Volume 126 Spring 2017 Roundup Issue 11

Doyouhaveahotscoop? Callus:(818)710-4115

Community colleges or straight to University? pg. 2

Commencement pg. 3

Literary magazine pg.5

Season preview soccer pg.14

Commencement speaker co-founds non-profit

One Brahma's fight to end student homelessness

ZOE PARKER Reporter @zparker3594

True to their name, cheerleaders aim to motivate everyone around them both physically and emotionally, whether or not they’re on the field. Cheerleader Lauren Robin co-founded the non-profit organization Compass for Youth, which works to guide at risk youth to college and a brighter future.

She will be spreading her message to a wider audience on June 6 when she gives a commencement speech for the Pierce College graduating class.

Founded this fall, Compass for Youth’s mission is to help at risk youth, 17-24 year olds, navigate their way through higher education and eventually provide housing for otherwise homeless students.

However, Robin’s history of helping others in need began long before her pursuit of this new endeavour.

“When I was 12, I had this mission to save the world,” Robin said. “I would donate all my allowance and birthday money to give homeless people blankets and food. I always had this passion for helping others, but didn’t know how to do it until I went to college.”

Robin didn’t stop there. She has been volunteering at the Therapeutic Living Centers For the Blind since January 2017. She’s currently working on an art project using colored recycled plastic that will be put in their garden. The different shaped plastic and fragrant flowers will allow the blind to experience something new.

“I've learned so much from them,” Robin said. “This garden allows them to engage all their senses like touch and scent, but the main thing was that they did it themselves and can be proud of their work.”

Robin’s accomplishments and reputation during her time as an ASO senator precede her.

“Her positive energy is contagious,” Student Engagement Coordinator and Counselor Lara Conrady Wong said. “In ASO meetings, she would always encourage others and speak up when someone accomplished something. She’s always the first to compliment someone on a great idea. She’s a cheerleader in all respects.”

Actually, Robin started her cheerleading career at Pierce in spring 2016. She said she had never done it and wanted to try something new.

“I did dance before, and cheer looked like something I'd really enjoy,” Robin said. “I also wanted to be

Discover Pierce's discover budget

JOSE HERRERA News Editor @jose_herrera012

How much are new students worth?

According to administration $60,000, but not everyone is content with that price tag.

Pierce College's Discover Pierce, held on April 21, cost the school $60,000. The purpose of the event was to market the school and encourage positive conversation among parents and high school students.

A survey from the event shows that 83 percent of the attendees are considering enrolling at Pierce upon their graduation, and 55 percent of students have already applied.

Pierce College's enrollment is currently 80 percent of what it should be during the summer semester, according to Vice President of Administrative Services Rolf Schleicher.

Prior to Discover Pierce, students were unaware of the variety of majors offered at Pierce, or they had not heard of the campus at all, according to a study conducted for the event. After the event, 216 students out of the 394 surveyed submitted applications to Pierce.

As a result, enrollment increased by 55 percent.

President Kathleen Burke said Discover Pierce was a positive investment of dollars spent for the campus.

“There's no other way to get students here to see what we do. We already have people at the high schools, so it had to be something different from what we already do,” Burke said.

Joseph Perret, district academic senate representative, said this was an overuse of school funds.

“The message that I get from looking at it is that our reputation out there in the cruel world sucks,” Perret said. “That’s where we ought to be putting our effort, but this is too expensive. You can’t do that.”

Schleicher said the $60,000 to have everybody come for Discover Pierce to provide exposure to the opportunities the campus offers was a great way to market the school and find outside opinions on areas that need improvement.

“It also helps us sharpen our game,” Schleicher said. “By faculty being here and our student services organization, we hear what the customers want, and we sharpen what we're doing to be more effective as well. Whereas, if it's done remotely we think we're fine.”

see Senate Budget pg. 3

a part of a team and learn how that worked.”

In addition, during her run as an ASO senator, she acted as Pierce’s

delegate at the General Assembly for the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, raising the issue of student homelessness and the

Caps & gowns

Students are still able to purchase their graduation cap and gowns at the Student Store until Friday, June 2, 2017. Students amust have valid ID to confirm eligibility.

Name in lights

inaccessibility to school locker rooms and showers.

see Cheerleader pg. 4

Spring 2017 Finals schedule

If your class time isn't listed, contact your professor

Students graduating, transferring and/or earning a college degree can have their name displayed with on the Marquee on Victory Blvd and Winnetka Ave. Students must submit, name, student ID and choose from college transferring, OR name of degree, OR name of certificate earned to news@piercecollege.edu by Thursday, June 1, 2017.

SIS system delay update

The following is an email from Ryan Cornner regarding the SIS system delays:

"Good afternoon students, We would like to apologize for the delays you have incurred as a result of the technical difficulties with our new SIS. I am happy to report that we believe that the system issues have been corrected. We encourage you to register for your fall classes now through the new SIS. Please know that the technical difficulties have not impacted your priority registration status. Your priority registration period will continue through the weekend to ensure that you have your full three days of priority registration prior to other priority groups. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

Ryan Cornner Vice Chancellor of Educational Programs and Institutional Effectiveness Los Angeles Community College District

Randi Love / Roundup

Lauren Robbin posing with a UCLA Bruins flag and banner out on a field at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on May 18, 2017.

