Issue 08, Volume 51

thecurrent the student newspaper of green river college

April.20.2017

www.thegrcurrent.com

issue08 volume50

WHO IS NEXT

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Pg. 6

Cameron Kerner | The Current

currentcampus

currentfeatures

currentsports

Learn about immigration rights

Meet the college presidential finalists

Green River Basketball Hires New Head Coach

Adam W. Boyd informs Green River students about the rights that Immigrants hold

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The Current introduces you to the four candidates for College President

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Godfrey Drake to coach mens basketball team for 2017-2018 season

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Cameron Kerner| Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

What You Need To Know About Immigration Rights GRC’sNew Deans: Robinson, Lovitt

http://www.awblawoffice.com Adam W. Boyd , Immigration attorney

By Eduardo Lopez Staff Writer

On April 5, Attorney Adam W. Boyd paid a visit to the Green River College campus to talk about what to do when encountering an immigration official, or even near someone who is being engaged by immigration officials.

There is a clear difference with what actions to take, depending on whether or not either party is documented or undocumented in the U.S. During the meeting, the room

was filled with about 17 people, who were there to gather as much information as they could in order to learn how to help themselves, or those they knew.

The room was quiet, as Boyd advised what to do in the encounter with an immigration official: If you have your documents and a visa, you should feel free disclosing your name and legal status. You have the right to refuse to speak with them any further. Your name is the only required piece.

If you do not have the proper documents and are here illegally then only disclose your name.

Do not allow them to enter your house unless they have an official warrant from the court, rather than a district warrant. They cannot take you into custody unless they have probable cause that you are here illegally, or without status. the only way they can prosecute is if they are told the information.

The bottom line is to never admit to being illegal. Wait to be represented by a lawyer, even if you have been arrested. The 5th Amendment right permits this, as well as the 6th Amendment right to back you up.

Kirsten Higgins, a faculty member that attended the meeting, showed concern for her student

by asking how to protect or guide students whom were worried about their status. “... if a student were to come up to me after class and say I’m in fear, I’m in jeopardy, I’m in peril what are some really concrete steps I could take,” Higgins asked, “...I don’t necessarily want to leave them sort of sitting there like ‘here’s a phone number’, so what would you have me do?”

Boyd responded, “The best you could do is to hook them up with an organization like CAIR or the Northwest Immigrants’ rights project. You could call an attorney and help them either pay for that attorney for a private consultation.”

Boyd went on to say, “Northwest Immigrants’ rights project has a lot of sort of free or low cost attorneys that can help people out.”

The best thing to do in Higgins’ described scenario, is to “ask them what you can do for them ask them how you can help them in that situation. A lot of time people are just paralyzed with fear.” Boyd went on, “but you should be able to say to them, what can I do to best support you. Here’s what I do know let’s try and figure out a plan for you particular situation. It’s really going to depend on that individual person.”

CCA Rent To Increase Again Next Fall

By Pannarin Kachintaksa Staff Writer The Campus Corner Apartment’s cost for rent slowly increases every year.

Starting next fall, the Campus Corner Apartment’s (CCA) rent is estimated to increase up to $2,420 per quarter, and $2,220 per quarter for an academic year contract.

According to Green River’s Housing cost, the current rent is $2,339.23 per quarter, and $2,139 per quarter for an academic year. The rent has increased every year due to inflation. Pete Morels, assistant

director of business operations at CCA expressed her concern about the rising rent prices. CCA has been trying not to increase the rent for students, but they have to because the living cost goes up.

Despite the increased rent, many students still live in CCA. “Obviously, it’s really close to school.” said Yamin Shwe Yee, a Myanmar student who has lived in CCA for two years. Shwe Yee used to live with a host family before, and the problem with that she says, is that it’s far from Green River College.

CCA is more convenient for her

Green River Campus Corner Apartments, located on the east side of campus.

when going to school, especially when she does not have to wake up early to catch a bus. Moreover, Shwe Yee mentioned that her family cares about her safety, and trusts that CCA is a safe place for her. Therefore, an increase in rent is not an issue for her family. CCA has represented safety because its under the school’s administration.

CCA being a non-profit organization, only makes enough to cover its expenses. Electricity, water and other utilities are covered by rent, but still follow an upward rising trend.

http://encorearchitects.com

By Alyssa Guthrie Staff Writer Green River College hired two new deans who both started March 29.

The two deans, Timm Lovitt, who oversees the trades and business divisions, as well as Barry Robinson, who oversees the health science and technology divisions. Both departments handle everything from student complaints, to class sections and enrollment.

The Career and Technical Education Screening Committee members; Rebecca Williamson, Donette Parry, Dan Sorensen, Monica Paulson Priebe, Nicole Harris, Richard Douglass, Angie Brenner, Leanna Patricio, Leslie Kessler and Catherine Cantrell, chose them from a pool of 89 applicants nationwide, and then from four finalists.

Interim Vice President of Instruction Rebecca Williamson helped conduct the search.

Lovitt and Robinson have strong collaborative styles, commitment to students and a belief in the college mission, Williamson said.

Lovitt has previous work experience at GRC. In 2013, Lovitt was hired as the director of Veteran Services at the college. Lovitt was promoted to Dean of Student Success and Retention in 2015.

Lovitt graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Western Governors University.

Robinson has taught at many schools including University of Washington, Trinity Lutheran College, South Seattle College and Eastern Kentucky University. Most recently, Robinson taught biology at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Robinson earned a Ph.D. from University of Kentucky.

Lovitt attended Edmonds Community College. Both the new deans believe in the goals and opportunities of community colleges.

They want students to have more opportunities to learn the skills or trades that will enable them to support themselves and their families.

Lovitt wants to make the academic system processes easier for

students. “I bring a student-centered approach,” Lovitt said. “The decisions I make are based on what I believe are the students’ best interests.”

Robinson never attended a community college. However, he studied at Brescia University, a Catholic university with small class sizes and family and community values. “You have a close relationship with your instructor, and you build that relationship so that you can actually foster more out of your education than just the textbook, lecture and going about the process,” Robinson said.

As a first-generation college student, Robinson will bring a new perspective to the college administration. He believes that community colleges help guide and advise students in the right direction.

Robinson hopes to break down the barriers between different departments at the college by improving interdepartmental communications. With better communication, departments will be able to work together to ensure student success.

Lovitt also plans to improve communication on campus.

Lovitt and Robinson are happy to work in the welcoming community that is GRC.

Annual Pacific Raceways Friday Night Motorcross Opener

By Senett Ferris Staff Writer Pacific Raceway's Friday night series has been the home series for many local riders for years.

The series has been known to have some of the best motocross action in Washington. Drawing in around 600 riders and 1,500 spectators for the first race each year, the opener on May 5. is something that could potentially draw a large crowd.

