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A Publication of The Chronicle for Centralia College Since 2012 • www.centraliablaze.com

No Tuition Spike This Year By The Blaze

Washington institutes of higher education are getting their first financial boost from the state general fund since 2009. The result: A reprieve from tuition hikes that have been a relative constant over the past several years. In what was hailed as an “historic event,” the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges officially froze tuition for resident and nonresident students attending Centralia College and other public two-

‘‘This is an important step on the part of the state board and a move that will greatly benefit our students.’’ Jim Walton Centralia College president

year colleges in Washington this fall. It is the first time since 1989 that tuition will remain flat for students, according to Centralia College. “This is an important step on the part of the state board and a move that will greatly benefit our students,” said Dr.

Jim Walton, Centralia College president. “We appreciate the Legislature’s decision to freeze tuition, it does make a difference.” Walton said that tuition has risen steadily over the years and each increase has been a barrier to entering college for some students.

A Tale of Tuition SEATTLE (AP) — In-state undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees at Washington’s colleges and universities for the 2013-14 academic year. Some fee levels have not been set, so actual charges may be slightly higher this fall. • University of Washington: $12,397

Approved by the state Legislature in June, the 2013-2015 operating budget spared higher education from budget cuts, made additional investments, and directed colleges and universities to not increase tuition for state residents. The state board voted to

• Washington State University: $11,396 • Western Washington University: $8,863 • The Evergreen State College: $8,521 • Eastern Washington University: $8,451 • Central Washington University: $8,223 • State community and technical colleges: $4,000

keep nonresident tuition flat as well, since out-of-state students traditionally pay the same dollar amount in tuition increase as in-state students. Tuition will remain $4,000 per year for resident students and $9,235 for nonresident students in the 2013-2014 academic year.

collegiate matrimony Second on Campus: Couple Ties the Knot at Centralia College After Meeting on Campus

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By Emmalee Baker The Blaze

On Sunday, July 7, Russ and Megan Serventi were married on the campus of Centralia College. As the campus was the first place they met, it holds a lot of memories for the two. This is the second wedding on campus in the history of the college. The first was held in Washington Hall. The couple met during an accounting class in September, 2010. At first, Megan was reluctant to form any relationships in college, because she was there to focus on school. Russ took a seat next to Megan anyway. After getting back their first set of assignments, they decided to study together. Their friendship grew quickly from that point on. Not only did they share a class, but they started taking part in school clubs together. “I think one of the things that helped our friendship was her dragging me to join Rotaract. And we both got officer’s positions,” said Russ. About a year ago, Russ and Megan decided to get married. “Once we realized how close our friendship had gotten, we knew that friendship was going to be there forever,” said Russ. The couple planned their own wedding, despite their busy lives of school, work and family. The first step in the planning stage was to pick a date. As the couple fell in love on April 3, the date seemed to pick itself. Russ and Megan were seriously considering a beach wedding, however, it wasn’t practical in April. The couple used their shared interest in math to adapt the original date to work with their plans. “4 (As in the month of April) +3 (The date in April) is 7, so 7/7, and it was on a weekend,” explained Megan. “And how we figured out 2013 was her…” Russ started. “McDonald’s receipt,” Megan finished. “We were at my high school reunion and we went to

Patty Glase / courtesy photo

Russ and Megan Serventi were married on the campus of Centralia College on July 7. The couple met during an accounting class in September 2010.

go down the road to this little tavern … and they didn’t have any food. McDonald’s was the only place open. So, we went there, and the receipt was $20.13. She goes, ‘That’s the year we’re getting married,’” said Russ. Originally, the couple had planning to get married on a beach, but the distance from home was an issue for their friends and family. Many suggestions were discarded before they decided to get married on campus. “I was walking across campus for some reason …and it occurred to me, like oh, maybe we could get married on campus. I called him (Russ), and he had been thinking the exact same thing that morning,” said Megan. After clearing the plans with the college, the couple finally had a place to get married.

Russ and Megan graduated June 14 with associates of arts degrees in applied science in business with a management emphasis. In addition, Russ got an associate of technical arts in accounting and received three certificates of proficiency in payroll, individual income taxes and governmental accounting. Russ is also pursuing an associate of arts in general studies degree, which he plans on completing this fall. Russ is considering pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business sometime in the future as well. He is considering remaining local and continuing on in the BASM program at the Centralia College. Other future plans of the Serventi’s include starting a family of their own, as well as securing better jobs now that they have degrees.

