May 14, 2014

Glendale College

Keepin’ it Clean The stories behind the men and women of the campus custodial crew.

See story page 7

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Wednesday May 14, 2014

Volume 103, Number 5

News

Features

Sports

Library will soon see major changes.

Student input is needed.

Page 4

Theater Arts production of “Firebugs” burned bright.

Page 8

Track and Field shines at Southern California RegionalPlayoffs.

Page 14

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

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NEWS

El Vaquero EDITOR IN CHIEF Sal Polcino MANAGING EDITOR Agnessa Kasumyan SPORTS EDITOR Jonathan Williams ARTS EDITOR Alexandra Duncan STAFF WRITERS Alin Boughousi Fidel Cantu Alexandria Diaz Kristine Dizon Kendall Faulkner Tamara Hacopian Anthony Huizar Sherlyn Ann Maguit Nikki Nagrone Julia Orr Jennifer Rodman R.J. Saunders Moises Torres Lucas Yepez PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kathy Bakowicz Manvel Kapukchyan

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Richard Kontas

NEWSROOM MANAGER

Eric Bourse

DESIGN ADVISER

Charles Eastman

FACULTY ADVISER Michael Moreau mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000 ext.5214 ADVERTISING Jeff Smith jsmith@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext.5493 Send Letters to the Editor El Vaquero accepts story ideas from the public. To submit an idea e-mail the editor at elvaqed@gmail.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349.

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Library Renovations Need Student Input

By Nikki Nagrone

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

L

ibraries are the cornerstones of many academic institutions. Until recently, collections of books and their wealth of information were the main resources for students.

However, within the last two decades, the advent of the Internet has changed everything.

Books are no longer the only source for academic information, and an even larger body of information now lies online.

The shift in how students access information has caused Glendale Community College’s library to change its focus from storing information, to facilitating learning in general. They are exploring ways they can realistically meet the needs of students in a technology driven culture.

Library consultant Will Baty is helping GCC figure out how to renovate its library with the help of its students, faculty, and administrators.

Baty has more than 30 years of experience with libraries. He started as a reference librarian and has been consulting for libraries for more than 20 years.

He is holding meetings on campus to help determine how the library can better serve students now, and in the future.

The planning project has been funded by a Title V federal grant.

Experts agree that student input will have a major impact on the renovation because students will be the ones using

Photo by Jonathan Williams

CHANGES ARE COMING: The computer carrels will most likely be removed to maximize space. However, smaller carrels may still be incorporated in the new design.

the library most.

Instructional Librarian Nancy Getty said “We can’t do it right without student input.”

The Apple Computer Company told Brett Miketta they would not help build a program around student resources without considerable involvement from the students themselves.

Miketta is an assistant professor in the computer science department at GCC, who is researching technological options for the college as a whole.

At a recent meeting faculty members and students discussed ideas for the renovation like more study

rooms, study space, and computers.

“Students need a physical space to collaborate and access information,” said Baty.

While the large wooden carrels that house the computers in the library offer privacy, many students believe that they only help people to hide away while playing games and watching movies. Taking these carrels out would create more open space for students to work together, unhindered by the wooden dividers.

Tyler Cucinotta, a nursing student at GCC, offered his input about new designs at the meeting.

“Open computer spaces

WANTED: Letters to the editor.. .

?

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?

make me feel more accountable for the work I am supposed to be doing,”said Cucinotta.

On the bottom level of the library, new moveable furniture would allow for a flexible and open collaborative space for students. This would leave the upper level for a quiet, contemplative workspace, which could still include smaller corrals.

Though most of the info Librarians are consolidating [See Library, page 4]

On the Cover:

Custodian Carlos Avalos pushes a cart down the hall of the administratin building on May 6 during his daily rounds. Avalos is a Glendale native who returned to GCC to work full time on the custodial crew after earning an associate of science degree in computer technology.

Photo by Kathy Bakowicz

IN THIS ISSUE News.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 5 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10 Entertainment .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-14 Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Lifestyle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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NEWS

Glendale College Transfer Rate Ranks High in State

By Anthony Huizar

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

W

ith budget cuts in the community college system, it has become problematic for students to transfer to the university system within the expected two years, thus resulting in a decline in transfer rates at GCC in recent years. With classes nearly always full, it’s hard to get the required courses that are transferable.

According to Ed Karpp, dean of research, planning and grants, each year GCC transfers around 300 students to UC, 700 students to CSU, about 300 students to California private universities, and about 100 students to out of state institutions. Glendale College has transfer agreements with USC, Loyola Marymount University, Pepperdine and Occidental College to ensure students are on the correct path to transfer to their desired school.

In the current academic year, enrollment has dropped.

Although it’s hard to know all the causes, one factor is probably the economic recovery.

“Some people who would have taken college courses during the recession probably have jobs now and are not taking college courses,” Karpp said.

According to Kevin Meza, transfer center coordinator, one major cause for the transfer rate decline would be the education budget cuts that directly impact a student’s education. These cuts lead to fewer classes offered, fewer spots at the university level and natural changes of society.

According to Karpp, Glendale College has managed to maintain the transfer rate to the University of California at about 4 to 5 percent. In the 2012-2013 school year, GCC transferred a total of 1,244 students to four-year universities.

In 2010, there was a drastic change in the CSU policy, allowing applicants to transfer in the fall semester only, consequently leading to a huge decline in transfer rates. Between 2008-2009 and 2009-2010, the total number of transfers from community colleges to CSU institutions decreased by 25 percent. In 2008, there were 1,029 students that transferred and in 2009, the number dropped to 809.

Transfer rates are not only

important to the school’s reputation, but are vital to students trying to pursue higher education.

Many students decide on what community college to enroll in based on the rates of transfers, since community colleges are designed for transfer to the university system. Therefore, the higher the transfer rates become, the more enrollment GCC will encounter.

Meza said he advises around 30 students each day.

“Students who visit us, usually get into more selective schools, because they are more aware of the services offered to them and take advantage of them,” said Meza.

In 2006, the transfer rate to UC institutions was 5.5 percent and in the 2012-2013 year, the rate was a 4.0 percent. It has been dropping by 0.2 percent each year. Karpp suggested that the decline in UC transfers may be caused by tuitions increasing. Students may choose to attend CSU’s for a less expensive education.

However, when compared to other schools in the Los Angeles area with similar enrollment numbers, GCC is ranked second out of 10 community colleges.

The statewide transfer rate for these colleges with similar enrollment numbers is 40.6 percent and Glendale marks a 48.9 percent for a seven-year span, putting it higher than the state’s average.

Karpp said that winter and summer classes have increased the enrollment numbers. Many students would prefer to attend a school that offers intersession courses because it allows students to take advantage and transfer more quickly, in comparison to going to a community college that only offers spring and fall sessions. This puts GCC near the top and increases the enrollment standing.

Student athletes are usually driven to transfer quickly to pursue their careers in sports.

There are approximately 350 student athletes and 16 sports teams at GCC, according to John Aque, GCC’s Sport Academic Counselor. These students have to juggle a lot at once, because they

elvaq.com

Graphic illustration by Edward Karpp

TRANSFER RATES: Glendale Community College maintains one of the highest rates of transfer to Universties in California. Numbers have fluctuated due to economic recovery and lower enrollment.

take all of their classes before noon and practice every day in the afternoon.

Aque is in charge of making sure student athletes take all the

classes required to transfer within two years because a student can only play at the community college level for two seasons. The transfer rate for student athletes is 39.4 percent.

“The [current] numbers have not been released yet, but are looking optimistic” Meza said.

Anthony Huizar can be reached at ahuizar533@student.glendale.edu

He’s the Man Behind the Camera

Photo by Kathy Bakowicz

GCC TV: Scott Stalnaker films the International Student’s Association talent show on May 8. Stalnaker films meetings, event and lecture series for public access television. Read the story in the May 28 issue of El Vaquero.

Letters to the editor...

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? elvaqed@ g m ai l .co m

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NEWS/OPINION

Proposal in Progress for Library Changes

[Library from page 2]

in the library is contained in computer databases and e-book collections, there is still going to be a physical book which could still include

smaller carrels.