Being only 10 minutes from Green River, it has the potential to be one of the biggest events for students to attend on Friday nights. What makes this race series unique is that every Friday night they race under the lights rather than at day time.

The track itself is challenging and it makes for great racing. There are bleachers and viewing areas available for spectators that provide a view of the whole track so no action will be missed.

Even Green River students such as Michael Christenson are getting ready for the annual Pacific Raceway's Friday night motocross opener. Christenson is a second year Green River student who is currently working on getting his Continues on pg. 4

Cameron Kerner | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

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Campus Safety’s Plan To Prevent Crime

By Jonathan Thom Staff Writer

Green River College is a place where people from all backgrounds come to get the skills necessary to achieve their dreams; to protect that environment, we have campus security.

On April 12, campus safety officers made contact with the suspect of an aggravated assault which occurred at the bus stop the day before. Soon after, Auburn police officers took the suspect into custody. This is just one of the latest triumphs by our vigilant security staff at GRC, but how was this suspect who apparently had no connection to the victim whatsoever so quickly apprehended?

Campus Safety has placed numerous cameras around campus in, and outside buildings to aid in the prevention of crimes and detention of suspects. In an interview with The Current, Rob Fitzgerald, a safety contractor working there, confirmed that this wide net of surveillance was exactly how they were able to catch the perpetrator so soon. He went on to say that they had recently installed even more cameras than they had prior, and in addition had cut down some trees to aid in visibility.

Before meeting with Fitzgerald, an

attempt to ask a campus safety officer about the number of cameras and locations around campus, but his response was, “That information is confidential.”

Fitzgerald also confirmed this fact by citing FERPA policy. “That has to remain confidential for obvious reasons,” he stated. Fitzgerald added that nobody was being spied on, and that the surveillance equipment was only being used to track down perpetrators of different crimes on campus.

Fitzgerald went on to reveal that they had recently brought in an outside consulting firm to get advice about this very same issue.

The results of this are that GRC is not legally obligated to release the number of security cameras, or their locations to the students.

When searching through state, county and city law on this matter, this was confirmed. For any possibility of gaining more info on the cameras, Fitzgerald recommended that students make inquiries at one of the monthly board of trustees meetings.

Cameras aren’t the only tool the GRC Campus Safety officers have at their disposal though.

One of the more common timely warnings issued by campus safety by email involves vehicular theft.

According to Fitzgerald, small Honda’s and some of the more expensive cars are most prone to break-ins. Campus Safety can provide a limited quantity of steering wheel clubs for students and faculty worried about their cars being stolen. These clubs are devices that lock onto the steering wheels of cars, preventing the steering wheel from turning far enough for the car to be driveable. Registering a vehicle at the Zgolinski Welcome Center is also an option, so in the event that it’s stolen; information can aid Campus Safety and Auburn police officers in the return of your vehicle.

Luckily, vehicular thefts and the recent aggravated assault on April 11 are usually the most common things that occur at GRC. The crime statistics for the main campus in Auburn mainly involves drug and alcohol violations, but if anything worse is to happen at GRC, the presence of campus safety officers and surveillance cameras will certainly play a role in the prevention of any greater tragedies.

Perks to Joining The Muslim Student Association

By Mohamed Mohamud Staff Writer

One of more than 30 clubs, Green River’s Muslim Student Association, known as “MSA”, provides eye-opening insight to living as a subscriber of one of the world’s most followed religions.

The MSA welcomes students of any background, race, and provides first-hand knowledge of how it is like to live as a Muslim student – not just here at Green River.

“It really is an eye-opening experience,” said Mohamed Abdullahi, student and member of the MSA. “To get a chance and hear all the different stories from every student in this club, it just changes your entire perception of Islam.”

Throughout the duration of the club, students of different backgrounds seminar – they share their life story, and vividly describe how being a Muslim student influences their way of life.

Since the election of President Donald Trump, a multitude of Islamic students here at Green River expressed their voice on his controversial election.

“I mostly feel worried for my family,” Abdirahman said, a student and member of the MSA. “I am a Muslim, and my main concern is for my mother and every other woman that is a part of my family.”

Abdirahman certainly is not the only student holding such feelings towards the President of the United States. Following the President’s leaked taped conversation in 2005 with television host Billy Bush, Trump had what was described as a “lewd conversation”

by The Washington Post in a three-minute audible that was leaked on October of 2016.

The election of President Donald Trump has certainly raised a lot of eyebrows nationally, particularly in the Muslim community.

The widely disputable results of the 2016 presidential election varied from the many students’ reactions and emotions.

“The results really did surprise a lot of

people,” said Abdi Ibrahim, student at Green River College. “It most definitely raised a ton of eyebrows, including his own supporters.

I, personally, did not support Trump during his campaign, but I think we should just wait and see what happens with him.”

Abdi Ibrahim, a transferee from Pierce College, believes that time and opportunity is the biggest factor in change.

“We should wait, see and support what happens with him now that he is our president,” he added. “But as a Muslim student here at Green River College, I genuinely do not feel comfortable supporting Trump. I just don’t see evenly with some of his policies.”

Both Abdirahman and Abdi Ibrahim are two Muslim students here at Green River with mutual feelings towards the 45th president. The Muslim Student Association here at Green River allows students to express their genuine emotions, and let the staff, faculty, and each other know how they sincerely feel.

“I think that this club here at Green River is truly a great place to express your thoughts and feelings,” said Shukri Mohamed, Muslim Student Association member. “Obviously with the level of sensitivity increasing in the Muslim community since Trump’s election, this club here at Green River allows students to interact not just about politics, but see the other side of Islam that the media may not always show.”

Shukri Mohamed, a member of the running start program from Kent-Meridian High School, has been a member of the Muslim Student Association since her first quarter in Fall of 2016. She has consistently been one of the biggest voices in Green River’s Muslim Student Association program.

“Anyone of any background is sincerely welcome with open arms,” she added. “This club is really for anyone who is willing to learn a little bit about Islam, as see what isn’t always shown.

The Muslim Student Association occurs every Friday on the second floor of the Student Union Building. Anyone is welcome.

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Alex Chmiel: Raising Funds To Help Drug Addicts Plans to Hike From The Mexican Border To The Canadian Border

By Nora-Mae Gardiner Staff Writer

Alex Chmiel, a recent graduate of Green River College is not your everyday American Young man. Though only 23 years old, Chmiel is already rooted in his fight against one of the leading problems in the USA today; drug abuse, opiates to be exact.

Chmiel began his GRC journey in the fall of 2013 after graduating from White River High school, in Bonney Lake. Chmiel started off taking general courses until he eventually began more focused on engineering courses. He now studies renewable energy engineering at Oregon Institute of technology.

Chmiel is a three time receiver of the Green River Foundation scholarship and also a full ride from the Annette Dong Scholarship in his last quarter at Green River.

