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June 15-July 13: Members’ Arts and Crafts Show The Larson Gallery presents the annual Larson Gallery Guild Members’ Arts and Crafts Show. This non-juried exhibition highlights the creative talents of the Larson Gallery Guild members. For more information: 509.574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org.
July 9-12: Volleyball Camp Join YVCC for individual skills volleyball camps for grades 4-8 & 9-12. Fundamentals include passing, hitting, defense, serving, and receiving. Cost is $85 per 3-day session. For more information: 509.952.0372 or www.yvcc.edu/athletics.
July 14 or 15: Wood Turning - Magic of the Lathe The Larson Gallery presents Wood Turning - Magic of the Lathe with John Barany. In this workshop participants will be introduced to basic woodturning on a lathe. Learn how to turn a tree branch into a magic wand; then rune it, color it, and carve it. For more information: 509.574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org.
July 14 & 15: Collage - Live Correctly; Take Chances The Larson Gallery presents Collage - Live Correctly; Take Chances with Joan CawleyCrane. This workshop will explore some of the possibilities of collage: the application of and building up of “new” surfaces/images. For more information: 509.574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org.
July 18-21: Watercolor - Keeping it Simple The Larson Gallery presents Watercolor – Keeping it Simple with Steve Henderson. Keeping it Simple is a four-day workshop that may include a day of plein air. From tools and supplies to paint choices, from setting up an image to paint techniques, Steve emphasizes the image – values, the play of light and dark, composition, how to verify and confirm direction – keeping it fresh. For more information: 509.574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org.
July 28 & 29: Encaustic - A Modern Approach The Larson Gallery presents Encaustic - A Modern Approach with Larry Calkins. In this workshop participants will explore the versatile and unlimited field of encaustic painting using traditional and non-traditional approaches to this ancient medium. For more information: 509.574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org.
July 30-August 2: Volleyball Camp Join YVCC for individual skills volleyball camps for grades 4-8 & 9-12. Fundamentals include passing, hitting, defense, serving, and receiving. Cost is $85 per 3-day session. For more information: 509.952.0372 or www.yvcc.edu/athletics.
September 20: Welcome Event The fall Welcome Event will be held September 20 from 1:00-3:00pm in the HUB on the Yakima Campus and 3:00-4:30pm on the Grandview Campus. The event provides new students the opportunity to complete last-minute preparations for fall quarter such as: buying books, finding class locations, obtaining parking permits, learning about club participation opportunities, and more. Students are invited to drop-in anytime during event hours. For more information: 509.574.6800 x 3265.
September 21-October 20: Joe Fedderson Exhibit The Larson Gallery presents Joe Fedderson Exhibit - Terrain: A Survey. Featuring the work of nationally renowned Native American printmaker Joe Fedderson. Curated by Gloria Gonzáles García and Gayle Scholl. For more information: 509.574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org.
September 24: Fall Quarter Begins First day of classes for fall quarter 2012 is September 24. New students must prior to August 23. For more information: www.yvcc.edu.
Stay Connected to YVCC Events! www.yvcc.edu/calendar
Contents
3 4 5 7 9 10 11 12 13 14
President’s Letter Campus News Commencement Student Highlights Student & Faculty Outreach Activities Scholarships Athletics Larson Gallery Sharing Good News Adventures in Puerto Rico
Snapshot Day
On April 11 YVCC and libraries across the state of Washington celebrated Snapshot Day 2012. The event documents a day in the life of a library by collecting photographs, statistics, and comments. Right: Students gather in YVCC’s Raymond Hall located on the Yakima Campus.