Most journals and publications can be found in online databases, but there may still be physical copies of some of these as well.

Librarians are consolidating the current collection, getting rid of outdated and unused reference books. This will make more space available for computer tables or maybe even comfortable furniture.

Amid the positive feedback over the renovation, some faculty members voiced concerns about the project’s longevity. The library has already been remodeled once (in the late 1990s) since it was built in the 1960s. Some faculty members feel it is important to be sure that any new renovations are flexible and lasting.

A new cafe portion to the library could serve tea, coffee, and some small food items.

Susie Chin, an instructional and

reference librarian, said this Services building, scheduled would be a nice place for students for completion by the end of and faculty to connect outside of 2015, further complicates this, but as long as the classroom. services are The topic not duplicated of a café with on different food led to talk parts of over easing c a m p u s , the food a t t e n t i o n restrictions will not be inside the detracted from l i b r a r y. the library.

Some faculty T h e members were l i b r a r y ’ s concerned public services about odorous manager, f o o d s , R u s s e l l replaceable Beckett, said carpets, and he would food allergies. like to see Another the library issue that was — Tyler Cucinotta, become the identified at nursing student “central hub” the meeting for students on was office campus—“a place where students space within the library. Other automatically go.” said Beckett. departments on campus have Some faculty members say offices inside the library, and that not all of their ideas about between the space being made what students want and need are by renovations and the labs and always right. This is why they are resources to be added, there may pleased to see students getting be reorganization. involved in the process and adding The new College Lab/

“Open computer spaces make me feel more accountable for the work I am supposed to be doing.”

Photo by Jonathan Williams

CURRENT RESOURCES: A student utilizes the privacy of the carrel during studies in the library.

their perspective, something that is crucial to the process.

A student focus group will be held on campus Thursday from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the library.

The focus groups will be a chance for large groups of students to collaborate with Baty and generate ideas.

Any students interested in attending can contact Nancy Getty by email at ngetty@ glendale.edu, or by phone at

(818)240-1000, ext. 5795.

Baty is creating an overall report and a plan for renovations that is due by the end of July. The school must then find an architect and contractor to put the plans into effect. Baty may assist GCC as a liaison at that time. The whole process has no deadline and could take from two to three years.

Nikki Nagrone can be reached at nagrone988@student.glendale.edu

Fukushima Reactor: An Unnatural Disaster

By Alin Boughousi

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he Fukushima nuclear reactor disaster may be the worst of its kind. It has left a path of devastation in its wake and the radiation may have already reached our shores. This is not the first time a reactor has leaked dangerous levels of radiation into the environment. It begs the question - is nuclear energy safe?

Experts say that air travel is the safest mode of transportation, but when there is a plane crash, hundreds lose their lives. When nuclear reactors fail, the damage lasts for decades.

In 1986, a flawed reactor design at Chernobyl, Russia caused a leak whose effects are still being felt today. Twenty-one people died in the accident itself and at least 100 have died from cancer due to radiation exposure.

Today, the plant is still leaking radiation.

Although nuclear power is clean and efficient, a meltdown near a city would cause

significant deaths from exposure.

Reactors are vulnerable when not checked constantly, to keep them from spewing a dangerous amount of radiation into the atmosphere. According to some thermodynamics professors, every nuclear power reactor annually generates 20-30 tons of high-level nuclear waste and, unshielded, it delivers a lethal dose that will remain a hazard for at least 12,000 human generations.

The Fukushima accident happened in March of 2011, when an earthquake of magnitude 9.0 and tsunami hit the nuclear plant located in this seaport city in Japan. The tsunami engulfed about 560 square kilometers and resulted in the deaths of more than 19,000. Damage to coastal ports and towns caused more than a million buildings to be destroyed or partly collapsed.

The plant accident could cost Japan up to $250 billion over the next 10 years. The estimate [See Nuclear, page 5]

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OPINION

Sincerely, Aggie: It’s the Same Old Story, Monica

By Agnessa Kasumyan

EL VAQUERO MANAGING EDITOR

A

s a child of the ’90s, I cannot even begin to remember when I first learned of the Monica Lewinsky-Bill Clinton scandal. As unfortunate as this is, it would be like trying to remember when I first learned to walk or talk. That’s just how explosive the scandal was and continues to be (albeit unnecessarily).

As the media’s obsession with presidential elections begins to rear its ugly head two years before the next horse-race even begins, we are yet again reminded of the Clinton family’s sullied past as a result of ol’ Bill’s transgressions with Lewinsky, who was a young White House intern at the time of their affair.

When Lewinsky’s personal narrative was released in Vanity Fair this month, my initial reaction was to roll my eyes and declare that somebody would have to be either really stupid or really naive not to

realize that this was just another political game, a ploy to dampen Hillary’s chances of becoming the first female president of the United States.

As of yet, I am far too cynical to completely rule out Lewinsky’s decision to bring yet more scrutiny to the scandal that rocked the nation as anything other than a strategic threat to Hillary’s potential campaign or a publicity stunt to gain more attention and public pity. Although I cannot imagine the toll all that humiliating publicity must have had on her, all these headlines about Lewinsky “finally breaking her silence” is just plain poppycock.

She first broke her silence in 1999 when she made the conscious decision to appear on Barbara Walters’s show in order to try to justify having an affair with not only a married man but the leader of the free world. Then in 2002 she appeared on Larry King Live to essentially promote the HBO documentary “Monica in Black and

Nuclear Plant Leaks Radiation [Nuclear, from page 4]

of the Nuclear Safety Commission’s ongoing survey of opinions on the disaster from nuclear and other experts. The financial costs of the Fukushima disaster will take many years to recover.

So far the Japanese government has reported three deaths caused by radiation poisoning, which includes the head of the nuclear power plant who died from radiation exposure, but according to Bloomberg Business news there may be as many as 1,300 cancer deaths still to come.

The Japanese government is not cooperating with the media and seems to be withholding information.

Death tolls, radiation amounts, fish and water safety, and the possibility of future cancer cases are not being reported.

According to PR Watch.org, a liberal non-profit ageancy, poor mainstream media coverage of Japan’s two-year-long struggle to gain control over the Fukushima disaster has deprived the world

of crucial information about the risks of nuclear power following natural disasters. After a few weeks of covering the early aftermath of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami, the U.S. media moved on, leaving behind the crisis at Fukushima, which continues to unfold.

Some Americans have been affected by the radiation there as well. A group of U.S. Navy personnel involved in the humanitarian effort after the disaster have filed a lawsuit against the Tokyo Electric Power Co. for more than $200 million in damages and future medical costs for exposure to radiation.

The San Onofre nuclear plant is currently being prepared to shut down due to faulty steam generators. Imagine if an earthquake caused damage to that reactor, which is so close to Los Angeles. We would be in the same situation Japan is in now − maybe worse.

Maybe we should just stick to natural power sources such as solar and wind.

Alin Boughousi can be reached at alin.boughousi@student.glendale.edu

White” — a documentary idea that Lewinsky pitched to the network herself and one that would only fuel more rumors and attention to the affair that led to her downfall.

Although Lewinsky had every right to defend herself and try to correct any misconceptions she felt the public had, what bothers me about her interviews is that she tries to portray herself as a young, hapless, and naive victim who was hopelessly in love with Clinton and did not know better at the time. She was 22 years old, which made her four years older than the legal age and grown-up enough to realize that having relations with a married president was probably not the wisest choice she could have made.

Not only was there the integrity of a political party and a nation’s trust in their president to consider, but did Clinton or Lewinsky ever stop to think about how their actions would affect their families?

Clinton had a wife and child while Lewinsky’s mother — per her narrative — had to witness her public humiliation and suicidal state when news of the affair broke out.

Being “young and in love” does not excuse such selfish, inappropriate behavior.

Known for his infamous charm and charisma, it is safe to say

that many men and women were probably infatuated with the former president. However, not everyone chose to act on those impulses or further publicize it once the media circus began.

Lewinsky had years to explain herself to the public and, as evident by the aforementioned interviews, she was given many chances to do so. If she really, truly wants to put an end to the circus surrounding the scandal, she would let it die down by not willingly giving anymore interviews to high-profile journalists and networks.

