Calendar www.yvcc.edu/calendar
April 18: Parker Faller Field Dedication Ceremony Join YVCC for the dedication ceremony to rename the baseball field Parker Faller Field. The name honors Shirley D. Parker who built Parker Field in 1937, and Bill Faller retired baseball and football coach, physical education instructor, and athletic director from 1961 to 1987. The event will take place on the field at approximately 2:30pm following YVCC baseball’s first game of their double header against Treasure Valley. A reception will follow in the Hopf Union Building. For more information: 509.574.4720.
April 24-26: Spring Barrel Tasting Yakima Valley Vintners, YVCC’s teaching winery located on the Grandview Campus, will open its tasting room during the valley’s Spring Barrel event. Taste our student-produced award-winning wines. For more information: www.yakimavalleyvintners.com.
May 5: DoVA: Student & Faculty Exhibit
May 8: Palmer Martin Grand Opening Join YVCC for the ribbon cutting of our newest instructional facility, Palmer Martin Hall on Friday, May 8 at 2:00pm. The building will be home to Modern Languages, Art, Communication Studies, and Education departments and will include classrooms, labs, faculty offices and student study space. The event will take place on site at 1105 S. 16th Avenue. A reception and tour of the new building will follow. For more information: 509.574.6870.
May 16: Annual Tour of Artists’ Homes & Studios The Larson Gallery presents the annual Tour of Artists’ Homes and Studios from 10:00am-4:00pm. This annual event raises funds for the Larson Gallery Guild and is an opportunity to see how artists live and create. For more information: 509.574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org.
May 30: Grape to Glass Gala YVCC’s Vineyard and Winery Technology program will host the annual Grape to Glass Gala - A Winemakers’ Dinner & Silent Auction. Join us for an evening of fun, food, and wine. All proceeds benefit student scholarships. For more information: 509.882.7007 or www.yakimavalleyvintners.com.
The Larson Gallery presents the annual exhibition by the Department of Visual Arts featuring the work of YVCC students and faculty. An opening reception will be held May 5 from 5:00-7:00pm. For more information: 574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org.
June 11: YVCC’s 86th Commencement
May 7: Spring Clay Sale
June 12: Larson Gallery Guild Members’ Exhibit
Spring Clay Sale from 12:30-1:30pm in the HUB on the YVCC Yakima Campus. The sale features functional pottery and sculpture made by YVCC students and faculty. All proceeds go to improvements, equipment, and supplies for the program. Payment is check or cash only. For more information: 509.574.4881.
YVCC celebrates our 86th Commencement Ceremony at 7:00pm on Parker Faller Field. Join us to honor the class of 2015. Reception to follow. For more information: www.yvcc.edu/commencement.
The Larson Gallery presents the annual Guild Members’ Exhibit. This non-juried show highlights the creativity of Larson Gallery Guild members. An opening reception will be held Friday, June 12 from 5:00-7:00pm. The exhibit will be on display until July 2, 2015. For more information: 509.574.4875 or www.larsongallery.org.
Contents 3 4 5 6
Welcome Dr. Linda Kaminski, President
Campus News Strategic Plan for 2020
Student Honors Transforming Lives & All-Academic Team
Student Activities
Community Outreach Events
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Produced: YVCC Community Relations: Niki Hopkins and Stefanie Menard Photographs: Niki Hopkins, Stefanie Menard, and Jordan Vidmore Published: April 2015 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
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Larson Gallery 39th National Photography Exhibit
Athletics Men’s & Women’s Basketball Season
Engaging our Community
Spanish courses provide an opportunity for community enrichment
YVCC’s People
Sharing Good News
Cover Photo:
Student Veronica Capetillo works in the chemistry lab in Glenn Anthon Hall.
Back Cover Photo:
Students in YVCC’s Veterinary Technology Program gain hands-on experience while working with Instructor Dr. Kelley DeNome.