Produced by YVCC Community Relations Niki Hopkins & Stefanie Menard Published July 2012 If you would like to be added or removed from our mailing list, please contact us: Yakima Valley Community College Office of Community Relations PO Box 22520 • Yakima, WA 98907-2520 email: publications@yvcc.edu / 509.574.4646
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President’s Message
pring quarter was filled with many celebrations as we recognized our graduating students. This included completion ceremonies for our GED students, pinning ceremonies for students in health careers, and, of course, commencement. This year we awarded 982 degrees and certificates; 468 of them were associate degrees in Arts and Sciences which set a record in the college’s history. Students who earn these degrees typically plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a baccalaureate degree. Our 2012 Commencement was made even more special by our keynote speaker and former student, Mr. Mel Stottlemyre. His reflections about his humble upbringing in Mabton, his experience pitching on YVCC’s state Championship teams in the early 1960s, and his swift advancement in Major League Baseball after signing on with the New York Yankees were both encouraging and inspiring for our graduates. In addition to celebrating the success of our students, we also recognized our excellent faculty and staff with various awards. This year we were elated to add a new annual award for faculty excellence thanks to the generosity of Daryl and Sherrie Parker. The Parker family has a long history of philanthropy with the college, having donated most of the land on which the Yakima Campus is located. Parker Field, Larson Park and Larson Art Gallery, as well as many other local landmarks, are all named in recognition of the generosity of the Parker-Larson family. We are excited to announce that the Grandview Library is the first LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building in Yakima County; receiving Gold Certification. The United States Green Building Council certifies new buildings that have incorporated exceptional energy efficiency and sustainability measures into design, construction, and operations. In this issue of the Campus Update, you will also read about several events through which our faculty and students have engaged younger students in activities that promote awareness of and better preparedness for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Nationally, there is a dire need for skilled workers in STEM careers. Many of these jobs currently go to workers from other countries. It is both a national and state priority to increase the numbers of American students who graduate with degrees in these career fields. Finally, we are sad to say goodbye to seven of our longtime faculty and staff who are retiring this year. Among them is Mr. Herb Blisard, photographer extraordinaire, who has worked at YVCC for 50 years; under 13 of the 16 presidents. Also retiring are Dr. Scott Peterson, who has led the renown YVCC Concert Choir for the past 36 years; and Bonnie Labbee, who for 36 years has counseled our students and advised our Native American students in the Tiin-Ma club. All of our retirees will be greatly missed. We hope you enjoy reading about the accomplishments of our students and staff, none of which would be possible without your ongoing support of Yakima Valley Community College.
Sincerely,
Linda Kaminski, Ed.D. President Board of Trustees: James Carvo • Paul McDonald • Robert Ozuna • Lisa Parker • Patricia Whitefoot
4 Grandview Library
Earns LEED Gold Certification Yakima Valley Community College and the city of Grandview are pleased to announce that the Grandview Library earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold Certification, as established by the United States Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute. LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. This marks the first LEED certified project in Yakima County. The college and city celebrated this Dignitaries gather at the Grandview Library LEED plaque dedication ceremony. achievement by hosting a plaque dedication ceremony Left: Allen Opfer, Cus Arteaga, Norm Childress, Teresa Holland, Lisa Parker, Linda in May. Kaminski, Jeff Louman, and Jesse Palacios. The 12,000 square foot green building project, which opened in September of 2011, fills a critical need by providing state-of-the-art access to information and technology for YVCC students and residents of Grandview. “We are proud to have been part of the team that brought this level of energy efficiency and sustainable design to YVCC and the Yakima Valley,” stated Sheri Brockway of Brockway Opfer Raab Architecture of Yakima. The Grandview Library achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. “Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair, United States Green Building Council. “The Grandview Library project efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come,” he concluded.
Parker Faculty Award Established Honors English Instructor Dodie Forrest
In conjunction with the 83rd Commencement Ceremony long-time supporters of the college, Sherrie and Daryl Parker, established an award to recognize the contributions of YVCC instructors. The award honors a full-time faculty member who has shown extraordinary interactions and personal influence with students and by these actions has motivated them toward greater academic and personal achievement. The first recipient of this award is Dodie Forrest. Forrest, an English Instructor, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oregon State University. In 1995 she began part-time at YVCC and transitioned to full-time teaching in 1999. She has become a beloved instructor for many students with her kind, compassionate, and fair approach to teaching. In addition to her teaching duties, Forrest serves as the director of the YVCC Writing Center, a position she has held since 1998. Under Forrest’s leadership the Writing Center is an integral part of the curriculum and the YVCC community. Dodie Forrest
