Calendar www.yvcc.edu/calendar
July 9: Worry-Free Knitting The Larson Gallery presents Worry-Free Knitting. If your muscles knot up when you knit, you’re doing it wrong. There are no knots in knitting. Don’t Stress! Knitting really is fun. It’s even stress-reducing. It’s practical, it’s functional, and you’ll learn all the techniques you need to know before choosing to tackle a larger project. Workshop cost is $63 members, $70 non-members plus a $20 fee for materials. For more information: 574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org
July 16: Encaustic Pen Tool Painting The Larson Gallery presents Encaustic Pen Tool Painting. Painting with an encaustic pen is a quiet meditation on process and discovery. It favors patience and deliberateness. This method lends itself especially well to working on a small surface. For example, the encaustic painters of Greece, who developed this process, seldom made pictures larger than the average head. The workshop will provide one small wooden surface, the pen tools, colored beeswax and lots of inspiration for your forays into this popular technique. Workshop cost is $72 members, $80 non-members plus a $25 materials fee. For more information: 574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org
July 17: Encaustic Collage
The Larson Gallery presents Encaustic Collage. In this workshop you will build collages and mixed media works on panels and on paper. Collage with encaustic wax is a fast, reversible and simple alternative to working with glues. You will explore collage with a variety of papers and cloth. There will be examples of altering materials and surface, stenciling as well as transfer techniques. Collage materials will be fused to the surface working with an iron, heat gun or a torch. Workshop cost is $72 members, $80 non-members plus a $25 material fee. For more information: 574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org
July 11-14 & 18-21: Volleyball Camp Join YVCC for individuals and skills volleyball camps for grades 4-8 and 9-10. Fundamentals include setting, passing, serving, spiking, blocking, resistance training, and defense. Cost is $95.00 and includes a commemorative t-shirt. For more information: 574.4729 or www.goyaks.com
August 16: Last Day to Apply for Admission The last day to apply for admission for Fall Quarter 2016 for new full- or part-time students seeking a degree or certificate. For more information visit: www.yvcc.edu/apply
September 5: Volleyball Home Game Come cheer for the women’s volleyball team as they battle South Puget Sound Community College and Wenatchee Valley College. The matches begin at 11:30am and 2:30pm. For a complete list of upcoming athletic events visit: www.goyaks.com
September 10: Soccer Home Game The women’s soccer team opens their first home game against Blue Mountain Community College at 2:00pm. For a complete list of upcoming games visit: www.goyaks.com
September 19: Fall Quarter Begins YVCC classes for fall quarter 2016 begin on September 19. New students must apply for admission prior to August 16. For more information visit www.yvcc.edu
Contents 3 4 5 7 9
Welcome 87th Commencement Ceremony Commencement Awards Graduate Highlights Diversity Series
Above: YVCC’s Men’s Baseball during the 2016 NWAC Championship Tournament. The Yaks won for the first time in 33 years. Read more about their journey on page 13.
10 11 12 13 14
Student Activities Program News YVCC Foundation & Scholarships Athletics YVCC’s People
Produced: Niki Hopkins and Stefanie Menard Photographs: Niki Hopkins, Stefanie Menard, and Jordan Vidmore Published: June 2016 If you would like to be added or removed from our mailing list, please contact us: Yakima Valley Community College Community Relations PO Box 22520 • Yakima, WA 98907-2520 communityrelations@yvcc.edu / 509.574.4646 www.facebook.com/YakimaValleyCollege
Cover Photo:
YVCC’s 87th Commencement Ceremony.
Yakima Valley Community College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, genetic information, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. All inquiries regarding compliance should be directed to the Director of Human Resource Services, YVCC, South 16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima, WA 98902; or call 509.574.4670.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT Spring quarter is an exciting time here at the college. The calendar is full of wonderful events and activities that showcase the success of our students and the hard work of our dedicated faculty and staff. The most anticipated is our graduation ceremony. This year marks our 87th Commencement and it was one for the history books. We awarded 1,280 degrees and certificates and had a record number of students participate in this grand event. For the first time in the history of this college we granted bachelor of applied science degrees to students in the original cohort of the business management program. Although it rained, our students enjoyed the ceremony to the fullest including the beautiful double rainbow from one end of Parker Faller Field to the other. In this issue of the Campus Update you will learn about the exciting events and activities we hosted this quarter, including a visit from the United States Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera. You can read about our graduates and the many accomplishments of our faculty and staff. We are also pleased to announce the approval of our third bachelor of applied science degree in dental hygiene. A special congratulations to the men’s baseball team and coaches who recently finished their storybook season by winning the NWAC Championship. We are proud of these student-athletes who worked so hard both in the classroom and on the field. We are grateful for your continued support and want to thank you for providing the opportunity for us to continue to serve students of the Yakima Valley. Sincerely,
Linda Kaminski, Ed.D. President
3
Yakima Valley College This spring the Board of Trustees voted to change the name of Yakima Valley Community College, returning the institution to its former name of Yakima Valley College. Established in 1928 the college has been known under several names including Yakima Valley Junior College from 1930 to 1961, Yakima Valley College from 1962 to 1977, and Yakima Valley Community College from 1978 to June 2016.
