIONS Hall of Famers, coaches and Clark staff We incorrectly identified former Clark faculty member Homer P. Foster in the story “Washington’s Education attended the event. Athletic Director Senator” in the winter edition. Foster was a member of the faculty from 1934 to 1960. The 1938 Galapagon Laura Lemasters held a moment of yearbook was dedicated to the beloved teacher who inspired many of his students. silence and then spoke about the late We mistakenly listed Roberta Ferguson ’56 in the In Memoriam section in the winter edition. The deceased Gaydena Thompson, Clark’s first female Roberta Ferguson, of Oklahoma, was not a Clark graduate. Clark alumna Roberta (Ferguson) Emerick ’56 assures athletic director, long-time fitness instructor us that she is “still around to enjoy two children (in their 60s), three grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and a Michele (Westmoreland) and 2012 Hall of Famer. Thompson passed away husband, Frank,” who is a Clark alumnus. Brown ’12 is the first softball in December 2019. To see videos of the 2020 player to be inducted into Clark Athletics’ Hall of Fame. recipients and past honorees, visit www.clarkpenguins.com/hof.aspx. Photo by wei zhuang feature | 9
by Kelly Love
workforce development, and her previous experience Homer P. Foster Dr. Karin in a presidential role were certainly very here’s a plaintive little error in the Clark Partners winter 2019 article on influential in the board’s Sen. Al Bauer. Herman Foster? No. No. No. Homer P. Foster (P for Plato Edwards decision. When you look I’m sure) was one of the remarkable instructors who, having spent at her track record and the T information we gained the war years teaching us at Vancouver High School, moved back to college during the course of this teaching just in time to help us on our way. Margaret Page Johnson, Eleanor is the new process, what you’ll find Tipton and Mr. Foster led a faculty of memorable mentors. I remember him is an individual who as very learned and somewhat fuddy-duddy. (Forgive the latter. I was very is clearly aligned with our Clark College stated values and the needs young.) I hope somewhere someone has memorialized this small group of of our college over the educators who contributed to a little college that enabled it to grow into coming decade.” the present large community college. I attribute the president Edwards is looking forward name blip to author [Lily] McCaulou, who after all is to stepping into her new “from away” if only as far as Bend. leadership role. “I have Impressive history of leadership, been received warmly and
Patricia L. Alvis ’49 WINTER 2019 welcomed by members of closing achievement gaps, working the college community. in equity, building partnerships As we develop these important relationships, I’m confident we’ll form a Dr. Karin Edwards (above) thoroughly enjoyed the winter issue of Clark collaborative trust that helps us lean into the work is Clark College’s 15th and make gains that benefit our students.” leader. She starts her new Partners, especially the tribute to Al Bauer.
letters job this summer. Photo by I However, I take issue with the paragraph February 21, 2020, Clark She starts her new role at Clark this summer. Portland Community College starting with “In a correspondence…” on page College marked a milestone when the board of trustees 16 that refers to Herman Foster, after whom ON announced that Dr. Karin Edwards was the Community introduction Foster Hall is named. Foster Hall is named after – plus – Washington’s education senator college’s next president, the 15th leader in Future of this world | Energizing ambitions Introducing Edwards to Clark’s regional Homer P. Foster! As a Clark freshman in the fall Clark’s 87-year history. community will be a critical step. Eric Merrill, of 1953, I fell in love with Mr. Foster when he chair of Clark College Foundation’s Board of Edwards comes to Clark with a long list Directors, explains how the foundation will help. announced in his history class that, “You don’t have to learn of achievements during her 36-year career many dates in my class.” Then he followed up with something similar to, in higher education. She currently serves “Clark College Foundation has assisted Clark “but you do have to know what led up to important events and what effects as the president at Portland Community College with philanthropy for nearly five College Cascade campus. followed.” I remember the significance of relationships in history and how decades, helping the college align with the needs of Southwest Washington’s businesses and the concept influenced my appreciation of history. I became active in the “I have a full heart and grateful heart— organizations while making college possible for excited to begin a new chapter as president of 1976 American Revolution Bicentennial, served on the Clark County Historical those who face barriers to higher education. We Clark College and thankful for everyone at Society board of directors and with the assistance of General Federation are committed to working with the new president Portland Community College who have walked and introducing her to vital community partners of Women’s Clubs, a women’s service club, published “Battle Ground…In with me these past six years,” said Edwards. “We to sustain Clark College’s future.” and Around,” a 400-page hardbound volume including 1,000 historically have a great deal to be proud of; developing significant photos. The book’s third printing is currently available. I owe my programs and support services that help our Edwards said, “I’m excited about the opportunities students succeed.” devotion to history to Homer P. Foster. I hope a clarification of his name will to partner with businesses. We are responsible to provide education that is relevant, affordable, and appear in the next issue of Clark Partners. Clark Trustee Paul Speer, chair of the search accessible and leads to good jobs. advisory committee, said, “Dr. Edwards is ______Louise Tucker ’54 an exceptional leader. Her ability to help close achievement gaps between student populations, Kelly Love is Clark College’s chief her work in equity, her work in partnerships in communication officer. 10 | feature feature | 11
by Joel B. Munson with contributions from Deon Gillespie Photos by Jenny Shadley
50 years of activism by a Clark alumnus help shape the Northwest LGBTQIA+ movement
Time. It’s the first thing a visitor notices when entering the home of George Oberg Jr. ’58 in historic downtown Vancouver, Wash. Partly because of the house itself—an elegant, if somewhat dated, 20th century, two-story structure that Oberg and his late partner lovingly restored more than 30 years ago.