In addition to being the keynote speaker at the GRC 2016 commencement program, Chmiel also spoke at the foundation scholar-

ship banquet in 2016, on the topic: spotting and finding opportunities, and saying yes when those opportunities come out. “That speech was basically about my experience with getting over my self-doubt about whether or not I would get the scholarship if I applied, and the confidence I got after I did apply for the scholarship and got it. Three times at that” Chmiel said with a smile.

Chmiel, who considers himself “an outdoors man”, does a lot of hiking, back country skiing and photography. “ I like to think of myself as somebody who likes to live unconventionally and really grasping all that life has to offer” said Chmiel. But all has not been rosy and perfect for him all his life.

He, like so many others, has felt the sting of losing close friends and family to opiate related drug abuse.

Growing up in Bonney Lake, Chmiel recounted what it felt like seeing close friends and acquaintances who he had known most of

Taylor Lavalley, who sadly, has also his life, fall prey to this drug. “ It’s suffered the pain of losing loved unbelievable and it’s been around ones to opiate abuse. The pair plan me my whole life. They usually to begin their journey on the 31st won’t admit it and they get hooked of March and the trip may last up to these opiate drugs and it takes to September. So for the next five their lives down. It hurts seeing months or so, they are going to these people in my life get reduced spend their days hiking miles each to petty crime, stealing from their day, stopping only briefly into nearfriends and family just to buy these http://www.awblawoffice.com by towns to attend to basic needs, drugs, ending up behind prison order supplies. bars and even dying premature “The aim of this hike is to show deaths.” people that though opiate addicChmiel realized how hard it is tion is not an easy thing to break for those addicted to opiates to get away from, there is still hope. rid of the addiction, he realized This hike will hopefully shed light that the duty fell to him to do on the negative impact of stigma something about it and to do what against addicts and how it does he could to raise awareness on the nothing but push them further into dangers of these drugs and also drug use. This hike is to let those and most importantly to help raise funds to fight against the addiction. who are already addicted to drugs know that it is not too late to seek With support from Shatterproof, help. But most importantly, This a non profit organization dedicathike aims to raise the amount of ed to ending the devastation that $10,000 or more in order to provide drug addiction causes families, the medical and rehabilitation Alex plans to hike the Pacific Coast needs help that these people so Trail from Mexico to the border of badly need.” said Chmiel.

Canada along with his girlfriend

Cameron Kerner| Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Continued from pg. 2 AA. He races motocross in his free time and says the opener is one race he can’t miss.

The series opener is going to be the first race back for Christenson this year. He will be moving up from the C classes to the faster B classes which will be a big change for him. Even with the new change to the faster class, he says his goal is top three in both 250B and 450B. The B class is one level below professional so we expect to see Christenson out there putting down some good lap times.

Cut out the logo and submit it to the Student Life office along with a filled raffle ticket from pg. 8. All winners will be featured in The Current along with their picture.

Cameron Kerner| Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

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Giving The Writing Center The Publicity It Needs Event

Photo Credit: Mariya Mubeen

Jamie Fitzgerald, Director of the Writing Center.

By Mariya Mubeen Co-Editor-In-Chief The Writing Center Director, Jamie Fitzgerald, and his tutoring staff, has been working hard to promote the Writing Center.

The WC is located in the Rutkowski Learning Center (RLC) in room RLC 173. It is comprised of student tutors who provide focused tutoring for up to 30 minutes, answering

questions about specific issues that can be related to English. They also have short 10 minute sessions for minor issues.

According to Fitzgerald, stagnation in the flow of incoming students to the WC has instigated planning for its promotion. He estimates about 1,000 students coming into the writing center per quarter.

“There are about 8,000 students who are enrolled here, so we’re far beneath the mark of what we could possibly achieve,” he said.

In order to be more effective and innovative, he asked the writing center tutors to come up with some promotional ideas. The tutors are divided in to four promotional teams – the Online Committee, Print Committee, In-person Promotion Committee and Planning Committee.

The Online Committee is working on creating an online presence for the writing center. A writing center website is in the works, along with active social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Fliers, bookmarks and posters are designed by the Print Committee,

which are distributed around camsibly digital art are some mediums pus by the In-person Committee that will be accepted. Hand drawn members. The In-person Commitart would be submitted to the front tee is working to make a campus desk at the WC, whereas the digital wide connection with the students, art would be submitted through for example booking tables in the E-mail. The artwork will be judged SU building during peek hours by the entire tutoring staff. Staff to get to as many students as they member themselves can apply, but possibly can. will not be allowed to take part in The Planning Committee comes the decision making process. Winup with other ners of the conideas to facilitate test will receive “There are about 8,000 the promotion a $100 gift card students who are enrolled process. Recently, to the Paper Tree here, so we’re far beneath the tutors have Bookstore lothe mark of what we could come up with an cated in the SU, possibly achieve.” art competition. a feature in The - Jamie Fitzgerald, WC Director Current, and The Art Competition was suptheir artwork posed to be a logo will be displayed competition but due to some legali- in the WC. The tutors hope to make ty issues with the terminology. the competition a quarterly ritual.

“Logo implies that there’s a If all this promotional planning business behind it, and the WC, yields good results, Fitzgerald while we offer a service to people, hopes to hire more studens to tutor it’s never for profit. You never have in the WC. Having more tutors to pay to go to the writing center,” would allow him to request a bigger said Nadia Kufchak, one of the WC budget to pay the tutors and protutors. vide better guidance to future stuStudents will be allowed to subdents. The WC will be hiring new mit their artwork from April 19 till students for Fall 2017 as spring is a May 19. Hand drawn art and pospopular time for student transfer.

Calendar Apr.

21

Apr.

26

May

15

May

29

Faculty In-Service Day- No Morning Classes

Advising Day Student Union Building- No Classes

New Student Registration Begins

Memorial Day Holiday - Campus Closed

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Mollie Clements| A&E Editor a&e@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Presidential Finalists Speak at S

Source Credit: Green River Staff

Suzanne M. Johnson, Ph.D

By: Cotlon Popp Staff Writer Suzanne M. Johnson, Ph.D., vice president of academic affairs at Suffolk County Community College in New York was the last candidate interviewed for the position of college president on April 13.

Originally from Missouri, Johnson started as a college student in New York and fell in love with teaching. She earned her B.A. at Ithaca College in 1983, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Art History. After that, Johnson moved on to the State University of New York at Stony Brook and earned

Source Credit: Green River Staff

Utpal K. Goswami, Ph.D

By: Camdyn Smith Staff Writer One of the four candidates for President of Green River College is Utpal K. Goswami, Ph.D. the current President of Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri.

Goswami has worked at St. Louis Community College in Missouri, Yavapai College in Arizona and College of the Redwoods in California. While at STLCC, he was the Dean of Business Administration and Instructional Operations. He then was Vice President and Provost at YC, as well as serving on the Yavapai Educational Technology Consortium. During his time at YC, he took part in a ballot initiative that resulted in the making of a

her M.A. in Psychology and Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology in 1987 and 1990, respectively.

