Fall 2012

Newsletter of the University of Alaska Anchorage Community & Technical College Living the foodie dream

Riza (Parsons) Brown, A.A. Culinary Arts ’10, B.A. Journalism and Public Communications ’12

Culinary arts was an impulse for Riza Parsons at a time when she was feeling burnt out pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism. A foray into the epicurean field, though, effectively led to her current multi-faceted career as a caterer, a busi- ness owner and a food writer. “I knew I liked to write,” says Riza, “but I didn’t really have a focus in my writing. Once I completed my associate degree in culinary arts, though, I realized I could easily pair it with food writing.” Alumna Riza (Parsons) Brown has combined culinary arts with catering and food writing for a Pursuing two degrees is ambitious, but well-balanced career. Photo: Micah Brown Riza’s achievements aren’t too surprising when you consider her advice on how to be most about being in the catering biz is the recipes, different ingredients and different successful in pursuing your dreams. people: “That’s what makes me happiest— cultures,” she says. “It’s very important to have a clear goal bringing people together over food.” Look for Riza this fall during UAA’s 20th in mind and to talk about it and to visual- Sourcing local and seasonal ingredients annual Celebrity Chef Invitational. She ize it and let everybody else around you whenever possible in her catering, Riza will lead a team of students in creating a know what you want,” Riza says. “I would also has a passion for other cultures and portion of the menu that will be developed get up in every journalism class and say I the global food scene. Her bio on her com- by local chef, Kirsten Dixon (more details wanted to be a food writer. And one day pany’s website, rizaandrachelcatering.com, inside). Riza is also excited about the possi- it led to an opportunity to write a food describes her as having “dashes of France, bility of providing internship opportunities column for the Anchorage Daily News.” Sweden, Italy, Thailand, the Philippines, for culinary arts students at her catering Riza started her catering company, Mexico, Germany, Switzerland, the Neth- company in the future. Riza+Rachel Catering, in January 2011 erlands and Spain.” All are places she has with upwards of 15 years experience in the visited in the past that have influenced For a full profile on Riza, visit “I Am food industry, running the gamut from her recipes. UAA” on greenandgold.uaa.alaska.edu. hostessing, bussing and waiting tables to “Eventually, in the winter, I want to cooking and bartending. What she loves be able to travel and bring back different Air Traffic Control • Aviation Administration • Aviation Maintenance Technology Cert., • Aviation Technology • Professional Piloting • Architectural & Engineering Technology • Computer Aided Drafting & Design • Construction Management • Mechanical & Electrical Drafting • Structural Drafting • Apprenticeship Technologies • Career & Technical Education • Technology • Bookkeeping Support • Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) • Computer & Networking Technology • Computer Information & Office Systems • Corporate Specified Skills • Medical Office Support • Office Digital Media • Office Foundations • Office Support • Technical Support • Culinary Arts • Dietetics • Hospitality & Restaurant Management • Nutrition • Athletic Training • Coaching Leadership • Fitness Leadership • Health & Fitness Leadership • Master of Art in Teaching - PE Teacher Prep • Physical Education • Automotive Brakes, Suspension & Alignment • Automotive Electrical • Automotive Engine Performance • Automotive Power Trains • Automotive Technology • Automotive Technology (Ford ASSET option) • Automotive Technol- ogy (GMCulinary ASEP option) Arts • celebratingDiesel Technology two • IndustrialB.S. Welding in dietetics Technology answers • Nondestructive a TestingStudent Technology excellence • Welding in action& Nondestructive at Testing Technology • Air Force ROTC • Army ROTC • College Preparatory & Developmental Studies • Learning Resources Center • Tech Prep anniversaries critical health care need 2012 Alaska SkillsUSA Contest

