YAKIMA VALLEY COLLEGE Campus Update, Winter 2017
Board of Trustees Patrick Baldoz Sara Cate, M.D. Rosalinda Mendoza Robert Ozuna Patricia Whitefoot Produced by: Jay Frank Stefanie Menard Contributing Photographers: Jay Frank Justin Hawkes Stefanie Menard Published: March 2017 If you would like to be added or removed from our mailing list, please contact us: Yakima Valley College Community Relations PO Box 22520 Yakima, WA 98907-2520 communityrelations@yvcc.edu 509.574.4646 Connect with Us! Facebook www.facebook.com/YakimaValleyCollege
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Letter from the President While the unusual amount of snow and frigid temperatures created some additional challenges during the winter quarter, it did not curtail the many accomplishments of our staff and students. In this issue of the Campus Update you can read about some of the activities that contributed to the success of our students. A major part of our YVC mission is to prepare students with the technical skills to meet the dire need for high demand jobs in our community and state. Two of these programs are Automotive Service Technology and Veterinary Technology. This year we were able to renovate existing space in our Technology Complex which enabled both programs to have enhanced spaces that are more conducive to learning and better meet the requirements for program accreditation. In addition to these programs, you will also read about other high demand career programs, including Aerospace Machining Technology, and Medical Billing and Coding. In February, we continued our annual Engineering Day and South Central Washington Science Olympiad. Both of these events engage middle school and high school students in competitive activities that require skills and promote interest in science and mathematics. Hopefully, these students will one day fill the many critically needed positions in healthcare, engineering, and mathematics. In addition, we enjoyed many exhilarating athletic events, thought-provoking plays, delicious wine tasting, a faculty lecture about spiders, and fascinating art exhibits. Our students also engaged in community service through many outreach activities including collecting food and toys, helping the homeless, and participating in the MLK Peace March. We hope that you will find this issue to be informative, inspiring, and perhaps reminiscent of your years at YVC. Thank you for all you do to support Yakima Valley College. Sincerely,
Linda Kaminski, Ed.D. President
Contents 3 4 5 7 9 11 12 13
Campus News Student Honors Student Activities Larson Gallery Athletics Running Start Workforce Education YVC’s People
Cover Photo: Members of YVC’s Jazz Band during practice in Kendall Hall. The YVC Music Department provides students with academic courses and performing opportunities in vocal and instrumental music as well as opportunities for private lessons. The award-winning YVC Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos, now under the direction of Instrumental Music Instructor Jeff Norwood, have become known throughout the Pacific Northwest for their quality. Vocal Music Instructor Steven Slusher oversees the YVC Concert Choir, Community Choir, and Chamber Singers. The groups have traveled throughout the state and possess a tradition of artistic quality and breadth of styles. To learn more visit: www.yvcc.edu/music
CAMPUS NEWS
Automotive Service Technology
Veterinary Technology
Remodel Benefits Automotive Service Technology and Veterinary Technology This past fall, YVC students were welcomed with newly remodeled space for the Veterinary Technology (Vet Tech) and Automotive Service Technology (AST) programs in the Technology Complex on the Yakima Campus. In an effort to create better instructional spaces, Vet Tech and AST collaborated to redesign the existing square footage into a state-of-the-art teaching and learning environment. The renovation was designed by BORArchitecture and completed by contractor M. Sevigny Construction. The project cost $1,551,735 and included the remodel of 7,156 square feet of existing space. “For AST, and the same can be said for Vet Tech, the changes to our facilities will improve our standing and rating within the corresponding accreditation standards,” stated AST Instructor Murray Ruggles. “AST’s need for space changed a couple years ago when YV-Tech moved to a different facility. With this move YVC’s AST program was able to make use of the entire space. This move along with the recent remodel have allowed us to update and upgrade our facility space to better fit our individual program needs. This change also helped to improve the experience for the students,” he concluded. To showcase the new facilities an open house was held in February that allowed students, staff and community members to view the updated space, meet with program instructors, and learn about the careers available in each industry.
