Volume 1, Issue 12, May 8, 2006 Celebrating an Educational Partnership

n a beautiful spring day, with Mount St. Helens glistening in the distance, Clark College held a formal celebration to mark the opening of the Clark Center at Washington State University Vancouver (WSUV).

OThe Clark Center, which opened its doors on January 3, represents the next step in the longstanding partner- ship between Clark College and WSUV. Clark College and WSUV are partners in a co-admissions agreement under which students can gain admittance to both institutions at the same time and transfer seamlessly from Clark College to WSUV.

The 63,334 square foot, three-story Clark Center provides additional classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, and support space to accommodate growing enrollment and the desire to expand access to lower division courses for Clark County residents.

Clark College 24/7 May 8, 2006 2 Celebrating an Educational Partnership

ducational leaders including Dr. R. Wayne Branch, Clark College President, and Dr. Hal Dengerink, WSUV Chancellor, attended the May 2 event. Other speakers included Clark College Board of Trustees Vice EChair Rhona Sen Hoss, State Representative Bill Fromhold, State Senator Craig Pridemore, and Charles N. Earl, Executive Director of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC). Guests at the May 2 event also included State Representatives Jim Dunn and Deb Wallace as well as former State Representative Val Ogden, Vancouver City Council member Jeanne Stewart, and Tom Henderson, SBCTC Capital Budget Director.

In his remarks, Branch underscored Clark College’s longtime partnership with WSUV. Before WSU Vancouver moved to its current site in 1996, it was housed in Bauer Hall on the Clark College campus. Branch said, “We are excited by the possibilities the Clark Center provides for additional collaboration and for the strengthening of an already strong partnership between Clark College and WSUV.” He added, “I am grateful to our local legislative delegation for their continued commitment to increasing opportunities for access to higher education in Southwest Washington.” (Continued on page 4)

State Senator Craig Pridemore, WSUV Chancellor Dr. Hal Dengerink, Clark College President Dr. R. Wayne Branch, and Clark College Board of Trustees Vice Chair Rhona Hoss

Clark College 24/7 May 8, 2006 3 Celebrating an Educational Partnership

(Continued from page 3)

ollowing the cutting of a Penguin blue ribbon to officially open the Clark Center, guests were invited to enjoy tours of the building and refresh- ments in the Clark Center’s community room, where a PowerPoint Fpresentation captured construction highlights.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the environmentally friendly, state-of-the- art facility was held on July 21, 2004. The $19.7 project, which was designed by LSW Architects, PC, of Vancouver, was completed on schedule and under budget. The lobby mural, “Flight of the Mind, Exploration of the Heart” was created by Johanna Poethig as part of the Washington State Arts Commissioner Art in Public Places Program in partnership with Clark College.

Clark College 24/7 May 8, 2006 4 Pathways to Success

he 19th annual “Pathways to Your Future” Career Information & Job Fair--the largest job fair in Southwest Washington--was held in Vancouver last week, co-sponsored by Clark College, Washington State University, and The Columbian. An estimated 3,000 job seekers attended the free event, which was open to students, Tgraduates, and the general public.

Director of Career and Employment Services Maxine Mitchell, who chaired the Job Fair Committee, called the event a “tremendous success,” noting the participation of nearly 80 public, private, and military employers.

“The general consensus was that the employers were extremely pleased with the turnout, the venue and the organiza- tion,” said Maxine. “Job seekers also were very happy with the mix of employers and types of jobs, from blue collar to professional-level.”

In addition to the chance for job seekers to connect directly with employers regarding professional and technical career opportunities, the job fair also included employment-related seminars, free resume critiques and mock interviews.

After outgrowing several previous locations, this year’s fair was held in the convention center at the Hilton Vancouver, allowing all the employer booths to fit into a single room.

“The Hilton was wonderful and we hope to make it our ‘permanent’ home for our future job fairs,” said Maxine. “The staff was great to work with, the venue very spacious and accommodating, and the location very centralized for job seekers.”

Clark College 24/7 May 8, 2006 5 A Celebration of Student Success and Community Connections

n May 4, Clark College honored three students who have been selected as recipients of the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) by the state’s Workforce OTraining and Education Coordinating Board.