Yet she chose to write a personal narrative in Vanity Fair. Mind you, the narrative was not very different than her statements made on Walters’ and King’s shows.

However, there is a lot to learn from the ultimate office-romance gone wrong. The public was far more forgiving of their president than they were of the young intern; however, it took two people to carry out the affair.

Clinton was as much at fault as Lewinsky — if not more, considering his status as president and his seniority over the younger woman.

Yet it was Lewinsky who bore the brunt of the scandal and who has been slut-shamed for nearly two decades. Although Clinton was

nearly impeached, charges against him were dropped and he went on to gain further acclaim and respect as a political figure.

In fact, when I had to write a report on Clinton and rate him as a president for my AP U.S. Government class, I gave him an “A” regardless of the scandal.

Although my teacher did not necessarily agree with this decision because his actions reflected negatively on the Democratic party, his accomplishments as president should not be undermined by bad judgment calls in his personal life.

Putting her intentions regarding speaking out about the affair aside, Lewinsky should have been afforded the same chance, yet both the public and the media were determined to downgrade her and gain cheap laughs at her expense.

Had Clinton been a female president, I wonder if he would have received the same treatment Lewinsky has all these years.

In all honesty, the affair was blown out of proportion. So they had an affair — not exactly a bright decision, especially for a president, but life happens. Move on and bury this scandal along with Lewinsky’s blue dress.

Agnessa Kasumyan can be reached at agnessakas@gmail.com

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

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EDITORIAL

Concealed Carry Would Revive Wild West

By Sal Polcino

EL VAQUERO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

I

n response to more than 20 deaths in school shootings during this year alone, 19 states have introduced legislation to allow students to carry concealed weapons on college campuses.

Along with the NRA and the usual pro-gun enthusiasts, an organization called Students for Concealed Carry has arisen and has managed to garner 31,000 fans on their Facebook page.

These organizations espouse arming students and teachers as a way to circumvent shootings on campus. With slogans like “Guns Save Lives” and “Gun-free = Defense-free,” they are protesting

what they refer to as the “Empty Holster” laws.

Colorado, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin already have provisions in the law for students to carry weapons on campus and Georgia will follow suit on July 1 with similar legislation.

However, an overwhelming majority of college students are vehemently against these laws.

A recent study by the Journal of American College Health showed that 78 percent of students are opposed to weapons on campus.

This issue has been a topic of discussion dating to the mid1870s. On Sept. 11, 1874, the Los Angeles Herald published the following article:

“

Boys and Pistols: Yesterday at noon a boy sixteen years of age shot himself, or was shot by his brother. It matters not who fired the fatal shot. No criminal act was intended or committed, and the boy is dead. He was a member of the High School of this city and was, we are told, something over the average good boy of Los Angeles.

This boy lost his life through the too common habit among boys of carrying deadly weapons. We do not

know that this habit can be broken up. We do not know that schoolteachers have the right, or would exercise it if they had, of searching the pockets of their pupils, but it seems almost a necessity that some such rule be enforced. The hills west of town are not safe for pedestrians after school hours. Nearly every schoolboy carries a pistol, and the power of these pistols range from the harmless six-bit auction concern to the deadly Colt’s six-shooter.

”

The NRA and supporters would be happy to take the country back 150 years. Guns didn’t protect students then, and guns are not the solution now.

Proponents of concealed carry feel that good guys with guns always trump bad guys with guns, but there is no way to distinguish between the two. A good student may develop emotional problems and decide suicide is the only solution. A child tormented by bullies may reach the breaking point and take revenge.

Luckily, these laws will never pass here in California, but for the red states — only time will tell.

Sal Polcino can be reached at apolcin587@student.glendale.edu

FEATURE

CVA Coalition Works to Keep Kids Off Drugs

By Moises Torres

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

For more than a decade, the Crescenta Valley Alliance has fought to prevent underage drug and alcohol use. Glendale police detective Matt Zakarian and police officer Joe Allen founded the organization.

Its vision is rooted in

educating the community about drugs and alcohol and its mission is raising awareness and creating a drug and alcohol free lifestyle.

Through this vision, the alliance actively engages the community.

It provides information, resources, and workshops that educate Crescenta Valley’s community through various methods.

The youth group, an extension of the alliance, focuses its efforts on youth engagement. Lyova Zalyan, a Glendale city employee and student at GCC, coordinates its meetings and events.

Zalyan was involved in a peer-mentoring program in high school, and later began interning at the city clerk’s office. There he met Zakarian and was appointed

with coordinating the youth group. A year later, the youth group finds is in full effect.

“We usually have about 20 to 30 kids that come to the meetings, but we have about 10 kids who are our core group,” said Zalyan.

Zalyan is in charge of creating a fun atmosphere while implementing the core values of the alliance. His goal is to show teenagers that they can have a sociable and fun time without drugs or alcohol.

“Our first event was a bowling night,” said Zalyan. “Everyone was so nervous. We didn’t know if people were going to come, but we had more than 70 kids show up.”

While its youth group has social events, it also helps teenagers with other aspects of their lives. For example, it offers stress management workshops with the goal of helping young people find positive outlets to manifest their stress.

According to a Live Science article, “10 Things Every Parent Should Know About Their Teen’s Brain,” there is an increase in brain matter during adolescence, which boosts mental faculties and processing power. Although their mental capacities increase, most adolescents have not cultivated skills to utilize their brain capacities effectively under stress.

Since the first year of the youth group’s inception, Zalyan has noted some positive changes

in his core group.

“They’ve learned what to say to others about drugs and alcohol and how to reject them when offered,” said Zalyan. “They ask a lot of questions and also want to create a forum to inform other people.”

While working with youth, the alliance also offers resources for parents to take advantage of including workshops and information sessions that focus on identifying signs of drug usage.

These services are created to aid parents in providing a healthy lifestyle for their children.

The alliance also holds joint meetings with other related organizations and prominent individuals from around the area.

Congressman Adam Schiff, (D-CA 28th District), Senator Carol Liu, (D - CA 25th District), and vice president of the Crescenta Valley Town Council Harry Leon are individuals who attended in the past.

Through these meetings, both the alliance and their partners analyze their progress and develop new ways to improve their communities.

The alliance’s youth group holds its meetings at 4409 La Crescenta Ave. ITS meetings dates are every first and fourth Thursday of the month from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Moises Torres can be reached at moisestorres187@yahoo.com

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7

FEATURES

Custodians Put a Bright Shine on Campus

By Fidel Cantu

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

hey are the hardworking custodians — a team made up of a wide range of cultural and professional backgrounds. They clean the offices, the classrooms and blackboards, empty the trash cans, clean the toilets and sweep the footbridge - keeping the campus scenic and attractive for students.

These under-appreciated workers go about their daily chores, working odd hours and almost invisible to students.

Aida Avedissian, a senior custodian, has worked at GCC for 25 years. Avedissian is originally from Iraq where she was a typist for an oil company. Her job there was to translate documents from English to Arabic.

“My job in Iraq paid well, and since I was the oldest of my siblings, I had to take care of my family,” she said.

With her earnings, Avedissian was able to cover her brother’s college tuition; however, in 1980, she and her family left Iraq to pursue political and religious freedom in the United States.

“I didn’t want to leave,” she said. “I liked my job and my co-workers but leaving was inevitable.”

To those who come in contact with her, Avedissian serves as a mother figure. She keeps a box full of safety pins and band-aids for students in her office, in case they get a scrape or fall during the dance classes.

“I have a great relationship with the students and staff here,” she said. “I love them all. I treat them with respect and everyone respects me. I love my job and I work hard at it.“ Although several students have asked her why she does not get an office job, especially since she speaks English, her response is always that the enjoys the people she works with and that she does her job with pride.

Avedissian has received many awards for her outstanding work and dedication, but one of her favorites was given to her by a student, and was presented to her through the GCC Board of Trustees — a large coffee mug with a picture of the world, which she keeps neatly tucked away in her locker.