The other reminder of time’s fleeting nature is the cacophonic ticking of dozens of clocks throughout the house— clocks of all shapes and sizes collected over the years. To Oberg, these varied and intricate works of art are more than simply timepieces. They each represent a segment of his 82 years of living. And if you believe Oberg, each one has a story to tell about his remarkable life and accomplishments. It’s a life many people believe has altered the course of history for thousands of people in the Portland- Vancouver metro area. 12 | feature feature | 13
group of people he relied on for love and support much less public in the Northwest, to take a stand. demonstration of their sexual orientation. “I hate to use the word radical, but I guess back then our thinking was pretty radical,” recalls To Oberg’s surprise, Oberg. While there were not riots in the streets his supervisor said he of Portland, Ore., for gay rights in the early personally was proud of 1970s as was happening in larger cities in United him and assured Oberg the States, Oberg and his friends did things that company would stand behind were trendsetting at the time. The way he came him—a promise his employer out was one such action. kept for more than 25 years. “We all figured you were going to come out He did so on one of the popular radio programs someday,” Oberg recalls his boss saying. “We in the Northwest: the Dick Klinger show on just never expected it would be on the radio.” KPOJ AM. Oberg managed to do many unexpected things “Thirteen steps to the gallows,” is how Oberg over the next decade, including accomplishing describes the flight of stairs leading up to a number of firsts when it came to what are Klinger’s cozy studio. He doesn’t remember too referred to today as LGBTQIA+ rights. George Oberg as a much of the conversation anymore; “a whirl of He served as the founding president of boy and today in his words and emotions” is the way Oberg describes a nonprofit, The Second Foundation Vancouver home. it. By the time Oberg had finished the interview, of Oregon, establishing Portland’s first his life had changed forever. official gay support organization and community center. A donated space at “When the show was over,” recalls Oberg, “those Portland State University’s student union 13 steps that I dreaded going up, well, I floated hall served as a replacement to back-alley don’t consider myself a “My father had no encouragement for me back down them. All the fear I had ever had— rooms and nondescript basements that were Joan of Arc type of person,” whatsoever,” Oberg says. “He absolutely would the worries, the trepidation of what’s going to gathering places for people who felt harassed Oberg says with something not talk to me about it. Even to the day he died.” happen now—no longer existed. I just decided I and marginalized, including hundreds of gay and of a mischievous and slightly was no longer afraid of anything.” lesbian teens. sardonic smile. “I don’t look Like many young men in the 1950s, Oberg “I back to see what wonderful entered the army and managed to get through Word soon spread about The Second Foundation, that experience without too many struggles. things I did. But I have to say, I was very pleased Shaping a movement and in 1971 the Oregon Department of Then it was on to Clark College where Oberg that (those things) happened.” Suffice to say Oberg had a touch of anxiety the Education asked Oberg to talk to a group of studied art, engaged in political discussions with next morning when he walked into work at the teachers and counselors about gay and lesbian Oberg is a true pioneer, and to many a hero who his various instructors such as social science now-defunct Food Machinery Corporation students—another first. With no educational or has helped bring about significant social and professor Homer P. Foster and started to form Some of the clocks that appear in Vancouver. The company’s vice president psychological credentials, Oberg prepared for cultural change to the region. He also knows the friendships that would take on some weighty in George Oberg’s home. He had been waiting for the young lab technician weeks, relying heavily on information gathered has a affinity for antiques. that to an increasingly small, fringe group he and transformative responsibilities in his future. to arrive and immediately informed Oberg from San Francisco and other cities on the is a detractor, an enemy of so-called traditional he wanted to see him in his office. Oberg forefront of such issues. values. A sinner. Throughout the 1960s, Oberg’s social life consisted mostly of hanging out at clandestine knew other gay people had lost their jobs for Nothing, however, could prepare Oberg for the “I try not to think about those people anymore,” gay bars and drag shows. “It was a lot of fun,” reception he received speaking to more than Oberg says. “A long time ago, a group of people recalls Oberg, “but we all wanted something 350 Oregon educators and counselors who came and I decided we didn’t want to live in fear more.” It was then that Oberg began thinking to listen to him and learn how to help teens anymore. We wanted to be free, and that’s what that it was only a matter of time before he would A trendsetter, George Oberg deal with their sexual identities. For his efforts, we set about doing.” have to reconcile his true identity with the life Oberg recalls receiving what to him seemed he really wanted to lead. But in order to lead that declared he was gay on the like a sincere and supportive ovation following life, his world would have to change. Coming out on radio Dick Klinger show on KPOJ the presentation. It’s a memory that to this day In the wake of the 1969 New York City makes Oberg emotional. Oberg knew he was gay from the time he Stonewall riots, Oberg and his friends knew was a boy. A supportive mother and a distant, AM, a popular radio program “People can really surprise you,” Oberg says they needed to shake up the way people thought disappointed father showed Oberg early on that quietly, his voice cracking a bit. about people like them. By 1970, Oberg believed the world was made up of two kinds of people, the time had come for him, and the close-knit in the Northwest in the 1960s and that it would be a difficult place for someone It would never be easy, but there would be more like him. and early 1970s. pleasant and significant surprises along the 14 | feature by Lisa Gibert feature | 15
