Volume 123 Fall 2015 Roundup Issue 3

Campus reacts to Presidents possible departure

“My opinion about the president leaving. I dont know why she is leaving to be honest. I dont even know who she is, but if she is leaving is because it’s for her future. I just hope she does a good job.”

Garson Garcia

Aviation major 20 years old

“I’ve never met her or seen her so I guess it doesn’t make a difference.”

Jecoline Ghosh

Criminal Justice major 20 years old

“I guess you really never know when you get to the point when you need someone, or you don’t know who is going to do what for what community. You never know there is a president who is doing good, and you have a president with new aspirations.”

President states her case

Burke uses open forum to explain why she’s qualified

SCOTT PREWITT News Editor @SPrewitt

She fielded questions about her reasons for seeking the position, her relationship with the Foundation for Pierce College, her experience with campus emergency responses and her approach to lengthy construction projects.

College and was president of the Glendale Community College Board of Trustees. She has been president of Pierce since 2010.

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LACCD Chancellor reacts to Umpqua shooting

“Los Angeles Community College District Colleagues: By now you have heard about the tragic incident at Umpqua Community College (UCC) in Roseburg, Oregon, where precious lives were lost and others forever impacted. Our LACCD family extends its thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of those affected by these senseless shootings. I will be contacting UCC President Rita Cavin on our collective behalf to extend whatever assistance we can and to share that LACCD stands with them during this difficult time.

PsychologyStephens

Jerrell

major 21 years old

Monday as part of her bid to assume the school’s presidency. Burke is one of five finalists considered to fill the position held by Tom Fallo, who will retire in February after a 20-year term as ECC president.

“It is the next natural progression in my career to go from being a president in a multi-college district to being a superintendent-president in a single-college district,” Burke said. “It’s that, or chancellor.”

Before Pierce, Burke taught art history for 20 years, served as vice president of academic affairs at Los Angeles Trade-Tech

In April, LACCD Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez requested Burke to take over the position of vice chancellor of educational programs and institutional effectiveness.

The request was withdrawn by Rodriguez on May 4.

Unlike Pierce, which is one of nine colleges governed by the Los Angeles Community College District’s Board of Trustees, ECC is a sovereign campus with a single superintendent-president and a

board that deals with one school. The position may hold several key advantages over Burke’s current post, including a greater degree of control over the college.

“You’re getting to work directly with the board,” Burke said. “Right now in our district, the chancellor works with the board. The superintendentpresident works directly with the board of trustees at this college. So you as an individual can have more impact on those policies and procedures.”

Brahmas win big at home

Pierce fires on all cylinders to beat West L.A.

ZAC GROFF Reporter @ZGroffNews

The Pierce College football team made big plays to shut down West Los Angeles College for the first of a two game homestand.

The Brahmas beat the Wildcats 55-20 to make the team’s record 3-1.

Pierce opened its first drive at the West L.A. 11-yard line, but sophomore quarterback Sean Smith threw an interception in the end zone.

“It was close in the first half the past couple games,” Smith said. “But we definitely stepped it up in the second half. We came out firing on all cylinders.”

The Brahmas’ defense, which ranked first in the district before Sat-

Our district, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department’s Community College Bureau, will remain vigilant on campus safety and emergency preparedness with the goal of keeping our campuses safe and vibrant learning communities.”

Sincerely, Francisco C. Rodriguez, Ph.D. Chancellor

New Student Programs (NSP)

urday’s game by California Community College Athletic Association, held the Wildcats’ to only seven points in the first half.

An interception by sophomore defensive back Esdras Simervil at the West L.A. three-yard line gave Pierce the ball back.

“It feels good, I had a tough week at practice,” Simervil said. “I needed some turnovers.”

On the Wildcats’ second possession, quarterback Jorge Reyna, threw his second interception of the night to Brahma freshman defensive back Justin Jhorbisson who returned it to West L.A.’s three-yard line. Sophomore running back Yusupha Foster ran in for the touchdown to give Pierce a 7-0 lead.

[See FOOTBALL, pg. 8]

The “First Year Experience” Counseling Center is open for business. The mission of the New Student Programs (NSP) office is to serve the educational planning, matriculation, and adjustment needs of all new and first year Pierce College students.

Students can make an appointment in-person at the First Year Experience Counseling Center in LLC 5110 (under the library) or by calling (818) 610-6508

To see a full schedule of counseling services available visit http://www. piercecollege.edu/offices/ nsp/index.asp.

Moureaux /

Ubosi

Nicolas Heredia / Roundup

Pierce College President Kathleen Burke addresses members of the staff, students and public on Oct. 5 at El Camino College in Torrance.

Quotes by Felipe Gamino Photos by Carly Albert

How do you feel about food options on campus?

“With my past and personal history aside, I think it’s a real good deal especially with what’s been going on with other campuses.”

-Felipe Velez, Business major

“[They] make us feel more secure. [It’s] a lot easier to breathe. You feel less threatened with them around.”

-Timothy Tran

Undecided major

“Thank you for your service. We are so appreciative of what they do for us. They keep us safe and protect us.”

-Sara Sanchez Theater major

“[I feel] pretty safe to be honest. My first year here there were two lockdowns. I felt safe.”

-Krista Rivera, Undecided major

“With those two lockdowns atleastweknewtheyhadour backs during those potential shooting situations.”

-Alexander Alvarez, Biology major

Volume 123, Issue 2

Page 1: Barbara Anderson was refered to as a Dean, she is a professor.

Volume 123, Issue 2

Page 1: #PierceNews stated Student Trustee results will be released on Oct 4. They will be released Oct 9.

Volume 123, Issue 2

Page 2: The Street Beat quoted Victor Ramirez as saying “inhealthy“ the correct quote is “unhealthy“

I

t seems like it will never happen, until it does. Last Saturday a female student was sexually assaulted Near California state university, Northridge. She was walking home from the annual concert “Big Show” and was grabbed in a dark alley.

Leaving class after sundown reveals just how dark the campus can be. The Botanical Garden, Performing Arts center, and numerous parking lots have spotty lighting. Large stretches of campus are

STOBER

In an era where applicable knowledge is power, and experience is key it only makes sense that students be encouraged to learn their trade from those with the know-how.

-Editorial-

Yet when these individuals are indisposed, students must turn to information-heavy textbooks that are far from user friendly. For the most part, we can all attest that a great many of the required books are the literary equivalent of a brick wall.

