Issue 03, Volume 50

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The college president has turned way reporters, mayors, and senators.

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Nine stories that strike a common nerve published in the earliest issues of The Current.

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What you expect can turn a bit bitter. Read this on to know the winner.

Rap Battle Gauntlet Thrown: Money Vs. Power

50 Years of The Current: Articles Relevant Then, Relevant Now

Ely Unresponsive Toward Requests for Comments or Interviews

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Nov.12.2015

Ian Lobdell | The Current

50th Year

the student newspaper of green river college

Letters to Ely: President Silent to Criticism Community Compiles List of All Absent Communication On the right is the full letter sent to President Ely from Senator Karen Keiser. The letter was sent on June 23, 2015 and has been met by no known responce from Ely. Below are some other examples of other faild attempts to contact Ely and the Board of Trusties. These and more attempts were all met with little to no responce.

Dear President Ely: I have received numerous complaints from my constituents over the last few months regarding the potential closure of the auto body and carpentry programs at Green River College. While I am sympathetic to the financial problems faced during declining enrollment by all of our community colleges, the controversy swirling around Green River College has been of special concern to me.

In particular, I am alarmed to find that the state’s capital budget provided GRCC with nearly $25 million dollars to construct the new building to house these two programs. Senate staff informs me that more than $21 million has already been spent.

As a member of the Senate Ways& Means Committee, and in my role as the ranking member for the Capital Budget, I am particularly interested in how such a large investment can be proposed and successfully achieved just two years ago when the program enrollment were not meeting expectations.

High skill occupational training programs are always much more expensive to offer than standard college lecture hall classes. Nevertheless the construction apparently proceeded without regard to enrollment. It seems to me that the sudden proposal to eliminate the programs reveals a significant disconnect within your administration.

I understand that consideration is now being given to re-tooling this building to accommodate different occupational programs, including potential airframe and power programs. In that the college has already made significant purchases of equipment, according to one report of up to $250,000 for auto body painting, it would be unfortunate in my view to change course at this late date and invest in yet more high-cost equipment and remodeling of the just completed trades building.

Occupational programs in community colleges generally have advisory committees from the community representing the trades and occupations to ensure that the program is marketed to potential students and aligned with employers. These advisory committees are critical to the success of these high cost programs, especially in times of declining enrollments overall. It is my understanding that no significant marketing efforts by either the college or any advisory committees were undertaken to improve enrollment.

In discussing my concerns with members of your Board of Trustees, I also was surprised to hear that they anticipate a $5 million budget deficit and felt pressure to make program cuts to reduce that budget problem. While enrollment declines and frozen state spending on faculty salaries are a real challenge to all of our community colleges, I have not heard of large looming deficits at other colleges. Thus the predicted plight of the GRCC’s budget is notable. I was also informed that faculty in the programs in question are limited to one cohort of less than twenty students a quarter. I find that an extraordinarily unusual situation.

It is my sincere hope that these administrative issues be addressed and resolved as soon as possible. The strong support for our community colleges across the state rests on a tradition of stable and solid performance and vibrant communications and positive relations with local business, education and union organizations in the community.

I ask that you consider the concerns I’ve expressed and respond with a positive plan for the successful future of the students, faculty and the larger GRCC community. Thank you for your consideration.

Always, Senator Karen Keiser

James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

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3 2015-2016

Administration Closed to Outside Voices

List of People President Ely Refused to Speak to Circulated Among Campus By: James Ristig Campus Editor A list has been released by a group of faculty members of people who have been unable to contact President Eileen Ely, Vice President of Instruction Derek Brandes, and the members of the Board of Trustees.

Compiled mostly by Math Instructor Steve Kinholt, the list contains a total of 24 attempts to contact Ely. He began creating the list when many faculty and staff were getting no response from the administration. He said all the names on the list have been contacted, and their information was verified before adding it to the list.

Kinholt tried to contact Brandes himself, but got little to no response. “You just send an email and get nothing,” Kinholt said.

When the faculty requested Ely’s performance evaluation from the Board of Trustees, Kinholt said they were denied because the evaluation was not considered by the administration to be public record.

However, the attorney general’s office ruled Ely’s performance evaluation to be public record.

One of the challenges in making the list was the fear of retaliation.

Kinholt said most full-time faculty

are protected by tenure. After a recent board meeting where the faculty presented a vote of no confidence in the president, a dean approached Kinholt and said the deans of Green River are siding with the faculty. Kinholt said the deans are afraid to voice their support because it could jeopardize their jobs. All the research for the list of 24 was done off campus so as to avoid the insinuation that it may have been done during work hours.

Kinholt said Green River has a toxic work environment that is affecting the way people teach. It has gotten so bad, Kinholt said he would take sick days just to avoid how toxic the environment has gotten and how under-appreciated the faculty feel.

“The administration treats the faculty like they’re the problem,” Kinholt said.

The faculty also feel as if they are being shut out. “It’s all about communication,” Kinholt said. “(The members of administration) think it’s communicating by telling us what happened. They make these decisions and call it ‘participatory governance.’”

It is not just the faculty who are being ignored. When the college changed the name to Green River College, Ross Coyle, a journalist for

the Kent Reporter, asked Ely for an interview. He was denied and told to speak with Allison Friedly, executive director of college relations.

In the story about the college’s name change, Coyle said, “Green River President Eileen Ely did not return phone calls for comment on the name change, instead deferring questions to new communications director Allison Friedly.”

“A leader of an institution should be able to talk to any media,” said Kinholt.

The mayor of Auburn, Nancy Backus, is also on the list. She sent a letter to Ely with concerns over the program cuts. According to the list, Backus offered to give suggestions for “earnest collaboration with faculty, classified staff, students, Board and community.”

“The comments were not met

with enthusiasm, so we will not be submitting any other suggestions to Green River College in this matter,” Backus said according to the list.

Washington State Senator of the 33rd Legislative District Karen Keiser is included in the list. Keiser sent a letter of concern to Ely’s office with a copy sent to the Board of Trustees, but received no response from either party.