way. In the early 1970s, Portland staged its first Instead of retreating into despair, Oberg quickly public gay gathering in the South Park blocks, and found the next patient to care for in his makeshift soon Portland itself was becoming something of hospital room. Then another, and another. Over a vanguard of gay activism, garnering attention several years, Oberg’s home served as a safe and COVID-19: from larger communities—some as far away as the comforting space for sick and dying people, many East Coast. Activists from the city of Baltimore abandoned by their families, until advancements reached out to Oberg and his group to learn in medical treatments, finally, turned AIDS into a about the Rose City’s best practices, the evolving manageable condition. LGBTQIA+ movement there, and to honor Oberg The world has changed for his contributions. In fact, the care that Oberg offered Horn and others caught the attention of medical experts as After several years of intense work, Oberg decided they visited patients at the house. Impressed with s everyone works together to navigate desperate to maintain themselves and their to retreat from the forefront, concentrating on what they experienced, the experts incorporated the numerous and serious challenges families while they study. his job—and particularly on a young man he met George Oberg some of Oberg’s practices into hospitals and resulting from the new coronavirus, along the way by the name of Gary Horn. The two medical facilities throughout Clark County. Once Clark College and Clark College Greatest Needs Fund. Few people could quickly become inseparable, traveling the world, A have forecast the tumult and economic impact was the founding again, Oberg had made a transformative difference Foundation are working diligently to support our entertaining their Vancouver area friends and in the lives of others. brave students as they continue to pursue their of the novel coronavirus. It is almost impossible president of restoring their large home. education goals. As we were going to press with to anticipate what is coming around the corner HOW YOU Oberg doesn’t talk much about this time since, like this issue, Clark College announced a virtual right now. Clark College Foundation intends The Second In the 1980s, the Portland-Vancouver gay many gay men who lived through the ravages of CAN HELP commencement in June, with details still to come. to respond as effectively and efficiently as community found itself swept up in a worldwide the AIDS era, it left its mark on him. Soon after Foundation, On April 20, most students began the spring possible as challenges and needs emerge in pandemic that slowly and tragically stole away the epidemic retreated, he retired for the last time quarter exclusively online. Those who require real-time. Support of the Greatest Needs Fund Give to these funds to help the lives of many of Oberg’s closest and dearest from activism. Settling into a more routine and Oregon’s hands-on training will have to wait until the allows the foundation to address developing and students today and in the future: friends—what he calls his “real family.” One by quiet existence, Oberg turned to tending to his state government’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” future realities. The ability to be proactive in an } FLEXIBLE SCHOLARSHIPS first official one, Oberg watched many of those who had garden and chatting with neighbors on his large, unstable world can make all the difference to the emergency order ends. Federal stimulus money } CLARK COLLEGE STUDENT helped him accomplish a great deal in earlier years welcoming front porch. foundation, the college and our students. gay support be reduced to shadows of their former strong, for short-term financial relief will help Clark and EMERGENCY FUND its students with immediate needs. However, the organization vibrant and colorful selves, before slipping into an } GREATEST NEEDS FUND ultimate darkness of death. All in good time funds will not address long-term necessities for keeping students in class so that they complete Now is the time Online, any time at and nonprofit clarkcollegefoundation.org/give In the early 1990s, the AIDS epidemic took its These days, the occasional award or recognition their education. Please consider making a gift to one or more of community most personal toll when one day Oberg saw his brings Oberg back into the spotlight, including these funds. The easiest way is to give online, any For assistance, email partner writing a letter. receiving Clark College’s most prestigious alumni This is where you are part of the solution. We time at www.clarkcollegefoundation.org/give. [email protected] center. honor in 2020, the Outstanding Alumni Award. need your help like never before to support and or call 360-992-2301. “Who are you writing to?” Oberg asked almost Still, Oberg finds the need to reach out to others encourage our students. Or mail a check to Clark College Foundation, dismissively. in his community for whom he has strived to move 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA. out of the shadows and away from persecution. 98663-3598. “My mother,” Horn responded. “I have to tell her I Recently Oberg donated a backgammon game that Three Ways You Can Help have AIDS.” We’ll continue to keep you posted about how his partner made to Clark’s Diversity Center. Specifically, Clark College Foundation is asking your gift is making a difference. Watch our our generous alumni, friends and donors to support Once again, Oberg reached inside himself to “I hope that the students who decide to play with website, social media, Penguin Post enewsletter three critically important areas: rediscover the fearlessness that had served others it will think about the wonderful human being who and Penguin Chats, our popular podcast series. so well in the past. This time he focused his bravery made it and who fought so hard for the rights and Flexible scholarships. These funds give on the person he cared about more than anyone Follow us on social media: Twitter acceptance they enjoy today,” says Oberg. Clark College the flexibility to provide tuition else in the world. Oberg quickly realized that local @CCF_Foundation and @alumniclark and on support to all kinds of students in numerous hospitals still lacked the knowledge and expertise Like his clocks, Oberg sees the backgammon game Facebook @clarkcollegealumni. ways, including funds to make sure they complete to work effectively and compassionately with as special moments in time. But don’t expect Oberg their studies and not drop out due to financial QUESTIONS? CONCERNS? AIDS patients, despite nearly a decade of crisis. to donate away his clocks any time soon. “I need Also, please take the time to chat with someone challenges brought on by the pandemic. Reach Lisa Gibert, CEO, at them,” he says with that familiar wry smile. “I’ve from Clark College Foundation if they reach out to you. We know we can rely on you to [email protected] Once again he turned to his networks in San still got a bit of time left.” Clark College Student Francisco and other cities with large, active gay support Clark’s students during this difficult Reach Joel B. Munson, ______Emergency Fund. When the unexpected— communities. Oberg converted the parlor of their time. Thank you for everything you have done chief advancement officer, at like the novel coronavirus—becomes the home into a fully equipped hospital room for his and continue to do for the Penguin Nation. [email protected] Joel B. Munson is the chief advancement officer reality, even so-called incidental costs can make long-time partner. It was there that Oberg and at Clark College Foundation. Deon Gillespie is a the difference between success and failure. ______his circle of friends lovingly cared for Horn— freelance writer based in Denver, Colo. Food insecurities, transportation, medical sometimes laughing, sometimes swept up in pain bills, child care, even a reliable computer and Lisa Gibert, CEO of Clark College Foundation. and tears—until the day Horn died. internet service can profoundly affect students 16 | feature feature | 17
Autism used to shape Ian Engelsman’s interactions Music with others; now music is his guiding force
by Claire Sykes Photos by Jenny Shadley
irst came the pots and pans. A 3-year-old Ian Engelsman would pull them out of the kitchen cupboard, bang and clang them for aboutF half an hour several times a day. A couple years later, he turned to Ovaltine cans and paper plates that he wrapped in aluminum foil. He was also good at drumming on defines the back of the car seat to the rock music his father cranked up while driving.
