The Advocate, Issue 27, May 5, 2011

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A PHOTO SLIDESHOW WITH EVENTS FROM

VOLUME 46, ISSUE 27

DIVERSITY WEEK

WWW.ADVOCATE-ONLINE.NET

MAY 6, 2011

Take as Prescribed.... Editorial Two steps forward, one step back. The administration and the full-time faculty have finally been able to agree on something, but we are still only a few days away from a faculty strike. Much more work is needed in order to see an end to the contract negotiation drama. We applaud both sides for making significant movement toward each other Monday. However, here is our prescription for MHCC to get back to normalcy. As evidenced by their “mock funeral” on Tuesday, the faculty protested what they view as a lack of respect by the board and they are convinced the administration is not truly interested in economics. The Advocate really hopes they are wrong. The faculty and administration have moved toward each other in all of the economic issues, and we understand the faculty’s desire to hold fast on the non-economic ones. However, when it comes to Article 7, the issue of faculty rights, the dispute is really over one word. The faculty wishes to change the phrase “may give input” to “will give input.” Is the faculty really going to strike over one word, if the parties are so close in the economic areas? At the same time, it’s one word. Why is the administration so adamant that the faculty cannot have this? The board negotiator, Randy Stedman, suggested using the word “entitled,” and this seems a reasonable compromise to The Advocate. Hopefully, the faculty’s willingness to progress will reflect that. In a second area of disagreement — whether the college should be able to hire subcontractors — Stedman’s suggestion of giving the faculty a chance to submit a report to the board, on a case-by-case basis, of why the administration should not subcontract, is reasonable. However, we can understand the position of the faculty. The board’s reason for not accepting the faculty’s proposal is there has not been any proof submitted that

sub-contracting has been abused in the past. Regardless of whether it has ever been abused, we have a hard time believing the board doesn’t truly understand the faculty’s concern is not with what has happened, but with what could happen. As Jack Green, math instructor, stated very confidently Wednesday at the budget meeting-turnedbitch session, “The faculty will never let you subcontract out this college.” The second part of our prescription to nurse our college back to health is how to overcome the negative attention we are getting over this. First, let’s get a settlement before Thursday and NOT become the first community college to have a faculty strike in Oregon. Second, it’s going to take some serious public relations outreach on the part of Maggie Huffman, plus a team effort from the administration and the faculty, to get out of this one. Form another committee, this time a Save MHCC Committee, committed to marketing and community outreach to increase enrollment instead of staring bleakly at projected flat enrollment figures. Lastly, and this will be when MHCC really starts getting back to normal, the administration and faculty have to make a concerted effort to relieve the fears and misgivings of current students. The first two prescriptions won’t work if your current students go away. The Advocate implores the administration and the full-time faculty association to take their medicine as prescribed and call us in the morning.

community sounds off about MHCC budget problems page 4 Movement from both sides in contract negotiations page 10 Union leaders respond to Replacement teacher talk page 11

Student group for teachers page 3///sports pages 5-7/// ASG Prez Election page 8 ///Living arts pages 12-15 ///


2 OPINION Editors-in-Chief

kylie rogers & John Tkebuchava

Sports Editor chanel hill

Living Arts Editor jill-marie gavin

opinion editor mike mata

Photo Editor riley hinds

Copyeditors

shelby schwartz & grant jacobson

Advertising Manager David Guida

Reporters jen ashenberner devin courtright jon fuccillo david gambill Laura Knudson yuca kosugi Mario Rubio jordan tichenor anevay torrez

Adviser

Bob Watkins

Assistant Adviser Dan Ernst

E-mail advocatt@mhcc.edu 503-491-7250 (Main) 503-491-7413 (Office) 503-591-6064 (Fax) www.advocate-online.net

Mt. Hood Community College 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham, Oregon 97030

Submissions The Advocate encourages readers to share their opinion by letters to the editor and guest columns for publication. All submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name and contact information. Contact information will not be printed unless requested. Original copies will not be returned to the author. The Advocate will not print any unsigned submission. Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 600. The decision to publish is at the discretion of the editorial board. The Advocate reserves the right to edit for style, punctuation, grammar and length. Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc. edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print. Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC.

THE ADVOCATE

MAY 6, 2011

To our readers: This is a first-year issue, where first-year journalism students take over as editors to gain leadership experience.

Guest columns:

Faculty member speaks: Why I am willing to strike By Ted Scheinman Economics Instructor

I have taught at MHCC for 34 years, more than all but three other faculty members. I am at the top of the pay scale, make a fair living, and have relatively few years before I retire. I am willing to risk everything and strike on May 12. I could easily retire and not worry about the college; life would be much easier. But MHCC is my family. It has supported me (financially and emotionally) through 34 years of life events – marriage, children, divorce, injuries and more. I have participated in more MHCC activities than anything else. I wake up in the morning and can’t wait to go to work. I thrive on teaching at MHCC. I have been proud to be a part of the MHCC family. I knew, when changes would come, I would be treated fairly, as I had seen done with others. As faculty, staff, and administrators together, we worked to solve our ongoing financial problems. (I NEVER remember the plush times!) Along with other members of the family, I have spent weekends phoning and going door to door for levies and bond

measures for the college. I have taken pay freezes, furlough days, and done considerable volunteer work for free. Of course I would – this is my family. So, why strike? It is to save this institution for those faculty members and staff who will follow me. They deserve the same opportunities that I have had to be treated fairly and earn a reasonable (but not exorbitant) income and retirement. It would be selfish to NOT make conditions better for those who follow. As family, we can work together to solve our current financial difficulties. But once our family is destroyed, MHCC will never be the same. The emotional cost, as well as the financial cost, will be substantial. We must save this important institution so we can continue to assist students in our district. Hopefully we will reach a settlement before next Thursday morning, May 12, but if not, I will be on the picket line. I know I may lose my job permanently. I will not be there for personal financial gain (although I know I will personally lose), but because I love MHCC.

A different method for student protest By Marshall Nystrom MHCC Student

We – the students – have been deeply affected by the breakdown of faculty contract negotiations. I love my teachers, and I am willing to stand up for them and their rights as the Board of Education does everything in their power to alienate the faculty and the students by hiring a lawyer to negotiate for them, having opaque budget plans, etc., all the while giving vague assurances that they're doing “what's best for the students.” In light of this, I am going to strike if my teachers do, and I ask that all students who support the faculty follow suit. I would also like to clarify what I mean by a student strike. I'm not talking about a walkout, like the ASG has proposed (May 10, 11:15); rather, I

am proposing that we don't disrupt our schedules, but practice civil disobedience by carrying signs to class, marching with the teachers in between classes, etc. I created a survey and started passing it around campus on Monday, May 2. I have gotten a strong response so far, but I urge you to take it if you haven't yet. This is an inclusive poll, so please take it whether you support the faculty or not. As more people take it, I get a better idea of where we stand on these issues. I presented the initial results to the board at the budget meeting on May 4 and will bring final results to the board meeting on May 11. Blank survey forms can be found in the ASG offices in the College Center and around campus. Completed forms should be returned to the ASG offices.

To view the data from Nystrom's poll, visit www.advocate-online.net

Column: Students need to find other avenues of protest By Laura Knudson The Advocate

Lately, as the heat about the faculty strike gets hotter, many students have decided that boycotting classes is an acceptable form of protest.