“Using the college’s
former name does not change our mission. Yakima Valley College will always focus on serving the educational needs of the communities we serve.” - Dr. Linda Kaminski In 2012, the Washington State Legislature authorized the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to approve applied bachelor degree programs. YVC is currently offering two bachelor of applied science degrees in business management and information technology networking – system administration. In the fall YVC will offer its third degree in dental hygiene with a fourth one planned for fall 2017.
Board of Trustees Dr. Sara Cate • Rosalinda Mendoza • Robert Ozuna • Lisa Parker • Patricia Whitefoot
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
This June YVCC celebrated a historic 87th Commencement Ceremony on Parker Faller Field. The class of 2016 earned a total of 1,280 degrees and certificates. This included the first bachelor of applied science degree graduates in the business management program. Graduates also earned transfer degrees, professional and technical degrees, and certificates. These graduates are now prepared to enter the workforce in their respective fields or transfer in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. The graduates were addressed by keynote speaker Ms. Lorena Gonzáles. An alumna of YVCC, she earned her associate in arts degree. She then went on to become a nationally-recognized attorney, civil rights leader, and the first Latina member to be elected to Seattle’s City Council. Before her election in 2015, she served as a senior advisor and legal counsel to the Mayor of Seattle. This year’s student speaker was Nancy Cortes. She earned her associate in arts degree. Following high school she spent several years working as a homecare provider. With encouragement from her employer and her family, she earned her nursing assistant certificate before pursuing her associate degree. She plans to transfer to Washington State University’s Nursing Program on YVCC’s Yakima Campus. Once she completes her degree, she would like to work in oncology. Throughout the academic year, YVCC also honors students who completed coursework in the Basic Skills Division. These students earn their high school diploma or GED, or are taking English courses while building workplace skills. Their accomplishments are recognized with completion ceremonies. Congratulations to all our graduates!
4
Class of 2016 1,280 Degrees and Certificates Awarded 23 Bachelors Degrees 169 Attended the Grandview Campus 18 to 74 Age Range of Graduates 127 Running Start Students 281 Graduating with Honors
COMMENCEMENT AWARDS Distinguished Alumnus Award Chuck Weedin
Chuck Weedin grew up in the Wenatchee Valley and migrated to Yakima to finish high school. He enrolled at YVCC and earned his associate degree. From there he went on to graduate from Washington State University (WSU) with degrees in social studies, speech, and education. He was then drafted to serve in the United States Army and spent two years of active duty in Oahu, Hawaii. After his service, he returned to WSU earning a master’s degree in public address and a minor in community college education. He had fallen in love with the community college mission as a student so he accepted a teaching position at YVCC and remained at the college until his retirement. During his tenure Weedin was very involved in campus life, living in the dorms and serving on numerous committees including advising, homecoming, graduation, student services, tenure review, and accreditation. He has also served the college for over 20 years as a member of the alumni association. Weedin is being honored for his commitment to YVCC and its students.
Distinguished Service Award The Drollinger Family
Martin Drollinger and his wife, Anne, are tremendous supporters of YVCC and have played an important role in the Grandview community. For 55 years Marty and his family owned Valley Ready Mix. They, along with their three sons Terry, Mike, and Mark, operated the concrete business Marty’s father purchased in 1947 when the family relocated from Spokane. A man committed to his business and his community, Marty, along with his father and brothers, Howard and Harley, worked at the original Sunnyside concrete plant. They helped to expand the business and in 1952 the company purchased Harold Lowe’s Grandview Ready Mix. Throughout the next two decades the business thrived. Although Valley Ready Mix outgrew the Grandview site, Marty and Anne maintained ownership of the property. They had a vision for this land to become part of something bigger. The Drollinger’s are being presented with this award for their commitment to higher education and for their tireless efforts to assist the college in the expansion of the Grandview Campus, including the development of a grand entrance on Wine County Road.