“They were the only ways I could calm down,” said Engelsman, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when he was three. Finally, it all made As a child, Ian Engelsman’s first sense to his parents, Claudia and David: classes in music theory, ear training and homemade drum set ignited their toddler’s angry outbursts and running music appreciation and history. his passion for rhythm. Photo all around; the incessant rocking back by the Engelsman family and forth, one of many self-stimulating Doug Harris, Clark’s director of bands, behaviors, called stimming, in people with said, “When I first met Ian, all I saw was autism. From age 1 to 5, Engelsman didn’t a really eager student. He’s very energetic, make eye contact or speak, and once he got hungry and a pleasure to work with. He a little older, it was only about 20 words. wants to be really good, and that gives him a leg up. He genuinely enjoys working hard Now he’s finishing up his associate degree and understands the grind it takes to get in music at Clark College, with plans to to certain levels. And he has a lot of innate Him apply to four-year universities around the musicality and understands a lot about country, majoring in music. music.”
As a percussionist, a variety of drums— Professor Don Appert, director of the snare, bass, tom-tom and timpani—join orchestra, sees Engelsman as “a musician cymbals, bells, marimba and xylophone in who is a percussionist. There’s a real the hands of Engelsman, who now plays distinction, a whole greater depth that goes in Clark’s orchestra, concert band and jazz with that than most people realize. He’s got band. Like other music majors at Clark, he a musician’s ear, intellect and heart.” is also in the Concert Choir and attends 18 | feature feature | 19
Music also gives back to Engelsman: to a beat and immediately play it. A new Choosing Clark The three-day, January competitive “Practicing or playing along to music, young man began to emerge, one with focus event attracts jazz ensembles from more you can just really let yourself go and get and greater confidence, and who talked When Engelsman started his senior year in than 60 of the region’s middle and high all that negative energy out of you. You more easily. A few months in, Engelsman high school, his mother began looking into schools. This was Engelsman’s second just want to let it out. You want to say gave his first solo recital there, having universities, but quickly realized he wasn’t time taking part in this festival. something. And you don’t even need to be already won first place in his elementary emotionally ready for them. “I felt that Clark has inspired Engelsman to always autistic,” he explained. school’s talent show. Clark would help Ian, not only with music, but also as a whole person. The campus move forward and find new ways to The first instrument he ever touched, at Over time, he won- awards from Musical environment is not too protected and it’s challenge himself. The college has age 3, was the djembe, a drum from West Beginnings, and other musical and not too vulnerable. Clark was ready for him, “opened up a lot of opportunities for Ian; “Practicing or Africa that a man played at a therapy center academic accolades while he was in middle and very welcoming,” she said. She’s also a springboard to where he is today. This for children with special needs, which and high school, adding up to about 50. proud that he’s the recipient of the Jessie is his last year and he’s absorbing every playing along Engelsman went to regularly. Later, when Ann Leonard Music Scholarship. facet of the music program. He’s doing he started drumming on Ovaltine cans, By age 13, he was strumming along on everything he can to not only progress to music, you “we could see that he had rhythm and was his mother’s electric and acoustic guitars “I remember my first day here. I saw a with himself, but also with others, his musically inclined,” said his mother, who to Pink Floyd, Judas Priest and other 70s couple of people from my high school and peers,” said his father. can just really bands that blasted from the family stereo. has always enjoyed playing guitar. She and thought, ‘Gosh, I’m not going to be by let yourself go her husband bought their 6-year-old a myself, now. This is going to be amazing’,” “I only listened to the stuff my mom and Fisher-Price drum set, to which he attached said Ian Engelsman. For starters, the Music defines him dad listened to; I was never exposed to and get all that his homemade percussion instruments and orchestra and concert band needed another As he looks back on his life so far, the music of the day, like Justin Bieber or performed before an audience of teddy percussionist. Engelsman sees how far he has come. negative energy Adele,” said Engelsman, who now owns bears. When he was 9 years old, Engelsman “I don’t think I’d be anywhere without eight guitars he uses to play different “I was having the time of my life, at the received a Ludwig drum set for Christmas. music, or my parents. I’ve shown them out of you. genres of music—everything from Bach to same time getting even more focused with that music has really helped me with my Megadeth. my music and building connections.” And You just want His mother implored his elementary autism, which I still have to this day. I’m school to let him into its regular music his professors? “Many of them have a great As a teen, he studied percussion at happy that I’ve managed to conquer that to let it out. classes, after which he joined the band. sense of humor. They manage to focus on Ian Engelsman (left) playing Hammersmith Rock Institute in Vancouver, challenge, and do what I can to improve She searched for private drum lessons, only their craft and keep the professionalism with his Clark band mates, Colin where he now sometimes helps direct it and understand it on the spectrum. My You want to to be told no because of his autism. Not here, and also provide enthusiasm.” Hunt on bass and Riley Lyons house-band rehearsals and plays percussion music defines me now, not my autism.” on trombone, at Clark College so with Musical Beginnings, now called say something. during recording sessions of the owner’s What stands out most for Engelsman at Foundation’s Scholarship Vancouver Music Academy, whose teachers After he graduates from Clark, Reception in October 2019. compositions. Clark is “the level of commitment, from were impressed that Engelsman could listen Engelsman said he wants space to make And you don’t myself and my friends. Regardless of what a wise decision about the near future. instrument you play or if you’re in the even need to be And practice. choir, we’re really focused on our set goals.” autistic.” “I’ll have a good amount of time to do Whether it’s playing jazz greats like Count that, five to six hours a day. And I want Basie and Duke Ellington, or orchestra and to keep learning—anything that’s thrown – Music student concert-band composers from classical to at my direction—to build up my music modern, interacting with other students vocabulary. It’s endless. You could write Ian Engelsman and having a good working relationship a song that lasts 15 minutes or a second in an ensemble have “helped me grow as a or a year.” Someday he’d like to perform musician and a person,” Engelsman said. and record professionally. “Playing with other people keeps me Whatever he does, “as long as I’m happy ‘awake.’ You’re in the back or along the side with it, and it keeps me motivated, and you’re hearing everybody, and you’re disciplined and confident, I know that very alert to what’s going on around you through thick and thin, I can still make and what’s going to happen at this moment it. I just have to have faith in myself and or that moment. It’s not just about you; know that I’m worth it.” you’re not just supporting yourself, but also everyone else.” ______
Engelsman had the opportunity to support Claire Sykes, of Portland, Ore., his peers when he participated in the writes for Philanthropy, Ruralite, annual Clark College Jazz Festival, one Communication Arts and Chamber of the largest in Southwest Washington. Music Magazine. www.sykeswrites.com. 20 | feature feature | 21
Long-time volunteers exude the benefits of their commitment to Clark
by Lily Raff McCaulou Photos by Jenny Shadley
ohn Allen, a native New Yorker, flew to Seattle for a job interview in 1972, hoping to land a West Coast job with his employer, General Electric (GE). The interview went poorly and Allen J left feeling defeated. To his surprise, he got a call offering him a job in Portland.