“This award means a great

deal to me,” she said. “When the student gave it to me, she said, ‘You’re the best in the world,’ but I’m a simple person. When I do something, I do it with all my heart and I guess that’s my signature.”

Pastor C. Soto, originally from Culiacan, Mexico, has been with the college for 15 years — two of them at the Garfield campus and one at the Professional Development Center in Montrose. Soto said he enjoys the camaraderie he has with his fellow workers.

“We have each others’ backs,” he said. “When one of us can’t make it to work for whatever reason, we just do their work.”

Soto does not complain much, but sometimes finds it annoying trying to access the women’s restrooms to do his job.

“I just wish the girls wouldn’t wear headphones in the bathroom,” Soto said. “It is very hard to get their attention when I need to clean — especially when I’m yelling at the top of my lungs ‘custodian!’ and the girls can’t hear me and don’t answer. They are surprised to see me.”

Soto has a good relationship with students and staff. He said they are always courteous and he enjoys the interaction with all of them.

Raul Yepez is a former professional soccer player from Mexico who played for the Atlas soccer club based in Guadalajara and now works at GCC. Yepez has been an avid soccer player since he was 14 years old.

He played for several semi-pro teams until he landed a job with Atlas.

Being a goalkeeper, which was a very demanding position, instilled a great deal of discipline, which he carried over into other aspects of his life.

“I take a lot of pride in what I do,” said Yepez. “I always work hard because your work reflects the type of person that you are.

I love keeping the campus clean for the students and making their stay a little better.”

Today Yepez enjoys the game more as a spectator. In fact, he travels to Mexico once a year to see the Classico, a soccer game between two of the most successful franchises in the Mexican league, Chivas versus America.

Custodian Carlos Avalos has worked on campus for 15 years.

Raised in Glendale, Avalos graduated from Hoover High School, going on to complete an associate of science degree in computer technology from GCC. However, he said jobs in the computer field were drying up.

“I could not find a job and, while I was a student, I was also a part-time custodian,” said Avalos. ”I worked briefly for United Parcel Service, but GCC offered me an opportunity to go full-time and I took it. I’ve been here since.”

Avalos said that what he likes best about his job is working with students and the relationships he keeps with his fellow workers.

The one thing that concerns him is that he sees the school growing and wonders if the staff is also going to grow, hoping the workers they hire are not just part-timers.

“The best thing about my job is that the school got rid of the third shift, which starts at 10 p.m. and ends at 6 a.m.,” he said.

“That shift is hard on the body — you don’t sleep and you don’t eat right. I’m very happy now. “ There are many other workers on campus, such as the technical

Photo by Kathy Bakowicz

CAMPUS CLEANUP: Carlos Avalos sweeps trash from the stairs in Plaza Vaquero on May 6. Avalos is a Glendale native who earned an associate of science degree at GCC.

staff, engineering and office staff that work just as hard and get very little recognition for their excellent work. The work of the custodians is evident on

campus every day, but the men and women who do the job go unheralded..

Fidel Cantu can be reached at fcan2@dslextreme.com

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

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FEATURE

Theater Arts Stoked the Flames with ‘Firebugs’

By Moises Torres

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

dramatic manifestation of onstage talent, powerful satire, and climatic scenes glued the audience to their seats as “Firebugs: A Morality Without a Moral” delivered a jolting punch.

“Firebugs” was written by Max Frisch and translated by Mordecai Gorelik, written for radio in 1953, following World War II as an allegory for Nazism, and presented off-Broadway in 1963.

It was a vivid musical exploration of humanity, morality, ethics, and comedic humor. The play delved into areas intrinsic to humanity, where morals and benevolence are abundant, yet hard to manifest on a daily basis.

It challenged the audience to look into their own sphere of humanity and deal with obscure precepts of goodness.

Directed by Ed Douglas, the story revolves around arsonists who disguised themselves as door-to-door salesmen, who easily persuade their victims to let them into their homes.

Arsonists plague the town and a stern warning is circulated around the town to report any suspicious behavior. This action instills paranoia and anxiety into the inhabitants of the town.

The story begins as Schmitz, one of the arsonists, performed

by Aldo Garcia-Padilla, arrives at the home of Mr. Biederman, a German businessman played

by Peter Von Sholly. Schmitz is greeted by Anna, the maid played by Amanda Pepper, who quickly becomes annoyed by the excessive demands of Schmitz.

Thereafter, Anna’s hands are even busier as she tends to Schmitz’s accomplice, Eisenring, performed

by Kyle Tristan Chua. Moreover, Babette, Mr. Biederman’s wife played by Angela Thompson, constantly despises Schmitz and Eisenring, wishing they would leave their residence.

Powerful narratives unfold as they challenge the benevolence of Biederman. They utilize the precepts of good will and humanity to sway Biederman into harboring their gasoline and fire equipment. At first Biederman is inquisitive about Schmitz and Eisenring’s intentions, yet he falls victim to their subtle rhetoric.

Biederman unknowingly aides their efforts as he is under the illusion that Eisenring

Photos by Jonathan Williams FIREBUGS:Schmitz, one of the arsonists, performed by Aldo Garcia-Padilla, and his accomplice, Eisenring, performed by Kyle Tristan Chua, discuss their evil plans, above. Anna the maid, played by Amanda Pepper, below.

and Schmitz are his friends.

The dynamic duo provides a refreshing, witty and humorous dialogue as the storyline revolves around their comedic interactions with Mr. Biederman and their manipulation of Babette.

The acting was enticing, powerful, and compelling. The actors from this pool of talent were quality at its finest. For a moment, one may have forgotten they were students, and not Hollywood A-listers.

They provided the refinement, the energy, and skills to adequately portray their onstage characters.

Church bells set a dark, tense mood and characterized the evolution of the play. It ran jitters down your spine as you couldn’t help but feel the suspense of what was going to happen next.

Then without notice, the town firefighters raided the stage. Cold, stoic, and powerful characterized their demeanor as their presence provided a dialogue that captured your attention immediately.

In addition, the play was elevated by the pinpoint aesthetic appeal of the costumes and

props. Maybe they could have been more dynamic to add more dimensions to the plot, but they were on point nonetheless. The design of the stage established the right setting and allowed the stage to create the perfect ambiance. It was perfect for the elaborate storyline and Douglas’ distinct directing skills. Some of the positives were the intriguing performances of the cast, the subtle comedy, and the climactic finish that exacerbates heartpumping suspense.

The directing was smooth and the transitions flawless. Douglas elaborated scenes clearly, and challenged your nerves constantly. He concluded the plot with a suspenseful climatic finish that left the audience emotionally satisfied. The hard work of Douglas, his talented cast, and everyone working behind the scenes was evident as they delivered a dramatic, heart pumping play.

Moises Torres can be reached at moisestorres187@yahoo.com

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

9

FEATURES

International Students Showcase Talents

By Alexandra Duncan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

rms swirled gracefully through the air beneath the beating sun and liquid movements flowed through each of the dancers’ bodies as they performed at Plaza Vaquero.

Tibor Fober and Yani Santos danced Brazilian and hip-hopstyle and with two other entrants sang in their unique styles Thursday, during the secondannual International Student Association talent show.

Santos’ long, curly locks of hair whipped through the air to the pulsating vibrations of the bass as her partner cradled her in his arms.

Ariana Soroudi, a Los Angeles native studying opera, also performed, hitting the high notes in Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” Kasha Fernandes, another performer, sang “Sway” and won the crowd over with some jazzy tunes.

Mariah Ribeiro, adviser to the ISA for 15 years, collaborated with ASGCC to put on the talent show for its second year. The radio station Uforia Klove (107.5) was also present, recording live

ENGAGING THE AUDIENCE: Students dance along with the contestants at the ISA talent show at Plaza Vaquero on Thursday May 8.

from a booth next to the show.

ISA advisor, Sarah Kim, a student from South Korea, said that the talent show was originally for international students only.

“We sent an email to all of the international students on campus and posted flyers,” said Kim. Hyacinth De Cuba, a member of the ISA, said that Klove radio had been in contact with the ISA and said that she supports anything international.

“The talent show was created by us, but we got help from domestic students,” said De Cuba.