Rick Manugian, communications specialist for Keiser, provided the letter she sent to Ely and the Board of Trustees. According to the letter, Keiser received numerous complaints from her constituents about the closure of the auto body and carpentry programs.

“In particular, I am alarmed to find that the state’s capital budget provided GRCC with nearly $25 million to construct the new build-

ing to house these two programs,” Keiser said in the letter.

Keiser is an assistant ranking member for the Capital Budget of the Senate Ways and Means Committee which oversees the state’s capital budget. According to the letter, up to $250,000 was used for auto body painting. She said in the letter, it is unfortunate that the college needs to invest even more money to remodel the buildings that were originally going to be used for other programs.

The Board of Trustees reported to Keiser that they anticipated a $5 million budget deficit. According to the letter, this helped pressure the college to make the cuts.

“While enrollment declines and frozen state spending on faculty salaries are a real challenge to all of our community colleges, I have not heard of a large looming deficits at other colleges,” Keiser said.

Manugian said Keiser has not received a response from Ely and she “remains deeply concerned with this issue and disturbed by the president’s failure to respond.”

At the Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 18, the faculty plan on presenting a vote of no confidence in the board of trustees.

Friedly and Ely could not be reached for comment.

Print Shop Scaled Down Following Budget Cuts By: Skip Lammon Staff Writer (Editor’s Note: The Current in its last issue incorrectly reported the print shop was closing down and moving to Enumclaw. The Current apologizes for the inaccuracies of the previous story run on Oct. 28, 2015. This is our correction.)

The print shop has scaled back its operations.

Dolly Green, the former manager of the print shop, said: “In May the decision was made to eliminate the two offset printing presses. June 15 was the last day we printed.”

Green said she had been informed by Marketing and Communications Manager Catherine Ushka that “though the two presses are going away, your job is safe.”

She was also informed at that time that she would be meeting with the human resources department to go over the changes to the print shop.

“Before the HR meeting, I had went and got a few quotes to share at the meeting,” Green said. “But it was like their mind was already made up, and they wouldn’t even look at what I brought?”

It was at that time she was inmechanically printed documents, letterhead materials such as enveformed of a substantial reduction lopes, business cards, flyers, and in pay, and the loss of her managposters. Green said the operation er’s position, in lieu of the scaled has now been reduced to a large back operation.

The print shop at times ran seven copy shop. Moreover, the administration imposed a limit of 500 days a week, without the concern black and white or 250 color copies for extra expenses during the weekfor for printing. All end hours. other printing is now “The “I think there are beginning being outsourced off campus. of the quara lot of transitions The sharpness and ters, things in education, on all clarity the offset press can get offers “just can’t be pretty crazy levels, throughout our matched digitally,” around nation right now.”

Green said. here,” - Catherine Ushka, Marketing Green said eliminatGreen said. and Communications Manager ing in-house printing The print appears to be a bit of a shop is a trend: “Both Highline and Bellevue completely self-supportive entity, Community Colleges, along with with the majority of money for the big King County print shop, supplies and equipment coming have all stopped printing. Even from the individual department’s Multicare is shutting down their allocated printing budgets. print shop at the end of the year.”

The print shop purchased a plate Ushka said the primary factor machine a year ago for $28,000, makeing offset printing much more contributing to the deletion of the two offset presses was that it is efficient. “Now we have to surplus “more cost effective for people to go that too, because we don’t print off-campus for offset printing than anything anymore,” Green said. it is to do it in-house.”

Offset presses are used for all

Ian Lobdell | The Current

The last remaining printers in the print shop are all digital after the surplussing of the large lithograph machines.

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James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Campus Crime Blotter

Campus Safety responded to the following incidents from October 22 to November 2 among others. All information is from Campus Safety incident reports.

10/22 8:45 p.m.

Kent Campus Altercation

Campus Safety at the Kent campus was called by an employee at the front desk. The employee observed two students arguing with each other.

He believed the two were husband and wife. The man left the Kent campus, and the woman along with her daughter waited for a ride home. The safety officer was not able to learn what happened, only that the family was students. The two were escorted to the parking lot where a car picked them up and drove away.

10/29 11:10 a.m.

Student Housing Informational

Campus Safety received a call from the Campus Corner Apartments that a maintenance worker had located a dangerous weapon in one of the rooms. Safety officers entered the room and found a full-sized sword behind the door to the suspect’s bedroom. Campus Safety took possession of the sword until the owner could be notified.

10/29 9:50 p.m.

Parking Lot Informational

While on patrol, a safety officer was approached by a student. The suspect followed the safety officer, and made her feel uncomfortable. The suspect said he was going to a party, and he would be “drinking heavily,” and that he would see her tomorrow. Afterwards, the suspect tried to get the safety officer to tell him personal information about herself, such as when she worked. He continued to follow her and eventually asked her if she would go to the party with him.

11/1 12:47 p.m.

Holman Library Informational

While letting a student into a classroom in the Holman Library, another student approached a safety officer with a complaint. The student was concerned about the unsanitary condition of the men’s restroom. The safety officer entered the restroom and noticed the large amount of fecal matter strewn about. A sink was filled with fecal matter and it covered the faucet. There was a trail of fecal matter on the floor leading from the farthest stall to the door. The door and the inside of the stall were also covered in more fecal matter.

The safety officer called in for someone to clean up the mess, but no janitorial staff were available on campus. The restroom was closed.

11/2 4 p.m.

Trades Building Auto Break-In

After lunch, a safety officer heard screaming coming from a car in the parking lot of the trades building. The safety officer approached the car and noticed a woman inside. She was concious but not responding to the safety officer. The Auburn Police Department was notified and soon arrived. Police officers used a slim jim to open the locked car.

There was no signs of forced entry and police attempted to remove the woman from the car. Once she was out of the car she became aggressive and exposed herself to the officers. Paramedics were called and she was taken to the hospital.

GRC Through the Years Interviews from Green River’s Past By: Valory Lovejoy Staff Writer Green River has come a long way since it first opened in 1965.