It’s not. With each passing day, the pressure is rising with every tick of the clock as we near the strike date. The teachers have exhausted themselves in their attempts to reason with the administration and are now doing what they need to do. It is long overdue for the students to take direct action. But what to do? It is important for students to unify together but not at the sacrifice of education. Boycotting class for a significant time period would only hurt students and boycotting for a few days would be pointless. With finals and graduation around the corner, many students cannot afford to miss even a few days of class and

sophomores need these final credits to graduate and transfer. As a freshman track athlete, boycotting is not an option for me, either. If athletes cut classes, their grades will drop. When grades drop, they run the risk of becoming ineligible and forfeiting the season. As for freshmen athletes, those who choose to transfer next year would lose a year of eligibility if they transfer to another NWAACC school. Although boycotting would send an powerful message, it may do more harm to students. The smartest thing students can do is to stay in class, given that the administration has already collected tuition from everyone. The time has come to look at options in a practical way. Complaints toward the administration have fallen on deaf ears. Students are invisible to them. And because they are invisible, boycotting class will not make a difference. Students need to exercise the power they do have. The letters, phone calls, petitions and direct contact to board members have not provided the results they sought. There is a good chance it will remain this way.

Since these efforts appear to have failed, students should take more direct action such as participating in the campus wide walkout Tuesday morning. If the teachers strike, students need to do the last thing they can. Transfer for next fall term. Students can still walk away. If the threats of the administration to permanently replace the faculty prove true, then there is no reason to return. Not coming back next year will help them see how serious, angry and hurt everyone is. It is beyond unfortunate what the administration has done to MHCC. It is sad. It is unreasonable. And it is destructive to our education. If MHCC students finished the term and then enrolled in other community colleges for next term, that would send a bigger message to the administration and the board. The clock is ticking and they are running out of time to listen. They are running out of time to consider us and running out of time to save this college and its future enrollment. While boycotting class is not the option, students should instead vote with their feet, and tuition checks, next fall.


NEWS 3 Students join together to combat potential strike MAY 6, 2011

By Mike Mata The Advocate

With a possible strike nearing in the faculty contract dispute, student groups around campus have banded together as Quality Education Advocates (QEA) in a coalition to support MHCC instructors. Their unofficial mission statement includes the support of the full-time faculty, demands of mediation between administration and full-time faculty association negotiators without the presence of a paid lawyer on the behalf on the administration and the request to not fire full-time faculty if they do go on strike. The group began Monday at a meeting on campus with the arrival of various representatives from groups such as Associated Student Government and the Forensics Team as well as individual students who were concerned about the strike. “As of yet, when thing get crazy, students don’t have a forum. We’re laying the groundwork from the bottom up to make this a legitimate forum,” said Gabrielle Guerrero, a student who has been heading the meetings. QEA has been planning events and protests since Monday’s meeting during the afternoon as well as a 7 p.m. meeting that night at a bookstore in Portland. They continued on Tuesday as the group came up with plans for protest that included their presence at the budget meeting Wednesday night.

They also plan to participate in an ASG press conference scheduled today at 1-1:30 p.m. in the Main Mall as well as a walkout planned for 11:15 a.m. Tuesday. Part of the student movement has included the now-public support of ASG for the full-time faculty. “We did want to check out all sides and when we backed a side we wanted to back it fully. A force divided does not help the group as a whole,” said Jackie Altamirano, ASG director of public safety and an ASG presidential candidate. “Students are in a difficult situation,” said ASG President Larry CollinsMorgan. “(Students feel) it’s in the best interest of the institution to stand up for things that stand against equality and fairness,” he added. Darryl Broadsword, a physical education instructor, said of the strike, “The last time it (a strike situation) happened this way in 1999, the lawyer went away and the contract was brokered between the two sides with the help of Gresham City Council.” Collins-Morgan also quoted Martin Luther King Jr., saying, “If there’s a threat to equality anywhere, its a threat everywhere.” Collins-Morgan emphasized non-violence and to keep protests peaceful. — Kylie Rogers and John Tkebuchava contributed to this story.

Nine candidates vie for four positions on district board Four MHCC board positions are up in the air as a special election is taking place and concludes May 17. The positions available are: Zone 3, Zone 5, Position 6 At-Large, and Position 7 AtLarge, which are all 4-year terms for the board of education. The ballots were mailed April 29 and may be dropped at any 24-hour drop box or any Multnomah Country Library until 8 p.m. May 17. Here are the profiles of candidates from their applications and the voter’s pamphlet.

Zone 3

Zone 3

Zone 3

Zone 5

Maggie Nelson

Paul Capell

Erick Flores

Robert W Coen

Nelson has been elected a precinct committee person and a house district captain. She was a substitute teacher at the Portland public schools from 1990-1997. She became the school librarian from 1999-2000 at the Madeline School, and also started as a fulltime teacher there in 2000. In 2001 she became a substitute teacher at St. Therese Elementary School and switched to full-time teaching in 2003 until 2010.

Capell graduated Oregon State with a bachelor’s in electrical engineering. He served in the planning commission and the city council in Prineville, Ore. He was also the mayor of Prineville in 1997-1998. He was also the managing director of engineering in PacifiCorp and the general manager of energy business unit for David Evans and Associates. Currently he is the regional energy program manager for HDR Engineering.

Flores has no prior government experiences. He completed a transfer degree at MHCC and went on to complete a bachelor’s in liberal arts in Portland State and also a master’s in curriculum and instruction at Portland State. He worked as a school clerk at Community Outreach, and is currently an ESL/social studies teacher.

Coen said in his candidate’ statement in the voter’s pamphlet that he can “provide professional experience and insight from a business perspective” and also would work to “advance the concept that education should be affordable”. He was a board member of Association for Corporate Growth and Oregon Children’s development Commission. He graduated Willamette University with a bachelor’s. He is a former board member of Edgefield Children’s Center. He is currently the President of BCI Group.

Zone 5

Position 6, At Large

Position 6, At Large

Diane C. Noriega

James Zordich

Noriega is the accreditation reviewer for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. She graduated UC Santa Barbara with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, and UC Davis with a master’s degree in Spanish. She completed her doctorate in education at UC Santa Barbara. She was the provost and academic VP at CSU Monterey Bay. And she also served as the interim president at CSU Monterey Bay.

Zordich said in his candidate’s statement in the voter’s pamphlet “it will be my focus to scrutinize and supervise the resources investing the college’s academic and infrastructure programs.” He graduated CSU–LA with a bachelor’s degree in industrial education. He was the curator of technological history at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History and is retired.

B. Anthony Smith

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Smith has no governmental experience. He graduated Iowa State with a bachelor’s degree in management and international business. He worked at the Sharper Image as a retail store management. He is currently working at US Bancorp, as inbound financial sales.

Position 7, At Large

Position 7, At Large

Ralph A. Yates

Jenni Simonis

Yates has 12 years experience as a member of the MHCC District board and served three years in the Oregon Medical Board. He graduated the Coast Guard Academy and the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine with a D.O. in medicine. He volunteers at the American Diabetes Association and has received an award for outstanding community service in raising funds.

Simonis was the elected precinct committee person from 2000-2010. She was a neighborhood association president of Northeast Gresham, was in the rental inspection task force, and the fire subcommittee of Gresham. She was a newspaper managing editor in Santa Fe in 1996, was the constituent services representative for Congressman Nick Lampson from 1997-1999. She was the field director for the Multnomah County Democrats and is currently a web designer.