According to Ribeiro, some performers never showed up

for the talent show and all the remaining contestants were allotted a cash prize.

To fill some time, ASGCC held an on-the-spot talent competition that included a performance of “Stand By Me”, “Doll in the Music Box,” some robotic breakdancing moves and stand-up poetry.

Students showed support as they circled around performers, applauded and swayed to the music.

The Filipino club and the ISA provided refreshments as well.

Photos by Kathy Bakowicz Alexandra Duncan can be reached at alexandran.duncan@gmail.com

SWAYING TO THE MUSIC: International student dancers, Yani Santos and Tibor Fober, perform at the ISA talent show.

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

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FEATURES

Latinas in STEM Promote Math and Science

By Lucas Yepez

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

lthough we live in a society that strives to break away from the traditional roles of men and women, it can still be hard for many to fathom a woman engineer. Jazlyn Carvajal and the Latinas in the STEM Foundation program seek to end these stereotypes one workshop at a time.

Representatives came to host “Latinas in STEM,” a conference in the Student Center and the auditorium on May 10, which consisted of various workshops and lectures, encouraging mainly high school and middle school Hispanic women and their parents to pursue a degree in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

Jazlyn Carvajal, one of the founders, is passionate about working in engineering and inspiring others to do so. She majored in civil engineering and works in construction management.

“After one conference, I was approached by four girls who I inspired, which made me very excited, so I told my friends we could really create a support network system,” Carvajal said.

Latinas in STEM was created in 2013 by MIT Engineering graduates in order to help out their communities. The founders were all the first in their families to attend college, and they want

to reciprocate the direct outreach they received when they were in high school.

The day’s schedule consisted of breakfast in the morning; workshops with the Do-ItYourself Girls; a parent and student lecture about STEM and financial aid; free lunch of

activity I was involved in,” said Carvajal.

Originally from Chile and Puerto Rico, her parents pushed her to get straight A’s so she wouldn’t have to work hard for low wages.

“People are impressed by how we came from low socioeconomic

“You should still keep at it,” said Carvajal. “I think it’s beautiful how there are multiple ways of solving a problem.”

Students from Alhambra, Southgate and El Verne and others gathered in the auditorium later in the day, to hear lectures from speakers Dr. Richard Cortes

sandwiches, fruit and water; a game of Jeopardy; and a Latinas in STEM Panel.

The DIY Girls is a nonprofit organization that aims to encourage females to get involved with education, technology and engineering, by providing them with hands-on educational work.

“We are tired of being the minority in fields dominated by men,” Carvajal said. “Only two percent of all STEM professionals are Latinas. We want to be that catalyst that strives and changes the members through support and mentoring.”

She stressed the impact made on students and their parents, and how its a team effort. Parents need to be educated about the opportunities in order to help their child succeed.

“My parents were always there for me. They went to every

backgrounds and did so much for our careers,” she said.

Mentorship was emphasized as an important part of the process. There were times whernCarvajal felt she wasn’t cut out for the field, that as a woman she didn’t belong. Guidance from others made her feel motivated to persevere.

Her parents were at first confused by the concept of her going away to college. It was challenging for them, but eventually they became so wrapped up in the college affairs of their daughter that they became the “adoptive parents” of her college friends, cooking meals and driving them around.

Carvajal believes that STEM can be a good fit for those who apply themselves. She said that those who can’t get math just might need to learn a different way.

from GCC and the founding members of the Latina STEM Foundation.

One Latino speaker, who earned his masters degree from a CSU, picked students from the audience and asked them who motivated them. Some said their parents, who either graduated or worked manual labor jobs, pushed them to have a better life.

One father said, “If you want to be stupid like me you’re going to work like me.”

Another speaker talked about how growing up in Hispanic communities makes members grow too comfortable. They need to realize is that situations that make you uncomfortable will make you stronger in the long run.

Noramay Cadena, one of the engineers, was accepted into MIT despite being a teen mother.

Student Exhibit Opens in Gallery

Photos by Kathy Bakowicz

MOD POPS: The Annual Student Art show opened Tuesday and will run through June 3 in the GCC Art Gallery in the library building. An awards ceremony will be held on May 22. Gallery attendees contemplate various artwork on opening day, above and “Naha,” a photo by Amina Touray, right. Touray is an international student from Sweden.

She cites this as one of her major motivations to be successful in STEM. “Cutting myself out of the hole I dug was pretty challenging,” said Cadena. “My advice to others with adversity is to plan on getting through one week at time, and then a week after that etc.

If you can get through one week, you can get through another one.

I thought about how I didn’t want my daughter to have a hard life.”

Veronica Garcia, another founder, said her parents came from Mexico and made sacrifices for their daughter to have a better life. However, they weren’t prepared for her to go off to MIT. “They were supportive but mom was crying when I left the house,” said Garcia. “It made me feel worse, since I was already nervous about going to a place full of strangers.”

With a bit of humor, she advised parents in the audience not to show tears or sadness in front of their child — they can let it all out when they leave.

At the end of the conference, two iPads and other gifts were raffled to audience members with corresponding tickets, but perhaps the biggest prize of the day was free — the key to success.

Lucas Yepez can be reached at lyepez7@aol.com

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

11

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Phresh N Phamous Talks Hip Hop

By Kristine Dizon

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

W

ith his fedora hat, relaxed attitude, and positive energy, Jordan Gore, also known as Jay-O, epitomizes radio-host charm.

Despite having interviewed big-name artists like Big Sean, Andrew Schulz, and YG, Gore, 22, also focuses on indie, less well-known hip-hop artists to help promote their music.

He realized his passion for hosting when his mother pushed him to take a radio broadcasting class because she thought he had the voice for it. Describing his mom as his “anchor,” Gore said his mother inspires his ambitions and successes.

“I wouldn’t be doing an interview with you if my mom did not encourage me to do radio,” he said.

His mother, Erinn Davenport, said he loves to learn about people. He is curious no matter how trivial it may seem to others.

The name “Phresh N Phamous” derives from his former music group. While his partner was “Phresh,” he was “Phamous.” The duo was only known

locally and eventually branched out; however, Gore kept the name because he loved how it sounded.

With 500 interviews and 125 broadcasted radio shows behind him, Gore seems far from slowing down his momentum, having come a long way since he first started his show in 2009.

His very first show took place in his mother’s kitchen, his only equipment a computer, a recording device, and a Guitar Hero microphone. Because his initial guest did not show up, his friend, a musician who goes by the name “Mr. Too Deep,” filled the slot.

With no questions prepared beforehand, he improvised and asked basic questions, such as the origins of his stage name and his background.

Noah Venerable, Gore’s stepbrother, said he has come a long way since then.

“He took the risk to go after the big names in the hip-hop industry because he loves what he does,” Venerable said.

According to former co-host Kalisha Perera, Gore asks very intriguing and well-thought-out questions that dig deeper into his interviewee’s mind.

“He makes sure that the per-

Photo by Jonathan Williams

JAY-O: Student and podcast host Jordan Gore talks about his interviews with Big Sean and other artists in the Media Arts studio on April 24. Gore presents a new radio show every Tuesday at 7 p.m.

son he interviews gets their point across,” she said.

Although he was born in Pasadena, Gore went to five different high schools and split his time between Texas, where his father lived, and California. However, he has no regrets about his unconventional high school experience because it helped him learn the

power of networking and talking to different people, which has helped him grow more independent with his craft.

Gore said Phresh N Phamous will always be his baby because this was his first business and he built it from the ground up to success. He also wants to spread words of positivity.

His show is broadcasted online at phreshNphamous.com.

Although he earns revenue from special promotions, this is not always consistent. However, his passion for broadcast and his desire to grow keep him going.

Kristine Dizon can be reached at krstndzon@gmail.com

Comedy Show Raises Funds for Mentor Program

By Lucas Yepez

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he SPARK Committee hosted a Comedy Night fundraiser Thursday in the student center, an event filled with laughter, entertainment and delicious food and drinks. The room, decorated with blue balloons, was full of people who were ready to be amused.

SPARK, which stands for Students Providing Assistance, Resources and Knowledge, is an organization on campus that pro-

vides mentors to new students.

