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[ Calendar April 5: Diversity Series
The 2011-2012 YVCC Diversity Series continues with a performance of B’aktun 13 by Teatro Milagro. The event is cosponsored by Central Washington University and will be held in the Parker Room at 7:00pm. For more information: 509.574.6800 x 3151.
April 11: Bird Communities YVCC’s Biology Department, in partnership with Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, presents Andy Stepniewski. His talk Bird Communities of Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, will be held at 7:00pm in G215. For more information: 509.574.4646.
April 13: Diversity Series The 2011-2012 YVCC Diversity Series hosts American Sign Language (ASL) Comedians Keith Wann and Wink. The event is cosponsored by YVCC’s ASL student club and will be held at West Valley Junior High School at 7:00pm.
April 13-May 12: Fiber & Jewelry Juried Biennial The Larson Gallery presents the Fiber & Jewelry Juried Biennial: Adorn the Form exhibition. An opening reception will be held April 13 from 5:00-7:30pm. For more information: 509.574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org.
April 25: Faculty Lecture Series The Faculty Lecture Series continues with Speech and Communications Instructor Dan Erickson. His lecture, Cults and Blogs: From Childhood Trauma to Healing Therapy, will be held in the Parker Room at 7:00pm. For more information: 509.574.4646.
April 27-29: Spring Barrel Yakima Valley Vintners tasting room will be open for the valley’s Spring Barrel event. Taste YVCC’s award winning wines on April 27 from 3:00-6:00pm and April 28 & 29 from 11:00am-6:00pm. For more information: www.yakimavalleyvintners.com.
May 1 & 8: Career Fair Workshop YVCC’s Business Club will host two workshops in conjunction with the 2012 Career Fair. Résumé Building will be held on May 1 at 12:30pm. The Résumé Doctor is IN will be held on May 8 at 12:30pm. Both workshops will be held in the Parker Room. For more information: 509.574.4904.
May 5: Latin Music Celebration Join the YVCC Salsa Band in concert with guest artists for the 6th Annual Latin Music Celebration at 7:30pm at The Seasons Performance Hall. Additional activities and events will be held throughout the week. For more information: 509.574.4835.
May 12: Tour of Artists’ Homes & Studios The Larson Gallery presents the 13th Annual Tour of Artists’ Homes & Studios from 10:00am-4:00pm. For more information: 509.574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org.
May 16: Career Fair YVCC hosts the 2012 Career Fair from 9:00am-1:00pm in the HUB. Local employers will be available to market job opportunities to students and community members. For more information: 509.574.4904.
May 16-20: As You Like It YVCC Playmasters presents As You Like It. Performances will be held May 16-19 at 7:30pm and May 20 at 2:00pm in Kendall Hall Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the YVCC Bookstore or at the box office the evening of the performance. For more information: 509.574.4837.
June 7: Commencement YVCC celebrates our 83rd Commencement Ceremony at 7:00pm on Parker Field. Join us to honor the class of 2012. Reception to follow. For more information: www.yvcc.edu/commencement.
www.yvcc.edu/calendar
On the Cover
Contents
3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14
President’s Letter Campus News Giving Back to the Community Connecting Women & Technology Training Washington’s Workforce Vineyard & Winery Technology Publishing in the Digital Age Athletics Larson Gallery Sharing Good News Adventures in Vietnam
YVCC student Viviana Barajas works on a project in Rachel Dorn’s functional pottery class. This class provides an introduction to the potter’s wheel, basic firing processes, and functional glazing techniques.
Save the Date
YVCC’s Vineyard & Winery Technology program will host the annual Grape to Glass Gala - A Winemakers Dinner & Silent Auction on May 19, 2012. Join us for an evening of fun, food and wine! All proceeds will benefit student scholarships. For ticket information visit www.yakimavalleyvintners.com.
Produced by YVCC Community Relations Niki Hopkins & Stefanie Menard Published March 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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May 19, 2012
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[Campus News W
e know winter is quickly coming to an end when the daylight lingers into the
evening hours. Another sign of spring is the end of the legislative session. Winter quarter is normally a very busy time as we anxiously await legislative action that will determine our funding for the next two years. Since the Governor released her preliminary budget in early January, we have been struggling to develop a plan to possibly reduce our 2012-2013 budget by over $2 million while still providing access to the many students who need education to begin or transition into a new career. We are patiently waiting to learn what our reduction in state allocation will be for the upcoming academic year.
