The Front Page March 4, 2014 Edition

Volume 27, Issue 3

Tuesday March 4, 2014

Living Up to the Name Scott D. Niederauer - Student Contributor Community is many things to many people; for me it’s been elusive. Most of my life, community stood atop a hill, ever present but unattainable. I grew up on the move.

I wasn’t a military brat, bouncing around the world for some greater purpose. From finances to chasing greener grass, there were many reasons for my family’s frequent change of address. By age fifteen I had lived in twelve homes and hadn’t stayed in any longer than two years.

As you can imagine this type of upheaval made it hard to settle in and become a part of the communities around me.

What started from a young age as an uncertainty of how to integrate morphed over the years into active avoidance of groups and gatherings. In high school I showed up, did my work, and ignored my classmates. Adulthood came and I attended and graduated a technical college, I started jobs, all the while keeping to myself. Unsatisfied with my job and life in general, I started attending FRCC in fall 2011. I was determined to step outside myself.

I made progress my first semester and was enjoying school more than I ever had. That is, until a few

weeks before finals when my second oldest sister died suddenly from an undetected medical condition. I found myself whipped back to my old self. My next year at FRCC was the hardest of my life. I missed class often, was unmotivated, failed classes, and thought of quitting, yet I carried on.

When I started working at Student Life I treated it like any other job I’d had, interacting with my coworkers little and not revealing much information about myself. But an interesting thing happened as the weeks turned into months. The more people I met the more I noticed I was surrounded by people with passion.

Passion for student success, passion for student involvement, passion for ensuring students understood their financial aid and how to manage it, and passion for foreign students beginning a new life. These passions fueled my own and pushed me into new ones. I now find myself invested or involved in issues that I wouldn’t have given a second thought a year ago. The biggest influence has been my boss, Amy Rosdil, whose passion for students and their goals is nothing short of infectious.

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Experiment to Find Your Path—Spotlight on Biology Instructor Erin Peden Written by Rachel Padro The number one advice that FRCC Biology Instructor Erin Peden gives students is: “Take lots of different classes. When you find something you truly enjoy take another class like that. School can be hard. It becomes a lot easier if you are truly interested in what you are studying. That isn’t to say it won’t be a drag some times. It is a form of work after all. But if you enjoy what you study you’ll learn more and it will be obvious to the people around you (other students, teachers, and future employers) that you are an expert worth talking to about the subject you care about.”

Peden had to do some experimenting to find his own life path and passion. First of all, Peden didn’t always live in Colorado, or even in this country. “I was actually born in Victoria, Canada.

So I’m Canadian. I grew up there until I was eight years old. At that time we moved to a suburban town just south of San Francisco.

I lived there until I finished high

Photo by Robin OConnell

school. At that point I moved a few hours away to go to college at the University of California in Davis.

I lived there for six years (four years of schooling followed by two years working in a human genetics research lab after graduation). In 2002, I moved to Boulder to pursue a PhD in Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology and I have lived here ever since.”

Peden didn’t arrive at his career without some twists and turns. “For a very long time as a child I thought

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In This Issue…

Spotlight on Science Department . 2

Origins of Black History Month . . 6

Overheard in the Office. . . . . . . . . 7

2014-15 Foundation Scholarships:

Hot Headlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Selected? Congratulations!

Students Need to Take Advantage of Them Now . . . . . . 2 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Branding Mark Design Competition Lets Students Make Everlasting Impression . . 2

Welcome FRCC’s First Leadership Retreat. . . . . . . . . . . 8

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February 18, 2014

Spotlight on Science Department Written by Cindy Torres Since the start of the science department, students have been able to dig deeper into the fields of Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Meteorology, Physics, and Science. Mary Mattson, chair of the science department and FRCC instructor, believes that the methods of teaching have improved in her 20 years of teaching at Front Range.

Which is exactly why she believes the Science department is the best there is at Front Range. “Our faculty strives to increase technology and alternative learning skills. We have a number of grants that are offered here that other campuses don’t have.”