The 2012–13 After many years of Alaska’s health care academic year industry crying out for more registered marks the 40th dietitians, CTC stepped up to the plate anniversary of with the new B.S. in dietetics. UAA’s Culinary “There is an obesity and diabetes Arts program, Upcoming Celebrity Chef epidemic in the nation, and Alaska is no and on its heels is Invitational guest star different,” says Tim Doebler, director of the 20th anniver- Kirsten Dixon (left) with UAA’s Culinary Arts, Hospitality/Dietet- sary of the depart- her daughter, Mandy. ics & Nutrition Division. “This degree is a ment’s signature annual benefit event, the direct response to a health crisis looming Celebrity Chef Invitational. For this year’s in the state.” SkillsUSA winners hold model trucks from milestone occasion, the program welcomes With 42 declared majors, the bachelor’s sponsoring organization Carlile Transportation Alaska’s own Kirsten Dixon, award-win- degree program in dietetics will enter its Systems. From L to R: Hans Hjort (2nd), Derek Cottle (1st) and Jessie Occhino (3rd). ning chef and food writer from Within the third year in 2012–13. It is Wild, Alaskan Adventure Lodges (www. designed as a statewide The UAA SkillsUSA Auto-Diesel Chapter, withinthewild.com). Serving under her for program. The part of CTC’s Transportation & Power the event will be five student teams (one general edu- Division, hosted the Alaska SkillsUSA per course on the menu), each headed by cation and Contest on March 21, 2012. The event two culinary arts alumni. As always, the prerequisite is a showcase for UAA students who Celebrity Chef Invitational raises funds courses can are preparing for careers in the Alaska to provide scholarship opportunities to be taken at transportation industry. Three students students and for maintenance of state-of- UA campuses from the Heavy Duty Transportation the-art learning facilities while showcasing around the state, Equipment Program at UAA received top UAA’s talented Culinary Arts and Hospi- and all dietetics and honors: Derek Cottle (1st), Hans Hjort tality students to key players in Alaska’s nutrition courses are offered online. For (2nd) and Jessie Occhino (3rd). During hospitality industry. This year’s sold-out more information, call (907) 786-1276 or the competition, the students worked invitational will be held Sept. 19, 2012. email [email protected]. against the clock to prove their expertise in truck repair like electronics, preventa- tive maintenance inspection, braking Scholarship student aiming for construction management degree systems, diesel engines, general shop skills and drivetrains. All contests are run Melody Miller, class of 2015, is a with the help of the industry, trade asso- standout student in CTC’s Construc- ciations and labor organizations, and test tion Management Program. At Green competencies are set by industry. Earth Landworks she is a manager “We are very proud of all the students’ foreman. At UAA, she has been a accomplishments,” says John McCoy, a campus garden caretaker with the judge from sponsoring organization Carlile Sustainability Club and activity coor- Transportation Systems. “It is exciting dination officer for the Construction to see Alaskan students training here for Management Club. She was inducted careers in the diesel equipment technology into Sigma Lambda Chi, the na- industry. The competition is a testament tional construction honor society, last to the true champions we are training and spring and is on track to be the first their individual dedication to excellence in graduate of the Landscape Technician their trade and their leadership skills.” Apprenticeship Program through a Gold winner Derek Cottle went on to partnership between Green Earth, the Construction management student Melody Miller in her compete at the national SkillsUSA leader- element at Green Earth Landworks. U.S. Department of Labor and Penn ship and skills event in Kansas City in Foster Career School. Getting involved and having clear goals helped Melody earn the June. Visit www.SkillsUSA.org for more in- Construction Financial Management Association Ron Jones Endowed Scholarship for formation about the organization working 2012–13. Learn more about Melody at greenandgold.uaa.alaska.edu/iamuaa. to ensure America has a skilled workforce.

Community & Technical College Air Traffic Control • Aviation Administration • Aviation Maintenance Technology Cert., • Aviation Technology • Professional Piloting • Architectural & Engineering Technology • Computer Aided Drafting & Design • Construction Management • Mechanical & Electrical Drafting • Structural Drafting • Apprenticeship Technologies • Career & Technical Education • Technology • Bookkeeping Support • Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) • Computer & Networking Technology • Computer Information & Office Systems • Corporate Specified Skills • Medical Office Support • Office Digital Media • Office Foundations • Office Support • Technical Support • Culinary Arts • Dietetics • Hospitality & Restaurant Management • Nutrition • Athletic Training • Coaching Leadership • Fitness Leadership • Health & Fitness Leadership • Master of Art in Teaching - PE Teacher Prep • Physical Education • Automotive Brakes, Suspension & Alignment • Automotive Electrical • Automotive Engine Performance • Automotive Power Trains • Automotive Technology • Automotive Technology (Ford ASSET option) • Automotive Technol- ogy (GM ASEP option) • Diesel Technology • Industrial Welding Technology • Nondestructive Testing Technology • Welding & Nondestructive TestingLegacy Technology gift ties • Air donor Force ROTCestate • Army to ROTCNew • Collegecertificate Preparatory in retail & Developmental StudiesCTC expands • Learning effort Resources to educate Center • Tech Prep the future of Alaska aviation management fills a niche and train learners in their