“Well I think I’d build a college closer to home” was the idea that started Green River by Hayes Holman when he and other students dreamed about building colleges of their own,” said John Holman, Hayes Holman’s son. Known as the “Father of Green River,” Holman was the Superintendent of the Auburn school district. Holman was the first in his family to earn a college degree, but during that time he had to commute quite a distance from the small rural cotton farming community he was raised in.

“There was a law that said you cannot have a community college in any county that has a four-year institution, and that we changed very quickly because it was obvious the need was there and you couldn’t deny that need,” said Daniel J. Evans, the former Washington State Governor.

The 1967 Community College Act passed creating the Community College system. Before this Act there were only junior colleges that offered the two years of higher education, which now is an associate or AA degree.

“Higher education was only really for the relatively few,” Evens said.

“The ending of World War II brought advancements and was the time when the babies of the baby boom were introduced to colleges in their high school years,” Evens said. This brought up a few dilemmas of how to build the facilities, how would they be most efficient, how to make them serve the audience, and really fit the landscape.

“Bud Aehle was to be the first architect of the Green River buildings. He insisted that they save as many trees as possible,” said John Holman.

“Several Buildings got moved be-

cause of big trees,” said Ray NeedThat was the big fear and during ham, former dean of institution. certain times of the 60’s, so in Green River has grown so much the early 60’s when Green River since the beginning days. When started you could have a student Marvin Nelson, former physics facdeferment,” said Marcia Maurer, an ulty, was in his interview, he said, administrative assistant.

“It had been raining and there were Congress declared if you are gono sidewalks-you walked planks ing to college and taking 15 credits, from one building to another.” you can stay in school rather than When Green River first opened, fight in the war. This moment in it was not only known for the time was hopeful for Green River landscape, but the way the faculty and the students. presented themselves and what Some good came out of this they did to welcome the students event. A mother took her son’s into the comlife insurance munity. Not and “Hayes Holman was an environ- money only that, but donated it to the friendliness mentalist. When he developed this the scholarship campus, he visualized a plethora of of the faculty fund. different varieties of plants.” was seen as “For so many the power of - Rich Rutkowki, the Green River of us, the coleducation. lege experience President from 1983 to 2010 “I can reis beyond the member the classroom and academic advising days in the Lind- a lot of it’s just in the interactions bloom Center where every faculty and that builds the strength of this member sat at his or her table and institution,” said John Holman. all the advisees would come in and Today Green River has changed talk and that was what Green River in many ways. Most ways you was all about,” said Michael Willis, can see, such as more classes and Alumnus former staff. job opportunities, and even the The Holman Library wasn’t just newer buildings being built by the the library when Green River first Holman Library. Green River has opened. It held the administration come a long way from the 1967 and business offices, classrooms, Community College Act allowing the bookstore with a cafeteria, and community colleges to thrive in the it became the center of all activities same counties as four-year univeron campus. sities and forming the Community Nelson also said, “What amazes College system. me is the extent to which education Holman and Lindbloom set the has changed…The experiences like bars high with high hopes for this advising days that inspire you so college they built a foundation that you know what you have done for. The structure that was set up is maybe a little bit right?” opened opportunities for many Lindbloom said the most importstudents and still helping students ant thing they did was the close get a higher education today. association with the Green River For a more in-depth history of students and student advising with the college, watch the video special the faculty. produced to honor Green River’s Green River wasn’t always in good 50th anniversary which tells some terms. The Vietnam War was a big of the history of the college. The event and an effect on the students. video is posted online and can be “Certainly there was a threat to found at the Green River College students of that age being drafted.

50th Anniversary website.

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James Ristig | Campus Editor campus@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

5 2015-2016

KGRG’s Fall Pledge Drive Raises Funds By: Haley Flem and Alina Moss Staff Writer and Managing Editor

KGRG and KGRG1 are two student run radio stations hosted on Green River campus. With multiple classes and certification programs offered in broadcasting, this program is very valuable to the GRC community for those interested in radio.

The KGRG programs provides students with the opportunity to launch into a world of broadcasting. In the past month, the station has had five people launch into the professional radio world. Jean-Pierre Garcia, the production director and an on-air personality for KGRG said: “Although this isn’t new (for the program), it has been a big jump in numbers. At other colleges you would be lucky to get an internship.”

Garcia is also one of the KGRG DJs to be hired into the professional world of radio.

He is part of the street team and an on air personality at Entercom Seattle.

The radio journalism classes teach the students every aspect of the radio world with hands on learning. Both radio stations are both completely run by students as they learn the art of radio. Garcia said that what he has learned from KGRG is directly applicable to his new job.

The students who run these stations have a genuine passion for radio and broadcasting.

The advisor of the radio station, Tom Krause, said they have caught the “radio bug.”

These journalism classes surrounding the radio station are open to any Green River student. The beginning classes have have no prerequisite and can potentially fulfill a humanities or fine arts requirements.

Students in the class expand their knowledge of radio as they gain experience as an on-air personality. At the same time, they are providing the Kent and Auburn Valley community with today’s rock and today’s classic alternative. Anyone in the area can tune in to KGRG at 89.9 F.M. for today’s rock or KGRG1 at 1330 A.M. for today’s classic alternative. KGRG can also be found on iHeart radio, and KGRG1 is streamed on KGRG1.com.

In addition to providing music to their listeners, the KGRG programs also support local and school sports, music, and DJs. This is a great program, and, although the station does have budgeted funding from the school, they need all the help they can get. It costs roughly $120,000 per year to run KGRG on campus, and the school budget only covers approximately 60 percent of their cost. To raise the rest of the needed funds, KGRG has

Spring Pledge Drive Kicks off Friday May 1st Keep us broadcasting.

Help support

with your donations

we > Me

The station is shooting for a collection of at least $5,000. To help encourage the students of KGRG to try their hardest to reach that goal, Krause has made a deal with them. If they raise $5,000, he is offering to get a tattoo on his tattoo-free body. To help the radio students reach their goal and get Krause his first tattoo, be sure to donate during Fall Pledge Drive.

