-Page 4
-Page 2
Music professor of 33 years dies
NOTE
What should Building 1 become?
NEWS
OPINIONS
FEATURES
Students visit three nations in SE Asia
The next issue of the Monitor will be out Sept. 15
-Page 3
monitor
ohlone college Vol. XLI No. 1
ohlonemonitoronline.com Fremont, California
August 29, 2011
Browning: This is a ‘band-aid year’ for Ohlone By MANIKA CASTERLINE Editor-in-Chief
Ohlone is considered to be in decent shape compared to the majority of community colleges as it continues to face the challenges of the statewide fiscal crisis, Ohlone’s College president said Friday. In her state of the college adddress on Aug. 26, President Gari Browning said that by taking the long-term approach of implementing preventative measures, such as offering employees a SERP package, having furloughs and continuing the hiring freeze that is in place -- along with dipping into reserves -the college is not going into deficit this year. This is why layoffs have been avoided and, she hopes, will prevent any future furloughs. Since the California state budget is consistently flucuating, Browning’s plan has been to be prepared for whatever possibilty that the college may face, including the worst case
Photo by Manika Casterline “We have a responsibility to look 10, 15, and 20 years ahead to ensure Ohlone continues as the vital community asset it has been,” told faculty and staff on Friday in the Smith Center. scenerios that the Chancellor’s office had been predicting last spring. “In the 2011-12 Tentative Budget that we have adopted, we plan to close the anticipated shortfall of about $5.1 million for this year with $1.2 million from reducing class
sections, $1.3 million from not filling vacant positions, $676,000 from reductions in discretionary budgets and using $2 million from our reserves,” Browning said. The Board of Trustees has also resurrected the option of utilizing the frontage property
as a source of revenue for the college, which has been an idea for years, she added. While the college will still have an across-the-board hiring freeze, the responsibilities of any vacant positions are being dealt with by staff. Four administration positions will or are scheduled to be vacant within this school year and the college is estimating that six to eight full-time faculty members will need to be hired in 2012-2013. Duties for these positions are being reallocated among faculty and administration. Ohlone’s faculty obligation number (or FON) is at 119.2 full-time faculty members, which is in compliance with the requirement by the California Community College Board of Governors. “The FON has been frozen or reduced for the last two years system wide and could be adjusted downward again in the next few weeks,” she said. History Professor Heather McCarty asked Browning
about the FON number. Browning responded, “I don’t think this is the junction for discussing reorganization.” Browning said, “ We have a responsibility to look 10, 15, and 20 years ahead to ensure Ohlone continues as the vital community asset it has been.” Browning deferred a portion of her address so that the Gilbane Construction Company could explain its role in fulfilling the Measure G plans approved by the voters. The first of the Measure G bonds are expected be sold in October, and will be spent on Buildings 1 and 8. Dustin Notarianni, who serves as the Gilbane’s executive project manager for Ohlone site, said something that is being looked at is the status of parking so that there is less of a hike up to campus. Notarianni added, “I look forward to set the foundation of Measure G,” and joked with the audience that he is excited about getting the building project going.
Most campus construction set to be done by Aug. 29 By BEN ROSETE Staff writer
With the fall semester starting, one of the most imperative questions for students and faculty has been: When will the construction work be finished? For students, staff and faculty coming to Ohlone this week, one of the first things they will notice is the construction work, which has gone on throughout the summer. Many of those who have come to visit the college in recent weeks have encountered the inconveniences of moving through the campus with areas of the main quad blocked by construction fences, dirt and equipment. The answer, according to Patrice Birkedahl, public information officer, is Aug. 29, the first day of the fall semester -- except for statefunded work.
What is expected to be finished by that date is the work between Buildings 5 and 6 on the main quad that has blocked transit through much of that section of campus for several weeks, Birkedahl said. The water intrusion project was designed to manage the problem of below-grade water intrusion into the foundations of the college buildings. The main focus of the design was to build an underground network of channels and siphon wells to divert water from structures in the campus, known as a French or blind drain. Employees from Diede Construction and other contractors have made repairs to seals and pipes beneath the quad as well over the past few weeks. This work is scheduled to be concluded for the most part by Aug. 29, with access to the quad being restored that day, Birkedahl said.
