Woodland Hills, California Volume 142 - Issue 11
San Fernando Valley celebrates AAPI cultures
By Zamourad Iqbal Reporter
The 4th Annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Festival was held at Parking Lot 7 at Pierce College on Saturday, May 10, where the different cultures were represented by their food, arts and traditional dances.
Los Angeles Councilmember John Lee, from District 12, said Los Angeles’ greatest strength is its diversity and shared a special moment from the festival.
“Diversity is our strength here in the city of Los Angeles,” Lee said. “I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, and there just was not an LA Asia representation. So to see all these cultures represented today and to be able to share in some of their dance performances is heartwarming, and it’s great to see them all come together.”
The event featured performances, such as drummers and dancers from the Hiza Yoo Korean Dance Institute. The event was organized by the West Valley Warner Center Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Councilmember Bob Blumenfeld from District 3.
Food was available from trucks such as Bistro 34 and Malibu Cove Seafood.
Amy Luo, the owner of the flower shop Floralty, who ran the flower booth at the event, spoke about what it means for her to share her work with the community.
“It is really wonderful to share flowers with the community and see the joy it brings for everyone,” Luo said. “As someone who has immigrant parents who came to the States, it’s nice to really do something that I can flourish in, and I love, and really represent that through flowers.”
Jennifer Law, an attendee of the event, said that the event
brought back memories of her hometown.
“I grew up in a small village, and seeing that water buffalo and the little shop and growing up in the ‘70s, seeing this little hut or the stand reminded me of my hometown,” Law said. “Now, Vietnam has changed so much, but it is something that I’d like to preserve.”
Volunteer Theresa Ta discussed the idea behind having an art activity made out of organic leaves.
“We are using palm leaves to make traditional toys for kids, and a long time ago, that’s what kids had,” Ta said. “It’s just important to pass on a fun tradition. I haven’t seen anything like this in America. So I want to introduce crafts so other kids can
“Diversity is our strength here in the city of Los Angeles.”
John Lee
District 12 Councilmember
enjoy making toys and animals out of organic leaves.”
CEO of the West Valley Warner Center Chamber of Commerce
Diana Williams explained her history with organizing the AAPI celebration event.
“I started this dream in 2015, and it was very difficult for me to get all the different cultures to participate,” Williams said. “Over the years, I built some relationships with some key people who are now our ambassadors, and they helped me to put this all together. So I couldn’t have done it without them, and it’s just been a wonderful experience.”
Chamber of Commerce Membership Director Christopher Ahuja, spoke about the importance of having this event every year.
“It is really important to continue the Valley Asian Pacific Islander Festival because we’re bringing culture, diversity, and making our community more enriched,” Ahuja said.
Williams hopes that this event will bring more awareness of AAPI culture and their small businesses.
“I’m hoping that our community learns so much about all the different cultures that we have,” Williams said. “I also would like them to start going to these Asian-owned businesses to support their small businesses.”
Janet Harper/
Rashad Muhammad / Roundup News
Dominic Borja / Roundup News
A Filipino Jeepney at the Fourth Annual Asian Pacific Islander Festival held at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on May 10, 2025.
Jeremiah Bigalbal Lopez / Roundup News
Jeremiah Bigalbal Lopez / Roundup News
Dancers from the Hiza Yoo Korean Dance Institute perform at the Fourth Annual Asian Pacific Islander Festival held at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif. on May 10, 2025.
Getting more for less Should students transfer to public universities? A tailored education
By David Cohen Reporter
Often, private schools are looked at as the gold standard for education.
People seem to believe that the higher price, smaller class sizes and code of etiquette ensures that the educational experience is better. However, there are countless flaws with this line of thinking.
First of all, the vast majority of people are not rich, so high prices would definitely make people think twice before they enroll at a private school. This is not to say
for a whole lot less.
It also tends to be true that public schools give a much higher amount of financial aid to their students. This means that not only will students and their families have to pay less money to attend the school, but they will also have to pay a much lower percentage of the tuition, room and boarding, and material costs than they would at private schools. According to US News and World Report, 87% of the students who attend California State University, Northridge receive some form of financial aid. At the University of Southern California less than 66% receive financial aid. This not only means that public schools will be less of a drain on someone’s wallet, but it also shows that they put their mission of educating people and being a stepping stone to the success of its community above
with a public university, they’ll get roughly the same education
Also according to uofthepeople.edu, public schools have larger alumni networks. This gives people more opportunity to find employment after college. Private schools, unless they are internationally renowned, have very small alumni networks outside of academia.
