Celebrate Black history
‘Born on Pangea’ opens
Coaches vs. Cancer
Overview of the month’s origin as events on campus are previewed — page 3
Artist Cate White has a new show up in the LMC Art Gallery — page 5
Funds were raised for the American Cancer Society while LMC basketball played Marin — page 7
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Alum wins 50k for ad
February is Black History Month Feb. 10
LMCAS Senate Meeting, L105, 1-3 p.m.
Feb. 15
SSCCC: Region III Meeting, GA Building, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Annual LLN Conference The 27th Annual Conference for the Latina Leadership Network of the California Community Colleges is scheduled for March 28 and 29 at the Ohlone College Newark Center in Newark. For more information contact Maria Ramirez at (510) 742-2346 or visit www. latina-leadership-network. org
Photo courtesy of Amber Gill
Murdock riding Ben after a green screen update during the filming of the “Cowboy Kid” commercial. The ad won a $50,000 prize and an invitation to work on the upcoming “The Avengers: Age of Ultron” movie.
Annual March in March rally Join LMCAS and the Student Senate of California Community Colleges for the annual March in March rally for student needs on Monday, March 3, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m at the Capitol Mall in Sacramento. For information, go to www.studentsenateccc. org/Default.aspx
Donate blood and be a hero The AGS club is hosting a blood drive Feb. 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brentwood campus and room L-109 in Pittsburg. Author Adrienne F. Easter and her Daughter Avonna will be signing their book on sickle cell anemia. AGS is also hosting a sickle cell and bone marrow drive Feb. 10-13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Indoor Quad. Ring Pops will be sold for $2. Bone marrow and sickle cell kits will also be available.
Gill is runner-up in Super Bowl contest By STEVEN LUKE
sluke@lmcexperience.com
LMC Alum and Antioch High grad Amber Gill won $50,000 after finishing as the runner-up in the Doritos “Crash the Super Bowl” ad contest. Gill was one of more than 55,000 people who submitted a commercial to the Doritos “Crash the Super Bowl” contest, and then became one of five finalists. A panel of judges that included high-ranking of ficials from Doritos, adver tising professionals and legendary comic book creator Stan Lee judged all commercials entered by the contestants. While “Time Machine,” created by Ryan Anderson of Scottsdale, Ariz., won the final fan vote, it was Gill’s “Cowboy Kid” that became the runner-up. Finishing in second came with its own perks — a $50,000 prize
and the opportunity to work on the set of Marvel’s “The Avengers: Age of Ultron.” On top of the winnings, Gill got to live out the dream of millions of NFL fans as Doritos brought all five finalists to the Super Bowl to find out who the winners were. At the outset, finalists attended an event where current NFL star Eli Manning and former NFL stars Archie Manning and Joe Montana spoke about what to expect from Peyton Manning in the game. Gill described the experience as surreal having growing up in the Bay Area, where Montana was king. From there, they were ushered to a pregame concert and then to a Doritos suite to watch the game, while awaiting for the two winning commercials to air. They were told what time slots had been purchased – one at the beginning and one at the end – so when Anderson’s commercial
aired first she knew she had to wait the whole game to find out if she was a winner. The only thing that kept her calm was contest judge Lee, who broke the tension by telling each of the men in the suite what insect they resembled, she said. “He had no ego at all,” she said of Lee. “That was special, and he kept me sane.” After “Time Machine” and “Cowboy Kid” aired during the big game, both Gill and Anderson were invited to ABC’s “Good Morning America” to learn live who the grand prize winner was. After the announcement, confetti fell from the ceiling and a million dollar check was brought out to Anderson. In her interview with GMA’s Josh Elliot, Gill expressed surprise that her commercial had aired. See GILL, page 8
Snell’s work is honored
— Amber Gill
English degree approved To be instituted in fall semester
Nominated for innovation
By RATTANA KIM
rkim@lmcexperience.com
By RATTANA KIM
rkim@lmcexperience.com
Los Medanos College’s Mathematics Professor Myra Snell is one of 24 finalists nationwide for the Awards of Excellence, sponsored by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The AACC recognizes innovation and promising practices of two-year community colleges nationwide. There are six dif ferent categories of recognition,
“Finishing that high was almost better than winning a million dollars. Almost.”
Photo by Cathie Lawrence
Math professor Myra Snell teachers her Math 27; Algebra for Statistics class. which include Emerging Leadership, Student Success, Faculty Innovation, Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership, Advancing Diversity,
and Exemplary CEO/Board. in Washington D.C. during Faculty Innovation is a new the 94th Annual AACC Concategory for the awards. One vention. winner from each category Snell is one of the four will be announced April 7 See SNELL, page 8
Los Medanos College will welcome a new associate of arts major this Fall. Students will be able to get a transferrable degree in English that is designed to prepare students to transfer and study at universities. This program requires only a minimum of 18 units of lower division work in English, so students may complete their lower division courses in critical thinking, literature, See FALL, page 8
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What if Trayvon Martin had lived?
