SCIENCE EDITION
Discovering the Power of Science
Since 2004, the Robert & Elisabeth Moore Observatory at Columbia Basin College is where Hawks have explored the mysteries of the cosmos. From left are Laboratory Volunteer
CBC Foundation News SUMMER 2023
Andy Howell, Adjunct Astronomy Instructor James Amend, and Hawks Richie and James.
CBC FOUNDATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David Billetdeaux, Chair
Port of Benton
Melda Velasquez, Vice Chair & Board Development Chair
Kadlec Regional Medical Center
Matt Backlund, Treasurer & Finance Chair
Community First Bank
Douglas Christensen, Secretary Kennewick School District
Matthew Petersen, Immediate Past Chair
Petersen Hastings
Rebekah Dobbs, Gift, Estate and Planned Giving Chair STCU
Marsha Halverson, Fund Development Chair - Educator, Retired
Lynn Tegeler, Scholarship Chair
Central Plateau Cleanup Company
Rebekah Woods
Columbia Basin College President
Andrew Chung Gesa Credit Union
Tina Clouston Local Union 598
Stephanie Green Washington River Protection Solutions
Shaina Griffitts
ASCBC Representative
Ann Harper Artist
Kedrich Jackson
Columbia Basin College Trustee
Moses Jaraysi
Whitney LaMarche
Hadron Intinsic Consulting, LLC
Shawn Nyman
CBC Faculty Representative
Mitch Peterson CompuNet
Edgardo Quiroz-Moreno
Keller Williams
Scott Sax
Shirley Simmons
CG Public House
Tayler Welch
Monte Nail, CPA
Paige Wyatt
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
CBC FOUNDATION STAFF
Erin Fishburn Executive Director
Devon Holze
Sarah Murphy
Timmy Song
The bond with CBC is always strong CBC SCIENCE ALUM -
WHERE THEY ARE NOW
Jennifer Hanigan-Diebel
Jennifer Hanigan-Diebel was the first student to complete her Master of Science in Chemistry degree in one year at Central Washington University after transferring from CBC.
She had known she wanted to become a chemist since high school and returned to college in her 40s to pursue that career path. CBC offered the flexibility she needed.
“CBC provided opportunities a four-year university couldn’t,” said Jennifer. “My living situation didn’t need to change, and I didn’t have to quit my job.”
CBC’s Chemistry program faculty left a lasting impression on Jennifer.
“One of the reasons I succeeded was because the Chemistry department faculty are very invested in the success of every student,” she said. “Not just helping you pass the class – but they always cared.”
Jennifer’s path has come full circle. She is now an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at CBC and carries on that tradition of caring.
“I want students to leave my class knowing they can succeed and that chemistry isn’t what holds them back,” said Jennifer.
Nathan Monk
Don’t tell Nathan Monk something can’t be done.
“When someone said it was impossible to get all my pre-med requirements at CBC, it became a challenge,” said Nathan.
Three years later, Nathan had earned his Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management and completed as many science classes as possible to qualify for medical school.
Nathan is currently a third-year medical student at Washington State University.
He credits his CBC science professors and the Foundation team for helping him reach his goal. Nathan’s favorite memory is about the late chemistry professor Karen Grant.
“She joked that if you accidentally did five bonds to carbon instead of four, it was a Texas carbon,” Nathan said with a chuckle. “Professor Grant had a Boston-New York combination accent and a feisty but friendly personality people loved.”
Nathan anticipates graduating from medical school in 2025 and helping fill the physician shortage in the Tri-Cities.
CBC CBC News
NEWS
SPARKING INTEREST IN STEM Careers
Columbia Basin College’s Math, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) program is preparing tomorrow’s scientists and engineers.
The MESA program serves up to 100 historically underrepresented and often economically disadvantaged or first-generation college students. These Hawks receive the academic resources and support services they need to excel as they earn a STEM-based bachelor’s degree.
“We are diversifying the future STEM workforce by removing barriers, providing opportunities and inspiring our students to pursue math and science programs that lead to high-demand career fields,” said MESA Program Director Elsa Silva López.
Support from the Tri-Cities community helps offset student costs to attend STEM conferences, competitions and university visits and funds the textbook loaner library. Contact the CBC Foundation at 509.542.4436 to learn how individuals and companies can support CBC’s MESA program.
Why I Give
“I’d like to see more young people get involved in tackling climate change. CBC is a great place for many students to start their journey into higher education, but many need help with tuition, books, lodging, food, transportation, and other expenses. Donor contributions can help students feel confident they have the basics covered, so they can concentrate on their studies.”
Karen Grant’s Enduring Legacy
The late Professor Emeritus Karen Grant inspired students and faculty alike at Columbia Basin College. In her 37-plus years of teaching at CBC, she mentored generations of students who became scientists, physicians, engineers and teachers. She was especially interested in providing opportunities for undergraduate students to perform independent research and present their research at conferences or meetings. CBC students in Karen’s research class have collaborated on projects with scientists at Washington State University, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Oregon State University.
Karen worked hard to build the chemistry program at CBC. Although Karen passed away more than four years ago, one of her lasting contributions was securing laboratory instrumentation for student use.
Because of her efforts, CBC students gain hands-on experience using researchgrade laboratory instruments – frequently unavailable to first- and secondyear students at larger schools. And CBC chemistry students still conduct undergraduate soil and natural product chemistry research.
Through the Karen Grant Fund (columbiabasin.edu/donate), the CBC Foundation supports student success in Chemistry.
Richard Badalamente BADALAMENTE EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (BEES) ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Student Scholarships Dinner & Auction
WHERE: RED LION IN PASCO
WHEN: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 6 TO 9 PM
Reserve your table today! columbiabasin.edu/powerofconnection
CBC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS Thank you for supporting
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PASCO, WA 99301 PERMIT 92 2600 N. 20th Ave. Pasco, WA 99301 FOUNDATION PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION BY CREDIT CARD, GIFTS OF STOCK OR THROUGH YOUR DONOR ADVISED FUND. EMAIL foundation@columbiabasin.edu PHONE 509.542.4436 WEBSITE columbiabasin.edu/foundation
“Growing up, I skipped the typical goals of becoming a police officer or firefighter. My career goal is simple: I want to work for NASA. I know my path will not be easy, but it’s what I was meant to do. All I needed and all I asked for was a chance. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”
David SPEEA AEROSPACE CAREER ENHANCEMENT SCHOLARSHIP