4 NEWS Faculty and staff voice frustrations at budget hearing

MAY 6, 2011

By Jen Ashenberner The Advocate

The MHCC budget committee meeting Wednesday was turned into a labor negotiations sounding post as the district board, residing as the budget committee, was addressed by frustrated and concerned students, community members and faculty. The meeting was scheduled as a public input session to give people a chance to ask questions and make suggestions regarding the 2011-12 proposed budget presented by college president John Sygielski on April 20. Acting as board committee for the first half of the meeting were MHCC district board members Brian Freeman, Beverly Russell, Dave Shields and Ralph Yates. Also sitting on the administration side were Sygielski, interim vice president Heidi Franklin, interim college president elect Michael Hay, and assistant to the president for strategic initiatives and board relations June Jacobs. Franklin kicked off the meeting with a Powerpoint presentation with the goal of clarity in mind. “The difference between the general fund and other restricted funds is the board has discretion over how the funds are spent,” said Franklin. Franklin said that although the general fund appears to be growing according to budget analysis documents that have been distributed, “we don’t have any more money than we had.” According to Franklin state support was cut by $3.5 million after the 2010-11 budget was approved and the board decided to use $3.5 million of the reserve fund.

After the presentation, 25 members of the audience stood up before the board and made suggestions and voiced their concern for the future of MHCC. Mike Brayson, district tax payer and community business owner suggested the college invest $1 of a proposed $6 tuition increase be placed in a fund to invest in promoting programs and night/weekend instruction. Brayson added he calculated savings in the amount of $300,000 to be used strictly for promotion to increase the college revenue. Kari Rothe, full-time math instructor, said she found a few things that were puzzling about the budget. “The cost of instruction includes dean an support staff. Administration is not itemized and difficult to track. Why not? I can only guess it is either intended to be hidden from the public and staff or it’s an oversight.” Chris Maier, full-time instructor for 23 years said implored the board to provide more transparency. “I need figures. I need to know the cost of the campaign against faculty. It is appropriate to have full accounts,” and she listed various expenditures, including the cost of hiring Randy Stedman to negotiate the full-time faculty contract, the hiring of additional security personnel and the advertising costs to seek replacement teachers. Full-time sociology instructor Naomi Abrahams asked the board if they were listening as U.S. President Barack Obama addressed the Gresham employer Intel communicating how important community college education is. “I have watched students running

from here. I was told today that a student wasn’t coming back to a college that treats students so poorly,” said Abrahams. “Your actions are unforgiveable. A logo is not going to help, Try respect and a new focus on education.” Fifth term honor student Angela DeCorte, who had been interrupted at April 20’s budget meeting due to time constraints, was again stopped by the board. “I have a petition with 900 signatures so my voice isn’t just for once person,” she said. “Can I get one minute for all those other hundreds of voices.” After adjourning for a ten minute break the committee, minus Yates, allowed a student who had not signed up to speak prior to the meeting a chance to talk. She questioned the proposed parking fee. “We have 2,500 parking spaces on campus and it’s my understanding that the administration is expecting 9,600 students next fall to pay the parking fee.” “I’m not going to pay to drive around for a half an hour trying to find a parking space,” she said. “I get that you don’t understand what I’m talking about because you have your own spaces.” Board chair Freeman allowed committee members to address any questions or concerns that had been brought up by the public. Shields and

MHCC reacts to death of bin Laden By John Tkebuchava The Advocate

Emotions were mixed this week as MHCC students began to react to the death of Osama bin Laden. Following the public announcement Sunday night Pacific time, traditional media and the web ignited in a frenzy of information. Many students credited social media sites like Facebook and Twitter as the place they first learned the news of bin Laden’s death, as well as outlets like television. Reactions on campus varied from revelry to suspicion. “As somebody who has lots of family members and friends in the military, it was really an awesome moment because that’s the beginning of us pulling out of the Middle East, at least partially, and that meant that a lot of people that I love could more easily and safely come home,” said Jordan Bennett, a secondyear general studies major. Prospective student Julio Hernandez was not so assured, “Um, it’s kind of hard to tell because knowing the United States’ secrets and all that stuff,” Hernandez said. “It’s hard for me because my opinion is I believe that (George) Bush’s dad has been in contact with (alQaida) when we were looking for him so it’s kind of hard.”

Kristen Muse, a first-year art major, said, “After (Sept. 11) and finding out who he was at a young age, it was like, ‘You’re a horrible person.’ But now that he’s dead, it’s like, ‘Oh, finally it’s over.’ You don’t have to hear his name anymore.” Political science instructor Janet Campbell said, “I don’t know if it will actually change anything in terms of al-Qaida because he hasn’t been making decisions for that group for a long time, so I think it’s almost more symbolic than anything else. But that’s not to say that symbolic isn’t important.” Among veterans on campus, the reactions were not as elated. Gerry Ellis, who works with the veteran’s services, said, “Most veterans aren’t celebrating. They don’t celebrate death.” A.J. Buell, a student and Navy veteran, said, “I don’t think it solves any of our problems. It saddens me deeply that people are rejoicing it. He had a family. “There’s no closure. He will be replaced,” Buell said, but added, “I’m happy they caught the person who’s responsible (for Sept. 11 attacks).” She said 9/11 was the reason she enlisted. – Information was gathered by Shelby Schwartz and Yuca Kosugi.

Russell agreed with not implementing a parking fee. Shields said, “Maybe it comes from being a faculty member for 31 years, but I don’t like it.” While acknowledging the faculty, Russell said, “We really believe that our faculty is the greatest,” she was interrupted by the audience shouting “get back to the table.” Freeman ended the meeting by clarifying if there was no parking fee implemented the proposed tuition increase would be an additional $2. He said the economic concessions made in

“I have watched students running from here. I was told today that a student wasn’t coming back to a college that treats students so poorly.” -Naomi Abrahams

sociology instructor

the proposal submitted in mediation with the full-time faculty association Monday would create and additional $2 in tuition increases as well. A budget meeting will be held May 11 for the board to adopt the proposed budget and will be reviewed by the Multnomah County Tax Supervising and Conservation Commission June 8.

'Springtime in Paris' to support scholarships By Mario Rubio The Advocate

The MHCC Foundation will host its annual benefit dinner and auction Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Waterfront Marriott in Portland. “Springtime in Paris” is this year’s theme, with prizes including a trip to Paris. “This year attendees will feel as though they are walking along the Seine River,” said Maggie Huffman, MHCC director of communications. Last year the foundation raised more than $170,000, primarily for student scholarships, and Huffman said they hope for the same this year. Portland jazz recording artist Julianne Johnson will perform at the event. Anyone interested in purchasing a ticket can contact the foundation office


SPORTS 5

MAY 6, 2011

Terra Zodrow preparing to land during the long jump at the 2011 NWAACC heptathlon championships Monday and Tuesday in Eugene.