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Cupid has me in a chokehold I have heard it all before, Valentine’s Day is a manufactured holiday, it’s cliché, it’s contrived. Sure, all those things are true. But I don’t care V-Day Scrooges. I am filled with love and appreciate the chance to overindulge my loved ones on Cupids holiday. I have always thought that Valentine’s Day and Christmas are extremely similar holidays. Both holidays are centered on love, whether with that special someone or one’s own family. The commercialization behind both holidays is over the top, with ads promoting grand purchases to present to the ones you love. Spending time with and acknowledging cherished loved ones is a very important element of both holidays as well. But the sentiments I love most about Valentine’s Day are countless. The homemade cards kids give to their classmates and family are sweet and adorable. Homemade cards are so much more creative and silly then the stale choices that every other child brings to class. They’re reminiscent of my own childhood when every kid received a Valentine and nobody was left out or forgotten. The excuse to gussy up for a fun night out on the town with a loved one is a sweet and memorable moment for everyone involved. The chance to flaunt your special someone in an always crowded restaurant makes one feel special. Even a quiet night in with a special home-cooked meal is romantic and has the same results. The fresh bouquet of flowers presented in beautiful arrangement always puts a smile on a loved one’s face. Valentine’s Day is also the only time where it’s socially acceptable to wear pink and not be mocked for looking like a third grader, and that’s something I think we can all appreciate. Oh and the chocolate, how did I forget the delicious chocolate. Chocolate is always a plus. Valentine’s Day isn’t solely for people in a relationship; V-Day can be celebrated with as much fun when single. Almost every activity is fun when solitary. Head to the theater and view an Oscar nominated film for the upcoming Academy Awards or have a night in watching your favorite television program or films while splurging on your favorite foods. Spend this time doing things that you love, focus this day on loving yourself and treating yourself to your hearts desire. If being by yourself isn’t your cup of tea there are multiple options to ensure a successful fun night. Go out with a group of friends to a restaurant and sample every dessert on the menu to hit that sweet tooth. A low key night with your friends is just as good as going out. Ladies may I suggest a spa night? Try some makeovers, a new fun hair-do, dress up for no reason, some well deserved girl time is a good chance to reconnect with some friends. And for the men, honestly I have no idea what men do in they’re in the company of other men, arm wrestle? Eat large portions of red meat? Go into the woods and cut down trees wearing flannel? Enjoy your time relaxing, and doing things that only you can truly appreciate. Appreciating yourself is an important thing to do for yourself once in a while, take time to splurge on favorite guilty pleasures, that nobody in your social circle has the same tastes in. Maybe your friends enjoy different music than you and don’t allow you to play it when you’re together. Perhaps your prefer differing cuisines. So I ask you, what’s so bad about Valentine’s Day? It’s a day when thoughtful gifts are exchanged, sentiments of love are expressed, time is spent with loved ones, friends, family or that someone special, and overall a fun and silly day will be had for all.
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He may have morphed into a Lincoln. Cartoon by Janet Azheko
EDITORIAL
Don’t let race separate us
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f you are living in social media Siberia, or reject the detached world of the internet altogether, you might not be familiar with the controversy surrounding the Cheerios commercial aired during the Super Bowl, a sequel to a previous controversial ad originally aired in 2013. The online backlash that resulted from showing a mixed-race family indicates we are a nation more comfortable divided than united. The ad shows an interracial couple explaining to their mixed-race daughter that she is going to have a baby brother. Like millions of parents across the country, the black father and white mother used Cheerios to visually explain the math behind their growing family. Cheerios originally introduced the family in May 2013. The first ad received so much hate speech and racial backlash that YouTube had to turn off the videos comments feature. The sequel aired on the biggest commercial stage of the year, bringing more controversy over its depiction of a black man married to a white woman and their expanding mixed-race family. With insults being thrown on both sides of the racial divide, it’s a clear indication that in 2014 we still let race control the company that we keep. Perhaps stepping out of our comfort zones and learning how our differences actually connect us on a human level is the answer. It’s so easy to single out a gender or race in the name of identity, and as it is a problem raging across the globe, it is just as relevant on the Los Medanos College campus. During Black History Month, Umoja is in full force. Cesar Chavez Day and Cinco de Mayo show abundance in Puente events. The display case outside of the library manifests itself to pay a narrow tribute to whatever race or social minority that month belongs to. It’s no wonder that we are continuing to raise our children to look at our differences. It’s no wonder why we look at a mixed-race family on a Cheerios commercial and not understand it. We refuse to connect with one another. Human connection is the key to breaking the racial divide. Instead of Umoja being the predominantly active club to celebrate Black History Month, Puente, La Raza Unida, and the International Students Association could be active too. Instead of Puente promoting the life and successes of Caesar Chavez, all clubs can pay tribute to the activists’ life. In fact all students, whether they are associated with a club or not, should give their time and attention to the accomplishments of our country’s great leaders and the diversity they bring. It’s time to live up to the example that Cheerios is sending out and not let our racial identities dictate our lives, but instead come together and celebrate our differences.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Library should have earlier hours DEAR EDITOR: I am a current freshman at Los Medanos College and I appreciate the information that The Experience provides for an inexperienced student like me. I was surprised to find out about the availability and access to the LMC campus library. Currently the library opens at 8:45 a.m. every weekday and is closed on the weekends. I find this to be problematic for myself and I’m sure a lot of LMC students feel the same. LMC has some classes that start as early as 7 a.m. and a lot that start at 8 a.m., so the library opening at 8:45 a.m. poses as a dilemma for students who need to print out assignments before their early morning class.
If classes start as early as 7 a.m. then I don’t think asking for the library to open at 8 a.m. is too much to ask for. The library is closed on the weekends since there are no weekend classes, and this makes perfect sense even though it’s hardly convenient. I think the fact that a lot of students are struggling and might not have access to a computer should be taken into account and the library times should reflect the average student’s schedule. This is just one issue I was surprised to come across at LMC. Overall my first semester last fall was overwhelmingly positive and information is always readily available. — Yetunde Ogunleye
READER OPINION POLICY
The Experience welcomes Letters to the Editor and Guest Columns. All members of the Los Medanos College community — students, faculty and staff — are encouraged to write. If you are interested in expressing your opinions on campus, national or world issues, bring your submissions to room CC3-301 and put them in the Perspectives Editor’s mailbox or mail them to Experience c/o Los Medanos College, 2700 E Leland Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565. You may also send them electronically through the Experience online newsite lmcexperience.com. Letters and columns must be typed, signed and include a phone number for verification. They may be edited for clarity, content taste and length at the editor’s discretion.