Rather than paying for lessons or tutors, students should exchange services to help each other out. This will benefit a lot of students and help them save some cash.

As college students, most of us struggle with money. We have many needs to fulfill, but can’t always afford to. Going to school full time and trying to maintain a steady work schedule is tough. An education can be expensive, and our parttime minimum wage jobs don’t always cut it.

According to fa-mag.com, 77 percent of college seniors reported that they had run out of money during their time at school. Not enough financial aid, high textbook costs and high college tuition are a few of the many reasons why students tend to go broke.

Of course, there are some free tutors offered on campus, but not all subjects are available and the hours for the Center of Academic Success (CAS) might not be convenient for everyone. Trading services with another student allows you to set up a time and date that works for the both of you.

Students should not have to pay for tutors for private lessons when they already have a hard time earning money just to get by.

If you know someone that is good at math and that happens to be a subject in which you struggle, you could exchange a service with them, such as tutoring them in a subject that they have trouble with and that you’re good at.

Guitar lessons for drumming lessons, a math tutor for a Spanish tutor, swimming lessons for basketball lessons—

-Corrections-

Volume 126, Issue 10: Page 6:

Photo Essay: Eileen Gizienski had her name misspelled Page 6:

Photo Essay: The bottom two captions were incorrect. Mislabled bottom left, bottom right

the list is vast. Students could post flyers around campus offering their services in exchange for others. These flyers can be posted on designated bulletins along the mall, in the Village and by the art hill.

Student Services can offer a program that allows us to provide a helping hand. It

can be divided into different categories such as academics, athletics and arts where we can look up a subject that we would like to improve on.

At the beginning of each semester, students can walk into the Student Services Building and give their name, contact information, subject or area that they are strong

Pro: Donʼt fear the two-years

DANIELA TORRES Opinions Editor @DT_1129

Attending a four-year university directly after high school might seem like the right choice because students are encouraged to do so, but it’s not always the best option for everyone.

Going straight to community college is less expensive. You can earn a degree at a fraction of the cost then you would going to a fouryear. Students could benefit from this financially, and it can reduce the amount of stress they already deal with juggling school and work.

According to college.usatoday. com, four-year schools cost nearly three times more than community colleges. While trying to decide what you really want to study and focus on in school, you can be saving money instead of wasting it at a four-year on classes you don’t need.

A lot of us start school with an undecided major, or end up changing our major after a semester or two.

Community college gives you a chance to explore different academic areas, without having to feel rushed. You can move at your own pace without the pressure of having to live up to high standards that most universities expect.

When going straight to university, you might realize that the school you have chosen isn’t suitable for you, and you will most likely end up leaving and going to a community college.

At a community college, you have the time to meet with counselors and

advisors that specialize in helping students transfer and pick a school that is best for you.

Community college is flexible when it comes to setting up a class schedule that works well around your daily activities. They accommodate students’ needs by offering classes on weekends, evenings and early mornings. Most of us are a bit lost when we first attend college. We don’t really know what to expect, and we are slowly finding ourselves through the process. We’re like lost puppies just wandering around. Community college is a good stepping stone for students, and it prepares us for when we are actually ready to transfer to a university.

In community college, students have the chance to find their strengths and weaknesses before stepping into more demanding school work at a university. Also, students can take this time to improve on any subjects they did poorly in throughout high school.

Classes at community colleges are a lot smaller. Students can get the proper help and attention they need from their professors because the class setting is a lot more intimate at a community college rather than having to sit in a huge lecture hall where the professor rarely knows the students’ names.

Students who are looking to explore their options to earn an education that is appropriate for them should definitely attend community college from the get go.

dtorres.roundupnews@gmail.com

in and the subject that they need assistance with. This information can be posted on the Pierce College website for students who are interested. By trading services, we are helping one another out. It’s not everyday when someone returns the favor. Helping someone not only will help them achieve their goals, but in

“ItoldmyprofessorIhadtogoto theEmergencyRoom.”

-NayriShabazz,21,French

this case, it will also help you achieve your own. We are all talented, and sharing our skills to help others can go a long way. We can think of it as work experience. It gives us a chance to teach others and expand our abilities while receiving a favor in return.

newsroom.roundupnews@gmail.com

Con: Two-years are death traps

MADELINE MARTINEZ Copy Editor @Madisaysso

Choosing where to start in college is hard. You can either go to a community college or to a university. But when choosing which one to go to, you should always pick going to university.

Students should select universities over community colleges if they are given the opportunity, because they will already be on their full path for success, especially if they are trying to earn a bachelor’s degree in their field of study. Universities are not hard to pay for. Students can apply for financial aid, scholarships and grants. According to Collegeboard. com, “In 2014-15, about two-thirds of full-time students paid for college with the help of financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships. Approximately 57 percent of financial aid dollars awarded to undergraduates was in the form of grants, and 34 percent took the form of federal loans.”

The best part of starting at a university is that you are already there. Transferring from a twoyear college to a university can be a daunting process. You have to make sure that you do well in your classes. You have to meet a certain amount of credit hours or get a certain degree to move on in your learning process. Also, a curriculum in a community

Cartoonist:

college might take longer than the two-year process to transfer. Sometimes, that also means having to take a gap semester, which can make a student anxious to get to a university to finish their degrees.

