Woodland Hills, California Volume 142 - Issue 14
Sowing the seeds of opportunities
Plant science students showcase projects to industry advisory board
By Gerardo Escobar Campus Life Editor
Clumps of soil mixed with seeds and water were rolled into spheres, which resembled little chocolate balls. Although small, these seed balls play a big role in restoring the native plant population in the Sepulveda Basin.
Seed ball making was one of the activities at the Pierce College Plant Science Student Showcase, which was held in the Multipurpose Room of the Agriculture Building on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
California Native Plant Society volunteer George Woddell explained that due to the Sepulveda Basin being used for farming, many native plant species were removed. The objective of the seed balls is to increase the biodiversity of
indigenous plants that were lost when the land was farmed, by mixing the soil with the seeds of native plant species.
“Because we came in and changed the environment here, it’s not native anymore,” Woddell said. “Therefore, if we want to have the presence of native birds, native lizards, and so forth, they need [the] support of native plants.”
The seed balls will be dried out in the sun and the seeds will remain viable for years. Once they are distributed in the ground, the seeds will react with rain or even fires and will sprout.
According to Professor of Plant Science Savanah Senn, the purpose of the showcase was to allow agriculture students to present the projects they had worked on from the past six months to a year, which was attended by members of the
department’s industry advisory board. She also wanted to give the students a forum.
“We had the idea of bringing in the students to show their work to the industry board, maybe opening up some opportunities for jobs or internships, getting some feedback,” Senn said.
The showcase included slideshows that covered a range of topics such as the uses of stinging nettle, which is common on the Pierce campus, and information on the arborist certification requirements.
Horticulture major Les Vion, who also started this semester with the Federal Work-Study program and tutors for the soils and introduction to botany classes, worked on a plant science project.
“We were using samples from the Rodale farm,” Vion said. “It’s neat because it’s an ongoing
project and it’s actually using data that we’re collecting from the field in order to better inform us as to what the differences are between traditional farming, regenerative or organic farming.”
The showcase included demonstrations about plant tissue culture, where plants, organs and explants, which are cuttings from a mother plant, is grown in a sterile environment, according to biotechnology student Xochitl Estrada.
“We gathered a mother plant,” Estrada said. “You want to choose healthy plants, some that are not eaten by insects and you’re going to take cuttings from them. Once you take cuttings, you’re going to put them in a bleach solution to clean them out.”
The plants are then placed in a flow hood that filters about 99% of air pollutants. Explants
are then taken and instead of being grown in soil, are placed in a medium that consists of agar, sugar, activated charcoal, and menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB) which provides the vitamins essential to the plant, according to Estrada.
The process resulted in mostly healthy plants that had grown out of a translucent gel-like base that also made the plant’s root system visible.
Senn said that the showcase was aimed not just at students but also the off-campus community.
“Hopefully that it will inspire others, either to start a project of their own, whether it’s in their own backyard or maybe to take a class and start a project with the program,” Senn said.
Melanie Jurado / Roundup News
Murga / Roundup News
Angelina Guerrero / Roundup
Photo editor Karla Delgado contributed to this story.
Karla Delgado / Roundup News
Stephanie Acosta Reyes, Chyanne Melgar and George Waddell work together to make seed balls at the Plant Science Showcase at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Dec. 4, 2024.
Karla Delgado / Roundup News
Xochitl Estrada rinses the dirt off of the stem leaves with a solution of water at the Plant Science Showcase at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Dec. 4, 2024.
6201 Winnetka Ave.
Woodland Hills, CA 91371
Room: Pierce College Village 8211
Phone: (818) 710-4115
Phone: (818) 710-4117
Website: www.theroundupnews.com
Email: newsroom.roundupnews@gmail.com
Editor-in-Chief..............Delilah Brumer
Managing Editor..............Violet Garcia
Photo Editor...................Karla Delgado
News Editor....................Brian Khoury
Campus Life Editor....Gerardo Escobar
Opinion Editor................Daisy Malone
Sports Editor............Abraham Elizalde
Copy Editor............Raquel G. Frohlich
Copy Editor.........Christian Castellanos
Reporters
Nathalie Herrera
Alfonso Vargas
Ryan Kassebaum
Matthew Stewart
Daisy Aguinada
Oscar Silva
Jonathan Wheelock
Erica Logan
Tim Lewis
Photographers
Moses Murga
Angelina Guerrero
Karla Villacorta
Marzia Rankin
Melanie Jurado
Hanna Vandergugten
Victor Montiel
Editorial: From the desk of the Roundup Put a pause on common course numbering
What was meant to make the transfer process for community college students easier statewide by implementing common course numbering has instead been a cause for concern for many faculty at Pierce College — and at other campuses.
This is the case with California Assembly Bill 1111, which requires all 116 California community colleges to adopt uniform course numbering. But the changes go beyond numbering and also require all courses to have uniform descriptions.
Educators are concerned that the changing of the course descriptions will affect their transfer articulation to UC and CSU schools because there is no guarantee that those institutions will accept the changes, according to the Roundup. Due to the issues and concerns posed by the implementation AB 1111, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office
should pause its implementation until these issues can be effectively addressed.
Additionally, the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges has already asked the State Chancellor’s Office to “explore the feasibility of delaying” the implementation until articulation agreements with the UCs and CSUs can be made.
According to the Roundup, Pierce Academic Senate Secretary Jennifer Moses said that when the community colleges standardize their course information, the schools will have to re-submit each course to the UC and CSU systems for transfer approval, adding that even then their approval is not certain.