By Emily Garcia Reporter
Transfer students have many decisions to make in a short amount of time. It can be stressful weighing the pros and cons of where to apply for college and what the best educational experience is within their financial budget.
As an advantage, private colleges have a smaller population of students compared to public ones. By having smaller classes it allows for personalized attention and closer connections between faculty and students. Public colleges do not have the same advantage due to larger class sizes and less attention between professors and students, making it difficult to find mentoring or personal support to further their educational path.
provide federal financial aid to students but private schools often reward money with grants and scholarships from their endowment funds, as well as large tuition discounts that many public schools do not offer. In a similarly titled article, Private Vs. Public Colleges: What’s the difference, it was reported that between the 2020-2021 school year the National Association of College and University Business Officers recorded an average of 48% tuition discounts to undergraduates.
How do you feel about transferring?
According to the article Public vs. Private College: Whats the difference?, private colleges can create better opportunities for their students with “close-knit communities [that] can enhance networking opportunities and form lasting relationships among peers and professors.” A bond creating setting enhances student engagement and assists in making a superior learning environment while helping the students build their career portfolio.
Private institutions such as Pepperdine University and the University of Southern California, are non-profit individual colleges. They rely primarily on tuition fees making the tuition rate higher and donations, but there are some better alternatives to pursuing a higher education at a private college regardless of cost. Both public and private colleges
Building connections is important in a successful career, private university students have access to greater opportunities by networking their skills at their specialized college. Many private colleges keep in contact with their alumni to provide guidance, mentorship or potential jobs. By giving the students access to work with people to their future field they are increasing their communication, knowledge and career services.
Private universities offer specialized academic programs for specific fields of study such as arts, business, or music. This allows students to reach out to anyone because the school is related to their future career. In the article, Choosing between Public and Private Universities: The Pros and Cons discusses the benefit of choosing a private school that is determined in a students academic interest, “They may specialize in specific fields or areas of study, providing students with a more concentrated and indepth educational experience. If you have a specific career path or academic interest in mind, a private university may be better equipped to cater to your needs.”
A look into the archives: 70+ years of the Roundup
OnMay 14, 1970, the Roundup published Volume 32, Number 31. This issue contained an article about a large group of students gathering to protest the Vietnam War.
According to the Roundup, this was Pierce’s “first real political demonstration” and the crowd consisted of an estimated 400 - 500 students.
The group gathered around 11 a.m. in what is now Rocky Young Park. The meeting began when one student mounted a makeshift platform and told the other students at the rally that it was to be a peaceful protest.
A call was then made by the
crowd to lower the flag to half-mast out of respect for those who died during the war. The idea was shut down by members of Voices for a Vital America (VITA) and then -Dean of Admissions Evan Maas.
Maas was able to calm the students and inform them that, if they get a “committee of intelligent, young people” together, they may be given an official platform to speak. Maas then informed the crowd of a similar protest that became violent and asked students to make a citizen’s arrest on anyone throwing rocks or bottles.
Copy by Jonathan Wheelock
A photo of archived Volume 32, Number 31 of The Roundup News.
“I’m excited, but I’m a little bit nervous, just because it is a transition going to a four year and I feel like Pierce prepared me for the transfer. I’m excited about the journey that’s ahead of me.”
Alicia Lewis - Sociology Major
“I think there’s so many benefits to it. It’s kind of an easier transition to a university. It’s also just so cost-effective and you also just get individual-like more individualized support.”
Ashley Margono - Career and Transfer Center Intern
“I think transfer schools are awesome. I think the hardest part is getting support in counseling. I think there’s so many people here trying to transfer just because it is a transfer school that I’m having a hard time getting a counselor. I feel la little bit of a lack of support, but I do think it’s good.”
Interviews by Myraneli Fabian Photos by John Cordova
Becca Larson - Criminal Justice Major
Brian Khoury / Roundup News
A table with university penants outside of the Great Hall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 7, 2025.
Review: A slow burning tragedy brings Pierce Theatre to life
By Elizabeth Tirheimer Reporter
Grab a seat and relax!
Oh, and don’t tell your mama you went to see the “Cabaret” at the Los Angeles Pierce College now showing until May 18.