The grants are rewarded to the Science department so that teachers can utilize unique methods of teaching. Some of the procedures include a split classroom method, taught by Ann Rieldl, where students view lectures from home and come

to class for activities and group learning. Anjali Vaidya, who teaches microbiology, uses a game-based learning method, where students look at disease outbreaks and use clues to figure out its cause and classification.

ways to teach and bring technology to the classroom. Different instructors are doing different things because not only do students prefer to learn in different ways our instructors like to teach in different ways.” Says Mattson.

In addition, some teachers use Tegrity, a video screen and capture tool that records audio lectures, PowerPoint slides, computer screens, and video so that students never have to miss out or get behind on lectures.

Apart from in-class learning, the Science department at Front Range involves itself in many other activities as well. A few times a semester, the department holds what is called “Star Parties” where community members and amateur and professional astronomy enthusiasts gather at the observatory and share glimpses of stars, constellations, and other sorts.

Other teachers prefer handheld gadgets to maximize learning methods, such as clickers and paddle boards (or mini white boards) which allow teachers to pose questions and get immediate feedback from the entire class. Ultimately, the gadgets serve to foster discussion, make teaching more dynamic, and promote engagement.

“That’s what our pride is in this department, looking at alternative

Additionally, the department prides itself in its participation of the Thornton water festival, held every year at the Westminster campus.

There, students engage in topics such as water conservation, water chemistry, aquatic wildlife, and ecology.

“We really do try to reach out to the community in a variety of ways beyond just the classes” Says Mattson.

Even for someone who has never taken a science course at Front Range, Mattson says there is something for everyone at the science department.

She encourages first-time students to look into courses like Meteorology, Geology, or astronomy, as they all offer hands on learning, occasional field trips, and skills that are applicable to real life scenarios.

For students that are already aware of their love of Science and would like to pursue a career in the field, Mattson advises that they take advantage of prerequisite credits, use all resources available, and ultimately, “work hard,” and remember that taking short cuts are simply “a recipe for disaster.”

Branding Mark Design Competition Lets Students Make Everlasting Impression Written by Cindy Torres The Front Range Westminster campus welcomes students of all creative levels to submit their best pieces for the Branding Mark Design competition.

What is the Branding Mark Design competition? It is a contest design that is seeking a logo that all students of Front Range can identify with positively. According to Abel Coombs, Front Range Westminster Campus professor, the competition hopes to bring a new image to Front Range that allows for students of different religions, cultures, genders, sexuality identification, race, and physicality to connect with their local community college.

“Our committee at Front Range is trying to broaden out beyond what people think traditional diversity is.

We’re bringing in all these different things that other people don’t think about and make the environment a more inclusive place for students of all backgrounds.” Said Coombs.

Ultimately, the goal is to make Front Range a premier institution in which students of all backgrounds can comfortably unite as one student body.

The only requirement for logo submissions is that the image be in vector art format. Coombs emphasizes that while creativity is appreciated, even students who aren’t professional artists should still submit their work. “You do not need to be a

designer, creator, or graphic artist... If you can create the design, have at it.

You don’t need to have any kind of creative background, all you need to have is a design.”

The FRCC diversity logo is just one of many refinements the school is making to ensure it accommodates students comfortably. Amongst other changes, with the new renovations the school will soon include a male, female, and unisex restroom.

The winner of the competition will be rewarded $100 worth of store credit that can be redeemed through the campus book store.

The winning image will be featured on posters, letterhead, and official

announcements by the Front Range Westminster campus committee.

Though the Westminster campus is the only Front Range campus thus far to introduce the logo competition, other Front Range campuses will be allowed access to use the logo at their campuses if interested.

The original due date for submissions was February 28, but has since been extended until further notice. Students can submit their work to Abel Coombs at Abel.Coombs@ frontrange.edu.