www.facebook.com/YakimaValleyCC 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
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Spring has finally arrived in our valley and it is certainly evident on our Grandview and Yakima campuses. As I write this letter, I am delighted to observe one of our dogwood trees in full bloom bursting with pink blossoms. This spring quarter will be typical of previous years with the anticipation and preparation for our 86th commencement ceremony and all of the other pinning ceremonies and completion events that occur at the end of the academic year. However, this spring quarter will also include some very special events and activities. On April 18 we will celebrate the new name of our historic baseball field, Parker Faller Field, in honor of William “Bill” Faller, our longtime coach, instructor, and athletic director. The celebration will occur at approximately 2:30pm on the field following the first game of YVCC’s double header. On May 8th we will cut the ribbon to dedicate our newest instructional facility, Palmer Martin Hall. We have anxiously awaited its completion as we watched the construction proceed throughout the fall and winter months. This building will be the new home for the Modern Languages, Art, Communication Studies, and Education departments and will include classrooms, labs, faculty offices, and student study space. Finally, this spring will begin the update of our five-year strategic plan for the future of YVCC. We welcome your ideas and comments as we rollout a survey for staff, students, and community members. We hope that you enjoy reading about the many activities and accomplishments of our students and staff in this issue of the Campus Update. Please know that your support is greatly appreciated and a critical component for our success. Only with your assistance can we continue to change the lives of our students, provide the much needed skilled workforce, and enrich the quality of life in the communities we serve.
Sincerely,
Linda Kaminski, Ed.D. President
Board of Trustees Robert Ozuna, Chair • Paul McDonald • Rosalinda Mendoza • Lisa Parker • Patricia Whitefoot Dr. Linda Kaminski, President Teresa Holland, Vice President of Administrative Services • Tomas Ybarra, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services Leslie Blackaby, Dean of Student Services • Kerrie Cavaness, Dean of Arts & Sciences Paulette Lopez, Dean of Workforce Education • Dr. Bryce Humpherys, Dean of Grandview Campus & Basic Skills
CAMPUS NEWS
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Students on the Yakima and Grandview campuses participate in the Early Childhood Education courses offered in Spanish for childcare providers in the Yakima Valley
YVCC Offers Early Childhood Education Courses for Childcare Providers In early 2014 the State of Washington passed new regulations that licensed family home childcare providers needed to have a high school diploma, GED, or child development associate credential. The community and technical colleges in Washington State began offering courses targeted to these childcare providers. As of October 2014 there were 244 childcare providers in the Yakima Valley who did not meet the new requirements. To fill this need, YVCC began offering courses in English. In addition, this winter the college piloted three early childhood education courses taught in Spanish. The goal was to enroll 50 participants in the pilot; however, the demand exceeded YVCC’s original projections and the Education Department served over 100 students for winter quarter on both the Yakima and Grandview campuses. “Our Education Department knows students come to YVCC from various access points. As an institution with an open door admissions policy, it is our way of saying everyone has an opportunity,” stated Education Instructor Melissa Kotzin. Scholarship opportunities are available. Individuals interested in learning more about early childhood education courses at YVCC can visit: www.yvcc.edu/earlyachievers.
YVCC’s Strategic Plan for 2020 We value your input! Yakima Valley Community College is gathering information from the communities we serve for our 2016-2020 Strategic Plan. We welcome your feedback, insights, and suggestions on YVCC’s current role in our community as well as your priorities for our future planning. Please participate by taking an online survey. It will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. The survey is available from April 1-17. For more information, contact the President’s Office at 509.574.4635.
Visit: www.yvcc.edu/survey
Center of Excellence in Allied Health Celebrates 10 Years Established by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the Centers of Excellence are celebrating their 10-year anniversary. The centers represent the 10 industries that drive Washington State’s economy. These centers meet with representatives from industry, government, workforce development and education to identify common goals, collaboration opportunities, and strategies to ensure that Washington is a global and thriving state. YVCC is home to the Center of Excellence in Allied Health. Since its inception, it has provided statewide leadership in response to the healthcare industry’s education and training needs. It has been instrumental in sharing best practices that support student success and prepare students for the healthcare workforce. “YVCC’s center works with industry and workforce development partners to anticipate emerging needs, shifts in the care delivery system, and changing demand to assure that the community and technical college system is flexible and responsive,” stated Director of YVCC’s Center of Excellence in Allied Health Dan Ferguson. “The center also provides support for career pathway initiatives which help create interest in the health professions for secondary students,” he said. In April, the Washington State’s Centers for Excellence will be awarded the Chair Academy 2015 International Exemplary Leadership Award. The award recognizes the centers’ ability to advance academic and administrative leadership.