According to the Roundup, for students to satisfy their critical thinking requirement, English 103 is a course many take. The comparable course at Santa Monica is English 2 despite the course content being generally the same. This is the
confusing numbering system AB 111 attempts to address.
While bent on student success by implementing common course numbering, making it easier for students to take classes at different campuses, the concerns of educators should be acknowledged, especially when uniform content outlines may deny the courses transferability, potentially setting students back.
The implementation may also infringe on academic freedom.
For example, a statistics course offered at a community college near a university that receives a high number of transfer students from that community college would design the course to meet that university’s academic requirements. The new bill could do away with that course’s flexibility for students seeking to transfer to a particular fouryear institution.
It may also prevent professors from catering their classes on a semester-to-semester basis. No group of students is the same, and sometimes material will
have to be covered for longer or certain subjects may need to be cut for timeliness.
Recently, the statewide Academic Senate has called for a more clear definition of academic freedom, and they pointed to Resolution 13.04R S23 that directed the Academic Senate to work with the Chancellor’s Office to revise Title V so it includes a definition “‘needed by California community colleges to establish a standard for their curriculum and classrooms.’” AB 1111 would go against that.
With the potential of students being adversely affected by the new changes as early as the Fall 2025 semester, the State Chancellor’s Office should pause the implementation of AB 1111 until it can get more school faculty involved in the course numbering and standardization process. The office should also work out an agreement with the UCs and CSUs where these changes will not significantly impact transfer articulation.
A look into the archives: 70 years of the Roundup
On Dec. 10, 1965, the Roundup published Volume 28, No. 11.
Advisers
Jill Connelly
Jeff Favre
Tracie Savage
Morgan Keith
*For advertising, call: (818) 710-2960
Corrections?
Email us at newsroom.roundupnews@ gmail.com
The Patriotic Students Association alleged that the editor of the magazine “The Nation,” Carey McWilliams, was a communist. On Friday of that week, McWilliams came to Pierce to discuss “Morality in an Affluent Society,” in which he argued for an ethical reconsideration of society. He apologized to more than 700 attendees for the protests occurring around campus due to his presence. Leaflets were made against the speakers such as McWilliams, going as far as to “...accuse them of high treason.”
Three students ran for associated student body president. Elections would be held Dec. 14 and 15, with voting booths in the cafeteria and library. In previous years, only 15 to 20 percent of the student body voted.
Pete Pellerito, the incumbent in the race, said wished to make student police direct traffic and keep the library open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm if he was to be reelected.
Jim MacArthur, a 22-year-old
public service major with a 3.3 GPA and naval experience, said he wanted to run for president because he believed that the student body was not utilizing their self-governing powers correctly.
Jeff Marsh, a 22-year-old political science major with a 2.7 GPA, had experience as vicepresident of the Young Democrats and student government Vice President. Marsh hoped to set up information booths within the first days of a semester, and implement Mardi Gras into Pierce culture.
The Roundup asked West Valley Police Station Officer Leo Long about chronic speeddrivers. Officer Long said that many reckless drivers speed in order to feel a sense of superiority over others on the road. He also added that busy schedules can lead to people rushing around town. The article closed by saying that it is better to be 20 minutes late to a destination than die 20 years earlier than one should.
An archived front page of the Roundup Volume 28, Number 11 displayed in the newsroom.
Copy by Daisy Malone.
Accelerating to a degree Should Pierce continue to offer winter classes? Don’t condense learning
By Ryan Kassebaum Reporter
Pierce College’s five-week winter sessions allow for students to maximize their learning opportunity with online convenience and smaller class sizes, and allow for students to potentially graduate at a faster pace.
Online convenience of classes allows for students to engage with the material at their own pace, and winter classes are designed for each of the students’ needs and questions.
“Taking an online class means more learning catered to your needs and your questions, which can be answered by the professor in a more individualized setting,” stated by the Ouachita Baptist University in their article titled “7 Reasons You Should Take a Winter Term Class.”
personalized questions and answers with the professor can be met with the ability to express more of the students’ thoughts and opinions in a winter class.
University, having the ability to finish a class in a matter of weeks also allows for the student to keep on pace with or potentially graduate early.
Carlton in her article “Ask a Professor: Should you take Winter-Session Classes.”
The ability to move at an accelerated pace allows students to complete a full semester of work in a specific class in just a five-week span during winter. Carlton states this can be a major upside to many undergraduates looking to complete their general education courses and begin their major classes earlier.
Additionally, winter classes tend to have smaller sizes which allow for students to have more focus and attention from the teacher.
“This intimate environment promotes a stronger support network, facilitates increased collaboration on projects and
a student can also add on an additional three to six units to their yearly studies. This allows the student to move at an accelerated pace and graduate earlier.
“Since undergraduates need around 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree, taking winter courses can mean graduating faster,” according to Genevieve
contribute, ask questions and engage in discussions,” EHL states.
With many of Pierce College students being undergraduates looking to take their education to four-year institutions, fiveweek winter sessions allow them to accelerate their learning and continue on their academic journey and into their career.
By Brian Khoury News Editor
Community college students are frequently focused on completing their general education classes and transferring to a four-year university. Sometimes this can lead to wanting to finish the required classes as soon as possible, which includes enrolling during the short winter intersession.
According to the Pierce College Winter 2025 schedule under the Academics tab, winter intersession courses are offered from Jan. 6 to Feb. 9. Because these winter intersession classes are five weeks, this compresses the amount of time for students to learn as much as they would in a normal semester.
Students already have enough on their plates such as work, school and family obligations, so why add more stress? According to bestcolleges, “Jumping into winter session can mean missing out on a break from academics when students might need it most, resulting in burnout.”
possible financial aid obstacles for students.” according to a student survey from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).