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On June 7 YVCC celebrated our 83rd Commencement Ceremony with keynote speaker and baseball legend Mr. Mel Stottlemyre. An alumnus of YVCC from Mabton, Washington, Stottlemyre pitched for the New York Yankees in the 1964 World Series. He went on to gain national acclaim during his eleven-year career with New York. After retiring as a player, he continued his career in Major League Baseball as a pitching coach for the Seattle Mariners, the New York Mets, the New York Yankees, and the Houston Astros. He is a member of the YVCC Athletic Hall of Fame as well as the NWAACC Hall of Fame for his exceptional pitching in the 1960 and 1961 seasons under Head Coach Bill Faller. The graduating class was also addressed by student speaker Naomi Beebe. “My hope for all of us is that we can discover what our deep gladness is in order to leave a legacy for the next generations; to impact our community and our world, to infect those in our circle with purpose and joy,” she stated. Beebe graduates with an associate in arts, science option and will transfer to Central Washington University. She will be pursuing pre-medicine and hopes to work as a doctor in developing countries around the world. Graduation Statistics: • 982 degrees or certificates were awarded • 428 graduates are prepared for employment in 66 different professional career programs • A record 468 associate’s degrees in Arts & Sciences were awarded • Age of graduates ranged from 17 to 75 • 201 received honors with 49 receiving high honors • 69% of graduates were female • 42% of graduates were students of color
Commencement Awards Faculty Emeritus: YVCC is pleased to honor Mr. Herb Blisard as the 2012 Faculty Emeritus. A Photography and Communications Instructor, Blisard retired in June after more than 50 years of service. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Blisard picked up his first camera at age 8, a cracked Baby Brownie he repaired with a band-aid to be able to take photographs. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in English and journalism from Utah State University and his master’s in communications from the University of Washington. Before moving to Yakima he worked as a writer for the Deseret News in Utah, spent five years in the United States Navy, and was a copy editor for the Seattle Times. In January of 1961 Blisard began teaching communications at YVCC. For 18 years he was the advisor for the student newspaper, The Galaxy. By his calculations he has taught approximately 18,000 students. In addition to teaching, Blisard founded the Larson Gallery’s National Juried Photography Exhibition in 1972. Distinguished Service Award: YVCC is honored to present Mr. John Fairbrook with the 2012 Distinguished Service Award. Fairbrook studied engineering at the University of Washington in the 1940’s. In 1946 he was hired by Ms. Elizabeth Prior, first president of then-named Yakima Valley Junior College. He accepted the position and developed the curriculum for the engineering program. Fairbrook spent the next several years working in the industry and teaching. In 1961 he was hired to teach technical drafting and taught in the YVCC engineering program until his retirement in 1986. His love of teaching and commitment to students brought him back to the classroom once more. Fairbrook has been teaching part-time at the college since his retirement and continues to impact students lives today. Distinguished Alumnus Award: Mr. David Lester is this year’s recipient of the YVCC Distinguished Alumnus Award. Lester grew up in the Yakima Valley and graduated from Sunnyside High School. In 1965 he enrolled at YVCC. Commuting daily from Sunnyside for the first year and later moving to Yakima, he had been attending YVCC’s Yakima Campus for two years when he received his draft notice. He spent nearly the next two years deployed in Germany during the Vietnam War. Returning to Yakima Lester again enrolled at YVCC and earned an associate in arts degree in communication. Lester is a reporter at the Yakima Herald-Republic, and has reported on a large variety of topics including local government, agriculture, business, and criminal justice. “David Lester is one of the finest reporters I’ve ever had the privilege to work with,” stated Bob Crider, Yakima Herald-Republic Editor. Robert M. Leadon Excellence in Teaching: This year’s recipient of the Robert M. Leadon Excellence in Teaching Award, presented by the YVCC Foundation, is Ms. Claire Carpenter. An instructor in the Arts and Sciences Division, Carpenter teaches courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, oral histology, and embryology. Carpenter earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Colorado College, and her master’s degree in biology from the University of New Mexico. In addition, she attended the National Science Foundation’s Antarctic biology course at McMurdo Station in Antarctica. Inspired by the harsh beauty of the Antarctic continent, Carpenter decided to spend an additional year at McMurdo Station. Following her Antarctic experience she taught at Spokane Community College before joining YVCC in 2003. Carpenter’s commitment to education extends to all ages and beyond the grounds of the YVCC campus through her outreach efforts at local schools.
Herb Blisard
John Fairbrook
Dave Lester
Claire Carpenter
Classified Employee of the Year: The YVCC Foundation is proud to honor Mr. Joaquin Macias with the Darlene Koch Classified Employee of the Year Award. A talented employee, Macias works as a Bilingual Program Assistant in YVCC’s Workforce Education Division. After earning his associate in arts degree from YVCC, he attended Central Washington University where he completed his bachelor of arts degree in teaching with a minor in bilingual education. Returning to Yakima, Macias began his teaching career at Davis High School. After one year he transitioned to Eisenhower High School. He taught a variety of courses at each school; primarily math, Spanish, and English. He also spent two years working at Highland High School as an translator before being hired by YVCC’s Workforce Education Division in 1999. Truly deserving of this honor, Macias is committed to YVCC and its students. Joaquin Macias
Catherine Heard When the ConAgra potato processing plant in Prosser, Washington closed in May of 2010, Catherine Heard was among the nearly 250 employees who lost their jobs. Starting with the plant in the 70’s, Heard had worked her way up to the plants bacteria lab, where she helped ensure that the food produced at the plant was safe for consumers. Realizing that she would need further training and a degree to start a new career, she enrolled at YVCC through the Worker Retraining Program. The program provides training assistance for unemployed, dislocated workers to transition their abilities from low or obsolete skills to marketable, employable skills for future work opportunities. She also learned that she qualified for the Trade Act, a federal program that assists students who were formerly employed at a company whose goods and services were distributed internationally. “YVCC’s Worker Retraining Program helped me become one of the first people in my family to earn a degree,” stated Heard. This funding allowed her to focus on her studies without facing all of the financial burdens of being a student. Catherine graduated with an associate of applied science for paraeducator degree and a preschool special education instructional certificate. She plans to continue living and working in the Lower Yakima Valley.