Emeritus Faculty Cecil Terk
A long-standing accounting instructor, Cecil Terk worked at YVCC for 44 years before retiring in 2009. Terk was born and raised in Centralia, Washington. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington and a second bachelor’s degree in economics and business from Western Washington University. He later earned a master’s in business education from Central Washington University (CWU). Following graduation he entered the military and attended the Army Adjutant General School at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was attached to the US Airforce at Joint-Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. Terk was hired to teach accounting at YVCC in 1965. Terk was recognized several times during his career including being honored as the first recipient of the Advancing the Dream Award from CWU’s College of Business. A dedicated instructor, Cecil is being honored for helping launch the careers of many aspiring accountants and influencing an entire generation of professionals in the Yakima Valley.
6 Sherrie and Daryl Parker Faculty Award Lori Kunkler
Lori Kunkler is an instructor in the Basic Skills Division, teaching mathematics. She also teaches the math portion for YVCC’s I-BEST programs. Kunkler was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. The daughter of two educators, she realized at a young age that she wanted to be a teacher. Following graduation she attended Central Washington University and completed a bachelor’s degree in secondary mathematics education. In 2010, she was hired by YVCC and started teaching part-time in the math department. She later transitioned to YVCC’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) Department in the fall of 2014. A dedicated instructor, she works to break down the barriers that have prevented students from excelling in their studies. For many of her students math is a barrier to earning their high school diploma, GED, or advancing to college-level courses. Kunkler creates an atmosphere in her classroom that is comfortable, enjoyable, and productive which enriches the learning process and relieves the anxiety of her students. Lori is being presented with this award for her outstanding commitment her students.
Robert M. Leadon Excellence in Teaching Award Michael J. Batali
Michael J. Batali is an instructor in the Workforce Education Division, teaching introductory and advanced courses in software and hardware for the information technology program. Batali grew up in the Yakima Valley and attended Central Washington University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business education and a master’s degree in business and marketing education. He began teaching at YVCC in 1999. During his tenure he has helped update the philosophy, organization, curriculum, and student services of the department to ensure it reflected industry best practices. He has received Microsoft certifications in applications specialist, provider, and trainer. In 2014 he completed a second master’s degree in instructional technology and a minor in educational administration from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. This year, Batali took on a new leadership role serving as the Faculty Chair for the Business Department. He has continued to pursue cutting-edge information and teaching methodologies throughout his career to provide students with the best possible instruction. Batali is being honored for his commitment to teaching.
Darlene Koch Classified Employee of the Year Cristy Rasmussen
Cristy Rasmussen is a Secretary Senior in the Student Services Division. She attended both Selah and Davis high schools before earning her GED. She later enrolled at Central Washington University (CWU) and earned a bachelor of arts degree in primate behavior and ecology and a bachelor of science degree in psychology. In 2011, she made a career change and was hired as a program assistant for the Vineyard and Winery Technology program working on the Grandview Campus. She later transitioned to her current role on the Yakima Campus, where she provides support to Dean Leslie Blackaby. This involves working with staff and students, as well as working on institutional-wide tasks such as the academic catalog. Other key duties include coordinating the annual commencement ceremony. In addition to her duties, she supports YVCC through her participation in the campus community. She currently serves as the chair of the professional development committee and as a member of the parking appeals, safety, and sustainability committees. She is also a campus shop steward for the Washington Public Employees Association. Cristy is being honored for her commitment to the mission of the college and her support of students and staff.
GRADUATE HIGHLIGHTS Dulce P. Bowlsby Dulce P. Bowlsby grew up in the Yakima Valley and graduated from Sunnyside High School. She enrolled at YVCC and earned her associate in business degree. She spent time working for Remax and currently works as a Financial Service Specialist at HAPO Community Credit Union. In the spring of 2014, she learned about YVCC’s new bachelor of applied science in business management (BASM) program. She applied and was accepted in the program’s first class. “I choose YVCC because the location allowed me to stay close to home and my family,” stated Bowlsby. “The BASM program’s schedule is made for working students. I would definitely recommend this program to others. The flexibility with classroom times accommodates working students,” she continued. In June she was among the first students to earn a four-year degree from YVCC. She plans to use her experience and the skills she has gained to grow within an organization where she can have a positive impact in lives of others. She also hopes to continue her education and pursue a master’s degree in finance.
Jesus Alvarez Jesus Alvarez attended Davis High School while also taking computer science courses at YV-TECH. Encouraged by his instructor to continue his education, he enrolled at YVCC to pursue a degree in information technology. Jesus has enjoyed the friendly approach of YVCC instructors and the hands-on learning opportunity available in many classes. “All the instructors know you by name and it makes you feel very comfortable,” stated Alvarez. “I really liked the CISCO class, it helped me learn networking,” he continued. He also benefited from the resources provided by the college to support students. This spring Jesus had the opportunity to participate in a cooperative internship with Yakima County working in their technical services department. In this role he helped provide technical support to various county facilities including the Yakima County jail. In June, he completed his associate of applied science degree in information technology support specialist. He has applied for admission to YVCC’s bachelor of applied science in business management program as well as a full-time position with Yakima County.