More often than not we don’t learn what we need from these publications, or we‘re left confused and befuddled. For this reason colleges should encourage professors to sell their books and collected works on campus. Whereas textbooks are compiled essays and studies written by a menagerie of authors and published under a single title, individual works written by professors are more direct in their structure.

The simplicity that comes

coated in ominous paths with nothing but moonlight. Night students deserve the same sense of safety the sun provides.

There’s been 45 school shootings this year alone. Communities are identifying dangers early and increasing awareness. It’s bigger than “see something, say something,” it’s time to do something.More than 20 years ago, CSUN implemented a volunteer program, Matador Patrol, that allows students to take proactive roles in serving the campus community. Volunteers are given training, uniforms, and tasks such as escort services, safety patrols, security watches, and assisting in event staffing.

Currently, If anyone on campus feels unsafe they have the option to call the Sheriff’s Office and request an escort. Professors need to include this information on all syllabi as well as verbal announcements at every class meeting. it may seem

like a chore, but the burden of safety falls on everyone.

Pierce College should sponsor and organize a volunteer-led organization mimicking CSUN to combat the uncertainty and unease that some students suffer from. Involvement should earn students class credit, or another acceptable incentive.

Scattered across campus, there are 17 working emergency poles whose blue light acts as a beacon to those in immediate danger. Simply press the red button and it will patch through a direct call to the Sheriff’s Station while simultaneously give the operator the exact location of the signal.

According to Sheriff Deputy Al Guerrero, these poles are tested monthly

by cadets and technicians. The issue isn’t that the emergency poles don’t function properly, Pierce needs more poles in more practical locations. It’s not just night students who need support. After multiple lockdowns last year with confusing, and in some cases contradictory instruction, the protocols for a campus-wide emergency need to be common knowledge. Communication is the key when it comes to coordinating life-saving efforts. Staff and students need to combine forces to eradicate any fear from camus, because peace of mind is irreplaceable.

topics in the book, and call it a “new edition.”

from reading a book written by a single author cannot be ignored or understated in its importance. There is a certain power of learning from one “voice.”

Pro GARETT CECIL gcecil.roundupnews@gmail.com @garettsfeed Con

Instead of having to adjust to a multitude of writing styles presented by numerous authors students can hone in on one speakerone direct flow of knowledge-and can do so without readying for a change in teaching methods.

In addition to the easiness of having a single speaker comes the comfort of actually knowing said speaker. It is my personal prerogative to take classes with professors who know the language of their field. Everything from the way an instructor interacts with the class to their individual personality is key to the learning experience. It has to be comfortable. This feeling can be found in the books professors write.

Students who are accustomed to a professor’s teaching patterns can digest the information in the instructor’s book with greater ease than when they are asked to read from a textbook. This isn’t just because of the familiarity though.

Professors spend the better half of their careers learning how to connect with students. They are influenced by us just as much as we are by them. As such they know how to speak in a way that we can understand even when the subject matter is tricky such as aerospace engineering or mathematics. Rather than bombarding us with varying key terms and random “critical thinking” exercises professors will tailor their books to fit a single subject. This way a student can learn with minimal confusion.

Professors should not be permitted to sell textbooks they write themselves. Instructors that sell their own textbooks can cause discrepancies among students who take the same class, but are learning from different people.

A textbook that is written by the professor can hurt the ability to study with other students and study groups.

If there are eight total English 101 classes, and seven of them have the same textbook, the one class that doesn’t is going to be outcasted. A teacher has the ability to change the order of chapters in their own textbooks which can cause students to learn in an order that’s not the most efficient.

Textbooks are expensive, but students have the option of purchasing used books from online sources at a discount. This option is rarely available if a teacher is requiring students to purchase their books. This is because they receive some profit when they sell their own books.

If a book is purchased used online, the instructor does not make money. A way teachers can make students buy a new book every semester is to change a few

A textbook that is written by a professional publishing company goes through many drafts, and many edits before it is released to the public. This is not guaranteed when a teacher is the author of their own book. This can lead to grammatical errors, and important facts being left of out the textbook. History and math courses are supposed to be taught using facts. What if an instructor has a different opinion on a historical event? Or the way a math problem should be solved? When a teacher is allowed the freedom to express opinions, it can hinder the students learning outcome.

In addition, professors are susceptible to leaving out important facts. Sure, the student learned about the outcome of the civil war, but did they learn about the important people of the civil war?

Many teachers that write their own textbooks can be lacking in credentials to do so. Yes, they know much about the topic that is being taught, but do they know the proper way to write it out? Do they know the most efficient way to explain it on paper? Textbooks that aren’t written by professionals can often times be confusing and hard to follow for these reasons. If all students learned each course from the same book, it would be much more efficient. Students could learn and study together, even if they have different teachers.

published as a learning experience under the college journalism instructional program. The editorial and ROUNDUP: October 7, 2015 Photographers: Carly Albert Ezzat Bekheet Raul De Los Santos Josh Duarte Dylan Khol Doris Lopez Christopher Mulrooney Ahmadreza Rastegarruzi Gustavo Sanchez Gerryleo Sarimiento Abdoudmajid Yazdekhasti Vanessa Reynafarje Efrem Fields

Financial review ends Foundation responds to accountant’s findings

GARETT CECIL Reporter @garettsfeed

At the order of the Pierce College Council’s budget committee, an independent accountant conducted a $17,000 review of the Pierce College Foundation, the results of which have now been released.

“It’s an interpretive review based of the financial information obtained from the other audits and tax returns,” said Denise Robb, board chair of the foundation.

Robb said that the results of the report were expected.

“It (the report) stated what we knew already, that the previous foundation was losing money by running the farm,” she said. “Also it says we need to raise more money to cover our expenses. Which we already knew. I am hoping the new board can do that.”

Floriya Borzenkova, senior program director of the foundation said she could have told the administration what the report had found.

“The information they gave to them, I can give them too,” Borzenkova said. “We already knew the results, they told us nothing we didn’t already know.”

Kathy Zanghi was the bookkeeper for the foundation when the report was being conducted, and agreed that the review offered no new information.

“The farm had lost money, we could have told [the administration] that,” Zanghi said. “No surprises from the results.”

“This review of the financial records of all the previous foundations, it looks like they lost money. That we, the foundation lost money, and the college lost money too,” Robb said. “The college was funding the salary of the employees of the foundation. So it looks like everyone lost money.”