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Miriam Lopez A student at West Valley High School, Miriam Lopez wanted a challenge. With this goal, she enrolled at YVCC through the Running Start Program. “I liked YVCC’s Running Start Program because it was challenging and fun at the same time. The classes are small so you can have one-on-one time with instructors, and you get to know your fellow classmates,” stated Lopez. A very busy and talented student, Miriam was involved on campus. She served as the 2011-2012 Vice President for YVCC’s Business Club, helped establish the Philosophy Club, and participated in the Pre-Med and Chemistry clubs. She is also committed to giving back to the community through her volunteer work at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. Lopez is glad that she rose to the challenge and enjoyed her time at YVCC. “I would definitely recommend this program to others because it is way cheaper than going to a university, you get a great education, and the community college setting seems more like a private school setting,” she continued. Miriam graduated with honors from YVCC with an associate in arts degree this June, and also earned her diploma from West Valley High School. In the fall she plans to transfer to Eastern Washington University where she will pursue her bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in math.
Willi Kautz Interested in the automotive industry, Willi Kautz enrolled in YV Tech and YVCC’s Tech Prep Program while still attending Selah High School. “I really enjoy learning everything I can about vehicles. YVCC’s Tech Prep Program worked out great, because it allowed me to earn college credit while still in high school,” stated Kautz. When he graduated from high school in 2011, Willi wanted to complete his associate’s degree so he transitioned from the Tech Prep Program and continued his education at YVCC. “I received over half of my credits from the Tech Prep Program. Without this program, I would have been interested, but I don’t think I would have pursued a degree at this time due to the costs,” he continued. He enjoyed the hands-on learning and feels that it has prepared him for the future. “I would definitely recommend YVCC’s program to others. The instructors are great, and so is the experience you get. Every part of the time I’ve spent here is worth it,” he concluded. Kautz also works full-time at Six Robblees in the shipping and receiving department. He graduated with an associate of applied science degree in automotive technology. Willi plans to continue working at Six Robblees and hopes to transfer to the Missoula, Montana store next summer.
Lorray Espinoza A first generation college student, Lorray Espinoza grew up in Wapato, Washington. Wanting to pursue a degree in nursing, she enrolled at Yakima Valley Community College. “I chose YVCC because it has the reputation for having a high-quality nursing program,” stated Espinoza. “I liked that the class size was small and the instructors were there for individual support. I also liked the hands-on nursing skills I was able to learn and practice, and the many hours of clinical experience offered,” she continued. “I would recommend the YVCC Nursing Program to others because YVCC provides a high-quality education and also provides students with opportunities to experience interactive, theoretical, and hands-on learning,” she concluded. Successful in her coursework, she was a member of YVCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, a club that honors students who excel academically and maintain a 3.25 GPA or higher with a minimum of 12 college-level credits each quarter. Lorray realized her dream and earned an associate of applied science degree in nursing. She plans to continue her education and complete her bachelor’s degree. Immediately following graduation she began working at the Yakima Valley Farmworkers Clinic.
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Helen Ensign, a member of YVCC’s Business Club, participated in a recent field trip to Junior Achievement (JA) World Central Washington in Terrace Heights. JA World teaches K-12 students about American enterprise and entrepreneurial opportunities through hands-on experience and classroom curriculum. Following the field trip Ensign decided to get involved. After participating in an online training, she was assigned to Mrs. Nevue’s 3rd grade class at Selah’s Robert Lince Elementary. “I have always wanted to help children. I did a five-lesson series on the topic, Our City,” stated Ensign. “The kids are always full of so much energy and love when someone new is in the classroom. The lessons were very interesting, which I think the kids enjoyed,” she concluded. On June 3 long-time Music Instructor Dr. Scott Peterson directed the YVCC Chamber Singers and Concert Choir in his final performance. The Finale Concert, which featured Vivaldi’s famous Gloria was held at the Seasons Performance Hall. YVCC alumni joined the choir for the closing piece, Sing Me to Heaven, by Daniel Gawthop. Dr. Peterson will retire in August after 36 years as the director of YVCC’s Choral Program. This spring YVCC Department of Drama presented William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. The cast featured YVCC students and employees as well as members from the community. The lead roles included drama major Lance Mendoza, students Livia Petzinger, Mason Clark, and YVCC employee Ray Hancock. YVCC Drama Instructor Alicia Bickley designed the set to include on-stage seating that surrounded the actors. The intimate seating allowed the actors to interact with the audience, creating a truly unique theatre experience. YVCC’s Engineering Club, in conjunction with Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, hosted Free Science Night. The event encouraged girls to explore the connections between math, science, and engineering. The event served over 40 children. In May YVCC’s Department of Music celebrated the success of the 6th annual Latin Music Celebration. The event is a week-long festival to promote access to music for youth. “We continued our great partnerships with The Seasons, the Yakima-Morelia Sister City Association, the Associated Students of YVCC, YVCC Diversity Series, Ted Brown Music, Toppenish High School, and Harrah Elementary,” stated David Blink, YVCC music instructor and coordinator of the festival. “We also had three great new partners including the University of Washington Music Department, Conservatorio de las Rosas in Morelia, Mexico, and the City of Morelia. These new partners sent five artists that really brought a new perspective to the festival,” he continued. This year over 5,000 students participated from around the Yakima Valley. This past quarter YVCC’s Science Department, faculty along with students from YVCC’s Pre-Med and Chemistry clubs, hosted Wapato Middle School students for demonstrations and hands-on experiments. Over 80 students visited the Yakima Campus. In addition, the Pre-Med Club hosted Lunch with a Physician, an event that allowed college students to network with a local physician in a casual setting. Dr. Ashwin Shetty of Yakima Regional Medical & Cardiac Center provided valuable insight to students about working as an emergency room doctor and some of the strengths and weakness’ in the United States medical system. He also answered questions regarding the differences between D.O. and M.D. practice as well as various types of specializations. The event was a great success with many students walking away with valuable information for their future careers.