Ashley Arriaga Ashley Arriaga grew up in the small farming community of Paterson, Washington. After graduating from Prosser High School in 2012, she began working at Bolthouse Farms. Wanting to continue her education, she enrolled at YVCC in the winter of 2013 and began her studies on the Grandview Campus. “I originally wanted to go straight to a four-year university, but instead I choose to attend YVCC to save money,” stated Arriaga. “After starting at the college there were several instructors who helped change my viewpoint. I know they say high school teachers are supposed to care more about students, but I think college instructors care more,” she continued. Arriaga was recently awarded the 2015-2016 Herodotus-Gedosch Award. This award was created in the spirit of Herodotus, the “Father of History,” and Robert Gedosch, a former YVCC History Instructor and recognizes exceptional history students. She graduated with an associate in arts degree this June and plans to transfer to Central Washington University to pursue a degree in history and sociology. She is interested in joining the Peace Corps, is passionate about helping others, and hopes to travel internationally.
8 Jose Mondaca The second oldest in his family, Jose Mondaca began working at a young age to support his family and care for his younger siblings. Following his graduation from Davis High School, Mondaca began taking courses at YVCC. “I choose YVCC because it was an affordable option that allowed me to stay at home and study while continuing to help support my family,” stated Mondaca. Initially, he was unsure of what direction his education would take, but with the support of instructors in the physical sciences department he has found success at YVCC. In June, Jose graduated with an associate in science degree. In the fall he plans to transfer to Central Washington University (CWU) where he will pursue a degree in chemistry. His experience at YVCC was inspiring. Mondaca hopes to pursue a career in teaching. He was recently selected for the CWU SOLVER Scholars Program. This program provides financial, academic, social, and professional support for students who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields.
Karla Villanueva
As a freshman at Sunnyside High School, Karla Villanueva participated in YVCC’s Upward Bound (UB). UB prepares high school students for college through an academic summer program. When she reached her junior year she decided to enroll full-time in YVCC’s Running Start Program. “I first became interested in YVCC’s Running Start program as a middle school student,” stated Villanueva. “I knew that I wanted to get a head-start on college and be involved with the college environment,” she continued. In June she graduated with her associate in arts degree from YVCC and her high school diploma. Succeeding at both, she graduated from YVCC with high honors and was honored as valedictorian of her high school class. In the fall, she will transfer to Stanford University and pursue a degree in mathematics. She recently learned that she was accepted into the Gates Millennium Scholars program. With this support and some additional need based financial aid, Villanueva will receive over $65,000 a year to pursue her degree. Once completed, she hopes to continue to work with the Upward Bound and TRiO programs and find a career where she can give back to others.
Armondo Maciel Armondo Maciel was born in Orange County, California and moved to the Yakima Valley with his mother. He attended area schools in Sunnyside, Zillah, and Toppenish before settling in Yakima. At age 14 he began missing school, experimenting with drugs, and became immersed in the gang culture. By 17 he had missed too much school and dropped out. For the next several years, Maciel struggled. After serving time in jail, he realized he needed to make a change. With the help of the Washington State’s Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Treatment and Support Act (ADATSA) he was able to seek treatment in Spokane. He was also able to work toward and earn his GED. He then decided to enroll at YVCC. “I really love the atmosphere. It has given me a real sense of belonging. I now have feelings of worth, self-respect, and dignity. I’ve also been able to establish healthy relationships and have gotten to know people. I don’t think I would be where I am at now without the college,” he continued. In June, he graduated with his associate of applied science degree in business management and a certificate of achievement in accounting clerk. He plans to attend cosmetology school in hopes of growing his business at his barbershop.