Photo contributed by amy kegler

Zodrow gets all-American status at Multi Championships until a friend convinced her otherwise. Oregon Twilight at the University of Oregon today, With the NWAACC championship meet looming, Several athletes were pulled from their regular Saints freshman Terra Zodrow became a junior events on Saturday to keep them heal or keep them the track team has less than a month left to get heal its wounds and get back to 100 percent. “I’m hoping college All-American after finishing third with 4012 fresh for the multi meet. points, 10 points shy of second, in the heptathlon “We had them doing quite a bit for preparation we will be, again. I’m being optimistic,” said Hart. “They’ve had a lot of therapy. We’ve been really at the NWAACC Multi Championship held Monday for the decathlon,” said Hart. light these last couple weeks,” he said. and Tuesday at Lane Community College. One of the Saints’ consistently top performers, Hart again emphasized that “to compete” is the The multi meet came two days after the MHCC sophomore Chris Zeller (who has the fastest 200-me- theme for the rest of the season, and he said he track team competed at the Pacific Twilight meet at Pacific University, where Zodrow placed fourth in ter time in the NWAACC), was forced to scratch out hopes that full effort be the focus of his athletes, no the long jump (17’ 04’’) and second in the 100-meter of the meet after spraining his ankle in the first day matter the conditions. of events. hurdles with a time of 15.57. Two other MHCC athletes participatOther notable efforts at the Pacific Twilight ined at the Multi Championships as well. clude sophomore Wes Hughes’ eighth-place finish In the decathlon, Sophomore Zach Young (of 20) in the 3000-meter steeplechase, freshman placed seventh with 5264 points, and Spencer Marr’s victory in the long jump, (22’ 09’’) freshman Robert Hanke placed eighth and a second-place finish by the men’s 4x100-meter with 4918 points. relay team. The MHCC team of sophomores Nick The MHCC track and field team will Mulick, Chris Zeller and Zach Young and freshman be finishing a long week of competitions on Mt. Hood Community College Campus Justin Oliveri finished in 42.48. with their first home meet of the season “On Saturday, in the long jump, I jumped 17’ 4’’ Saturday. on my first jump. Asked if he was That was a lifetime excited to host the best for me. I was so meet Saturday, excited,” said ZodHart admitted row. that his athletes Head Coach are burnt out from Matt Hart Hart Freshman Terra Zodrow the recent flurry said Zodrow’s SatTrack and Field athlete of competitions, We are Alive and Well! urday performance but still had some was a good way hopes for the meet. to boost her confiWould you like to earn an Elementary teaching “I’m trying to dence for the multi be optimistic and hoping that they dig license while on the MHCC campus? meet, and her success at the Pacific Twilight carried down deep in their souls,” he said. “We onto the NWAACC Multi Championship. need to compete. We have to compete no Two years after earning your AAOT you can “She’s a junior college All-American (in the hep- matter what. I hope they get excited. tathlon) her freshman year,” Hart said of Zodrow’s earn a BS Degree, Oregon Teaching License, “I think the home meet will be pretperformance in the multi meet. The title is awarded ty awesome. I think the meet will be a ESOL (English as a Second or Other Language) for any athlete who finishes in the top three at the little bit relaxed for the Mt. Hood team, championship meet. and a Reading Endorsement. just because we don’t have to travel and Zudrow said, “I can’t believe I’m an All-American. we’re comfortable with the track. It’s so cool.” Zodrow said, “I’m pretty excited. I We are currently recruiting for 2012-2013 “I remember looking at the scoreboard for the fihave been doing great in all my events. nal scores and my name was in third. I really didn’t For advising, please call believe it at first, I was like, ‘Umm . . . is that right?’ I can’t wait to see how we all do on our then I looked over at Matt and he was just smiling home track.” EOU @ MHCC 503-491-7332 Some other athletes, like MHCC javso I knew it was right.” or email: mwebster@eou.edu “I love the heptathlon,” she said, though admit- elin record holder Tyler Callahan, have qualifi ed and will be participating in the ting that she had no interest in the event initially,

By John Tkebuchava The Advocate

“I can’t believe that I’m an AllAmerican. It’s so cool,”


6 SPORTS

MAY 6, 2011

Top game

producers

jade-marie kealiinohomoku Sophomore infielder Jade-Marie Kealiinohomoku had a game-one homerun and two game-two singles against the Red Devils Wednesday.

Photo by Riley Hinds/The Advocate

The Saints softball team cheers on teammate, sophomore infielder Jade-Marie Kealiinohomoku, after she hit a game one homerun against the Lower Columbia Red Devils Wednesday.

MHCC team proves human

Saints softball splits games with the Red Devils “Kayla has come in for me, so I don’t mind stepping up and helping the team,” said Schriber. On Saturday, the Saints swept the Chemeketa Storm (1-11 The “1,2,3-Get some!” chant roaring out of the Saints softball dugout Wednesday in the seventh inning of game two in the Southern Region and 3-22 overall) in a doubleheader against Lower Columbia College didn’t carry its usual spark for the second time this season. The Saints showed up with as the Red Devils (5-7 in the Southern Region, 12-10 overall) the usual fight and grit that they have built their reputation on. Dominating an 11-0 victory in game one was Schriber defeated MHCC 3-1 to gain a split in the doubleheader. with three strikeouts and sophomore The loss followed a strong outfielder Jessica Guy who posted a Saints showing in game one as double and a homerun. The game two the home team won 4-0 behind 15-1 slaughter came behind Anderson, the pitching of sophomore Chelwho threw four strikeouts, and includsea Schriber who had two strikeed standout play from Galusha, who outs. Sophomore infielder Jadehad two singles and a homerun and Marie Kealiinohomoku had a sophomore infielder Amanda Bunch homerun in the fourth inning and had a homerun and a single. freshman infielder Mai Galusha Meadow McWhorter whoMcWhorter, who set a goal of winhad a triple. softball head coach ning the Southern Region for the first But the momentum didn’t cartime since 2008, still believes her ry into game two as players had team has what it takes to get it done. problems at the plate and missed key opportunities in the field. “We were complacent,” said head “I think we can do it,” said McWhorter, “if we learn from our coach Meadow McWhorter, who encouraged one of her players mistakes and continue to get better.” Saturday’s upcoming doubleheader against the Clackamas to fight at the plate during game two. “Energy wasn’t as high. Cougars (third in the region at 10-4, 16-7 overall) presents a It (the loss) was definitely something we were in control of.” Despite a late energy run, the Saints were unable to come challenge for the Saints to sweep on rival dirt. “It’s going to be tough playing Clackamas and sweeping from behind. Kayla Anderson struggled to find her usual rhythm despite striking out five and was relieved by Schriber them. I think we need to have flawless defense, along with sharp pitching,” said Schriber Wednesday night. “We need to in the seventh inning. “A lot of times when we make those changes, it’s not neces- be smart in the batter’s box and lay off their rise-ball. Other sarily because a pitcher is doing badly. It gives a different look than that, it’s all about momentum and mental toughness.” The last time the two teams met, the Saints swept the Couon the mound,” said McWhorter. Schriber, who has looked to Anderson in past games for gars 9-6 and 6-5 at home. The Saints are scheduled to play the support, was more than willing to step in and close the game. Cougars Saturday at Clackamas with a noon start time.

By Chanel Hill

brittany chestnut Sophomore outfielder Brittany Chestnut had 6 singles in two games against the Red Devils Wednesday.

mai galusha Freshman Mai Galusha put up a triple against the Red Devils Wednesday.

The Advocate

“Energy wasn’t as high. It (the loss) was definitely something we were in control of.”


SPORTS 7

MAY 6, 2011

"Quick games like that are always the most intense. (Especially) when you're facing a good pitcher like we faced, you have to try to take advantage of any opportunities to score and I think our hitters did (that)" Matt Pechmann, Saints starting pitcher

Photos by jon fuccillo/the advocate

Left: Sophomore Matt Pechmann pitched six innings Tuesday and struck out eight batters en route to a 4-2 victory over the Linn-Benton Roadrunners in game two of a doubleheader at Oslund Field. Above:Freshman Christian Bannister (right) picked up his record-breaking eleventh save in relief of Pechmann.