Other projects on campus are not scheduled to finish for several more months, and students returning in 2012 may expect to see construction areas in certain parts of the college. The two secondary projects, that may continue into the spring semester are work near the south edge of campus and in some of the buildings to improve ease of access and movement with the installation of ramps and elevators. Construction of the siphon wells connected to the new drain system will also need more work and that may continue for several months. Another project that needs to be completed is Building 16 as well as the relocation of the chemistry lab. Due to work near Building 9 to continue through the fall semester, Birkedahl advised those who park in Lot M to go around the west end of the structure in order to access the quad.
Photo by Manika Casterline The construction zone between Buildings 5 and 6 block off a large section of the quad just days before classes were set to start. Although much will be finished this week, some will continue all year.
OPINIONS
2 monitor August 29, 2011
Associated Collegiate Press / National Scholastic Press Association All American 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 Regional Pacemaker 1988 Journalism Association of Community Colleges General Excellence Fall 1994 General Excellence Fall 2000 General Excellence Fall 2004 General Excellence Fall 2005
Editor-in-Chief: Manika Casterline News editor: Features editor: Sports editor: Opinions editor: Online editor: Photo editor: Staff writers: Amy Scott, Ben Rosete, Ashley Lam, Jamie Lam, Devyn Walker Distribution Manager: Photographers: Jessica Kuester Ad manager: Adviser: Jeanie R. Wakeland Printer: FP Press
Offices are located in Room 5310 on campus, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont 94539-5884. Call (510) 659-6075. Fax: (510) 659-6076. E-mail: monitor@ohlone.edu Opinions expressed in the Monitor are those of the respective authors and are not necessarily those of the staff, the college or the Associated Students of Ohlone College. Unsigned editorials reflect the majority view of staff members. Advertising material is printed herein for informational purposes and is not to be construed as an expression of endorsement or verification of such commercial ventures by the staff or college. The Monitor is funded by the district, by the Associated Students of Ohlone College, and through advertising revenue. The Monitor is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, Journalism Association of Community Colleges, Community College Journalism Association, California Newspaper Publishers Association, College Media Advisers and Society of Newspaper Design.
Building 1 should become a student lounge By AMY SCOTT Staff writer
What the campus needs right now is a nice place to relax and escape from school for a while before returning to class. What the campus has, though, is an entirely different matter. The campus doesn’t and hasn’t had a nice little retreat for the students and I think we should turn Building 1 into a student lounge. Yes, we do have the library as an option to study. But if students raise their voices one decibel above an accepted whisper, it’s sayonara.
Plus there’s a lovely amount of construction on the same floor as the library and it is right outside its doors. There is also Hymann Hall, but the hall is inconveniently in the parking lot placed for lazy people everywhere. If I have a class in Building 4, there is no amount of money to pay me to get my butt up and down those stairs in between classes simply for a study area. Building 1 has long been used as a hang out and study place among the student populace. The only downer is that what sparse seating it does have is not very comfortable.
Nor is the seating very convenient, as it is crammed into whatever open corner there may be. The wi-fi signal on the bottom floor – at least around finals time – was one of the dodgiest signals I’ve tried to use. However, from my experience of using Building 1 as a study area, it’s an extremely convenient location. It’s in the middle of campus and is really hard to miss. It’s also the center of traffic for many students. If that floor was converted into a lounge area, the assumed demands from the student body would be very
simple: · More seating that’s a little more spaced out. Students aren’t sardines to be crammed into tiny tin containers; they need space. · While on the topic of seating, lets talk about comfortable seating. Over an extended amount of time, wooden chairs do, in fact, numb the gluteus maximus. They deserve better treatment. ·Could there be at least one couch? It could be small. The student body is mature enough to take turns sitting on the couch.