Robb joined the foundation after its previous staff quit en masse.

“We have been rebuilding the board from scratch,” Robb said. “[It] is up to 11 members now, who are all pretty active and engaged.”

Before Robb joined the board of directors, the foundation was responsible for running the Farm Center.

“The previous foundation should never have been asked to run the [Farm Center],” Robbs said. “It’s not what we do.”

Robb said she thought the money spent on this report could have been used elsewhere.

“If they would have given me that money, I would have given out 17 $1,000 scholarships to the students,” she said. “I could have doubled the number of scholarships we are giving out in the fall.”

Robb said that the future of the foundation depends on how many donations they receive for funding.

“We have enough money to get through the year. It’s slow going, but I am hoping to raise enough money for next year,” Robb said. “If we can get professors to give 20 or 30 dollars a month out of their paycheck, or even staff and administrators, that can be operating expenses so that we can continue to function without worrying if we will have enough money for next year.”

Now that the review has been completed, the foundation has begun planning for the future.

“Our biggest priority that we are currently working on is to add veterans’ classes,” Robb said. “We’re hoping to get a big grant to offer free computer programming classes to veterans on campus. Were going to work with the college and the veterans club to try and get money for that. It’s very important, we have a lot of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq and a lot of them go here.”

Robb said that the foundation is happy to accept support, and hopes to increase the number of scholarships it offers.

“If anyone wants to work with us, volunteer with us, if they want to donate for any of our projects or just for the general fund,” said Robb. “We would be happy to have you get involved.”

President pushes for exit

According to Pierce’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness, the college has seen a steady rise in student achievement during Burke’s term. In the 2009-2010 school year, 801 students received associate degrees and 75 received unspecified certificates. In 2013-2014, associate degree recipients numbered 1,171 and 650 received certificates. Additionally, each year 2009 and 2014 showed a consistent increase in those numbers over the previous year.

“I think [that is due to] the emphasis on completion that’ve been talking about since I arrived,” Burke said. “All I can do as the college president is talk about completion, I don’t do it. That takes the faculty and staff to do that… I take no credit for that, they did the hard work.”

Students at Pierce have shown mixed reactions to the president’s decision to seek the position.

“It’s not a surprise. I mean, I would have left after a year,” said Mortuary Science major Dolores Stewart, 23. “This school is unmanageable; it’s an animal house.”

Jared Henderson, 20, said he was upset by the president’s possible move and said he felt she has been a good leader for Pierce.

“I am curious about the cause. What could make somebody who seems so passionate about helping the students want to leave,” asked

Henderson, a behavioral studies major. “I feel like she might want to be somewhere that her opinion is more likely to be heard [by the school board] than it is here.”

Andrea Sala of the El Camino College Foundation asked about Burke’s experience dealing with other college foundations. which are traditionally separate from their respective colleges and are often intended to provide scholarships and financial assistance to students.

“I just wondered what your experience has been with the foundation at Pierce,” Sala asked.

“How you’re involved with them, how you support them, how you promote them in your community and to the campus community as well.”

Burke, whose administration has been at odds with the foundation over both the spending and raising of funds, outlined the issues she has had with the Foundation for Pierce College in her term.

“That’s one of my not-successful stories at Pierce to be quite candid with you,” Burke said. “When I arrived the foundation had a $156,000 loan, line of credit. I have never seen a college foundation that owed money.”

The Foundation for Pierce College recently finished undergoing an external review that looked back through 15 years of financial documents. The results of the review are covered on this page [see ‘Foundation audit ends,’ top-left].

Discount TAP cards

Metro explores possibility of free or discounted transportation for community college students

said she used to ride the Metro, but now drives to campus. Plotkin said she is willing to take the metro to school instead of driving her car.

Burke cited the foundation’s “relationship” with the now defunct Farm Center as a large factor in its financial crisis.

“That business was actually flowing money through the foundation,” she said. “So the foundation was essentially functioning as a bank.”

Burke addressed the issue of construction and network upgrade projects at Pierce, some of which have been ongoing since 2010, and how she would avoid those problems at ECC. Unlike Pierce, ECC “recentralized” their program management office “years ago” according to Burke.

“I’ve never been in the President’s Office at Pierce, the official President’s Office,” she said. “Because it’s been being remodeled since before I got there. I’m just starting my sixth year.”

According to Burke the contractor at Pierce was debarred before the projects were completed. Of 11 buildings, seven were in what she called “various states of completion” after the contractor was removed. When the contractor left, so did all of the other workers who had been brought in.

“We’re not going to have those issues here at El Camino,” she said. “You have to make sure you have quality contractors and architects in the first place so you don’t run into some of the

problems that we’ve run into.”

After last week’s mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon by a former ECC student, Burke said she “anticipated” the question of campus safety would come up. According to Burke, the most important preventative measure against campus violence is training.

“It’s really all about training, and the training that we provide,” Burke said. “You listen to the reports from the community college in Oregon, you may have heard some of the students who were in a neighboring classroom say they locked the doors.”

Burke said she has “twice given the order to lockdown and evacuate the campus.” However, while there was a legitimate threat in those instances there has never been an active shooter at Pierce College.

In addition to locking doors and evacuating students, Burke also endorsed the need for better mental health treatment.

The ECC board of trustees is expected to decide the next president in the next week, and a special meeting of the board will convene Wednesday to discuss the candidates.

If chosen, Burke will start her term on or around Feb. 1. It is unknown who would be selected to replace her as Pierce College president, but it took more than a year to hire Burke after her predecessor quit with two weeks notice.

10/2—Student Injury

On Oct. 2 a student reported an injury he or she sustained at about 1:30 p.m. on September 11. The victim was injured in the LLC when two other students rushed through a door, which swung open and hit the victim in the knee.

9/30—Trash Can Fire

A cigarette was the likely cause of a trash can fire near the Center for Sciences at about 2 p.m. Wednesday.

9/30—Ill Student

A student reported feeling ill and was transported to the Health Center.

News briefs

Mystery

At about 12:30 p.m. Monday, a student reported hearing a rattlesnake near the South Gym. A Sheriff’s department cadet responded with a snake stick and searched for the source of the noise. No snake was found, and another student informed the cadet he often hears a nearby malfunctioning sprinkler making the same sound.

The Metro executive board has approved an exploratory measure which would gauge the feasibility of offering free or discounted TAP cards for students in the Los Angeles Community College District..