Community colleges are like extensions of high school. Class sizes are small, and some teachers treat their students as if they’re in high school. At times, it can feel like you are not truly advancing in the learning process because of how lax the environment can be. Even though you can get an associate’s at a community college, most employers do not count it over applicants with bachelor’s.

Starting at a university after high school gives you a higher chance to succeed throughout college. Universities are not like community colleges. There is a different atmosphere, and students are more active in organizations. Students show their school pride and are willing to share it with others.

Students who attend a university can also take classes at a community college if they want a different learning process for subjects they may struggle in. This can save money and help a student maintain their goals as they go through their path toward earning their degree.

Students who are truly committed to furthering their education, should plan to go to universities instead of community college if they want to be at the level that universities require.

mmartinez.roundupnews@gmail.com

“Itoldaprofessorthatmysister wasgoingintolabor.”

-XhaaniaWright,20, Communications

“ItoldmyprofessorthatIwassick for2-3days,andonceIspilled wateronmypapersoIcouldturnit inagain.”

-AsbinDahar,20,ComputerScience

“ItoldmyprofessorthatIhadto takemykidstoschool.”

-EuchariaOmoruuji,42,Nursing

the Sunday prior to the issue date. Editorial Policy: The Pierce College Roundup position is presented only in the editorials. Cartoons and photos, unless run under the editorial masthead, and columns are the opinions of the creators and not necessarily that of the Roundup. The college newspaper is

published as a learning experience under the college journalism instructional program. The editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by the virtue of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the L.A. Community College District, the college or any officer or employee thereof.

““Itoldmyprofessoroncethat Ihadtogetsurgeryinorderto retakeatestthefollowingweek.” -AshleyQuicana,19,Biology

Illustration by Beck Shields / Roundup

Healthcare for you

Lack of funds motivates director to find outside resources

ZOE PARKER Reporter @zparker3594

The Student Health Center (SHC) is working to provide affordable, and oftentimes, free care to students.

However, Director of the Pierce College Health Center Beth Benne said that she only sees about 5 percent of the student population come in for services.

“Everything we have is paid for with student health fees: medications, immunizations and labs,” Benne said. “And as much as I would love to pay everything for you, I just can’t afford it on a health fee of $11.”

According to Yessenia Nevarez, student worker in the Counseling Center, there are a lot of issues brought to their attention about the costs.

“We see people come in all the time and complain about having to pay the health fee because they just see dollar signs without knowing where it goes,” Nevarez said.

This is an issue for both the student population who is missing out on health services, and the staff trying to keep themselves afloat.

The SHC has had their funds cut due to lack of a budget. According to Benne, 40 percent of their medical providers were let go because the department lacked the ability to pay them.

Now, they can only sustain three full-time employees and need to supplement paid staff with Cal. State Northridge interns, Benne said.

However, in February 2017, the California legislature passed a bill allowing schools to charge health fees of $20. Benne does not think the Board of Trustees will approve the increase.

The SHC has reached out to numerous outside agencies to help provide the best care for students.

One is Family Pact, a government funded insurance that includes free STD testing and treatment, contraception and pap smears. It is designed for patients who are in need of support. Benne thinks it is of great importance that students practice safe sex.

Prep caps and gowns

Commencement ceremony on June 6 in Rocky Young Park

ZOE PARKER Reporter @zparker3594

With black robes, a silver sash and giddy excitement to complete the outfit, only two weeks away before graduation, students prepare to walk the stage to receive their degrees and certificates.

This year’s commencement will be on June 6 at 6 p.m. in Rocky Young Park. However, there will be changes implemented to accommodate the families and friends of students participating in the ceremony.

According to Pierce College President Kathleen Burke, graduation is a time that brings the campus together.

“I’m proud of myself for saying yes, because public speaking is a big fear of mine,” Robin said, “But when people doubt me and say, ‘I don't know if she can do it’, I always say, ‘Well, now I'm going do it. Maybe I wasn’t going to before, but now I will.”

Following the steady growth of graduates and commencement attendees through the years, this celebration will be bigger than ever, according to Dean of Student Engagement Juan Carlos Astorga.

“We have slowly grown in the number of students participating in commencement, and I think that’s because of enrollment increases, but also because people place more value in their education and importance in the ceremony,” Astorga said.

In 2009, 448 graduated, and just last year, that number rose to just under 700.

100 money on external speakers. Therefore, the college is trying to have speakers who won’t charge a fee, he said.

Dixon-Peters said that Pierce is now trying to have only student speakers to make commencement a more student-oriented event.

“The ceremony is not about external speakers,” Dixon-Peters said. “If you ask anyone, oftentimes they don’t remember who their commencement speaker was. Our focus now is to make it a true student event, and we hope having student speakers will achieve that.”

Astorga agrees and said that not only will an internal speaker be more accommodating to the budget, it will also create a stronger sense of community at commencement.

Brahma Blotter

These incidents were reported between May 15 - May 19

by:

Reported

Jose Herrera, Randi Love and Vanessa Arredondo

5/15

Petty Theft Bicycle

A bicycle was stolen near VLGE 8108 between 12:45 and 2:25 p.m. after the cable lock was cut.

“We don’t charge for our time, but to be able to say that we can provide a pap smear for free or provide STD testing for free, is huge,” Benne said.

The SHC said it hopes to gain approval for Family Pact by fall.