Krause also made the students a secondary level offer, if they reach $3,000 by their deadline he will go out in the middle of the commons and let them do as they please with his hair. Whether that be shave it all off, dye it, mohawk it, his hair is theirs to do with as they please. He also agreed to let them broadcast it live. Don’t miss the chance to see this on campus, be sure to donate to Green River’s very own student radio station.

All proceeds from the Pledge Drive goes towards operating costs, advertising for the station, and keeping the equipment up to date. Most importantly, the goal for this fundraising is to be able to continue to hold their radio classes—to make it possible for Green River students to participate in airing the campus radio station.

Corbin White, the assistant program director of KGRG1 said that he chose Green River specifically for the radio journalism programs. KGRG is beneficial to both the listeners and the students. Support the local DJs to keep them on-air at Green River College.

12912 SE Kent Kangley Rd NW Corner of Lake Meridian Market Place Shopping Center - Behind Shari’s -

offering 45 undergraduate and graduate degrees!

Visit us online: www.uwb.edu/admissions/transfer

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two pledge drives every school year.

The 2015 Fall Pledge Drive started on November 3 and will continue until the 15. The fundraiser will be hosted online, on air, and in the commons during school days. Anyone can donate to the program and recieve various prizes such as honey sticks, stickers, T-shirts, baseball caps, and USB lanyards.

On various days there will also be popcorn, cotton candy, video game tournaments, and other exciting, fund raising activities. For more information concerning upcoming events, visit KGRG.com.

This allows them to be a listener-supported, student-run radio because the station can’t function without the support of their listeners.

There are various ways to participate in the KGRG Pledge Drive. One option is to call in to the radio station at 253-833-5004 and talk to one of the voices of KGRG to donate.

Another option is to visit the booths set up in the Student Affairs building or in the Commons area run during school by the KGRG staff. You can also donate online at KGRG. com. Although the pledge drive is only for a short amount of time, donations are accepted all year long online.

425.352.5000

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Since

The Current has been publishin school, The Current has been wr The stories you see all over this that can be found throughout the significance to the college and its As the college’s newspaper, it ha major events happening on camp maybe a new class being offered.

Every student deserves to know and The Current has provided th Our newspaper has changed th during the Vietnam War era, stra grittiness of the ’90s. Still, each is students and staff on campus nee It has not always been easy, and Current still remains on campus On the college’s 50th anniversar The Current from the past. They Take in some of the effort stude goofy, and the reporters have not holding in your hands a little pie for reading for all these years.

urrent the student newspaper of green river college

e1965

ng for 50 years as of this fall. Since the first day of iting about the news and culture of this campus. s page were selected to highlight common themes e history of Green River College. Each story has a s student newspaper. as been the duty of our reporters to write about pus. Most of the time, it’s either a new building or . w what their college is like outside of the classroom, hat information to the students for 50 years now. hroughout the years, through the social protests aying toward the introspection of the ’70s, to the ssue came out and tried to report something the ed to know or should at least think about. d papers sometimes struggle to come out, but The to this day. ry, we encourage everyone to look at the issues of are easily accessible through the library website. ents put into this paper. Some of the stories can be t always adhered to a strict journalistic style. You’re ece of the college’s history. Enjoy it, and thank you

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Langston Thomas | A&E Editor a&e@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Xiaoszhen She Captures Life Through His Art

Xiaozhen She’s “Fast food” (above), is a 12x16 oil on panel still-life painting.

By: Jordyn Wilson Satt Writer Green River student Xiaozhen She explores the beauty of art by taking classes, attending workshops, and drawing inspiration from esteemed artists.

Xiaozhen She, 22, has been interested in art since a very young age. For the last two years, he’s been taking beginning and intermediate levels of both drawing and painting classes at Green River.

He generally paints with oil, but uses charcoal and other mediums from time to time Xiaozhen She is originally from China, and he currently resides with a host family in Auburn. The mother of the family, Patty Arnold, is also an artist. “I’ve seen a lot of her work since I’ve come here, and I really liked it,” said She. “She encouraged me to do drawing and painting.” Arnold has been an inspiration and made a great impact on She as he continues to practice what he loves.

Born in the city of Shantou, he moved to Singapore to complete elementary school and junior high.

His goal in coming to America was to experience different cultures and to find a new way of viewing the world. According to him, he has achieved this goal.

One of She’s favorite artists is Richard Schmid. He enjoys how Schmid paints from life. He teaches himself under the influence of Schmid’s American Contemporary Figurative style of painting. He practices oil painting with a specific method called the Alla Prima. This method requires a “wet-on-wet” painting style. “This is what artists did many years ago. With this method, you need to paint quick.

This requires a lot of energy. This result allows you to capture the freshness of any still-life,” said She. Xiaozhen She believes that a

well-trained artist can capture the beauty of a scene or subject much better than a camera could.

“Human eyes catch a lot more detail than cameras,” said She. He paints with the theory that once you are able to determine what you will create, you can look for certain details and peculiarities within the visual layout. Schmid believed that the purpose of art is to capture what a human eye actually sees.

Xiaozhen She follows this belief entirely and aims to do just this.

One of his favorite inspirations to paint from is life.

Recently, She attended a oneday-workshop in California with figurative painter Jeremy Lipking.

“I consider him one of the best contemporary artists here in America right now. I really enjoy his work,” said She. “During his workshop, he did a few hours of demo and later on he had an informational section. The experience was very amazing and inspiring.”

His explanation of art is really a speechless outlook. He believes that no one will understand the joy of painting unless they try it themselves. He finds art such an indescribable experience.

Xiaozhen She has very high expectations for his own future. He hopes to take any chances possible to be able to study under his idol, Richard Schmid. “He is, to me and to the world, a teacher and artist of representational art,” said She. He also hopes to transfer to a four-year university. He is unsure of the exact university he wishes to attend, but he is certain that art will be the main focus of his schooling.

She is extremely thankful for the opportunity to be able to paint freely and express his ideas and opinions through art. He especially appreciates the role of his professor Melissa Bartlett, who offers him help and guidance through his artistic journey.

Xiaozhen She’s “Portrait of Sasha” (left) is a 16x20 oil on linen panel painting.