President’s Message
In addition to planning for next year, we have been busy recognizing our excellent students and staff and providing enriching activities for our students and community members. This winter, we recognized two students with state awards. The first is Jesús Campos, who competed with students from other community colleges in our state for a new award from the state trustees’ association entitled “Transforming Lives.” Jesús was selected for his compelling journey and the many challenges that he has faced while pursuing a college degree. The second student is Fran Hull, who is our college awardee for the All-Washington Academic Team, which recognizes outstanding students throughout our state system, one of which can go on to compete in the national competition. You can read about both of these students in this issue of the Campus Update, as well as our many activities that benefit our community. Among them are events hosted by YVCC’s dental hygiene and engineering programs as well as the Grandview student government fundraisers. Finally, in this issue we have focused on the many ways we provide training for in demand local jobs that support our economy. We hope you enjoy reading about our many activities and educational opportunities for students. Thank you for your continued support of YVCC students. Sincerely,
Linda Kaminski, Ed.D. President
Board of Trustees: James Carvo • Paul McDonald • Robert Ozuna • Lisa Parker • Patricia Whitefoot
4 All-Washington Academic Team Congratulations to Fran Hull
YVCC is proud to announce the selection of Fran Hull to the 2012 All-Washington Academic Team. The All-Washington Academic Team recognizes and honors students for outstanding accomplishments. Along with members from all 34 community and technical colleges in Washington State, she was honored at a ceremony in Olympia, where Governor Gregoire delivered a keynote address. A mother of twin daughters who wanted a college education Fran Hull enrolled at the University of Phoenix online. She found her experience unsatisfying because the coursework was not challenging. Fran looked to Yakima Valley Community College. “I chose YVCC because of the high-quality of education,” states Hull. Now in her second year, Fran is working on prerequisite courses that she will complete in spring 2012. She then plans to pursue a degree through YVCC’s Nursing Program. “I like everything about YVCC. Resources such as the tutoring center are very helpful to students like me. In addition, my instructors have been incredibly supportive and helpful,” she continued. Following her graduation in spring 2014 she hopes to work for Yakima Valley Fran Hull Memorial Hospital. “I like the flexibility of nursing. I’ll be able to work with all different types of people, the young, old, healthy, and sick,” she concluded. She also desires to work in other areas of the world, including her mother’s home, the island of Palau located near the Philippines. All-Washington Academic Team members will receive a $750 scholarship contributed by sponsors KeyBank and the Northwest Education Loan Association. In addition, many public and independent four-year colleges and universities offer a variety of scholarships to team members who transfer to their institutions.
Transforming Lives Award YVCC Recognizes Jesús Campos
Jesús Campos
The Trustees Association of Community and Technical Colleges awarded five community and technical college students with a Transforming Lives Award. Selected from nominees of the 34 community and technical colleges in Washington state, the Transforming Lives Award honors current students or graduates who have turned their lives around by pursuing higher education. Yakima Valley Community College nominated student Jesús Campos. A single father of two young sons Jesús has transformed his life through education. “I had to be a good role model beyond the one already expected of me as a “father.” I decided to enroll at YVCC but was still in a constant battle about whether or not I’d succeed,” stated Campos. Despite many personal obstacles, Campos did well in school but was often plagued with thoughts of quitting. Through renewed hope he was able to persevere. “During a 2010 course with Gordon Koestler and Wilma Dulin, I found new HOPE. I was given new light as to where I should be heading through their words of encouragement and interest at what they did: teaching,” he continued. Campos hopes one day to work as a medical assistant. YVCC is proud to recognize Jesús for his accomplishments and continued success.