Russ and Megan Serventi kiss during their wedding on the Centralia College campus July 7.

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Q&A With Gordon Aadland See Page 4

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BEAT on the STREET “What is your dream job?”

“Owning my own shop.” Sarabi Castillo, 17, Centralia, undecided

High Above

By The Blaze

In early July, about a dozen students in Centralia College applied physics, engineering and electronics clubs, and family members gathered east of Ellensburg and launched a ballon toward space. Helium was fed into a latex balloon. Attached to the balloon was a GPS tracker, a data

logger, two cameras and a parachute. The students launched the balloon, watched it until it disappeared, and when it was gone, prepared for its landing. Above them, the balloon continued its ascent past the cloud cover at 10,000 feet, past commercial airplane flight routes at 30,000 feet, up to an altitude usually reserved for

clandestine aircraft. All the way, its two cameras — one pointed at Earth, one pointed horizontally — captured its journey. At 90,000 feet, the balloon burst, the parachute unfurled and the device began its return. These are some of the photos taken during the experiment.

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Your Voice, Your Views

9 (+1) rules for lifelong success By Atara MacNamara For The Blaze

Have you ever wondered if there is a set of instructions for being a successful student? As a positive psychologist, I am interested in what people do to stay happy, optimistic and successful. These three characteristics often go together because success confirms our optimism and makes us happy. Research conducted by Dr. Heidi Grant Halvorson, a social psychologist and associate director of Columbia University’s Motivation Science Center, shows that there are nine things successful people do to thrive. They’re simple, straightforward, and effective. 1. Set specific goals. If you are working your way through a statistics course, set a precise goal and decide exactly what you want to achieve. “I just want to pass the class” is specific but not very impressive, and you have to impress your subconscious to get its attention. As a matter of fact, setting a learning goal (“I want to understand the concepts”) is better than setting an achievement goal (“I want a 4.0”). Think about what success would look like and set your goals accordingly. 2. Seize the moment. Decide when you are going to take action. If you need to spend two hours a day studying, what time will you set aside for that activity? Again, be specific.

‘‘Willpower is like a muscle that needs to be exercised. The more you work it the stronger it gets. ’’ Atara MacNamara, Ph.D.,

psychology professor at Centralia College

Exactly when is your study time? According to Halvorson, this simple act of scheduling an activity increases success rates by about 300 percent. Use an if-then strategy to deal with distractions and plan them out in advance. For example, if it is 2 p.m., then I will be studying statistics; if my friends want to play volleyball during my study time, then I will ask them to play at a more convenient time or tell them I’ll meet them when I’m finished. Simply put, identify what you want to do, when you are going to do it, and how you will deal with obstacles and distractions. 3. Know how far you have left to go. Notice, I didn’t write, “know how far you’ve gone.” Monitor your progress frequently, but look at it as closing the distance between where you are now and your goal. Curiously, looking at what you’ve achieved can be demotivating because it takes your eyes off the final outcome and makes you feel that you’ve already accomplished quite a bit. You might feel inclined to relax at a time when more effort is still required. Many people slow

down when they start to near their goal because they look backwards instead of forward. Watch the finish line and give yourself frequent feedback on how much closer it is and what you still have to do to achieve it. 4. Be a realistic optimist. Believe that success will come, but not effortlessly. Optimism gives you confidence, but you still have to work. Believe you have the ability to do the work and you can sustain your motivation until you reach your goal. 5. Focus on learning. Some of the most interesting research on motivation shows that people who strive to improve and learn are more successful in the long run than those who want to be “good at” things. Being good at something usually implies that some sort of natural talent or ability is required. We all know someone who simply worked harder than other people and surpassed even those who supposedly had innate talent. Having genuine interest in something is energizing and keeps you motivated while

you learn. Trying to “be good” causes you anxiety when you’re learning something unfamiliar because you don’t know what you’re doing and you’re concerned with how you look to others. Effort and incremental learning are all it takes, not natural talent, superior intelligence, or innate ability.

a little while” if you have to study for a test that night. Once you start having fun, it will be too hard to leave, especially if you’re facing work that’s not very appealing. Accept that your willpower is weak and remember that it’s easier to not do something that to stop doing something.