Career Coach This winter YVC launched Career Coach. This new web-based tool allows students and community members to search career options and find employment. It offers free access to information regarding degrees and certificates offered at the college, as well as current data on wage, employment, and job postings in our local area. “YVC is excited to offer Career Coach to our students and the community. The tool provides much-needed information that will enable individuals to make the best choice for their future,” stated Director of Workforce Education Yesenia Rodriguez. Learn more! Visit: www.yvcc.edu/careercoach
YVC Expects to Launch Revamped Website this Summer YVC is investing in a major website redesign, targeting a summertime launch for the new online product. The new site will be easier to update and easier for the public to navigate. To manage the changes coming to the public section of the website, the college has appointed Melodie Smith as Web Content Coordinator in the Department of Community Relations. “Melodie brings both the technical background and the marketing and artistic background to successfully navigate the website transition,” stated Director of Community Relations Jay Frank. “We know many prospective students are making their education decisions via the web browser on their cell phones. That’s the modern age, and we want that online introduction to YVC to be inviting and frustration-free,” he continued. 3 Yakima Valley College
STUDENT HONORS
Transforming Lives Award Each year the Washington State Association of College Trustees requests one nominee from each of the 34 community and technical colleges in Washington State for the Transforming Lives Award. YVC’s nominee is Lori Fischer. Her unique story represents how community college, specifically the opportunities at YVC, impacted her life and her education. Lori Fischer grew up in the Yakima Valley and has made it her home. A victim of domestic abuse, Lori made the brave choice for herself and her family to escape. She focused on raising her children and helped encourage them to pursue their dreams. Now, years later, Lori has decided to make a change for herself. She enrolled at YVC and is working to earn her associate degree. “Work hard, believe in yourself, follow your dreams, and make good choices. Isn’t that what we’re all taught?” stated Fischer in her application letter. “Not Lori Fischer everyone. I don’t remember a time in my life when I was told to believe in myself, follow my dreams, or make good choices but it’s definitely what I tell my seven children every day,” she continued. Fischer will graduate this fall and plans to transfer to a four-year college or university. She hopes to one day teach in the Yakima Valley.
All-Washington Academic Team YVC is proud to announce the selection of Jose Zuniga and Kylie Ergeson as members of the 2017 All-Washington Academic Team. The scholarship program recognizes students from all 34 community and technical colleges in Washington State for outstanding accomplishments. A first-generation college student, Jose Zuniga graduated from Toppenish High School in 2005. When President Obama passed the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in June 2012, Zuniga saw an opportunity to pursue his dream. With financial aid from the WASFA program he enrolled at YVC in Fall 2014 and quickly realized his passion for the sciences. A very driven student, Zuniga quickly became the President of the STEM Club and a member of YVC’s Phi Theta Kappa and Pre-Med Club. This past summer, Zuniga was selected to participate in YVC’s undergraduate research projects. Outside of the classroom, he works full-time as a mortgage loan officer and volunteers on weekends at Virginia Mason Memorial. He will graduate next spring and hopes to transfer to a four-year university and study biochemistry. Kylie Ergeson graduated as Valedictorian from Selah High School in 2015. During her senior year, her boyfriend was in a motorcycle accident and suffered a serious injury. As he recovered in the hospital, seeing the care provided by his team of nurses, Ergeson realized that she wanted to pursue a career helping others. In the fall she enrolled at YVC to complete her prerequisite courses for the nursing program. Ergeson is a member of YVC’s Nutrition Club, Healthy Teeth Club, and Phi Theta Kappa. She also works at the tutoring center, assisting students in the fields of chemistry, biology, nutrition, statistics, and sociology. This past spring Ergeson was selected to participate in YVC’s undergraduate research projects. Outside of the classroom she volunteers at Virginia Mason Memorial in the telemetry unit. She will graduate this spring and plans to transfer to the nursing program.
Jose Zuniga
Kylie Ergeson
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STUDENT ACTIVITIES All the ice and snow this past winter didn’t stop YVC from offering a full assortment of student events and activities. Many of the events were planned and coordinated with support from various student clubs, the Associated Students of YVC (ASYVC), and the Grandview Student Council (GSC). Below is a sampling of some of the events that were held during winter quarter. For more information on upcoming activities visit: www.yvcc.edu/calendar
Engineering Day For the past several years, YVC’s Engineering Program has partnered with the Yakima Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers to host a free Engineering Day for kids. The main objective of the event is to provide hands-on activities that allow children to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). This year’s event was the largest event to date, with approximately 540 children participating.
Teach, Tour & Taste Every March, students in YVC’s Wine Marketing course work with Yakima Valley Vintners to host an open house. Teach, Tour & Taste provides participants with the opportunity to learn about wines produced at YVC, tour the teaching winery, and sample student-produced wines.