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Show the love all year round Is it just me or is the year already speeding by? It seems like yesterday we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day now we’re into President’s Day and Valentine’s Day. That explains all the heart shapes, X’s and O’s on the window at Krispy Kreme. Every now and then I see hearts out of the blue. I even found a rock while hiking. Last year my daughter looked down and saw a puddle in the shape of a heart, on closer inspection it looks like a face coming out of it. I’ll admit I actually saw candy and cards on shelves before New Year’s Day, possibly a bit before Christmas. The one day a year everyone is expected to show love to others. I did some research into this day of love. Honestly I don’t remember why we started celebrating it in the first place or when. It seems kind of redundant to me. Why display your love to someone special only one day a year? Valentine’s Day was named after St. Valentine, although why is uncertain and the stories are murky, it is noted that he was a sympathetic and heroic romantic figure. We are now expected to be romantic on this day of the year. Even though the story of its patron saint and the history are shrouded in mystery, we still celebrate with aspects of Christian and ancient Roman traditions. In the United States alone Valentine›s Day is celebrated by giving chocolates, cards and jewelry all to show your love and appreciation to your family and friends. Statistics show approximately 150 million cards are exchanged annually on Valentine›s Day, not including the prepackaged card sets children get for school. Candy, flowers and jewelry sales also rise. Candy sales approximate to be $120 billion, flowers $397 million and jewelry $3 billion. All for one day out of the year. Sounds a bit off to me. Elizabeth Barrett Browning said, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” I’ve wondered what she meant by this a few times over the years. Consider this : if you came up with one thing you loved about someone in one year, you’d have 365 reasons. For free. I mean seriously folks, how hard is it to remind someone you love of how you feel? Why spend over $50 on flowers that will last for maybe 2 days? I have some flowers a friend gave me a few years ago that feel like a silky fabric. They sit in a small vase on my dresser. I remember asking one of my supervisors once if he was buying his wife flowers and candy for Valentine’s Day. His answer surprised me. “No, I don’t buy flowers for her on Valentine’s Day. Why should I? They jack up the prices on that day. I buy her flowers anytime the urge hits me. That makes them more special.” I agree with him for many reasons. I am not an expert on love or relationships but I have had my share of heart break. I wonder why we don’t show our love to others more? Shouldn’t “just because” be as good a reason as Valentine’s Day to show your appreciation and love? Helen Keller has been quoted as saying, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” In my humble opinion, we should be showing each other love, appreciation, and respect. You get my point. After all if you want to be treated as such shouldn’t you be treating others that way? And not just once a year? Yes, flowers are beautiful but they die. Candy is good but if not eaten right away it rots. Jewelry is shiny but it tarnishes and breaks. Try making a homemade card or picture. After all when Valentine’s Day was first celebrated Hallmark wasn’t in business.
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Member California Newspaper Publishers Association
“Idris Elba would be the perfect date for Valentine’s Day. He’s handsome,and very romantic.” — Diona Shelbourne
“Scarlett Johansson would be the perfect date because I think she’s a very interesting person.” — Michael Gray
“My perfect date would be Darien Anderson because we are working hard on raising our bundle of joy.” — Brandi Bonner
“Cassandra Beckman because she is a hopeless romantic.” — Richie Ayalin
“My perfect Valentine’s date is Liam Hemsworth because he is so hot.” — Ari White
— Dr. Seuss
LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE
Who would be the perfect date for Valentine’s Day and why? C
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“I meant what I said and I said what I meant .”
“Someone who will put up with me, cuddle with me, and watch cartoons.” — Anthony DiGulio
“Were it left for me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” — Thomas Jefferson
Editor-in-Chief .................... BRENDAN CROSS Perspectives Editors...... AISHLING DOHERTY and JAZMINE GORDON Campus Editors .................. JOSEPH DELANO and ALEXANDRA TAGLIAMONTE Features Editors .......................RATTANA KIM and STEPHANIE PATTISON Sports Editors .......................LUKE JOHNSON and DAKOTAH ZABROSKI Photo Editor ....................... IRVIN TRIGUEROS Web Editor ..................STEPHANIE PATTISON
The LMC Experience is published Fridays by students in the Journalism Program. The newspaper serves both as a laboratory for journalism classes and as a First Amendment forum for campus communication. Opinions expressed in the Experience are solely those of the students and do not represent the views of the college.
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Campus NEWSWATCH
‘Tomorrow’s Women’ to meet
“Tomorrow’s Women Leaders Today” is a conference held for young women in high school and college who are interested in politically charged topics presented by Compton’s Mayor Aja Brown. Topics include: Q Immigration Rights Q Reproductive Rights Young women from across the Bay Area are encouraged to attend the jam-packed day, which will be held at the UC Berkeley Campus, Faculty Club on Saturday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $10 for college students. Lunch will be provided. Contact Fatimah Simmons at Fatimah@igniteca. org to register.
University tours are scheduled
The Transfer Center will be holding numerous University tours throughout the upcoming semester. You can register for the tours online or in the Transfer Center. Scheduled dates are as follows: Q UC Davis: Friday, Feb. 28 Q University of Nevada: Friday, March 7 For more information, please contact the Transfer Center at www.losmedanos.edu/transfer or 439-2181 Ext. 3124
Circle K to aid relief effort
Circle K, with the collaboration of the Inter Club Council of Los Medanos College and Deer Valley High Key Club, presents HOPE AFTER HAIYAN. The event is a talent show that will benefit the children affected by the Haiyan typhoon that hit the Philippines on November 8, 2013. The Benefit Show for the Children will happen Feb. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door.
Pre-med conference at CSUEB
The 1st annual Pre-Medical and PreHealth CSUEB AMSA Conference is coming to the CSU East Bay Campus Room-25800 on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 9 to 4 p.m.
DEANS PANEL PRESENTED BY: Q Darin Latimore, M.D. – Associated Dean (UC Davis School of Medicine) Q Ellena Peterson, Ph.D. – Associate Dean (UC Irvine School of Medicine) Q Alma Martinez, M.D., MPH- Director of Outreach (UCSF School of Medicine) Q Lawrence B. Harkless, DPM, FACFAS, MAPWCAFounding Dean (Western University of Health Sciences, College of Podiatric Medicine) Q Melissa G. Pearce, D.O.- Assistant Professor of Medicine (Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine)
WORKSHOPS INCLUDE: Q Public Health by Durrain Ansari-Yan (UCB School of Public Health) Q Pharmacist vs. M.D. What’s the difference? – Lori Vrabel R.Ph Q Nursing Student Panel by CSUEB Nursing Students Q Financing Medical Student by Martha Trullijo
LUNCH TIME ACTIVITIES Q Free lunch provided to all attendees Q Opportunity to network with graduate schools Q One-on-one counseling by CSUEB academic advisors.