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YVCC Foundation This spring the Yakima Valley Community College Foundation hosted its 16th Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony. President Glen Rasmussen and the Foundation Board of Directors awarded 149 students with scholarships totalling $200,000. In its 35-year history the YVCC Foundation has awarded more than 4,200 scholarships to students, totaling YVCC Foundation 2012-2013 Scholarship recipients gather for a photo following the annual award ceremony. more than $2.6 million. Funding from donors makes it possible for the Foundation to award students financial support in their pursuit of higher education. For more information or to become a donor call 509.574.4645.
Vice President of Instruction & Student Services The Vice President for Instruction and Student Services Scholarship was recently presented to Amelia “Amy” Campbell. Awarded annually through the YVCC Foundation, this scholarship is given in the amount of $1,000 for the 2012-2013 academic year. Campbell graduated from Naches High School in June with a 3.99 GPA. She will continue her education this fall at YVCC and then plans to transfer to a four-year college to pursue a degree in chemical engineering.
Grandview Library YVCC Grandview Student Mary Alice Herrea was recently awarded the Harry Christian Cook and Blanche McLane Cook Art Scholarship. Judged by the Central Washington University Art Department and awarded by the Grandview Library, the scholarship is in the amount of $2,500. The award is given to a student who is pursuing a degree in art.
Rotary Scholarships This year the Yakima Rotary Club awarded $30,000 in Vocational Scholarships to 24 students from the Yakima Valley. Of those, 16 students are enrolled at Yakima Valley Community College in various Workforce Education programs. The students included Vanessa Archer, Mark Bass, Fallon Berglin, Carrie Bimbi, Elizabeth Campion, Marcia Garcia, Jennifer Goodman, Lynndsie Green, Jose Guizar, Bernie Johnson, Heather Killion, Gail Mazhari, Wendy Mitchell, Braden Mortensen, Regina Rainwater, and Catherine Ubelaker. Since 2008 the Yakima Rotary Trust has also awarded Mary Monroe Davis scholarships to deserving students pursuing higher education at two- and four-year colleges and universities. A long-time resident of Yakima, Davis created an educational legacy for the Yakima Valley with her generous bequest. Five YVCC students received scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic year including Sulema Tejeda, Olivia Luna, Mason Flieger, Carina Ocampo, and Frances Hull.
Hispanic Academic Achievers Program
Kimberly Mendoza
YVCC student Kimberly Mendoza was recently awarded a scholarship from the Hispanic Academic Achievers Program (HAAP) during their annual celebration held at the Yakima Convention Center. HAAP works to provide a springboard for Hispanic students and their families to strive for a better life through education. A Running Start student from Davis High School, Mendoza graduated this June with both her high school diploma and associate in arts degree. In addition to the HAAP Scholarship, Mendoza received the Yakima Rotary’s Mary Monroe Davis Scholarship, as well as scholarships from the College Success Foundation, Dell, and the Gates Millennium Scholars Program. “These scholarships will help me a tremendous amount financially for the next few years paying for tuition, books, and other expenses. Coming from a low income family, being a Hispanic woman, and being raised by a single mother, this money will help me be successful and achieve my goals,” stated Mendoza. In total she will receive over $133,000. This fall she will transfer to the University of Washington where she will pursue a law degree.