YVC Reads The YVC Reads initiative continued in February with two special events. To continue the celebration of Aldo Leopold’s famous work, A Sand County Almanac, YVC offered a showing of the film Aldo Leopold’s Children: Living the Land, along with a reading and panel discussion. The film is inspired by Aldo Leopold’s land ethic in which people view themselves as belonging to the land. It features commentary and insight from his children, recognized scholars and conservation leaders. Later in the month, Biology Instructor Dr. Meghan Fitzgerald shared her faculty lecture, Understanding Spider Behavior: They Aren’t All Here to Kill You.
International Student Program Reception This past January, YVC’s International Student Program (ISP) and the YVC Foundation hosted a reception allowing the college community to meet currently enrolled international students. Brady Mugleston, director of auxiliary services, showcased video testimonials highlighting the ISP experience from the unique points of view these international students bring. YVC currently hosts ten international students from Bahrain, Philippines, Egypt, Rwanda, South Korea, Haiti, Japan, China, Vietnam and Italy. These students all come to YVC from a variety of backgrounds and help to provide a diverse and enriching experience for all students. 5 Yakima Valley College
Science Olympiad For the 5th year in a row, YVC hosted the annual South Central Washington Science Olympiad. The day-long event draws student participants from area middle and junior high schools who compete in science and math-based projects. This year’s event included 17 teams, an increase of seven from previous years, and approximately 200 students. Twenty-three events were held, with students being challenged in areas ranging from meteorology to the construction of flying machines.
ASYVC Homeless Drive & GSC Coat Drive Student governments on both the Yakima and Grandview campuses have been working to help those in need. In Yakima, students gathered clothing, sleeping gear, toiletries, first-aid supplies, water, and gift cards to donate to Yakima Neighborhood Health Services. “Our goal is to raise awareness about the number of people that die from hypothermia in the valley each winter. It is important for all communities to come together in empathy and move away from the apathy that can hinder our ability to humble ourselves to help someone,” stated ASYVC President Elizabeth Stavros. ASYVC’s drive gathered more than 800 items. After learning about several YVC students who did not have coats to wear during the cold winter months, the GSC decided to collect coats, scarves, gloves, and hats to donate to the Grandview Salvation Army. “We felt it was our responsibility to find coats for them to wear during this harsh winter weather,” stated GSC Programmer Melisa Ramos. “We hope that this coat drive has inspired people to be kinder and to think about others,” she concluded. In total 46 coats were collected.
MLK Celebration YVC’s Diversity Series sponsored a week-long celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The festivities kicked off with the annual MLK Peace March, a partnership with the MLK Community Planning Committee, and included participation from many students, faculty, and staff. Additional events included motivational speaker Aaron Reader, a film-viewing of Selma, and a performance by Obadiah Terry from Living Voices of the play The Right to Dream, Winning the Civil Rights Movement. “We had over 400 students, faculty, staff and community members join us to celebrate. It was great to have so many people come out and partake in these valuable and important events,” stated Counselor Maribel Jimenez.
One-Act Plays YVC Playmasters hosted a special evening of one-act plays this winter. Directed by former YVC students Azalea Koestler and Brooke Waits, and starring current YVC students, the two plays -- Conversation at Night with a Despised Character and Crimes of a Middle Aged Genius -- provided an opportunity for students to work together to make a production come to life. “One of the greatest joys of teaching theatre is watching student-created productions,” stated Drama Instructor Alicia Bickley. “They are putting into practice everything we’ve taught them in our classrooms and in our productions, and adding to those lessons their own unique insights and experiences. The result is theatre that looks and feels immediate and honest, and very exciting,” she continued.
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LARSON GALLERY
Upcoming April 20: Maya Lin’s Aesthetic The Larson Gallery presents Dr. Matthew Altman, associate professor and chair of philosophy & religious studies at Central Washington University. He will talk about the work of Maya Lin and interpret it through the lens of Martin Heidegger’s philosophy of art. The event will be held at 6:00pm in the Parker Room.
