PCC Courier 10/25/12

Volleyball

Women’s team dominates Page 8» Volume 106, Issue 8

COURIER Pasadena City College

The independent student voice of PCC. Serving Pasadena Since 1915.

Prop.30 rally gets students’ attention

According to officials, PCC has not been targeted by members of a financial aid fraud ring broken up by federal investigators recently. Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid Assistant Dean Kim Miles said: “To my knowledge PCC has not been targeted. We are watchful of students who insist someone else speak for them about their financial aid.”

Twitter @pccCourier October 25, 2012

Concerns aired about trends NICHOLAS ZEBROWSKI Managing Editor

students”, people who were not students and did not intend to attend classes. Also the identity of actual students would be stolen and used in the scam.

“In some cases the identity of mentally disabled people were used because they are the most vulnerable in our society and enrolled in classes without their knowledge,” said Dolan. Straw students would stay enrolled in classes just long enough for the financial aid grant checks they

Information presented at Monday’s Academic Senate meeting shows a racial gap in academic performance amongst students. In the 2011 school year over eight percent of all students received failing grades in their classes. Hispanic and black students made up almost 45 percent of the student body in 2011, and almost 25 percent of all failing grades.

The information, compiled by Interim Director of Institutional Planning Crystal Kollross, shows that in almost all divisions at PCC, Hispanic and black students received lower grades on average than Asian and white students.

Social Science Professor Susie Ling presented the information to the Senate. The numbers, compiled by Kollross, show that 13 percent of black students, and over 11 percent of Hispanic students received ‘F’ grades in their classes. Compared to just over five percent of white students and seven percent of Asian students received ‘F’ grades.

“I’m glad Susie brought this information up [to the Academic

Continued on page 7

Continued on page 7

Makoto Lane / Courier California Assembly member Anthony Portantino (44th district) rallies support at a Yes on proposition 30 event in the PCC Quad on Oct. 18.

new tax revenues would be available to fund programs in the state budget.”

Assembly Member Anthony Portantino of the 44th District was among the speakers urging students to vote for Proposition 30.

“It’s so critical that we vote yes

on Proposition 30. We need folks to step up,” said Portantino.

Andrew Bott, AS vice president for business affairs was glad to see that Portantino was trying help with the cause.

“It was amazing to have an assembly member like Portantino [here]. It’s wonderful

to see people come from all walks to make a difference,” said Bott.

Bott encouraged students to vote yes on Proposition 30.

“This is one of those chances students have to make an immediate impact on their lives,” said Continued on page 2

College not targeted by financial aid fraud ring RAYMOND BERNAL Staff Writer

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Racial gap in grades revealed

PAUL OCHOA Staff Writer

The crowd was sparse but students in the Quad had their ears open on Thursday during a Proposition 30. rally, which encouraged students to vote yes on November ballot measure.

The event even offered laptops to help students register to vote.

“I personally felt like the turnout should have been better but it was nice to see people were turning around, paying attention and listening,” said Miranda Alvarado, Associated Students vice for academic affairs.

According to Voterguide .sos.ca.gov voting yes on Proposition 30. means, “The state would increase personal income taxes on high-income taxpayers for seven years and sales taxes for four years. The

Online edition pccCourier.com

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General filed federal indictments in September on 21 individuals for allegedly conducting “fraud rings” that defrauded 15 California community colleges federal student aid programs of over $1 million.

“Federal student aid exists so that individuals can make their dreams of higher education a reality, not for criminals to use as a personal slush fund,” said

Inspector General Kathleen Tighe in announcing the indictments.

In an interview with the Courier on Friday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Dolan said: “The fraud rings involved both traditional education and online education. Many of them [fraud rings] are now focused on the online part because it’s easier to defraud when you don’t have to show-up and lie to somebody.”

Dolan explained that fraud ringleaders would recruit “straw

Sustainability panel works on new model CHRISTINE MICHAELS Staff Writer

New goals for sustainability in a template created by Citrus College are recommended for the campus according the campus-wide Sustainability Committee at a meeting on Oct. 15.

Sustainability is the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance, according to dictionary.com The goals include zero waste,

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renewable energy, improving on transportation, water usage, construction, and informing students of sustainability through curriculum, according to a template on the Citrus College sustainability website.

Committee Co-Chair Lauren Arenson said the template was going to be a good start towards being more sustainable on campus. “It’s rough, but it’s a really good start. It’s flexible and it can change, too,” said Arenson.

Acting Committee Co-Chair Hanna Israel felt the template

would be helpful for creating a base to work on. “We don’t want to be reinventing the wheel,” said Israel.