Johnson began her career as a psychology instructor at Dowling College in Long Island, New York back in 1988 and worked her way up to become the Dean of the College in 2012. She has also taught 11 different psychology courses and earned seven awards in her time at Dowling College, including a Professor of the Year award in 1994 given by Dowling College’s Program for Learning Disabled College Students. In addition, Johnson has written two books on gay parenthood, one of which earned a Gold Award from Foreword Magazine for best parenting book of 2001 from a University Press.

Johnson also has presidential experience, as she served as the Interim Campus President of the Sylvania Campus of Portland Community College in Portland, Oregon. With over 20 years of administration and faculty experience in higher education, Johnson is considered a strong candidate for the position based on the qualifications laid out by the college in its search.

The Student Forum on April 13 provided Johnson with an opportu-

nity to connect with students, and she did not disappoint. Johnson began with a brief introduction about herself. She was in the classroom for many years and wanted to find other ways to best serve students, so she moved to the administration.

“I am now seeking to be the next president of this wonderful college,” Johnson said.

Johnson proceeded to walk around to the tables of the Student Union Grand Hall and casually introducing herself to the students, asking them questions and connecting with them on a personal level. This gave the students a chance to have their voices heard.

She took the time to learn something about us as students.

As for the Faculty and Staff Forum, Johnson had a strong showing, taking questions and answering them thoughtfully.

Johnson said that she had once asked herself how she wanted to spend the rest of her life, as she had realized she had less time to live than she had already lived.

“One thing I knew I wanted to continue to do was to work toward social justice, to work toward opportunity creation for students and completely continue to be focused

to the community college mission. on student success” Johnson said.

“We are the ones who provide Johnson said that in her time access to higher education and emas Interim President at Portland ployment opportunities, regardless Community College, that she fell of capacity to pay,” Johnson said. in love with the Pacific Northwest.

“That is an aspect of equity that To her, it had a civility and rhythm I’ve invested the rest of my life to it, with weather that reminded to do,” Johnson said. “I think this her of her childhood. She always would be a great place to partner told herself that if she ever had with all of you to do it.” the opportunity to be able to live Many staff members addressed her life out, in terms of a region of their concern with the previous adcountry, it would be in the pacific ministration in terms of layoffs and northwest. how they oper“There’s so ated. Johnson many opportuassured the staff nities, so much that she would possibility,” “I am not separate be committed Johnson said from you,” to help heal any of Green River feelings of misCollege. “There’s —Suzanne M. Johnson, Ph.D trust left over clearly good stuff from previous happening here.” administration.

Johnson made “Without it clear that this trust, without mutual regard and was the only job she applied for respect, without understanding, we this year. can’t get anywhere,” Johnson said.

“I’m looking for a place to be a Johnson is prepared to work with part of a team,” Johnson said. “I staff and address any of their conwas looking for an opportunity, cerns with a policy of transparency not the next job.” and open and honest communicaJohnson emphasized her comtion. mitment to student success and “I am not separate from you,” diversity, and feels that she and Johnson said. “I am part of you, the staff at Green River have that and you are part of me.” in common. She is also committed

Joint Technical Education District.

Goswami was Vice President of Instruction at CR and was the Interim President and Superintendent there from 2011 to 2012. In the course of the 2011-12 year, Goswami developed a new vision/mission statement, as well as the 2012-17 strategic plan and the education master plan. In addition to this, he guided the district through accreditation trials and effected major capital projects.

Throughout his 33-plus years of higher education involvement in both classroom and administrative roles, Goswami has invested in creating over 12 new educational programs that serve the needs of the community. He has spent an extensive amount of time developing programs and professional development, applying beneficial plans towards student success and institutional effectiveness, assimilating technology in both teaching and the learning method, making “data-driven” decisions and creating and supporting joint governance processes and helping institutions meet their accreditation goals.

Economic development is a main ambition of Goswami’s, as he has earned a doctoral degree and an masters in Economics at Southern Methodist University and another

masters in Development Economics from Boston University.

During the forum for the presidential candidates, Goswami answered many questions from students, staff and faculty members.

At the student portion of the forum, Goswami explained how he enjoys interacting with students on campus, often walking around and listening to the students. He loves to “sponsor clubs” as he admires the unity it creates among the student body. When asked about the parking dilemma, he admits that it is “a common issue” and that Green River College’s parking is “tight.”

“As long as you consult parking and have good food, you’ll be golden,” Goswami said, repeating a tip he once heard.

He hopes to engage with the students personally and ask their opinions for a possible solution to more parking spaces. Goswami gives his “instinctive and gut feeling” credit when asked why he is considering Green River College.

He was very selective and looked only at a few potential work places, and said that the administration turmoil here gave him interest.

As far as capturing the unique and ranging interests of a student

engage students differently…and provide opportunities for students to engage.”

He went on to give possible examples of affinity groups: from tanning hides to boat building, whatever could possibly more unify a student body, “We have to have lots of opportunities,” he said.

At the faculty and staff portion of the forum, Goswami answered questions more focused around budget, community, types of experiences, communication and leadership.

Goswami stated that the reduction of work force has been caused by the state cutting funding, creating pressure; the cause being the lack of planning accordingly 15-20 years back. When asked about a possible solution to this, Goswami said that he doesn’t have an immediate fix, but would be able to begin something that would help people down the road in about 15-20 years.

Dedicating himself to the students is also a main priority for Goswami, as he will often go out of his way to understand them better. He told a story about when he taught in Texas, he volunteered to help out on a ranch in order to appreciate his students’ everyday

body, Goswami said, “We need to

lifestyles.

Leslie Kessler, faculty member of

early childhood education, asked about how Goswami would have a“presence on the campus.” “I love to go to games and be involved in student affairs,” said Goswami, “It’s important to be connected to the campus community.” Goswami said, “I also firmly believe in being engaged with the community,” when asked about ensuring community with the local and tribal people.

Goswami hopes to equalize job prospects by offering students more information on varying careers saying, “Students can’t prepare for careers they don’t know about.” Susan Evans, student life program specialist, asked if Goswami supported student activities to which he responded, “Yes. That is the short answer.” Later on, he added, “I realize that most students at a community college want experiences on par with a 4-year college.”

At the end of the forum, Goswami encouraged everyone to “value a good work life balance” and be sure to “do something outside of college that keeps you young... fresh.” For him, this included playing cricket, but now he is looking forward to the student barbecue on April 20, for which he will be cooking.

Mollie Clements| A&E Editor a&e@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

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Student, Staff & Faculty Forums

Source Credit; Green River Staff

Kenneth G. Lawson, Ph.D

By: Cameron Kerner Campus Editor Kenneth G. Lawson, Ph.D., a VPI from Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, Wash. was at Green River College as a potential presidential candidate.