April 26: Merci: Administrative Professionals Luncheon Home from the Sea by Ronald Rigge
40th National Photo Exhibit The Larson Gallery is currently hosting the 40th National Juried Photography Exhibit. This exhibition features 69 works from 48 artists from around the country. The juror for the show is Julia Dolan, the Minor White Curator of Photography at The Portland Art Museum. Born in Buffalo and raised in Montreal, she studied photography at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, art history at Pennsylvania State University, and then completed her doctorate at Boston University, examining the industrial-era photography of Lewis Hine. Before a three-year fellowship in Philadelphia, Dolan worked at smaller museums, including the Addison Gallery of American Art in Andover, MA, and the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University. For this exhibit, Dolan selected works from 257 entries submitted by 89 artists. Photographers from California, Kentucky, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, New York, Missouri, and Washington were selected. Begun in 1972 as a local photo competition, this event later evolved into a state show and now is a national photo exhibition. The original photography competition was hung outside with clothespins, according to retired YVC Photography Instructor Herb Blisard, the founder of the exhibition. Blisard convinced the chief photographer at the Seattle Times to be the juror of that original show. An opening reception for this year’s exhibit was held on March 9 and over $1,500 in awards was presented. The exhibit will be on display until April 15. For more information: www.larsongallery.org 7 Yakima Valley College
A fundraiser for the Larson Gallery is held at the Carousel Restaurant; featuring a fashion show from Gretchen’s and Sporthaus. For tickets, contact the Larson Gallery.
May 2-27: DoVA Student & Faculty Exhibition YVC students and faculty from the Department of Visual Arts (DoVA) present their work. The exhibition includes photography, painting, drawing, printmaking, and ceramics. An opening reception will be held May 2 from 5:00-7:00pm.
May 20: Tour of Artists’ Homes & Studios The annual Tour of Artists’ Homes and Studios will be held from 10:00-4:00pm. This annual event raises funds for the Larson Gallery Guild and is an opportunity to see how artists live and create. Tickets cost $20 for general admission and $5 for students.
June 8 - 30: Larson Gallery Guild Members’ Exhibition The annual Guild Members’ Exhibition show highlights the creativity of Larson Gallery Guild members. An opening reception will be held on June 8 from 5:00-7:00pm.
June-July: Workshop Series The Larson Gallery presents a series of workshops to help individuals explore their creative side. Dates, times, and costs vary. Please contact the gallery for additional information. For more information on upcoming events contact: 509.574.4875/ www.larsongallery.org
YAKIMA VA L L E Y COLLEGE
MEDICAL BILLING & CODING
Combining convenient online instruction, laboratory simulations, and supervised practice, YVC’s Medical Billing and Coding Program readies students for a career as a Billing and Coding Specialist, with an emphasis on preparation for the national certification in medical coding exam. - Degree and Certificates Available - Provides a well-rounded education - Fully Accredited Program - The Average Medical Coding Specialist with a College Degree Earns $25.16/hr - Jobs for Medical Coder Specialists are Expected to Increase 22% by the year 2022
For more information visit: www.yvcc.edu/medicalbilling Winter 2017 8 *Data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics
ATHLETICS
2016-2017 Women’s Basketball Team
2016-2017 Men’s Basketball Team
Women’s Basketball
Men’s Basketball
A heartbreaking loss in an end-of-season tiebreaker kept the Yakima Valley College Women’s Basketball Team out of the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Championship Tournament, but the team’s winning season brought plenty of attention and post-season awards. Sophomore guard Sammi Blodgett had a remarkable year for the Yaks both offensively and defensively, finishing fifth in the NWAC in scoring at 21 points per game, and third in steals, with 2.68 per game. For her efforts, the Wapato native was named a first-team all-region selection. Freshman forward Sequoia Swan added over 16 points per game, good enough for 20th on the NWAC scoring leader list. Although the Yaks winning record of 17-12 left them just shy of the tournament, first-year Head Coach Adam Strom’s efforts won him the respect of his peers. Strom was named the NWAC Eastern Region Coach of the Year.
In his first season as Head Coach of the YVC Men’s Basketball Team, London Wilson worked to establish a defense-first mentality. His undersized squad -- which featured no player taller than 6 foot 6 inches -- responded, leading the East region of the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) with over 8 steals per game. Defensive intensity kept the team in games, but ultimately the lack of size and consistent scoring relegated the team to a 9-19 record. Yakima native Max Jones led the squad in scoring with 14 points per game. The sophomore, a graduate of Davis High School, proved himself a versatile performer, finishing in the top 15 in the East region of the NWAC in scoring, rebounds, and assists. Charismatic sophomore Jason Ford provided an interior presence and leadership, often finding himself matched up against much larger opponents under the basket.