Saints keep hold on first place in Southern By Jon Fuccillo

T

The Advocate

he Saints helped Christian Bannister make history Tuesday afternoon at Oslund Field en route of splitting a doubleheader with the Linn-Benton Roadrunners. Bannister, a freshman southpaw, joined the school Roadrunners 8 record books by picking up his Saints 4 eleventh save First game of the season in a 4-2 vicRoadrunners 2 tory behind the winning arm Saints 4 of sophomore Second game pitcher Matt Pechmann (2-1) in game two with the Roadrunners. This was the final series of the regular season between the two teams. Bannister surpassed Brooks Lindsley’s record of 10 saves, set in 2007. Lindsley went on to a short career in minor league baseball in the San Francisco Giants organization. Bannister came in with a two-run lead and improved to a perfect 11-for11 in save opportunities and kept his ERA at 0.00. The Saints improved to a leaguebest 15-5 and 19-8-1 overall. The victory came after falling 8-4 in game one

against the fourth place Roadrunners (9-11,15-17). Sophomore lefty Nate Dolman’s (4-3) troubles on the mound continued and he was credited for the loss in game one. Bannister’s record-breaker wasn’t the prettiest save, but he will take it. He walked the leadoff hitter and number six batter in the lineup, freshman Kainoa Ahsing-Kaahanui, but was able to get the next batter, sophomore Kramer Stuth, to hit into an easy double play started by the Greg Hawk Saints freshman shortstop Alex Foulan. Bannister created more trouble by walking the next batter, sophomore AJ Schroeder. With two outs and one on, the Roadrunners coach of 27 years Greg Hawk pinchhit for his number nine hitter but the move didn’t work. Freshman Ken Norgaard watched three straight strikes for the third out. “Since we lost the first game, we were in a must-win situation,” Pechmann said. “It was great being able to hand the ball off to Banni and for him to get his eleventh save and set a new record.”

Hawk said, “Not your typical closer, but he’s (very) effective.” Game two was a pitcher’s duel between Pechmann and the Roadrunners sophomore AJ Burke. Each pitcher threw six of the seven innings. Pechmann struck out eight and only gave up three hits, while Burke tried his best to match with seven strikeouts, giving up six hits. Pechmann had three innings where he faced the minimum of three batters. Mt. Hood piled up three early runs in the first inning and added insurance in the bottom of the fourth with a two-out RBI single by sophomore left fielder Mychal Harrington, who hit a line shot down the third base line with runners on first and second with two outs. Pechmann made just one bad pitch, with one out in the top of the fourth inning, and Roadrunner third baseman sophomore Carl Beckert took full advantage of it, clobbering a two-run homer to dead center just out of reach of the sophomore centerfielder Jared Chase. Pechmann was happy with the result but unhappy that he left that pitch out over the plate. “Too bad for that two-run dinger,” Pechmann said in disbelief. “I left a fastball up in the zone and he for sure took advantage of it.

“Quick games like that are always the most intense. When you’re facing a good pitcher like we faced, you have to try to take advantage of any opportunities to score and I think our hitters did that.” Hawk, who was ejected from game one for arguing balls and strikes, was impressed with the competitive nature between these two teams, even though the Saints won the six-game series 4-2. “Split here twice and they swept us at home,” Hawk said. “These games have been very competitive and that’s what we wanted.” The Saints focus next on the Lane Titans (14-8, 19-15) Saturday in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. in Eugene. They return to action Tuesday against the Chemeketa Storm (7-13, 10-21) for a doubleheader at Oslund Field. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. Southern Region standings League Mt. Hood Saints

15-5

Season 19-8

Lane Titans

14-8

19-15

Clackamas Cougars

10-12

16-18

Linn-Benton Roadrunners

9-11

15-17

Chemeketa Storm

7-13

10-21

Southwestern Oregon Lakers

7-13

11-21


8 NEWS Political science conference to discuss violence By Kylie Rogers The Advocate

Students and the community are welcome to show up to the political science conference May 13 at the Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge in Stevenson, Wash.. The event runs 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and gathers in the meeting room. There are three main sessions throughout the day. Presenters introduce the sessions and help bring ideas to the group, according to MHCC political science instructor and coordinator Janet Campbell.

This year’s topic is “When, if ever, is violence justified” and has an individual, national and international focus. “The goal is to bring interested people together to talk about important issues of our time,” said Campbell. People planning on going to the event are encouraged to bring enough food for four people for a potluck style gathering as the event has no budget, according to Campbell. “We get a mix of people. It’s inspiring. It’s the most inspiring day of the

year. It’s what education should look like,” said Campbell, “There’s a lot of vibrant discussion.” The discussions are summed up at the end of the conference with a conclusion consisting of all the main points written by part-time instructor Tom Scales, said Campbell. The conclusions currently mark the end of the conference but Campbell would like to put them to more academic use such as publishing papers but cites the lack of a budget for that not happening. The past conferences have attract-

MAY 6, 2011

ed current students, former MHCC students and MHCC employees. Speakers are kept on a list to maintain order and prevent interruption. “My main job is to keep people in order, keep them from interrupting and to break up any wrestling matches,” said Campbell with a laugh, “and to keep on time if there’s a lot of people.” Campbell said the event will happen whether or not a strike occurs. “It’s not a class requirement. It’s informal. If 10 or 50 people go, we’ll still have a good time,” she said.

ASG election polls open Monday at 12:01 a.m. By Mike Mata The Advocate

Voting begins early Monday morning in the Associated Student Government presidential election, with a Rock the Vote planned Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. in the Main Mall. Online voting begins at 12:01 a.m. Monday and ends Thursday at 11:59 p.m. Voters will choose between the ticket of Jackie Altamirano for president and Erika Molina for vice president or the ticket of Jennifer Gruelle for president andKatherineLindquistforvice president. In other campaign news, the ticket of Nikki Jauron and David Mast has dissolved with Mast’s letter announcing he was dropping out of the race on Tuesday. “Honestly,Ididn’tknowNikki that well, but I’d hoped that in working with her, I’d get to know her better,” said Mast, a senator-at-large. “Some stuff she did concerned me. I dropped out because I felt like she wouldn’t be good president. I didn’t want to be responsible for getting her elected.” Mast said Jauron had her own agenda and where she thought things needed to go on campus, particularly about pulling some funds from certain programs and putting them toward others. “She wanted to mess up the budget, change it dramatically and I was totally against it. I could tell that she was definitely against big spending, especially radio and I’m in the radio program. I explained to her the reasons for our expenses but she didn’t understand,” said Mast. “Honestly, the stress was too much. My grades were slipping because of it. Everyone has told there is a job for me in ASG next year,” he added. There were also some alleged conflict between Jauron and other candidates, said Mast.

“She (Jauron) came into the ASG offices and said she was going to throw punches and Kat (Katherine Lindquist, VP candidate) said it wasn’t in a joking manner. I didn’t want to be involved with someone with that character,” said Mast. Jauron said “I actually went to Kat (Lindquist) and I went into the ASG office as a positive and formal greeting. I said ‘I’m interested in running a really cool campaign’. I said no kicking or punching, and I was joking. I was excited to run against them. “ She added, “I don’t know exactly what happened, but now I can go all out and say what’s important to me and why. I’m just excited to run.” Jauron is working with the Election Committee to continue in the election as a write-in candidate, which would mean that on the ballot, students would need to write her name down as an “Other” candidate. “Whenever you deal with politics, it has to be something you believe in 100 percent. It has to be a right fit (with your running mate),” said ASG President Larry Collins-Morgan of the split between Mast and Jauron. A presidential debate, which lasted Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. in the Main Mall, featured remaining presidential candidates Altamirano and Gruelle, who answered questions asked by students via Facebook and Twitter and through questionnaires filled out at the debate and ranged in topic from political stances to support of various student groups. Collins-Morgan said of the debate’s student input, “The majority was predicated toward students and all programs. We were looking for the biggest reach and

broadest scope.” Election officials have high hopes for a strong turnout. Election Committee chairwoman Laura Pinto said, “As of right now, it’s (the cam-

paign) is going great. ” Collins-Morgan added, “I’m excited (about the election). We’ve been looking at stuff from other colleges and have been formatting our’s similar

to those at LSU (Louisiana State University) and OSU (Oregon State University).” Pinto also said, “We’re hoping to get the word out and to get half the students to vote.”