DIVERSITY SERIES
9
Throughout the year, YVCC’s Diversity Series has worked to provide opportunities for building awareness and understanding around diversity and inclusion issues. Lead by a committee of faculty, staff, and students, the group hosted several events in May including the reception for the United States Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera. Herrera’s visit to Yakima on May 16 and 17 included Featured from left to right; Juan Felipe a reception and poetry performance at the Capitol Herrera, United States Poet Laureate Theatre. It also included classroom visits and a Q&A (2015-2016); the Diversity Series session on the YVCC Yakima Campus. committee and student Brenda Valencia greeting Herrera at the airport. English Instructor Mark Fuzie and his students, who had been studying Herrera’s latest book, Notes of Assemblage, welcomed the poet at the airport. Following his arrival the group was joined by Spanish instructors Melinda Chiprez and Peter Monahan and their classes for an impromptu lunch and visit. These events were funded in part by a collaborative Title V Grant with Heritage University from the US Department of Education. In addition, YVCC’s Diversity Series, in partnership with the Yakima-Morelia Sister City Association, hosted Bottom photos: YVCC Salsa Band members perform at the Cinema Latino Film Series and the Diversity Series outdoor concert with musical guests La Cantina. a stop at this year’s Cinema Latino film series as part of the city-wide Cinco de Mayo festivities. Multiple films, including the feature We Like It Like That, were shown. The feature film premiered in New York City and tells the story of Latin Boogaloo. It has been shown around the world and has received multiple awards. The event also included music from the film performed by the YVCC Latin Jazz Band. Later in May, a concert was held in the Yakima Campus courtyard featuring local band La Cantina. The trio consists of sister’s Gema Aguilar and Sandra Aguilar, along with friend Stephanie Hsu. The group formed in 2014 with the mission of spreading awareness, strength, and social justice through music. They hope to inspire action, spark dialogue, give voice to the unheard, while building relationships within the community. “Student-centered, passionate and re-energized are all words to describe the YVCC Diversity Series this year,” stated Counselor Maribel Jimenez. “With the help of an amazing committee we were able to bring influential events and activities that attracted and reached a broad community of students. Diversity Series provided a platform for students, faculty, staff and community members to engage in courageous conversations around diversity and social justice,” she continued. For more information about YVCC’s Diversity Series contact diversityseries@yvcc.edu
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Chicago
MESA Retreat
10
Citizenship Day
Students of Color Conference
Chicago
This spring YVCC Playmasters presented the musical, Chicago. Written in 1975 by John Kander, with lyrics by Fred Ebb, and a book by Bob Fosse, Chicago is the universal tale of fame and fortune. YVCC’s production was directed and produced by Drama Instructor Alicia Bickley with musical direction by Music Instructor Steven Slusher. The cast of twenty-one actors was led by Sierra Hutton who played the lead role of Roxie Hart and Katy Sokol who played Velma Kelly. Additional cast members were Angel Lopez, Aimee Hostetler, Nichola Blink, Dawson Kirschner, Joshua Cabrales, Franki Cioci, T’Quirah Walker, Azalea Koestler, Brooke Waits, Kingsavarkied Harvin, Christopher Mercy, Cody Jordan, Amy Fletcher, Barbie Wood, Kali Abrams, Jaclyn Schuster, James Klarich, Daniel Sanchez, and Stevie Macias. “Every theatre director has at least one show on his or her top ten ‘want to direct’ list. Chicago has always held a spot on mine,” stated Alicia Bickley. “This production was a challenge to put together but I have a wonderful collaborator in Steven Slusher, and we are surrounded by talent from all directions. It’s been a wonderful and rewarding experience,” she concluded.
Citizenship Day
YVCC’s Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA) student club and the Washington News Americans, OneAmerica, and the Washington State Chapter of American Immigration Lawyers Association partnered this spring to host Citizenship Day. The goal of the event was to connect eligible legal permanent residents with the information and services they need to successfully pursue citizenship and become active members of our community. “From a Chican@ Studies and MEChA standpoint, this is what we fight for: basic human and civil rights to include a voice in our government,” stated Chican@ Studies Instructor and MEChA Advisor Maria Cuevas. “For socio-historical reasons, Latinos are disenfranchised from the political and civic processes. Becoming a citizen is not an easy or fast process: it requires time and money and finding a good lawyer. Providing this service is an important activity which provides immediate feedback for the clients – they file their citizenship papers in several hours. It is also provides volunteers a feeling of accomplishment and joy at helping these individuals to begin the process of citizenship. It provides a wonderful feeling of hope and that’s what America is about, after all,” she concluded.
MESA Retreat
YVCC’s MESA program recently took a group of 11 students to the 6th annual MESA Leadership Retreat held at Warm Beach Conference Center in Stanwood, Washington. The weekend was filled with leadership workshops, ropes course, and design competitions. “The student’s demonstrated enthusiasm and a respectful competitive nature, professionalism, and teamwork,” stated MESA Director Michael Alamos. “On the third day of the event our students came away with many first place ribbons and were awarded the MESA Student Study Center of the Year Award,” he concluded.