Sammi Blodgett
Jason Ford with Head Coach London Wilson
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Men’s Basketball Under Leadership of London Wilson YVC recently appointed long-time Assistant Coach London Wilson as the new Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Wilson is an alumnus of the YVC men’s basketball program, having played at the college in the 2000-01 season. After Wilson’s YVC career, he went on to play two years at the University of Nevada from 2001-03 for Head Coach Trent Johnson. Wilson has been on the coaching staff at YVC since 2005 and holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies with an emphasis in health education from the University of Nevada. In 2009, he earned his master of sports science degree from the United States Sports Academy. Wilson replaces Ray Funk, who stepped down in June for family and career reasons. Funk continues to serve as YVC’s Athletic Director. “London has been a loyal assistant to the program for the past eleven years and during that time he’s grown tremendously and we felt he was ready for the challenge,” stated Ray Funk. “It is said that the team takes on the personality of the head coach. Despite some adversity and bad luck this London Wilson season, Coach Wilson’s team never stopped battling and playing hard which is a directly attributable to his perseverance and competitiveness,” he continued.
Women’s Volleyball Welcomes Steve George YVC also recently announced the appointment of Steve George as the new Head Volleyball Coach for the Yaks. George has over a decade of successful head coaching experience at the collegiate, high school, and club levels. Most recently, he was the head coach at Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) in Coos Bay, OR from 2014-16. While at SWOCC, George led the Lakers to NWAC Championship Tournament appearances in 2014 and again in 2015. Overall at SWOCC, George finished with a 50-55 record. Prior to that he was the head coach from 2011-14 at Lindbergh High School in Renton, WA and from 2006-09 at Holy Family School in Seattle, WA. George replaces Head Coach Emily Escamilla, who took over the program in July on an interim basis following the death of long-time head coach Al Rogers. Escamilla resigned after the season to spend more time with her family. “The hiring committee came away highly impressed with Steve’s passion for the sport of volleyball and his philosophy for coaching at this level,” stated Ray Funk. “He has a clear understanding of the development Steve George needed for student-athletes at our level and a system for maximizing their athletic, academic, and personal growth. Also, his recruiting network of contacts is impressive. We are looking forward to working with him and watching his program grow,” he concluded.
Did You Know? In October of 1992, Hata Plaza was dedicated in honor of Yoshio Hata, former YVC Board of Trustee and Foundation Board member. The plaza included artwork titled Pacific Winds by Seattle Artist Steve Jensen. Less than a year after its installation, Pacific Winds was stolen and had to be recreated and installed.
Winter 2017 10
PROGRAM NEWS
Students have the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school through YVC’s Running Start Program. Courses are offered at both the Yakima and Grandview campuses and provide a head-start on college for eligible students.
Running Start Program YVC’s Running Start Program, in partnership with local public high schools, offers eligible high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to enroll in regular college classes on our Yakima and Grandview campuses. Students enrolled in the Running Start Program receive both high school and college credit for those classes. To be eligible for the program, students must place into English 101 and Math 085. There are various methods of determining eligibility, including YVC’s placement test. Students have the option of attending part or full-time, and most do not pay college tuition if they are taking 15 or fewer college-level credits per quarter. However, all other costs must be paid by the student, including lab fees, mandatory college and student voted fees, transportation, and books and supplies. For more information visit: www.yvcc.edu/runningstart
Student Highlight Daisy Hernandez-Hurtado One student who has found success in YVC’s Running Start Program is Daisy Hernandez-Hurtado. Hernandez-Hurtado will graduate this June with a high school diploma and an associate in arts degree. She will be the first in her family to earn a college degree. At an early age, Daisy excelled at her schoolwork and learned the value of a college degree. A first-generation college student, she has always been pushed by her parents to pursue a better life. When she learned of YVC’s Running Start Program she decided to enroll full-time. “I choose YVC’s Running Start Program because I wanted a challenge,” stated Hernandez-Hurtado. “I also wanted to be able to take courses that interested me and would be valuable to me. The program provides me the opportunity to be more independent and I am treated like an adult. I would recommend the program to any student who is willing to work hard,” she continued. Daisy is also involved with her community and currently serves as Miss Wapato. This honor includes many opportunities for her to give back to her community and become involved in area events and activities. “I like being involved with my community. It is important to me knowing that my time helps improve my community,” she continued. She plans to transfer to a four-year university to obtain a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. She hopes to one day be a news anchor for Univision.