STUDENT HONORS
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Transforming Lives Award
Congratulations to Analuisa Aguilera Each year the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges trustees association requests nominees from the 34 colleges for the Transforming Lives Award. The award honors current and former students whose lives were transformed by attending a Washington State community or technical college. This winter YVCC nominated Analuisa Aguilera. Aguilera is pursuing her bachelor’s degree through YVCC’s new Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management Program. The college began offering the program in the fall of 2014 and Analuisa is part of the first cohort of students. “YVCC’s program is wonderful,” stated Analuisa Aguilera. “I feel very supported by the faculty and staff. YVCC has been helpful in making this dream become a reality. Being able to take classes at YVCC has allowed me to continue working while earning my degree,” she continued. Analuisa is currently working as a business analyst for the Yakima Valley Farm Analuisa Aguilera Workers Clinic. Earning a degree at YVCC will help her advance within the organization, continue her professional development, and earn better wages. Her goal is to move into a management position. As a mother who is working full-time and attending school, Analuisa understands the challenges students face when returning to the classroom. “It is hard to come back to school. It takes dedication, time management skills, and a strong belief in yourself, but you can do it! I want others to know that it is possible. I have created a bond with my classmates and I am encouraged by the guidance and support of my advisor. This has been a very fulfilling experience,” she concluded.
All-Washington Academic Team
Congratulations to Daphne Fisher and Matthew Ellenberger YVCC is proud to announce the selection of Daphne Fisher and Matthew Ellenberger to the 2015 All-Washington Academic Team. The scholarship program recognizes and honors students from all 34 community and technical colleges in Washington State for outstanding accomplishments. First-generation college student Daphne Fisher grew up in the Yakima Valley. She graduated from Davis High School and enrolled at YVCC. A talented athlete, Fisher was a walk-on for the women’s fast pitch team and has demonstrated her leadership skills as the team captain. This season she is also playing for the women’s basketball team. Bright and driven to succeed, Daphne has also found success in the classroom excelling at several challenging courses. Fisher volunteers as a physical therapy assistant aid at Creekside Physical Therapy. Happy with her performance, Creekside has offered her a paid position following winter quarter. Daphne will graduate in June with an associate of arts transfer degree. Matthew Ellenberger knew from a young age that he was interested in science. While in high school he decided to pursue more challenging courses and enrolled in YVCC’s Running Start Program. Ellenberger is also involved in campus life. He serves as president for YVCC’s Chemistry Club. Under his direction the club has been active in providing outreach to local elementary, junior high, and high school students. Ellenberger also volunteers at Madison House, a local youth center, where he tutors and helps students with their homework. He will graduate with an associate of science transfer degree and with his high school diploma. Through support from KeyBank each member of the All-Washington Academic Team receive a $250 scholarships. In addition, the Washington State Employees Credit Union provides an additional eight scholarships. Many public and independent four-year colleges and universities also offer a variety of scholarships to team members who transfer to their institutions.
Daphne Fisher
Matthew Ellenberger
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Engineering Day
Teach, Tour, Taste
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Love on a Leash
Engineering Day: For the past several years YVCC’s Engineering Program has partnered with the Yakima Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) to host Engineering Day. “The main purpose of this event is to provide hands-on activities geared towards helping young children explore the connections between math, science, and engineering,” stated Engineering Instructor Rajkumar Raj. “Also to win the hearts and minds of children. We want to get kids to think about the fun in becoming engineers at that young age,” he concluded. Love on a Leash: YVCC’s TRiO program partnered with the Yakima Valley Chapter of Love on a Leash to bring six dogs, along with their handlers, to the Yakima campus for their end-of-the-quarter celebration. “The purpose of the event was to recognize various student achievements, including our winter quarter graduates,” stated Program Coordinator Jessica Vigil. “The idea was brought to my attention by a friend whose dog is completing his hours for Love on a Leash. The dogs usually are in medical settings and needed to be exposed to new environments. I had heard of schools who use therapy dogs to help students with stress relief and companionship, and thought it would be a great idea to bring them to the TRiO event,” she concluded. The students enjoyed visiting with the dogs and expressed how much it had helped relieve the stress of finals week. “We were glad to make a positive contribution to brighten the students’ day at such a stressful time and the dogs were