“Like art itself, (the) career of an artist often times is not conventional,” She said. “I have seen selftaught artists achieve more success than artists with an MFA (Master of Fine Arts Degree).” Although the stereotype about artists having a low income may be true for some, there are many artists that are able to support a family by selling their work. These successful artists have generally had many years of training and practice.

Some advice that She has for newer artists is: “First, master your principle through continuous learning and practicing. Secondly, get (yourself) and your artwork exposed to the public as much as possible by any legal means.”

Xiaozhen She encourages young up-and-coming artists to get their work out to the public. He believes the best way to do this is through social media.

To see She’s artwork, follow him on his Facebook page. Simply “like” the page “Xiaozhen She” to find images of his work.

“Teacup and other stuff” (left) is a 16x20 oil on panel still-life painting of a tea and fruit table scene by Xiaozhen She.

a&e 50th Anniversary Faculty Art Exhibition Concert Langston Thomas | A&E Editor a&e@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

By: Langston Thomas A&E Editor

2015 marks the 50th year of Green River College’s existence.

Therefore, it is only fitting that we honor the people who help make our school an enjoyable learning institution.

The Helen S. Smith Gallery is helping do just that with its mixed media Faculty Art Exhibition which opened Sept. 21, and will be running through Nov. 12.

The gallery, directed by Fine Arts faculty member Paul Metivier (whose own works are on display in the exhibition as well), holds a faculty art exhibition every two years. On display this year are paintings, drawings, photographs and ceramics made by current and past instructors.

“I think the exhibit is very strong and shows the depth of the creative talent with our faculty,” said Cindy Small, an Art Instructor here at GRC whose oil paintings occupy a good amount of space on the gallery’s north wall.

Small shared her bittersweet feelings about Green River’s 50th anniversary. “It is difficult to celebrate when the college is going through such a particularly tough time,” she said.

Although many faculty members have mixed feelings about the 50th year celebration and the art exhibition, it seems to have been positively received by students.

“I feel honored to be a part of this exhibition.” said Jessica Black, a Fine Arts faculty member. “The students are always impressed by the faculty work,” she said.

Beck paints and draws under the name Jessica Damsky and has a

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few pieces on display in this year’s exhibition.

They include “Stigmata,” an oil, watercolor and 24-karate gold leaf painting, and two paintings titled “Defenses” and “Crown” that hang next to each other on the gallery’s south wall.

Beck feels that the exhibition is amazing: “I love the chance to see what my colleagues are up to in the studio.” She went on to comment on the diversity of the art on display.

Each and every work on display in the exhibition is unique. From ceramic faces to abstract paintings and a statue made out of tree branches, it’s definitely something worth seeing.

The gallery regularly features prominent artists from the Pacific Northwest and is located in the Holman Library Building on the opposite side of the lobby of the Library’s entrance. It’s open almost every week, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Alina Moss | The Current

Paul Metivier’s terracotta sculpture, “Artistic likeness I” (above), hangs with others like it on the Gallery’s north wall. “Maples, June” (below) by Kathleen Frugé-Brown is an oil on canvas painting that depicts a nature scene.

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Participating Faculty Members:

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Retired Art Faculty: Bernie Bleha - Color Design & Drawing Ed Brannan - Ceramics Bob Short - Drawing & Painting Rex Waldron - Drawing & Painting Margret Von Wrangel - Ceramics

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Current Art Faculty: Melissa Bartlett - Painting Jessica Beck (Damsky) - Drawing & Painting Sarah Dillon-Gilmartin - Design Brad Dinsmore - Drawing Kathleen Frugé-Brown - Design Matt Johnson - Drawing & Painting Gustavo Martinez - Ceramics Paul Metivier - Ceramics Patrick Navin - Photography Gary Oliviera - Photography Cindy Small - Drawing

Nov Alina Moss | The Current

BANKS Drops First Single of 2015 “Better” By: Langston Thomas A&E Editor

Only a day after she set off on The Weeknd’s Beauty Behind the Madness Tour, Jillian Rose Banks, better known by her stage name BANKS, released her first single since 2014.

On Nov. 4, 2015 BANKS released her new single, titled “Better,” on the international label Harvest Records. The same label on which her first album “Goddess” was release.

The song is nothing short of amazing. Produced by Peder Losnegård, known better as Lido, it’s mainly comprised of piano and percussion. BANKS sings, “I can love you better than she can,” over her own looped and pitched down a cappella. It might be worth mentioning that this vocal combination is reminiscent of her song “Waiting Game.”

The track layers and builds to an

emotional climax that trails off into a soft organ outro.

The video that goes along with the release shows BANKS covered in gold body paint, singing in a dark room. The video transitions back and forth between BANKS and a nude dancer gracefully moving across the floor.

BANKS, who released her Freshman LP in September of last year, has artistically grown from her success and has been been fortunate enough to work with artists like Shlohmo, Snakehips, and the aforementioned Lido.

Other than producing for BANKS’ new single, Lido also released a remix of her song “Drowning” over a year ago.

The single was debuted in a recent interview with Zane Lowe in which BANKS revealed that she’ll be releasing an album “early, early next year.”

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Nov

20

The Menzingers

mewithoutYou, Pianos Become The Teeth, Restorations

@ Neumos Doors: 8 p.m. $20 KGRG 98.9 Presents: LIKE A STORM, Stitched Up Heart, Failure Anthem + Guests

@ Studio Seven Doors: 6 p.m. $15

Everclear

Hydra Melody, Smooch Knob

@ El Corazon Doors: 7 p.m. $30

MISFITS

She Demons, Avoid the Void, Beneath the Spinlight, Says the Snake

@ Showbox SoDo Doors: 6 p.m. $33

LIL JON

DJ HYPERFUNK, SHARPS

@ Aston Manor Doors: 9 p.m. $36

Chance The Rapper Dram, Towkio, Metro Boomin

@ Paramount Theatre Doors: 6 p.m. $50

Robert Delong Coleman Hell

@ The Showbox Doors: 7:30 p.m. $20

AIDEN

Nov

21

Nov

24

*

Ashestoangels, Old Wounds, Monsters Scare You!, Avoid the Void

@ El Corazon Doors: 7 p.m. $18 - 20 RAC LIVE + BIG DATA Karl Kling, Filous

@ Showbox SoDo Doors: 7 p.m. $25

KGRG 89.9 FM will be giving away tickets for the marked show(s). Find out more at www.kgrg.com.

opinion

thecurrent

10

2015-2016

Kartik Sarda | Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

President Incommunicado

Editorial

President Eileen Ely has refused to respond to complaints about her methods of running the Green River College campus. The faculty are unhappy, and their voices are not being heard by the administration.