Although with Family Pact on campus, they would still not have the funds for properly treating students.

Suleman Ishaque, a special services employee, said that the $11 fee is not sufficient.

“I understand the financial burden that a raised health fee can bring to students,” Ishaque said. “I think that the fee does not even compare to the services being provided.”

If the health fee is raised to $20, that would give the SHC an additional $200,000, which Benne would use to provide two more fulltime employees, including a full-time psychologist.

“It is a small price to pay for all that we could do,” Benne said.

Benne’s goal at Pierce is to treat and teach as many students as possible .

“I don't want to just lecture students on making the right choices. I want to have a dialogue with them and teach them how to take care of themselves,” Benne said.

zparker.roundupnews@gmail.com

“Commencement is always wonderful. It’s a celebration of our students and their families and what they’ve all accomplished,” Burke said.

Among this year’s speakers is Associated Students Organization senator and fellow graduate Lauren Robin, who is receiving an associate’s degree in social science and behavior and an AD-T in economics.

Using her past experiences with making difficult decisions and following her gut, Robin said she hopes to inspire others to believe in themselves and “do what’s right for you.”

Discover Results

[From Senate Budget, pg. 1]

Associated Students Organization representative Efren Lopez was in favor of Discover Pierce, saying that the ASO would “capitalize” on the results of the survey.

“The survey shows that Discover Pierce influenced people’s perceptions of the college. That information is invaluable,” Lopez said. Schleicher shifted gears to the systems shut down happening on June 8 that will be for campus

Astorga said that if he was a betting man, he would confidently put money on 725 attending graduates.

In addition to a rising number of graduates, the 2017 commencement ceremony will see a number of other changes.

According to Astorga, the Board of Trustee has cracked down on Pierce’s budget and they “have really started to look at how we can be more fiscally responsible with the commencement speakers.

According to Vice President of Student Services Earic DixonPeters, Pierce cannot spend Program

maintenance.

Systems will be shut down for an entire day at the least, or a potentially longer period of time.

According to Schleicher, the shut down is so that electrician technicians can change power sources and make upgrades.

Administration made the decision to shut down systems during the week so if complications arise during the process they can be fixed in a timely manner.

“This is going to impact a lot of you, especially this close to graduation but we need to make sure we shut all the systems down,” Schleicher said.

However, despite all past problems, Astorga said he relishes each commencement and is optimistic to see even more graduates attend.

“When the students recess, they approach their friends and families and they receive those hugs and the pride in their faces," Astorga said.

"It doesn’t have to be a relative, it can be a friend, a peer, a professor who says, ‘I’m here, I see you and I’m celebrating with you’. That’s the most beautiful part. That community and opportunity to be so incredibly proud of someone and their accomplishments. That’s invaluable.”

zparker.roundupnews@gmail.com

The system shut down brought concern for faculty such as Beth Benne, health center director, because of medicine storage.

“I’ve got thousands of dollars in vaccines. I won’t have to worry about electrical power outages will I?” Benne said.

However, Schleicher reassured Benne it would not cause any damages. The June 8 shutdown will not be a power outage on campus, but may have an impact on facilities control of the air conditioning systems.

dkimble.roundupnews@gmail.com

5/16

Urinating in Public

A student was caught urinating in public on Parking Lot 8 at 5:02 p.m. The student was given a warning, advised, and a report was written for the Dean of Student Services.

5/16

Student Incident Officers responded to a call at 12:45 p.m. regarding a student who was agitated about the date and time of a test in room 3207.

5/17

Student Incident

Two students were having an argument in room 802 around 12:45 p.m.

5/18

Petty Theft Bicycle

A lock was cut and a bicycle was stolen near the Student Services Building north of the flag pole around 7:40 a.m.

Pierce College Sheriff’s Station

General Information:

Emergency: (818) 710 - 4311

Marc Dionne/Roundup Ahliah Hmdan (cq) holding the condoms in the Student Health Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on May 23, 2017.

Edouard Tchertchian is awarded Professor of the Year Award-winning Ed-ucator

DANI NOVAZSKI Reporter @dnovazski

Most of the time, when a teacher spots a student on Facebook during class, they get reprimanded. However, during Professor Tchertchian’s class, he just wants to make sure they’re on the class’ group page.

A former Pierce student, math Professor Edouard Tchertchian has approached teaching with fresh ideas, humor, and focus on helping students succeed. Working in both the classroom and the Center for Academic Success (CAS), he has been awarded Professor of the Year 2017.

Tchertchian describes the experience of receiving an award from those who guided him in his own education.

“Having been a Pierce student myself, it’s a significant honor to be recognized by peers who used to be my teachers,” Tchertchian said.

In the five years since he began teaching math at PIerce, Tchertchian has become vice chair of his department. Utilizing innovations such as Facebook to his advantage, Tchertchian creates a classroom that is interactive and technology-friendly.

Crystal Kiekel, director of the CAS, works alongside Tchertchian. She recognized his unique strengths as an educator, and expressed that his openness to new ideas contribute to what keeps him top of his game.

“Professor Tchertchian is flexible enough in his thinking to see possibilities,” Kiekel said. “That’s not something you see in everybody. People are often comfortable with the way they do things, and sometimes change is intimidating. But, there are some people that embrace that intimidation, and use it as part of the process for growing. Tchertchian is open to new ideas, and he thinks carefully and critically about potential

For this accomplishment, Wong complemented Robin on her leadership skills.