Softball This year the YVCC Softball Team, under the direction of Head Coach Chuck Bodeen, finished its season with a 14-26-1 record. “We had high hopes for a better season, but we had our challenges and we lost some key players,” stated Bodeen. “The team played hard all year, and even though our record doesn’t reflect it, we played a lot of very good softball,” he concluded. Freshman Jessie Ihly (designated player) earned First Team All-Eastern Region and sophomore Arlene Futch (outfield) earned Second Team All-Eastern Region. Individual awards included Most Valuable Player Courtney Cable, Most Improved Player Sydney Miller, Hustle Award Arlene Futch, Most Inspirational Player Whitney Biehl, and the Coaches Award to Tori Slobig and Arlene Futch. In addition to regular season play, the team also hosted a successful fifth annual Crossover Tournament. Twenty-two college teams participated in the Swinging For a Cure: Breast Cancer Awareness event raising over $800 to benefit Wellness House. “The NWAACC Swinging For a Cure Tournament will help us continue to provide free services and support to over 6,600 clients, as well as their family and friends when faced with diagnosis of cancer or other life-challenging illness,” stated Margaret Filkins, executive director of Wellness House.
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Athlete of the Year
Coaches representing all the YVCC athletic programs vote each year on the athlete of the year awards. Named after Larry Densley, the Male Athlete of the Year was awarded to baseball player J.R. Weigel. The Female Athlete of the Year, given in honor of Mary Sherar, was awarded to basketball player Brittney Newcomb.
J.R. Weigel
J.R. Weigel has been a two-year standout player for YVCC Baseball. He led the NWAACC in three offensive categories including runs scored, doubles, and triples. This spring he was honored by NWAACC as the Eastern Region Most Valuable Player and the Eastern Region Gold Glove Winner. He also was named to the First Team All-Eastern Region as an infielder and was named First Team All-NWAACC Selection. “J.R. is a student-athlete who embodies what YVCC Baseball is all about,” stated YVCC Baseball Coach Marcus McKimmy. “For both seasons he was YVCC’s starting shortstop, and provided leadership as the team captain for the 2012 season. He brought out the best in his teammates every day and played with the passion and toughness that led Yakima to its second consecutive Eastern Region regular season title,” concluded McKimmy. Weigel signed to play with Central Washington University next year after hitting .352 and scoring 54 runs, 16 RBI’s, and 10 stolen bases in the 2012 season.
Brittney Newcomb has signed a National Letter of Intent to play at NCAA Division I Weber State in the fall. As the starting combo guard for YVCC’s Women’s Basketball Brittney helped lead the Yaks to back-to-back NWAACC Championship Game appearances. For her efforts she was selected First Team All-NWAACC Tournament in 2010 and 2011 and was also voted the tournament’s Most Inspirational Brittney Newcomb Player after winning the NWAACC Championship in 2011. She was a First Team All-Eastern Region selection both years and was chosen as the Offensive Player of the Year for the team both seasons. As a sophomore Brittney averaged 15.5 points per game and led the team in assists with 2.5 per game. “Brittney Newcomb had a great career at YVCC–back-to-back Championship games is an accomplishment that few players will ever achieve,” stated Head Coach Cody Butler. “While she will obviously be missed, she has left a lasting impact on our program. The additional time and effort that Brittney spent working to improve her skills is a perfect model for any student-athlete striving to play at their highest level,” he concluded.
Baseball After three consecutive winning seasons and two conference titles Baseball Head Coach Ken Wilson has decided to move on from YVCC. As he wrapped up his final season, Wilson led his team to the second consecutive Eastern Region Championship. During his leadership the team’s record includes 100 wins and 43 losses. Next season he will be the assistant coach at Central Washington University. Individual accomplishments for the baseball program included First Team Eastern Region players Jake Fife (pitcher) and Reid Martinez (outfielder), Second Team Eastern Region players Jake Fife (infielder), Kyle Thompson (outfielder), and Ryan King (designated hitter). Will Chavarria (catcher) was honored with the Eastern Region Gold Glove Award. In addition Jake Fife (pitcher) and Reid Martinez (outfielder) were named to the Second Team All-NWAACC.
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Left: A YVCC student experiments with the new press. Middle: YVCC Art Instructor Bob Fisher, Yakima Valley Community Foundation’s Director of Program Services Emily Medeiros, Yakima artists Gloria Gayle Scholl and Gloria Gonzáles García. Right: Emily Medeiros works with Gayle Scholl.