A list of 24 attempts by faculty, government officials, and others to contact Ely has been compiled, and the stack keeps growing.

We at The Current have had our own attempts to meet with Ely shut down at every attempt. It has been a running goal to get an interview with the president, but we have been met with either no response or just flat-out denied.

Ely has stood outside of our office while visiting the aviation department’s flight simulators. Ian Lobdell, our current editor-in-chief, confronted her in an attempt to get an interview and answer the many questions about her policies.

She refused Lobdell and left without a word, ignoring his attempts to talk with her as she walked back to her office.

Our first attempts since the last school year to interview Ely were made through email. We emailed her directly three times. With each attempt to contact her, we were met with a different response.

With the first attempt, we received no response. The second time we were refused on the grounds that she did not have time. For the third attempt, we were directed to Allison Friedly, executive director of college relations. This was similar to the experience of Ross Coyle, a journalist for the Kent Reporter.

Friedly is the face and the voice of the college. In The Current’s attempts to get an interview with Ely, one of the administration’s conditions is letting them vet and review any proposed questions with the

potential of rejection. Even before the interview is considered, a review process is required, the ethics of which are a gray area. With this policy in place, it gives Ely the power to stifle any and all bad press and kill any questions she does not have a good answer to.

How are we to hold an administration accountable if they will not comment on or acknowledge any concerns put forth?

Because Ely wanted questions in advance, The Current on ethical grounds declined the interview.

Multiple times, Lobdell has visited Ely’s office in futile attempts to get a quick quote from her. Often times, she is out of her office while other times she has refused and pointed Lobdell in the direction of Friedly’s office to set up an interview in the future.

For some reason, Ely refuses to even speak to any form of media, not just the school newspaper. When Coyle attempted to contact Ely after the college changed its name, he was refused. After that refusal he redirected his attention to Carmen Schmitz, the executive secretary to the president. She referred Coyle to Friedly; however, he wished to speak to Ely and get an official statement from her.

Schmitz said in an e-mail to Friedly that Coyle’s attempts to talk to Ely were a problem. Schmitz ended that email, “Allison, let’s meet to discuss your next steps.”

It could be that Ely has possibly been misquoted during a previous incident and does not wish to be embarrassed or traumatized again. Still, her constant refusal to talk is becoming a problem for the college as a whole.

The faculty feel miserable while working here. A culture of mistrust and paranoia has grown from the administration’s refusal to discuss business with the faculty. Because the faculty are not getting a response to their complaints or concerns, Steve Kinholt, a math instructor, and Michael Tuncap, director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, have shown concern that certain employees’ offices on campus may be bugged. There is no documented proof that these accusations are true, but it is an example of the distrust that has infected our campus.

During Board of Trustees meetings, Ely has become more and more withdrawn.

It feels as if she is becoming disconnected from the college community and unwilling to interact with any group of people.

Considering Mel Lindbloom and Rich Rutkowski, two past Green River presidents who provided interviews with The Current many times throughout their terms, Ely is much less vocal to her staff and students. She’s only been here a short four years, but has talked with The Current only once for the interview she provided when she first began her term.

It is crucial to the college’s survival that the one meant to be leading us into a successful future communicates with the people surrounding her. Through lack of communication, she has become isolated from the realities of this campus and its environment. She needs to be more transparent with her staff and students, or they will continue to leave in droves.

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

The Journey of the Special Night: Halloween Then and Now By: Sydney Taylor Staff Writer Imagine yourself walking down the streets in your local neighborhood when you were a young, frightened kid. The lonely street lamps acted as your sole companions, illuminating your path.

You may normally become scared, but this night was special. It had some sort of energy in it. You were excited, going from house to house with the anticipation of grabbing all the candies your little hands could carry. This is the picture that a holiday Halloween has painted only recently; but it dates long

Editorial Policy

back, with only a glimpse of it remaining now. It surely has changed, for the better or the worse.

Over the years the holiday Halloween has become noticeably different, varying from the types of candies being handed out for kids all around, to the costumes they wear each year. Halloween seems to be one of the few holidays that has progressed through each and every generation. Costumes seem to go with the trends of whatever remains popular during that year and becomes a child’s fantasy during the event. This wasn’t the case all the time. Way back when Halloween was the celebration of

The Current is a public forum for student expression. Student editors make all content decisions without censorship or advanced approval. The opinions of these stories are those of the writers and the writers alone. If you have an opposing viewpiont feel free to write The Current a Letter to the Editor.

the dead and deceased, kids took joy in dressing up as the scariest fiend they could think of: ghosts, witches, warlocks, and what not.

They didn’t have the option of picking from multiple Disney characters or strange superheroes, like the children have today. To my belief it has changed and evolved dramatically.

Halloween was originally “thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts.” According to the website www.dayofthedeadsf.com, it was also a tradition during festiv-

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ities that “poor citizens would beg for food, and families would give them pastries called ‘soul cakes’ in return for their promise to pray for the family’s dead relatives.”

It has definitely progressed from those days. Somehow, it has grown from worshiping the dead to celebrating small children parading around in every neighborhood, mainly dressed up as weird, out of this world movie characters that they cherish.