overjoyed with the loving attention they received from students and employees,” stated Love on a Leash representative Stacy DeLeon. South Central Washington Science Olympiad: This winter YVCC hosted the third annual South Central Washington Science Olympiad. Participants included middle school and junior high school students, teachers, and parents from school districts throughout the region from Cle Elum to the Tri-Cities, as well as college and university faculty, and community members. “The Science Olympiad tournament motivates middle school students to think critically in the disciplines of science, mathematics, and beyond. We hope their success here sets the stage for a lifetime of learning,” stated Biology Instructor Dr. Matthew Loeser. The event was a great success with 11 teams from 7 schools competing in 23 events. Heritage University and Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences were co-sponsors. Teach, Tour, Taste: YVCC’s teaching winery, Yakima Valley Vintners, and students studying wine marketing hosted the sixth annual open house Teach, Tour & Taste at the Grandview campus. “The event was created six seasons ago by students in the wine marketing course as a way to showcase the teaching winery and its award-winning wines,” stated Business Administration Instructor Carol Schneider. Guests at the event were given a winemaker’s tour of the entire production facility, highlighting various aspects of the winemaking process with interactive educational stations, and concluding in the Tasting Room where guests are offered the opportunity to taste and purchase Yakima Valley Vintners’ premium wines, crafted by students. “From vine-to-wine, the guests learn about the teaching winery and YVCC’s programs in Vineyard Technology and Winery Technology which are creating the next generation of viticulturists, winemakers, and tasting room managers,” she concluded. YVCC Playmasters: This winter YVCC Playmasters presented the musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The musical ran March 5-8 in Kendall Hall Auditorium. The production was based on the 1967 musical comedy with book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner and is based on characters created by cartoonist Charles M. Schulz in the comic strip Peanuts. “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown finished its run with a strong and well-attended closing performance,” stated YVCC Drama Instructor Alicia Bickley. “Cast members Austin Fuentes (Snoopy) and Cody Jordan (Linus) received Irene Ryan nominations for their work, and will, along with their selected scene partners, be representing YVCC at the 2016 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, which will be held in Denver, Colorado,” she concluded. The production was directed by Drama Instructor Alicia Bickley with music direction by Choir Director Steven Slusher.
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LARSON GALLERY
“The Coming Storm” by Leif Hartfst
“Mariner’s Compass” by Jennifer Saracino
39th National Photography Exhibit The Larson Gallery is currently home to the 39th National Juried Photography Exhibition. It will be on display until April 18. This exhibition includes 84 works from 67 artists from across the United States. For the first time video work by YVCC Photography Instructor Jennifer Saracino is included in the exhibition. The juror for the show is David D. Johnson who won Best of Show in 2013 and has participated in 14 Larson Gallery photo exhibitions. He recently retired after 37 years of teaching photography for Pierce College and for the University of Washington Professional and Continuing Education Program. Johnson has won numerous awards for his photography, and has exhibited in 16 one-person and 40 group exhibitions in the United States and Italy. His photographs are in the permanent collections of the Spazio Nobili Museum and the L’ldioma Gallery in Italy, The Seattle Art Museum, SAFECO Corporation, Coupeville Art Center, and Yakima Valley Community College. Over 397 photographs were submitted from across the United States. The opening reception was held on March 7 and over $2,000 in awards were presented.
Student Photo Published
Congratulations to Enrique Madrid This winter YVCC student Enrique Madrid had the opportunity to participate in the 35th Annual College & High School Photography Contest. The contest was co-sponsored by Photographer’s Forum and Nikon. Madrid’s photograph was selected from over 17,000 entries from the United States, Canada, and around the world to be published in the Best of Colleges & High School Photography 2015. “I love capturing the moment,” stated Enrique Madrid. “Then you can look back at the image and remember the emotion and the experience,” he continued. Inspired by his instructor and Larson Gallery Director David Lynx to submit his work, Madrid is humble about his photographs. He took Introduction to Photography with Lynx. When he first started photographing he used the built-in camera in his phone. “For my birthday my mom purchased my first camera body,” stated Madrid. “I then worked and worked to pay for my first lens. I want to experiment with new lenses, new equipment, and even film,” stated Madrid. “In both his student work and ongoing photography, Enrique captures the play of light against the night sky,” stated Larson Gallery Director David Lynx. Madrid dreams of traveling the world and bringing his camera along. “I really enjoy photography and hope to be able to do it as a career,” concluded Madrid.