CTC’s undergradu- golden years ate certificate in retail management is CTC was among designed to meet an 11 colleges acknowledged need selected last year in the Alaska retail by the American industry. The curricu- Association of lum incorporates skills Community Col- in business writing, leges (AACC) to business math, com- participate in the puter applications, oral communications, Plus 50 Comple- Future aviation students with CTC are management, bookkeeping/account- tion Strategy, a new grant-funded initia- set up to benefit from a generous bequest ing, marketing, retailing, leadership and tive for baby boomers who would like from Sarah Gay in honor of her late son human resource management. Students to finish their degree or certificate. The John Russell Gay, a decorated sergeant in have an opportunity to focus on either new completion effort builds on AACC’s the U.S. Air Force (honorably discharged) career/technical education or acquiring Plus 50 Initiative, which has devoted who had plans to attend UAA. The John transferable credits for the future pursuit the last three years to helping colleges Russell Gay Memorial Aviation Scholar- of associate and baccalaureate degrees improve services and support for baby ship will help support UAA students who in areas such as accounting, market- boomers. are Alaska residents pursuing professional ing, business, finance, communications, The Plus 50 Completion Strategy pilot training. Students must have high liberal arts and other disciplines in which is funded with a four-year grant from academic merit and be active duty military, general management competencies are Lumina Foundation, as well as support National Guard or Reserve or have been important. Fully endorsed by the West- from The Atlantic Philanthropies. For honorably discharged. This endowed fund ern Association of Food Chains, this more information, please contact Kevin is an example of how an estate plan can be 30-credit certificate is offered through O’Connor, completion coordinator, at used for effective and meaningful student UAA’s Chugiak-Eagle River Campus in (907) 786-6482, or fill out an interest impact. It is what makes a good univer- conjunction with the UAA College of Busi- form at www.uaa.alaska.edu/ctc/plus50. sity great. If you are interested in similar ness and Public Policy. The certificate was planned giving, please contact a university developed in collaboration with the Uni- development officer at (907) 786-4847 or versity of Alaska Fairbanks Community & Air Force numbers reach toll free at (877) 482-2238. Technical College. milestone

This spring, Air Force Alaska Middle College School opens ROTC Detachment on Chugiak-Eagle River Campus 001* commissioned its 100th lieutenant New for the 2012–13 school year is the Alaska in the United States Air Force. Lieutenant Middle College School. Located on UAA’s Chugiak- Ashley Truswell graduated from UAA’s Eagle River Campus, the school is an early college nursing program, entered the Air Force program that will allow junior and senior Mata- and is now serving as a nurse at Joint nuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Ashley joins students to earn credits toward a UAA Associate High school students from Matanuska- a long list of alumni who have gone on to of Arts degree while completing their high school Susitna Borough School District participate serve the country in various capacities in diploma. Drawn from the five pre-existing high in Preview Day for the Alaska Middle Col- the following worldwide career fields: Air lege School. schools in the Mat-Su Valley, students will take Force pilots, cyber space officers, space classes that satisfy both UAA general education and MSBSD high school diploma require- and missile officers, nurses and security ments. This new choice for Mat-Su students will help them get college-ready and will also force officers to name a few. shorten the time and money it typically takes a student to get a degree. For more informa- * Air Force ROTC Detachment 001 was established in 2000 tion, visit www.matsuk12.us/acs. and is one of 145 Air Force ROTC detachments nationwide.

Fall 2012 Message from the Dean

Greetings, and industry advisors help keep CTC programs I hope you enjoy focused on high-quality job skills and career Newsletter • Fall 2012 the new look readiness. CTC also has strong partnerships of the Commu- with the Anchorage and Mat-Su School Dis- STAY CONNECTED nity & Technical tricts to improve students’ college transition College’s annual and provide opportunities for students to earn Follow UAA on newsletter CTC college credit while they are still in high school. Reflecting on the growth of CTC’s programs Update your information at Matters! While www.uaa.alaska.edu/ over the past 15 years, the college has made a the look may advancement/update.cfm be new, the significant impact on Alaska’s workforce and economic development. The stories in this You may give online anytime at message is the www.uaa.alaska.edu/giving same—CTC newsletter highlight just a few of the great things that CTC alumni, students, faculty and Learn more about your continues its UAA Alumni Association tradition of staff have been doing over the past year. excellence by We can all be proud of CTC’s commitment providing access to the educational oppor- to working with alumni, employers and school tunities that students need to be successful districts to ensure that CTC matters to stu- in college and to gain the job skills needed to dents and to the community. advance their careers in Alaska. If you are an alum and have a story to share www.UAAAlumni.org about your experience at CTC, email me at The UAA Alumni Association is a 501c3 nonprofit organization working toward At UAA’s commencement last May more its mission to connect, advocate and support UAA. than 350 students graduated from CTC’s 45 [email protected]. certificate and degree programs. The college • Save the Date • now has more than 4,000 alumni, many of for the 2012 Green & Gold Gala whom remain actively involved with their Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 program through participation on one of the Karen Schmitt, Ph.D. Anchorage Marriott Downtown college’s 17 program advisory boards. Alumni Dean, Community & Technical College www.uaa.alaska.edu/alumni/green-and-gold-gala.cfm UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any

individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination. UAA is an EEO/AA employer and educational institution.

Anchorage, AK 99508-4614 AK Anchorage,

3211 Providence Drive, ADM 236 ADM Drive, Providence 3211

Anchorage AK Anchorage

Permit No 107 No Permit

PAID

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED SERVICE RETURN

US Postage US

Organization Non-Profit