Someone from the company had learned that instead of taking a cab from the airport to the interview, Allen had walked.
“It was like six miles,” he said. “I don’t think it ever occurred to me to take a cab.”
The same do-it-yourself mindset that landed Allen that job helped carry him through a successful career including co-founding and running a business that manufactured steam turbines. First as a worker and then as a boss, Allen said he always believed that the most important trait was simply a willingness to work hard.
“Anybody who was sincere and trustworthy and dependable, you could find a place for them at work,” he said. “You don’t need a genius; you don’t need someone who’s done it all. You just need someone who shows up and does the work.” Volunteer John Allen (top), Allen, who has lived in Battle Ground since 1972, helps a Clark student with a retired in 2001 but keeps showing up and doing the math problem. Ceci Ryan Smith ’62 (center) served on Clark’s work. Twice a week he spends his morning helping Alumni Association and Clark Clark College’s transitional studies department, College Foundation’s Board of which assists students in honing their skills and Directors. Jon Girod (bottom) preparing for college-level courses. Allen said he first volunteered at Clark when recognizes and admires that same can-do attitude in his three sons were in school. many of the students. 22 | feature feature | 23 CALLING CLARK ALUMNI Volunteering is one way for community members to give to Clark College. Just as a Business connections When the campus returns to active operations, there’s a need financial donation can fund a scholarship that Not all Clark volunteers are in a classroom. Jon enables someone to attend college and start a Girod, a local real estate developer and owner for volunteers. Could you help with a college event or program? new life, volunteering is another way to help of Quail Homes, first volunteered to help Clark Sign up today to help us identify exciting new college resources. Clark College support the transformative goals College when his three sons were in middle and of students. Volunteers sit on advisory boards, high school. Since all three boys played baseball mentor students and help in the classroom. at Fort Vancouver High School, Girod helped Contact Ed Boston, director of alumni relations, at raise the funds to rebuild their baseball program. Clark was looking to revive its baseball program, [email protected] or 360.992.2767. Endless rewards so the college president and a coach reached out Allen was invited to help tutor students in the to Girod. classroom. He’s been coming back week after “They asked and I said, ‘yeah, I can help,” said week ever since—15 years and counting. At the end of Girod. Transitional studies attracts students with of the day if you want to have quality jobs in Smith went on to become a “super” volunteer, the day if you As his sons approached college age, Girod a host of abilities. Some are still learning your community, you need to have an educated serving on Clark College Foundation’s Board encouraged them to consider Clark. want to have English as a second language, while others workforce and education needs to be diverse, it of Directors and helped to launch an alumni can’t be linear.” scholarship that today provides up to three never completed high school and are working “They had other choices but I said, ‘let’s take a full-tuition scholarships annually. She is a 1998 quality jobs in toward a GED. A typical class begins with a look at this, your dollar will stretch farther.’” All Woman of Achievement recipient, and in 2001, short math lesson followed by time to practice. three of Girod’s sons went to Clark—and played your community, Alumna’s dedication Clark College Foundation presented her with its Allen and the instructor walk around the room, baseball for the college—before transferring to a most prestigious award, the Presidential Award you need to have offering individual help to students. four-year college to earn bachelor degrees. Ceci Ryan Smith ’62 grew up in Vancouver and studied liberal arts at Clark College before for Excellence. One benefit of volunteering is that Allen, 75, With his sons enrolled at Clark, Girod came transferring to Oregon State University. She later an educated The Smith children went to Clark, and has sharpened his own math skills. to appreciate the college for the quality of went on to San Diego State University where Ceci Smith said she expects several of her workforce and education it provided. Two of his sons went into she met her husband, Dave. They raised a family “I can do operations in my head a lot better,” grandchildren will attend the college as well. engineering—a topic they weren’t exposed to at together while Dave flew commercial flights for he said. She has come to appreciate how much of the education needs home. Girod said he appreciates that Clark gave Delta Airlines. Ceci Smith kept in touch with economy and community rely on Clark College. to be diverse, it Like many Clark volunteers, Allen and his wife, the boys a chance to try different subjects and some of her Clark classmates, mostly through Kathleen, also donate money to the college. discover their true interests without racking up Christmas cards. Smith also monitored the “Anytime you go to the dentist, ask where your can’t be linear. debt. He said Clark prepared all three of college, thanks to its longtime director of public dental hygienist went to school—probably to “We have no children,” Allen said. “And we’re his children to transition smoothly to a four- relations, Bob Moser, who worked at the college Clark,” she said. “Clark supplies our community comfortable. So I don’t mind giving money (to) year college. – Jon Girod, for 32 years. He died in 2012. with all of our dental hygienists, our nurses, our something that’s worthwhile.” legal assistants (and) our teachers.” “The more I learned about it, the more I thought “All the places I lived, Bob Moser always seemed parent of alumni, Because he spends so much time in Clark that this is such an incredible resource for our to find me,” Smith said with a laugh. “Bob The Smiths are longtime donors to Clark and classrooms, he sees firsthand how hard the Clark volunteer community,” Girod said. Moser never let go of me.” although she is no longer an official volunteer, students work and how college courses elevate Ceci Ryan Smith is informally recruiting the