Committee member and Facilities Supervisor Sarah Flores explained the template would be helpful for record keeping and setting standards for sustainability on campus.

“It will also be benchmarking.

I want us to be the benchmark,” said Flores.

A list was passed around at the meeting with sustainability Continued on page 6

File Photo Tim Martinez, member of the environmental sustainability club on campus works in the sustainable garden in 2011.

Soccer

Donating the past

Women’s team moves to third place after win against El Camino

College receives cameras and film gear from JPL

Page 8»

Page 7»

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News

Courier

October 25, 2012

Math program wins second national award BENJAMIN SIMPSON Staff Writer

Math Jam, created at PCC seven years ago, won it’s second national award in a year when Excelencia in Education honored it on October 2. Math Jam also won the prestigious Bellwether award in January.

Math Jam is a two week course designed to help incoming high school students brush up on their math skills including guaranteed classes for their first year at PCC, according to Dr. Brock Klein, Director of the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) and

Upcoming Events Today, Oct. 25: Cambridge & McGraw Hill ESL Book Fair 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. - C251 Calendar Standing Committee Meeting 12 Noon - C217 Budget and Resource Allocation Standing Committee 2:30 p.m. - C-217 Wednesday, Oct. 31: Classified Senate Fall General Meeting and Halloween Party Noon - Circadian Friday, Nov. 2: Fall Choir Recital 8 p.m. - Harbeson Hall The PCC Fall Choir will be performing songs from Mozart, Brahms, Debussy and Ravel in the Harbeson Hall at 8 p.m.

Tickets cost $5 for general admission and $3 for students, seniors, and staff.

Sunday, Nov. 4: PCC Flea Market 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. - Corner of Bonnie Ave. and Colorado Blvd.

Monday, Nov. 5: Academic Senate Board Meeting 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. - C233 Wednesday, Nov. 7: Board of Trustees Meeting 6 p.m. – Location: TBA Thursday Nov. 8: Budget and Resource Allocation Standing Committee 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. – C217 Compiled by Anthony Richetts

Director of First Year Pathways.

The program is designed not just for math, but to introduce the new students to college life. “[Math Jam] was really helpful to refresh our memory for the upcoming subject,” said Joaquin Luna, Math Jam graduate and political science major.

“It was also helpful because we got to see the campus, and be around it for a period of time, it is helpful to come to the TLC room,” he said.

Last year Math Jam enrolled 800 students but Klein is hoping to have 1200-1500 students enrolled in the fall of 2013.

Math Jam is part of the ‘Pathways’ umbrella under which a number of programs to help students succeed is grouped.

“If students feel connected emotionally to the campus they have a better chance of success,” said Klein. “Normally students just stumble in, this is kind of changing the story a little bit, you will have access to a support staff, access to coaches, you will have access to centers helping students.”

“The Math Jam program provides new students with an engaging, no-stress environment

in which to experience success before they begin their fall math course.” According to the Excelencia in Education website.

“They are always here for me when I need some help,” said Grace Terzian, Math Jam graduate and respiratory therapy major. “They are always here to guide me, and show me what to do and how to do things.”

The two week class is no cost, and also no credit. “No credit brings the stress level down,” said Klein. “There’s not really any homework, there are assessments but no exams … and we did that really intentionally … to

help you have a good time in math, we have students saying this is the first time they have ever had fun in math class.”

“It’s really nice for me to see students from a year ago, or several years ago, hanging out together, and they met in Math Jam.” said Klein.

According to the Math Path Survey Result in 2010 by Michael A. Harnar and Patricia Quinones of Claremont Graduate University, “twice as many students who have completed a Math Path class transfer to 4year colleges than a comparable group of PCC students.”

Presidential debate brings peers together AMANDA PIMENTEL Staff Writer

Students and faculty gathered in the Piazza for a viewing of the final presidential debate on Monday held by the PCC Democrats Club.

“It’s wonderful to see so many students come together for the most important debate in modern history,” said Andrew Bott, president of the Democrats Club.

Students and faculty, attending the event were able to watch the candidates face off in the Piazza, which provided a friendly setting for all parties.

Once the two primary candidates took center stage, the crowd settled and all eyes and ears were on all the monitors in the restaurant. The crowd was very attentive during the entire 90 minute debate with an occasional sigh and cheer for prominent statements from both candidates.

As the debate ended, many viewers stayed and expressed their opinions and thoughts of the debate with each other.

Alexis VIllanueva / Courier A crowd gathers to watch the Presidential Debate in the Piazza on Oct. 16. The audience enjoyed complimentary food and beverages while the debate was shown on a large projector screen and televisions.