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10 NEWS

MAY 6, 2011

Threat draws local and national attention Union supporters hope college doesn't follow through with hiring permanent replacements By Jen Ashenberner The Advocate

The MHCC District board announcement last week that it will hire “permanent replacement” instructors if the faculty goes on strike has sparked a controversy that has attracted statewide and even national attention. The April 26 message to students, via the MHCC website and repeated in a paid advertisement in The Advocate last week, said the administration did not intend to implement its last best offer during spring term but that they would counter a strike by hiring temporary and permanent replacement faculty. “This is an unprecedented threat that has never been made to Oregon teachers, instructors and, PHOTO BY RILEY HINDS/THE ADVOCATE I think, public employees,” said Meg Krugel, communications director for the Oregon Education As- Full-time faculty association President Sara Williams addresses the crowd that gathered Tuesday for a mock funeral procession encouraging the board to change its mind after it stated it would hire permanent replacements to fill vacated positions as a result of a strike. sociation. “It’s definitely an issue we are concerned about.” “This goes beyond just this one community col- ferson County (1999) is the precedent and we will tinction without any meaning. This whole layoff lege and it could impact all other OEA-represented follow it,” Stedman said Wednesday. He said that system, where they recall you, is a fantasy.” employees,” Krugel said. “We are lodging a state- the ruling is untested since there aren’t many Asked if the MHCC administration was within wide action effort to our 46,000-48,000 represented strikes in Oregon, but added that it is the general its legal right to hire permanent replacement faculmembers.” feeling among legal ty, Tedesco said, “The Employment Relations Board The American Federascholars that it sets a has never decided that employers could legally put tion of Labor and Congress precedent and would in permanent replacements.” of Industrial Organizations be upheld by the state Tedesco said the OPEU v. Jefferson County case (AFL-CIO) has also taken Employment Rela- was a situation where the issue of permanent rean interest in the threat. tions Board. placement was never in front of the Employment “Hiring replacements The OPEU v. Jef- Relations Board. “The issue was whether someone is one of the fundamental ferson County case who made threats was committing an unfair labor union-busting tactics that is regarded as prec- practice, not whether they had actually followed we see,” said Elana Ginney, edent setting, accord- through with it.” Oregon’s AFL-CIO commuing to Stedman and Krugel from the OEA said her association hopes nications and legislative dinon-MHCC affiliated people see through the administration’s threat and rector. attorney Paula Bar- realize this is not a way to negotiate. In an article last week ran, who said, “What MHCC’s Williams said she is convinced the statein The Chronicle for Higher this decision says is ment regarding replacement instructors is meant to Education, a preeminent Meg Krugel employers have vary- be a scare tactic to sway instructors from going on national education publicacommunications director for the OEA ing reasons for want- strike. tion, the board’s warning ing to stay in business Asked if she has heard any concern expressed by was described as “a major and can at some point full-time faculty members, she said, “The faculty escalation of a long-running say, ‘We are not going are angry and offended the administration would contract battle.” In the same to allow strikers to think this is a way to negotiate.” article, the faculty said it was willing to go to court shut down our business’.” Dean Darris, political science instructor at Clackif instructors were permanently replaced. The case “It’s not firing them,” said Barran of the Portland amas Community College, said he believes this is would first go to the state Employment Relations firm of Barran Liebman that specializes in labor the MHCC board’s way of eliminating union labor Board, then presumably to the Oregon Appellate and employment law. “Even though it sounds like at MHCC for good. Court and then the state Supreme Court. permawnent replacement, it really isn’t.” “Public sector unions have been under attack Following the board announcement, the MHCC Brian Freeman, MHCC District board chairper- since the 1980s,” said Darris. “This is a movement full-time faculty association set a strike date of May son, said if the faculty were under the impression to break down the backbone of public union labor 12. they would be fired if they legally went on strike, through collective bargaining.” On April 28, Faculty Association President, Sara they were wrong. Freeman’s response to allegations of union bustWilliams said, “The board’s recent threats to permaFreeman said, depending on the academic course ing was that “the board has no desire to destroy the nently replace faculty demonstrates the apparent and availability, the administration may be able to union.” lack of respect the board has for faculty. This fight is fill vacated positions with instructors already in “We’ve been here for 40 years and the faculty has fundamentally about respect for the faculty’s work, MHCC’s part-time faculty pool. He said if the ad- always been represented by a union,” said Freeman. the faculty’s voice and the faculty’s input.” ministration has to hire someone full-time, the cur- “We hope the union will be representing them for The next day, Williams said, “It is unheard of to rent instructor would not be fired but put on fur- years and years to come.” see a published threat made by any board of educa- lough status. “Most of the board is a registered Democrat and tion in Oregon.” “They would be furloughed until an opening they support union labor,” he added. But Randy Stedman, the attorney hired by the are qualified for became available,” Freeman said MHCC President John Sygielski said this week administration to negotiate, disagrees and said it is Monday night. “We have an obligation to keep the that breaking down the union presence has never legal for the administration to hire permanent re- school open and provide students with instruction.” placements. However, University of Oregon labor law instruc“We believe the decision made in OPEU vs. Jef- tor Michael Tedesco said, “They are making a dis- See Union on page 11

" " This is an unprecedented threat that has never been made to Oregon teachers, instructors and, I think, public employees.


NEWS 11

MAY 6, 2011

Union: 'It would cripple the right to strike if it were to be legalized in Oregon' Continued from page 10

been discussed. “Replacement faculty will be under the union and will work under the collective bargaining contract the board implements,” said Sygielski. Asked how he felt about the possibility of instructors being permanently replaced, Sygielski said he was “very sad.” Tedesco said hiring replacement faculty is more than a union-busting tactic. He said it would violate the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment and the due process clause. “The U.S. Supreme Court upheld that a public employer cannot terminate a public employee who is in a permanent position, without due process,” said Tedesco, who has taught labor law for 10 years at U of O and owns a private labor law practice. “If the administration at MHCC is going to go out on this particular limb, they would essentially be

ignoring the 14th Amendment.” Asked if the 14th Amendment held bearing in this situation, Stedman said it was not applicable. “The OPEU vs. Jefferson County ruling is reaching the same conclusion as the National Labor Relations Board, so it’s consistent with federal law.” Tedesco said if the administration was to follow through with their threat, it would “cripple the right to strike if it were to be legalized in Oregon.” However, he said he was not confident the administration would follow through. “Replacement is being used by the college as a threat to faculty,” he said, adding it can be considered intimidation in the eyes of the Employment Relations Board. The administration’s position that waiting until after spring term to implement its last best offer is all about strategizing, according to Tedesco. “It’s all

strategic and definitely not out of the goodness of their hearts,” he said. Asked if he thought Oregon was ready to be linked with union busting and if Oregonians would show support for the administration’s stance, Tedesco said, “Oregonians tend to be pretty independent about these things. We are fortunate enough to have a governor who is for collective bargaining and a Legislature that is supportive of unions. “I would hope that the community would support the teachers,” Tedesco said. “Public employees have had the right to strike in Oregon since 1973,” said Tedesco. “We have had less strikes than in Washington, even though we have the right and they don’t. We have averaged about one every two years in the last 10 years. It doesn’t happen very often,” he said.