Larson Gallery
The Larson Gallery recently donated a new state-of-the-art Takach printing press, printmaking supplies, and equipment to YVCC. Students will now have the opportunity to explore various printmaking methods such as dry point etching, lithography, relief printing (linocuts and woodcuts), and collographs. Learning these printmaking techniques is part of an effort by the Department of Visual Arts headed by Instructor and Department Chair Bob Fisher, to help students gain knowledge about the history of printmaking, and its related cultural impacts on history. One example of the impact of printmaking is its history in the Mexican art tradition, as evidenced by the work of José Guadalupe Posada, and other great Mexican artists: Diego Rivera, José Clementé Orozco, David Siqueiros, and Rufino Tamayo. The United States has traditionally been very involved (through gallery representation) with the Mexican print movement especially during the 1930s and 40s. There continues to this day a very strong contemporary print tradition. The grant award is a component of long-range project spearheaded by Yakima artists Gloria Gonzáles García and Gayle Scholl who are curating a 2012 exhibition at the Larson Gallery featuring the work of nationally renowned Native American printmaker Joe Feddersen. Titled Terrain – A Survey the exhibition will feature numerous prints by the artist whose work is part of the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art permanent collections. The show will run September 14, 2012 through October 20, 2012. “The Larson Gallery plans to host printmaking workshops in the future as way of introducing the medium to our local constituency,” stated Larson Gallery Director Cheryl H. Hahn. “Both the Larson Gallery and YVCC are very grateful to Gloria’s and Gayle’s efforts as we broaden opportunities for learning,” she continued. This donation is made possible by a $12,000 grant from Yakima Valley Community Foundation. For more information about the Larson Gallery and its programs call 574.4875 or visit www.larsongallery.org.
Submitted by Larson Gallery Director Cheryl H. Hahn
Yakima Valley Community College opened as a junior college in 1928. In this segment, Clio’s Corner, we will share historical facts and memories of our 84 years of service to residents of the Yakima Valley.
Did you know? YVCC opened the A.E. and Rose Larson Art Gallery with the generous donation from the Larson estate. The first exhibition opened in September of 1949. Today the Larson Gallery is the largest and oldest continually-operated noncommercial gallery in Central Washington. In Greek mythology Clio or Kleio is the muse of history. She is often referred to as the Proclaimer. A special thanks to Mr. Jim Newbill, longtime YVCC history instructor and current YVCC Foundation board member for his contributions to this idea.
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Anthropology Instructor Eric Anderson’s article From San Francisco Hardcore Punks to Skinheads was recently published as a primary document in a book titled Skinheads: A Guide to an American Subculture by Tiffini A. Travis and Perry Hardy. Vice President of Administrative Services Teresa Holland attended a meeting of the Student Achievement Advisory Group. The group is reviewing the metrics and funding model recommended by the Washington State Student Achievement Initiative.
George Torrez
Congratulations to Dean of the Grandview Campus and WorkFirst Programs Bryce Humpherys, who recently completed his doctorate of education degree from Washington State University. His dissertation is titled Transitioning Adult Education Students into Community College.
Grandview Campus Writing Center Lead Consultant Kim Nolt recently attended the 8th Annual Association for the Tutoring Profession Conference in Seattle, where she presented a poster session titled, The Changing Face of Tutoring, which highlighted the changes in the Grandview Writing Center since 2000. Campus Security Officer Gregg Sizemore was recently selected to receive the Golden Plunger Award. Gregg was chosen for always representing YVCC in a positive manner and for being ready and willing to help students and staff. Congratulations to George Torrez on his award as Spring 2012 Classified Employee of the Quarter. Torrez works in the Facilities Operations Department as a Maintenance Mechanic 2. “I was very surprised and honored to be named employee of the quarter,” stated Torrez. Director of Library and Media Services Joan Weber was selected to serve on the Learning Resource System Advisory Committee Meeting for Perry Technical Institute. In an effort to recognize employees who go the extra mile in the workplace, the YVCC’s Professional Development Committee established Generosity of Spirit Coins. This spring coins were awarded to Bilingual Office Assistant II Nancy Carr, Media Assistant II Gordon Gerner, Media Assistant II Richard Thacker, Program Coordinator Kathy LaFetra, and Cashier I Aggie McPherson. ASYVCC recognized several individuals and programs for contributions to YVCC at the spring recognition event. Awards include: Scott Klepach, Teacher of the Year; Bob Chavez, Advisor of the Year; Kathy LaFetra, Distinguished Service-Classified; Niki Hopkins, Distinguished Service-Exempt; Jaime Davis, Student of the Year; Gender & Sexuality Association (GSA), Club of the Year; Ethnic Studies, Program of the Year.
Student Accomplishments Students from YVCC’s Engineering Program participated in the 16th Annual Intercollegiate Human Powered Paper Vehicle Engineering Competition hosted by Eastern Washington University. YVCC’s Elite 4 team comprised of student Justin Perez, Brady Kent, Chris Sutphen, Sam Gipson, and Steven Whalawitsa took second place in the vehicle performance portion of the competition. Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Coordinator Michael Alamos recently accompanied YVCC students José Guizar and Paul Rickert at the MESA Leadership Retreat. Jose Guizar took a first place finish overall in the competition. In addition, his team also took 1st place and Paul Rickert’s team took first place in a mock startup capital venture where José was the keynote presenter. YVCC Surgical Technology Student Leslie Brown recently won second place in the state at the Annual Scrub Bowl Competition, a knowledge based competition in which students show their mastery of all topics related to the field of surgical technology. YVCC has place every year since the competition’s inception in 2006. Congratulations to Vineyard & Winery Technology Instructor Trent Ball and his students whose 2009 Dean’s List Syrah recently won a gold medal at the Seattle Wine Awards. In addition, they received a bronze medal for the 2010 Class Project Viognier and a silver medal for the 2008 Cap N’ Gown Cabernet Sauvignon.