REGISTER Q At amsacsueb.eventbrite.com. Early registration$15 regular registration: $20 Late registration: $25 or at door: $30
What’s lost may be found
Los Medanos College’s lost and found has numerous items found on campus. If you have lost an item, check with Police Services, which is located on Level One. Inquiries must be made in person or no pick-up will be made. A brief description of missing items will be expected by people wanting to pick them up. — compiled from press releases and staff reports
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“The past is a ghost, the future a dream. All we ever have is now.” — Bill Cosby
Black history revered
‘Dream’ lives to this day By BERTHA AGUILAR
baguilar@lmcexperience.com
Black History Month is an annual observance celebrating the African-American men and women throughout history who took a risk and paved the way for future generations. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a historian, author and journalist, was the first to ponder why history books mostly ignored the African-American population in America. He noticed that when Blacks did appear, it only reflected the inferior social position they were assigned at the time. Woodson was ambitious, he had already accomplished so much in his life, and in 1912 he earned his Ph.D. in history from Harvard University, making him the second African American to earn a Harvard doctorate at the time. In 1915 he established the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History to continue his efforts to not only write about the achievements made by African-Americans but to write them in history and give them the respectable presence they deserved. Woodson launched Black History awareness in 1923 in order to bring national attention to the efforts and contributions of Black people throughout American history. It was first known as Negro history week and eventually it became what we know it as today. It was celebrated the second week of Februar y because both Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln had birthdays in that week, both Douglas and Lincoln had a great influence in the African-American Photo by Joseph Delano population. Harriet Tubman showed Novels and profiles of historic and important African-American people, who have great courage when she suc- changed the outcome of history in America, sit ready to be read in the library. cessfully escaped from slavery in 1849 and conducted more than 300 slaves to freedom on the famed Underground Railroad. When Harriet Beecher Stowe’s anti-slavery Q Feb. 10: Workshop: Transferring to Historically Black Colleges & novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” was published in Universities. MU3-207, 10-11:30 a.m. Guest Panel includes speakers 1852, it sold more than 300,000 copies in the from: Fisk University, Spelman & Howard, Morehouse and North Unites States and over a million in Britain, Carolina A&T. becoming one of the most influential books. Q Feb. 11: What Black Men Think. L109, 2-3:30 p.m. Rosa Parks also showed courage when she Q Feb. 11: Zulu Virginity Testing Practices and its Constitutional Implirefused to give up her seat to a white passenger cations against Children in South Africa, L109, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in 1955 and Martin Luther King Jr. with his Q Feb. 12: American Promise Film Screening, L109, 1:30-4:00 p.m. infamous “I Have a Dream” speech captivated Q Feb. 19: Nicodemus, Kansas: The Promised Land. Location: TBA, everyone and still does today. 2:30-3:45 p.m. While these are only a few, there is a plethora Q Feb. 24: What Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man Teaches about Leaderof African-Americans whose courage, ambition, ship, L109, 11 a.m.-noon. struggle and search for equality is why we have Q Feb. 24: Raising Sons: Challenges of Single Parenting in the African diversity, inclusion and equal rights today. American Community Roundtable Discussion, L109, 12:15-1:30 p.m. “To me, black history means we are giving Q Feb. 25: Black History Month Celebration: 50th Anniversary of the homage or we are giving respect to people who Civil Rights Act of 1964, L109, 5:30-7:30 p.m. struggled and possibly suffered for us in the Q Feb. 26: Out of Slavery: How Free American Slaves formed a New future to have equal rights and have a shot at Nation - Liberia, L109, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. the American dream,” said student Rhonda Q Feb. 27: Harlem Renaissance, L109, 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Ishekwene. Black history, as well as any kind Q Feb. 28: American Promise Film Screening, SCI-136, 6:30-8:30 p.m. See BLACK, page 8
A month of cultural activities on campus
Photo by Irvin Trigueros
Fire Technology Department Chair Mike Grillo teaching students of the Fire Technology Program.
Fire tech programs ignite ambitions By HERMAN STAMPLEY III Correspondant
LMC has two fire technology programs designed to train students preparing for careers in fire protection. One of the programs is the Fire Academy, which is the physical training part of the job. The other program is Fire Technology, which is a program leading to an Associate of Science degree in fire
technology. The fire technology program is composed of three 3-unit courses. Student Chris Giddis, who is currently enrolled in the program, stated, “although firefighting is not gender biased, it involves a mental toughness and tenacity that many people don’t have. You have to be born to be a fire fighter.” See FIRE, page 8
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Troy Maxson (Olinza Headd) is the father with the failed dream as baseball player and Rose Maxson (Arionna White) is Troy’s ever-dutiful wife.
‘Fences’ is set to perform for free Show gives thanks to supporters
By RATTANA KIM
rkim@lmcexperience.com
The Drama Department at Los Medanos College will be performing a free show of their recent production, Fences, at the newly renovated California Theater in downtown Pittsburg on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. Fences was originally written by August Wilson, but directed by LMC Drama Chair and Professor Nick Garcia and performed by LMC student actors. This performance will be in honor of being selected as one of only four plays invited to perform at the Region Seven Festival of the 46th annual Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), which will take place Feb. 18-22 in Boise, Idaho. Only the “best of the region” are selected during the course of the year. Not only will it be the only community college production invited to perform, but it will also be the only African-America play presented. “I feel really honored. I feel really lucky and excited and hungry, hungry to show off the talents of our students,” said LMC Drama Chair and Professor Nick Garcia. “We’re not just representing our school. We’re representing our community and we’re also representing all community colleges because we’re the only ones going up.” In preparation of their performance for KCACTF, the Drama Department was originally looking for a place to perform. The city of Pittsburg, being excited and proud of the Drama Department’s achievements, invited them to consider the California Theater. Garcia said the location seemed like “a perfect fit” because the theater is located in downtown Pittsburg. “There’s a lot of really good restaurants there,” said Garcia. “I want it to be a really fun night for our community so that they could go and have a really good meal and just walk down the street and go to a good play.” To prep for both the free show and the performance at KCACTF, the production team and student actors have been rehearsing every night at Pittsburg High School’s theater. Rehearsals start at 7 p.m. and go until about 10 p.m. In addition to rehearsals, the entire set of
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Photo by Irvin Trigueros
Rose and Troy Maxson converse with Lyons Mason (Maurice Dominque). Fences had to be rebuilt, rebought and redone “from scratch.” The Drama Department does not have enough storage so everything was thrown away after their showings at LMC. Although the performance will remain the same as it was shown at LMC, it will be staged differently. Instead of the audience sitting around the show and being up close like at LMC’s Little Theater, the California Theater will be a much bigger stage and it will be “almost like a big giant movie screen.” Garcia said the actors will have to “stand in a different way,” “speak in a different way,” and “be a little slower.” “I think it’s a better show because of it. It’s more powerful. It’s stronger. There’s a lot of moments that are better,” added Garcia. Since Fences will be a free performance, no tickets will be issued. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. but the show starts at 7 p.m. The California Theater is located in downtown Pittsburg on 351 Railroad Ave. For inquiries, contact the California Theater box office at 427-1047.