The Metro Orange Line, which travels between Canoga Park and North Hollywood, has two stops on Victory Blvd. directly adjacent to Pierce College, one at Winnetka Ave. and one at De Soto Ave. A TAP card loaded with valid fare is required to board the Orange Line bus, with each trip costing $1.75. In the past, discounted passes were offered to students but those programs are now defunct.

Veronica Kogut of the Business Office said she doesn’t know anything about TAP cards being free or cheaper for students, and that students will have to fill out a form online to see if they qualify for a free TAP card.

“We haven’t sold any TAP cards here for years, the students would have to check the Metro website,” Kogut said.

Sarah Rosenberg, a Pierce student, was eligible to receive a free TAP card but said the transportation costs for students are unfair.

“It’s not fair students have to pay for transportation,” Rosenberg said.

“Students should be able to have access to transportation like the Metro.”

Pierce College student Ella Plotkin

“If [Metro is] going to provide the service for community college students, I’m definitely willing to take the metro instead of driving my car,” Plotkin said. “That would save me time and money.” Fares are enforced by random checks, and enforcement officers ensure passengers have paid for their ticket or pass, and failing to pay the fare can result in a fine.

Omar Gonzalez is a third-year Pierce College student and takes the Metro because it’s close to his home and he can get to school quickly and easily. Gonzalez said he’d like to see fares discounted for college students.

“Some of us have to worry about how we have to pay for our books and tuition. Using the bus just adds more money issues. College is not cheap, everyone knows that,” Gonzalez said. “We can save the money and use it on more important things like books and school supplies.”

To qualify for the $43 college/ vocational TAP card monthly pass, students must provide proof of enrollment in 12 or more units and fill out an online application.

Kristen Van Hala is the executive assistant to the LACCD interim vice chancellor of educational programs and institutional effectiveness. Van Hala said there is no decision yet regarding the discounted or free TAP cards for community college students, and there won’t be any decisions or progress within the coming months.

Nico Heredia / Roundup

Pierce President Kathleen Burke fields questions from the audience at El Camino College in Torrance, Calif. on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015.

Club Rush

Flags and balloons lined the Mall on Sept. 30, indicating the start of Club Rush, a two day event hosted by the Associated Students Organization. Despite the heat, club representatives and students swarmed the Mall looking to promote and gain exposure to club offerings on campus.

One of the most popular stops was the area shared by the Architecture and Design Club and MakerSpace, which featured a large cardboard structure built by students. The project was inspired by the concept of the open road and was made entirely out of recycled materials over a three-day span. Spectators watched 3Doodler demos and interacted with 3D printed prosthetics on display.

Some of the other clubs present included the Pierce College Vegan Society, Phi Theta Kappa, and the Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) Honor Society. For more information about clubs on campus contact the Pierce College Club Council.

Gvisel Crllo and Jessica Nguyen, right, inform passerby about their rights as a students during the second day of Club Rush on Oct. 2, 2015.

Photo by: Ezzat Bekheet

Copy by: Skylar Lester

Top: Pierce student Jerome Watts watches as Architecture and Design Club President Bardia Shafiei uses a 3D pen at their DIY booth made of cardboard.

Photo by: Doris Lopez

Above: Vegan Societyʼs Crystal Enzaldo and Stephanie Winnard discuss vegan meal options with Rosalba Aguilar.

Photo by: Doris Lopez

Left: Anthropology major Sherry Chovan displays a cardboard prototype of a prosthetic arm at Club Rush. Photo by: Skylar Lester

Social Media Roundup

“Wish we had more vegan options. The wraps and vegan cookies in the Sip are great and so is the falafel but wish we had more.

#piercefoodprobs” -@thrugreeneyez

“What do you do when you’re sick of pizza and falafel? Nothing. The answer is nothing.

#PierceFoodProbs”

@da_lastquestion

Being Latin@ and LGBTQ Farsi Academic Advising Pizza with the Counselors

OCT. 8 The Pierce College Blatigenous and the History/Philosophy/ Sociology Department are hosting an awareness event in the Great Hall on Oct. 8 between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.

OCT. 9 From 1 to 2:30 p.m., the Counseling Center will be holding a Farsi academic advising seminar in the Career and Transfer Center workshop room.

OCT. 13

Get to know the Pierce College counselors through the Meet the Counselors scavenger hunt. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Great Hall.

OCT. 23 to NOV. 1

The Pierce College Theater will debut its first play of the season with “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.” Tickets are $12 for students, $15 for seniors and $18 for general admission.

Club rushing of the Brahmas

Associated Students Organization hold fall Club Rush with more than a dozen clubs participating

ASO President David Do is optimistic about the Fall 2015 Club Rush. He wants students to understand the purpose behind the event.

“It’s looking pretty good.” Do said. “The gist is to get students out there and clubs out there to let them be known.”

Club Rush was moved further down the mall close to the bull statue and old library.

“The club’s are closer so then you can go from this club to the next club,” Do said.

Do explained that clubs have to chartered before they can have a tent or stand at Club Rush.

-@Iceblokk

Pierce student Kaitlyn Appleton spent some time surveying the showcased clubs and even joined the Debate Club.

“It’s pretty cool,” Appleton said. “It’s neat that they have their little tents set up and you can just walk and pick and choose what you visit.”

Appleton wanted to join debate in high school, but had no such

opportunity.

“My high school did not participate in anything debate.” Appleton said.

Some clubs represented at Club Rush were Hillel 818 Club, Pierce Law Club, Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (OSTEM), Child Development Club, Black Student Union, Phi Theta Kappa, Hiking Club, and the Pierce College Veterans Club. Clubs had the opportunity to share information with students about their respective clubs.

Hidden Pierce: Rainbow Barn

Nestled safely away from the harsh and polluting surrounding city lies what is quite possibly one of the last remaining examples of agriculture in southern California.

Tucked away, lying southwest of Shepard Stadium a curious Pierce student who is willing to walk roughly 10 minutes would begin to notice the refreshing lack of buildings, and a faint smell of manure. With only a paved road to guide you, eventually you will find the hidden, but not secret Rainbow Barn.

“We get a lot of hikers, a lot of bikers...you know what’s weird is that we don’t make it a point to keep it hidden,” Marcie Sakadjian, an agricultural technician said.

The Barn, which sports a layeredrainbow paint job with the red layer on top, conceals the design to those who wouldn’t bother to get close enough. It’s a wonder how anyone could miss such a sight.