Dr. Lawson went through nine years at University of Washington to earn a political science doctorate. He also has served as a Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Seattle Central College, as well as Dean of Equity and Social Justice/ Social Sciences at Shoreline Community College.

In 2001 at S.C.C., Dr. Lawson started teaching Political science and International studies. Along with this passion for teaching, he has a passion for learning. His philosophy is that having good

Source Credit: Green River Staff

Dr. Elliot Stern

By: Isabel Barni Staff Writer Dr. Elliot Stern, one of the four Green River presidential finalists, answered questions from both students and faculty in the Student Union on April 11.

According to the Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT), Stern has a medical degree from Michigan State University and a law degree from University of Michigan. He practiced as a health law litigator in Detroit for seven years.

Stern has served as Vice President of Instruction at the LWIT. He has worked for a variety of oth-

sion-making, negotiations pertaining to contracts may be a bit of a challenge when compared to his past experiences. According to him, his contract negotiations with his faculty consisted mainly of open and closed bargaining, and initially only took a total of six days. However, he admitted that negotiations are easier when there’s less resources on the table.

When a member of the forum asked how he would cultivate a culture for collaboration, Dr. Lawson cited a plan he has seen in action while serving as a Vice President of Instruction at Skagit Valley College, known as the Guided Pathways.

At S.V.C., Dr. Lawson says, faculties are re-structuring degrees as the guided pathway plan is being set in place. “It started a couple years ago,” he said, “And I think we’re on track.” The plan has no additional costs to students, but costs administration and human resources more by raising fees in a “careful way.”

There are several practices that Dr. Lawson may bring to GRC. One of which is the teacher’s scholar model. He claims that he would like to create opportunities that maintain enthusiasm, which the teacher scholar model provides.

Dr. Lawson also mentioned an informal meet and greet that he

started at S.V.C., known as “coffee with Kenny.” Students and staff were welcome to join him for coffee, and have conversations about the campus. He also mentioned S.V.C.’s four-day academic calendar, which excludes one business day for collaboration and planning with faculty.

One member who attended the staff/faculty forum, asked how Dr. Lawson would improve the number of adjunct faculty—which is currently 15% above national average according to collegefactual. com—and if adjunct faculty were “a necessary evil to deal with GRC’s budget.” Dr. Lawson confirmed that the use of adjunct faculty is a way to deal with college resources, but there should be “a healthy balance.”

Dr. Lawson’s healthy balance of faculty to adjunct faculty most likely will not be hastily prepared though. According to Dr. Thomas Keegan, President of S.V.C., “He [Dr. Lawson] is a strategic thinker and pro-active doer: [he] relies on research, data and evidence to inform decisions and planning.”

Dr. Keegan also added that Dr. Lawson gathers appropriate input and includes diverse stakeholders.

His strong history of being a strong member in communities, and promoting social justice, Dr. Lawson says, is exciting.

“[In order to make an impact as he assumes that the college works the president] for the students, in a way that has been bringing success. it means making them more sucThese current successes of GRC, cessful. That’s a big thing for me... if shared among faculty members, when I say I want to help improve can be introduced into other, less people’s lives, I don’t mean I want to help 25% of lives. I meant somesuccessful areas of campus. The althing closer to 100%,” Stern said in ready established good ideas could be able to help more people and be Tuesday’s questioning session. parts of more programs across the In regards to the teachers on college. campus, Stern emphasized a desire to make sure “We may not the work enneed to be coming in with what vironment is “Sometimes, the best thing I think are good positive overideas,” Stern said. all, even going that a leader can do is find out as far as to “Sometimes, the what’s working and support say he hopes best thing that a that” leader can do is GRC becomes —Dr. Elliot Stern find out what’s viewed among working and faculty as the best place to support that.” work in the region. Stern wants Stern believes that what has currently been working at GRC can staff members to feel that they are “doing something that makes in part be because of the pride the campus instructors have for their [them] happy when [they] get in [their] cars and go to work.” behavior in class. The effective In order to make these impacts practices of some professors at the college are what can be passed on on the campus, Stern wants to fothroughout the entire school. cus on what GRC is already doing Another trait of the campus right. The success rate of GRC is, according to Stern, higher than the that Stern believes to be currently national average. Because of this, successful is the support systems

for the different students attending GRC. Close to no one is forgotten or left out on campus here when in comparison to other colleges that Stern has looked into.

The ability for all types of people to recognize themselves in at least a couple of other students, according to Stern, enhances their chances of success.

And so, because of his acknowledgment of the effectiveness of the school’s support systems, this impact that Stern hopes to make on GRC should include everyone on campus. It would not change depending on a person’s current state in life or past origins.

“I think equality is really important,” said Stern. “I prefer to use the word equity because equality is a hard thing to measure...equity is a term that recognizes that we’re not all the same, that we’re all different. [It] says we should have the same opportunities and the same outcomes at the end of the day.”

Stern’s plans to enhance college life have focused mainly on the acknowledgement of successful practices and the involvement of everybody attending the school.

tions, comments and concerns that communication with students, the GRC community had for him staff and faculty can mean the difference between a successful The strongest point that Dr. Lawson delivered to the forum was his school, and a failing one. His strong commitment to the ideas background in social sciences puts student learning and success at the of diversity, equity and inclusion; along with the social justice promcenter of decision-making, with ise of making higher education a strong collaborative element between staff and faculty. accessible to all. He added that supporting students successfully Some of the biggest things that requires both a strong element of Dr. Lawson chooses to provide in “inclusive pedagogy,” and approhis career are diversity, equity and priate leadership style. inclusion for everybody. He is also committed to ensuring that under Of course the obvious part of Dr. Lawson’s role as President is estabserved students have an equitable lishing trust. With Scott Morgan opportunity to succeed, which as as the current Interim President, a leader figure, requires Lawson to he communicated specific goals he decide the right balance between collaboration and decisiveness. had, and those goals were clear between him and the board. Diversi“He takes his work seriously, but ty, equity and inclusion are also an also has a good sense of humor.” important aspect Said Dr. Thomas at GRC, which A. Keegan, President of S.V.C., Dr. Lawson “[he] inspires others to set high recognized by “[he] inspires standards and expects exellence saying, “he [Scott others to set while at the same time enjoying Morgan] is on high standards the right track.” and expect the work and each other.” excellence while Dr. Lawson, —Dr. Thomas A. Keegan while certainly at the same time not lacking in enjoying the communication work and each skills, may run into trouble with other.” the amount of staff and faculty at The potential presidential candidate spoke about his philosophies, GRC. Since it is in Dr. Lawson’s best goals and expectations at both the interest to communicate and student forum, and staff/faculty collaborate on mostly all deciforum. He addressed several ques-

er colleges, including both Everett and Edmonds Community College.