February 18, 2014

2014-15 Foundation Scholarships: Students Need to Take Advantage of Them Now Written by Cindy Torres Interested in earning more money towards tuition fees? The foundation scholarships offered at Front Range are an easy, simple, and more importantly free method available to students at every FRCC campus. The best part about these scholarships is that there is a large array available (over 50) which may appeal to college students of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and age groups.

According to Sakura Shiratori, Foundation Scholarship Advisor, “There are scholarships for Hispanics, single parents, single mothers, and veterans.” One of two scholarships that any student can apply for include the “We Believe in You” scholarship available to part-time students, or the “A Lot to Give” scholarship available to full-time students.

The scholarships available are worth up to $500,000 in funds, up by 500% in comparison to the $30,000 available in years past. Though some of the scholarships are merit based, there are an equal amount of scholarships offered based on financial need. In fact, Shiratori says that for many of the scholarships, GPA isn’t a deciding factor. “Some of the scholarships don’t even look at your GPA; to many of the

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reviewers and donors, the essay is the most important part.”

For students that are less than confident in their writing skills, Shiratori encourages they attend a workshop put on by the Foundation, a two hour event designated to show students how to write a persuasive essay for submission, as well as etiquette tips for students to eloquently ask for a letter of recommendation.

The workshop will be held on March 17, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Snowy Peaks Room (B0156).

To apply for scholarships, students will need to sign up with their school email at Frontrange.academicworks. com. From there, students will have full access to browse and apply for the scholarships available. Though submission requirements may vary per scholarship, most only require a persuasive essay and two letters of recommendation.

The application deadline is April 1, at 3 p.m. For further inquiries on the Foundation Scholarships, please contact Sakura Shiratori at the. foundation@frontrange.edu or call (303) 404-5238.

Living Up to the Name Continued from Cover It wasn’t until last week, still smirking from an enjoyable conversation with Ken from the security office that it hit me. Something as simple as a chat with a fellow employee has become something I enjoy and count on rather than resist. I’m part of a community I hadn’t intended to be. For the first time I’m in the fray instead of skirting the edge.

If you’ve ever been in a similar situation or are questioning why you’re here, I challenge you to get involved in the school, be it a work study position, a leadership program, or a club. Give it one semester and see if you don’t gain a deeper appreciation of our school, its people, and come back raring for more. Don’t let FRCC just be the drive through lane to your degree at the second window. If you let it, this school will take you in and live up to the community in its name! If you let it, this school will take you in and make you a new person.

Upcoming Events Written by Cindy Torres In the Visual and Performing Arts Gallery: Conjunto Colores Wednesday, March 5, 7:30 p.m.

Colorado’s Top “Salsa Dura” Band will perform. Free but ticket required.

Contact Kevin Garry at kevin.garry@ frontrange.edu, or call 303-404-5590 for ticket information.

Bill Stockton: Retrospective The art of Bill Stockton will be featured Monday, March 3 through Thursday, March 20 in the Visual and Performing Arts Gallery. Opening reception is Thursday, March 6, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Communication Club The Communication Club meets every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. in L200.

The Communication Club’s mission is to bring students together in a non-stressful environment to practice and enjoy the art of conversation. The club hosts activities that boost participants’ awareness of their own communication skills and encourages students to get to know each other better through conversation and educational communication games. Impromptu speaking is encouraged and kindness is the rule.

The National Society of Leadership and Success The National Society of Leadership and Success invites students to come see Carly Florina, Former Chairman and CEO of

Read it Everywhere

Hewlett-Packer, share about her experiences from secretary to CEO and how students can turn failure into success, unlock potential from within others, and recognize the many stages of leadership and its hidden potentials. Watch Florina speak at the Rocky Mountain Room on Tuesday, March 18 at 5 p.m. and again on March 2 at 4:30 p.m.

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February 18, 2014

Experiment to Find Your Path—Spotlight on Biology Instructor Erin Peden Continued from Cover I wanted to go to vet school. I went to college at a school that had a vet school on site. I did a lot of volunteer work there while I was in school.