Farewell to our lazy summer days; hello to shouldering responsibilities By ASHLEY LAM Staff writer
After summer break, not many of us are excited to start classes again in the fall. It means that we have to get up to the beeping of an alarm clock and say goodbye to the many hours of summer freedom. We tend to feel a bit sluggish about starting the new school year. These ill feelings are certainly a yearly phase that most of us go through, but for those beginning their first semester of college, the prospects of starting can be intimidating. In the early years of learning, educational paths were very much structured for our benefit allowing us to
acquire the necessary skills that prepare us for college. In high school, the basic courses that are available leave students few choices except electives. The middle school and high school years race by in the blink of an eye before we realize that we must take the reins to succeed in our own academic pursuits, which are no doubt scary. All of a sudden, we become responsible for our education in a much more direct way and the situation becomes more complex. We find that it is truly in our power to build our future. With addition of recent state budget cuts, California’s education system has been largely affected. For students, getting the
classes we prefer is getting harder by the year. Laying out our educational path seems more competitive than ever. Currently in California, the student-to-teacher ratios were estimated to be at 21:1. In other states, rates can be as low as 12:1, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics. Yet every year, more and more students are being admitted. This results in classes that are packed tighter than ever and everyone is feeling the pinch. This makes a unique situation for our generation. These are the pivotal years in our lives and when all is put into perspective, getting a head start in life
suddenly seems a lot more important than holding on to the last few days of carefree childhood. New roles and responsibility should be recognized not only in our college educations but also in life itself. As J.P. Morgan, an American pioneer responsible for the development of early American businesses, once said, “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” We cannot halt becoming young adults. The only direction we can look is forward. With that in mind, starting a new school year does not seem so bad after all.
· At the very least, could it be less of an eyesore to walk past? At least a little bit cleaner and a little less beige? The color neutrality is starting to take a toll. And while there are more options to hang out than just Building 1. There are plenty of nice places on campus in the nice open air. However, the quantity of these places has been cut down since construction has started. If anyone who doesn’t mind dirty tables and benches under those nice shade trees next to the noisy machinery, be my guest.
CALENDAR Aug. 29 All day: Fall 2011 semester instruction and classes begin All day: Fall 2011 Registration for K-9 students Aug. 30 Facilities Committee Seminar, workshop, conference, presentation, forum 1 p.m.: Men’s soccer, West Hills College (home), DH 3:30 p.m.: Women’s soccer, West Hills College (home), Aug. 31 8 a.m.: Foundation, Executive Committee Meeting 5 p.m.: Women’s volleyball, Contra Costa College (home) Sept. 1 4:30 p.m.: Men’s soccer, Napa Valley College (home) Sept. 2 Last day to add class without instructor’s signature 3:30 p.m.: Women’s soccer, Sacramento City College
NEWS
3 monitor August 29, 2011
ASOC President Statement Hello and welcome to the start of the fall semester. My name is Trinidad, Jason Trinidad. Let me first start by telling you a little bit about myself, I’m a philosophy major with the intention of transferring to a four-year university. I hope to be a professor of philosophy someday. Currently, I am serving as your Associated Students of Ohlone College (ASOC) Student Government President. I’ve been a part of this active institution for two years and in that time I have witnessed the strength of what a collective voice of students can achieve. For example, the ASOC took it upon itself to improve the cafeteria so that it could
become a comfortable and pleasant place for students to interact and enjoy lunch. Further, the ASOC has been active in voicing the students’ opinion on matters of renovations, improvements and on all major decisions that may affect the student body. For instance, members of the ASOC sit on the Facilities committee that plans and advises the college on the construction and revitalization of the campus. Everything that we have done and will do is to serve our mission, which is to serve the needs, wants and concerns of the student body. I do understand if most of you are not aware of what we do and who we are, but I hope
to change that. This year ASOC will be active and I will make this year the year of the student’s voice. But I cannot do it alone. In order to secure the future of Ohlone’s position as a great college and have it meet its continual goal of serving our community, I encourage you to join ASOC and let your voice be heard. In closing, I hope all of us have a wonderful and successful year. May your dreams come true. Feel free to reach us at talk@theasoc.com, or visit our office in building 7, second floor, or if you’d like to reach me personally contact me at ASOCpresident@ Jason Trinidad ohlone.edu.