At Edmonds, Stern served as the Dean of the STEM program. While at Everett, he also fulfilled several similar roles. These included Dean of Allied Health and President of the Faculty Senate. He also began an Honors Program while working for Everett Community College.

Before his involvement with Edmonds and Everett, he was a biology instructor. In this position, the LWIT claimed Stern was “recognized for excellence in teaching and student-centered approaches.”

Before his career teaching in the sciences, Stern attended a community college himself. “I was pretty miserable in high school...this was before running start existed. I actually created my own running start program by going to Oakland Community College to do my English&101 class because I was so unhappy in high school,” Stern admitted. “There, I found I liked school again.”

From his positive experiences outside of high school, Stern eventually transferred to Wayne State University. He would eventually obtain a few graduate degrees.

games

thecurrent

8 2016-2017

www.thegrcurrent.com

Sudoku

Puzzle 1 (Very hard, difficulty rating 0.76)

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ASGRC Presidential Elections

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Tue Apr 18 23:18:18 2017 GMT. Enjoy!

Presidential and vice-presidential elections will be held from May 1 until May 8. Voting locations will be at the Lindbloom Student Union, Salish Hall, Cedar Hall, Holman Library and online. Candidates will give speeches on Monday in the student union

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Annie Chan | Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

opinion

thecurrent

9 2016-2017

More Shifts for The Current

Editorial

After a few shifts and changes section for the upcoming issue may be throughout the last two quarters, we another artist spotlight by Clements, and are finishing up the school year with a an article on the Espial Literary and Art few more changes.

Journal. This journal has been around on Due to some shifts in positions within our campus since 2002. our newspaper team, we have replaced We have also welcomed two more new the A&E section for this issue with some members to our newspaper team. features on the presidential candidates for Our new campus editor is now Camerthe upcoming school year. on Kerner, who has been a staff writer for The A&E section will be back for our The Current for only one quarter. next issue, with the new A&E editor being “We have great staff here at The Mollie Clements.

Current,” Kerner said. “They are really Former A&E editor Kienan Briscoe is supportive and are constantly working now taking classes their hardest.” at another college, Our new sports editor so Clements has will be Alec Downing, “I am excited about being who has also been a staff been promoted to in the inner circle.” this position. writer for The Current - Mollie Clements Clements was for only one quarter.

A&E Editor a staff writer for After obtaining the The Current for skills to be a staff writer, the past two quarthese new members can ters, often being the go-to writer when it learn even more skills as section editors. came to artist spotlights.

Both Kerner and Downing are also go“It has been exciting to write about ing to be writing articles for The Current these artists and bring life to their everywhile holding the roles of section editors. day works and lives,” Clements said. “I am In the newspaper laboratory class, we excited about being in the inner circle.” also have many new staff writers who will What you can expect to see in the A&E be writing articles for The Current.

Having 17 staff writers for this quarter, compared to having 15 last quarter, will help with the overall process of producing each issue.

The best thing about having additional staff writers is that there can be more variety in skills in terms of writing for each section in our issues.

More staff writers are interested in writing sports articles for this quarter, so we are looking forward to having more articles in that section.

On the other hand, we are now in need of both a copy editor and a graphic designer to join our team.

Currently as a team, we all hope to bring more features to each of our upcoming issues.

Our staff writers and section editors have successfully worked together last quarter to put together a feature regarding President Donald Trump’s travel ban.

“When we work together to piece together a feature story on a double truck, I feel that readers get more out of reading personal experiences right off of the paper,” Annie Chan, Opinion editor said. “It is also a lot of of fun obtaining the information and insights for our feature

Editorials reflect the opinions of the entire editing staff of the Current.

thestaff

Riley Agnew Co-Editor-in-Chief 253-833-9111 x2377

Mariya Mubeen Co-Editor-in-Chief Photographer Kartik Sarda Web Editor Ads Manager

Cameron Kerner Campus Editor

Mollie Clements A&E Editor

Annie Chan Opinion Editor

Alec Downing Sports Editor

Pads Should be as Readily Available as Toilet Paper

Staff Writers: Alyssa Guthrie, Camdyn Smith, Colton Popp, Christopher Holmes, Eduardo Lopez, Isabel Barni, Jonathan Thom, Mohamed Mohamud, Pannarin Kachintaksa, Princess Kollie-Blaye, Senett Ferris, Thomas Garrett

No rational person wants toilet paper hanging at the back of their clothes, just as no women would want to show that they are menstruating.

Every grown woman has had a period at some points of their lives.

Each month, the uterus releases eggs that are prepared to be fertile.

When the egg is not fertile, it is sent out as blood. We call this process “menstruation.”

It occurs every month for thirty to forty years, depending on the individual. It happens to woman regardless of race, geographical location, or educational status.

This process is as natural as drinking, eating, sleeping and breathing. It is not a disease, nor should it ever be treated like one.

Although menstruation does not come as much of a surprise, it is still meant to be treated with some level of care to avoid disgracing the individual. The menstrual cycle is not like your birthday, which is on a set day. The cycle changes from

Photographers: Mariya Mubeen, Cameron Kerner

By: Princess Kollie-Blaye Staff Writer

Editorial Policy

takes about 15 minutes to walk from time to time throughout each year. our campus to the closest store.

Female individuals are not sure While it is possible for female stuwhat exact day their menstruation will begin. dents to abort their classes to make a trip to the stores, it still takes Due to this uncertainty, most time away from their education. female students are left with no The point of option but to this trip is to leave school when it hapavoid being “When pads are available shamed by pens to them the presence unexpectedly. in the ladies’ restroom, of a period, This is a female students will no but it should situation that not replace is affecting a longer have to leave students’ time lot of female school...” in classrooms. students here - Princess Kollie-Blaye While at Green River Staff Writer students hold College (GRC). the goal to Coming to successfully school and pass at the end of each quarter, an staying in classes leads to good rearising question is how female stusults. However, it can be a different dents at GRC can remain in classes story for female students with the and not have to deal with finding absence of pads in our restrooms. a pad.

They may be constrained to leave class at any point in time when they Many say that providing pads in ladies’ restrooms is a possible have to deal with their periods off solution to this problem. campus.

When pads are available in the To make matters worse, GRC ladies’ restroom, female students appears to be isolated from stores will no longer have to leave school or shops that possibly sells pads. It

The Current is a public forum for student expression. Student editors make all content decisions without censorship or advanced approval. The opinions of the opinion stories are that of the writer and the writer alone. If you have an opposing viewpiont feel free to write The Current a Letter to the Editor at editor@thegrcurrent.com

Theft Policy

for the purpose of protecting themselves from being shamed.

Pads should be treated like toilet paper or an important material needed for the smooth operation of the college. They should be as readily available as toilet paper usually are.