Although there is no overlap of the two sessions at Pierce, the winter intersession creates a lengthy break between fall and spring semesters for those students that do not take winter classes. This may lead to a lack of student engagement in school and a reduction in student study skills.
An article by the AAUP indicated that summer sessions are experiencing declining enrollment. This may also be true of winter enrollment because of its unique challenges. Yey, It is clear that some students want these additional sessions for a variety of reasons.
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
“Celebrating the holiday with family and friends, I like to watch holiday movies, not so much wearing the holiday sweaters though. I’d much rather wear my own sweater.”
Brian Ozar - CAOT
In these challenging times, students need a break to decompress and recharge. However, students taking these winter classes add more on their mind and plate and reduce the breaks needed.
These winter intersession classes also present other obstacles.
“Some of these include the overlap of winter session into the spring semester, the timing of end-of-the-year holidays, and
Some of the reasons listed in the AAUP article include completing prerequisites, retaking failed classes and reducing class load in regular sessions.
One solution could be to eliminate the winter intersession. The additional time available could be used to add one more week to winter break and expand both of the two summer sessions by two weeks each. These additional hours assigned to the summer sessions could address some of the challenges presented by the compressed schedules.
Pierce should examine enrollment in these shortened sessions and develop a plan to address the challenges that students face and support student success. All aflutter
A monarch butterfly rests on a plant along a trail at Pierce College on Nov. 27, 2024 in Woodland Hills, Calif.
“[Eid al-Fitr]. It’s a celebration to be thankful of what we have and to feel what others don’t have either. I love to give back, even outside of the holidays.” Saif Aliwan - Mechanical engineering
“My favorite holiday tradition is during Christmas when we do the white elephant, where I can steal people’s gifts. I remember one time I stole somebody’s $25 Starbucks gift card.”
Melanie Contreras - General studies
“I love Christmas, and I have seven Christmas trees. Some of them are very little. I think my emotional attachment to decorating them is that I can think of the person who gave me the ornament or present, or where it came from.”
Ara Aguiar - Pierce President
Interviews by Tim Lewis
by Marzia Rankin
Photos
Angelina Guerrero/ Roundup News
‘Clyde’s’ brings drama and humor
By Daisy Aguinada Reporter
Lynn Nottage’s “Clyde’s” takes the stage at Pierce College, diving into the lives of a group of workers at a roadside sandwich shop as they navigate through challenges with their tough boss.
Clyde’s” debuted at Pierce’s Dow Arena, drawing audiences into the intense world of a truck stop sandwich shop run by the tough and commanding Clyde. Directed by Esdras Toussaint, the play takes place in a small sandwich shop, where a group of formerly incarcerated individuals work under the supervision of the shop’s owner, Clyde (Tiffany Chevonne).
The story explores themes like redemption, power and personal struggle. Through humor and drama, it dives deep into the emotional lives of its characters, showing how they try to rebuild their lives while dealing with their pasts.
The hectic workspace of the sandwich shop is introduced in the first scene. The play’s tone is established by Clyde’s tough and assertive demeanor, as demonstrated by her refusal to eat a sandwich prepared by Montrellous (Marcus Nash). She demands perfection from her staff while wielding her authority with a mix of sharp words and subtle manipulations. The other characters consist of Letitia (Alany Soils-Coleman), Rafael (Andrew Tafur) and Jason (Nick Caisse).
Each of the employees has a unique background and faces challenges of their own. The mixture of tension and connections form inside a kitchen and their shared experience at Clyde’s brings them together, as they strive to make the perfect sandwich.
The audience is immediately thrust into the high-pressure environment of a roadside sandwich shop. The set design highlights Clyde’s repressive, controlled atmosphere, where the employees feel confined by her constant supervision and physically confined in a small kitchen.
The cast delivered a strong performance, with each actor bringing their character to life in a way that felt genuine.
Chevonne nailed the dominating presence of Clyde’s character and even when she wasn’t on stage, her influence was always felt. Her bold look, fiery red hair and a wardrobe of leopard prints, leather and red clothing, perfectly matched her fierce, commanding energy.
Coleman did an excellent job portraying Letitia, bringing an upbeat energy that was captivating to watch. Her skillful shifts in tone throughout her dialogue kept the audience engaged, and her interactions with Tafur as Rafael felt genuine and natural, giving a genuine sense of connection that they could watch develop.
Caisse’s portrayal of Jason was effective in providing an
immersive experience on his first day. His laid-back demeanor early on, combined with the subtle shifts in his tone when irritated, conveyed Jason’s inner frustration and discomfort perfectly. The tension in his voice could be heard when he was being judged, making his performance relatable and real.
Nash’s portrayal felt authentic and his tone of voice balanced
gentleness with quiet strength, making him the emotional anchor of the group. Montrellous served as the glue holding together the diverse personalities of Letitia, Rafael and Jason. Nash’s ability to navigate moments of calm wisdom and raw vulnerability brought a grounded presence to the ensemble, making him the heart of the play.
The chemistry between the
actors was palpable, making the audience feel as though they were in the kitchen with them.
“Clyde’s” runs until Sunday, Dec. 15, with showtimes for Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. For additional information, or to purchase tickets, call (818) 7196488, or visit lapctheatre.org to purchase tickets online.
Winter Arts Festival stokes
creativity
Former Pierce College ceramics student Nick LaPointe teaches business major Sahar Kavahparsa how to use a pottery wheel during the Winter Arts Festival at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2024.