Today, Girod volunteers to bridge community With her husband working for an airline based their lives. Although he never attended next generation of community donors and connections for Clark. He wants to strengthen in Atlanta, Smith never expected to return to the Clark, Allen has long understood the value of volunteers. community college. ties between the college and local businesses, West Coast. However, when Delta started flying finding inspiration in a program launched by to Asia, Dave Smith was assigned the new trans- “Everybody has a gift and there’s some student Allen enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 Chris Peterson, a recently retired college football Pacific routes. The family moved to Vancouver, out there who needs it,” she said. “If you just… under a program that allowed him to be coach at Washington State University and Boise Wash., Soon after, Moser reached out to Ceci mentor them in math or sit down with them discharged at 21. He earned an associate degree State University. Ryan Smith and invited her to lunch. and tell them what it’s like to work in your field, at Suffolk County Community College in New that’s valuable.” York before landing a job at GE. “In the summers (Peterson) had an internship “He said, ‘Everyone in Clark County and for every player,” Girod said, which taught the Skamania County has a Clark College story… ______Allen still looks back fondly at those years. student-athletes how to succeed in life after let’s start an alumni association,’” Smith recalled. “I had the greatest instructors,” he said. He is college, and helped get local businesses involved Lily Raff McCaulou is a Bend journalist whose reminded of them when he volunteers at Clark. in the university. That’s exactly what Smith did. She helped start writing has appeared in The New York Times, Clark’s Alumni Association, which ran for The Atlantic, The Guardian and Rolling Stone. “To me, that’s where I’d like to see our efforts decades before ending in 2017. Today, Clark’s Visit her online at www.lilyrm.com. here in the community—bring the kids into alumni program has an advisory body that helps all the local businesses,” he said. “At the end the alumni director with activities and services. 24 | feature in memoriam | 25
Frances Phillips The 90s John Remley Eugene “Gene” Robert Rodgers Winning by a mile for Clark College Anderson ’98 Dale Scarbrough Rocky Beardshear ’95 Rosina Schaefer Marlene Clark ’92 Rose Showacy Roger Durgin ’90 Sandra Smith he late George Michael Fahey ’99 Anna Snyder Fullerton knew James Fay ’96 Janice Stubbe Carolyn Hanley ’95 Barbara Sturdyvin lark’s beloved former athletic exactly what it Jon Mcivor ’94 Caroll Thurston director and faculty member Janice Mcnee ’94 C took to get to the finish Anita Tomlinson Gaydena Thompson ‘74 died on T Cheran Wilson December 31, 2019. Thompson was line. A 30-year track and Catherine Eagle ’67 field and wrestling coach Class Dates a 1995 Woman of Achievement The 40s Steven Hinze ’65 Friends of Honoree, recipient of Clark’s Francis Chenette ’49 Rodney “Rod” Koch ’66 Unknown at Clark College, he led Virginia Bay Exceptional Faculty Award in Ila “Bonnie” McCourtney ’65 Clark the track team to three Mary Billy Arthur Borter 1996-1997, and a 2012 Hall of Jerry Monahan ’68 The 50s Robert Breaker Kathleen Crow Fame inductee. In 1977, she made state championships. John Bucholtz ’58 Shirley Talbott ’67 Melvin Buchholz Danny “Dan” Euliss history when she was named David “Dave” Cannard ’52 He had a personal brush Paul Campbell Milton Fuhr athletic director at Clark College, Ray Carter ’58 with fame in 1946 when The 70s Barbara Carter Mitch Keith the first female to take that post Milton Cox ’50 Edward “Ed” Birch ’72 Julianne Carty Pamela “Pam” in Washington State’s community he ran the fastest 1-mile Marjorie Cook ’52 Borendra “Boren” Biswas ’74 Thomas Eldred MacKintosh college system. She held her position Charles Gaylord ’59 Dollie Clark ’74 race by a high school Jalé Hansen Marjorie Patton until opting to focus her attention Dorothy Mitchell ’52 David Clow ’72 athlete, beating Louis Paul Hiromura Carol Ruge on teaching in 1982. Thompson was Floyd “Keith” Neubauer ’52 William Curdy ’76 Left, the late George Fullerton in 2015, and running in second place in 1946 (inset) to Dick Petterson from Dona C. Holmes Sarah Stookey a leader in promoting fitness for Zamperini’s record. The Betty Stufflebean ’58 Jerrold Dick ’73 Oregon State University when Fullerton ran the fastest mile as a high school athlete. Jerome Horne Doris Wedepohl students and community members Shirley Morrow ’54 Daniel Fanning ’75 unofficial race didn’t John Jamieson Marion “Don” Wooden through her classes, college activities Kathleen Molyneux ’58 Chris Fletcher ’71 count for the record Brian Kaiser and public service. Clark’s fitness Kenneth Galbreath ’73 Kristi Kaiser center carries her name in her honor. books, but Fullerton was not defeated. He had a fulfilling career as a coach while raising four kids. Conrad Geiger ’74 Faculty The 60s Duane Koski Priscila Martins-Read Jerome Bakshas ’67 Richard Grabner ’76 Laura Lee Gaydena Thompson ’74 Fullerton was also a wise investor. Over time, he snapped up deals on rental buildings throughout Kenneth Bays ’61 Frank Grobli ’72 John Mcrae the region on his modest coaching salary and managed the properties part-time. He amassed a Sheldon Berg ’60 Marc Hadenfeld ’70 Joyce McNichols James Crowder ’62 Glenn Harding ’70 William Messner SUBMIT AN IN MEMORIAM healthy real estate portfolio. When he decided to retire from managing the properties, he thought Dean Dossett ’66 Betty Jirmasek ’72 John Miller Online: clarkcollegefoundation.org/alumni/in-memoriam of Clark College. Danny Jones ’70 Leah Morasch Phone: 360.992.2301 Grace Krein ’74 Audrey Moses Email: [email protected] In November 2017, Fullerton announced the single largest gift ever given to support our Peggy Martin ’73 Martin Nish Dean Dossett ‘66, facebook.com/ClarkCollegeAlumni Jean Matthews ’74 Helen “Maxine” Osborn student-athletes. The Fullerton Athletic Scholarship Team (FAST) provides 20 athletic who served as Camas William Meridieth ’76 Freddy Pearce @alumniclark scholarships annually in perpetuity. mayor from 1992 to Delona Moore ’76 2002, and councilman Christopher Musa ’74 in the late 80s, died at Willis “Bill” Slack ’71 1 2 3 age 77 on January 18, Fred Salwasser ’76 Here’s how George 2020. Dossett worked Norman Seim ’70 nglish professor, Priscila