The 2006 honorees are Ramses Murillo (Data Networks and Telecom- munications) of Battle Ground, Coral Swanson (Nursing) of Vancouver and Chris Thompson (Addiction Counselor Education) of Vancouver. The students were honored during the College’s annual Advisory Com- mittee Recognition Breakfast. That event honored the more than 400 individuals – representing organizations as diverse as the City of Vancouver, C-Tran, Legacy Health Systems, and the Veterans’ Adminis- tration – who served on Clark College Advisory Committees this year.

Now in its 23rd year, the WAVE program recognizes community college and high school students for outstanding achievement in career and technical education, and for their character and commitment while providing leadership for their fellow students and service to their communities. One community college winner is selected from each legislative district in Washington State. WAVE recipients receive grants to pay undergraduate educational expenses for six quarters or four semesters at public four-year institutions, public two-year community or technical colleges, independent four-year institutions, or licensed private vocational schools. The award can be used to pay for tuition, books, supplies, room, board, transportation, or miscellaneous personal expenses. The value of the award ranges from $4,890 to $11,012 depending on the school the student chooses to attend. Recipients have three years to begin using the monetary award and six years to fully use the funds.

Dr. Sheila Martin, director of the Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies at Portland State, was guest speaker at the Advisory Committee Recognition Breakfast. Ethan Seltzer, Director of the Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning and former director of Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies has cited Dr. Martin’s work as “proof that the prospect of a vibrant, cohesive metropolitan area can attract the best.” (continued on page 7)

Clark College 24/7 May 8, 2006 6 The 2006 WAVE Honorees

Ramses Murillo (Data Networks and Telecommunications) The skills that Ramses Murillo developed in the DNET program have led to a job as a Systems Analyst with Freightliner Corporation, and he is already pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Technology through the Eastern Washington University program offered on the Clark College campus.” As part of his Bachelor’s program, Murillo is serving as a volunteer intern at the Home Ownership Center in Vancouver where he helps to maintain their computer network. He has also volunteered to help students from the Clark College Diesel Technology program connect to electronic resources in the Freight- liner Learning Center. His long-term goals include working as a Network Engineer focusing on troubleshooting, security, and design. Eventually, he plans to earn a master’s degree and teach at the college level.

Coral Swanson (Nursing) As an active member of the Student Nurses Association of Clark College, Coral Swanson has participated in blood pressure clinics, student check ups, and vaccination programs. She is actively involved in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life where she serves on two committees and as a team captain. Last year, Coral Swanson’s team raised over $17,000 for cancer research and educa- tion. After earning her RN, Coral plans to work in oncology with children and adolescents. Her long-term goals include earning her bachelor’s degree and working for the Washington State Nurses Association to lobby for more cancer research and funding for the medically underserved working poor. In her application, Swanson said, “I plan to use my RN to constantly strive to make a difference in the lives of others, one person at a time, then one community at a time.” Becky Merritt, Director of Clark’s Displaced Homemaker Program, noted, “Coral began at Clark using our Free Tuition for working parents program in fall 2002. She was also a WorkFirst work study student for the 2002-2003 school year, working with Lisa Nelson. I think she would agree that, without these programs, she would not have been able to get back in school as well as work on campus. Truly a success story!”

Chris Thompson(Addiction Counselor Education) Chris Thompson is a member of the Addiction Counselor Education Student club and is currently working as an intern at the Northwest Recovery Center. In his internship, Thompson is gaining experience with a variety of therapeutic techniques, treatment plans, and assessments. He is using that experience to provide his peers with real life examples of the concepts they are studying in the classroom. A former Marine, Chris has volunteered at the Vancouver Veterans Administration Medical Center, helping Veterans with disabilities get to their medical appointments. His goals for the future include earning a degree in Psychology and working as a Chemical Dependency Counselor and a supervisor of other counselors. His long-term goal is to earn a graduate degree and teach at the college level.

Clark College 24/7 May 8, 2006 7 Council for Basic Skills Meeting

lark College proudly hosted the quarterly meeting of the Council for Basic Skills (CBS) last week, Cwelcoming basic skills administrators from the state’s 34 community and technical colleges, as well as leaders of literacy councils and other community based organizations and employees from the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC).

The meeting focused on several topics including: Adult Learning Standards, High School Completion and Education Reform, Literacy Hotline, and Adult Basic Education Week. Other business, including legislative and federal updates and the election of officers, was also conducted.