“You know what’s strange is that we do a lot of publicity and a lot of press. We’ve been in the daily news every year since I can remember,

at least once a year if not multiple times a year,” Sakadjian said.

During the week, the gates to the farm are open wide, ready to receive any newcomers or longtime visitors. If one looks carefully, they would notice the Rainbow Barn is host to various types of livestock.

Farm hands warn people to not get too close.

“We keep everything open, for everybody to just go. The only thing is that we don’t let people in with the animals because we’ve had problems. We don’t want them to get hurt or sick,” Sakadjian said, “we welcome everybody. We get students walking in between classes just walking to enjoy the sights.”

Leland Shapiro, former chair of the agriculture and natural

resources department, had cocreated and was involved with over 39 FarmWalks. However since his retirement earlier this year, there have been no mentions of a FarmWalk this year.

“We had FarmWalk it’s when we open our doors to the community...

We invite a lot of schools for campus tours for elementary, middle, and high schools,” Sakadjian said.

Despite these numerous accomplishments and praise from the community at large, it still remains a hidden gem.

“I mean we’ve definitely outreached to students and the community. I feel like a lot of people just don’t know we’re here,” Sakadjian said.

Jonathan Saltzmen, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, made sure students were informed that Phi Theta Kappa, is an international honors society at Pierce.

“We service jewish students and students interested in judaism and Jewish life,” said Sharon Basch, a member of Hillel 818. President of the Hiking Club Xavier Fierro said they want people to set goals for themselves, but the Hiking club will help them get there.

The Pierce College Veterans Club

sets the club’s focuses very heavily on vets.

“Anyone is welcome to join,” said Alex Miguel, president of the Veteran’s club. “If you are just a vet supporter, we welcome everyone.”

“OSTEM is part of a national society,” said a member of the club, Crystal Adame. “It’s a club geared toward the needs of LGBTQ students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.”

ASO Club Council President

Carlos Castaneda said he felt that Cub Rush was better than others in the past there were a lot of new clubs that were not chartered before”

“I saw a lot of students were really interested in talking to clubs not just walking by them,” Castaneda said. For those who may have missed Club Rush, more information can be found through the ASO by visiting the first club council meeting on Oct. 15 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the ASO Office under the Library / Learning Crossroads.

People of Pierce

“Art is definitely a passion and a hobby. I have this kind of little company where I make face masks for kids that are sick and don’t like the white paper face masks. So I get a bunch of Adventure Time fabric and stuff like that. I give them out at hospitals. I have a heart condition so it’s kind of easy for me to go over there. I just started in August so I’m still making the rounds. I feel like I was made to do stuff for others and help people out. It’s written in my code, you know?”

“Construction everywhere.”

SAMANTHA BRAVO Reporter @sammybravo93

Carly Albert/ Roundup

Engineering major Monique Morentin stands on the Mall of Pierce College.

“The gist is to get students out there and clubs out there to let them be known.”

-David Do ASO President

LAPC Theater Production

Skylar Lester / Roundup Students flood the Mall during Club Rush at Pierce College on Sept. 30.

SAMANTHA BRAVO Reporter @sammybravo93

Edgar Amezcua / Roundup

The rainbow barn houses sheep and goats in the south west corner of the Pierce College campus.

A rainbow painted barn adds flair to the Agriculture Department that few students ever see

From the screening room to the classroom

Professor of cinema believes that teaching theory and history of film is crucial to success in the busi ness

SAL FARIAZ Assistant Sports Editor @S_Fariaz

It’s a moment he’ll never forget. Sitting in the front row watching “2001: A Space Odyssey,” a budding film fanatic knew that movies would play a major role in his life.

Today Ken Windrum is a full time assistant professor of cinema at Pierce College. He has been teaching at the school since 1998.

“He is very liked by his students,” said Ida Blaine, director of the Encore program at Pierce, in which Windrum teaches . “They admire his passion for cinema.”

It wasn’t only the sci-fi classic that he loved growing up. Windrum’s dad took him to see “Lawrence of Arabia” as part of a double feature.

“The second movie was over two-and-a-half hours long. My dad couldn’t believe that I wasn’t getting impatient. I was mesmerized,” Windrum said. “Everyone has a certain art form they tend to love and mine is film.” His love for films first made him want to be a director. He wanted to be the guy behind the scenes and display his creativity on the big screen.

Windrum began to study a lot of the technical aspects of the business, such as filming on 16 millimeter, during his undergraduate program at the University of California, Los Angeles. He then began to realize that the critical studies classes were what really drew his attention and excited him.

“Would I still direct,” Windrum asked. “In a fantasy world? Where

someone gave me $100 million and I could be directing George Clooney and Julianne Moore in a script that was written by Quentin Tarantino, sure it would be a lot of fun. I don’t have a lot of patience with the technical and mechanical parts of the job.”

During his undergraduate education, Windrum wrote and directed a melodrama set in Los Angeles about a woman on the

verge of a nervous breakdown.

“My film is still around in 8 millimeter with a 16 millimeter synchronizable sound track in a box,” Windrum said. “I haven’t seen it in 30 years.”

Windram recalls that his earliest project contained film elements that are very typical of a first-time director.

“I filmed it in color and black and white because I was trying to

Vegan Club plants roots

Students at this campus may not know how to approach a different option of living and eating. Those that do, Winnard said, have limited vegan food options at Pierce.

be artsy,” said Windrum. “I did all the things a first time director does. I did a pointless tracking shot just to do one. I got my friend in a wheelchair because I heard Godard on “Breathless’ put his cinematographer in a wheelchair.”

Windrum believes that teaching the theory and history of film is just as important as participating in the industry.

“People say that those who

can’t do, teach,” Windrum said.

“That’s a stupid saying, because isn’t teaching doing? I think so.”

He encourages his students to make connections while they’re in school. He wants them to realize that it is not always what you know, but who you know.

“So much of it is getting to have a group of people who you trust and that trust you; work on people’s crews for free and do

people favors,” Windrum said. “The social and network aspects of it are what I always stress to them.”

Windrum is also currently revising his doctoral dissertation on American movies of the late 60’s and early 70’s. It is taking a bit longer to write, he said, because he is busy teaching five classes at Pierce.

“He has such a hodge podge of knowledge of film and television,” said Joe Carter, a student in his intro to screenwriting class. “If there is any class he is teaching I am going to take it.”