“I think it went well for Obama,” said David Uranga, political science instructor. “The President was well prepared today; his advisors should get a bonus. Gov. Romney didn’t have a different standpoint on foreign policy.”

Many spectators were

impressed by how the candidates handled their opponent’s critiques.

“It was a very competitive debate. Romney was very predictable and Obama was able to gain on that. But Romney was able to build on Obama’s mistakes from his term. It was a good

debate overall,” said Prentis Smith, Sociology major.

However not all viewers were impressed by the candidates’ debate.

“Talk is cheap. Action is what matters to America,” said business and philosophy major Byron Norrod II.

Public Relations banners win top award AMANDA PIMENTEL Staff Writer

The Public Relations Department was awarded the gold medallion by District 6 of the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations for the banners featuring the schools distinguished alumni in the Outdoor Media category.

The group’s District 6 includes community colleges in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii and American Samoa, said Juan Gutierrez, director of public relations.

“It is amazing that PCC is recognizing its students because the school is all about its students.

Since we have so many notable

places around us, the school also becomes part of the distinguished community,” said Laurie Burruss, director of the Digital Media Center.

The banners feature notable alumni including Jackie Robinson, Eddie Van Halen, Jaime Escalante, John Singleton and others. The banners hang from the light poles on the NorthWest side of the campus near the entry of the staff parking lot.

This year the school has declared its tagline to be: Proud Past, Global Future. Part of the “proud past” is celebrating the college’s success, by recognizing the people that have made that happen. “By identifying the past we can move forward to become

the college that we want to be for the future,” said Gutierrez.

“The banners are very well done visually. The pictures look like they came from a photo album and that is amazing. The banners are very prominent on the campus,” said Burruss.

The Banners are part of beautifying the school, as well as noting the accomplishments of past students.

“I am honored to know that I am attending a school with an outstanding alumni history,” said Mallory Gutierrez, kinesiology.

“As an athlete, I am motivated to know that someone as great as Jackie Robinson came to PCC, and went on to become one of the best athletes in the world.”

Makoto Lane / Courier The "Distinguished Alumni" banners won the Public Relations office a gold medallion.

Proposition 30 rally attracts attentive, but mediocre crowds Continued from page 1

Bott.

One of the students listening liked what the speakers had to say and agreed with the cause.

“I definitely agree. I liked it when [Charlotte Williams, assistant professor political science] said, ‘don’t bitch if doesn’t pass,’

” said Sofia Pereya, fine arts.

John Fraser, AS vice president for external affairs stressed the importance of Proposition 30.

“The Associated Students has the upmost support for Proposition 30. [It] is incredibly important, the $6 million that would go to PCC is monumental,” said Fraser.

On the lack of student atten-

dance at the rally Fraser commented that people care about the issues but are not so quick to make them selves be seen in public.

It is very difficult to have a very good turnout when you advertise the same day. People that do care but they are not willing to let themselves be seen front and center,” said Fraser.

October 25, 2012

Courier 2012 JACC General Excellence Award Winner Editor­in­Chief Nicholas Saul Managing Editor Nicholas Zebrowski Online Editor Anthony Richetts Opinion Editor Christine Michaels Assist. Opinion Editor Benjamin Simpson Arts & Entertainment Editor Paul Ochoa Features Editor Emily Chang ­ Chien Assist. Features Editor Shelly Maldonado Sports Editor Philip McCormick Assist. Sports Editor Karla Sosa Photo Editor Buren Smith Assist. Photo Editor Antonio Gandara Online Photo Editor Teresa Mendoza Scene Editor Max Perez Staff Writers: Alfonso Ardon, Ander Arostegui, Raymond Bernal, Geness Gilkey, Alan Lopez, Mary Nurrenbern, Elizabeth Piedra, Amanda Pimentel, Luis Rodriguez, Mykeisa Willis Staff Photographers: Cicely Chisholm, Justin Clay, John Garcia, Wendy Garcia, Concepcion Gonzalez, Gabriela Gonzalez, Jordan Harris, Makoto Lane, Triana Melendez, John Novak, Anar Nyantaisuren, Patricia Reyes, Daniel Valencia, Alexis Villanueva, Ryan Yamamoto

Opinion

Courier

3

Editorial

Your ‘yes’ vote on Proposition 30 is vital It has been an unusual semester. The campus has been in a state of disarray—reeling from class cuts, student protests, a disputed faculty contract situation, and the replacing of the winter intersession with a three-semester calendar.These hasty, significant changes in the foundational system of PCC all stem from one thing: the big wigs up in Sacramento haven’t been giving PCC enough money.