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YVCC Gives Back to the Community For the past 19 years YVCC’s Dental Hygiene Program has helped patients of the Yakima Valley receive dental care through an Annual Dental Sealant Day. Youth ages 6-21 receive dental exams, fluoride treatments, and when needed, sealants at no cost. This year 75 volunteers participated in treating 73 patients, and placed over 315 sealants. This event is made possible through a collaboration between YVCC, Yakima Valley Dental Hygienists and Dentists, the Department of Social and Health Services, and the Yakima Health District. YVCC’s Engineering Program and student club, in partnership with the Yakima Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers, hosted the 5th Annual Engineering Day in February. Held as part of National Engineers Week, the event featured hands-on activities to help children explore math, science, and engineering. Over 245 children participated. Activities included the principles of chemical reaction, water filtration process, wind foils, catapult, pulley systems, laser mirrors, teeter totter, nail battery magnet, sound, slime walk, egg float, and more. “The main purpose of this event was to provide hands-on activities geared towards helping young children explore the connections between math, science, and engineering. Also, to win the hearts and minds of children before it’s too late. We want to get kids to think about becoming engineers at that young age,” stated YVCC Engineering Instructor Rajkumar Raj. In February, YVCC Upward Bound celebrated National TRiO Day. In an effort to focus attention on the needs of disadvantaged young people and adults aspiring to improve their lives, National Trio Day encourages local programs around the country to perform community service as a way to give back to their communities. This year, Upward Bound students spent the day sorting donations and cleaning the newly renovated women’s shelter at YWCA in Yakima. The director of the family shelter commended the students on their coordinated efforts. “Upward Bound students engage in other community service projects, on their own, but coming together as a group to accomplish goals as a team communicates a strong message,” stated Melissa Green, director of YVCC’s Upward Bound. “This is a positive way for students to showcase the opportunities provided by Upward Bound to the local community,” she concluded. The Grandview Student Council (GSC) donated over $2,000 to the community through successful fundraising activities hosted during winter quarter. Of these proceeds, nearly $1,200 was donated to Grandview’s Extra Mile Student Center. Opened in October of 2011, the center provides a place for middle and high school students to enjoy recreational activities and get help with their schoolwork. In addition, the center recently began offering a formal tutoring and mentoring program called Success Connection. Students accepted into this program are matched with their own mentor and tutor who provides help with schoolwork, life choices, and planning for the future. The second beneficiary is Sunnyside’s Promise. GSC donated $900 to this community organization that provides opportunities for children to stay off the streets. This program strives to ensure all children receive the “5 Promises” including caring adults, safe places, marketable skills, a healthy start, and the opportunity to serve. “GSC decided to donate to these two programs because we wanted to help better our community,” stated GSC President Beckie Fernandez and GSC Secretary Janessa Hoffard. “By choosing these programs we were able to reach the two largest communities that the Grandview Campus serves. YVCC Grandview Campus is very community focused, and it is important to us, as Grandview Student Council members, to concentrate on helping our community. By donating to the Extra Mile Student Center and Sunnyside’s Promise we are also helping the future students of YVCC,” they concluded.
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Left: YVCC Alumna Carleen Drake works on a computer. Right: Pingle Jacobs poses for a quick photo during one of her information technology classes at YVCC.
Connecting Women & Technology This spring YVCC’s Information Technology Program was successful in securing a Nontraditional Grant from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC). The funding is made available from the Carl D. Perkins Act and supports projects to improve nontraditional (gender) enrollment and completion in workforce education programs. The topic of women’s underrepresentation in the field of information technology (IT), whether in high school, higher education, or industry, has been researched and studied. Despite various recommendations about ways to increase the percentage of women in the field, the numbers continue to drop. “Years ago, I attended an alternative energy fair workshop on solar electricity with my wife,” stated IT Instructor Stef Apperson. “The organizer asked me to leave, because the workshop was for women only. I left with the realization that like IT – electrical work is primarily a male dominated field; yet women had an interest. By holding a workshop only for women, the event organizer had attracted a fair number of participants,” he continued. With this in mind, Apperson applied for the grant and received just over $3,000 to host Connecting Women & Technology workshops targeted at women interested in exploring career options in computer science. On March 21 the IT Program held two women-only workshops on virus removal and prevention strategies. The sessions also covered the financial aid process and provided information about the degrees and certificates available through YVCC’s IT Program. “It was an opportunity for women to explore a topic of interest and hopefully to create a cohort of female students that wish to enroll in our IT program,” continued Apperson. “It was important to apply for this grant because our YVCC IT program is mostly comprised of male students with just a few women currently enrolled. It is essential for women to be involved in this field, because they bring different points into the profession and further expand the qualified workforce,” he concluded. A recent success of YVCC’s IT program is Carleen Drake. She graduated this fall with associate of applied science degrees in information technology, computer support specialist, and network administration. Drake worked for years in the manufacturing industry before returning to school. With an interest in computer science, she began her coursework at YVCC. She overcame the challenge of being one of the few female students in the program by getting more involved. She excelled in her coursework, was elected to serve as president of YVCC’s IT Student Club, and became a mentor to many. “Since personal computers came out I have had the desire to learn how computers work as well as become an efficient computer user. YVCC‘s program enabled me to accomplish both of these tasks,” stated Carleen Drake. “I liked the program because it gave me the primary information and knowledge to use computers as a user as well as become a technician. I would definitely recommend YVCC’s program to anyone who is interested in going into the IT field,” she continued. Drake feels that it is especially important for other women to explore YVCC’s IT program. “I feel that women like me have a lot to offer this field. We have customer service skills, administrative skills and a new way of thinking that can be offered in the IT field,” she concluded. Another student who is benefitting from YVCC’s IT program is Pingle Jacob. “I chose to pursue a degree in information technology because I have always been intrigued by it. I like YVCC’s program because it’s convenient, has appropriate timing, and there is less of a commute,” stated Jacob. “It is very important for women, like me, to get involved in the field of information technology. IT is the future and the more advanced degrees you have the more prepared you are,” she concluded.