Windrum enjoys melodramas and thinks that Hollywood doesn’t know how to make them anymore. He believes the 1940’s were a great time for melodramas.

Windrum, who is a fan of classical filmmaking, believes that film is missing a lot in today’s industry.

“I still think Alfred Hitchcock is still the greatest of them all,” Windrum said. “No matter how many times I see his movies, he had an understanding of how to tell a story by knowing how to move the camera, how and when to cut, when to use a close up and when not to use a close up.”

He also appreciates modern day directors as well. Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese and David Cronenberg are among his favorites.

“I don’t understand why directors today have to use so many close ups and edit so quickly,” Windrum said.

The Vegan club isn’t just about eating vegan. It believes that living vegan is a dedicated lifestyle. It goes beyond the kitchen into a whole other mindset.

Stephanie Gray Winnard, faculty adviser of the club, is determined to have her club and its members make some kind of a difference.

“With just switching to vegan you’re solving so many world problems,” Winnard said. “In one day 6,000 pigs are slaughtered at Farmer John’s Slaughterhouse.”

Members new and old are educated and informed about the vegan lifestyle. One part of the Vegan Club’s mission statement is to raise awareness about the environment and vegan culture.

The Vegan Club has created a petition for students and faculty to bring non-animal food products to Pierce. Because of the variety of people and philosophies present at Pierce, the Vegan Club hopes to see a wider variety of food as well.

“Our goal is to get healthier and vegan friendly meals on campus. We always have chicken or meat here. There’s no veggies or veggie based meals,” Jasira Imhotep, a vegan club member, said. “Slaughterhouses are evil. A lot of people don’t know what’s really going on in there. The animals aren’t viewed as having a soul, and these companies treat their workers extremely poorly.”

Crystal Enzaldo, another club member, chose to be a vegetarian

when she was 16 years old and now has been vegan for three years.

“I never knew how much being vegan could help the environment even more than being a vegetarian,” Enzaldo said.

“Nature gives you everything you need to survive. You don’t have to be cruel or violent to any other being. We have trashed our planet, and we are in serious need of another plan.”

Members in this club believe that if more people converted to veganism, it could help turn around the damage done to this Earth.

“Going vegan would help us save water, land and resources. We use way more water to raise cows than we do using it for our showers,” Winnard said. “We would be helping our ocean dead-zones. The cows here in slaughterhouses never even feel grass under their feet.”

The Vegan Club’s main objective is to raise environmental awareness and provide knowledge and support to students who want to be a part of the vegan lifestyle. Veganism, Winnard said, can help preserve the planet and one’s body for longer.

“It’s all part of our evolution anyways, to move to plantbased diet. It’s already going in that direction. We can sustain ourselves longer living like this,” Winnard said. “The population keeps increasing fast and we won’t be able to keep living like this. We won’t have enough water.”

The Vegan Club is open for anyone at Pierce to join.

“The whole entire point here,” Winnard said, “is to change the way people think and feel about veganism, including themselves and fellow animals. It’s really a social justice movement.”

Instructor makes Debut New theater teacher to direct season’s first play

MIRANDA LOPEZ Reporter @Miranda_rpnews

For new professor Shaheen Vaaz-Chamarbagwala, her first year teaching at Pierce College has begun with directing the season’s first play.

Vaaz-Chamarbagwala will also be teaching various courses such as “Introduction to Theatre” and “Voice Articulation for the Theater” this semester.

Vaaz-Chamarbagwala began to incorporate theatre into her life after she left Bombay, India at the age of 18, and began began attending Smith College, a private women’s liberal arts college in Northampton, Massachusetts.

“That was a shock, to be with all women. It was so different and so cold. I’d come from the tropical heat to experiencing my first fall and winter with ice and snow, with no clothes to really

work with the weather,” VaazChamarbagwala said.

Although she was a political science major, acting and performing was always involved in her life.

During her undergraduate program, she performed in at most two plays a semester. Soon she was accepted to a new acting program at Columbia University, and her parents decided to let her stay in America.

“I made a deal with them that they’d let me stay in America if I would try to work as a director instead of being an actress. So I did that for a year after college, and then I got into Columbia University for their new acting program,” Vaaz-Chamarbagwala said.

Sleepless nights came alongside new knowledge about theatre in the Big Apple. She was surrounded by many artists who were teaching for the first time. This led to her attraction towards stage acting and soon, TV began to happen.

In New York, VaazChamarbagwala worked in TV shows such as Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and The Education of Max Bickford. She then moved to Los Angeles and was a part of Gilmore Girls, Eve, and 24. Being a part of the acting world has created many influences for Vaaz-Chamarbagwala.

“I did a show with Sandra Oh, and she just blew me away with her amazing work ethic, and also Maggie Gyllenhaal. She was very focused and rigorous while doing her work, and kept the drama on stage,” Vaaz-Chamarbagwala said.

Having a professor with a background in television, who has worked side by side with professional actors, is entertaining and inspiring, Sonya Morris said.

Luis Ayala / Roundup

Shaheen Vaaz-Chamarbagwala gives her students acting tips during rehersal in the Performing Arts Center at Pierce College on Thursday, Sept. 24.

ARYANNA DUNN Reporter @DunnAryanna

Doris Lopez / Roundup Vegan

facutly advisor, Stephanie Winnard, explaining to Rosalba Aguilar how she can bake without eggs, in Woodland Hills, Calif. on

Joshua Duarte / Roundup

Ken Windrum in front of the projector showing “Casablanca” in the VILGE 8300 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015. Windrum shows this film in his introduction to screenwriting class.

Brahmas battle to a draw

The Brahmas did not have a great performance but end up with a draw

FELIPE GAMINO Reporter @FelipeGamino13

The Pierce College women’s soccer team pushed to gain a bigger lead at the top of the standings as the team hosted Moorpark College, on Friday Oct. 2, 2015.

The Brahmas came into this match with a 5-0-3 record, meanwhile the Raiders stepped into this encounter with a 3-1-3 record.

The game itself had limited chances. In the fi rst half very few chances occurred as the most dangerous play Moorpark came very close to scoring. Cindy Godina had to come up with key saves for the Brahmas to prevent the Raiders from taking the lead.

As the team kept trying to push up further with the ball and get into the opposition’s side of the fi eld, the Raiders kept making stops and making it diffi cult for the Brahmas to have good possessions.