But, we, the PCC community can do something to help fix, or at least ameliorate the situation. On Nov. 6 we can vote on a proposition that will directly affect us at this school where we need it most—classes.

Proposition 30., Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax initiative, will raise the current sales tax from

7.25 percent to 7.5 percent and will levy an increase in income taxes on those who make over $250,000.

The tax hike is slated to bring in $6 billion in revenue to the state, $6.7 million of which could be dropped into the PCC budget, according to President Mark Rocha.

With the extra $6 million, the administration can add more classes in the summer semester that could not have been guaranteed if the proposition is not passed.

Raising sales tax in a harsh economy and straining the wealthy for money is not a pretty picture, but we essentially have no choice other than to vote yes on Proposition 30.

If it is not passed the state budget will have

a $6 billion shortfall, which will result in ‘trigger cuts’ to public schools. PCCs trigger cut will be to the tune of $6 million, meaning—in the best case scenario—a depleted summer semester class selection.

No matter what your political affiliation, no matter what your opinion is on how the school has handled the state budget cuts, the cutting of classes and elimination of winter, if you are a student, a teacher, an administrator, or affiliated with PCC in any way, you should vote yes on Proposition 30.

This is our chance to vote on a statewide level to positively benefit our school directly.

Help yourself out by helping out the school.

‘Shared Governance’ should not become an empty slogan TONY S. JUGE AND DAVID MCCABE Part II of II

Physics has something called the “Principle of Locality” which explains the delay that occurs between an event and our awareness of it - even if it happens within a system to which we are intimately tied. Take for example the classic toy: the Slinky.

You can take a Slinky, hold it above the ground, extending it to its full length and drop it. What occurs next, you have to witness for yourself to appreciate. The end closest to the ground hovers as the top of the Slinky falls inward upon itself. Why doesn’t the bottom of the Slinky fall once the top is released? Essentially, it hasn’t received the memo. The bottom doesn’t know it is no longer supported at the top and won’t succumb to gravity until the coils

VOICES:

above crash down upon it.

What does this moment of nostalgia and reflection over the Laws of Physics have to do with leadership at PCC? We have witnessed a shift in how faculty, staff, students and the community are treated. The decision in January to cut 96 classes a week before the start of the spring semester, the decision last month to eliminate winter session and to change the academic calendar were made in a manner that placed us all at the bottom of the Slinky, metaphorically speaking.

This approach to decision making, leaves our students viewed as either cash flow problems or solutions rather than respected as an integral part of our institution.

Professors are deemed proficient only if they are able to push students through the system and their input for program improvement is considered valuable only

if it honors the ideology that students are commodities and education is an economic output.

This is a 180-degree turn from the belief that education should be a process of learning where professors and students concern themselves with intellectual growth and discovery.

As we consider the dramatic change in our student body, this approach to decision making becomes more troublesome. As our students become more diverse, the need for qualified and dedicated professors becomes greater.

Sadly, the administration chooses to meet these challenges by relying on a dedicated (and disposable) pool of adjunct faculty while simultaneously increasing the number of full-time administrators and managers, many of whom have little contact with the students they serve.

We chose to teach at PCC because of our desire to contribute to the promise that California made to its young people with the drafting of the California Master Plan. We reject the commodification of education and the corporatization of this institution.

We ask the administration to stop treating our college community like the bottom end of the Slinky. Instead of forcing top down decisions and draconian changes upon us, acknowledge the wisdom and humanity of our students, staff and faculty by demonstrating that “shared governance” and “Student Success, Our Top Priority” are our guiding principles and not merely empty slogans.

Tony S. Jugé and David McCabe have both been educators at PCC since 2005. Jugé teaches Sociology and McCabe teaches Education.

Should California abolish the death penalty, by approving Proposition 34?

Faculty Adviser Warren Swil Photography Adviser Rachel Fermi Advertising Coordinator Anthony Richetts The Courier is published weekly by the Pasadena City College Journalism Department and is a free­speech forum. Editorial opinions and com­ ments are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the institution and its administra­ tion, student government or that of the Pasadena Area Community College District.

“It’s going to save money, so I say, get rid of it.”

Jeff Wong, 22, Criminal Justice

“[The state] shouldn’t have the right to kill someone. We should abolish the death penalty.”

Lily Golshan, 18, Undecided

“We need the death penalty.

People need to pay for the crimes that they commit.”

Michelle Burton, 19, English

“[California] shouldn’t get rid of the death penalty. It’s an eye for an eye.”

John Olifarg, 17, Nursing

“Yes, we should take it away.

We can use that money for education, instead of wasting it on killing people.”