Its goal is to help new students adjust and move forward in their education.

The funds go toward raising money for scholarships available to SPARK mentees.

The mentees have to be nominated by their mentors in order to receive a scholarship.

The SPARK committee consists of Hoover Zariani, Nane Kokosian, Allen Andreassian and Armineh Gourgian.

“Scholarships are given to

outstanding students who show a great amount of participation and community service projects,” said Andrea Gomez, ambassador from the Center for Student Involvement.

English-American comedian and host of the event David Conolly, was the first to perform.

“Suicide is punishable by death,” social commentary, capital punishment, British sports and salmon in strawberry DNA were part of his repertoire. Conolly has had an extensive career as a co-

median. He was selected as one of the top 10 headline comedians in L.A.. He has also performed all over the U.S. and Europe, and appeared on television.

Ashley Hernandez followed Conolly’s with jokes about marijuana, L.A. people and Compton. Comedians Caterina Franco, Brett Banta and Byron Valino were also on the program.

Tony Ming, another comic, said he works at CSUN as a guidance counselor, in addition to being a commedian, producer, and

Write for El Vaquero this Fall Take Journalism 102 this Summer: JOURN 102 - 3.00 - REPORTING THE NEWS Transfer Credit: CSU Monday - Thursday 8:00am-11:20am 06/23/2014 - 07/31/2014

appears at Flappers in Burbank and the Comedy Store in Hollywood.

“I’m preventing the wrong type of people from fulfilling their dreams,” he said.

With a crowded room full of content and smiling people, it seemed likely that the SPARK program would achieve its funding expectations.

Lucas Yepez can be reached at lyepez7@aol.com

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

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SPORTS

Hosep Orojian Serves His Way To The Top

By Kendall Faulkner EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

F

or many students, their freshman year of college is critical in determining the direction of their lives.

Despite being only in his first year of college, Hosep Orojian is considered GCC’s number one tennis player for the 2014 season, leading his team in singles matches (a game of one-on-one tennis).

“It’s a good feeling,” Orajian said. “It shows that you improved and worked hard.”

Although Orojian may be new to college athletics, he has been playing tennis since he was 11 years old. His uncle introduced him to the sport due to the influence of professional tennis player Andre Agassi, who is of Armenian descent from Iran.

Orojian’s family background is similar to that of Agassi. Although Armenian, Orojian was born in Iran but his family migrated to Armenia a few years later. During his late childhood, however, they moved to the United States.

He attended Glendale High for two years but chose home-school in his last two years in order to focus on tennis and give himself more time to practice.

When his tennis coach asked if he would move to Argentina with him to explore better ten-

Photo by Jonathan Williams

HARD-HITTING: Hosep Orojian lines up a forehand smash during a match agaisnt the Pierce Brahmas at home.

nis opportunities, Orojian agreed, despite having received a scholarship to UC Davis. After a few months in Argentina, he discovered how difficult it is to maintain a professional tennis career, espe-

cially since many players begin training from a very young age.

Realizing he was not ready to take that step, he moved back to California. When he returned, it was too late to accept UC Davis’s

offer, so he enrolled at GCC. “I was prepared to work hard,” he said. I did not know what to expect, but I did not expect it would be easy. I wanted to come here and get educated.”

Knowing some of the players on the tennis team was an advantage, describing his team as a tight unit and the members as his best friends.

“He is competitive,” said Head Tennis Coach Bob MacKay. “He has a real nice personality and he is funny. He is a team member - it makes you wonder what he had to do to become a player like him, because it doesn’t happen overnight.”

Orojian believes tennis and life have many parallels. The game of tennis is all mental, just like life. The way that one handles themself on the court is similar to the way they would handle themselves in many aspects or struggles in life. What one sees on the court is what one sees in life.

“What I learned from the tennis guys [in Argentina] is that they are fighters,” Orojian said.

“That is what I took out of it. I became more of a fighter.”

MacKay says that the name of the game is not practice — it is matches.

“He knows his way around that tennis court,” said MacKay. “That is his house.”

Despite his humorous person-

ality and the kindness he displays, he still takes each match very seriously. Because his love for the game is so strong, losses are never easy.

“I get mad and I take my anger out on the opponent,” Orojian said, acknowledging the fact that he has a temper.

He regretfully recalls getting into verbal arguments with a Bakersfield player.

“He is the nicest guy ever and I just attacked,” he said.

Just like he is trying to figure out how to control his anger in the face of loss, he is also still figuring out where his life is going to take him with his next three years of college. Despite having worked with professional players, he is still not sure if he would like to that next step upon graduation.

However, because he loves the game, he sees himself playing for the rest of his life — even if it is not professionally.

“I can’t see it right now, because it matters how I feel in that time,” Orojian said. “My game isn’t that bad, I could try. It’s the effort. [The question is] do I want to put myself in that situation after college?”

His long-term goals include transferring to a university and continuing to play tennis as he studies business.

Kendall Faulkner can be reached at kendallafaulkner@gmail.com

Hall of Fame to Welcome New Members

By Sherlyn Ann Maguit EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he Glendale College Athletic Hall of Fame will welcome five new members in October.

They will be recognized for their exceptional work and achievements that have made a significant contribution to the college and its athletic department.

The Class of 2014 Athletic Hall of Fame will be honoring the following categories: Outstanding Athletic Achievement; Meritorious Service; Pillar of Achievement; Outstanding Coach and Outstanding team.

The two notable athletes who will be celebrated for outstanding achievement are Kelly Korras and Mark McMillian.

Korras has had success as an

athlete on and off the softball field. During her years at GCC, Korras’ athletic abilities led her to arise as one of the top players in the Western State Conference. In 2007 she was named Glendale College Softball Rookie of the Year. She was also awarded the league’s Pitcher of the Year, All-State selection and Women’s Softball Player of the Year, all in 2008.

She never thought that she can would achieve that much success in such a short amount of time.

“I didn’t really believe I could accomplish all that,” said Korras.

Her former softball coach, the late David Wilder known as

Coach Hawk, pushed Korras to reach her true potential.

“He taught me so much on and

off the field,” said Korras. “I use what I’ve learned from him in my everyday life.”

Korras, who was born in South Africa, continued her softball career playing for the 2012 South African National team that competed in the International Softball Federation World Championship. Currently, Korras is the athletic compliance coordinator at CSUN after beginning as an intern two years ago.

Soon after Coach Hawk passed away in June 2013, Korras received an email from Alex Leon, the sports information director, about being honored in the Athletic Hall of Fame. It was quite shocking to her. Korras brother, Brett Fos-

ter was Wilder’s former assistant Coach.

“My brother knew in advance that I was getting inducted to the hall of fame. He was good at keeping it a secret,” said Korras.

“I was shocked, extremely honored and excited. I wish Coach Hawk was here to witness it.”

Also honored in the same category is Mark McMillian, a former NFL player, who played only one year of high school football as a cornerback before earning a scholarship to Glendale Community College. He was an AllAmerican in 1988, while playing for the Vaqueros. He then transferred to the University of Alabama, playing for Coach Gene Stallings.

[See Hall of Fame, page 13]

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13

SPORTS

Track and Field Team Captain Leaves a Legacy

By R.J. Saunders

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

W

hen one thinks of winning teams, they usually remember that one player who shined the brightest. The Glendale track team had an outstanding season this year and sophomore decathlon standout Quaid Vuncannon is that player.

Vuncannon, a San Clemente High School graduate, went out for track during freshman year of high school. That was only because he was too small to make the basketball team.

“I was only 5-foot-3 and 95 pounds. Once I got on the track team and I wanted to throw the discus,” Vuncannon said. “I was not throwing very far but I definitely loved doing it. I ended up throwing discus all four years of high school.”

However, once Vuncannon’s senior year came around, he wanted to try and do something different.

“My senior year I really started thinking about the decathlon,” he said. “I had always been on the smaller end as a thrower and was able to jump fairly high and run pretty fast. It just made sense. It just felt right.”

When Vuncannon arrived on at GCC, he joined the track team as a discus thrower. After a conversation with assistant coach

Tomas Aguirre, he decided to become a decathlete.