In 2009 Carter Lippert moved to Yakima with her husband as he pursued a job opportunity. Hoping that she too would find a job, Lippert arrived with a bachelors of arts degree in communication from Washington State University and a résumé complete with marketing internships, summer jobs, and sales positions. She was disappointed to find only a couple of part-time positions and realized that she was not going to be able to work in the field she had dreamed of in college. “Knowing I was unhappy with my current work situation, my parents pushed me to research going back to school for a specialized degree. My father, who is a pharmacist, suggested I look into the Pharmacy Technician Program at YVCC,” stated Lippert. Making the decision to return to school and pursue a different option was difficult, but ultimately it turned out to be a great choice. “The year I spent at YVCC in the Allied Health Program really did allow me to change my life. The Pharmacy Technician Program was 90% online, which permitted me to continue working part-time while I completed the program,” she continued. Lippert graduated in the spring of 2011 with a pharmacy technician certificate. She was offered a full-time position at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital.
Carter Lippert
Work
Bonnie Wagoner
After years of working and raising a family, Bonnie Wagoner returned to school in pursuit of a degree. With an interest in computers and a need to update her skill set to be competitive for a new job, Wagoner chose the field of information technology. Shortly after she began her first quarter, Wagoner’s husband was diagnosed with a life-ending disease. Finding flexibility in online classes, she was able to continue her education and help care for her husband. “Through YVCC’s IT program I was able to work part-time and care from my husband while taking online classes. The online classes really gave me the opportunity to obtain my degree,” stated Wagoner. She excelled in her coursework and gained a solid knowledge base to pursue a new career. “Each class opened a window into the fascinating world of computer science. I know I have accomplished a great deal and I am very proud. The feeling of confidence this program gave me is amazing,” she continued. After graduating with an associate of applied science degree in information technology in June 2011, Wagoner was hired by the Department of Ecology. “YVCC gave me the ability to earn a degree through some very tough times in my life. I am able to use the skills I learned every day, and I am stepping into my future as a skilled, confident, and accomplished woman,” she concluded.
Suffering the effects of a down economy Jase Testerman was laid off from his job in the construction industry after working in the field for over 12 years. With the help of Worksource’s Dislocated Worker and YVCC’s Worker Retraining programs, he enrolled at YVCC in the spring of 2009. Through these programs Testerman was able to get assistance with tuition and the support he needed to retrain for a new career. Testerman decided to pursue a degree in civil engineering. His goal was to choose a pathway that would allow him a variety of career options that were in demand in the Yakima Valley. “I like how YVCC’s Engineering Program gave me options,” stated Testerman. “Most of my peers were like me and came from the construction industry. The program provided an easy crossover for those of us who have experience working in construction,” he continued. Testerman has excelled at YVCC and is looking forward to getting back to work. He will complete his coursework in the spring 2012 and will begin employment with the Washington State Department of Transportation as a quality inspector. Testerman is also working to complete a second degree in construction design technology which he will finish next year.
Jase Testerman
force Lerina Garza
YVCC’s Agriculture Program provides critical job training to support the demand of industry growth. Appealing to a wide range of students, YVCC’s curriculum focuses on rigorous classroom instruction, hands-on training, and internships to prepare students for successful careers. Recent graduate Lerina Garza knows first-hand the benefit of earning a two-year degree at YVCC. Interested in returning to school after completing her GED requirements years earlier, Garza began her pursuit of a career in YVCC’s classroom. “I really liked science,” stated Garza. “Agriculture is a big industry. I like the idea of going into this field because I could find a job locally,” she continued. Garza graduated in 2010 with her associate of applied science degree in food technology. With her degree in hand, Garza was offered a position at Tree Top, Inc. in Selah, Washington as a document administrator. “I help our eight different facilities gather documentation to make sure we meet federal and state requirements,” stated Garza. She enjoys her work and hopes to transition to product development in the future.