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LEARN MORE
www.usfca.edu/branch
SAN FR ANCISCO
Photo by Irvin Trigueros
Cory Maxson (Mario Castillo) wants to go to college and be a football player, but his mother and father, Rose and Troy, are conflicted with his dream.
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“No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist.”
— Oscar Wilde
Photo by Cathie Lawrence
This piece titled “Kissing,” depicts just that, two figures locked in an embrace. Artist Cate White created this out of acrylic, spray paint and oil on paper.
Pictures show cultured world
White’s interesting insight By TAMARA L. SEWARD Staff Writer
Have you ever seen a picture and wondered, “what was the artist thinking?” What exactly do you consider art? Everyone has their own idea of what art should be. Who remembers the dogs-playing-poker picture? To some that is art. Some say, “the piece just called to me,” while others just like the colors or patterns. Some art is controversial in subject matter, while others are a bit ordinary but so colorful you can’t help but like it on the spot. The LMC art gallery is showing pieces by visual artist Cate White, from Oakland, who has done some rather interesting pieces. For instance, on closer inspection “The Treasury of Gods” is the cover of a book with lips cut out of a magazine, organized in such a manner they look like a face with a closed eye. At first glance it looks real. “I make drawings, paintings, altered objects and videos populated by heroic derelicts, awkward lovers and dignified losers. Drawing from outside art, punk, neo-expressionism, comics and media clichés, the work speaks from and to the marginalized aspects of the
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self,” said White in a statement sent to Gallery Director Judi Pettite White has an interesting way of looking at the world and tries to express this in her work. Her pieces can be graphic in nature and touch on gender and race narratives, religion, art historical and even sexuality. With each stroke she brings her picture to life. She uses several different mediums, sometimes in the same picture. While the meaning of White’s art can be taken differently by everyone, there is no doubt she shows great vision. I’m not an art expert, but I know what I like. I did like several of White’s pieces. “Dead or Alive” shows a person lying on a rock with a sun above him. The brightness of the sun plays well against the dark backdrop. But there is an old Mac computer playing videos as you look at the art on the walls, and it made me feel a bit uneasy. I believe White has a great way of showing the world around us and making you think. I would suggest checking it out and forming your own opinion. The LMC Ar t Galler y is open TuesPhoto by Cathie Lawrence day,Wednesday and Thursday 12:30 to 2:30 and 4 to 6 p.m. located in the library building. “Treasury of the Gods” is created with acrylic on recycled book covers by White.
Love strikes abruptly
MARQUEE LMC music events
The realization of true feelings By STEPHANIE PATTISON spattison@lmcexperience.com
When you swear off love, that’s when it comes and finds you. Such is the case in “That Awkward Moment,” which was released Friday, Jan 31 and stars Zac Efron. The movie is about three best friends, Jason (Zac Efron), Daniel (Miles Teller) and Mikey (Michael B. Jordan), who all make a pact to stay single in support of Mikey who was recently dumped. As the friends try to keep their promise, all three happen to fall for someone. The more they try to cover up their commitments, the more complicated their love lives become. This movie is relatable, especially for people in their 20s. Everyone has been heartbroken and has had to deal with that pain. The way the guys in this movie cope with heartbreak is just going out and sleeping around to get over your ex. That is very common, especially in your 20s. The writers knew their demographic and the character’s personalities were
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Photo courtesy of aceshowbiz.com
Daniel (Teller), Mikey (Jordan) and Jason (Efron) discuss their pact. well developed to the point you could say, “that’s totally me,” about one of them. My favorite character was Jason’s best friend Daniel, who could be the new Stifler of this generation. He is portrayed as pompous, a womanizer, with way too much confidence, but he is a jerk you learn to love. The movie was well done, for what it is, but if you don’t like sappy love, one night stands and penis jokes, I recommend you
don’t see it. The film is filled with those three attributes. If you do, feast your eyes on this film. Overall, I loved this movie because it was crazily like my life and that of my friends. It is like a teen movie, just with a slightly older audience. It was made for the “American Pie” lovers who have grown up a little. It has that same grotesque humor, but with a lot of heart thrown in.
Los Medanos College is having a series of musical events throughout the semester in the Recital Hall located in the Music building, next to the Lot C parking lot. Q Choral Adventure Concert Tuesday Mar. 11, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. General admission $5 and students/seniors $3. Q Concert Band Performance Friday Mar. 14, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. with Freedom High School. General admission $5 and seniors/students $3. Q Concert Band Performance Friday May 2, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. with Concord High School. General admission $5 and seniors/students $3. Q Guitar Concert Monday May 5, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Free admission. Q Gospel Celebration Concert Saturday May 10, 7 to 10 p.m. Admission TBA. Q Piano Honors Recital Monday May 12, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Free admission. Q Concert Band Performance Tuesday May 13, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. General admission $5 and seniors/students $3.
Rendition of novel The Contra Costa College Drama Department are performing the play, In the Blood by Suzan-Lori Parks, directed by Tyrone Davis. This play is a modern riff on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlett Letter. The play will be showing Mar. 12-15. Call (510) 2357800 for more information. — compiled from press releases and staff reports
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“If you’re going to play at all, you’re out to win. Baseball, board games, playing Jeopardy, I hate to lose.”