“Cabaret” is a musical that premiered in 1966 and takes place in Berlin, Germany, during the 1930s at a time when the Nazis were rising to power. The musical revolves around the Kit Kat Klub where Sally Bowles (Maddie McKay), a British singer, works and performs. Shefinds herself in a romance with a man named Cliff Bradshaw (Dylan Coogan), an aspiring novelist who has escaped to Berlin for inspiration for his writing.
Throughout the musical, the cabaret is glittering on the outside but beneath it all is a slow burning tragedy with the hardships and treatment of what people were experiencing during this time period. Sally chooses to ignore the outside world and loses herself in the cabaret lifestyle. A romance even unfolds between the boarding house owner, Fraulein Schneider and a Jewish fruit vendor, Herr Schultz which shows the societal changes and the rising of antisemitism.
The cabaret was brought to life by the Pierce College Theatre Department and is directed by Shaheen Vaaz with musical direction by Ryan Espinosa.
The show starts before the
Woodland Hills, Calif. on May 6, 2025.
curtain. The Kit Kat Klub waitresses walk up and down the aisles in their bold fun outfits among the audience members encouraging them to have a seat and relax as if waiting for the cabaret show to begin.
Ali Suliman plays the lead character Emcee. He has multiple music numbers about alcohol, sex and banter. His outfits are fun
with cut off shorts and high knee socks, and sometimes even just a muscle shirt with boxers. His bright makeup is captivating and although it is bold, he still makes it look good. His energy is ideal for the role.
There are multiple jokes throughout the show that have deeper meanings. For example, the character Fraulein Kost
(Madison Cheramie) is one of the renters in the boarding house where Cliff stays. She is constantly having sailors go in and out, which looks like she is a promiscuous girl, but it is actually a metaphor for showing the financial hardships that were happening during this time period, and she is prostituting to be able to afford to stay at the
boarding house.
The music numbers and each song convey the character’s emotions. A song that stands out is Fraulein Schneider (Donna Guinan) singing “What Would You Do?” Schneider reflects on her relationship with the Jewish fruit vendor Herr Schultz (Jack Bernaz). The song talks about the dilemma she has with calling off their engagement and sacrificing their love for their safety in a time where the political climate of Berlin was escalating.
Guinan’s performance of this number is touching. The emotion throughout her performance shows how hurt her character is, essentially letting go of the man she loves.
It’s interesting to hear McKay’s performance of the title number change in attitude throughout the show. At first she is the star of the cabaret and her energy is allin, but after returning her body language conveys something is off.
Although there is a serious deeper meaning behind the musical, it still is a fun show with eye-catching outfits and makeup while getting to have a little feel of the cabaret lifestyle on campus.
“Cabaret” runs until Sunday May, 18. With showtimes for Friday and Staurdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre. Tickets are $20 for students and seniors and $25 for general admission.
Four-year festivities: Event held for UCLA, CSUN transfer students
By Melanie Somoza Reporter
Students celebrated with upbeat music, lively games and refreshing ice cream during the UCLA and CSUN Day event on Wednesday, May 7, inside the Great Hall.
The event was held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with an opportunity for graduating students to connect with representatives from their transfer schools, as well as to celebrate their academic achievements and their next steps.
In addition to festivities, students participated in a special activity by sharing words of wisdom on a whiteboard and earning tickets that could be redeemed for ice cream.
A photo booth was also set up, allowing students to capture the moment with fun celebratory pictures.
Students were also able to pick up silver transfer cords, which they can choose to wear with their cap and gown during graduation.
CSUN graduation advising
specialist for math and science
Briseña Castaneda emphasized the importance of providing a welcoming environment for students preparing for the next chapter of their education.
“We build a community where students are welcome to ask questions,” Castaneda said. “If we don’t know the answer, then we always make the appropriate referrals. We welcome you with open arms because it can be difficult making the transition from the community college to a university where maybe expectations are placed or harder courses are taken.”
Psychology major Sophia Ruiz, who is transferring this fall to UC Santa Cruz, thought the event helped her reflect on the journey that brought her to this point.
“For some students, this feels like a support system,” Ruiz said. “So coming here, seeing the people who helped you, being able to say I made it, and feeling acknowledged is really special”.
Other students have felt the transfer process hasn’t
been easy when navigating financial aid, and managing academic requirements can be overwhelming. But events like this help get them connected.