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Aerospace Machining Technology YVC’s Aerospace Machining Technology Program allows students to pursue an associate of applied science degree or certificates in machining technology or computer numerical control (CNC) operation. Students learn the skills required to plan and carry out the operations needed to make aerospace machined products that meet precise specifications. Course instruction covers blueprint reading, manual machining, computerized machining, metrology, quality control, engineering drawing, CADD and CAM software, as well as CMM programming. This past summer YVC’s program expanded its opportunities for students by adding a new wire electrical discharge machine (EDM) and surface grinder. With the additions of these two machines, YVC is able to help students better prepare and be competitive in the industry. “YVC’s program focuses on CNC,” stated Machining Instructor Donald Roeber. “Many other machining programs teach primarily on Top to bottom; Student Lucas Zepeda works manual machines. By focusing on CNC and using manual machines for one-on-one with Instructor Donald Roeber on YVC’s new EDM; Lucas Zepeda receives support, we are able to provide our students with more hands-on training, hands-on training in YVC’s Aerospace which allows them to become fluent in CNC technology. This is what the Machining Technology Program. industry needs,” he continued. The need for skilled workers in manufacturing is expected to grow and the industry is facing a shortage. YVC’s degree and certificates prepare students for entry-level positions in the manufacturing industry. To learn more visit: www.yvcc.edu/machining
Veterinary Technology Program YVC’s Veterinary Technology Program provides a two-year course of study leading to an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology. Graduates have the credentials to take the national and state licensing exams and the first-time pass rate is 97%. YVC’s program is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and is staffed by clinically-experienced veterinarians and veterinary technicians to prepare graduates for work in the veterinary field. Veterinary technicians are an integral part of the animal health care team, assisting veterinarians and scientists in a variety of settings, including: small and large animal practices, veterinary schools, colleges, zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers, pharmaceutical firms, animal shelters, and the military. Employment opportunities are vast and graduates from YVC’s program are highly sought. Over the past 10 years, 100% of graduates seeking work in the veterinary field have found it. “Our program has benefited greatly this year due to our newly Top to bottom; Students work in the newly remodeled lab space for YVC’s Veterinary remodeled spaces,” stated Veterinary Technology Instructor Technology Program; Dr. Kelley DeNome Dr. Sue Wedam. “Our new facility emulates a contemporary veterinary and a student tattoo a cow’s ear to indicate hospital environment, with clinical stations, recovery cages, pre-op and vaccination during the spring cattle lab. operating rooms, and an isolation ward. New dental equipment and stations, plus surgery prep areas have made a world of difference as these students prepare to enter their externships in practices around the state. Overall it provides a more efficient use of the instructional time and really increases student learning,” she concluded. To learn more visit: www.yvcc.edu/vettech Winter 2017 12
PEOPLE YVC Foundation honors Dick Elliott Dick Elliott, a member of the YVC Foundation board of directors and long-time donor, was honored in November with the annual Director/Donor of the Year Award. Elliott has served on the Foundation Board since 2009. “Dick has been a wonderful addition to the Foundation Board,” stated Executive Director Stacey Kautz. “He provides scholarships for math/science students and serves on the Foundation Scholarship and Awards Committees,” she continued. Congratulations to Sophia Juarez, recipient of the Fall 2016 Classified Employee of the Quarter Award. Juarez is an Office Assistant III in Auxiliary Services. She began working for the college in 2015. Dick Elliott
Congratulations to Ken Bauer, the recipient of the Winter 2017 Classified Employee of the Quarter Award. Bauer is a Grounds and Nursery Specialist II in Facility Operations. He began working for the college in 2012. Congratulations to YVC’s Teaching Winery, Yakima Valley Vintners (YVV), who received two awards for their student-crafted wines from Wine Press Northwest’s “Best of the Best” Platinum Judging. YVV’s 2013 Dean’s List Tempranillo received a Double Platinum and the 2013 Primitivo received a Platinum. These awards bring the total number of honors to 80 for wines produced by YVV. All wines submitted were judged blindly by a panel of prominent wine professionals. YVC student wines were included in with all of the commercial wineries during the competition.