Female students have been going through this inconvenience for far too long at this college. Quick action must be taken to enable female students to adequately and efficiently take care of their needs.

They should be provided with the necessary assistance needed to keep them in school and yield the best results.

It is also important to note that there are a few tampon dispensers in some of the restrooms. However, a lot of them are out of tampons or are not even working.

Some females also prefer pads over tampons, for their own personal reasons.

It is a reasonable time to abide to the needs for both preferences.

All in all, the addition of pad dispensers may seem costly, but it is not at all impossible.

Each individual is permitted one free copy per issue. Additional copies may be purchased with prior approval for 50 cents each by contacting The Current. Newspaper theft is a crime.

Anyone who removes, discards or destroys more than one copy to prevent other individuals from reading that issue may be subject to civil, criminal and/or campus penalties.

Letters to the Editor

Corrections Garden Story in the Campus Section: Starr is If you find aMary factual error from the Facilities or simply a nameDepartspelled ment. incorrectly, Last Issuecontact was Issue 7, please us at: not Issue 8 - editor@thegrcurrent.com If you find a factual error - 253-288-3457 or simply a name spelled - or find us OEB 17 incorrectly, please contact us at: - editor@thegrcurrent.com - 253-288-3457 - or find us OEB 17

The Current encourages its readers to be involved and will accept letters of 400 words or less for publication. Anonymous letters are not accepted and the editors reserve the right to reject or edit letters for space, taste and legal concerns. All letters become property of The Current. Send letters to editor@ thegrcurrent.com.

10 2016-2017

opinion

thecurrent

Photo by Annie Chan | The Current

Annie Chan | Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Photo by Annie Chan | The Current

Left: Dr. Rosalind Chou visited our Auburn campus on Thursday, April 13, to discuss the struggles that Asian American students face, regarding to racialized space and white institutional space on college campuses. Right: Dr. Chou wrote a total of five books, with “Title of book” being the second one written.

Marginalization of Asian Americans on College Campuses Increases By: Annie Chan Opinion Editor Asian American undergraduates are often marginalized on college campuses, due to the ongoing racial and gendered uses of institutional space.

As an Asian American undergraduate myself, I have personally been blind about just how much tension can be generated by race and gender on a college campus.

Perhaps it is, in part, due to the fact that I have only attended Green River College (GRC), a rather diverse campus if we were to compare it to other colleges.

Thankfully, I had the opportunity to attend a discussion that went into depth about the impacts of the tension on college campuses, particularly on Asian American undergraduates.

Dr. Rosalind Chou, an associate professor of sociology at Georgia State University, visited our Auburn campus to discuss the struggles of Asian American undergraduates when it comes to dealing with racialized space and white power within college campuses.

Dr. Chou is also an author of five books and she emphasized on the racial and gender issues covered in her third book, which is called “Asian Americans on Campus: Racialized Space and White Power.”

Dr. Chou began her discussion by stating that a college is an “institutional space.” We are all most likely familiar with what institutions are, but we may not be familiar with what institutional space is and how it works.

In terms of a college campus, we can begin our approach to understand the institutional space by examining student demographics.

For example, we can look at the statistics accounting for gender and race. This type of information allows us to grasp a good idea of which racial groups or specific gender are the most dominant within a campus.

As a result of obtaining these statistics, we can then examine the racialized institutional and cultural practices that occur on campus.

Many people are familiar with what Dr. Chou called “white institutional space” and essentially, everyday racism.

White institutional space refers to the dominant white students holding great racial influence and power throughout the institution, which in this case, happens to be a college campus.

There are many obvious signs of white institutional space on college campuses, with the example being sororities and fraternities.

Both sororities and fraternities were once “known” to be dominated by upper-class white students.

In one particular story shared by Dr. Chou, students in a sorority at Duke University decided to host a costume party called “Kappa Sigma Asia Prime.” An email invitation was sent out to students of the college with a sentence filled with racial terms, which stated, “We look forward to having Mi, Yu, You, and Yo Friends over for some saké.”

A party that includes a dominant white group dressing up as members of another cultural group

tends to come out as stereotypical On the other hand, there are also and even offensive, especially to quite a lot of hidden impacts of minority groups. white institutional space. To Dr. Stereotypes that surround Chou, Asian Americans on a camAsians tend to be focused on Asian pus can be easily marginalized and females being “dragon ladies” and can be considered as the “invisible emotionally frigid, while Asian population.” males are represented as either A noose that was tied to a tree at unfit or super thin. By bringing Duke University can be an examthese types of stereotypes onto a ple of the impacts of there being college campus, we are basically an invisible population. The noose creating was discovered reinforcto have been ing racial tied due to the “If you are in a position effects of prejtensions and reinforcing udice, which of power, you are able the power of also be to perform racist acts on can dominant rarelated to the campus.” cial groups. effects of dis- Dr. Rosalind Chou While crimination.

Associate Professor of Sociology at this form of The student Georgia State University cultural apwho hung propriation himself on the can be seen noose ended as an act of up opening appreciating other cultures, it is the eyes of many college students, almost as if it is creating what Dr. even outside of Duke University.

Chou called “alienated social relaIt should not have to require tions” between whites and people a member of a minority group of color or racial minority groups. taking his/her life to bring more At the same time, these acts can awareness to racial tension. It can also cause Asian American underbegin by the examination of how graduates to turn to “self-segregawe utilize the institution space on tion,” which causes the individuals college campuses. to take stereotypes to heart and it While there are policies that ends up affecting them socially. prohibit discrimination on school These individuals may separate campuses, there should be more from the dominant groups or even effort to minimize marginalization look down on other members of on minority groups on a campus. their own group.

Heightening diversity always This type of oppression is a big seems to be the answer, but it is deal on college campuses. Acnot always easy to mix up different cording to Dr. Chou, it is likely for cultural groups and make them students who feel marginalized to socialize and intermingle. treat people of their own race with Dr. Chou mentioned that many resentment. colleges in the South, all of which

holds Southern traditions, strive to generate more diverse statistics regarding race and gender. The problem is that their campuses do not end up becoming as diverse as they had hoped, given the human demographics in the South.

Due to the lack of diversity, southern colleges seek out ways to deceive the public in seeing their campuses as diverse by using Photoshop to crop in individuals of different races into their photos.

Using photoshop to generate fake diversity within an institution is not ethical, nor does it help to alter the issues regarding racialized and gendered spaces on the actual campus.

By continuing to educate students about race, we can seek out the acceptance we all need.

College campuses should also continue holding cultural events that bring out cultural awareness and that is what brings a diverse group of students together.

Although I do not feel marginalized here at GRC, I do consider what I may face at the university I end up transferring to. In the future, I plan to take part in many cultural events on my future new campus and I hope to also participate in educating others about the present racial tensions on college campuses.