Defensively for the Brahmas they did well as the Raiders had few opportunities at goal.

The second half saw more of the same with very limited chances as well.

The Raiders came out of the second half with more energy for the fi rst couple of minutes of the game but the Brahmas raised the

team’s energy as well but still struggled to get a gaol.

Makayla Nichols had the clearest chance in the half. Cindy Godina also made a save to deny the Raiders again. The game ended in a 0-0 draw.

Head Coach Adolfo Perez gave his thought on the team’s result, and also on his team’s performance.

“Disappointing. It’s a shame that a team has to come and play all defense”.

He also mentioned on what his team has to improve on.

“We have to keep working on scoring a goals, and we will do that”.

could have fi nished our opportu-

“I don’t think we played the best we could play. We were kind of reacting to them instead of playing our game.”

-Angela Verduzco Midfielder

Pierce goalkeeper Cindy Godina had her reaction to the game and the team’s overall performance.

“It’s good and bad because we

nities in goal, but it was decent,” Godina said. “We could have done better in communicating and touching the ball, but if we start doing that then we start kicking it

up and start scoring some goals.”

Godina also evaluated her individual performance against the Raiders.

“I saved like seven or eight, and since my ankle was hurting and to pump the ball it hurt a lot. I have been having this problem for a while, but it started hurting two weeks ago.”

Freshman player Angela Verduzco thought the team performed descent but could have played better.

“I don’t think we played the best we could play. We were kind of reacting to them instead of us playing our game,” Verduzco said. “We could have defi nitely connected better as a team, our

Players fundraise gear

Sports teams take initiative to lower costs of equipment for players

Sports teams always have to try to find ways to fundraise money to pay off all gear and fees.

As for many teams, coaches and players work together to fundraise all the money they can to

SCHEDULE

Oct. 7 to Oct. 14

Water Polo

Wednesday, Oct. 7 vs. LA Valley, 3:30 p.m.

Soccer

Friday, Oct. 9 at Santa Barara, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Hancock, 4 p.m.

Football

Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. Orange Coast, 6 p.m.

Volleyball

Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Santa Barbara, 6 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 9 vs. Ventura, 6 p.m.

pay their dues.

“We try to fundraise where they don’t have to take anything from their own pocket,” said baseball head coach Bill Picketts. “The first fundraiser we do is a certain amount of money. Some kids can afford it and some kids can’t. If they come up to me, we find a way to work it out.”

Every team’s goal is to reach the certain amount that’s needed and

have the players pay anything from their own pocket. Picketts explains how it’s tough for some kids to fundraise the exact amount they need, but he shows that everything is a team effort and no one is on their own. Financially, not everyone is stable and it’s not easy when players have to pay for their jerseys.

“Last year we had to pay for our own uniforms,” said freshman

volleyball player Garrett DeGrasse. “Last year the fundraising was pretty bad so most of us had to pay a bunch of money.”

The volleyball team is going to work harder on the fundraising by contacting a company to receive sponsored advertisements and get a certain percentage amount of money. Degrasse expressed on how athletes shouldn’t have to pay for their playing time and to possibly get priority registrations for classes.

Men’s volleyball head coach Lance Walker had an idea about printed sponsorships on their uniforms for the past few years. Other ideas he included are brochures and some help from corporate companies within the area.

“Currently each sport has a different budget, and not to speak for other programs, but pretty much every program has to fundraise something because the budget that is given to us is very minimal from the school,” Walker said.

Walker stated that within the past 2 years the volleyball program had a 100 percent transfer rate. Hard work pays off and to continue that they need to work together by paying their fees and doing good in school.

“I’m hoping that they are kind of getting in the process of allowing us to actually use our facilities here to hopefully generate money,” Walker said. With an assist to their problem the team would be able use their gym and host a tournament.

Women’s volleyball head coach, Nabil Mardini, is also having problems fundraising money for their gears and other expenses.

communication level was lower than it normally is. In order to fi nd a result we have to communicate and play better”.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Mission, 6 p.m.

Brahma Week of

the

Esdras Simervil - Defensiveback

Esdras Simervil had three interceptions in the Brahmas win over West Los Angeles College

Was there anything that got you going early in that game?

“I came into that game with no interceptions so I wanted to get one bad. They gave me an opportunity and I was able to get some interceptions.”

What are your strengths as a football player?

“Overall, I’m just determined. I just want to make plays I know I can make. I just want to help out for the good of the team..”

What would you attribute as the biggest factor to your team’s successful start of the season?

“The team is doing well. I try to just play my role on defense, on special teams or wherever they call me. As a team we are doing really well. We are the number one defense in California so we must be doing something right.”

What is something you would personally like to improve by the end of the season?

“Oh, for sure my returns. After having three interceptions, I need some yardage and touchdowns.”

Do you have a favorite NFL team?

“The Miami Dolphins for sure, because I am from Florida. And Florida State is my College team.”

Are there any professional football players that you look up to and try to model parts of your game after?

“There are a few, Tyrann Mathieu and Sean Taylor, but he passed away. Ed Reed but he just retired.”

Photo by Luis Ayala Quotes gathered by Salvador Fariaz

Ahmadreza Rastegarrazi / Roundup

Marya Lopez competes with Laura Avellaneda for the ball on the Soccer field at Pierce College during the game on Friday Oct. 2, 2015.

Brahmas run away with the game

Smith started the game with two incompletions on three passing attempts, and one pass was picked off for a Wildcat interception. He went on to connect with sophomore wide receiver Xavier Ubosi deep in Wildcat territory for a first and goal. The Brahmas’ attempted to score, but Foster went down with an injury trying to force his way into the endzone and fumbled the ball for West L.A. to recover.

“We started out slow. We weren’t playing to our potential,” Ubosi said. “But Coach [Sabolic] gave a motivating speech and we played to our best ability in the second half.”

The Brahmas led by seven at the end of the first quarter after each team committed two turnovers.

Midway through the second quarter, Reyna connected with freshman wide receiver Melvin Hughes for the touchdown to tie the game at seven.

As the first half was coming to an end, Ubosi set Pierce up with good field position after a big catch in Wildcat territory. Sophomore running back Calvin Howard was then able to run the ball into the endzone for six points.

“I felt like it was a physical game.” Howard said.

Pierce again intercepted a throw from the West L.A. quarterback for Simervil’s second of the night and Reyna’s third interception.