— Derek Jeter
Mustangs swing into action LMC pitchers shut out Rams By STEVEN LUKE
sluke@lmcexperience.com
After being knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in 2013, Los Medanos College Mustangs baseball entered the 2014 season with something to prove, and they started off by winning their first two games with a combined score of 14-1. The ‘Stangs opened up the second game of the season at home against the San Francisco City College Rams. After all the fanfare and the National Anthem, the team huddled up in front of their home dugout and began to chant and cheer similar to Drew Brees of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints. Cheers like these aren’t normal in baseball, and this caused a player of the Rams to say “This isn’t football.” The cheer may have been just what the team needed to get their adrenaline pumping, because the team came out ready to play. Sophomore pitcher Ryan Petrangelo star ted on the mound for the Mustangs with a quick first inning, inducing two groundouts and a strike out, while giving up one hit to Rams third baseman Kyle McGraw. The offense came out just as pumped as Petrangelo appeared to be and did most of the damage in the first inning. Second baseman and leadoff hitter Chaz Meadows started off the game the way coaches hope a leadoff guy will, with a long at-bat, working the count full before drawing a walk. “I’m just trying to get onbase in any way I can,” said Meadows. Meadows’s walk was followed up with a single by Ryan Lacy that grazed off the glove
of the Rams leaping shortstop. Jacobson came up to bat with Meadows and Lacey on first and third and quickly got a pitch to hit, lining the ball over the head of the Rams right fielder for a two-run triple. Jacobson’s big hit was all the ‘Stangs would need as both pitchers settled in and the teams traded zeros on the scoreboard for most of the game. For the ‘Stangs, the zeros came at the hands of Petrangelo, but for the Rams it was stellar defense highlighted by centerfielder Bruce Jones. Jones made multiple running grabs on hard hit balls by ‘Stangs batters, highlighted in the third inning in which he caught all three balls hit by LMC batters. His defense caught the eye of LMC Head Coach Anthony D’Albora. “Their centerfielder did a great job today,” said D’Albora. “That centerfielder is a very athletic kid that runs well and makes it tough. It’s hard when you hit a ball hard and he takes a hit away from you.” Petrangelo didn’t let up, though, and pitched six innings while giving up only five hits and allowing no runs. Reliever John Mead came in and pitched the seventh inning, giving up one hit while striking out one. The final pitcher of the day, and possibly the most impressive, was Meadows as they moved him from second base to the mound. He got the two-inning save without allowing a hit, striking out four batters, and striking out the side in the ninth. Meadows finished his day at the plate going 0-2 with two walks and a run scored. “It felt good,” Meadows said
Shooting toward playoffs
Photo by Brendan Cross
See BASE, page 8 Mustang’s starting pitcher Ryan Petrangelo pitched a solid six innings and allowed no runs on only five hits.
MLB finally on board with replay
By LUKE JOHNSON
ljohnson@lmcexperience.com
For the first time in three years, LMC’s men’s basketball is on pace for a playoff bid. With five games remaining in the season, the Mustangs sit in fifth place in the Bay Valley Conference with a 5-5 record in conference play and 14-7 overall. Merritt (8-3 conf., 14-8 overall) is in second place and two games ahead of LMC; while Yuba (11-0 conf., 17-4 overPhoto by Irvin Trigueros all) is dominating the competition and, barring a massive collapse, is likely to Head coach Derek Domenichelli making halftime adjustments. take the conference title for the ninth in the 17th or 18th spot. through the playoffs, go as far as we time in the past 12 seasons. “I think if we continue to play the way can, make a run at the championship and The way the playoffs work for men’s basketball in the California Community we have the last couple of weeks and we bring back a banner for LMC.” Aaron added that for the rest of the regCollege Athletic Association is the top 18 get everybody healthy, we have a good teams for Northern California and the chance at making the playoffs,” LMC ular season he is most looking forward to LMC’s rematch against Yuba. Previously, top 20 teams from Southern California coach Derek Domenichelli said. The Mustangs have won four of its past the 49ers defeated the Mustangs 90-79. are entered into a bracket, and teams “The most important game, to me are eliminated in a one-game sudden five games, and are coming off a 76-70 victory at Mendocino, a game in which personally, is Yuba, ‘cause they put a death format. (censored) whoopin’ on us. Now I wanna The furthest LMC has gotten is to the they trailed by 19 at one point. “My goal for the rest of the season is go back out there and do the same to Elite Eight, which is two games from the State Championship. Where the team is to finish on top,” LMC forward Marquis them [and] get revenge,” he said adding, at right now, they are likely to be seeded Aaron said. “I wanna go all the way “I got Yuba circled on my calendar.”
DE Alexander signs to become a Red Wolf By JOSEPH DELANO and STEVEN LUKE
jdelano@lmcexperience.com sluke@lmcexperience.com
Photo by Cathie Lawrence
Alexander signs his letter of intent to Arkansas St.