The purpose of the CBS is to assist and report to the Instruction Com- mission (composed of the vice presidents of instruction at all the public community and technical colleges in Washington) on issues affecting state, local, or federally funded adult and family literacy programs and basic skills education issues; and to promote student success by improving and coordinating basic skills instruction in accordance with the state and federal guidelines for Adult and Family Literacy education.

ECE Grants

The Foundation for Early Learning recently announced the funding of five grant projects that will address early learning needs in Clark County. The grant awards will benefit a broad range of children, families and caregivers across Clark County through family support, professional development, public engagement and enhanced quality of early learning. Of the five projects awarded in this grant round, two have a direct impact on Clark College:

Promoting First Relationships ($74,000) A professional development project targeting infant and toddler caregivers in three settings: Early Head Start, Clark College lab school and child care. This is a partnership between the University of Washington, Washington State University Vancouver, Educational Opportunities for Children & Families, Southwest Washington Child Care Consortium, and Clark College. A cadre of toddler teachers will take the class at the University of Washington and then be trained to assist local toddler teachers in the birth-to-three community. Early Childhood Education Professor Gail Schiel, a specialist in infant/toddler development, will facilitate a trainer support group throughout the span of the grant.

Connecting Local & State Efforts ($32,764) A project that links statewide initiatives with local strategies involving early learning care providers, trainers and educators. These dollars will fund the Clark College “Guiding Behavior” module course and mentor network in east Clark County. The second and third modules will be taught summer and fall quarter.

“I’m thrilled that these two objectives were awarded, as this will allow members in our cohort to complete an ECE class,” said Laurie Cornelius, Director of Child and Family Services. “With more and more families having both parents working in order to make ends meet, the demand for high-quality child care is higher than ever. Provider training is one of the community needs for early learning in Clark County, and we’ve developed a system plan to address this and other service gaps.”

A local Clark County Advisory Committee reviewed grant applications and made recommendations for funding.

“Our grant-making will support collaborative efforts that lay the foundation for a system of early education and training in Clark County,” said Jeanne Anderson, Executive Director of the Foundation for Early Learning. “New parenting education and support efforts will also be funded this round. Our aim is to ensure that all children have the experiences and nurturing they need to ensure school readiness.”

Clark College 24/7 May 8, 2006 8 Clark Students Lift their Voices and Sing

he Cascade Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) held its annual Student Auditions at Portland State University last month. Approximately 350 students (ages 16 through adult) competed in several different categories, with a total of 30 winners selected. Clark College was well- Trepresented with nine students entered (not including Running Start students), three winners, and one honorable mention. Clark College students who earned honors include:

Amanda Worley -- Winner, Adult I Female Paul Mikhaylenko -- Winner, College I Male Daniel Wheelon -- Winner, Pre-College Male (Running Start) David Warner -- Honorable Mention

“All four students study with me and did a truly outstanding job with some very tough competition,” said Music Instructor April Brookins Duvic. “I was thrilled by all my students’ fine singing and to have three winners in one year is incredible!” April Brookins Duvic, a member of the NATS Cascade Chapter, was among the local artists profiled in a feature article, “The Sopranos,” in the April 30 issue of The Columbian.

The NATS Student Auditions are an opportunity for students to perform and receive written feedback about their performance. At these events, singers meet and hear other singers, NATS teachers get to know their colleagues better, and everyone has the chance to hear a variety of songs. The NATS Cascade Chapter covers a large geographic area, including parts of California, Oregon, and Washington, and has over 75 members.

Clark College 24/7 May 8, 2006 9 An Exquisite Taste

he Clark College Culinary Arts Program where they work; this year’s event marks the third time hosted the prestigious American Academy of the annual dinner has been hosted by Clark College. Chefs Annual Dinner last month—a gourmet Taffair complete with an ice sculpture for the buffet and The evening began with an array of hors d’oeuvres and chocolate centerpieces for the tables. a beautiful ice sculpture provided by students under the supervision of Instruction & Classroom Support Tech- The American Academy of Chefs (AAC) is the honor nician Glenn Lakin. The elaborate, multi-course dinner society of the American Culinary Federation. It was was prepared and presented by Instruction & Classroom established in 1955 “to recognize culinary professionals Support Technician Daryl Oest and students and served whose contributions have positively affected the culinary by Instruction & Classroom Support Technician Susan industry and who reflect an image that perpetuates the Holman and students in the Clark Room. For dessert, profession of future culinarians.” Culinary Arts Profes- the chefs enjoyed Fruit Tartlettes with Glazed Five sors George Akau and Larry Mains are members of the Spice Sabayon prepared and presented by Culinary Arts AAC. The society’s annual dinner is rotated each year Professor Ian Titterton and students. The dinner was amongst the members of the academy at the properties finished with handcrafted chocolates.