Enrique Madrid
Madrid’s published photograph was taken at the Central Washington State Fair
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ATHLETICS
Women’s Basketball The Yakima Valley Community College Women’s Basketball Team had a tough season, but the Yak’s continued to play hard even in the midst of various Myleah Musgrave struggles. “We had a lot of pieces to the puzzle, but we never had them all on the table at the same time,” stated Head Coach Greg Oldham. Those pieces included a key player who was ineligible until the start of Eastern Region play, losing another to academic issues after fall quarter, and losing three other players due to injury. “Every time we got a player back from injury it seemed like we lost two others,” said Oldham. “It was one step forward and two steps back.” Season highlights included a win over Southwest Oregon Community College (SWOCC) at the Skagit Valley Crossover Tournament in December and a home win over Big Bend that saw the Yaks put up 60 first half points in route to the 91-84 victory. “Those highlights were awesome, but they are also the source of our frustrations. The SWOCC team we beat in December pulled off an upset in the NWAC tournament, and that half against Big Bend showed how good we could be when we were firing on all cylinders,” continued Oldham. Representing the Yaks on the Eastern Region All-Defensive Team and in the Sophomore All-Star game is sophomore point guard Myleah Musgrave. Musgrave took 44 charges this season, averaging nearly two per game. She also was 14th in the NWAC in assists at 3.7 per game. “Myleah was the heart of our team this season. We asked her to do so much: guard the best perimeter player and run our offense as the point guard,” said Oldham. This was a difficult season, but Coach Oldham was encouraged by the heart and work ethic of his team. “Even when we were losing, our players kept playing hard. In the end, that’s all you can ask of a team,” he concluded. Information provided by YVCC Athletics
Men’s Basketball The Yakima Valley Community College Men’s Basketball Program concluded their season by missing out on the NWAC Championship Tournament. With a roster full of inexperience and no returning players, the Yaks never quite came together at the level needed to have sustained success in the win-loss column. While injuries and academic obstacles did not help matters, team members persevered and collectively improved. “While this was obviously a very challenging and tough season for us, we learned many valuable lessons throughout our time together,” said Head Coach Ray Funk. “Even though it didn’t go the way any of us had planned, we learned the importance of staying together through adversity, persistence, and commitment to each other,” he continued. The team ended up playing their best in the second half of the region season. “The guys who stuck it out all the way through the end never gave up and competed to the best of their ability and for that the coaching staff commends them,” he stated. For the first time in Funk’s 10-year YVCC coaching career, no Yaks were named to the All-Region, All-Defensive, or Sophomore All-Star teams. Despite this fact, several Yaks still made noteworthy impact on the season. For example, sophomore Blake Cleveringa started every game and led YVCC in minutes played. “We depended heavily on Blake’s consistency on both ends of the floor,” said Funk. In addition, freshmen Marquice Clark, Mac Wood, and Demetrius Trammel all saw their roles increase as their individual games developed and grew. Looking ahead to the 2015-16 season, the Yaks should return with a lot of playing experience at the intercollegiate level. “With the lessons our guys learned this year, it is reasonable to expect our returners to know exactly what type of work they must do in order to be successful on and off the court. Combined with their efforts and the infusion of talented student-athlete recruits, the Yaks look forward to competing at the level they’ve been accustomed to in recent history,” he concluded.
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ENGAGING OUR COMMUNITY
Students in Ricardo Chama’s Spanish 101 course this winter
YVCC’s Spanish Courses Provide an Opportunity for Community Enrichment Ricardo Chama has been teaching Spanish at YVCC since 1986. In his 29 years in the classroom he has impacted the lives of many in the Yakima Valley. His classroom is welcoming and his presentation of the material allows for students of all ages to be successful. His Spanish 101 course this winter is no exception. Community member Carole Folsom-Hill served as the director of La Casa Hogar. Now retired, she continues to work in the Yakima community and would like to be able to converse better in Spanish. She has taken classes before, but this time she is determined to learn more of the language. “Chama presents the language in new ways, I am having the light bulb experience; it is finally starting to click,” stated Folsom-Hill. “Taking this class at YVCC has been rewarding,” she concluded. Fellow classmates Corinne Murphy-Hines and Samuel Hines couldn’t agree more. They too are very active in the community and enjoy traveling in their retirement. They have plans to spend time in Spain this summer and have been enjoying Chama’s class. “He provides visual demonstrations as he talks about different vocabulary which makes it very helpful in remembering new words. He really makes it fun,” stated Murphy-Hines. This description of Chama’s teaching style is an important component of his teaching methodology. “Visual demonstrations are a way to help make the connection between meaning and form and install a new language system. It’s a way to construct a mental representation of the new structure and be able to use it without thinking,” stated Spanish Instructor Ricardo Chama. “Let me say this, in a traditional class, a teacher will give an explanation about how grammar works and then is followed by the application of the rule by using different types of mechanical activities. The student needs to think about how to apply it. It’s a very conscious process,” he continued. This method is called “focus on form.” In the “focus on meaning” methodology, students are getting the grammar through the exposure to comprehensible input. “One way to do this is telling a story while providing visual demonstrations and using gestures to better allow meaning to become comprehensible and, at the same time, the form to be processed,” he concluded.