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YVCC alum David Volmut and his wife, Jennifer, are owners of Wind Rose Cellars in Sequim, Washington.
photos courtesy of David Volmut
Vineyard & Winery Technology Alumni Highlight - David Volmut
Graduating from the University of Kansas in 1993 David Volmut began work as a network designer in the field of computer science. In 2007 he moved to Washington State with the goal of pursuing a new career. “I used to make wine when I was in college. I was raised Italian so wine was part of the meal. I always had the dream of owning a winery but never really pursued it,” stated Volmut. He explored his options about where to study, and ultimately decided that YVCC would be the best fit for him. “I chose YVCC’s Vineyard and Winery Technology Program because I thought the program offered some great classes and I was eager to learn about wine. I visited the Grandview Campus and was impressed by the professional presentation YVCC offered,” he continued. Volmut graduated from YVCC with an associate of applied science degree in winery technology. As part of the degree program YVCC requires students to gain hands-on experience through an internship. “I began working at Olsen Estates Winery in Prosser as an intern in their laboratory. I really enjoyed this as I was able to work very closely with their winemaker,” he continued. In 2009 Volmut and his wife, Jennifer, founded Wind Rose Cellars in Sequim, Washington. The winery is off to a great start and has already won several awards for its wines. “I would recommend YVCC to others. With the industry growing so quickly, educated personnel are needed to fill the jobs. YVCC’s classes helped prepare me for owning my own winery,” he concluded.
Students Help Create a Washington American Viticultural Area Four years ago YVCC students Carol Weideburg and Kathleen Kinkead, who were enrolled in YVCC’s Terrior of Washington, Introduction to Washington Wines and Wine Marketing learning community, were tasked with choosing an area in the state that was not a current federally-recognized American Viticultural Area (AVA). Their requirements were to select a location that had the unique geography, soil, and climate conditions that would make it a viable candidate for recognition. The pair settled on Naches Heights, a region that encompasses 13,254 acres, in the Yakima Valley. “The students work was instrumental in the initial development of a potentially new AVA,” stated YVCC’s Agriculture Department Chair Trent Ball. “The framework was then shared with several vineyard owners and wineries in Eastern Washington,” continued Ball. In August 2008 the wineries submitted the final proposal to the federal government for AVA recognition. In January Naches Heights officially became Washington’s 12th AVA. This milestone shows how much YVCC’s Vineyard and Winery Technology program is shaping Washington’s wine industry and preparing students for work outside the classroom.
Yakima Valley Vintners Wine Tasting in Yakima Yakima Valley Vintners wines are now available for tasting and purchase at St. Hilaire Cellars at Track 29 in downtown Yakima. Open Friday and Saturday from 2:00-6:00pm.
610 Creative Writing
Publishing in the Digital Age YVCC English Instructor Dan Peters teaches the craft of creative writing in the areas of short story, novels, creative nonfiction, and poetry. Then he introduces students to the process of self-publishing in the digital age and encourages them to push beyond the classroom and publish their work in print or video form. Each fall students from his creating writing course are required to publish their work through an online publishing service. The results are amazing as students find confidence in their writing. Brady Roybal, Gary Peterson, and Vanessa Archer are three talented students who have excelled in their writing and book design. Each brings a unique background and personal story but all have found inspiration in sharing their work. “I hoped to publish a book someday,” stated Brady Roybal. “But until I took Mr. Peters’ class, I’d never received any real acknowledgement from another writer, from someone who’s had an education in English and published books of their own,” stated Roybal. “I was full of self-doubt. I felt like I was balancing on a cliff, needing that one bit of feedback, positive or negative, that would lift me up and save me or push me over the edge into giving up,” he continued. The Illustration from YVCC Student Brady Roybal’s book. feedback Roybal received was encouraging. “It was a really good experience. There’s something about seeing your work on paper that finalizes it. You feel afterward as if you’ve taken a huge step away from your own skill-set, that your old work is said and done, and that there’s a lot more to conquer in the future,” he concluded. “What is exciting about this course is that students continue to write and publish,” stated Peters. “They extend beyond coursework their love of writing and then produce a body of work that they can sell,” he continued. Gary Peterson did just that. His writing from the course produced The Timid Christmas Tree, a short story published by Solstice Publishing Company. The book was listed as the No. 1 children’s book on Fictionwise’s Best Sellers List in December. “I enjoyed the creative writing class. It, along with the encouragement from my wife, is what inspired me to pursue a professional writing career,” continued Peterson. He is currently completing his second novel. It, along with other short stories, will be published by Solstice Publishing Company in the near future. Unable to use her voice due to cerebral palsy, Vanessa Archer has found writing to be a positive outlet for her. “Dan Peters’ creative writing class was one of the most positive experiences I have had where writing instruction is concerned,” stated Archer. “I was nice to discover how easy publishing can be in this digital age. I would definitely recommend this course to others,” she concluded.