Melissa Lara, 20, English

“California should keep the death penalty. Criminals need to know that there are consequences for their actions.”

Christian Sanchez, 20, Film

“California should keep it.

Criminals need to know how their victims felt.”

Ryan Hill, 23, Natural Science

“We shouldn’t be killing people. Life in prison is punishment enough.”

Duncan Wadkins, 24, Business

“We should get rid of the death penalty. People are on death row for years and it’s just wasting our money.”

Amanda Morales, 19, MarineBiology

“California needs to keep the death penalty. It’s the only way Californians know that our streets are safe.”

April Ratanavaravut, 20, Biology

The Courier is written and produced as a learning experience for student writ­ ers, photographers and editors in the Journalism Department.

Phone: (626) 585­7130 Fax: (626) 585­7971 Advertising: (626) 585­7979 pccCourierAds@yahoo.com

ONLINE POLL RESULTS

Office: 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., CC­208 Pasadena, CA 91106­3215

Online, we asked: Who do you think won the final presidental debate?

Results as of 5 p.m. Wednesday: President Obama 66% Mitt Romney 26% Bob Schieffer 6%

E­mail: pccCourier@yahoo.com The first copy of the Courier is free.

Additional copies are $1 each © Copyright 2012 Courier.

All rights reserved.

vote at pccCourier.com

Reporting by: Amanda Pimentel , Photos by: Triana Melendez

Note to Readers Letters to the Editor

The Courier welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be about 300 words and may be edited by Courier staff. All letters must contain your full name and a correct daytime phone number. Letters can be delivered to the Courier office in CC 208 or sent by e­mail to michaels_courier@yahoo.com.

Corrections The Courier staff endeavors to ensure accuracy in all aspects of its report­ ing. If you believe we have made an error, please contact us at (626) 585­7130 or via e­mail to saul.nicholas@yahoo.com.

SCENE

Courier

October 25, 2012

Concepcion Gonzalez / Courier Street artist works on his art piece on Pasadena’s ArtNight on Oct. 12.

Alexis Villanueva / Courier Guests are captivated by the many art pieces that were showcased at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center: 5th Annual Art Show. Boston Court was one of the 16 institutions open during ArtNight in Pasadena.

Alexis Villanueva / Courier Onlookers take a gander at a piece from the exhibition 'Layer: A Loose Horizon' at the Pasadena Museum of California Art.

Alexis Villanueva / Courier Capoeira Batuque Pasadena Group and Afro-Brazilian Dancer Rachel Hernandez, (center left) perform at A Room to Create (ARC) Pasadena for ArtNight.

ARTNIGHT

Concepcion Gonzalez / Courier Dancers perform "Podcast", which is choreographed by John Pennington, during Pasadena's ArtNight at A Room to Create (ARC) Pasadena.

Alexis Villanueva / Courier Cynthia Hsiang, a Chinese Music Ensemble instructor, plays with her troup at the Pacific Asia Museum on ArtNight.

Alexis Villanueva / Courier Attendants of Pasadena's ArtNight look at pieces showcased in the Boston Court Performing Arts Center: 5th Annual Art Show.

6

Features

Courier

Documentary screened

October 25, 2012

Film student accents the value of human life Director, producer, and movie company founder keeps busy SHELLY MALDONADO Staff Writer

Antonio Gandara / Courier.

Robert Bell, senior vice president, left, and Wilbert Smith writer and producer of the film, after the screening of the heartwrenching documentary “A Hole in the Head: A Life Revealed” at the Creveling Lounge on Oct. 18. The film documented the last days of Vertus Hardiman who died of cancer after being experimented on with radiation at the age of five.

Sustainability committee to work from recommendations Continued from page 1

goals that members of the committee would research and report findings at the next meetings.

Facilities Supervisor Dave Van Pelt wished to incorporate more facilities work into sustainability.

“We want to help you guys out if we can,” said Van Pelt.

Flores believed recycling was an important aspect to research.

“Facilities needs to be more involved [in sustainability] because we’ve already done a lot to be sustainable,” said Flores.

Arenson felt it was important to discover ways to inform students about sustainability. “Its important we get accurate information to students [about sustainability],” said Arenson.

Associated Students Vice President of Sustainability and committee member Juan Diego Ashton is interested in researching transportation options.

Ashton brought in a fold-up bike to show the committee a possible sustainable alternative for the campus. “There is a lack of transportation options on campus. I want to develop alternatives,”

said Ashton.

Public Relations Department Digital Media Technician Richshell Allen wanted to research water usage and renewable energy. “That is my interest overall,” he said.

Israel was pleased with the amount of participation in the committee. “I’m really proud we have a full committee,” she said.