(Read the full story on: www.thegrcurrent.com)

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Letters to the Editor

thestaff

Ian Lobdell Editor-in-Chief Ads Manager 253-833-9111 x2376 Alina Moss Managing Editor 253-833-9111 x2377

James Ristig Campus Editor

Langston Thomas A&E Editor

Kartik Sarda Opinion Editor

Haley Flem Sports Editor

Logan Hoerth Copy Editor

Staff Writers: Valory Lovejoy, Nick Entsminger, Skip Lammon, D’marye Dedrick, Sydney Taylor, Jordyn Wilson, Sylvia Jones, Savannah Snyder, Wyatt Philpot Photographers: Ian Lobdell and Alina Moss

Corrections In Students Say Black Lives Matter on page 3, Victoria Pacho is not a peer navigator.

The headline for the editorial on page 9 was incorrect.

In Student Government: Brimming Pot of Comrades on page 9, student senate was mistaken for tenure committee causing confusion with the story. A quote was misattributed to Ibrahim. For more information contact student government.

If you find an error in our facts or simply a name spelled wrong, please contact us at: - editor@thegrcurrent.com - 253-288-3457 - or come to our office in OEB 17

Join The Current!

Take JOURN 100.1 Or stop by OEB 17 Reporting Writing Video Photography

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.

opinion

thecurrent

Kartik Sarda | Opinion Editor opinion@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

$ $

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11

2015-2016

The Rap Battle What is more important? Money or Power?

It is a debate that has been itching the minds of a lot of thinkers - Is Power more important or Money? While the debates are always enticing, let’s see what happened when both Power and Money actually met in person.

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By: Kartik Sarda Opinion Editor

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In this world of greed my friend, I am the king, and you are my hand.

You are the dirty force behind all crimes, as you make greed sing your rhymes.

You accuse me of wrong sins, while people hungry for you turn into fiends. I am the one who runs trade and commerce, and also the one who fills the coffers.

You are just a replacement for the grains and food, while your brother Barter was proved nothing but a fool. I am the ultimate goal of humanity, people wanting me can go mad in insanity.

Look at the development due to globalization. I am the holy wealth that rules all nations.

Not a single thing can run without me.

That is why people say that ‘Time is Money.’ Look back and you will see a world of horror. Then come I to raise its honor. Gold and silver, and all the spices; not only that, but also cotton and linen. I am the reason for your very existence. The first step to Power is to curb the expenses.

Yes, you are right in saying what you said, but what do people want even after their death? I am the Batman that the world respects, while you are Bruce Wayne whom most will reject. I am the fire behind all politics, while you corrupt the liars with your fake frolics. You are material, and I am a flow. That’s the difference that makes me glow. You talk about reigning the world on its throne. Look back in time, and you’ll see what I already own. Humans are just one species that you prey, but did you ever have a glance at the food chains? What good are you in the times of terror? All that people want is food and shelter.

VS.

Oh, did you say something? I’m so sorry, I wasn’t listening. Let me make a guess, dear Mr. Boaster. Oh, I think you said something about shelter. Poor boy, you in need of one?

Whatever you want, I can buy you a ton. You may be Power, but I hold you. Remember the financial crisis, as the world turned blue? You are nothing but a mere force. I guess your price is cheaper than nut bolts.

I am the one who gives a value to everything. What else is left? I surely am the king.

You live in illusions, in a world of your own. I am nuclear fusion, and a science that is old. People use you to buy goods that end in me. I am their satisfaction, and I can come for free. Those who hold me have their names written in history books. I make them immortal, while you are all about the looks. Power is all they want, Power is all they need. Once they have me, what use are thee?

Invincible are those, the people I support. Any price you pose, they can all resort.

Mere words and with no proofs. Is that all you have you goof? They call my name as you burn in flames. Have some shame and think what you claim. I am rich; I am a deity. People name Gods after me, you pity.

Give them a choice - Obama or Bill Gates. They’ll choose the latter, as I am with his fates. I am the one who influences all lives. Who are you to point me with your knives?

Don’t talk about Gods named after you. They are known for Power, like the lightening of the Zeus. Your bestows can run out in a second, but my blessings can turn people into legends. Those who seek me

are heroes of the Lords. Have you forgotten Achilles and his sword?

I am the final achievement of a human, while you are just a prerequisite for the cruel. I am mercy, but also raging Fire. I am the sky, and no one is higher. You are puny, used and exchanged. I am the Ruler, who conquers when enraged...

very true in calling me a need. That is what makes me the one people seek. I am their opportunity to reach a little higher. It is me who they praise, as well as admire. I am the support that the world stands on, while you only exist in a time that is gone. You call yourself a colossal almighty. I’d rather say you’re cheaper than a Nike.

Enough! I am done with your lies. You just bluff with no shame in your eyes.

Where do you go when draughts hit the poor? The place where you hide is dirty as a sewer. I help the needy to live a happy life, while you support those who are drunk in wine. You are no good to any population; but without me there will be no ration. How can one manage the world without me? I am the language that helps buying and selling.

Name a single person whose mind cannot be tamed; with an offer to his wish he will feel no shame. That is how I have the world clenched in fists. If you want a glimpse, I can show you a gist.

If you still do pride in your currency, you can’t get lower than one snake’s belly. Open your eyes, for the sake of the world.

You are the one who takes the curses that they hurl. I am the wrath that is everyone’s dream. They look towards me for raising their self-esteem. You are a mere liar; a bluff that just rots.

I am a fire, with a rage that is strong.

You can be spent, and used up for trash. Have some of me, and no use of silverware. Let me ask you, this one final question. Are they ever happy, the ones in your possession? Can you give the joy that the humans always seek, without their minds being spoiled like the reek? If you still think that you hold all the reigns, then why am I the one that gives their life serene?

Your avarice is what you pride. How can you even call this a fight. You are the ugly scum on my toe. It’s a shame to even call you a foe. Yes, I support only the ones that are strong. But they are the ones who serve me all along. I am the goal they aim for in their lives, while you are mere paper, over which they may thrive.

I am the boss that rules all the rich.

Whom would you be, the God or the King? Yes, they seek you, but to have a bit of me. That’s just a proof of you being the weak. Money is a need, but Power is a reward. It’s the only truth. Did that hit you hard?