“Since he came to Glendale, he wanted to do decathlon, Aguirre said. “However, he had only done the discus in high school, which is [only] one of the events in the decathlon. I asked him if he was sure whether or not he wanted to do this, and he assured me that he did. We’ve worked hard since that day.”

Decathlon events require hard work and a strong work ethic.

That’s one of the things that the coaches, as well as the players, rave about — Vuncannon’s work ethic.

“Quaid works out about four hours a day,” said Glendale sprinter Raymond Ou. “He’s the first one to show up to the field, and the last one to leave. After he’s done working out here, he goes to his old high school and he works out some more.”

Coach Eddie Lopez said that Vuncannon improved tremendously since his freshman year.

“He’s improved 1,000 points from last year,” said Lopez.

“He also has the opportunity to become an All-American.”

Vuncannon finished sixth in the Southern California Regional tournament and will be competing in the state meet on Friday and Saturday. This is something that he has been dreaming about since

he came to Glendale.

“State had always been his goal,” said Aguirre. “He had missed it his freshman year, but that only made him work harder.

The great thing about him is that when he came in, we didn’t have to motivate him. He had already had that passion. Which made him that much easier to coach.”

With this being Vancannon’s final year as a Vaquero, he has put a lot of thought into where he would like to go to continue his track career. However, he said that all he’s focused about right now is the state conference.

“I’ve been in communication with a few Division I colleges and am excited to move on to the next level,” said Vuncannon.

“However, I plan on making my decision once I’m done with state.”

Many of his teammates have said that they will miss their captain once he leaves. Sprinter Jonathan Smith said that the team will definitely take what he taught them into next year.

“We really looked up to him.

He has taught us how to stay positive,” said Smith. “He was a guy that led by his actions. More than anything, he’s taught us how to take constructive criticism.”

Though the Vaqueros will lose an outstanding leader, Lopez has a different way of thinking about losing his captain.

Photo by Bryan Ramos

Quaid Vuncannon

“It’s been great to have an athlete like him because you don’t find too many like him,” Lopez said, “but I don’t feel sad that he’s leaving. I feel more accomplished. He’s going to the

next level like he wanted and I’m just glad that we were able to be a part of this ride.”

RJ Saunders can be reached at rsaunde243@student.glendale.edu

Athletes and Coaches to be Honored in October [Hall of Fame, from page 5] McMillian played in the NFL for eight years. He got his first NFL start in 1992, when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. He also played for the Saints, Chiefs, 49ers and Redskins. He earned the starting cornerback job going into the 1998 season with the Chiefs, where he still holds the record for most interception yards.

Two exceptional former coaches will also be honored in the hall of fame.

The Pillar of Achievement award goes to an exceptional athlete, who played for the Vaqueros football team in 1960, then won a national championship with the USC Trojans in 1962 and is a former NFL offensive line coach.

Hudson Houck played at USC from 1962 to 1964, where he won a national title. He then began his coaching career at Crescenta Valley High School and soon after, coached the freshman team at USC. Houck has been an offensive line coach for nearly 30 years.

Houck has coached the L.A. Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers, and retired from the Dallas Cowboys in 2011. After spending one season with the Seahawks he was hired by the Cowboys as an offensive line coach, where he earned two Super Bowl Championship rings in 1993 and 1995.

John Cicuto’s 38 years of experience and passion for his job at Glendale Community College, led to his induction into the hall of fame for Outstanding Coach.

Cicuto started his coaching career at GCC, when he was hired

by Jim Sartoris in 1975. He assisted Sartoris for 14 years. Once Sartoris took the position of Athletic Director at GCC in 1988, Cicuto was the head coach for the Vaqueros football team. In 2007, Sartoris retired as the Athletic Director. Soon after, Cicuto took over and resigned from coaching in 2008.

Through his appreciation, he dedicates his success to his faculty, student athletes and coach Sartoris. The ability to mentor and make a difference in his students’ lives is what drives him.

“I truly love this college,” said Cicuto. “ There doesn’t come a day where I don’t thank the higher power that I had the opportunity to come here and spend my whole career at this college.”

Harry Hull, who is a community leader and former president of the Glendale College Foundation, will be receiving the award

for Meritorious Service.

Sherlyn Ann Maguit can be reached at sherlyn_maguit@hotmail.com

El Vaquero is always looking

... for interesting story ideas. Do you know of anyone on campus with a compelling life story?

Are you involved with an innovative campus program that the whole campus should know about? Do you have any ideas for improving the campus experience? Have you witnessed a possible news story that we may not know about?

Please contact us at:

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SPORTS

Several Vaqueros Qualify for State Track Final

By Jonathan Williams EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

T

he postseason is coming to a close for the both track teams as members qualified for the state meet on Friday and Saturday.

The Glendale women’s track and field team tied with Cerritos College with 54 points Saturday for fourth place and the men finished 14th at Riverside College.

Elizabeth Nelson’s two wins were the most among Glendale competitors as athletes from both teams qualified for the state championships May 16-17 at Mt. SAC. Nelson won the women’s 1500-meter and 5000-meter Saturday at the Southern California track and field finals.

Decathlete Quaid Vuncannon will represent Glendale in the 10-event decathlon Friday and Saturday while Caitlyn Selve will run the 10,000.

Last week, the Lady Vaqs captured the WSC title and another postseason appearance for the track and field program in the last five years.

The action starts on Friday at 8 a.m. and continues Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Jonathan Williams can be reached at haxial.jonathan@gmail.com

Photo by Bryan Ramos

AHEAD OF THE PACK: Nelson turns the corner and heads for the finish line at the Southern California regional final at Riverside College.

Nelson is transfering to Cal State Northridge after a her track career ends for the Vaqueros when this season over.

Vaq Shines at Golf Finals

Scoreboard

By Jonathan Williams

R E S U LT S Track and Field: SoCal Finals — Women: Fourth

place

Men: 14th place

EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

A

Men’s Golf: SoCal Finals: 10th place

UPCOMING Track and Field: Fri./Sat. — State Finals at Mt. SAC

at 10 a.m.

For more information visit: www.glendale.edu/athletics

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q va com.

Photo by Jonathan Williams

GAME FACE: Nelson bites her two medals from the regional final.

s the sole competitor to qualify for the California Community Colleges Athletic Association men’s golf championship match in Riverside, freshman Evin Davis fell short of capturing the state title.

Davis finished sixth in the overall standings, only five shots behind the leader College of the Canyons sophomore Sidney Wolf. Davis shot a 70 and posted the best score of the morning round with three other players, local Wes Hatton of Riverside and Johnny Greco of San Jose College. After a second round 74, Davis finished with a 144 even-par.

The hosts of the tournament, Riverside City College, took top honors after a tiebreaker after both rounds.

Riverside’s Chad Hambright and Canyons Mike Stewart went head-to-head to decide

the state champs. Hambright’s second round score of 78 edged out Stewart’s 79 by 1-stroke.

Despite his sixth place finish, Davis nodded all-state honors with four other competitors. Davis, Greg Robarge of Ventura, Marc Reyes of Orange Coast and Eric Cross of Riverside. Greco was also part of the all-state honors.

It marked the end of the postseason road for the Vaqueros and Coach Todd Tyni’s first year as head coach. Tyni was hired at the beginning of the season after 24 years of coaching high school golf within the Los Angeles Unified School District. Since 2009, Tyni has served as a adjunct faculty member on campus.

Many of Tyni’s former players moved on to play golf at the collegiate level, including many local community colleges and the NCAA. Jonathan Williams can be reached at haxial.jonathan@gmail.com

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

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Calendar On Campus EVENTS Swap Meet — The sale will be at the upper campus parking lot on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free and open to the public. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5805.

Campus Cleanup — ASGCC and the Facilities Department will host “Campus Beatification” on Saturday. Breakfast will be provided at 9 a.m. in the Student Center and the cleanup will begin at 9:30 a.m. The campus cleanup is open to all. For more information and to RSVP, email aspres@ glendale.edu.