Roughly 70 people assembled in the Library Community Room L-109 to honor defensive end Charles Alexander and other Los Medanos College football players on National Signing Day, a tradition among football teams to announce the names of the four-year universities where their players have signed on to attend and play ball. Alexander signed a Letter of Intent committing to play
for Arkansas State. Sitting alongside his family at the front of the room, Alexander remained calm while his coaches gave praise for his hard work and dedication to the team and to LMC. Alexander signed his papers at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. He was just one of two junior college signees from a total of 25 players that were signed to Arkansas State on Feb 5. “It’s an awesome opportunity to see guys do what they’re supposed to do, not only on the
See WOLF, page 8
Starting opening day of the be overturned. 2014 season, Major League Managers will be able to Baseball will institute an ex- challenge one play in the panded instant replay system, first six innings of a game, if and it is about time. he wins a challenge, he will The vote to expand replay receive another one to use in was unanimous by the 30 MLB those first six innings. teams, which suggests that From the seventh inning on, ever yone was on the same the Crew Chief can initiate a page in terms of knowing how review if necessary, although important it can be to the game. he does not need to even if Baseball is the last of the the manager asked for one. four major U.S. sports, others A manager cannot use more being basketball, football and than two challenges a game. hockey, to have an instant Another feature to the addireplay system available, and tion of expanded replay is the it is quite possibly the sport fact that any replay may now that would need it the most. be shown on the stadium’s There are so many plays that video board. This would give truly come down to inches or the manager another look at the blink of an eye that um- the play and potentially aid in pires simply would not see or whether to actually challenge just would or not. need a betIt will be ter look at. curious to Last seasee how son, teams this affects were able the pace PLAY BALL to vie for and time of replay in games. It or der to seems like determine whether a ball in nearly all baseball games was a home run or not, but there are at least a couple of the expansion has broadened plays that could be reviewed, what can be reviewed. which could add another five Starting this season, manag- to ten minutes to the average ers will be able to review force game. plays, fair/foul plays (outfield It may not seem like much, only), trap plays (outfield only), but if, for example, both manbatters hit by pitches, touching agers used both possible a base and passing runners, challenges, and a few plays among other things. after the seventh inning were In order for a review to be also reviewed, we could see initiated, the manager must games be upwards of half-anverbally indicate to the Crew hour longer than they would Chief (the head umpire of normally, especially since kinks the four-man crew calling the would have to be ironed out as game) that he wants the play the season goes along. to be challenged. The manager While the length of a game must also tell the Crew Chief does not bother me, it seems to exactly what part of the play be a thread that people already he wants to be reviewed. think the game is way to long The Crew Chief and at least on average and does not need one other umpire will then get any potential added time. on a headset connected to the But, if that is the only real Replay Command Center in argument against having replay, New York and will have the than by all means, umpires information relayed to them should make sure important to determine if the play can plays are called correctly.
Brendan Cross
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A dunk on disease
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“We have two options, give up or fight.”
— Jon Lester
(Top) Maurice the Mustang sporting a bright pink shirt in honor of “Coaches vs. Cancer” night. Maurice was also seen rooting on the LMC men’s and women’s basketball teams throughout the night. (Left) LMC forward Mykaela Jones on the line for a free throw.
Night raises funds for cancer
The Los Medanos College women’s and men’s basketball teams both participated in “Coaches vs. Cancer” night. Both teams dropped close games but the night was not a waste. The women lost to Marin 67-55, the men also played Marin but kept it a little closer, losing 64-61. The night brought attention to all kinds of cancer, rather than just breast cancer. LMC men and women players were wore warm-up shirts that read “Coaches vs. Cancer.” The women donned all pink shirts, while the men wore black with pink lettering.
The night was filled with a lot of pink, and prizes were handed out. Money was raised throughout the night with the funds going to the American Cancer Society. The event was sponsored by a collaboration of the LMC Athletics department, Student Life and LMCAS. There were contests for best pink outfit as well as a 3-point contest. The winners of the contest received gift cards to Cold Stone Creamery. Maurice the Mustang was present the whole night dressed in all pink, to cheer on the Mustangs and help with all the successful festivities.
(Above) LMC Point guard Patrick Lefiti playing tough defense against his Marin opponent. (Right) Forward Ramiro Contrares takes a jumper inside the paint.
Photos by Cathie Lawrence
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about getting the final out. “Got the win obviously, and that’s what it’s about, getting the team win.” The final two runs for the ‘Stangs came on a hit-by-pitch and a walk with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth, but the game was pretty much over after the first. Head coach of the Rams John Vanoncini was disappointed with the loss, but he will work with his team to turn it around. “We’ve gotta knock guys in,” said Vanoncini. “We worked on it yesterday in practice. A man on second base with two outs, man on third base with one out, and just try to knock guys in.” D’Albora was obviously a little happier about how his team performed. “Obviously our challenge ever y day is to win, so we got that done,” he said. “Two games in a row we’ve came out with pretty good tempo and scored early and that’s a challenge and hard to do.” The ‘Stangs have two home games coming up on Saturday, Feb. 8 and 15 against SFCC and DVC.
FALL From page 1
journalism, drama, humanities and/or creative writing. These broad options will help to prepare students to earn their degree with a specific emphasis. In addition, the requirements are combined with the California State General Education Pattern to prepare students to take upper division courses at a California State University. Students looking to obtain an English degree at LMC must earn a minimum 2.0 GPA for all course work and a grade minimum of C or higher for all major courses. One of the founding coordinators that were able to make the new English degree possible is Professor Karen Nakaji, who believed the state requirement of having an English degree was a blessing. “I’m very excited,” she said adding, “Probably a couple times a semester, I have a student say to me, ‘I wish we had an English major here at LMC’ and I said, ‘well, we will.’” Originally, the making of the English degree had been in the works for the past seven or eight years, according to Nakaji, dating back to 1998 or 1999. The other founders were Steve Turnwall, Judy Bank and JoAnn Hobbs. Turnwall and Bank had retired and soon after, Hobbs and Nakaji decided it was too much work. Then, the state decided to streamline the process about three of four years ago. About a year and a half ago, Nakaji picked up the job again with colleague Ana Gutierrez but soon after, Gutirrez had to quit. “I was one of the beginnings,” said Nakaji, “the only one that hasn’t left.” The reason the process had taken so long was because there was an enormous amount of paper work involved and there were not enough English classes to have a degree. It was short two classes, so research had to be done to add them. “Writing the courses took me the most work because it’s just a cover like 2,000 years of literature. It’s a historical look,” said Nakaji. “I even look at parts of The Bible, Buddhism, all kinds of writings.” Once Nakaji had written the two courses, filling out the paperwork was much easier, as if she was “filling out tax papers,” because the state gave a set of requirements that needed to be followed. Nakaji hopes that this new English degree can offer a lot more to students. “Originally the majority of our courses were really just the basic English college composition and the courses that led up to that so if we thought that we had a degree, we would be able to offer some more upper-level course like a Shakespeare’s course, more traditional kind of English courses, which we hadn’t been able to do,” said Nakaji. For the future, Nakaji plans to add more English courses so students can have a variety to choose from for their pathway.