Sophia Juarez
YVC Alumni Steve Isaak recently had an article titled, “Reliability and Validity of the Circumplex Religious Orientation Inventory,” published in the Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality Newsletter. Isaak is a Ronald E. McNair Scholar at Central Washington University. YVC Alumni Mike Durbin was recently selected as Detective of the Year by the Yakima Police Department. During 2015, Detective Durbin was assigned to the Special Assault Unit investigating Crimes Against Children, Domestic Violence incidents and Sexual Assaults. Detective Durbin received this honor for having an outstanding clearance arrest rate for serious crimes he was assigned.
Ken Bauer
This March a quartet of YVC leaders traveled to Richland, WA to complete a threeday FEMA-sponsored course titled, “Multi-Hazard Emergency Management for Higher Education.” The course offered training in refining and implementing emergency operations plans. The group included Vice President of Administrative Services Dr. Teresa Holland Rich, Campus Safety and Security Supervisor Mike Lane, Director of Facilities Operations Jeff Wood, and Director of Community Relations Jay Frank.
Facilities and Grounds Crews Tackle a Harsh Winter This winter was exceptionally busy for YVC’s Facilities and Grounds crews. Working in challenging conditions, in shifts starting at 5:00am, crew members distributed about 14,000 pounds of de-icer while maintaining YVC’s seven miles of campus walkways.
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Exceptional Faculty Awards In January, the YVC Board of Trustees granted $19,000 to fund Exceptional Faculty Awards for the 2016-2017 academic year. Faculty members from arts and sciences, workforce education, library and media services, and counseling had the opportunity to pursue professional development in their respective fields. Tracy Arostegui, English – Attended a Conference on College Composition in Portland, OR in March. Rachel Dorn, Art – Attended the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts Future Flux Conference in Portland, OR in March. Dan Erickson, Speech – Will attend The Creative Workshop in New York City, NY in April. Dr. Heidi Shaw, Psychology – Will present with students Axicalli Godinez, Yari Aragon, and Katie Bueschelman at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association’s Conference in Salt Lake City, UT in April. Anna Pascoe, Math – Presented a portion of her thesis research at the Conference on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education in San Diego, CA in February. Her thesis is titled Learning to Notice and Use Student Thinking in Undergraduate Mathematics Courses. Michal Ramos, Math – Award helped cover expenses related to Ed.D course. Evangelina Ramirez Cunningham, Library – Attended the Association of College and Research Libraries Conference in Baltimore, MD in March. Dr. Kelley DeNome & Dr. Susan Wedam, Veterinary Technology Will attend the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators Symposium in Albuquerque, NM in July. Cheri Podruzny, Dental Hygiene – Attended the American Dental Education Association Annual Conference in Long Beach, CA in March. Eric Anderson, Anthropology – Will attend the Society for Anthropology in Community Colleges Conference in Boise, ID in April. Liz DeVilleneuve, Vicente Lopez, Maribel Jimenez & Richard Schillinger, Counseling – Will attend the Faculty and Staff of Color Conference in Vancouver, WA in November. Steven Slusher, Music – Attended the American Choral Directors Association National Conference in Minneapolis, MN in March.
Calendar www.yvcc.edu/calendar
April 5: Home Baseball Game
Come cheer for men’s baseball as they battle Wenatchee Valley College. For a complete list of game times visit: www.goyaks.com
April 8: Home Softball Game
Come cheer for women’s softball as they battle North Idaho College. For a complete list of game times visit: www.goyaks.com
April 20-21: Red
YVC Playmasters and the Larson Gallery present John Logan’s Red. The play about artist Mark Rothko will be held in the Larson Gallery. Tickets cost $10 for general admission and $5 for students. For more information: 509.834.4554.
May 13: Grape to Glass Gala
YVC’s Vineyard and Winery Technology program will host the annual Grape to Glass Gala – A Winemakers Dinner and 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
June 1-4: Taming of the Shrew
YVC Playmasters presents William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, June 1-3 at 7:30pm, with a matinée on June 4 at 2:00pm in Kendall Hall Auditorium. Tickets cost $20 for general admission and $15 for students, staff, and seniors. For more information: 509.834.4554 or rpritchard@yvcc.edu
June 15: Commencement
YVC celebrates our 88th Commencement Ceremony at 7:00pm in the Yakima Valley SunDome. Join us to honor the class of 2017. For more information: www.yvcc.edu/commencement
YAKIMA VA L L E Y COLLEGE
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PO Box 22520 Yakima, WA 98907-2520
Explore the options available in YVC’s Automotive Service Technology Program
www.yvcc.edu/auto