“Not only is she happy and joyful, but she can get serious and is not afraid to speak up,” Wong said. “She has represented students very well on the state level, and she has the ability to be both in the trenches and supervise the trenches.”

Robin will be transferring to UCLA in the fall. She credits her determination to creating change with her participation in the ASO and her involvement in the community.

“I wouldn’t have half the confidence to get involved with this nonprofit or do any of the things that I’ve done had I not gotten involved with clubs on Pierce’s campus. Getting involved has been one of the best things that ever happened to me. It’s been invaluable to me,” Robin said. Compass for Youth, the brainchild

opportunities.”

Kiekel said that Tchertchian always puts his students first.

“He is very student-centered,”

Kiekel said. “I think one of the reasons Eddie is such a good fit here is that he really thinks about the students, and he does not make decisions based on his own personal preferences or comfort level.”

To receive Professor of the Year, a candidate must first be nominated by a fellow faculty member. All nominees fill out a survey to better inform the Professional Development Committee, who then votes, and chooses a recipient. Tchertchian said he felt intense emotions upon receiving the news that he had been selected for the award.

“It was really exciting,”

Tchertchian said. “I was deeply honored. It was very emotional, and a great feeling to have. It meant a lot to be nominated by my peers. It makes you feel appreciated, that the hard work you put in for your students and the campus pays off.”

Tchertchian recognizes colleagues who have helped guide him as an educator at Pierce.

“I’ve been blessed to work alongside people like Crystal Kiekel and Bob Martinez,” Tchertchian said.

“I owe them a great deal of gratitude. Both have been tremendous mentors and have helped shape who I’ve become professionally.”

Tchertchian is known for taking advantage of advances in technology to aid his teaching style. He credits Martinez for guiding him on many creative approaches in the classroom. Among different techniques, Tchertchian utilizes a methodology called “flipping the classroom”, in which students essentially do the homework in class, and go over lecture and study materials on their own time. Tchertchian considers this approach to be beneficial in creating a deeper bond with students.

“You’re not just lecturing all day,” Tchertchian said. “You’re creating a personal relationship with your

of Robin and five other UCLA graduates, will soon be competing in the Social Enterprise Academy, an opportunity for nonprofits to win $30,000.

Compass’ pitch includes the distribution of an organic beauty box called Natural Compass, of which the proceeds will be used to fund Compass for Youth.

According to Robin, Natural Compass is like BirchBox, but with all organic products that are humanely and ethically sourced.

“A lot of people don’t know how to make the switch to organic cosmetics, and it’s so expensive,” Robin said.

“Natural Compass will allow you to try out different organic products before having to spend a lot of money on them. We got a lot of companies to donate their products, which we’ll put in a makeup bag that will be around $20-$25 a month.”

students, and you’re more in touch with their progress. I’ve learned that making a personal connection with your students is a key component to student success. I want my class to feel like we’re on a team together.”

Tchertchian has made students’ inclinations to go on Facebook something useful in their learning experience.

“Most professors get mad if they see a student on their phone during class,” Tchertchian said. “Whereas one of my students might be on their phone posting questions about the lecture to the class’ Facebook page, or perhaps forming a study group.”

Kiekel said that Tchertchian’s approach to teaching provides a great

Because Compass for Youth is still in its early stages, Robin and co-founder Micah Rich are still working with lawyers to ensure safety and success. However, they said they have a few ideas floating around to find potential students to help.

“Lauren has a talent for uniting people. She is so friendly and open to new ideas and actually acts upon them to get things done,” said friend and fellow ASO President-elect Efren Lopez.

Both Lopez and Wong expressed confidence in Robin’s future.

“She doesn’t just think of ideas, she follows them and creates change,” Lopez said.

For the full story visit: theroundupnews.com

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climate for students to learn.

“Eddie has that combination of someone who is deeply studentcentered, flexible and critical enough in their thinking to adapt to new situations and try new things,” Kiekel said. “It helps foster a rich environment in which innovation, collaboration and rebirth happens every single week.”

Yeranuhi Semerdjian, fellow math professor at Pierce, thinks Tchertchian was a great choice for Professor of the Year.

“I think it’s well deserved,” Semerdjian said. “He works very hard, and cares a lot about his students. I think it’s about time.”

Tchertchian’s journey to becoming an educator was molded by both a passion for math and for helping others. When he decided to pursue his Master’s degree, Tchertchian was settled on teaching at Pierce.

“Once I knew I was going to be a community college instructor, I wanted to come back to the place that helped shape me, and pay it forward,” Tchertchian said. “When I was interviewing to work here, some of my former teachers were even on the hiring committee.”

Working in the CAS, Tchertchian hopes to guide math tutors who sit in the same seats he once did.

“At the CAS, we hope our students

come back to be our colleagues,” Tchertchian said. “I’m a living example of that, because I was a math student, and a tutor here at Pierce. That was my first job in education. Now I hire the tutors.”

Tchertchian loves being able to help students on their path to greater knowledge. He expressed that guiding them towards achieving their goals is his ultimate high as an educator.