Martins-Read, Fullerton won great tax In 1966, George When George Instead of selling the property and at the Camas paper mill Ronnie Simmons ’70 died on March 10, 2020. A 30-year savings and achieved E paid $50,000 grew tired of paying capital gains tax on $300,000 of for 38 years, but he is Nancy Smith ’70 employee, she taught English as a non-native another victory for for a residential managing the appreciation, he gave the property to largely remembered Sherry Suesens ’73 language, and later Transitional Studies. She Clark’s student- rental property. property, it was Clark College Foundation and received for presiding over Gaydena Thompson ’74 was a 2008-09 Outstanding Faculty Award athletes with the gift of worth $350,000. a $350,000 income tax charitable the city’s economic Kay Thompson ’75 recipient, and spent a number of years as a education: deduction. diversification. He department head. Before retiring, she worked founded the United with international students and refugees Camas Association of The 80s Barbara Bossen ’82 in reading, writing and speaking English in Neighborhoods, a now- Barbara DeSeranno ’80 preparation for college classes. She helped defunct organization Anthony “Tony” CONTACT CLARK COLLEGE FOUNDATION TODAY. students understand the transition between that granted money Harrington ’89 to neighborhood their native culture and the new culture. “It is heartwarming to know that I’ve been Hal Abrams, J.D., LL.M Vivian Manning, CFRE Barry Hopkins ’87 associations. a part of their growth, and to see that they are embracing American culture deeply [email protected] [email protected] Nancy Mcleskey ’81 enough to participate in a process such as this,” she said in 2009. 360.992.2787 360.992.2104 James Shierman ’87 26 | class notes in memoriam | 27
County” column. Lukowski is historic Liberty Theatre on July Melissa Williams ‘00, director took first place in the student a Braille program specialist 2. The event connects historical of diversity, equity and inclusion photographer Sports Action Class Year ofCalendar and coordinator at the Ogden facts and stories to downtown at Clark College, was among a category from the National Press Unknown EVENTS Resource Center, part of buildings and corridors. group of panelists who presented Association. The winning shot The Battle Ground City Council on local black history as part of was captured during the football Washington State School for the Washington State Representative elected Adrian Cortes as mayor The Historic Trust’s educational game between University of Blind. She began working at the Brandon Vick ‘04 had five during its first meeting of the center in 1998 and now oversees Winter Chautauqua event, “Black Washington and University of occupational licensing bills he year on January 6, 2020. Cortes, OCTOBER Roots in the Lower Columbia Southern California at Husky 145 projects with businesses and is sponsoring, or cosponsoring, a special education teacher in River Basin.” The event was held Stadium in Seattle on September governmental departments from pass through committee during the Camas School District, was at the Artillery Barracks of Fort 28, 2019. across the country. Lukowski the session that ended March selected by the seven-member Vancouver in February. has served on Clark College’s 12. The five House Bills, 2354, Northwest Association for Blind city council during the group’s Business Technology Advisory 2355, 2356, 2477 and 2875, ease Legacy 6 Inc. was named Athletes hosted an evening of biennial appointment process. Outstanding Alumni Committee since December 2016. regulations for occupational Vancouver Business Journal’s skiing and snowboarding for He’ll serve as mayor until 2022. & Rising Star Awards He is the first mayor of color in 19 the owner of Doriot Construction, Liz Pike ‘96, former Camas state licensing in the state. He also 2019 Family Owned Philanthropic those who are blind or visually luncheon an award-winning custom home Business of the Year. Legacy impaired at Mt. Hood Meadows Battle Ground, and the first Latino The 60s representative, presented a one- introduced a bill aimed at Gaiser Student Center firm in Clark County that was woman art show of her paintings providing $1 billion in tax relief 6 is a three-generation private in late February. The nonprofit, in Clark County’s history to serve The Honorable Don Bonker Monday, October 19 ‘62 released a new book, “A established in 1978. “Pike Pears” at the Three Creeks for Washington residents. The civil construction company which was founded in 2007 by in the role. 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. Higher Calling: Faith & Politics library in Vancouver in March. measure would implement $30 founded by the Wubben family, Billy Henry ‘14, offers State Representative Annette Pike has a studio art gallery at her car tabs as approved by Initiative with Michael Wubben ‘03 programs that build confidence, in the Public Square,” about Cleveland proposed legislation OCTOBER The 80s farm, Shangri-La in Fern Prairie, 976 during Washington’s 2019 serving as the company’s vice foster friendships and his journey to the U.S. House Clark County Sheriff Sgt. Fred in March intended to improve where she channels her passion election. It would eliminate president. More than $216,820 in encourage independence. of Representatives. Bonker is a Neiman ‘80 retired after a 40- Washington’s hotline for in art and hobby farming after sales tax on prepared food and contributions have been made to 1984 Clark College Outstanding year career in law enforcement. Hadley Phillips ‘16 recently reporting child abuse. The retiring from politics in 2018. personal hygiene products. local organizations since 2017. Award alumnus. Visit www. He served his first eight years on joined the staff of the Greater legislation calls for the creation Savoring Excellence Ahighercallingbook.com. the force as director of security Ophelia Noble ‘98, executive Washougal Police Officer Francis Vancouver Chamber of of a web-based reporting portal 20 NEW LOCATION! Following a nomination by the for Clark College, followed by 32 director of the Noble Foundation, Reagan ‘06 was named Officer Commerce as a member where mandatory reporters could Hilton Vancouver Clark County Historical Museum, years as a deputy/sergeant on is working with the Southwest of the Year for a heroic water engagement and event leave a call-back number if they Washington were placed on