The committee will be meeting next month to discuss sustainability research and how to implement it into the new template.

Early mornings and a dose of caffeine is usually how Michael Aloyan starts his day. However, this 20-year-old film student intermingles work-filled days packed with homework and exams, with meetings related to the films he is working on. He even manages to dedicate two hours every night to work solely on scripts.

Director, producer, and founder of his own film company, Michael Aloyan is a young man with big accomplishments and even bigger ambitions.

Aloyan has worked on over 20 short films and cannot envision his future as being anything but a filmmaker. The young filmmaker has many projects in the works, and his short film, Subhuman, has several awards in the bag: the Audience Award at the Seattle NFFTY Film Festival, two Jury Awards at the Los Angeles Reel Film Festival, the Audience Award at the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival, and the Jury Award at the Young Cuts Film Festival in Montreal.

“Cinema has always been my passion. I can’t remember a time where I didn’t want to make movies,” said Aloyan. “I can’t find anything more interesting than telling stories for a living.”

Aloyan’s repertoire goes beyond what is visually appealing to the human eye. Through his work, particularly in his award-winning short film, Subhuman, Aloyan aims to convey a message of substance.

“The main theme is identity and how we set ourselves apart as human beings. We are constantly surrounded by assumptions about who we are, and make these same assumptions about those around us,” he said.

“I hope the audience walks away from Subhuman thinking about the value of human life.”

Additionally, the filmmaker is on a mission to ensure continual

growth in the future of film and explains how he, along with his crew, will be “leading the next generation forward.”

“Film is an ever-changing art form. There aren’t limits to how far the medium can be pushed.

Even with genres we have seen a thousand times, every few years a visionary filmmaker changes the genre and presents a fresh take…There are infinite ways of telling those stories,” said Aloyan.

The Hollywood born filmmaker thanks his family for influencing his artistic endeavors.

“It was always a very artistic vibe in our house,” said Aloyan. “[My father] and my mother gave us the freedom to go after our dreams. My younger brother, Arman Aloyan, is a composer and writes all of the music for my films. My films definitely have their fingerprints all over them.”

Fellow filmmaker and producer Peter Vinding has been impressed by the young artist’s work ethic and talent.

“He talks to all people as equals, he’s passionate, professional, unstoppable, talented, driven, a people person and last but definitely not least: hard working,” said Vinding. “He has a depth of understanding the human condition that goes far beyond his age.”

English instructor Diana Francisco also speaks highly of the filmmaker.

“Michael is a very creative and talented student,” she said. “He is a truly gifted story-teller and young film-maker.”

For future filmmakers and current students of film, Aloyan provides a piece of advice without beating around the bush: “I know it’s a cliché, but the film industry is incredibly tough,” said Aloyan. “You have to want it more than anything else, be determined, and accept that you simply can’t live without cinema in your life. After that, it’s all about hard work and not letting the small bumps in the road dis-

John Novak / Courier When Michael Aloyan isn't working on his feature film or other film projects, he is attending morning classes here at PCC on Oct. 22.

October 25, 2012

Courier

Major donation made of cameras TERESA MENDOZA Staff Writer

The Visual Arts and Media Studies Division has received a donation of high-end photography and cinema equipment from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Photography/Imaging Group.

The combination of still and motion cameras, lenses, and support equipment donated is valued at $100,000, which is a low estimate, according to photography Instructor Roland Percey.

The cameras served during three generations of space exploration.

“This equipment has a history…the cameras were used to document research and development of space programs including the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions,” said Percey.

Among the cameras are mediumformat Hasselblads, full-format Cambos, various Nikon SLRs, and a variety of interchangeable lenses and film backs. The motion picture equipment includes several Arriflex cameras with lenses.

The equipment will be available spring 2013 for intermediate and advanced photography students in fashion, portrait, and black and white large-format photography classes according to Percey.

“We are excited about using this high-end professional equipment,” said photo lab Manager Eamon Conklin who will be teaching the large-format class.

Francesca Sandoval, visual communications major, looks forward to using the new equipment for fashion photography.

“It’s really nice of JPL to make this donation since I know the equipment we have is not as high-quality,” said

7

School unaffected by fraud ring Continued from page 1

illegally applied for would arrive and in some cases the checks would be mailed directly to the ringleader’s residence. Ringleaders would jump from college to college with this scam. At the same time these straw students would be taking up class slots that could have gone to genuine students.

The indictments allege that in one case two ringleaders obtained over $200,000 of financial aid grant funds by recruiting over 50 straw students.

The Identities of individuals who were incarcerated in state prison were also used according to the indictments.