AB540 Conference — V.O.I.C.E.S. will host “AB540 Spring Conference” on Friday at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in SC 212. The event is open to all. Discussion topics include the Dream Act, deferred action, scholarships, Cal Grants, immigration reform and more. For more information contact Fernanda Villegas at villegas. marifer@gmail.com.

ASGCC Elections — The ASGCC Elections for the fall semester start on Tuesday and Wednesday. The polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Plaza Vaquero. Election results will be posted by May 23.

Aviation Seminar — The Aviation and Space Club, GCC Aviation Department and the FAA will host an aviation safety seminar on May 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pilot Rod Machado will be the speaker.

Those interested in attending the event must RSVP at www.faasafety.gov. For more information send an email to GCCAviationAndSpaceClub@gmail.com.

Club Juice Sale — The Game of Thrones Club will be hosting a a charity sale today from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Plaza Vaquero. The club will be selling Jamba Juice drinks for $4.

Festival — ASGCC hosts the Culture Festival for students and clubs on Thursday at 12:20 at Plaza Vaquero.

MEETINGS Board of Trustees Meeting — The fifth meeting of the year is on Monday at 5 p.m. in Kreider Hall.

For information visit: www.glendale.edu/boardoftrustees.

ents “The Current Status of Native Americans from the Position of Native Americans, Part One.” Thursday from 12:20 to 1:30 p.m. in Kreider Hall.

L.A. Writers Reading Series — Amy Gerstler, poet and creative writing professor at UC Irvine, will read from select works and answer questions from the audience afterward. Gerstler published “Dearest Creature” in 2009. Tuesday from 12:20 to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center.

Humanities/Social Science Lecure Series — Professors Richard Kamei and Mark Maier presents “The Labor Movement: Then and Now.” May 22 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in CSS 177.

Science Lecture Series — Catherine Menard, a recent gradate in environmental design at Pasadena Art Center, presents “Beyond the Drawing Board: The Physical and Metaphysical Constructs of Memorialization.” May 27 from 12:20 to 1:30 p.m. in CS 177.

LECTURES

THEATER

All of the following lectures are free admission and open to all.

Student Showcase — The Theater Arts department presents “Theatre Arts Student Showcase” on May 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. in AU 102. Students will perform scenes

Cultural Diversity Series — Professor Roger Bowerman pres-

and monologues as a final performance for their acting class.

Free admission for all however late seating is not permitted.

MUSIC Vocal Concert — Dr. Jayne Campbell directs a performance that includes the college choir, chamber singers, and opera vignettes on Saturday. The concert is at the auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

General admission tickets are $7 and $5 for students and seniors.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office. For more information call 818-240-1000, ext. 5660.

Orchestra — Beth Pflueger will conduct the GCC Orchestra on Sunday at 3 p.m. in the auditorium. General admission tickets are $10 and $7 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the box office. For more information call 818-2401000, ext. 5829.

DANCE Performances — The Dance Department will host a series of performances from May 27 to to June 1 in the auditorium.

The dancers are students from dance production and jazz performance classes. The events on May 27, 30 and 31 start at 8 p.m.

May 28 and 29 has performances at 12:20 p.m. and 8 p.m. The June 1 performance begins at 2 p.m.

Admission is free. Late seating is not permitted.

PLANETARIUM Afternoon with the Stars — Students and staff can attend a free lunchtime program highlighting the planetarium’s features. “Tour of the Universe” will be presented on Thursday and May 22 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in CS 257. Admission is free and open to all.

For more information visit www. glendale.edu/planetarium or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5275.

ART GALLERY Student Art — The exhibit “Mod Pop” showcases student artwork runs through June 3 in the art gallery located in the library. A party and awards show will be held May 22 at 12:30 p.m. in the gallery. Admission is free and open to all. Gallery hours on Mondays and Wednesdays are 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday hours are noon to 5 p.m. Friday hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call (818) 240-1000, ext 5663.

Around Town THEATER A Noise Within — An adaptation of Molière’s “Tartuffe” will run through May 24. The production is directed by Julia RodriguezElliott. A production of William Inge’s “Come Back, Little Sheba” runs through Saturday. Located at 3352 E. Foothill Blvd in Pasadena. Tickets are $46 for the right and left side of the theater and $52 for all other seats for Saturday 8 p.m. performances. Students can get tickets for $20 one

hour before the performance. For schedule information and tickets, visit www.anoisewithin.org.

MUSIC Piano Performance — Brand Associates Music Series presents a performance by The Elixir Piano Trio on Sunday. Admission is free and a reception for the artists will follow the concert.

The event is at the Brand Library and Arts Center located 1601 W Mountain St. For information visit www.brandlibrary.org.

HAVE YOUR CAMPUS EVENT LISTED ON THE CALENDAR PAGE

Armenian Pop — Pop singer Ani Christy will be performing at the Alex Theatre on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Balcony seats tickets are $30 and $35. Terrace seats are $40 and $50. Orchestra seats range from $40 to $100. Tickets can be purchased at www.alextheatre.org .The theater is located at 216 N. Brand Boulevard.

EXHIBITION Art Exhibitions — Pasadena Museum of California Art. Exhibits include “June Wayne:

Paintings, Prints, and Tapestries” and “Time, Space & Matter: Five Installations Exploring Natural Phenomena” 490 E. Union St. in Pasadena. Runs through Aug. 31. For information visit www. pmcaonline.org or call (626) 568-3665.

EVENT Bicycle Fundraiser — The Rotary Club and Walk Bike Glendale hosts The Jewel City Fun & Fitness Ride on Sunday from 7 a.m. to noon at Verdugo Park.

Proceeds will benefit the Glendale Youth Alliance, Homenetmen, and the Glendale YMCA. For registration information visit www.jewelcityride.org.

Charity Wine Tasting — A wine tasting event hosted by GCC will be held on May 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Rosso Wine Shop located 3459 N Verdugo Rd. The fundraiser supports AB540 students. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling (818) 240-1000, ext 5571, 5405, 5424, 5573 or 5918.

Compiled by Eric Bourse

• Email the details to Elvaqed@gmail.com.

• Call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349 and leave a message on our 24/7 event hotline, we’ll get right back to you.

•The deadline for the May 28 issue is May 22.

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

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LIFESTYLE

Music Faculty Hits All the Right Notes at Recital

Photos by Jonathan Williams

MUSIC TEACHERS PERFORM: Pianist Peter Green accompanies flautist Bethany Pfluger and oboeist Paul Sherman, upper right and below, at the music department’s faculty recital on May 1.

By Fidel Cantu

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he Glendale College music department had a large turnout for a faculty recital held at the auditorium on May 1. The crowd was enthralled as performers mingled and interacted with audience members.

The introductory piece, “Trio Sonata in G major,” composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, was a good beginning despite being a bit ceremonial at times.

The piece was performed by Bethany Pfluger, Paul Sherman and Peter Green.

The concert then picked up steam with Mozart’s “Sonata in D major Allegro,” performed by Patrick Rosalez, whose performance further energized the crowd. The performances on strings and on wind instruments by Pflueger and Sherman were sensational as they were the trendsetters of what was to be a wonderful concert.

The melodic voice of Marine TerKazaryan captivated audiences with an arousing performance of “Tacea la Notte Placida,” a piece written by Guiseppe Verdi.

Matthew Plueger, a student and mu-

sician at GCC, who attended the event, was very excited about Ter-Kazaryan’s recital in particular.

“This performance was an extraordinary experience,” Plueger said. “The way she can sustain her vibrato — she captures you with her character. She simply captivates her audience.”

A very strong and passionate performance ensued with Puccini’s “Flower Duet,” played by Anita Protich and Jayne Campbell. The piano music was provided by Peter Green, Theodora Primes and Gayane Simonyan.

One standout was Patrick Rosalez, whose performance of “Sonata in D major Allegro” further energized the crowd. Protich and Simonyan in “Pace, Pace Mio Dio” from La Forza del Destino, also written by Verdi, featured another spirited performance.

“Our performance showed a lot of variety,” said Green. “I just wish we could have let more people know about the show. However, I’m very happy with the performance. I had a lot of fun.”

Fidel Cantu can be reached at fcan2@dslextreme.com