“It’s been a battle getting to know all the resources and financial programs,” psychology major Axel Maldonado said. “I always leave voicemails, and it can sometimes take a while to hear from a representative. It’s easier to connect with departments here and get more information.”
As students prepare to transfer to universities with new academic challenges, the event was a reminder that campus resources are in place and should be taken advantage of.
“Get connected, use the campus resources,’ mechanical engineering major Alex Lopez said. “Go tutoring, talk to the professor and join clubs. People just need to take that extra step.”
Actor Maddie McKay singing during a rehearsal of “Cabaret” in the Dow Arena Theater at Pierce College in
Dominic Borja / Roundup News
Gelareh Behdad / Roundup News
UCLA peer adviser Araz Balian and UCLA program cordinator Ariana Reyes speak with student Alana Whiteman about transferring in the Great Hall at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 7, 2025.
Looking back at a four-decade career in IT education
By Melanie Somoza Reporter
WhenSue Krimm first set foot onto Pierce College’s sun-scorched grounds in August 1980, it felt more like a farm than a college campus. A handful of buildings sat scattered across open land, the air shimmered with heat and any hope for air conditioning was wishful thinking. As she walked down the grounds with the dean, one question burned hotter than the LA sun, “Your classrooms are air conditioned right?”
The sweltering heat didn’t stop Krimm from dedicating over more than four decades to the college, and becoming Pierce’s longest serving faculty member.
Now, as she prepares for retirement, Krimm reflects on her years teaching on campus.
“I thought, ‘Oh my God what did I get myself into here?’” Krimm said. “But this is where I wanted to be”.
Over the years she developed a reputation for looking beyond the problem and focusing on the long-term impact of her decisions, especially when it came to her students.
“She always tries to improve and find better ways to make classes go beyond the classroom”, Computer Science Department Chair Natalia Grigoriants said. “Whatever situation might arise, she thinks about the long-term ramifications for students.”
One of Krimm’s many contributions was reorganizing
the department's Introduction to Computers class, a requirement for many transfer students.
The course was outdated, according to Grigoriants, and Krimm reshaped the curriculum to include real life applications, such as using Excel to create spreadsheets for budgeting and calculating loans.
“And to make it easier for adjuncts teaching it, she helped create a full lecture presentation and found web-based software that gave students instant feedback,” Grigoriants said.
“Something totally new at the time.”
Krimm’s most rewarding moments came from getting to know and connecting with her students on a deeper level, especially students whose stories weren’t visible in the classroom.
“I had a lady in my class who was from China,” she said. “She was such a standout, and finally, I couldn't take it. I asked her to come to my office and tell me about her background.”
The student shared that she came to the U.S. to get a Ph.D. in biology at USC, even though she knew she didn't want to pursue research. After earning her doctorate, she ended up in Krimm’s class.
“She was sitting in there with 18 year olds, and here she was with a Ph.D.,” Krimm said. “I told her to not ask me for a letter of recommendation unless she applied to companies where they'd see her as a biologist who can also program. It would've been a waste to throw all that
education away.”
The student took her advice and secured a job that allowed her to blend both skills and advance in her field.
“That’s the fun stuff that used to happen,” Krimm said. “When you could spot those standouts and help them find their way.”
After nearly 50 years in education, Krimm says it simply feels like it’s the right time to retire.
“Regardless of whether the kids have changed or the environment has changed, at a certain point, you just say okay, enough is enough.”
Her husband, Fred Krimm, acknowledged his wife’s accomplishments and impact in the department.
“I'm very proud of her, and what she has accomplished,” he said. “I think she has probably earned a reputation as one of the best teachers in school and she's been able to generate a change.”
Although she’s not yet certain what retirement may look like, she’s eager to discover new opportunities.
"I don't know what the next phase will be,” she said. “I think it'll turn out to be fun, but I have to find a volunteer activity that I really like and where they value the skills I have, but I'll find it“.
Sue Krimm knows it will take time to discover new activities, but she’s ready to face the unknown with the same determination she brought to her teaching.
English professor honored for accreditation process
By Elizabeth Tirheimer Reporter
Pierce College’s Accreditation Chair Yvonne Grigg won Woman of the Year at the eighth annual Los Angeles Community College District’s (LACCD) Woman of the Year Tea Celebration.
The LACCD Woman of the Year Tea Celebration is held annually and each year they present the Woman of the Year award to recognize and honor the women who have made significant contributions and demonstrated leadership in their respective fields.