The defendants are charged with a variety of felonies, including conspiracy, financial aid fraud, identity theft, mail fraud and wire fraud, said the U.S. attorney’s office.Assistant Dean Miles had some suggestions for PCC students to try and protect themselves from identity theft. “Students should avoid suspicious scholarship searches, especially those that are later found to be for profit” she said “Avoid people that make an offer over the telephone and who charge a processing fee.”

Data shows race gap in grades Alexis Villanueva / Courier The Visual Arts and Media Studies Division was given a donation of various top line still and motion cameras from JPL/ NASA. The equipment will be available to students, in Spring 2013.

Sandoval.

Photography majors will be able to polish their portfolios, as they get ready to seek employment or transfer to four-year colleges.

“Students can have training with top-of-the-line cameras before they go on to whatever their next step is,” said Percey.

Percey explained that the importance of the support from such a prestigious agency as JPL/NASA is not the amount of the donation but that JPL felt compelled to support education.

“It is no secret that education is hurting financially and it is very important at this stage in all our disciplines to get industry cooperation,” said Percey.

“We certainly need the equipment

since we are getting a brand new facility and anything we can get donated is appreciated.”

The JPL team presenting the donation included retiring supervisor David Deats, senior photographer Thomas Wynne, and property administrator Joseph Bergstrom, according to VAMS interim dean Joe Futtner.

In order to make sure the students are trained to use these high-end cameras Percey has just finished writing a tutorial for each camera that students will read and then take a test.

Conklin is creating kits for the cameras, with the exception of the largeformat cameras that arrived in their own cases, so that students can eventually check them out.

Continued from page 1

Senate]”, Kollross said when asked about the information.

“These numbers are shockingly inadequate,” Ling said while presenting the information. “It’s not just at PCC, many other colleges have the same problems,” Ling said.

Over 18 percent of black students and over 15 percent of Hispanic students received ‘F’ grades in math. By comparison, nine percent of Asian students, and just over 10 percent of white students received ‘F’ grades in math classes in 2011.

“The students that come to us are not ready for the level of math given here at PCC,” Math Instructor Patricia Peach said about the information on the math department.

“The information is troubling and suggests that we need to take a look at why the data is as it is with the view to work to understand why this is the case with the goal of improving academic performance and achievement for all students,” said Senior Superintendent and Senior Vice President of academic and student affairs Dr. Robert Bell.

COUR IER

October 25, 2012

SPORTS

Football implodes in last-second loss PHILIP MCCORMICK Sports Editor

The Lancers were seconds away from breaking their six-game home losing streak and coming up with their second win of the season, but their defense couldn’t find a way to stop the Allan Hancock College Bulldogs from scoring and putting the Lancer football team down on the scoreboard Saturday night. The final score was 49-42.

“Our [defense] made some key plays earlier in the game,” said Head Coach Fred Fimbres. “But it wasn’t enough in the end.”

The last two minutes included what had to be the most exciting play of the game.

The Lancers had just gotten a muchneeded touchdown from Wide Receiver Jeremiah Andrade to make it 41-35 with 1:58 remaining in the game and PCC opted to go for the onside kick. Kicker Martin Magana put the ball in play, and the Lancers Defensive Back Arthur Williams came up with the huge recovery.

“I kicked it like we are told to kick the ball [at] practice,” said Magana. “We got lucky and the ball bounced our way.”

The momentum was clearly on PCC’s side and a few plays later, Quarterback Zeek Julien threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Wide Receiver Chaz Fuery with 1:13 left in the fourth quarter.

A few moments later, Magana kicked a

field goal to put the Lancers up for the first time in the game.

“We came together and stepped up on offense,” said Julien. “We ran out of time at the end. I just wish we had that last play back.”

Disaster struck however, as the PCC defense couldn’t to stop the Bulldogs offense.

The Lancers allowed Allan Hancock to get a 50-yard kickoff return and that resulted in a 10-yard pass from the Bulldogs Quarterback Brandon Jeffries to Wide Receiver Nick Shellow with 22.9 seconds left on the clock. “[Fimbres] told me to kick it to the left side,” said Magana. “Our guys weren’t there to make the tackle, though. We didn’t execute well enough on that play.”

PCC tried for a few last minute plays, but in the end, the Lancers couldn’t pull off what should have been a great comeback.

The Lancers couldn’t stop the Bulldogs running game, which was what hurt PCC the most.

Bulldogs player Running Back Cameron Artis-Payne ran for 351 all-purpose yards and dissecting PCC’s defense.

This shouldn’t be a surprise though.