Melanie Jurado/ Roundup News Clyde, played by Tiffany Chevonne, and Montrellous, played by Marcus Nash, perform during “Clyde’s,” directed by Esdras Toussaint at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Dec. 3, 2024.
Delilah Brumer/ Roundup News
Highlighting student filmmakers
By Alfonso Vargas Reporter
The Pierce College Film Club Student Film Festival was the destination to witness student filmmakers have their accomplishments highlighted.
The Film club hosted its eighth annual Student Film Festival in the Great Hall on Friday, Dec. 6.
Media Arts Professor Kenneth Windrum said he believes highlighting the filmmakers’ work is a good opportunity.
“Filmmaking students deserve praise and credit and some encouragement,” Windrum said. “I mean, the movie industry is not exactly the easiest place to break in. And so I think it’s a good opportunity to let people know you’re doing good work. It kind of encourages people to keep going.”
ASO President Jasmine Minchez said it is important to host events like the film festival because of the community aspect of people appreciating art together while sharing time and space together.
“I think the community aspect of that is really important, and then we all get to relish and share moments of art appreciation, like I just saw a face on an egg getting smashed into the ground,” Minchez said. “I’ve never seen that before, something very unique for everybody, and I think that That is what that art is.”
Biology Major Lindsey Ambrosio wanted to help organize this event because of
all of the hard work they have noticed from the film club.
“We wanted to organize this event because we’ve noticed the hard work that Film Club has put into all of the students’ accomplishments, and we wanted to see everything that they’ve done, genre rise, and what kind of work that they like to put out,” Ambrosio said. “And it’s just really cool to see everything that they’ve worked so hard on over the semester.”
Architecture major Mada Azzuz said that student filmmakers are often not taken seriously enough and not given the respect they deserve for all of the work they put in.
“They’re doing the bulk of the work that a professional would do, but they’re not getting paid, and they pay for it all themselves,” Azzuz said. “So it’s important to highlight the efforts of these students and make sure that their work is being seen not only by other students, but also by companies that can possibly hire them or help better opportunities.”
Film Club President Justin Bautista believes everyone has a story to tell, one way or another.
“Everyone has a story, and everyone deserves to tell it and everyone deserves to tell it one way or another, even if it’s them, even if it’s tame or unorthodox, or even just in some cases outright weird, maybe some people want to hear more weird and less of the norm. That’s not just what movies are about. That’s what art is about,” Bautista said.
Reporting by
Delilah Brumer
No crimes were reported for the week of Dec. 2 to Dec. 8. Pierce College Sheriff’s Office General Information 818-719-6450 Emergency 818-710-4311
The crime log is made publicly available at the Pierce College Sheriff’s Office.
Car lovers gather at Pierce, donate toys for holidays
21st annual Motor 4 Toys raises tens of thousands of dollars
By Matthew Stewart Reporter
It’s beginning to look a lot like Supercar Sunday, with revving engines, popped hoods and a dash of holiday spirit.
Supercar Sunday, in collaboration with Motor 4 Toys and Porsche Woodland Hills, hosted its annual toy drive on Dec. 8, in Parking Lot 7, bringing hundreds of car enthusiasts together to raise money and give toys to children in need.
Dustin Troyan has organized this event on the campus of Pierce College once a month for the past 21 years and has transformed his usual car show into a toy drive every December, just in time for the holidays.
“I like cars and I like people, and I put them together and had no idea that it would turn into this,” Troyan said. “It just kind of evolved and now, after 21 years, everyone knows that, in December, this is the event to
come check out.”
Supercar Sunday provides an environment that allows anyone to showcase the cars they own and get advice on what to do with them, whether they are experienced car collectors, or just interested in modifying their own vehicle.
This time, attendees got into the holiday spirit by putting Christmas decorations up on their cars and filling them with toys that they would later drop off.
Car enthusiast Jose Cruz brought his 1929 Ford Model A, decorated with colorful lights, a nutcracker, some stockings, and a sunglasses-wearing Santa Claus riding in the back.
“My wife and I have done this every Christmas for the last five or six years in a row,” Cruz said. “We go to toy drives and several other places like elementary schools, and we go and do little parades for the kids. Same thing for Halloween.”
Porsche, one of the sponsors
of the monthly event, had a big presence in the lot, bringing in rare and highly stylized models for people to see.
Some of the more stand-out vehicles included two replicas of the Batmobile, one from the Batman and Robin movie from 1989, and the other from the 1995 Batman Forever film.
Another car enthusiast, Robert Macaisa, brought out his yellow 2003 Honda S2000, adorned with Super Mario Bros. characters across the dashboard.
“I gave out some toys already, these are my toys,” Masaica said. “Most of the mods I’ve done for this car are for handling, racing clutch and lightweight flywheel.”
Troyan said the biggest reason he does this event is the joy he experiences watching people get excited over vehicles. He has worked on many cars throughout his life, but only one claims the title of his favorite.
“I like a lot of cars, but I’d probably say my favorite is the car I built for my wife,” Troyan
said. “It’s a 1969 Fastback. I built it for her and she stands behind me with everything that I do, and that is one I would never sell.”
The Motor 4 Toys event raises tens of thousands of dollars every year, according to Troyan, and this year they are likely to reach a total of $7 million raised over the 21 years since they started. Every dollar goes to charity.
Supercar Sunday is held on select Sundays from 7 to 10 a.m. Information can be found on the “marque schedule” tab of the Supercar Sunday website.
Hanna Vandergugten/ Roundup News Film Club member Raphael Estrada prepares to showcase the student films at the Student Film Festival on Dec. 6, 2024, at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.
Hanna Vandergugten/ Roundup News
Motor 4 Toys attendees organize donations in Parking Lot 7 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Dec.8 , 2024.