Students of Color Conference
YVCC students attended the 26th annual Students of Color Conference hosted at the Yakima Convention Center. The theme of this year’s conference was This is OUR Time: Truth Redefined and focused on supporting Washington State students to become active proponents of their own education and life choices. Advisors Maribel Jimenez, Vicente Lopez, Rich Schillinger, Caitlin Goodwill, Mark Fuzie, Jessica Vigil, and Marivy Vasquez took a group of 40 students to this year’s event. In total over 1,000 community college students participated from around the state. “The students of color conference is transformative and inspirational for our students,” stated Counselor Maribel Jimenez. “It is amazing to witness how the students develop in the three days they attend this conference. Not only do they grow as individuals but also build community amongst each other. They go into it not knowing each other very well and come out of it a newly formed family that they can call on after the conference,” she concluded.
PROGRAM NEWS
Exciting changes in Dental Hygiene
Automotive Service Technology acquires new vehicles
11
DoVA Exhibit, photo courtesy of Gary Miller
Dental Hygiene - New Bachelor of Applied Science Degree YVCC’s dental hygiene program recently received final approval for transition to a bachelors of applied science in dental hygiene degree. This transition will not fundamentally alter the program curriculum content, but will now include an additional general education course, English 203, focused on the research paper. The YVCC dental hygiene program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “Approval without Reporting Requirements.” The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education. The transition to the bachelor of applied science degree has also been approved by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. “The Dental Hygiene faculty are very pleased to support enrolled students by transitioning to a degree that more accurately reflects the level of education achieved,” stated Cheri Podruzny, department head of YVCC’s dental hygiene program. This change will be effective September 2016. For additional information visit: www.yvcc.edu/DentalHygiene
Automotive Service Technology YVCC’s Automotive Service Technology (AST) program, under the direction of Murray Ruggles, has worked to increase the resources available to students. During the 2015-2016 academic year the program acquired 11 vehicles. Two of them were donated one from Yakima’s Valley Ford Dealership and one from Ruggles himself. New vehicles include 2004 Ford Mustang, 2005 Dodge Caravan, 2008 Chevy Avalanche, 2008 Mazda CX-7 Turbo, 2008 Nissan Frontier, 2008 F-350, 2010 Nissan Rogue, 2011 Chevy 2500, 2011 Chevy Camaro, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 2012 F-150 Ecoboost, 2008 Ford F-350, and a 2005 Dodge Caravan. “Any type of equipment in any industry goes through a cycle of usefulness. In the automotive industry vehicle systems are constantly changing with technology, for efficiency and safety all while keeping costs competitive,” stated Ruggles. “In our program we use fleet vehicles to simulate, as close as we can, a shop environment. The procurement of these vehicles has updated our fleet by 10 years. These vehicles provide students the opportunity to learn system inspections, testing, diagnosis, and repair on a vehicle that they will see in the workplace. We teach cutting-edge vehicle technology and are happy to have our fleet reflect that,” he continued. Ruggles has also been working with local industry contacts to build partnerships and provide additional learning opportunities for students. He recently worked with O’Reilly Auto Parts to begin offering professional development trainings on campus. The trainings, held quarterly, are free for AST students and staff to attend. Additionally shops from Ellensburg to Grandview are also sending their technicians. “These trainings are a great opportunity for local technicians to see our facility and meet some of our students. These also provide great networking for our students who will be heading out into the field,” he concluded.
Department of Visual Arts This spring the Larson Gallery hosted the YVCC Department of Visual Arts (DoVA) exhibit. The exhibit first began at the gallery over 40 years ago and showcases the work of YVCC students and faculty. Student artwork is selected by faculty from spring, summer, fall 2015, and winter 2016 courses. The gallery then makes the final selection for the show which contained 216 pieces of work. “This exhibit always shows a diversity of the work by students, and this show seems more diverse then ever,” stated Larson Gallery Director David Lynx. “It is always fun to see what work the faculty is completing too,” he concluded. Student Cody Juan’s piece Sucralose & Suicide: Evelyn McHale & Gummyworms was awarded the Best of Show. Several other awards were presented including $1,350 in cash and gift certificates.