Artis-Payne is the state’s leading rusher and scorer and now has 1,467 total yards and 18 touchdowns in just seven games this season. “[Artis-Payne] is exactly what his stats say his is,” said Fimbres. “That being said,

Water Polo wins last match at Battle at the Beach tournament The women’s water polo team won its last match, 15-10, over Southwestern College at the Battle at the Beach Tournament hosted by Long Beach City and Cypress College on Oct. 20. The Lancers showed a strong performance through out the game, particularly in the first period.

Teresa Mendoza/ Courier

Jordan Harris / Courier By blocking the field goal, Defensive Back Keenan Marshall keeps Alan Hancock College from scoring against the Lancers, in Robinson Stadium on Oct. 20.

we contributed to his success and didn’t execute on a few things defensively. He’s a special player.”

Lancer fans can find a few bright spots in the game. Magana scored 10 points off his field goals, while other PCC players like Fuery and Andrade made great touchdown catches.

Also, Earl Glinton scored a touchdown

on a 99-yard interception return. The Lancers were down 29-6 in the second quarter, but were able to make that great comeback to get them into a winning position.

“All you can ask for is a chance to win,” said Fimbres. “[Julien] got into a rhythm and got us down the field for that last play. We just came up short.”

Women’s soccer stands in third place after decisive win against El Camino BENJAMIN SIMPSON Staff Writer

The first half was slow. Even the spectators enthusiastically blowing their air horn and screaming encouragements from the stands fell silent after 30 minutes. But that all changed in the second half as the women’s soccer team came on strong, eventually beating El Camino 3-0 on Oct 19 at El Camino College. The Lancers now stand clear in third place.

It was Nancy Nunez who opened the scoring for Pasadena, with a precise first time chip of the ball over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

“Cassandra [Saavedra] threw the ball in,” said Nunez, “and someone flicked it on. It went over the defensive line and I just saw it bouncing and I hit it right in the perfect spot on my foot and it went right in.”

By the middle of the second half the Lancers were dominating the game, holding onto the ball, making runs down the lines, and creating chance

after chance at goal. “I thought we did a lot better in the second half,” said Nunez. “We needed to get used to the [slippery] field, but I think we adjusted really well and stepped it up.” The second Pasadena goal, by Saavedra, was simple execution of basic play-making, as Vanessa Capra crossed the ball to Saavedra at the back post.

“Lizbeth [Rodriguez] tossed it in to Vanessa [Capra] who took it down the line and crossed it, and I just kicked it in,” said Saavedra.

The third goal was not as clean, as the ball bounced around the 18-yard box of El Camino.

Amber Fadem, defender, came charging in when the ball bounced free and buried it in the back of the net. It was Fadem’s first goal for the Lancers.

“A defender scoring a goal is quite amazing. It is not very common, so I was pretty excited,” said Fadem. “[It went] really, really well,” said coach Randy Lilavois. “We knew we needed to win this one to stay in third place, and we knew that we had beat them last time, but we knew they would be hungry because the race is so close.”

Women’s volleyball dominates over Mt. SAC rivals BENJAMIN SIMPSON Staff Writer

The women’s volleyball team played a masterful game Friday night against their lead rivals Mt. Sac to stay at the top of the table.

The Lancers, who were away from home, had the lead in each game at almost all times of the night, winning game one by 14 points, game two by nine points and game three by eight points.

There were two moments in the match when Mt. Sac pulled even: in the second game when they tied it 1111 and in the third game when it was

10-9. But in each instance the Lancers stepped up their game and pulled ahead. In the second game the score jumped to 18-13, and in the third game the score jumped to 18-12.

“We played aggressive,” said Coach Tammy Silva. “We controlled the momentum, tempo, everything. I also made some changes, brought a little more intensity at times when we needed it.”

Jackie Valle-Acosta lead the Lancers with 10 kills, with Viridiana Gallardo, Yanise Joseph and Megan Callen right behind with eight apiece.

“I think it went amazing,’ said ValleAcosta. “We played together as a team.

You can’t play volleyball any better.

“Personally, I had a rough week, not playing my best,” Valle-Acosta added.

“I felt like today I was actually back in my comfort zone so I was very pleased with that.”

Jennifer Estrada led the Lancers with 17 defensive digs, being her usual backbone of Pasadena’s defense.

“It went really well,” said Estrada.

“It went better than I expected it to go.

I think I did very well … to keep energized at all times, and I was pretty comfortable.”

The Lancers have a league leading 70 conference record, with Mt. Sac now at 5-2 and El Camino 6-1.

Briana Hilton pushes the ball forward in the Lancers 3-0 sweep of Mt. Sac on Oct. 19.

Benjamin Simpson/ Courier