There’s nothing like seeing students succeed and overcome the barrier of self-doubt,” Tchertchian said. “That’s the best feeling. It’s the cherry on top.”

dnovazski.roundupnews@gmail.com

Samantha Bravo / Roundup

Former Pierce student and now math professor Edouard Tchertchian is awarded professor of the year. Tchertchian is in his office Math 1409D, in Woodland Hills, Calif. March 17, 2017.

“Preparing

in the Center for Academic Success 5130 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

“Harum Scarum” dance concert in the Performing Arts Mainstage at 8 p.m.

“Harum Scarum” dance concert in the Performing Arts Mainstage at 8 p.m.

St.A.S.H throws bash

Students share their talents for a good cause

DANIELLE KIMBLE Reporter @thereal_joi

From poetry and artwork, to dance and spoken word, students took the stage to share their talents in hopes of bringing awareness to the goals of the Students Against Student Hunger club.

St.A.S.H. Club hosted their first “St.A.S.H. Bash” open mic event May 17 in the Great Hall. Students and music artists performed at the event, which was created to help bring awareness to the issue of student hunger on campus.

St.A.S.H. was founded one year ago by Pierce student Juan Ornelas and philosophy and sociology professor Christopher Lay. The club’s mission is to help combat hunger among students.

Ornelas, along with other members of the club, read off paper plates in between performances. The plates were created by students earlier in the semester to give insight on what it is like to attend classes and go through the day on an empty stomach.

“It wasn’t supposed to be sad, but in a way it was, because we were reading plates on what you can’t do when you’re hungry,”

Ornelas said. “I thought it was very important for people to know about it, and I feel like this was a safe environment to present this issue.”

Club Vice President Jordan Rice created the idea for “St.A.S.H. Bash.” He hosted the event and performed a poetry piece as well.

Rice said that the school needs more opportunities for students to engage in self-expression. He thinks the open mic was able to achieve that, as well as educate people on food insecurity and how local the issue is.

“We’ve actually had a number of people come up and express their experiences with us, so I’m happy that I could provide that stage,” Rice said. “I think it’s kind of what makes the world go round.”

Ornelas said the club has been successful at getting food through donations and outside sources, such as Costco. St.A.S.H. is down to one-third of the amount of food donations they started with at the beginning of the semester.

English major Jibreel Zauhar attended the open mic. He said that because he has struggled with food insecurity in the past, he thought the event was helping an important cause.

“I thought it was a great idea because I kind of forget that hunger happens within the students, because I haven’t had that happen to me in a while,” Zauhar said. “It used to happen to me. When I was in high school, I didn’t have enough money to buy food, so I think it’s an awesome event.”

A nutrition major and St.A.S.H. Club member, Havah Sterns, said that St.A.S.H. Bash was an eyeopener for students and presented them with the opportunity to see how talented their peers are and better understand students’ needs for food.

“It was a good group of people. The performances were amazing. People were so talented. It’s beautiful. I wish more people could have experienced this,” Sterns said.

St.A.S.H. Club meetings are Mondays at 2:20 p.m. in the ASO office under the Library / Learning Crossroads.

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“Harum Scarum” dance concert in the Performing Arts Mainstage at 2 p.m.

College closed for Memorial Day

Final examinations begin today and continue through June 5

A trio with literary ʻDirectionʼ

JOSE HERRERA News Editor @jose_herrera012

Radical and political changes have permeated into several facets of people’s lives, including art.

That influence has spilled over into the English department at Pierce College, where the literary magazine is exploring life under current politics.

“Direction” is a yearly publication that is a collaboration between student voices and a group of editors who shape submissions such as poetry, short stories, photographs and cartoons together into a 95-page literary magazine.

One of the student editors, Nicole Nelson, said that in the current political and social climate, she feels the word is filled with a lot of negativity. She said many people’s Facebook feeds are filled with war, anger, hate and bigotry.

“There’s also a lot of love and with all these conflicting emotions happening, you are still trying to live a life,” Nelson said. She believes the magazine is one way to combat the pessimism.

“I think something like this is important because it gives you a creative outlet to pour it out onto paper and sometimes these stories become their own living breathing things that need to come out of you.”

Emily Anderson, the adviser of the magazine, said putting students’ work in one centralized collection can feel rewarding for students whose work gets approved.

“I think there’s something very validating about being published,” Anderson said. “It says we care about your voice, we want to hear what you have to say and we respect your artistic contribution to the community.”

Anderson said that in the past, the English department offered a course focused on creating the literary magazine.

Anderson, who has been the faculty adviser since 2013, said ever since the department stopped offering the magazine production class, she and two student editors have been in charge of creating “direction.”

The trio who produced the 2017 edition of “Direction” consists of Anderson and two student editors, Nicole Nelson and Daniel Miranda.

The three people work individually due to conflicting schedules, but organize and delegate the work that needs to be done.

“We all work really well together,” Nelson said. “The three of us are just coming into this with positivity and with a really strong desire for the voices on campus to be heard.”

According to Nelson, the first months of the spring semester

were the most worrisome because “Direction” needed to gather enough student submissions.

Flyers were posted around campus and the magazine used social media posts to promote the publication. Anderson said Nelson and Miranda’s tedious efforts to spread the word resulted in a successful number of submissions.

According to Miranda, more than 100 literary pieces were emailed to Anderson.

“We were hoping to get enough to even publish, but now it’s a competitive situation that we have more than we need,” Nelson said.