Yakima Valley Community College opened as a junior college in 1928. In this new segment, Clio’s Corner, we will share historical facts and memories of our 83 years of service to residents of the Yakima Valley.
Did you know? YVCC’s Palmer Hall is named after Mr. Frank Palmer who headed the English and Literature Department at Yakima Junior College from 1929 until his retirement in 1964. When built in 1957, Palmer Hall contained the college’s library, a classroom and workroom, and office space for faculty. 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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[ Athletics Men’s Basketball Men’s Basketball, under the leadership of Head Coach Ray Funk, finished the season with its fifth straight appearance at the NWAACC Tournament. “We opened the tournament against Clark College, the No. 1-ranked NWAACC team overall,” stated Funk. The Yaks pulled off an amazing performance soundly defeating the Penguins 97-84. “While YVCC could not maintain its momentum and lost the second-round game, the Yaks rebounded and defeated Community Colleges of Spokane 84-72 to advance to the trophy round,” he continued. Unable to defeat Mt. Hood Community College, the Yaks finished sixth overall. Individual players were honored this season including sophomore Amir Royal as First Team All-Eastern Region and sophomore Dabrail Henton was named Second Team All-Eastern Region. In addition, freshman Cameron Jensen was selected to the Eastern Region All-Defensive Team and sophomore DeShawn Battle joined Royal and Henton in representing the Eastern Region at the NWAACC Sophomore All-Star game.
Basketball Youth Camp YVCC’s basketball programs host Individual Skills camps for youth April 2-4 for grades 2-8. Summer sessions will be held June 18-21 for grades 2-6 and June 25-28 for grades 7-10. For more information: www.yvcc.edu/athletics.
YVCC Women’s Basketball Team
Women’s Basketball This season the women’s basketball team made program history competing in its third consecutive NWAACC Championship game. Led by Head Coach Cody Butler, the Yaks came within moments of claiming back-to-back crowns. The Championship game, played against Columbia Basin College (CBC), unfolded on March 6, 2012 at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, Washington. The Yaks had a shot - two of them, in fact - in the final seconds of game, but missed both in an upsetting 60-59 loss. “Instead of cutting the nets down in celebration, as Yakima Valley Community College had done last year after its emotional title-game defeat of Walla Walla Community College - a contest played just eight days after the death of freshman teammate Hannah Cordova - the Yaks this time were distraught,” stated Butler. Sophomore Simone Jordan, who joined sophomore Brittney Newcomb on the All-Tournament First Team, led YVCC with 22 points and eight rebounds while Newcomb had 12 points. Freshman Hannah Lekson was voted the tournament’s Most Inspirational Player. “During the regular season each team had won on the other’s court (YVCC 81-61 on Dec. 21, 2011 and CBC 65-60 on Feb. 12, 2012), and each had lost a star guard to a season-ending knee injury,” he continued. “Yakima Valley’s Brandi Henton went down after nine games, during which she averaged 24.67 points, and CBC lost Andrea Bland, a sophomore from Ellensburg, after she’d scored 14.36 points over 14 outings,” concluded Butler. While YVCC had won three prior women’s titles, including successive crowns in 1990 and 1991 under Coach Elwood Crosier, the Yaks this year became only the fifth NWAACC team to play in three or more straight championship games. Wenatchee Valley College (1979-81), Community Colleges of Spokane (1983-85) and Lane Community College (2005-07) preceded them with Clark College reaching five consecutive titles (1989-93). In addition teammates Simone Jordan and Brittney Newcomb were recognized as First Team All-Eastern Region and represented YVCC at the NWAACC All-Star game.