6. Have grit. Grit is the newest buzzword in the positive psychology world, but it simply means persistence. Keep going and don’t give up. Research shows that people with grit have higher GPAs, more education, and more success.

9. Focus on what you will do, not what you won’t do. As a personal anecdote, I was taking golf lessons from a friend and he kept telling me, “don’t hold your hands there,” “don’t stand like that,” and “don’t put your head down.” Finally, I got angry and said, “Stop telling me what NOT to do and tell me what I’m supposed to do!” If you fill your head with don’ts, that’s what you’ll be thinking about. You may also feel deprived. Thinking, “I can’t go out with my friends tonight,” instead of, “I’m going to study for my statistics test so I can get an ‘A’,” makes you feel bad instead of motivated.

7. Build your willpower. Willpower is like a muscle that needs to be exercised. The more you work it the stronger it gets. Start slowly and choose just one activity. We allow ourselves to get distracted when we are facing a boring or difficult task. Beginning that statistics homework is not very appealing, so why not do the laundry instead? If you follow rule 2 and set aside a specific time for homework, don’t get up for anything until the time is up. Also, remember that all successful people have to fight against temptations. It’s a lifelong exercise, but worth it. 8. Don’t tempt fate. If you we’re on a diet, you wouldn’t set a chocolate layer cake on the table and tell yourself not to eat it. It’s easier to achieve your goals if you avoid temptation altogether. Don’t agree to go out with your friends for “just

10. Take a psychology class. That’s not part of Halvorson’s rules, but it can only improve your chances of success. •••

The Blaze

Do you have an interest in journalism, photography, web design, or comic design? Do you want to be heard? The Blaze, a special, monthly edition of The Chronicle focused on Centralia College — and produced by students — could be the place for you. The Blaze is not affiliated with the college. Instead, it is run by Centralia College students as part of an internship program through The Chronicle. What this means for you is

job experience in a real newsroom. Whether you are looking to dedicate as much time as possible to being a full time staff member or just want to freelance, The Blaze can work around your schedule to find the right opportunity for you. Just remember that you will get as much out of The Blaze as you put into it. The more time you spend, the more rewards you reap. Job experience is valuable these days, and work in a real newsroom looks great on a resume. Having your creative works published is also an in-

valuable asset to your future. It’s never too early to begin building your professional portfolio. The Blaze has many opportunities for student work to be published, both online and in print, and is currently looking for people interested in any position.

Frequently Asked Questions

A: Anything that interests you. The Blaze needs photographers, reporters, graphic designers, people to make comics, and even people to help distribute the paper around campus. Q: What can The Blaze do for me? A: The Blaze is a fantastic job experience, and a great way

The Blaze is always accepting submissions from Centralia College students for the opinion page, photos of events, or even comics. Think you’ve got what it takes to write for The Blaze? Email Editor-in-Chief Courtney Simmons at editor@centraliablaze.com, or call The Blaze World Headquarters at (360) 807-8250.

B THE BLAZE STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Courtney Simmons Web/Print Design: Dakota Rakestraw Photographers: Elliott Townsend Sean Wills Sports: Janice Knutz

Based on research by Heidi Grant Halvorson, Ph.D. and Carol Dweck, Ph.D. Halvorson, H. G. (2011). Nine things successful people do differently. Harvard Business School Publishing.

•••

Atara MacNamara is a psychology professor at Centralia College.

Blaze Looking for Staff By Courtney Simmons

Got Skills?

to build your skill set. Q: When can I start? A: Right away! To apply, simply submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to editor@ centraliablaze.com. Be sure to include your name, contact information and what you are interested in being a part of at The Blaze.

Q: Where is The Blaze? A: The Blaze office is located in The Chronicle on Pearl Street in Centralia. Q: What can I do for the Blaze?

Comic Artist: Ely Tilley Reporter: Emmalee Baker Contact us at: (360) 807-8250 editor@ centraliablaze.com Visit us at... centraliablaze.com

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Centralia College’s Energy Technology Program Now Offers Evening Classes

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Aadland: A Lifetime of Service By The Blaze