Students’ perspectives on the meaning of life
Philosophy department hosts art, poetry, multimedia and performance showcase
By Nathalie Herrera Reporter
The smell of popcorn and the sound of chatter filled the air as students arrived at Building 600. On Dec. 5, philosophy students gathered to present artwork that they created and explore the question: What is the meaning of life?
The Philosopher’s Cabaret has been hosted on campus for the past 13 years. Philosophy Professor Melanie McQuitty explained that the cabaret is a way for students to have a creative outlet. The event welcomed participants from an array of majors and embraced many forms of art. McQuitty said the core theme of the event mixed existentialism and philosophy, and encouraged students to think creatively.
“I am teaching philosophy of art, but I’m also teaching existentialism, which is all about the meaning of life,” McQuitty said. “Not all students are used to doing philosophy, but I believe that everyone has something
creative in them, like that. We can spark some kind of creative drive.”
The showcase began with jokes to warm up the audience of students. Each performance varied, including poems, music, video, photography and drill performances.
Philosophy Club Vice President Ryan Kossarian said each presentation was shared with the hope of fostering a sense of community for students.
“We worked together on this event to set it up with the wonderful faculty, not only for individuals interested in philosophy but also for those who want an outlet to collaborate in the event on campus,” Kossarian said.
The event featured art produced by students in the philosophy of art class as their final project.
Attendees were encouraged to bring a friend to the showcase to expose students to diverse forms of art and spark interest in students who may not major in art or philosophy.
Associated Student
Organization President Jasmine Minchez said that the event had a great turnout and was important in sparking interest in students.
“All projects were supposed to be centered around the meaning of life and I wanted to approach it from an appreciation of life,” Minchez said. “I’m really glad that a lot of students actually in the philosophy classes came, and I am also happy that they had the incentive of bringing a friend along. I think it benefits students and like serves as a reminder that classes don’t have to be in your comfort zone.”
Minchez appreciated the connection between art and philosophy and how stepping out of one’s comfort zone can create an opportunity for growth.
“When you see something so new that you probably haven’t maybe seen before, it’s worldopening,” Minchez said. “Even if you’re not a philosophy major, like just some sort of art class that kind of puts you outside of your comfort zone a little bit and makes you think about a subject in a new light.”
Pierce staff encourage students to get certificates
Office of Institutional Effectiveness works to identify who is eligible for recognition
By Matthew Stewart Reporter
While most students attend college to get a degree, some research can reveal ways for them to get additional recognition and credentials along the way.
Pierce College offers numerous career and technical education courses that allow students to earn licenses and certificates. These certificates can lead students to work in different fields or simply demonstrate their ability to perform certain skills.
Dean of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness Ani Zarpas has been working to promote these certificates to students who may not have been aware of them.
“A lot of the time, students don’t know that they’ve become eligible for a certificate during their journey,” Zarpas said. “So what my office started doing is that we looked at students who have met the requirements for a specific certificate and we let them know that they are one class away from being able to earn the certificate.”
These certificates have benefits even for students who are looking to obtain a four-year degree.
“If it happens to be in a career technical area, you can get a raise from that,” Zarpas said. “A lot of times you’ll meet the requirements for a certificate, which means that you can probably get a job with it until you get your degree.”
A common certificate for biology majors like Carol Watkins is the biotech lab assistant certificate, which helps students find laboratory jobs by showing their skills in the trade.
“I wasn’t originally going for a certificate, but I got it along the way to my associate degree,” Watkins said. “I’m glad that I have it now because I feel more confident in my education and my qualifications for when I eventually apply for a job.”
These courses are often much more focused and “hands-on” compared to general education courses.
“I think it’ll help me get a job because it’s more than just saying ‘I have an associates,’” Watkins said. “It specifically says that I have these skills for this job from the class I took.”
Certificates can range anywhere from gardening to cloud computing.
The most popular certificates
at Pierce, according to Zarpas, are in the child development and business departments, with the former being widely applicable to many areas of work including pre-kindergarten teaching and professional tutoring.
Pierce President Ara Aguiar has been focused on pushing students to take the courses that will help them complete certificates along their journey at Pierce.
“The outcome is that our students are going to be on their pathway, and then we’re meeting the needs of the student by offering those classes,” Aguiar said. “The students know exactly how far away they are and what they have to take and then we can offer those particular classes.”
Certificates can have a profound impact on students’ willingness to stay and complete college, according to Zarpas.
“Research shows that students who get recognition go longer on their journey,” Zarpas said. “They tend to stick around and perform.”
The full list of certificates can be found on Pierce’s website.
ASO President Jasmine Minchez reads a poem for the Philosopher’s Cabaret at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Dec. 5, 2024.
Moses Murga / Roundup News
Pierce College President Ara Aguiar addresses the Plant Science Industry Advisory Board at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Dec. 4, 2024.
Gerardo Escobar / Roundup News
Quit horsing around, it’s finals week
Equestrian Center hosts “Unwind with Equines” event
By Jonathan Wheelock Reporter
With finals week in full swing, some students turn to dogs or cats for emotional support, but horses can also do the trick — and several of the gentle giants live here on campus.
The Pierce College Equestrian Center hosted “Unwind with Equines” on Dec. 3 from 2 to 4 p.m., which allowed students and staff to interact with a selection of horses on the campus. The event was held as a part of ASO’s De-Stress December.
Kevin Connolly, Assistant Professor of Equine Science and Veterinary Technology, coordinated the event with the help of his Equine Sciences students.