YVCC FOUNDATION & SCHOLARSHIPS
12
From left; Sherrie Parker presents Foundation President Glenn Rasmussen with donation; VP scholarship recipient Claudio Mejia; 9th Annual Grape to Glass Gala
YVCC Foundation In the spring of 2015 the YVCC Foundation received a one million dollar bequest from the S. Daryl Parker estate. Mr. Daryl Parker, and his wife, Sherrie, have been long-time supporters of the Foundation and the college. Their family history with the college includes land donations and matching funds for endowments for scholarships and faculty professional development. The Foundation distributed the donation providing $700,000 for endowed student scholarships, $150,000 for endowed faculty awards, and in March of 2016 $150,000 was awarded for improvements to Parker Faller Field, the Larson Art Gallery, and Larson Park. Since 1977, the YVCC Foundation has been providing financial support to students. During this time the Foundation’s endowment has grown to over $11 million and they’ve awarded more than 5,000 scholarships to students, totaling more than $4 million. With more than 150 donors, their primary mission continues to be scholarships for Yakima Valley Community College students. Each year, directors volunteer countless hours reviewing applications. Scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic year, totaling more than $400,000 were awarded to 170 students this June. One of the scholarships awarded by the Foundation is the Vice President Scholarship. This year’s recipient was Claudio Mejia. Mejia a senior at A.C. Davis High School also attends Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center Auto Body Collision Repair Program. He has earned several honors throughout his high school career including National Honor Society, and the Principal’s Award. Mejia is involved with the SkillsUSA and Link Crew. He is very deserving of this award and looks forward to continuing his education at YVCC in the fall. For more information about the YVCC Foundation visit: www.yvcc.edu/foundation
Vineyard & Winery Technology Scholarships - YVCC Hosts the 9th Annual Grape to Glass This May YVCC’s Vineyard and Winery Technology Program hosted the annual Grape to Glass Gala. This year marks the 9th year for this event and more funds were raised this year than ever before. Over $11,000 was raised through the events’ auction and matching table challenge with another $2,500 raised through ticket sales. A total of $13,700 will go toward scholarships during the 2016-2017 academic year. 100th Anniversary History Project We need your help! YVCC, with the help of friend and local historian Jerry Ward, has begun gathering historical information in preparation of our 100th Anniversary (1928-2028). Please send us photographs, ‘old’ college publications, or your personal memories. Send information to the Community Relations Office at YVCC, PO Box 22520, Yakima, WA 98907 or email communityrelations@yvcc.edu If you wish to reach Jerry directly, call 509.452.5190 or email kywywash@aol.com We look forward to hearing from you!
13
ATHLETICS Men’s Baseball NWAC Champions
The men’s baseball team, under the direction of Head Coach Kyle Krustangel, celebrated the end of their season with a win at the 2016 Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Championship held at Lower Columbia College. The Yaks started strong and included a 14 game winning streak mid-season. As Eastern Region Champs the team celebrated a 20-8 league record YVCC’s 2015-2016 Baseball Team and were automatically qualified for the NWAC tournament. They began tournament play with a 3rd overall ranking in NWAC and 17th in the nation. The Yaks first battled Chemeketa Community College. The game was a shutout 5-0, and the victory propelled the Yaks into the winner’s bracket against Everett. Another victory improved the Yaks to a 32-16 ranking and advanced them to a game against Lower Columbia College. The team earned a 1-0 victory over the host college, and ran its scoreless streak to 26 innings. The win against Lower Columbia College set the NWAC tournament record for 27 consecutive innings without giving up a walk. Two games away from a title, the Yaks battled Pierce College and lost 2-7. Even with this setback, the Yaks needed only one victory to claim the title, which they earned by beating Everett Community College 5-2. Krustangel, a former star player for Big Bend Community College and in his first year at Yakima, was named NWAC Baseball Coach of the Year. His assistant coaches are Cash Ulrich and Tyler VonDracek. Player awards were given to Sophomore pitcher Chris Petrosie, who was named the Tournament Most Valuable Player. Individual players Tanner Parker (Infield), Brandon Smith (Infield), Alec Chaney (Outfield), Kasey Bailey (Outfield), Hunter Boyd (Pitcher), Isaac Mitchum (Pitcher), and Dakota Weindell (Relief Pitcher) earned All-Tournament Team honors. In addition, Connor Anderson was selected YVCC’s Male Athlete of the Year. “We had a great season this year. The guys have worked their tails off for 9 straight months and have earned everything they have got,” stated Krustangel. The season ended with an overall record of 34-17. In a storybook ending, the Yaks celebrate the first NWAC Championship title since the men’s baseball team won in 1983 under the leadership of Bill Faller. This win marks the 21st conference championship for the team and the first time they bring home the conference trophy which was named in honor of Bill Faller upon his retirement in 1987. “There’s so much history and tradition. It’s nice to continue that tradition,” Krustangel concluded.
Athletes of the Year Each year coaches representing all of the YVCC athletic programs vote on the athlete of the year awards. The awards honor student-athletes who have excelled both in the classroom and in their respective sports. This year the Female Athlete of the Year Award was given to soccer player Samantha Herzog. After a stellar soccer career at East Valley High School, Herzog was a two-year starter for Yakima Valley at forward. This season she was named to the NWAC All Star Team and played in the All Star game last November. She was among the NWAC leaders in total points, netting nine goals and distributing six assists for the Yaks. She earned her associate in arts degree at YVCC and is currently a student at Central Washington University majoring in social work. The Male Athlete of the Year Award recipient is baseball player Connor Anderson. Anderson ends his two-year baseball career at Yakima Valley as the East Region’s Gold Glove, and All-Region first baseman. He also earned the All-NWAC Gold Glove and second team All-NWAC honors. He recorded over 300 putouts while committing only one error. He had success at the plate as well as tieing for 5th in the NWAC in RBI with 38 while maintaining a .326 batting average. He ended his final season with the Yaks as an NWAC champion. Connor is currently entertaining several offers to continue his academic and athletic career.