hold. The current Ridgefield’s Summit Grove different assignments, including Washington Complete Count rescue on the Washougal River coordinator. Phillips graduated Tuesday, October 20 reporting system has wait times Lodge is now recognized by the rural patrol deputy, search and Coalition to educate Clark in May 2019. A member of the from Washington State 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Washington Heritage Register. rescue coordinator, marine County’s non-dominate department since 2014, he is University Vancouver following surpassing 30 minutes. Data Summit Grove was a stop for deputy, public information population on the importance of currently assigned to patrol. Prior Clark College. shows thousands of calls are abandoned monthly. travelers along the Pacific officer and sheriff recruiter. providing accurate information to becoming a police officer, he Clark County Today staff Highway in the 1920s and was Neiman logged his final day in for the 2020 census. served as a Navy SEAL. Clark College Foundation board reporter and filmmaker Jacob A new art installation by member Patrick Ginn ‘00 and his purchased in 2009 by the late February 2020. Sherri Bennett ‘94 joined Clark College Foundation alumni Granneman ‘16 spent the husband-wife duo Dave Frei and Marissa Madrigal was nominated by wife Jennifer welcomed in a new Margaret Colf Hepola ‘61 and Clark College retired Economic Washington State University board member Justin Curtiss ‘09 last year creating a three-part Clark alumna Jennifer Corio the Portland Metro Council’s president addition to their family. Cora Ginn her sons, Bob Colf and Dick Colf. and Community Development Vancouver in March as chief of wrote an article for the Vancouver documentary on the Yacolt was unveiled in February 2020 as Metro’s new chief operating officer. was born on December 29, 2019, The Colfs maintain an event and Program Manager Tracy staff. Bennett comes to WSU Business Journal explaining how Mountain Quarry in North Clark as part of Vancouver’s monthly Madrigal went to high school in Ridgefield at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical restaurant business at the Lodge, Reilly Kelly ‘84 presented Vancouver after serving YWCA the signing of President County. The documentary First Friday art walk event at and attended Clark College before entering Center, weighing 7 lbs., 5 oz. and while continuing to preserve the stories of women who led the Clark County in a variety of Donald Trump’s SECURE Act focuses on the issues surrounding Vancouver Waterfront Park. The at the University of Washington as a junior measuring 20 inches. history of the site. fight for women’s rights in positions for more than 20 years, could impact retirement the quarry as told by community piece was commissioned by at age 18. Madrigal was the chief operating Phil Arnold Jr. ‘63 and his family Southwest Washington as part including executive director for planning strategies. Tanisha Harris ‘97, a Democratic members living around Yacolt the Kenneth and Eunice Teter officer at Multnomah County and has served candidate for the 17th Legislative mountain and quarry personnel. Charitable Trust and donated in county government for almost 14 years. business was featured in The of the Clark County Historical 10 years. Melissa Boles ‘08, Andrea District, announced the start The episodes appear on the to the city. Corio and Frei Columbian. He inherited Arnold Museum’s Speaker Series, Smith ’13 and Melissa Pedraza Tami Nesburg, senior vice president and of her campaign for the seat newspaper’s YouTube and are the artists behind Cobalt Map Service from his father, “Women’s Suffrage in Southwest ‘15 were named to Vancouver director of commercial banking for Pacific Phil Arnold Sr. who founded Washington.” The presentation The 00s currently held by Vicki Kraft, Facebook channels, and Clark Designworks, a Vancouver- Clark County Historical Museum Business Journal’s “Accomplished Premier Bank, was interviewed by the the business in the Hough was held at the Clark County R-Vancouver. Harris is a child County Today’s website. based studio. opened an exhibit, “History and Under 40 Class of 2019” Portland Business Journal about her 38 neighborhood of Vancouver Historical Museum in March. advocate for YWCA Clark County. A Brewin” to commemorate list. Boles has served as Sarah Hoechlin ‘17 began a years of banking experience in Clark County. in 1950. Arnold keeps the Clark County’s history of program manager at Workforce new job as a promotions and business going, despite not beer production, liquor and Southwest Washington since game day operations coordinator being a cartographer himself; he The 90s The 10s The Honorable Jennifer Lindsay prohibition. Clark County July 2018. Smith joined the in January 2020. Sarah began describes it as a “labor of love.” ‘99 was among five newly- Historical Society and Museum Building Industry Association her career with the team as an elected officials sworn into the Executive Director Bradley of Clark County in September operations and promotions Ridgefield City Council. Lindsay, Richardson ‘06 opened the 2019 as communications and intern in 2019. She’s also the The 70s Corvallis Knights baseball team’s Tracy Doriot ‘75 was elected who was appointed to the exhibit exactly 100 years after education program manager SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE prohibition began in America. and completed the Leadership 2019 Staff Member of the Year. as the first vice president of council in October 2018, won Online: clarkcollegefoundation.org/alumni/class-notes The exhibit will remain open for a Clark County course in 2019. the board of directors for the her November 2019 election for Phone: 360.992.2301 few years. Pedraza is the brand director Building Industry Association Position No. 6. Email: [email protected] for MyBite Vitamins, a Gresham- Former Clark College student of Washington state. He is the Kandi Lukowski ‘99 was Bradley Richardson ‘06 is facebook.com/ClarkCollegeAlumni based multivitamin company, newspaper photo editor Andy first person to hold this role and featured in The Columbian’s hosting the 10-year-old speaker and general manager of Platinum Bao ‘18, now a junior at UCLA, @alumniclark will also serve on the board’s weekly “Working in Clark series “Main Street” at Camas’ executive committee. Doriot is Pets in Vancouver. Clark College Foundation 1933 Fort Vancouver Way Vancouver, WA 98663-3598