Clark College 24/7 May 8, 2006 10 Who Will Be The Next ... Idol

ervous contestants take to the stage to sing. Three judges – one hip, one supportive, one caustic – offer their critiques. NThe audience casts their votes. It’s “Clark Idol” – the Clark College salute to the wildly popular television program. On May 3, student performers took to the Gaiser Hall stage in their bid to be the next “Clark Idol.” The event was sponsored by the Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC).

Judges Carl Flipper (Director of Auxiliary Services), Cheryl McClain (Events Services), and Dave Daugherty (Computing Services Manager) provided their own spin on famed judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.

After viewing the would-be Carrie Underwoods, Fantasia Barrinos, and Ruben Studdards, the judges selected the performers who will take part in the “Clark Idol” finals, which will be held on May 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Gaiser Hall Student Center.

Will we find the next Kelly Clarkson…or Justin Guarini? Find out on May 24!

Clark College 24/7 May 8, 2006 11 World Penguin Day

uesday, April 25 marked the global-wide observance of World Penguin Day. The holiday was celebrated at the Clark College Bookstore with festive displays, a coloring contest, special discounts, and a visit from our Tlovable mascot Oswald the Penguin. World Penguin Day was created as an opportunity to learn about and appreciate one of the few natives of Antarc- tica. People around the world are encouraged to spend time learning about these popular, flightless birds. Many penguin lovers honor the day by wearing black and white – but here at Clark College, we wear “Penguin Blue!”

Clark College 24/7 May 8, 2006 12 10th Anniversary of the Clark College Women’s Conference Organized in the spirit of the 1995 Beijing United Nations Women’s Conference, this event features a keynote address by comedian and activist Debbie Wooten and a presentation by body image artist Larry Kirkwood. 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Saturday, May 20, 2006 Gaiser Hall, Clark College, 1800 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver, Wash.

Choose from a variety of workshops on the social, political, Childcare, limited scholarships, and disability access and / and personal issues faced by women today. or accommodations are available with prior arrangement. Cost: $15 for general public, $10 for students and seniors, For general information, please call 360-992-2905. includes continental breakfast and lunch

360-699-next | www.clark.edu/womensconf

Clark College 24/7 May 8, 2006 13 Human Resources News OPEN POSITIONS

Fiscal Technician 2: Full-time classified position in Accounting Services. Closing date: May 17, 2006.

Accounting Supervisor/Fiscal Analyst 4: Full-time classified position in Accounting Services. Closing date: May 17, 2006.

Secretary Senior: Full-time classified position in Enrollment Services. Closing date: May 15, 2006.

Program Coordinator: Full-time classified position in Advising. Closing date: May 15, 2006.

Internal Auditor: Full-time exempt position. Closing date: May 22, 2006.

Economics Instructor: One-year non-tenure track assignment. Closing date: May 15, 2006.

Counselor/Human Development: Full-time tenure-track position. Closing date: May 19, 2006.

Dean of Enrollment Services: Full-time administrative position. Closing date: June 12, 2006.

Interim Director of Library Services: A 12-month assignment. Open until filled.

Vice President of Instruction: Full-time administrative position. Open until filled.

COMPENSATORY TIME CASH OUT FOR WPEA REPRESENTED OVERTIME ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES All compensatory time must be used by June 30th of each year. If compensatory time balances are not scheduled to be used by the employee by April of each year, the supervisor shall contact the employee to review his or her schedule. The employee’s compensatory time balance will be cashed out every June 30th or when the employee:

1. Leaves state service for any reason, 2. Transfers to a position in their institution with different funding sources, or 3. Transfers to another state agency.

Clark 24/7 Staff Barbara Kerr - Editor/Contributor RandaLyn Novick - Contributor James Zyon - Graphic Design Ian Beckett - Photographer

Clark College 24/7 May 8, 2006 14