Some progress in negotiations By Jordan Tichenor The Advocate

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Although progress during Monday’s mediation session seemed to bring the full-time faculty and the administration closer together, the sides agreed there was still much work to be done as they entered another contract mediation session Thursday. The outcome of the Thursday session was not available as of press time. Randy Stedman, the labor relations consultant hired by the board to bargain the contract for the administration, said, “Based upon April 13 package proposals, the parties started the day about $2.5 million apart. By the end of the day, the parties were only $400,000 apart, at least until one dug into the details of the faculty’s proposal. There was movement. But, he added, “Because of the non-economic issues (Article 5 and 7) and because of the new and re-proposed caveats and restrictions put on their economic proposals, the (faculty’s) proposal was not acceptable.” Sara Williams, faculty association president and chief negotiator, said, “We gave them that money, but we need protection and the right to give input. “If we can’t find a settlement on all the issues, all of the compromises that have been made since the final offer become irrelevant,” she said. According to a press release from the faculty association Tuesday, the faculty’s proposals represented $3.1 million in concessions, which was rejected by the administration. The press release said the faculty believes that because the board rejected their recent economic proposals, they do not believe the dispute is truly about economics. “The board has told everyone that they value the faculty; they respect the faculty; they just cannot afford the faculty. We call bullshit,” said the release. Stedman said the administration is unwilling to accept the faculty’s proposal to remove a clause in the current contract that allows the board to sub-contract teachers outside of the union for faculty jobs. “The faculty hasn’t been able to provide evidence” that this clause has ever been abused. Stedman said he mentioned a middle ground during the meeting which would allow the faculty association a 20-day period in which to put together a business case to submit to the board if they were thinking about sub-

Photo by Riley Hinds /The Advocate

Students and faculty march through campus on Monday during a mock funeral procession to honor MHCC.

contracting work, in order to provide a better alternative. The other non-economic clause in dispute deals with faculty providing input on noninstructional issues. The faculty wants to change the phrase “may provide input” to “will provide input.” Stedman said the board is unwilling to accept this change because including faculty input could potentially hold up the process. Stedman said he suggested using the word “entitled.” Williams said, “All through this bargaining process, we have clearly communicated to the board that we will make economic concessions in return for non-economic language. “If the board wants to make an actual proposal on the non-economic issues, we will respond. Until then, the language that Stedman suggested is simply concept and conjecture,” she said. Stedman also mentioned that the administration would not accept the faculty’s proposal on extra and summer teach, because although “they came pretty close on the sliding scale,” they had included a percentage to be added to the scale each year equivalent to the COLA percentage for that year. The faculty has set a strike day of May 12 if there is no resolution by that date.


12 LIVING ARTS

By David Gambill The Advocate

While the tensions of the proposed faculty strike may leave some students seeking therapy, Marissa Hanson will play a therapist in the Studio Theater’s second spring performance, “Beyond Therapy,” by Christopher Durang. The play will be performed May 12, 13, 14 and 15. With her performance in “Beyond Therapy,” Hanson, playing therapist Charlotte Wallace, will have been a part of each season of MHCC productions this year. A first-year performance theater major at MHCC, Hanson said she started taking acting classes in middle school. At David Douglas High School, she played roles such as Anne in “The Diary of Anne Frank” and Millie in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Hanson said that Christopher Durang is a big name in the MHCC theater. “He’s the king of absurdist comedies that pretty much everybody does. Everyone knows Christopher Durang,” she said. The play was also adapted into a movie directed by Robert Altman in 1987. Hanson said she hasn’t seen the film. “Normally in theater they tell us, ‘Don’t watch the

MAY 6, 2011

movie,’” she said. With only a month to work on the play, Hanson said it was complicated working with three student-directors. “You have to mesh what they say and make it all work, and there’s miscommunications and it can be stressful. I mean one director’s enough — having three is like ‘ooohhh.’ “It’s an exciting challenge,” she said. Hanson’s character, Charlotte, works in an office filled with kids’ drawings, yet finds herself helping adult patients with their sexual problems, she said. “I’m confusing people more than I’m helping them most of the time,” Hanson said. She said the character could help more people if the wise bits of helpful information didn’t get lost in the wordiness. Hanson said she relates to Charlotte. “I’m kind-of a therapist among my friends. I’m the one they go to for good advice,” she said. The story is about two people, Bruce (Nick Buffington) and Prudence (Hana Haley), who are trying to find love and happiness even in their mixed-up situations that their therapists aren’t really help-

ing with, Hanson said. “They know they can’t do it alone and that’s also why they’re seeking each other out,” she said. Hanson said she would rather be a stage actress than film. “I just want to act. I’m not here to be famous. That’s why I want a career in stage acting; you can be big in your field and no one really knows who you are,” she said. “I’ll take whatever character I can do. I don’t want to limit myself to anything, I suppose,” she said. Hanson doesn’t have a long-term plan, she said. “All I’m thinking is I’ll keep going to school next year and then next year I’ll figure out what I’m doing the year afterward,” she said. Classmate David Koshuba said, “Marissa is a well-rounded actress once she gets past her initial thoughts.” “Our theater teacher always says, there’s a choice and there’s a better choice. Once Marissa gets past the choice and goes onto the better choice, cause she always does, that’s when her really good stuff comes out,” he said. Hanson said her dream role, when she is more advanced, is

Christine from “The Phantom of the Opera.” “Beyond Therapy” shows in the Studio Theater May 12, 13,14 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee show Sunday, May 15 at 2 p.m. For ticket information, call the box office at 503-4917154. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.

Marissa Hanson rehearses her parta st herapist Charlotte Wallace

“Beyond Therapy” actors run through their lines, from left: Nick Buffington, Hana Haley, Coleton Sticka, Marissa Hanson and Tyler Miles Photo by Kylie Rogers/The Advocate

Photo by Kylie Rogers/The Advocate


LIVING ARTS 13

MAY 6, 2011

By Jill-Marie Gavin

The Advocate

The second spring play, “Beyond Therapy,” breaks tradition with the installment of MHCC’s first threepart directing collaboration. Suzanne Owens-Duval, Elizabeth Aguirre and Tyler Ankenman move from their fall term directing class into the role of spring play directors. Aguirre, originally from Bakersfield Calif., explained that the selection process moved itself along since not all of the class participants wanted to direct. Owens-Duval said that in the selection process there was little controversy, since three of the five directors wanted “Beyond Therapy” and the other two opted for the now playing “Dead Man’s Cell Phone.” Ankenman, from Washington state, said he liked the writing for the play they chose and “Dead Man’s Cell Phone’” was Sarah Ruhl’s weakest work. Both Ankenman and Owens-Duval agreed that their primary reason for choosing to direct is to learn more of the technical side of stage production. Owens-Duval said she was born and raised in London, England, and was classically trained at the Aida Foster School of Dance and Drama. She said

she’s been acting since age 11 and moved to the U.S. because she fell in love with an American. Owens-Duval married in 1995 and is still with her husband. Her hope, she says, is that the audience won’t realize that there are three directors. Owens-Duval, a MHCC theater student since the 2009 winter term, said she chose to attend MHCC because it was inexpensive and she wants to get the credentials she will need to open a theater school of her own. She said her favorite character is Charlotte because she’s the most sincere and the least insane. Ankenman said he looks forward to testing his capabilities but does not want to pursue directing as a profession because he considers himself an actor and writer. Ankenman chose a line by the character Bruce to illustrate his interpretation of the play’s mood: “We have to allow for contradictions in ourselves. Nobody is just one thing.” Ankenman graduated from R.A. Long High School in Olympia Washington in 2009. He will be transferring to the University of Oregon in the fall. Ankenman said that judging by what he saw during their first run-through, he thinks the play is coming together nicely and although the mood throughout the play shifts often and suddenly, it isn’t unnatural. Aguirre entered the theater program in fall 2010. Previously, she was a part of the theater program at Clackamas Community College. She joined the Air Force in 2000 and spent

May 12,13,l4 May 15 Students $5

about a year and a half in Turkey. Aguirre said when she returned from Turkey, she spent some time living in Seattle and then moved to Portland in 2008 to be closer to family. Aguirre said she hopes the audience will get the absurdity of the play’s details. She said the directors chose not to share scenes because it would be too difficult. Ankenman added that the pages are divided almost perfectly equal. The co-directors gave short, vague answers and referred to favorite lines or characters when asked to give a summarization of the upcoming show, but they agreed that they chose it because of its lighter mood and the comedy aspect. “Beyond Therapy” was written by Christopher Durang and set in New York City in the early eighties. The play revolves around multiple patients being treated for neuroses and carries a sexually confusing theme driven by a new couple, an old couple and an interfering mother. “Beyond Therapy” is open from May 12-15 in the MHCC Studio Theater. Tickets are on sale for $5 student price, and $10 at the door for adults. They may be purchased on the MHCC events page on the college website.