12 Larson Gallery
From the Ground Up Exhibit February 11 marked the opening of Larson Gallery’s From the Ground Up exhibition featuring artworks made of organic and synthetic clay. The show included work by 14 Central and Eastern Washington artists: Renee Adams, Ruth Allan, Jan Crocker, Rachel Dorn, Carole DeGrave, Mike Hiler, Eunsil Kim, Lisa Nappa, Carolyn Nelson, Mardis S. Nenno, Greg Pierce, Steve Robinson, Delma Tayer, and Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield. The exhibition was hosted by the Larson Gallery in conjunction with the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) convention held in Seattle during the last week of March. A major contributor to this show was YVCC Art Instructor Rachel Dorn. Dorn began teaching at YVCC in 2006 after earning her masters of fine arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She teaches various art courses in addition to running the clay studio. “Clay seems to me to be the perfect material; it is immediate and tactile. I can create directly and modify in all dimensions. As an expressive medium, clay has always seemed to ‘fit’,” stated Rachel Dorn. Dorn’s ceramic work is primarily abstract and sculptural, with the inspiration for many of her pieces being drawn from nature. “My work is inspired mostly by local and exotic plant forms and aquatic flora and fauna. Direct inspiration for my sculptural forms or surfaces might come from seeds, blossoms or the surface of an orange,” continued Dorn. With her work she hopes to allow the audience to explore and make its own interpretations. “I hope to attract my audience to look closer or spend more time with my work. I use vivid hues and saturated layers of color that are reminiscent of tropical flowers or fish found near a coral reef. The bright, layered colors, complex textures and contrast of shiny and satin surfaces are meant to be eye-catching and appealing. Once I have drawn in my audience I hope to encourage them to question the meaning of the work or what it represents. I want them to recognize, or almost recognize, forms or surfaces they have seen before, but I want the process to be a search and I don’t necessarily need them to discover the same connections I envisioned when I create the work,” concluded Dorn. This exhibition also featured several activities including a slide lecture and panel discussion featuring Renee Adams, Rachel Dorn, Carolyn Nelson, Greg Peirce, and Stephen Robison; live demonstrations by Mike Hiler and Eunsil Kim; and a raku firing hosted by Yakima Valley Community College clay students. In addition, a bus tour to Seattle’s NCECA exhibitions was held. From the Ground Up was made possible by donations from Mark and Stephanie Clevenger, Denali Granholm, Larry Peterson, and the Larson Gallery Guild. For more information about the Larson Gallery call 574.4875 or visit www.larsongallery.org. The Larson Gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10:00am-5:00pm, and Saturdays from 1:00-5:00pm except for holidays and during exhibit changes.
Rachel Dorn
“Art and artists are important. Societies have made art, expressed themselves and created a more interesting, more beautiful world for all of history. Making art, discussing art, viewing art is something deeply human. The arts encourage people to view the world differently. They capture and express something that cannot be readily quantified, explained or calculated.” Rachel Dorn
photos courtesy of the Larson Gallery and Rachel Dorn
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Congratulations to Brian Bordeaux on his award as the Winter 2012 Classified Employee of the Quarter. Bordeaux works as an Information Technology Specialist in the Workforce Education Division, where he supports the information and business technology computer labs. An alumnus of YVCC, Brian earned his associate of applied science degree. “It means a lot to be chosen as the Classified Employee of the Quarter. I appreciate my co-workers taking time out of their busy schedules to participate in this process,” stated Bordeaux. Viticulture and Enology Grant Director Catherine Jones participated in the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers Conference at the Tri-Cities Convention Center in February.
Brian Bordeaux
YVCC President Linda Kaminski and Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Parker traveled to the ACCT/AACC National Legislative Summit hosted in Washington, DC in February. They met with presidents, trustees, and congressional representatives to discuss legislative priorities and policy.