While I enjoyed it I found that I didn’t love it. Meanwhile I had been taking lots of biology courses. I always found them interesting and thus it was a relatively easy subject matter for me to pursue. When I graduated I looked

for jobs in biotech or biological research. I ended up working in a human genetics lab where we tried to find genetic factors important in the onset of human autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus for example). I found the work fun. Every day I got to work with some cool technology and when my experiments worked right I found out something

new about how humans work. So I decided to go to grad school for a PhD in biology. In grad school I studied the genetics of cancer. After that I did a job called a ‘postdoc’. That is the traditional thing you do after getting a PhD. In a postdoc you work on a new research project in order to learn more. During my postdoc I worked on developing biofuels. We tried to get an

algae (a photosynthetic microorganism) to produce hydrogen gas in hopes of using it as fuel. As my postdoc was coming to an end I found myself disinterested in doing lab research .

While there were a lot of good things about the work, I wasn’t fulfilled anymore. I spent some time evaluating what I really enjoyed about my work and I found that I really enjoyed the opportunities I had to mentor and teach.

So I began teaching biology for Front Range, Red Rocks and CCCOnline.”

When asked why Bio is beneficial to students, Peden says, “Biology is beneficial because it informs so much of how the world around us works. I’m fascinated by how biology works. At first glance things seem very complex.

But when you dig a little deeper biology is very logical and there are a lot of simple solutions to problems in biology. Students won’t always be actively taking classes, but we’ll all be forced to learn about ourselves and our biology. At some point each and every one of us will be faced with a difficult diagnosis from a doctor about ourselves or someone we love.

Those times can be overwhelming.

But it does not have to be. If we understand the basics of biology we can understand the diagnosis and treatment. Then we can make informed decisions. That is powerful. And it isn’t just healthcare. Currently we hear controversy surrounding a huge number of fields. For example, there are genetically modified foods, cloning, stem cell research, deforestation, global warming, etc… in all of these areas if we understand the basics of biology we can make informed decisions and we can properly interpret all of the information out there in the world.

Furthermore, if you have the skills to learn there is nothing you can be presented with in the future that you can’t figure out on your own.”

As for his favorite thing about his job, Peden says, “My job is great especially on those days when something really clicks for one of my students. I truly enjoy when a biological phenomenon comes into focus for a student. Usually the new found understanding is followed up by all sorts of exciting questions.

That process is a lot of fun. I wish it happened every single day, but I’ll take it whenever I can get it!”

February 18, 2014

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February 18, 2014

Origins of Black History Month Written by Rachel Padro February was Black History Month, a time to remember the rich heritage and rich contributions of the African American community. I am proud of my African American heritage, and all that we have overcome, and was glad to spend some time researching the powerful history of this month.

According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), Black History Month was initiated in the 1920s. The month of February was chosen to acknowledge tradition and reform, as it is the month of both Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and Frederick Douglass’s. As is well-known, Abraham Lincoln became a huge participant in the abolishment of slavery. Douglass was an African American reformer, statesman, writer, and speaker, whose autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederic Douglass, an American Slave, was highly influential in the abolition movement. This book can be purchased for 99 cents on Amazon, and though I have not yet read it thoroughly, it comes highly recommended, by Abraham Lincoln who called Douglass his “friend,” W.E.B. DuBois who called Douglass, “An ambitious human being who was

Student Life is now accepting applications for New Student Orientation (NSO) Leaders!

Apply in the Student Life Office and if you are picked, you will receive 6 points from the Altitude Leadership Program! Plus it’s a great way to pass along all your knowledge to new students and gain experience at the same time!

Email Dan Balski for more information at dan.balski@ frontrange.edu

classified as real estate,” and William Lloyd Garrison, who said of the book, “Who can read [it], and be insensible to its pathos and sublimity?”