Retirements Herb Blisard: 12/1961-6/2012 A Photography and Communications Instructor Herb Blisard shared his gift of teaching with multiple generations of students. After more than 50 years of service at YVCC he plans to spend more time working in his darkroom and enjoying gardening, hiking, fishing, reading, and traveling.
Bonnie Labbee: 9/1976-9/2012 YVCC faculty counselor Bonnie Labbee has served the college for 36 years. She has also been the advisor of the Tiin-Ma Club and provided support to YVCC’s Native American students. Denise Anderson: 11/1978-9/2012 Denise Anderson, Registrar and Director of Enrollment Services, has held a number of job titles at YVCC over her 34 years of service. An instrumental leader in YVCC’s Student Services Division she now plans to spend time with her grandchildren. Kathy LaFetra: 10/1983-8/2012 Student Services Program Coordinator Kathy LaFetra will retire after nearly 30 years at YVCC. A traveling junkie she has visited all seven continents and all seven seas. Kathy’s first stop after retiring will be a trip to the beach. Sherry Schnebly: 10/1996-6/2012 Data Manager Sherry Schnebly worked in Technology Services and most recently the Office of Institutional Effectiveness. Sherry plans to travel around the United States in her RV, volunteer, and to spend time with her grandchildren. Cheryl Hahn: 9/2006-6/2012 For the past six years Cheryl Hahn has made major contributions to our community through her work as the director of the Larson Gallery. With an upcoming exhibit for her own work planned, Cheryl is looking forward to more time to create her art. She is also excited to help her husband with their vineyard.
By David Blink
In April the YVCC Salsa Band traveled to Puerto Rico to participate in the Festival de Jazz at the Conservatorio de Música. Upon Arrival we took a walking tour of Old San Juan led by two native Puerto Rican’s from the band; Victor Vega and Oscar de la Rosa. We started walking through the city on blue tinted cobblestone streets. We later learned that the stones were actually called ‘slag’ which is the material left over from Spain’s iron foundries. The slag was brought to San Juan in the 16th century as ballast in ships. Our group also toured around the city wall that still surrounds part of the old town. We were introduced to local food and some of our favorites were Plantains and Mofongo (fried and mashed bananas). Walking in the evening you could hear the two note call of the Coquí frog which is endemic to the island of Puerto Rico. The rest of the days of the trip were filled with festival activities. In the evenings the festival hosted concerts in the outdoor courtyard of the conservatory located in the historic town of Miramar. Along with the evening performances, the festival also featured workshops during the day. Students participated in workshops ranging from Afro Caribbean Percussion to Jazz Improvisation. There were numerous instrumental clinics where students were encouraged to participate. YVCC Faculty members David Blink and Jeff Chang also presented workshops in Composing in Clave and How to Survive a Free Jazz Ensemble. YVCC Students were excited to hear a workshop presented by Grammy award-winner, Eddie Gomez who is a world famous bass player from Puerto Rico and has recorded with Jazz legends including Miles Davis, Chick Corea, and Bill Evans. The YVCC Salsa Band was invited to be a featured ensemble during one of the evening concerts where they presented a set of original music composed by members of the band. They were joined by percussionist Memo Acevedo (NY/Colombia), who also has been a festival faculty member at the YVCC Latin Music Celebration for the past six years. The group’s Friday night performance was a huge success. At first the audience was unsure of what to expect listening to Latin Jazz from an esemble from Washington State, but after the first number they were hooked on the passionate original compositions from the band. Highlights of the YVCC evening performance were the 17-year-old YVCC Running Start Student, Emily Blackeagle’s composition Fayth and Jeff Chang’s ballad It’s Not What You Think. It was rewarding to see acceptance of the music from YVCC by one of the birthplaces of the Latin Jazz genre.
photos courtesy of David Blink & Kelly Robbins
Dr. Scott Peterson: 9/1976-8/2012 Music Instructor Dr. Scott Peterson is retiring after more than 36 years at the helm of YVCC’s Choral Program. He will continue to direct the Yakima Symphony Chorus and will teach a Central Washington University. In addition he plans to spend more time with his granddaughter.
Puerto Rico
David Blink teaches in YVCC’s Music Department and directs the YVCC Salsa Band. Blink is a trumpet player and composer.
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