Sure I am the one that is counted on paper, but what about the riches that make the people shiver? You are

I just... I am speechless, and surely very humbled. I guess you are right; you made my mind rumble. I have no answers to the questions that you asked. I am like a drop in your ocean that is vast. Of course, you are true in saying that I spoil, however the one that most will rejoice. I believe I can buy all that they want. But I do admit, it is you who is their haunt.

It is a picture that your mind should not shade. But I think I can call you a comrade. You are a utility, and surely very important. And by saying that, I am not being any mordant. I am the final goal, but you are the first step. That’s how it has always been, and you know all the rest.

12 2015-2016

sports

thecurrent

Haley Flem | Sports Editor sports@thegrcurrent.com www.thegrcurrent.com

Basketball Prepares for Upcoming Season By: D’Marye Dedrick Staff Writer

Cross-Country Team Goes to NWAC Championship By: Haley Flem Sports Editor The Green River cross-country team raced in the North Region Championship.

As a team they stole second place in the race, won a team trophy, and will move on to the NWAC Cross Country Championships.

All of the members of the Green River team received individual medals, but even more importantly, almost all cut their time for their personal records on Friday Oct. 30 at the NWAC event.

Monica Wisdom, freshman runner for Green River, said that Friday’s race was “really good.” She said the race felt fast for the team because they are used to running 6K races, and the North Region race was only a 5K race.

Katie Sherick was the top female runner for Green River this meet, finishing in third place and won a all region award by being in the top six. Top male for Green River, Ryan Pitchford, finished in sixth place and also won an all region award.

Bob Kickner, Athletic director for Green River, said although Green River’s runners have been vastly improving, some of the best cross-country teams historically and currently are in the South Region schools, which will be hard for Green River to get past, but they’re going to try their hardest.

He also states that the women, as a collective team, are most likely not going to get first place in the NWAC championship. He said they are more focused on their goal of improving every time they compete, and they’ve done just that.

Kickner said he is overwhelmed with the women’s program and their improvement so far.

Last year they finished in 10 place. As a team the Green River woman’s cross-country team is

Men’s team (far above) running at the North Region Championship. Women’s team (above) with their second place trophy from NRC. Two girls, (left) Pauline Elevazo and Monica Widom places 7th and 13th respectively. Photos courtesy GRC cross country team. striving to move their names up on the scoreboard this year at the NWAC championship.

The Green River men’s team has a more competitive goal for this year’s NWAC Cross-Country Championships. Last year the team got eighth place, but they are expected to cut their times and hope to place much higher this year.

Kickner said they have some guys on the team who ran competitively in high school. They are going to go out there and push hard. He thinks they will be in the conversation, but again they will be fighting to beat last year’s records.

“I’m thrilled with what coach Jeff McGlocklin has provided to the

program,” said Kickner.

The Green River cross-country program is not only made for experienced athletes, but also acts as a grass roots program. For example, Jacqueline Chamberlain, freshman runner for Green River college, has never run competitively before this year. And her story is not as unique as you might think.

Many of the team’s current athletes didn’t know they were going to be running as a college athlete, but they have noticeably excelled in this program in a short amount of time.

“Green River’s team is built for people who have a passion for running,” said Kickner.

The end of the fall quarter fast approaches, and with winter quarter starting up soon, the Green River men’s basketball season is almost here.

This upcoming season has high hopes and much anticipation after the success from last year’s tournament run. The coaching staff and players await the new season with enthusiasm.

The 2015-16 men’s Gator basketball team is looking to build off last year’s success and hoping to improve this upcoming season.

Ryan Blassingame is in his second year as the Green River team’s head coach. In his first season as head coach of the team, he led the team to the NWAC tournament.

The team placed fourth at the tournament. Blassingame believes this year’s team can do even better and will definitely make some noise in the next NWAC tournament.

The team this year is only returning two players: Daman Cikanek, who won All-Tournament Team and started every game last season, along with sharp-shooter Noah Pratt—two very good players who are looking to lead this team to victory.

The team chemistry will be a serious focus point for this upcoming season, due to the fact that the team is full of new players. It will take some time for the team to get to know one another on and off the court.

“I think talent-wise we are superior to last year’s team for sure; it’s just a question of how well we will mesh,” Blassingame said. He understands that it can take some time for the players to get comfortable as a new team while they try to figure out how they can contribute.

This is Blassingame’s twelfth season as a coach, but only his second year as head coach. He is looking to continue his success with a new and revamped team. Blassingame is excited about the new talent the team has acquired in the off season.

He said, “We are athletic and will be able to run and gun with anyone.”

The coach is looking to make some more noise in the tournament this year, and the players are just as excited. “We are fast and hustle on defense,” said player Jaron Heck. “If we can move the ball and get easy buckets and hang our hat on the defensive end, we will give ourselves the best chance to win,” he said. Heck is a new addition to

Ryan Blassingame Head Basketball Coach

this year’s team. He and the rest of the team are ready to put Green River on the map.

Excluding last year’s season, the Green River men’s basketball team has been somewhat mediocre since the 2002-03 season. Blassingame is turning things around. He and his staff are looking to exceed expectations with a young and fast group with which they are aiming to take this league by storm.

Bob Kickner, the athletic director and Green River women’s basketball team coach, thinks the men’s team is going to turn some heads this year. “I’m anticipating it won’t be as hard to get where we want to go,” he said. They want a league title, and Kickner believes we can get one with the team we have this season.

The team is working out some of the kinks from the preseason, and they plan to start hot in the regular season. Although the new team looks to be better than in previous years, they still have to fully prove themselves in the game. “We are still looking for our vocal leader of the team, which we lost from last year in our point guard, Glenn Brooks.” A vocal leader can be essential for a new team. The natural leaders always come out, especially in tight games.

The team is young and hungry to build off the previous record.

Last year the Gators finished 10-6 in league and 22-12 overall, which got them into the NWAC tournament where they placed fourth. They want more though. Heck said, “We have the team to win it all. As soon as we get used to one another’s game, I believe we will be lethal.”

They don’t want to focus on the whole season, but rather just take it game by game. Heck said they want to attack every single day, every practice and every game, giving their 110 percent.