Though initiated in the 1920s, ASALH believes that the history of Black History Month has its origins in the summer of 1915. It was the fiftieth anniversary of emancipation, sponsored by Illinois. African Americans came from the breadth and width of the country to celebrate and see demonstrations about the success of African Americans since liberation from slavery. An African American graduate from the University of Chicago and Harvard— where he was awarded the prestige of a PhD— Carter G. Woodson, traveled from Washington, D.C. to take part in this celebration and the exhibits. Inspired during those weeks of excitement, Woodson formed a group to promote study of African American culture.

He met with A.L. Jackson and several others on September 9th to found ASNLH, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. In 1924, his fraternity brothers from Omega Psi Phi created Negro History and Literature Week, which was later renamed Negro Achievement Week.

Desiring an even greater reach, Woodson sent out a press release

in February 1926, initiating Negro History Week—again, choosing February due to the birthdays of two heroes in the history of abolition.

By placing the celebratory during February, Woodson built upon the already-acknowledged celebrations of Lincoln and Douglass’s birthdays.

The ASALH says, “He was asking the public to extend their study of black history, not create a new tradition. In doing so, he increased his chances for success!” Woodson believed that history was comprised of many people and many deeds, rather than the tales of “great men” only. He wasn’t a big fan of Lincoln-and-Douglass worship and hoped to turn the eyes of the public to other individuals and their contributions.

The response was overwhelming.

Negro History Week swept the country, being held in schools and in public life. Black history clubs began to appear across the country, teachers began looking into materials to support black history, and the effort to encourage the education and celebration of a culture was endorse by many factions of society. In a rush, the ASALH created a theme for this new annual celebration, gathering study materials in the form of school lessons, posters, and information

about dates and people. The historian community was a great contributor to this explosion of interest, asking for brochures and information, hoping to re-educate African Americans, and to re-capture their powerful history. The concept swiftly exploded beyond the Association’s control—to the point where white and black “teachers” both were exploiting the public’s interest in black history by setting themselves up as speakers—often with less knowledge of black history than some students! Publishing houses grabbed hold of this sudden trend, and there were all at once “experts” everywhere.

Even when things began to settle somewhat, the interest did not die. In the 1960s, Negro History Week was swiftly on its way to becoming Black History Month. Since the 1970s, every president, whether Democrat or Republican, has endorsed this annual event. To this day, the month of February is remembered as the month that made black history an important part of American history, worthy of study, that continues to give us insight into the rich history of a people who once survived and now thrive.

More information from ASALH Professor of History, Daryl Michael Scott can be found at www.asalh.org.

Word Dare Your challenge, should you choose to accept it:

Word: Profligate Pronounced: \prä-fli-gət,-ˌgāt \

Means: Carelessly and foolishly wasting money, materials, etc.

Examples: “Anderson’s profligacy cost him his job and it’s better you tighten up your belt before

you go the same way.”

“Profligate consumption of natural resources.”

February 18, 2014

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Hot Headlines Written by Rachel Padro England—A 26 year old woman discovered that her boyfriend was being unfaithful to her—so she sliced off her tattoo of his name and sent him the skin.

She used a scalpel to cut out the section of skin, peeled it off with tweezers, and then posted the graphic photo of her bloody arm on Facebook.

Ohio—A man was upset over the fact that his check hadn’t arrived in the mail, and took his anger out on the postal carrier.

Allegedly, he attacked the mail carrier, stole his pepper spray, sprayed him with it, and then bit him on the leg three times.

New Jersey—A Bacon Festival is being held, where you can eat, drink, floss with, and wear bacon.

The festival includes chocolatecovered bacon shaped as roses, bacon milkshakes, bacon lip balm, toothpaste, floss, alcoholic drinks, and ice cream. “Bacon is like heaven,” Nadina Fornia of Egg Harbor Township told ABC News.

“If you’re going to die, die with bacon on your lips and a BLT in each hand.”.

Hawaii—A teacher’s aide stabbed a student in the back with a mechanical pencil. One of the students got up for a drink of water without permission, and paid dearly. According to the Huffington Post, a woman whose son was in the class said, “By the time they got back to his seat, [the teacher’s aide] ripped his books and threw them on the floor, grabbed a mechanical pencil and stabbed him in the back.”