“There’s several studies which show
that people who interact with horses bring down their stress levels, it brings down their levels of anxiety,” said Connolly. “ In one case, they did better on tests [when] interacting [with horses] before finals.”
The event allowed students to pet and brush horses, as well as talk to the handlers and learn about the horses and the Equine Science Program.
“It was really an opportunity to also help the students kind of unwind a little bit,” Connolly said.
Economics Major Ethan Petersen said that he enjoyed the event and had prior experience with horses.
“I have dealt with horses in the past with Boy Scouts and everything, but it’s definitely like something to come back
LEFT:
to always,” Petersen said. “I do definitely like horses and everything and I feel like it’s just a great way to connect with them.”
The horses are seasoned and aren’t easily spooked, giving students a good starting point to learn about them.
“It gives us a nice way to interact with all different breeds and body types with the horses,” said Equine Science Major Dakota Dieter. “Because with their different needs, we learn different ways to feed them, different ways to manage their care.”
The goal of the Equine Sciences Program is to expose students to the different careers available in the field, as well as to give students the skills they will need.
Kyle Silverheels grooms a horse during the Equine De-Stress Event at the Pierce College Equestrian Center on Dec. 3, 2024 in Woodland Hills, Calif.
Photo by Angelina Guerrero.
RIGHT:
Equine Science student Christine Campbell pets a horse during the Equine De-Stress event at the Pierce College Equestrian Center in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Dec. 3, 2024. Photo by Angelina Guerrero.
According to Connolly, skills students learn include how to handle “horses with safety and confidence,” understanding “what makes the horse tick,” maintaining facilities, keeping up with the horses’ healthcare and “what it takes to keep their lives enriched.”
Each time students take the class they move up a rank, starting at A and ending at D. Each rank up equates to more advanced skills taught to students.
Klye Silverheels, a member of the Equine Science Program, mentioned how much work goes into taking care of the horses.
“It takes a huge team to keep these [horses] healthy and take care of them [and] keep them happy,” Silverheels said.
Equine Science students Dakota Dieter and Jasmin Alvarado walk horses in the arena during the Equine De-Stress Event at the Pierce College Equestrian Center in Woodland Hills, Calif., on Dec. 3, 2024.
Angelina Guerrero / Roundup News
Brahmas of the semester
#10 Natalie Grant
All-Conference First Team
All-American Candidate Games started: 20 Shots: 1
#14 Diego Nava
All-Conference First Team Games started: 14 Points: 1 Assists: 1
Second-Team All Star
All-American Bowl Nomination Games: 10
Touchdowns: 4
Yards: 494
Receptions: 36
#8 Adriana Luna
#16 TeNorris Merkel #32 Jule Sims
Western State North First Team Games: 20
Assists: 24
Service Aces: 11
Receptions: 50 Digs: 177
Games: 10
Points: 106
Assists: 48
Rebounds: 77
Steals: 10 FG Pct: 44%
Information gathered by Abraham Elizalde | Photos courtesy of Adolfo Perez, Jonathan Wheelock and Abraham Elizalde
Wide Reciever Libero Center
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Congratulations to Pierce College’s Fall 2024 Graduates
AJonathan Edwin Acabal
Nina Adel
Eva Adi
Tina Adnani
Dora Noorani Afridi
Chad Agruso Sr.
Luis A. Aguilar
Erick Alexander Alcaraz
Fatma M. Alloush
Shahad Mohdalsaber Alsafi
Juan Alvarado
Kaitlin Belle Alvaran
Antonella Alvelo
Clelia Amaya
Ashley Marie Sabido Amponin
Nelson Nicolas Anaya
Julian Angoorly
Rachel Panaligan Anonuevo
Alexander Kim Aragon
Ever A. Arana
Brian Arevalo
Cindy Argueta
Sebastian J. Arias
Jacob Attarzadeh
James L Atwell
Sean Anthony Ayala
BAlbert Babaian
Sheila A. Baker
Angela Melendres Balon
Gevorg George Barsumyan Jr.
Ashley Hannah Bassirat
Sophia Bejar
Brooke Valentine Bianco
Larry Ray Asis
Bierbaumer
Ray Boudeeb
Rachelle Starriett Boyd
Jordan Brown
Jimmy Leewood Brummett
Luis E. Bucaro
Dario A. Bucci
Diana Bucio
Laura Bustamante
CEmily Caballero
Vivian Alexandra Cabral
Carolina E. Cabrera
Robert Mark Cacho Jr.