7:30 p.m. 2 p.m. Adults $10

For ticket information call 503-491-7154 or email tickets@mhcc.edu

Photo by Kylie Rogers/The Advocate

Photo by David GambillThe Advocate

Co-director Tyler Ankenman observes rehearsal in the Studio Theater.

During a break in rehearsals, co-directors Suzanne Owens-Duval and Elizabeth Aguirre talked to each other in the Studio Theater.


14 LIVING ARTS

MAY 6, 2011

Culinary student gains experience from working at Cafe Tuesday By Devin Courtright The Advocate

First-year student Savanna Leininger in the hospitality and tourism program was a server this week at Café Tuesday and said most people don’t know it’s “crazy” in the back end of the restaurant. Leininger said, “It’s kind of stressful.” She said the back of the restaurant is “crazy” because not only are there students filling the server, buser, expeditor and manager roles, but there are student cooks as well. “They’re learning and we’re learning and a lot of people haven’t been in this business before,” said Leininger. “The experience is really nice but it also gets crazy. We’re all like a family, so it’s nice. Everyone gets along really well.” Leininger said the first thing a student server would see are empty tables, which would be their cue to set up the table by grabbing a table cloth, the cream, salt and pepper shakers, the utensils and the table number. After setting up the table, Leininger says a server would make sure the kitchen is ready for operation, before going out to the front end. Leininger says she would grab tickets, write her name on them and then wait for the hostess to seat the customers and their buser to serve them drinks. After that, a server would take the customer’s order and then take it to an expeditor – who is the go-to person in the restaurant business – that communicates with the servers and the cooks. “We don’t talk to the cooks at all. It would confuse them and there are thousand of different things that go on,” said Leininger. The expeditors take care of all that. They’re the people that know everything.” After a server writes the necessary information on a ticket, they would wait for the expeditor to call

their name when the order is ready and then take the food to the customer. Leininger said the last thing a server would do is serve the customers their dessert. She says she would always wait until the customers are done eating, to ask whether they would like to order dessert. “It’s really not that hard," said Leininger. "It's a great opportunity for all for all of us." Leininger said she has worked in the food industry before but has not been an server in an environment similar to Café Tuesday. Leininger said she now she works at the Twisted Carrot, a café in Gresham, where she has worked as a caterer for six months. The menu on Tuesday emphasized a Southern style of cooking. Leininger said it was Photo by Devin Courtright/ The Advocate “pretty extravagant.” Server Savanna Leininger recieves two dishes of pork sliders from expeditor Kaera Smith Tuesday “For culinary students, I think at 11:30 a.m. during Cafe Tuesday in the Jazz Cafe. it’s awesome for them to take on and catering side of it, has been helpful toward her something like this,” says Leininger. “We’ve done (the Southern menu) before and long-term career goals. “I’m going to be dealing with catering and dealthe food was amazing.” Leininger said she’s been to a few weddings and, ing with those kind of people, so this experience for as a result, wants to be a wedding planner when me has been probably better than anything,” said she’s out of school. Leininger knows a several wed- Leininger. ding and event planners and helps them plan events and weddings on the side when she has free time For reservations to Cafe Tuesday/Thursday from school and her day job. She also says being in Call 503-491-7230 the hospitality program, particularly the culinary

C a l e n d a r Monday, April 11 Oregon Ballet Theater noontime showcase in the Antonette Hatfield Hall, 1111 S.W. Broadway, Portland. The free performance showcasing classic and contemporary ballet begins at noon.

Apply now! Fall semester begins August 22 www.vancouver.wsu.edu

Tuesday, April 12 New Yorker noise pop band, Crystal Stilts, to perform at Mississippi Studios, 3939 N. Mississippi Ave., Portland. Tickets for the 21 & over show are $10.

Wednesday, April 13

Bike commute 101 workshop, Room GE201, noon to 1 p.m.

Thursday, April 14

MHCC Student Exhibit reception from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Visual Arts Gallery. Café Thursday in the Jazz Café from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday, April 15

“Beyond Therapy” in the Studio Theater, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.


LIVING ARTS 15

MAY 6, 2011

'Perceptions' accepts international submissions MHCC's annual literary publication goes world-wide for 2011 By Anevay Torrez The Advocate

This year is the first issue of Perceptions to have International contributors. Perceptions, which is the MHCC literary publication that includes poems, visual art, photography, short fiction and nonfiction, a music CD, and a DVD of short films, will be released May 17. Published every spring since 1969, the magazine will hold its release party at Edgefield McMenamins and is open to the public. According to managing editor Megan Jones, The editing staff is composed of students. Jonathan Morrow is the adviser, but it rotates to a new English teacher every few years. Jones said this is the first year Per-

ceptions has international contributors including a poet from Canada, a poet from Puerto Rico and a fiction writer from Australia. “It’s a very cool mix of contributors including MHCC students and staff,

"I would encourage more students to sign up." Megan Jones Perceptions managing editor

people from the larger Portland community and artists from all over the country and this year, the world,” she said. Perceptions is a class that can be taken for Humanities elective credit. “You do not have to be a writing major to join. In fact, it tends to be a stronger magazine if students with all

sorts of academic backgrounds join,” Jones said. “Putting the magazine together is a year-long process, we receive submissions from September through January and review them during fall and winter terms. Spring term we do a lot of work on designing the magazine, editing, picking award winners, and putting together the release party,” said Jones. “We had a very small staff this year so I would encourage more students to sign up,” said Jones. If you have any further questions about Perceptions feel free to contact Megan Jones at megamind9@ gmail.com.

The release party is May 17 at Edgefield McMenamins

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OUR #1 PRIORITY: STUDENTS MHCC District Board Message to Students We know you have questions and concerns about negotiations between the Full-Time Faculty Association and the College. We have heard from students who want to know about their grades and their ability to complete their courses. The decision to strike lies entirely with the fulltime faculty. Although we hope they do not strike on May 12 (as they have indicated they will), or on any other day, rest assured we are committed to making sure students get credit for the work they have completed and have an opportunity to continue their classes, with minimal disruption. As always, please watch for updates on My MHCC (the “portal”) and the College website, www.mhcc.edu. You will receive information about the status of your classes. We ask for your patience and partnership because your continued education is more important than any labor dispute or differences of opinion we may have with the faculty.

»

For the latest news, FAQ (frequently asked questions) and information regarding negotiations with the union, please visit the College’s website, www. mhcc.edu. If you have questions, please send them to a special email box or telephone hotline (below) and a College administrator will reply to you as quickly as possible.

CA1397

studentstrikequestions@mhcc.edu 503-491-7690


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