Australia—A teen robbed a 7-11 with a chainsaw. He was wearing a flower pot over his head to conceal his identity. All that he stole was a bottle of soda.

The Fullbridge XBA Program is a One Month Business Boot camp with Ivy League Coaches that can give you the skills needed to succeed in today modern business world including: • Business Research & Analysis • Financial Analysis • Project & Time Management • Professional Development • Excel & PowerPoint

This program usually cost $6,200 but CCCS is providing scholarships to the top 30 applicants.

The program will be held June 9- July 2 at the Lowry Conference Center, Metro Denver Area You can apply and see more details at https://fullbridge.com/programs/cccs/ or email Fullbridge alumni Sakura Shiratori at: Sakura.Shiratori@frontrange.edu with any questions.

• A cheerful greeting with a positive attitude when entering the office • A clean space to relax and get questions answered (vacuumed, dusted, tidy) • Each person is asked follow up questions to ensure customer needs are met • Thanking each customer for coming in when they leave • Overall helpful, polite, and courteous assistance during time in the office

“You’re my other blaine…I mean brain!”

“He was like—‘they could tell the temperature in 1982? Whoa!”

“Back in my day you had to put on pants to do research!”

“A male student asked me if we had any exotic dance classes here.”

“Tell him to just drive down Federal.

He’ll find something.”

“Had I gone to the library to research, I wouldn’t have found things I shouldn’t see! On Google I did not find pictures of just tea!”

“Microsoft Word is mean! It makes you doubt everything!”

“He’s eighty and he’s still terrifying.”

“I’m just so glad no teachers came at me with pitchforks.”

“And they’d carry off the women as plunder.”

“And I mean, that’s fine, but—” “So some people would conquer villages and impale the people, and others would be like “We conquered you, join the party!”

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February 18, 2014

Selected? Congratulations! Welcome FRCC’s First Leadership Retreat.

Written by Rachel Padro Fifty lucky students are being selected to attend FRCC’s first leadership retreat! Congratulations to these students, and here’s a snippet of what they can expect: This overnight retreat will take place at the Cal-Wood Retreat Center in Boulder from 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 16 to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 17. Students will meet at the FRCC Westminster campus Rotunda, and transportation will be provided to the retreat center. Housing is in rustic cabins.

This weekend is all about “Building a Community of Leaders,”

and these select students are going to learn about leadership skills, their unique leadership style, and how to utilize their skills to make a powerful impact. Students will make new friends that they will no doubt reconnect with back at FRCC, try out leadership activities, and take part in a keynote/workshop hosted

by Assistant Director of Student Life and Involvement, Kathy Petras, from Baldwin Wallace University.

When asked what he would tell students if he could say one thing about this retreat, FRCC Coordinator of Clubs and Leadership Dan Balski

said, “This retreat is going to be a phenomenal opportunity for our students to develop their leadership skills and connect with their FRCC peers. This is a one-of-akind experience hosted in a fun environment away from the hustle and bustle of campus. Students [are] sure to get a lot out of this!”

For more information see http://www.frontrange.edu/altitude/ or contact Coordinator of Clubs and Leadership Dan Balski at dan.balski@frontrange.edu.

I will be there, and can’t wait to see you!

Soduku Puzzle Every Soduku puzzle has a unique solution that can be reached logically. To play, enter numbers into the blank spaces so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9

The entire content of The Front Page is Copyrighted by the FRCC Board of Publications. No part of the publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The staff of The Front Page is encouraged to subscribe to the principles of the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.

Inquiries may be referred to the Office of Human Resources, 3645 W. 112th Avenue, Westminster CO 80031-2199, (303-466-8811); The Director of Affirmative Action for the Colorado College System, 9101 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver CO 80230-6011; or to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education, 1961 Stout St., Denver CO 80204

303-404-5534 | Frontpage@frontrange.edu