“So now it's more about merit and won’t be an ‘everyone who plays gets a trophy’ kind of thing.”

Although Anderson is the faculty advisor, she steps back and the student editors decide which pieces are published in “Direction.”

The two major criteria that Nelson and Miranda consider when deciding which pieces to publish in the magazine are literary quality and the variety of voices.

The magazine has been on campus for several decades, the first edition dating back to 1959.

Anderson hopes that even when she is no longer the magazine’s faculty adviser, someone will continue “Direction” and maintain the long tradition.

for Finals” workshop

Above: Club Rush takes place at the beginning of each semester and allows students to learn about the different clubs available on campus. There are clubs for students with the same major, for students with a specific skill, as well as groups for students interested in sports. Club Rush was on Feb. 26 and 27, 2017, in Woodland Hills, Calif. Photo by Victor Franco.

February

Semester

Below: Kysen Olsen, Gold West College, reacts to a ball that is about to be blocked and hit back over the net by Pierceʼs Brandon Oswald and Maximilian Petuhov. The Brahmas won 3-1 over Gold Western at Pierce College on Feb. 9, 2017, in Woodland Hills, Calif. The Brahmas (5-1, 13-6) claimed the Western State Conference - North title with a 5-1 conference record, before losing to Santa Monica College in the first round of the playoffs. Photo by Taylor Arthur.

March

Below: The Equestrian Center hosted its first ʻCamelot Horse Show on March 10-11. The event was set up with three arenas: one with jumpers and two with hunters. All of the horses participating in the event came from local equestrian farms, such as Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Newhall and the L.A. Equestrian Center. The center was unable to host previous shows at Pierce due to funding and construction issues. Demi Hird jumps her horse Celine at the 2017 Camelot horse show held at Pierce College on March 10, 2017, in Woodland Hills, Calif. Photo by Taylor Arthur.

Above: Chris Kovach, 24, prepares to throw from the mound on Joe Kelly Field at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on March 11, 2017. Kovach was pitching against Los Angeles Valley College. Baseballʼs strong season came from a dominant pitching staff, led by Kovach and Tommy Wilson. They entered the final week of the season in first place, but losses in the final two games of the season cost the Brahmas the Western State Conference - South title, and a possible playoff berth. Photo by Randi Love.

Design by Samantha Bravo

in review

Below: High school students had the opportunity to tour the campus, meet Pierce administration, enjoy some games and get a free meal from Falafelicious Catering for “Discover Pierce,” on April 21, 2017. Pierce College career counselor assistant Akadina Amrekhasadah was helping students take photos in the booth that the Counseling Center created to get the students involved with social media. Photo by Samantha Bravo.

Above: The Topanga Vintage Market celebrated its fifth anniversary on April 23, 2017. The Vintage Market outgrew the Westfield Promenade Mall parking lot and re-located to Pierce College in 2014. The next Vintage Market is on May 28, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $3, however students receive $1 off when they show valid student I.D. Photo by Samantha Bravo.

April

May

Below: Link Larkin (Elias Korio) and Tracy Turnblad (Jordan Haddad) share a moment during Korioʼs performance of “It Takes Two,” on the Los Angeles Pierce College Performing Arts Mainstage in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 1, 2017. The production touched on the marginalization of people by size and ethnicity, but it was made into a fun musical. “Hairspray” was on stage from May 5 - 7, 2017, and May 12 - 14, 2017. Photo by Marc Dionne.

Above: Bob Lofrano coached at Pierce prior to taking the athletic director position. Lofrano has worked for the Chicago Cubs for 36 years. After two years, Lofrano became a part-time scout, where he would receive assignments for specific players to recruit in the area. This evolved to being assigned to reporting on entire teams. Currently a minor league scout, Lofrano received his ring on April 17 in Chicago. Photo by Marc Dionne.

After 28 years at Pierce, athletic director Bob Lofrano retires End of an era

JOSHUA MANES Sports Editor @tweeporting

Over the years, Bob Lofrano has worn many hats at Pierce.

Student, athlete, coach, teacher and athletic director. But come June 30, he will hang them up for the final time.

As reported in The Roundup in March, the positions of athletic director and others were reopened for hiring. At the time, Lofrano was unsure of his future and, while he says the reopening wasn’t the reason for his wavering, it helped him in coming to his final decision.

“I had been thinking about it anyway,” Lofrano said. “But that helped me put two feet out the door, because did I want to go back in the classroom full-time after 45 years? No, I didn’t. I still think I should have at least been asked what my personal plan was.”

Lofrano admits to a little bitterness about the way the situation unfolded, but he is comfortable with the fact that he is retiring.

“It’s time to turn the page and move on to another aspect of your life,” Lofrano said.

One of those aspects for Lofrano is, and always has been, baseball. While serving as athletic director, he worked as a scout for the Chicago Cubs. Lofrano said that he has spoken with the organization and will be doing more scouting this season with the added availability.

Lofrano first came to work at Pierce as an assistant baseball coach in 1989, but he was a Brahma long before that.

In 1968-69, Lofrano was a student

and member of the baseball team. When he returned after a 20year absence from the campus,

it didn’t take long for Lofrano to move up the ladder. Bob Lyons, head coach at the time, took the

athletic director position in 1990 and named Lofrano head coach.

In the 1992 season, Lofrano led the

Brahmas to the final four as the No. 1 ranked team in Southern California.