Maryanne Oliva
Campbell
Joshua Nathan Campos
Victor Campos
Alexis Aliyah Canley
Noelia Margarita Carreon
Owen Weston Carter
Ivan Adolfo Casillas
Rebecca Elizabeth Castaneda
Genesis Abigail Castilla
Ashly Dayamneth Castillo
Karen P. Castillo
Rebecca B. Castro
Anton Xanthos Cavelaris
Valerie Dayana Cazares
Rafael Alberto Cea
Yanessa Celis
Stephany Cervantes
Marvin Eduardo Chacon
Ramirez
Karina L. Chaire
Maria Elizabeth Chamale
Stella K. Chan
Kasey A. Chaney
Angela Chavez
Nikita Chernyshenko
Francesca Michelle Chew
Alexander Jorge Corea
Joerdan Kode Corneau
Abraham Rodolfo
Corona
Veniysabel Cotom Perez
Kyle Evan Cotton
Alec G. Cowan
Erin Blake Crippen
Matthew E Crisostomo
Randy-Lance A. Cruz
Rachel M Cummings
Dominic Isiah Cureton
DMegan Marie Damico
Elaheh Darabi
Staci B. Davidson
Sharell Monay Davis
Bertina Davoodi
Cynthia Angel Ddungu
Ryan Madison Decker
Zsoubin H. Dewitt
Nathan Drake
Ivania L. Duarte
Sarah Yennhi Duong
Natalie J. Duron
Hannah Ruth Dycus
EJonathan Ebrahimpour
Kia D. Edmond
Nattallie Faye Edwards
Sean Thomas Egan
Arshia Elahi
Liora Ruth Elbaz
Miku Caitlyn Endo
Avaya Rianne Salvador Eneria
Abdul Muqsit Esaqzai
Sedrick Manuel Escamilla
Samantha Arwen Escobar
Maria Jose Escorcia
Lea M. Estrada
Mauricio A. Estrada
Raphael Jonah Estrada
Pamela Susan Evans
FMikayla Rose Faircloth
Kaitlyn Manuela Farretz Rodriguez
Ziba Farrokhighalehjough
Bradley Donald Faulkner
Yajaira M. Fausto
Marguerite Alexandra Ferrante
Mark A. Figueroa
Eric L. Fimbres
Kyhla Tierra Finch
Alexandria Grace Fiore Salomon
Liam Craden Flanders
Megan A. Flavin
Camilla Flores
Veronica Yessica Flores
Michelle Florez
Jillian M. Ford
Raquel G. Frohlich
Andrew Fuentes
Derek Todd Fulbright
GHagop Gabrielyan
John Herman Gadberry IV
Lupita Gallegos
Michael Antonio Galvan
Christopher Johnathan Garcia
Frankie J. Garcia
Isaac Suriel Garcia
Cynthia Teresa Garrett
Christina Gevorgyan
Mahtab Ghaemi
Maryam Ghasemi
Vram Ghazourian
Christina Gogoshian
Chenoa A. Gomes
David Samuel Gomez
Jacob Alexander Gomez
o
Danny Cristopher Gonzales
Isabel Gonzalez
Kimberly Gonzalez
Michelle N. Gonzalez
Benjamin Joseph Grotemeyer
Iri Guerra
Joseph Abel Guerrero
Tejas Gupta
Ashlee Kaylee Gutierrez
Victoria Gutierrez Aranda
HKenneth Alfonso Hanchera
Benjamin Hanson
Zohaib Haroon
Jahdae Harvey
Firoozeh Hassanzadeh
Kent Hatada
Yul L. Hawkins
Adela Viridiana
Hernandez
Bruno Hernandez
Elida Fabiola Hernandez
Fernando M. Hernandez
Javier Alejandro
Hernandez
Maria D. Hernandez
Mayra A. Hernandez
Michelle Hernandez
Francisco Hernandez
Ramirez
Juliana Jasmin Herrera
Sydney N. Horowitz
Mitra Hosseinzadeh
Gooya
Tatiana Ashanti Howard
David Roy Hunter
IJorge Galvez Imatong
JCheyenne Nicole Jackson
Natalie Alysse Jacobs
Neda Jafari
Sareh Jafarifarshami
Farzad Jahani
Marjan Jahansetan
Sheila N. Jennings
Ashley M. Johnson
Kayla Marie Johnson
Spencer David Jones
Whitney Latiss Jones
Trinichia D Jordan
Ursula A Joyner
KAmalia Emily Karibyan
Manmeet Kaur
Sedona Ella Maire Kaye
Emily Anne Kennedy
Liorah Kerendian
Dela Khairo
Aaliya Khan
Annie Khok
Melika Khoshbakht
Oliq Kirksey
Yael Kohanteb
Starla Kolenc
Swathi Sankeertana Kondapally
Maryna Alekseevna Koshava
Travis J. Koskela
Ryan Kossarian
Michelle Ku
LTien Lam
Damian Kenneth Layton
Madain Leal
Brittany S. Lemos
Trinity Rebecca Leyva
Mikey Limon
Martin Lokaj
Jacqueline S. Lopez
Valeria Lopez
Cathy Marleen Lozano
Larcen Clare Luistro
Kristine Anne Dominique Lising Lusung
MAlexis Otoniel Magana
Jenny Anne Magpantay
Joshua Isaac Mahgerefteh
Melina Mahmoudkalaei
Biagio John Major
Robert Kyle Manes
Daisy Manzo
Christy Sabrina Marin
Mark A. Marin
Williams Miguel Marroquin Flores
David Martel Jr.