“Simervil turned in one of the better performances that I have seen,” said Brahmas’ Head Coach Jason Sabolic. “Three interceptions is pretty awesome.”

The Wildcats had possession of the ball to start the second half.

Simervil again intercepted Reyna for his third pick of the night and Howard plunged into the endzone to convert the turnover into points.

“The dropped pass that lead to the interception, [in the] start of the third quarter gave [Pierce] all the momentum.” said Wildcats’ head coach Marguet Miller.

Ubosi made a 57-yard catch to set the Brahmas up inside the two-

yard line after Pierce regained possession. Penalties forced the Brahmas backward, but Smith was able to connect with sophomore wide receiver Jamere Austin on a 13-yard pass for a touchdown.

The Brahmas led 28-7 early in the third quarter.

Pierce’s dominance continued as the team received the ball.

Freshman running back Kyshawn Richards made a 64-yard reception to put the Brahmas in the red zone.

“I think our whole receiving corps deserved some props,” Sabolic said. “They all pitched in and did a fantastic job.”

Penalties again forced Pierce backwards, but Smith connected with sophomore wide receiver Keotae Stenhouse for a 21yard touchdown. The Brahmas extended its lead 42-7 after the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Reyna connected with freshman wide receiver Daniel Bell for a 28-yard touchdown. After a failed twopoint conversion the Wildcats still trailed the Brahmas by 29 points.

While trying to run out the clock late in the fourth freshman running back Corey Wright found the endzone and the Brahmas lead 48-20 after a missed kick.

“I feel it went a lot better in the second half,” Sabolic said. “We came out not firing on all cylinders. They needed a fire lit under them.”

With less than three minutes to go in the final quarter, freshman quarterback Tyler Stevenson completed a pass to sophomore wide receiver Spencer Banks for a 45-yard touchdown to make the final score to Brahmas 55, Wildcats 20.

“I tell [the team], I don’t want to be the team that’s playing against us when we decide to put that full game together.” Sabolic said.

Pierce (3-1) will host the Orange Coast Pirates (2-2) next Saturday, Oct. 10 in John Shepard Stadium at 6 p.m.

@RoundupSports Volleyball Undefeated Brahmas Undefeated

After Pierce took first place in the Brahma Invitational last week, the Brahmas had its first conference game against Santa Monica College on Sept. 30.

The first set between the two colleges remained close and forced a timeout from Pierce College to make some needed adjustments. They came back into the game refocused and were able to win the set with a score of 2521.

The Brahmas started gaining more control of the sets the longer they played and were able to win the second set 25-18 and the third set 25-13.

The Corsairs were not able to win a set and the Brahmas kept its undefeated record intact.

The Brahmas will be hosted by Santa Barbara City College on Wednesday Oct. 7 at 6 p.m.

Order is restored

From going 0-20 to reigning on top of California volleyball

one of the best,” Mardini said. “To go from 0-20 in 2000 to winning multiple championships, I’m very proud of that. I think it’s important we don’t get caught up in the success and we keep working hard.”

Nabil Mardini used his talents as a former college volleyball player and CEO of the Los Angeles Volleyball Academy to make Pierce College’s women’s volleyball team undefeated this season.

Mardini has worked 18 years as a full-time CEO and majority owner of the Los Angeles Volleyball Academy. LAVA is a private club that holds 70 teams within southern California for girls and boys ages 10-18. They travel and compete locally, regionally, and nationally.

Mardini started playing volleyball when he was 8 years old. He continued the sport playing for the men’s volleyball team at Santa Monica College and University of California, Los Angeles.

“Being a student athlete, not having a lot of money, not having a car, and just what I had to go through to get to where I am today to me is more valuable than the college degree that I have,” Mardini said.

Mardini originally worked in engineering after graduating UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, but decided to pursue his passion.

Turhan Douglas was Pierce’s former coach who recruited and mentored Mardini as an assistant coach. Mardini later filled the head coach position at Pierce College in 2000.

“We went from being one of the worst programs in the state to being

Mardini explains that hard work, perseverance, learning and bouncing back from failing are what makes progress.

“[If] you want to be a champion you have to surround yourself with people who think like a champion otherwise it’s not going to work,” Mardini said.

best women’s volleyball program in the junior college system in the state of California; hands down,” Ferreira said. “I think Pierce is the benchmark people look at for success and he’s humble about it,” Ferreira said. “He doesn’t do it in an entitled or arrogant way, he does it through work and he holds his athletes to a superior standard of morals and values. If you can’t uphold the Brahma way, then don’t play for Nabil, because he’s not going to sacrifice standards for talent.”

Callie Kruse is one of the 18 volleyball players on the women’s team at Pierce College. She shares that during the summer the team has done bonding activities such as hikes, bowling, and staying connected.

“He’s really big about having the team as a family,” Kruse said. “We’re all connected, it’s a chemistry. Without that trust out on the court and outside of the court, you’re not going to be successful in volleyball or any sport for that matter.”

“You wear different hats,” Mardini said. “You got to be a brother. You got to be a father. You got to be a friend. You have to be a psychologist. You have to be a nutritionist. It’s very rewarding, there’s no question about it.”

Mardini has been coaching for 15 years at Pierce, and has built a solid reputation for himself as well as his teams. He has also built a friendship with the Bakersfield College Head Coach Carl Ferreira. Ferreira admires Mardini’s conviction on the court and morality off of it.

“I respect him, I admire him, and I appreciate him,” Ferreira said. “He’s honest, trustworthy, and respectful, and that’s what I like in people.”

“As a coach I think he’s built the

During the off-season, Mardini conducts the women’s volleyball team to have ongoing recruitment and training.

“Coming in I thought I was a hard worker and I wasn’t at all,” Rachel Lods said, captain of the women’s volleyball team at Pierce College. “Practicing everyday and holding myself to the standards that he holds us to has made me a much harder worker in all aspects of my life.”

Luis Ayala / Roundup

Volleyball Head Coach Nabil Mardini poses for a picture infront of his championship banners on Oct. 6 in the South Gym at Pierce College, Woodland Hills, Calif.

Joshua Duarte / Roundup Jamere Austin (5) wide receiver catches the ball during a game against West L.A. College at John Shepard Stadium at Pierce College.

[See FOOTBALL, pg. 1]

“What I had to go through to get to where I am today to me is more valuable than the college degree I have.”

-Nabil Mardini

Women’s volley head coach

[For more sports photos visit theroundupnews.com]