Photo by Berendan Cross
Catcher Wyatt Foreman swings away at a pitch in the bottom of the first inning. Foreman finished the day 2 for 4 as the Mustangs defeated the City College of San Francisco Rams 5-0 for their second win of the season.
BLACK WOLF From page 3
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SNELL
of histor y, cannot only be observed in one month. Respect and gratitude should be given daily to those who came before us, who not only had the courage to stand alone and fight for what they believed in, but to make change that we should all be grateful for today. Black history month symbolizes perseverance, and even when all odds were against them, they pushed through and made people see that one person can make a change and inspire others to follow. “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again,” Maya Angelou.
field but in the classroom,” said Head Coach Chris Shipe. “He’s a really good football player.” Quarterback Coach Dave Fogelstrom might have put it best when he said to Alexander, “I know the quarterbacks won’t miss you.” Alexander’s signing came after two visits from the coaching staff of the Arkansas State Red Wolves; first by the defensive coordinator and then by both the defensive coordinator and the head coach. Other signees from Los Medanos College include: running back Shawn Vasquez who signed to Texas A&M Kingsville, offensive lineman Garrett Louis who signed to Humboldt State, wide receiver Jermaine Sims signed to McPherson College in Kansas, linebacker Jacob Catala signed to Benedictine College also in Kansas and running back Robert Ortiz, who signed to Western Oregon University. All of these players could not attend the event because they are all already attending their respective colleges. In regards to what can be looked for ward to for next season, Shipe said “hopefully we can line up and do something straight.”
nominees for Faculty Innovation and is the only nominee from a California community college. “It’s a great honor to be nominated,” Snell said. “I’m thankful to be at a college where innovation can be disruptive. That can only happen with a supportive administration.” According to Snell, she had what she calls a “stu-piphany,” which led her to create the LMC program called Path2Stats. Path2Stats is a one-semester course that prepares students for statistics and is an alternative to the traditional remedial algebra sequence, which often takes three to four semesters. According to a brief write-up of her nomination, Snell came up with the course in 2009 in response to statistics which show that out of nearly 144,000 California community college students enrolled in remedial math to become eligible for college, only 18 percent completed a college-level math course within three years. Those in the lowest remedial levels were just about six percent and that included a disproportionate number of Black and Latino students.
FIRE From page 3
The fire technology program can accommodate up to 45 students in each class, has no specific prerequisites. “Firefighting is one of the most competitive civil service jobs while the gender distribution is almost all male,” said Giddis, who explained that the physical nature of the job intimidates many women. “But, we would like to see more females in the program,” he added. The courses are as follows: Fire Technology 101: Fire Protection Organization is an intro to fire service class, which gives students a basic idea of how the fire service operates. Fire Technology 106: Physical Fitness for Fire Fighters includes fitness conditioning and muscle building. Fire Technology 107: Fire Fighter Safety and Survival is a course that shows students how to be safe on the job. They also learn safety techniques like smoke ventilation. The prerequisites for the Fire 120: Basic Fire Academy course are Fire: 101, 106 and 107, although the fitness class maybe contested with a passing score on the Candidate Physical Agility Test. The CPAT test measures a fire candidate’s strength in eight specific firefighting job areas: stair climb, fire hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise, forcible entry, search, rescue drag and ceiling breach and pull. “It is important to start with the Fire Tech class prerequisites to make sure you want to be a fire fighter,” Giddis said. Fire Academy Coordinator Mike Grillo knows the rigors of the job saying, “the firefighting profession is strenuous and students who are interested need to make sure they are willing to commit 100 percent to all the physical and mental tasks that the job requires.” The Fire Academy program success rates vary from class to class because the academy is challenging and not everyone makes it through.
GILL From page 1
“I didn’t think that we were going to air,” she said. “We waited the whole game to see if our ad would run, and I was shocked.” While she was disappointed that her commercial was the runner-up, Gill said she congratulated Anderson with a big hug. The commercial also received praise from the audience, as it ranked second in USA Today’s Super Bowl Ad Meter, a poll on their website that asked people to rate all commercials that aired during the Super Bowl, not just Doritos ads. Gill’s ad earned an average rating of 7.58 and finished second only to Budweiser’s heartwarming “Puppy Love” commercial that received an 8.29. “Finishing that high was almost better than winning a million dollars,” she said. “Almost.” The accolades of winning second place and having a commercial so highly rated is great for Gill’s future and the first step, she said, was a call from a Brentwood business owner. She couldn’t comment yet on what it will entail, but expressed excitement to possibly be working with a business she grew up around. “If this works out, it will be like everything has come full circle,” said Gill.
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LMC students that have taken Path2Stats have shown the completion of transferable math at levels three times higher than students following the traditional curriculum. Snell believes that there is a poor alignment of traditional algebra courses with the study of statistics. Path2Stats is not only designed for students that struggle with math but also for those who are not math intensive majors. LMC President Bob Kratochvil praised Snell for her innovative work. “Her work has had extremely powerful, positive results in student completion of transferable math and streamlined learning,” Kratochvil said. “Myra is a shining example of the innovation and hard work that all our faculty and staff do in support of our students. It is extremely gratifying for LMC to be recognized among the leaders of innovation in the country.” Beyond LMC, Snell co-founded the California Acceleration Project with Katie Hern, who is an English instructor at Chabot College. Both her work with LMC and the California Acceleration Project has helped increase success rates
at twenty other community colleges within the state. Co-founder Katie Her n feels “ecstatic” about Snell’s nomination. “She is a trailblazer in mathematics education, an amazing teacher and an inspiring leader to other faculty.” Hern collaborated with LMC President Bob Kratochvil in nominating Snell for the award. Hern said she saw an email about the AACC Awards of Excellence and as soon as she saw the criteria, she thought, “This is Myra. No one deserves this award more than Myra.” From there, Hern contacted President Kratochvil and both worked together to nominate Snell for the award. As of right now, President Kratochvil and his office is making arrangement to facilitate Snell’s attendance at the AACC dinner, which will be a black and white gala dinner. Both President Kratochvil and Snell will be attending the convention and the dinner. “It will be an honor to be in attendance with Myra as she is acknowledged for her teaching innovation and efforts to improve students,’” said President Kratochvil.