Professor Phillip Zahorsky dies at 59; taught music at Ohlone for 33 years By MANIKA CASTERLINE Editor-in-Chief
Ohlone music professor of 33 years, Phillip Charles Zahorsky died on May 18, just two days short of his 59th birthday. Zahorsky was an instrumental figure in expanding the courses that the music department offered. He started working at Ohlone in 1977. His teaching style was considered as being student instruction-oriented. Since Zahorsky was born on May their creation, Zahorsky had 20, 1951. conducted all of Ohlone’s bands and jazz ensembles. Music lab technician and Members of these en- President of CSEA, Jackie sembles have included in- Whitehouse said, “He was dividuals such as executive unique in putting together assistant to the president’s ensembles that included both office, Shelby Foster and the- students and staff.” president of the Student SenZahorsky also served as ate for California Community the music director and conColleges, Kevin Feliciano. ductor of the Ohlone Wind
‘He was unique in putting together ensembles that included both students and staff’
Whitehouse said, “We used to have long conversations about everything from politics to the students and what going into music meant.” Whitehouse escribed Zahorsky as being a mellow guy -Jackie Whitehouse in how he approached things. Zahorsky was widely known Orchestra from 1991 to 2001. due to his general cheerful The Ohlone Wind Orchestra disposition even in the face was regarded as the region’s of insurmountable challenges first professional caliber wind such as being diagnosed with orchestra. multiple myeloma. Zahorsky was bestowed He was an accomplished with an emeritus status at bass trombonist and played the March 9, 2011 Board of with the San Jose Symphony, Trustees meeting. the Silicon Valley Symphony The resolution said, “He and the Silicon Valley Ballet. inspired the music departZahorsky toured with sevment and the college, with the eral Broadway traveling proidea that a primary student ductions including “A Chorus learning outcome be that stu- Line” and “Jesus Christ dents should enjoy the subject Superstar.” matter and was seen by his Zahorsky leaves behind his colleagues as a man with fair wife Elenor and children Clara and good judgment.” and Paul.
Little things With summer quickly fading into autumn comes the start of the semester. Whether you’re new to Ohlone or you feel as if you’ve stepped onto the campus for the first time what with all the construction going on, here’s a little of my “fun-sized” insight to at least appearing as if you are in the know. 1. The stairs Please stop complaining about them since that fact is its not going to change unless you are Harry Potter and can fly on a broomstick from class to class. Navigating Ohlone is like navigating Hogwart’s without moving staircases so face it and get over it right now. 2. Cleanest restrooms The cleanest restrooms tend to be the ones in places where students don’t go like the first floors of Building 1 and 7. They also are conveniently located where administration is, to prevent you from looking through the open peephole of course. 3. Best hangout spot I’d say the seating area in the quad except now its noisy so the plaza across the street the houses Starbucks and Subway would be the best alternative option. 4. Ladies and dudes who lunch Cafeteria food has always had a bad reputation although Ohlone does provide a few decent options in the form of burgers, burritos and sushi. I would steer clear of the teriaki chicken with rice combination. If you are going off campus the Ohlone Deli and Mission Burger are within walking distance and Zorba’s is down Mission Boulevard in the Warm Springs area of Fremont. 5.Don’t like waiting too long The best time to stop by A&R is in the early morning or late in the afternoon. The goal is to avoid the peak hours, which typically are during lunch time since no class is in session. 6. Scenery The higher you are the more scenic your view is especially from the Ohlone Foundation building or from the viewing area in the upper level AC Transit bus stop. The best shady place on a hot day is experienced through a leisurely walk down the tree lined pathway by Hyman Hall.
FEATURES Study abroad trip takes students to SE Asia
August 29, 2011 monitor 4
By JAMIE LAM Staff writer
Foreign travel became a dream-come-true for nine Ohlone students this summer when they visited Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore through Ohlone’s International Programs and Services. “I was so excited. The fact that I was going to Southeast Asia became real to me for the first time,” said Ohlone student Kate Dowdy when her visa arrived this summer. Students went to the three different countries to compare the differences in culture. In addition to the typical sightseeing, they observed how international business and multinational companies such as UPS operate in a different way.