Security Sergeant Mike Lane, Officer Jim Mills, and Student Residence Center Program Assistant Debra Pottenger recently attended Clery Act compliance training at Clover Park Technical College. The two-day seminar reviewed the latest amendments to the act and walked participants through each aspect of compliance. In addition, it allowed participants to identify new reporting requirements on emergency response and notification. Bookstore Employee Rody Rodich and YVCC drama students Lance Mendoza, Nicholas Tucker, and Cody Lightning each received the Meritorious Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region VII for their performances in YVCC’s fall production of Our Lady of 121st Street. Office Assistant III in the Security Department Yvonne Schlittler recently received the Golden Plunger Award. The award is given quarterly by the Facilities Operations Department. Schlittler was recognized for her willingness to always help others on the security team. She was also selected for her vital contributions to the professional and efficient operation of the department’s front office. As teachers of writing, Sandra Schroeder and Dodie Forrest are aware of many YVCC students who have been victims of brutal violent acts. This awareness led to involvement in the V-Day cause, an international movement to stop violence against women and children. It also forged a valuable relationship between YVCC and several community organizations that are working to support and advocate for victims of violence. Over the past 10 years, YVCC V-Day has raised over $30,000 to contribute to several of these organizations, including Yakima Victims Services, this year’s beneficiary of the proceeds that performances of The Vagina Monologues generated. Although thanks to anti-violence activists, rape has declined in the U.S. by 60% since 19931, every two minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted2, and 1 in 4 women will experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime.3 Changing the world and its compliant view of violence is a daunting task, but Dodie and Sandy are committed to the challenge. V-Day – Until the Violence Stops… (1) The U.S. Department of Justice National Crime Victimization Survey, 2006-2010. (2) The Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (RAINN). (3) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The National Institute of Justice, Extent, Nature, and Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence, July 2000. Submitted by: Sandy Schroeder and Dodie Forrest
Director of Facilities Operations Jeff Wood recently attended Introduction to Client Service Contracts. Both he and Assistant Director of Facilities Operations Casey Rice also attended Introduction to Personal Service Contracts. These workshops were offered by the Office of Financial Management. Vice President of Instruction and Student Services Tomás Ybarra attended the 2012 National Achieving the Dream (ATD) conference with a team that included Math Instructors Doug Lewis and George Lopez, and Office of Institutional Effectiveness Faculty Director Wilma Dulin. Ybarra presented with a team of researchers from the Community College Research Center (Columbia University Teachers College) on the preliminary evaluation of results from the Washington ATD colleges. YVCC was invited to participate to share the college’s strategic approach to creating an institutional research operation using existing resources.
14 Exceptional Faculty Awards Radiologic Sciences Instructor Chris Beaudry recently attended the Association of Collegiate Educators In Radiologic Technology conference. The conference was held in Las Vegas, Nevada in February. Political Science Instructor Tim Jeske attended the American Political Science Association 2012 Conference on Teaching and Learning in Washington, DC in February.
In August English Instructor Dan Peters attended a week-long residency at Centrum, the writing program and community outside Port Townsend, Washington. English Instructor Jill Widner will attend a workshop titled Art of the Story held in San Francisco in April. This is a four-day intensive workshop for short story writers, novelists, and authors of creative fiction.
By Ricardo Chama
Traveling has always been the perfect excuse for me to be immersed in other realities. Travel books generally provide a lot of information, but the real feeling can only be grasped when my world—filled with my experience—collides in a dialogue with a different reality that has a distinct culture and history. These encounters between two kinds of people, two kinds of traditions and customs have been one of the tools to learn how to love and respect people, no matter how different we are, what ideologies our countries are based upon, or the level of poverty or wealth we possess. The ability to connect with others should have no boundaries. I landed in Vietnam with a purpose: To engage in a dialogue with the people, and not only to learn about them, but also to learn from them. Vietnam has an amazing variety of 54 Ethnic groups. Among the Ethnic groups with whom I had interactions were: Dao, Mong (H’mong), Mong Du (Black Mong), Cham, Kinh (Viet), Khmer and many others. The challenge was having a conversation and trying to exchange words and gestures to have the best possible interaction. But learning about them also came from the simple task of observing how they lived. I visited houses, met people on the street, and saw them working in restaurants, shops and factories. There was something that caught my eye right from the beginning, the beauty of their textile craftsmanship. For example, the Dao women are known for their hand embroidery. Visiting Northern Vietnam, seeing them walking and embroidering on the street, selling their textile, I recognized how strong tradition of textiles runs from one generation to another. After years of war in which precious relics were destroyed, Vietnam also saw the annihilation of their old tradition of craftsmanship that took centuries to develop. Despite their loss, Vietnamese people renewed what remained and slowly restored the old tradition of arts and handicraft. Vietnam has now become a center for silkworm and thread production. I visited one of the traditional handicraft workshops in Hoi An, a town preserved by tradition, and saw how artisans raised silkworm and produced silk. In spite of their turbulent history, the Vietnamese people have an incredible resilience. They have put all their talents and their effort in every piece of art. Every region and even small towns reflect the deep love they have for the arts by preserving the knowledge they almost lost. It was an unforgettable experience! Ricardo Chama, a Spanish instructor at YVCC, has been organizing trips to various countries for several years. His most recent trip to Vietnam took place in December 2011.
photos courtesy of Ricardo Chama
Biology Instructors Matthew Loeser, Jeremy Buegge, Claire Carpenter, Steve Kenny, Ed Birge, Judy Kjellman, Jerred Seveyka, and Blair Shean will attend the upcoming Northwest Biology Teachers Conference in Everett in April. The conference will include guest speakers, workshops, and field trips geared toward high school and college biology instructors in the Pacific Northwest.
A Reverse of Vietnamese Art
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