Azucena Xitlali Martinez
Elizabeth Martinez
Melany Lissette Martinez
Melanie Rebeca Martinez
Ramirez
Sanja Matejas Borosak
Rohan K. Mathews
Ava Emilia Matthies
Peter Joshua Mazin
Matthew Jordan Mccaw
Alexander P. Mckay
Paola S. Medina
Alexa Jeamiletth Medrano
Luna Sofia Mejia
Joanna Jerusalem Melendez
Catherine Elen Melles
Carmen A. Mendez
Jenaive M. Mendoza Nava
Melina A Menzies
Margarita Mercado Perez
TeNorris Merkel
Sarah Elizabeth Metchikian
Audrinna Raye Meza
Sara Miralaei
Christopher Enrique
Miranda
Hayk Mirzakhanyan
Morsal Ahmadjamshid
Mohammad Arif
Aiden Mokhtar
Daniel F. Molina
Esmeralda Monroy
Lisa J. Montag
Yanilette A. Montano
April Salome Montes
Annabelle Moore
Sadaf Moradi
Angela Jasmin Morales
Ashley Morales
Emily Alyssa Morales
Geovanna Morales
Ethan Morantz
Dillon L. Moreno
Andrea Sarah Morgan
Matthew James Moriarty
Mina Mostajabi
Mahboubehalsadat Mousavi
Sanaz Mousavi
Alisa Tatiana Moyse
Andy Antonio Munoz
Marvin Alexis Munoz Paz
Arturo Alejandro Murillo
NNardeen B. Nadhim
Christine Grace Nahas
Henry Navasardyan
Nahid Nazari Kangarlou
Dulce M. Negrete
Nathalie Negrete-Perez
Sameem Mohammad
Nessari
Rilee Maiz Newman
Megan Kylie Nguyen
Robert Dinh Nguyen
Uyen Phuong Nguyen
Ramirez
Michael A Nicholson
Michael Liam Nielsen
Amir Hossein Nikbinmoghaddam
Daniel Nikravesh
Sahar Zahran Nowaid
Joshua Misael Nunez
OAriana Itzel Ochoa
Giancarlo Steven Ochoa
Brenda Okechukwu
Samantha Sadako O’Keefe
Maira I. Oliva
Blessing Chinwe Omasi
Colin James O’Neill
Stephanie Michelle Ornelas
Ednna Airel Orozco
Dania Carolina Ortega
Ethan Ortiz
Joshua Osamor
PLynda L Padilla
Emelysse Victoria Paez
Wilber Stanley Paiz
Menjivar
Ivan Lee Palacios
Matthew Alexander Palacios
Oscar Enrique Palomo Jr.
Erika Pariona
Manav Arnold Parmar
Clemente Pasillas Jr.
Erick Patricio
Olivia Raeh Patton
Adrian L. Payne
Leila Dej Percoco
Livia Boaretto Pereira
Marian C. Perera
Evelyn Perez
Juan Carlos Perez
Karina Perez
Ingrid C. Perez Carrillo
Geraldine Perez Valadez
Heidy Perez Lopez
Andrew Pha-On
Huynh Phuong Anh Pham
Kyle Andrew Pokorski
Jose Daniel Posada
Anthony Jace Poulakos
QOscar B. Quinteros
Bibi Zohra Quraishi
RAvindi Prabani Udan R. W. Senarath Ranawaka
Herath M.
Rana Rabizadeh
Manasvi Ramakrishnan
Sylvanah Ramihanta
Juan Enrique Ramirez Jr.
Adriana Rangel
Bruno Ulysses Rangel
Jennifer Rangel
Hernandez
Jordan Rashed
Korosh Rastegar Razi
Barri Reed
Zhavaughn Dwayne
Reed Williams
Fernanda Denys Reyes
Neri Natalie Reyes
Zachary Canady Rickerman
Alexis M. Rieux
Daniela Berenice Rivera
Ricardo Rivera
Guadalupe Rochavalles
Darya Rod
Benjamin Esquivel
Rodriguez
Randy Sanchez
Rodriguez
Rosalinda Rodriguez
Kaytie Isabel Romero
Gregory David RomeroPerez
Babak Rostami
Raziel Shaul Rozehzadeh
Justin Rubio
Vianney Natalie Ruelas Mejia
Christopher William Ruiz
Eduardo Ruiz
Salma Ruiz
Magdalena M. RuizGarcia
Reilly Maryvictoria Runge
Eugenia Ryabets
Gregory Anthony Rzyan
Graduate list continued on next page
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
SSellay Sadeq Kobakiwal
Lilit Sahakyan
Meredith E. Salazar
Elena Lorraine Sanchez
Cindy Sandoval
Mariena E. Sandoval
Matthew Sandoval
Nayah Arlette Santacruz
Maria L. Santamaria
Julia Santos
Deanna Victoriya Savakova
Zoe Katelen Schley
Alexander Sembiring
Sharjeel Shab
Margaret Jenna Shaughnessy
Nathan Shirazi
Oscar Silva Zuniga
James Matthew Slack III
Ariana Soltanzadeh
Kayla Sondhi
Jason Damian Soriano
Ashley Ann Sotnik
Lauryn S. Speights
Donald Charles Spencer III
Georgina Violet St. Johns
Kaylin Kinuye Stewart
Morgan G. Stoffer
Kyler Blaze Strickland
Evelyn J. Strode
Patrick Ryan Stuart
Dayra Maria Suchite
Ha Sung
TElias Y. Takeguchi Frey
Shizuka Tamura
Madison J. Taylor
Julissa Sarai Tejada
Ayax Orlando Teran Camargo
Jacob Theiss
Brandi A. Thomas
Cheyenne Ajanae Thompson
Lucy Thompson
Corey Timmons
Valerie Tobar
Ara Torosyan
Antonio Tovar
Jason Raymond Troth
George Daniel Trujillo III
UOlga Nikolaevna Ustiuzhina
VBrenda R. Vargas
Kevin G. Vargas Piguave
Jason M. Varley
Melissa Yvette Vasquez
Jessica Velasquez
Moris A. Velasquez
Ashley Lance Cordova
Vicera
Julieta T Villegas
Cesar Andres Viorato
WJeffrey Bryan Walker
Antonio Walk lopez
Victoria L. Wall
Maximilian Duke Watson
Logan Weissler
Colin Thomas Welch
Shannon N. West
Caleb Williams
Talib Aalam Williams
Jessica Dianne Wood
Reece L. Wood
Ruth A. Wood
Heidi Alexis Wyrick
Hailey Alexy Wysong
Christian Matthew Young
Sahar Zaghari
Lamya Mustansir Zakiuddin
Azam Zareiesfandabadi
Linda Zimmerling I
Nikita Zlobin
Raul E. Valdes
Anaya S. Walker
December 11, 2024