Gordon Aadland in June became the first recipient of Centralia College’s Lifetime Service Award for his significant contributions to the college and the community. Aadland, 91, began his teaching career at Centralia College in 1961 as an English instructor. Aadland served as the college’s first public information officer and started the Distinguished Alumnus Award program in 1982. He helped usher in the college’s first president and, though he retired in 1985, he has served as an unofficial adviser to every president since. Aadland also urged the Centralia College Foundation to commission a statue of Margaret Corbet and Katharine Kemp. The college will place the statue just off the Aadland Esplanade, a brick walkway The Chronicle, file photo named in his honor in 2006. Gordon Aadland acknowledges the crowd after receiving the Lifetime Distinguished Service Award at the 2013 Centralia He’s also a weekly columnist College graduation ceremony in June. for The Chronicle. His column, Saturday’s Child, can be found on the opinion page of The the college? What was the biggest difChronicle every Saturday. Using my column in The ference between the campus Why have you remained so The Blaze sent Aadland a Chronicle to point out to the now and when you arrived? involved with the college over list of questions on his past in- community what a jewel it has The college when I started the years? volvement with Centralia Col- in the college. Next would teaching there was under the I don’t play golf and I don’t lege and the outlook for the be my instituting The Dis- governance of the Centralia like to travel anyplace where future. tinguished Alumnus Award, School District. The classes I can’t take my favorite pillow were mostly academic transfer; with me. It is necessary for the which is in its fourth decade. What are your thoughts in almost no vocational programs things I do in retirement to be receiving the award? What was the campus like were offered. worthwhile, and Jim Walton, My first thought was at the in 1961? Julie Johnson, Steve Ward and age of 91, would I still be able to Hundreds of students walk the other decision makers preThe only building then make it to commencement ex- which is still there is Kemp down the Aadland Esplanade tend they are listening to me. ercises as I have been doing for Hall. The rest of the class- each day. Are you proud to several consecutive years. My rooms and offices were in two have your namesake tramYou urged the college to second was appreciation that small wooden churches, an pled? commission a statue of Corbet my love affair with the college army barracks, a former grade When the Esplanade was and Kemp. What do you think was mutual. school, and a little house. And, dedicated, I threatened to make of a Gordon Aadland statue of course, the acreage was much a toll walkway out of it. Maybe someday? What do you think was less. the time is now. Thanks for the I can see it now: a statue heads-up. your greatest contribution to of me, equestrian, in flowing

‘‘The biggest asset of Centralia College is that it is small enough so that there is a close relationship between students and teachers and among students.’’ Gordon Aadland

Lifetime Service Award recipient

cap and gown, riding a rearing steed! I am sure the statue of Katharine Kemp would have a piquant remark to make about that. (A whimsical question calls for a whimsical answer.) Centralia College has grown greatly over the years. How big can it get and how big should it get? The biggest asset of Centralia College is that it is small enough so that there is a close relationship between students and teachers and among students. I wouldn’t like to see it become another UW or WSU. I rather like the numbers as they are now.

Clean energy center exceeds hiring goal By Centralia College

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smart grid project which will be completed this month. “We believe this project has fulfilled the purpose of ARRA (American Recovery & Reinvestment Act) funding to rebuild the economy of each of our partnering states within the Pacific Northwest region and the nation as a whole.” PNCECE and Centralia College are leveraging their success by leading a multi-state application that builds on the regional partnership, lessons learned and gaps that were dis-

covered during the past three years. "The ability of the Center (PNCECE) to facilitate the long-standing industrylabor-education-government partnership is the keystone to leveraging the power of collaboration,” Troy Nutter, Puget Sound Energy manager/operational training, said. “Regional collaboration is essential to address workforce development concerns in the energy sector now and well into the future."

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search, open source smart grid training, and simulated training labs throughout the region. Nearly 6,000 individuals received smart grid energy training through pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship incumbent worker, and graduate and professional development courses, as well as hands-on learning sessions provided to high school students, high school STEM teachers, and others. “We’re very proud of our consortium’s accomplishments," Hins-Turner said of the

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More than 325 workers found employment as ground crew, substation operator apprentices, plant operator trainees, boiler operators, energy analysts, meter technicians and hydro utility workers within organizations across the five-state region according to the Pacific Northwest Center of Excellence for Clean Energy (PNCECE) at Centralia College. This is a record-breaking number set by its three-year $5 million U.S.

Department of Energy Smart Grid Workforce Training grant. “We achieved 140 percent of our placement goal which was set as part of our original contract award in 2010,” PNCECE Executive Director Barbara Hins-Turner said. The grant, which was leveraged to $12 million by matching funds, included energy and manufacturing employers, organized labor and education partners within Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Utah. Funds created labor market re-

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