YVCC Students attend Washington State TRiO Civic Leadership Conference
YVCC TRiO students join others from around the state; Community and Technical College TRiO directors including YVCC’s Marc Coomer (far right) with Governor Inslee
Twelve YVCC students attended the Washington State TRiO Civic Leadership Conference in Olympia. TRiO programs, funded by the US Department of Education, assist low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities in overcoming barriers to higher education. “The students participated in leadership workshops, learned how our legislature works, and heard Governor Inslee speak on education issues in Washington,” stated Assistant Dean - Support Programs Marc Coomer. “YVCC was well represented by our students who were energized by the opportunity to network with other students and learn more about our state government,” he concluded.
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PEOPLE David Lynx, Larson Gallery director and art instructor, received his certification as a Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga teacher from Chopra Center University. This is the second of three certifications towards becoming a Vedic Master. Lynx incorporates Vedic studies in his Asian Art History class.
Los Straitjackets “Kawanga” Karaoke Video Contest
Peter Monahan, head women’s soccer coach and Spanish instructor, collaborated with YVCC graduates Julio Romano and Efrain de la Torre and Running Start students Ian Monahan and Mateo Lopez to create a video for the Los Straitjacket’s video competition. The submission won first place. To view visit: YouTube and search Los Straitjackets “Kawanga”. The video is named Los Straitjackets “Kawanga” Karaoke (Final Edit) posted by Efrain De La Torre. Glenda Orgill, education instructor, was nominated to serve on a statewide subcommittee for Paraeducator Employment Standards and Professional Development for English Language Learners. Monty Walker, geography and European history instructor, was recently awarded a curriculum development stipend through a competition hosted by the US Department of Education and six Title VI National Resource Centers from universities across the country. The competition offered funding to faculty teaching at community colleges and minority-serving institutions to create or redesign courses that have content on Eastern Europe or Eurasia. Walker was selected and was awarded funding for his whole application.
Peggy Van Dyke
Congratulations to Peggy Van Dkye. She is the award recipient of the Fall 2014 Classified Employee of the Quarter. Van Dyke started at YVCC in April of 2000. Currently she works on YVCC’s Grandview Campus as a Program Assistant for TRiO Student Support Services. She also assists with curriculum advising for students in the Allied Health programs and works with students in YVCC’s Disability Support Services.
Foster Youth Program: YVCC and Catholic Family and Child Services work together to assist foster youth in their transition from foster care to college. Sue Perrault, counselor, and Tammy Graham, assistant director of financial aid, work with YVCC’s Foster Youth and will be hosting a professional development training this April on YVCC’s Yakima Campus. The free event offered by The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), the Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS), and College Success Foundation is designed to provide training and networking for professionals who work with foster youth. This year’s training will focus on building resilience among young adults from foster care to help them persist with their education goals. Vineyard & Winery Technology: Yakima Valley Vintners Dean’s List Primitivo was poured at the annual Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers dinner and auction in February. The event is a fundraiser for the Washington Wine Industry Foundation. The Foundation supports education, research, and leadership in the Washington wine industry. The student-crafted wine was served to over 450 people in attendance. The Dean’s List Primitivo was submitted to the 2014 Tri-Cities Wine Festival and won a sliver medal. YVCC graduates Heena and Khushboo: Following their respective graduations in 2010 and 2011, former students Heena and Khushboo returned to their home in Kabul, Afghanistan. They subsequently enrolled in Kabul University successfully completing their baccalaureate degrees in business while maintaining work study jobs. Khushboo then acquired a job with USAID while Heena became the finance director at the International School of Kabul. In 2014, both women engaged and married. Khushboo and her husband received special immigrant visas to the United States where they now live. Heena hopes to follow their lead. The sisters originally came to Yakima with the support of YVCC History Instructor, Lieutenant Colonel Ken Zontek, Ph.D. He met the pair during his first tour in Afghanistan while doing humanitarian work at a women’s shelter. Knowing that he wanted to help make a difference in the lives of these women, he worked tirelessly to raise funds for the students to study here at YVCC. Both of the women made a considerable and positive impact on the YVCC Yakima Campus in the classroom and during lectures where they shared stories about life in Afghanistan.
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