It would be a beautiful thing if college undergraduates come together to create more awareness about the effects of marginalization on school campuses so that hopefully one day, the “invisible population” can be invisible no longer.

sports

11

thecurrent

2016-2017

Being one of the 11 sports teams at Green River College, the golf team gives its members an opportunity to pursue their passions competitively.

Currently, the team has six members: Avery Black, Jack Roth, Rocky Brobio, Christian Letts, Tyler Erickson, and Frank Griffin. The team is led by Brian Baldwin, who became coach of the team in February, the middle of the 2016-2017 season.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had a few guys drop off the men’s team for various reasons,” said Baldwin, “and the young ladies who played in the fall did not have a good experience, so decided not to return” said Baldwin.

“I took over the program… with the hopes of building both the Men’s and Women’s programs to the level they had been in the past,” said Baldwin, who lives in Kent with his wife, has been employed at Key Bank for 37 years, and is a member at Meridian Valley Country Club (MVCC).

Since the Washington National Golf Course’s ownership changed, the team has been practicing at the Club, though Baldwin says they hope to return to the National course in the future.

The team competes against several other teams every year in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) championships, including Bellevue, Walla Walla, Highline, and more.

According to the NWAC website, the GRC golf team had several tournament wins to their name between 1999 and 2008.

Last year they placed 10th in the championship tournament. The following season, this past fall, they placed 10th in the Grays Harbor Tournament and 11th at the Walla Walla Tournament.

So far this spring, they placed 8th in the Olympic College Tournament, 4th at the Highline Invite, and 10th last weekend at the Columbia Basin Tournament.

At two of the three events this spring, only four players were participating, and at the other, five. “[The golf team] has been at a bit of a disadvantage, but they have been working very hard on all aspects of their games and feel like they are making very good progress since the start of March,” said Baldwin.

Now, there are four matches remaining, and Baldwin says they will have all 6 players participating for each of the tournaments.

“That will help building team comradery,” Baldwin said, “and put us in a spot to compete better.”

Long term, Coach Baldwin hopes to build and keep both golf programs, men’s and women’s, afloat, and to continue to improve it. His goal is to return it to “...the level it had in the late 90’s and early 2000’s through recruiting and communication to all of the high school coaches throughout the State.”

Baldwin is fully committed to his desire to stay with the program. He understands that with certain budget restrictions it will be necessary to hold some fundraisers in order to fully support the golf program.

“I contacted some of the local golf professionals who attended Green River to ask for their support and help with the efforts to keep the program competing in the future.”

With their constant vigor, the golf team will continue to improve, and hopefully survive and continue under Baldwin.

from 2014 to 2017. Blassingame ended his career with the gators with a 36-52 record.

The Gators ended last season with a record of 4-24 under Blassingame.

At the end of the season Blassingame resigned due to family troubles. After a short period the search ended with Drake coming out on top.

Green River has a long history of great coaches who have come and gone since the school started in 1966. The Gators won their first championship in 1969 under their first coach Bob Aubert. They later qualified for the final tournament in 2001, 2010, and 2015.

Coach Drake has never coached at the college level, but he does have experience in

head coaching leading Kentlake High school for four years.

Drake is also familiar with Green River as he was an assistant coach under former Gator head coach Tim Malroy.

Drake played for the University of Southern Mississippi where he eventually graduated with a degree in Sports Administration. Now he has successfully completed his master’s degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration.

He brings along two Assistant Coaches Doug Dobkins, and Erroll Garnett who we are gathering more information on. The Gator’s season starts next November under their new Head Coach.

Sydney Lindell | Photographer

Starting pitcher Ikaika Nahaku delivered an impressive performance in his win over Gray Harbor.

Gators Baseball Hope to Build on First Win Gators Win 8-4 over Grays Harbor By: Alec Downing Sports Editor The Gators baseball team picked up their first win of the season on Sunday April 9th with their 8-4 victory over the Chokers of Grays Harbor College.

Green River currently sits 4th in the Western Region at a 1-4 record and head coach Brian Embery, a Green River alumni and member of the Gators 1975 Championship team, was happy to have gotten the first win of the season.

“All we care about is conference play. The first 12 games were a laboratory experiment.

Now it’s real” said Embery. The 12 games he is referring to are the non conference games which do not count in the actual standings and Embery used as an opportunity to try players out at various different positions.

This season the Gators have followed through on their plan of utilizing utility players who can play more than one specific position. This can be complicated but the versatility provided by these types of players can be invaluable and was evident in the win.

On the pitching side Nahaku had a strong outing, allowing 4 runs, only 3 of which were earned, over 7 strong innings. Nahaku walked 3 and struck out four in the outing and was the winning pitcher for the game.

Unlike Gray’s Harbor who chose to have a designated hitter bat in place of their pitcher Green River elected to let their starting pitcher, Ikaika Nahaku bat for himself.

Due to this in addition to his solid outing he was able to help his own cause going 2 for 4 at the plate on Sunday. He was close to being 3 for 4 but a would be double was erased by a baserunning mistake. Nahaku aggressively took second base and in the process missed the first base bag and was called out when the Grays Harbor pitcher threw a pickoff over to first to start the next at bat.

Promptly following this he came back out and pitched a quick inning picking up one of his strikeouts. In his next plate appearance

he singled and would come around to score.

Nahaku’s aggressive baserunning and athleticism would pay off for the Gators in the 6th inning when he picked up two RBIs on a well hit triple.

The other standout player in this game was third baseman Lenny Smith.

Smith went 2 for 4 with double and a walk.

He scored 3 of the teams 8 total runs and played outstanding defense. He had no errors and made several impressive defensive plays.

He was a catalyst for the offense leading off both the 4th and 5th innings with a single and double respectively.

The fact that these two had such big showings in this game is significant, especially to coach Embery. With Smith batting 5th and Nahaku 6th they are key pieces in the lineup and expected to drive in runs and according to coach Embery they are understanding this which is what is allowing the Gators offense to work together so well.

Due to this coach Embery stated his confidence in his offense going forward and see’s the biggest factor in them sustaining the kind of success they had in their victory will be consistency among the pitching staff.

He also mentioned how pitching is helped by sound defense which was on display Sunday and the Gators hope to continue into their next matchups.

Green River Basketball Hires new Head Coach By: Chirstopher Holmes Staff Writer The Green River Men’s Basketball Team has officially completed their search for the new Head Coaching position.

Godfrey Drake has been named the new head coach for the Green River Gator’s men’s basketball team for the 2017-2018 season.

He is will be replacing former head coach Ryan Blassingame, who coached the Gators

Alec Downing | Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

The Gators remaining home games are Apr. 23, Apr. 30, May 7, and May 14 at Heritage Park in Puyallup. All of these dates are double headers with the first games beginning at 1 pm and the second at 4 pm.

New Golf Coach Will Lead Team to New Heights In Final Season By: Thomas Garrett Staff Writer