Students also explored finance companies and manufacturing ship corporations. In Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, students from Ohlone met up with Vietnamese officials and students at the sister university. On a lighter aspect, Dowdy said the group took a boat down the Mekong River and were truly amazed by the tropical surroundings. The chance to visit the three exotic locales came about when the director of the program, Eddie West, and Professor Christine Bolt worked with Accent Group to organize an excursion from May 23 to June 14. Ohlone first received the opportunity to organize several programs when the school applied for a BIE
Auditions will be held 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 6 and 7 for Ohlone’s Fall 2011 theater production, “Servant of Two Masters,” a classical Italian comedy by Carlo Goldoni. The auditions will be held in the Nummi Studio Theater at the Smith Center on the Fremont Ohlone campus. There are 14 roles available: eight males roles, four female roles and two for either gender. The plot of the play follows Truffalindo, a servant just trying to fill his hungry stomach, as he juggles two masters: Beatrice, who is
-Eddie West
disguised as her deceased brother Federigo to collect a dowry, and her lover, Florindo. It is required that those auditioning prepare a 1-2-minute monologue solo piece, and that it must be memorized. The monologue itself cannot be more than two minutes. The monologue should also be from a classical or contemporary play, preferably a commedia play. Callbacks for the play will be on Sept. 8 at the Nummi theater. Rehearsals will run 6 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays beginning Sept. 12 at the Nummi theater.
(Business and International Education) grant of $180,000 three years ago from the Department of Education. With new funding, the Department of International Studies within Ohlone used this to implement a curriculum, including a twounit business course, which involved and piqued many students’ interests. In fall of 2010, Bolt began the recruitment of students as they raced to find the necessary materials to qualify and apply. “The most important thing is giving students an opportunity to see another part of the world that they would not have seen without this opportunity. We made it a reality and an educational opportunity. It became a shared learning experience, broadening horizons for everyone,” said West. Dowdy said she was given “a clear goal to achieve and the means to achieve it.” As studying abroad and traveling around the world are within many Ohlone students’ interests, Bolt and West are currently developing trips to other parts of the world, such as India, Greece, France, Australia and China. Responding to student concerns, Ohlone will continue establishing bonds with its sister universities, to provide many students prospective opportunities.
rics, stripes and a lot of different 1940s inspired prints. Smart, sophisticated pieces that fit your personality always work, as well as versatile pieces. For women, a simple dress or patterned skirt with a soft blouse can take you from class to class looking marvelous. Guys, your look this fall can be very relaxed and laid back by piecing together some of your favorite jeans and a great graphic tee. Tailored blazers are in for both male and female this fall. The tailored blazer is an accessory to your outfit to make it pop. The blazer can be worn with anything from dresses, skirts, shorts, leggings, skinny jeans and cargos. Cardigans are also an
accessory to compliment the outfit you may choose to wear. Cardigans look wonderful with a basic tee, leggings and boots on a female. For the guys a nice button-down shirt, polo and jeans with a cardigan will look amazing. We all have those days when we don’t feel like getting all dressed up for school. No worries, ladies Victoria’s Secret’s has a line called Pink that allow you to be comfortable and still look great. For guys Hollister, Abercrombie and Fitch have great sweats and shorts for your off days as well. Looking on a great place to find these things? Stores such as Forever 21, H&M, Macy’s, Urban Outfitters, and American Apparel have
Play offers roles for 14 actors By AMY SCOTT Staff writer
‘The most important thing is giving students an opportunity to see another part of the world that they would not have seen’
Photos courtesy Sarah Hashemi Above: Ohlone students visited the STX Vietnam Offshore shipyard, which was launched the Vung Tau location on April 28. Below: visiting the delta in Vietnam.
Falling for hot fall fashion, the Ohlone way By DEVYN WALKER Staff writer
Welcome back, Ohlone Renegades! I am budding fashion stylist and writer and will be writing about campus styles from time to time. You may think the summer is over because the fall semester is starting, but these first few months of the semester will be hot. Here are some of the trends that will be very helpful to students and staff on how to look great and stay cool. The astonishing colors for this fall are dawn blue, mustard gold, calypso cordial, rifle green and porcelain. Prints are also in for this fall, such as retro geomet-
all of these great looks for men and women. For shoes on campus, sandals, oxfords and wedges work for the ladies, while guys always look good in sneakers.
I hope gave you some ideas and I hope to see some of these great looks on you this semester. Editor’s note: Devyn Walker is an Ohlone student and also is studying fashion at the Art Institute in San Francisco.
Graphic by Manika Casterline These items are sure to keep you looking cool even with the hot temperatures.