Yvonne Grigg is an English professor who has been teaching college composition since 2001 and has been at Pierce College full-time since 2007. She has been serving as the Accreditation Chair i since 2018. Grigg helped guide the college through the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) midterm report and the Institution Self-Evaluation Report (ISER). She was also the primary author
of Pierce’s 350-page college report.
Pierce president Ara Aguiar explained the work that Grigg put in and why they thought she deserved to win Woman of the Year.
“She did an outstanding job capturing all of the information and putting it together. Not an easy task,” Aguiar said. “She presented a document that really reflected the institution. Everybody felt that she had done such a wonderful job and did it professionally and with support and that’s why she was selected.”
Grigg shared her feelings on how it felt when she won the award and what she thinks makes her stand out for the honor.
“I feel honored, I feel like I don’t deserve it. I have worked in this position since 2018, and it’s a lonely position. It’s not a position where you’re in front of an audience and you’re seen and given praises on a daily basis,” Grigg said. “I’m a behind-thescenes person so I think the vice president was trying to say thank you for doing something people don’t really know about.”
Chair of the English Department
Christopher Corning spoke about how he thinks this recognition for Grigg will impact her and the department moving forward.
“I think it maybe will inspire other faculty in our department to continue contributing not just to the English discipline but also to other aspects of campus,” Corning said. “By participating and staying involved, maybe they can also be recognized for their contributions in and outside the department.”
English Department Secretary Ari Winiarski shared what she thinks makes Grigg stand out as a professor and colleague.
“She’s very hardworking and very dedicated, a perfectionist. Like everything she does is to the minor detail,” Winiarksi said. “When she hands it in, you know it’s perfect. You don’t have to look it over, you know it’s done.”
Grigg is planning to step down from the Accreditation Chair and talked about why she is stepping down after serving in the position for seven years.
“I would love the faculty and staff to step up and someone
new try it,” Grigg said. “I think it’s very important to have different approaches to things and someone else can put his/her spin on it and have fun with it.
I don’t think one person should do a leadership position forever, you have to encourage others to spread their wings and try. I feel like it’s someone else’s turn.”
Grigg shared her goals in teaching for the future.
“My goal is just to try every day to be better and help everyone else develop a skill. It takes time. English is something that you have to practice and be okay with failure,” Grigg said. “Life is about trying, failing, starting and doing it over again.”
Hannah Huffman / Roundup News Information Technology professor Sue Krimm at Pierce College, Woodland Hills, Calif. April 23, 2025.
Photo courtesy: Yvonne Grigg
Brahmas kicking into high gear
College students and staff take instruction from David Chung of Dragon and Crane Dojo during a Japanese karate class in the Multicultural Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 7, 2025.
LEFT: Chief instructor David Chung of Dragon and Crane Dojo demonstrates stances during a Japanese karate class in the Multicultural Center at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on May 7, 2025.
TOP, RIGHT AND BOTTOM: Pierce
Photo by Janet Harper
Photo by Janet Harper
More than skin deep
For Pierce College students, body art is more than an edgy aesthetic, it’s an expression of culture, values and identity.
Sophomore music and anthropology major Dinero Marín has several tattoos inspired by family and culture.
“I am very much a big believer in the Native American culture and the idea
that a butterfly can basically transcend in between life and death,” Dinero said. Dinero’s butterfly tattoo holds extra meaning as it was completed at Dinero’s family’s tattoo parlor to honor Dinero’s grandmother’s life.
Freshman physics major Nathan Mills was inspired to get his tattoo by his brother, Bo.
“I got it with my brother because my brother has the Ghibli Studios tattoos all over his arms,” Mill said. “[Ghibli Studios] do a whole bunch of art, and it’s just like these little sprites that are from the forest. We grew up in Montana together in the trees, so I felt like that’s what these two little sprites are.”
TOP: Music and anthropology major Dinero Marín uncovers a butterfly tattoo, one of several tattoos inspired by family and culture, in the botanical garden at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 17, 2025. Photo by Janet Harper
RIGHT: Business major Trent Ramadan displays his tattoo and his Bible in front of the library steps at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., on April 17, 2025. Photo by Janet Harper
Janet Harper / Roundup News
Copy by Janet Harper
Economics and business major Damien Coleman shows off his piercings while waiting for class with friends at Pierce College in Woodland Hill Calif., on April 17, 2025.