Even with the success along the

way, it was the relationships that Lofrano fostered during those years that he looks back on most fondly.

“The players I coached, to this day, remain good friends. That’s why you coach anyway. That’s why you get into it,” Lofrano said. “We had a lot of success, a lot of great players.

Not just Barry Zito and Coco Crisp.

Somebody like Donny Baarns, I called him ‘Donny Baseball,’ who’s now the AAA announcer in Omaha for the Kansas City Royals. He really contributed to our team, and he stayed in baseball. Those are the memories you flash through.”

In 2007, Lyons retired and Lofrano movedintotheathleticdirector’soffice.

“I coached, so I knew where the coaches were coming from, what their needs were,” Lofrano said. “I wanted to make sure the coaches were always taken care of, that the door was always open. They could always come in and discuss what’s going on.” Lofrano’s approach in the office translated to success on the field and court. In his 10 years as athletic director, football has won three bowl games and women’s volleyball three state championships. In total, 19 conference championship banners have been hung during Lofrano’s time. “Hats off to them — they coached,” Lofrano said. “My job was just to make sure they had what they needed and step back.”

Marc Dionne/ Roundup

A double exposure of Bob Lofrano in his office at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on May 22, 2017. This is to show that Bob Lofrano is retiring.

Soccer: goals to keep Season Preview:

KARISSA PRECIADO Reporter @karissapreciado

The Brahmas look to shake off a firstround playoff exit last season and get back to their winning ways. While Pierce has made it to the Final Four in 2003, 2005 and in 2010, it has fallen short of the ultimate prize.

With the first game of the season three months out, the Brahmas prepare to not only win another conference title, but to obtain their first state championship in program history, with the help of some new additions.

“We had a hard time last year because we only had one goalie, Brianna. She did good but we only had one and we definitely need two,” head coach Adolfo Perez said. “We went out there and got another one, and hopefully it works out. It’s always good to

have two goalies instead of one.”

According to Perez, there will be another new key player, center midfielder Jennifer Veliz.

City Player of the Year this previous season at Taft High School, Veliz admits to a bit of intimidation coming into the upcoming season as a recent high school graduate.

“I feel like a baby coming onto this team,” Veliz said. “I have two good friends and club teammates that are going to be playing on the team this season as well. Having them makes it a little less intimidating.”

According to Veliz, she is looking forward to playing more competitive soccer this season.

“Playing with a new team is always exciting,” Veliz said. “I met some of the girls recently, and I can already tell we're going to get along really well. I'm excited to be playing alongside them. Hoping for a championship this season as well.”

Perez says that he is excited for

what this year is going to bring.

“The chemistry is a lot better than it was last year,” Perez said. “The girls are really united

in the group, and I think it is going to be really good for us.”

Team captain Ashley Oviedo, outside midfielder, said that

the team and herself have been training hard and will continue to train during the summer to be fully prepared when

Clear eyes, full-time, can't lose With 12 sports teams on campus, every coach is a part-time employee

TAYLOR ARTHUR Reporter @tayarthur

Zero is the number of full-time athletic coaches currently employed at Pierce College. The last full-time position was occupied 10 years ago.

Despite Athletic Director Bob Lofrano’s yearly efforts to open up full-time positions to the 12 sports teams on campus, Pierce has yet to do so.

California mandates that all

full-time coaching positions within community colleges must be held by someone with a masters degree in their field or an AA degree with six years of professional experience.

Those who have earned only a bachelor's degree, even with professional experience, will not be considered for the hiring process of a full-time position.

Currently, all the coaches at Pierce do not have a masters degree and therefore are part-time.

“My thoughts are every time somebody asks me from the state,

when I tell them we don’t have a full-time coach on staff, people don’t believe me. They tell me ‘there is no way,’” women’s volleyball head coach Nabil Mardini said.

To men’s volleyball head coach Lance Walker, it is clear that having coaches on campus full-time would have a positive impact on athletes.

“It would be unbelievably amazing because ideally if you are full-time, you’re here,” Walker said. “You are available for your athletes that have questions.”

If a full-time coaching

position were to be opened up, the person that would fill such a spot would also be expected to teach with no requirement that they must still coach. This has posed some roadblocks in the past, according to Lofrano.

“The problem has always been when coaches get positions in a school and within a short period of time stop coaching. Then, they hold that kinesiology teaching position,” Lofrano said. This type of scenario blocks dedicated coaches from holding a

job as both a professor and a coach. Also, the athletic department must hire walk-on coaches to be in charge of Pierce’s sports teams, according to Lofrano.

the season starts in August.

“We've been training over the spring every Tuesday and Thursday,” Oviedo said. “For the summer, we will be working out three times out of the week. Two hours dedicated to pure field, work, fitness and an hour training in the gym.” According to Oviedo, she is looking forward to the away games this season.

“We are going to have a lot of away games this season,” Oviedo said. “I feel like the team excels better when we are away, and it brings us closer together.”

The first game is scheduled for August 25 against Miramar.

Perez said she hopes to be blessed with another conference championship this season.

“We have been winning for 16 years,” Perez said. “We have eleven conference championships, and we are looking forward for our twelfth this season.”

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Nastaran Elahi / Roundup

The Pierce College soccer team at the Pit at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on May 11, 2017.