Samantha Herzog
Connor Anderson
PEOPLE
14 Congratulations to employees who recently completed degrees from YVCC: Admissions Specialist Tracy Harden earned an associate in general studies, Student Services Coordinator Diana Jennings and Bilingual Secretary Senior Senaida Lopez each earned a bachelor of applied science in business management. In addition, Admissions Outreach and Retention Coordinator Marivy Vasquez earned a bachelor of science degree in interdisciplinary studies-social sciences from CWU.
Adam Strom
Women’s Basketball Welcomes Adam Strom
YVCC recently appointed Adam Strom as the new Head Women’s Basketball Coach. Strom brings with him over 15 years of successful head coaching experience at a variety of different high school levels. At every stop, his teams have won league titles and qualified for their respective state championship tournaments. In addition, he has been named coach of the year four different times in three different leagues. From 2013-16 Strom led the Yakama Nation Tribal School boys program, where the Eagles won two Greater Columbia 1B league titles. From 2011-13 he led the Hermiston (OR) boys program, where the Bulldogs won a Columbia River Conference 5A title in the 2012-13 season. From 2005-11 Strom coached the Wapato boys program taking the team to the state championship three times. From 2001-05, Strom led the White Swan girls program, leading the Cougars to a 4th place state tournament finish in 2005 and two South Central Athletic Conference 1A league titles in 2003-04 and 2004-05. “Adam brings a terrific blend of positive coaching experience and a strong passion for the game of basketball. Perhaps more importantly, he possesses charismatic leadership traits that make him an excellent fit at YVCC,” states YVCC Athletic Director Ray Funk. “We are looking forward to working with him and watching his program grow,” continued Funk.
The Associated Students of YVCC recognized several individuals at this year’s spring recognition event. Awards include: Dr. Brock Eubanks, Instructor of the Year; Hillary Emerson, Advisor of the Year; George Hays, Classified Employee of the Year; Brady Mugleston, Exempt Staff of the Year; Jaime Olguin, Student of the Year; MEChA, Club of the Year; and Diversity Series, Program of the Year. The Grandview Student Council also presented awards to Alejandra Mendoza, Staff of the Year; Bruce Lindell, Faculty of the Year; and Jose (JR) Navarro, Student of the Year. Best wishes to YVCC’s recent retirees including Ricardo Chama, Spanish instructor; Linda Clark, procurement and supply specialist; Carolyn McCallum, mathematics instructor; Judy Morehead, director of budget services; Bonnie France Morrow, psychology instructor; Delores Strother, fiscal technician lead; and Verla Tye, HR Consultant Assistant II. English Instructor Julie Swedin was recently honored by Central Washington University with their inaugural Alumni Day Award. During a day of celebration she was paired with a student ambassador and mentee, who accompanied her throughout her visit. Swedin also gave a presentation and fielded questions from the audience. “The highlight of the day was having a fellow alumni panel speaker be one of my former high school students, and during his time to speak, he acknowledged that I was one of the teachers that motivated him to go into drama as profession. He now makes independent films in Portland, Oregon,” stated Swedin. Nursing Instructor Rhonda Taylor was recently selected to receive the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Exceptional Contribution Award from the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. Taylor will be presented with her award in Chicago, Illinois this August. English Instructor Jill Widner is the recipient of a 2016 MacDowell Colony Fellowship. In addition, “The Empty Houses,” an excerpt from her novel in progress was selected as the winner of the 2016 Orison Anthology Award. She was long listed for a 2016 David T.K. Wong Fellowship, an annual award to enable a fiction writer who wants to write in English about the Far East to spend a year in the UK at the University of East Anglia. Her story “Dreaming in Latin,” was also a finalist in the 2016 Iowa Review Awards in creative nonfiction. Congratulations to Pam Moon. She is award recipient of the Winter 2016 Classified Employee of the Quarter. Moon works in the workforce education division as a fiscal specialist I. She began working at the college in 1999.
Pam Moon
PO Box 22520 Yakima, WA 98907-2520
Non-Profit US POSTAGE PAID Yakima, WA Permit #25
Congratulations to YVCC Men’s Baseball 2016 NWAC Champions!
www.goyaks.com