Dec 9, 2022 (54.1)

54.1

THE

COMMUNICATOR

12.09.2022

CAMPUS LIFE CONTINUES!

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SCHOLARSHIPS PAGE 3 TIPS & TRICKS: CALM YOUR ESSAY ANXIET Y

STUDY SPOTS PAGE 8 LIBRARY STUDY ROOMS, AESTHETIC CAMPUS LOCATIONS

SUSTAINABILITY PAGE 10 ARRIVAL OF FACILITIES’ ELECTRIC VEHICLES

CONTENTS OUR STAFF

FIONA WHITVER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

TARYN EASTWOOD REPORTER

MELODY ADRIAN REPORTER

MATTINGLY KREIDERMANAGING EDITOR

SHAHN SMITH REPORTER

JASON NIX ADVISER

Community Colleges of Spokane does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation or age in its programs, activities or employment. CCS offers more than 100 academic degrees and career and technical programs. CCS has an open door admissions policy which admits any graduate of a high school or an individual at least 18 years of age and holding a Certificate of Educational Competence. Some programs have additional admission criteria, which is listed on the website. CCS takes steps to ensure a lack of English language skills is not a barrier to admission or participation. Direct all inquiries regarding equal opportunity compliance and/or grievances to chief strategy and administration officer, CCS, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., P.O. Box 6000, MS1004, Spokane, Wash. 99217-6000 or call 509-434-5037. Direct all inquiries or grievances regarding access and Title IX to the chief compliance officer, 2917 W. Whistalks Way, MS 3027, Spokane, Wash. 99224, or call 509279-6012.

Visit us online at: communicatoronline.org Staff can be contacted at: sfcc.firstname.lastname@gmail.com

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Cover Photo | Obed Perez

NEWS

Our Mission The Communicator has been an open forum for the diversity of voices on the SFCC campus since 1968. The paper is, and has always been, entirely produced by student editors and staff, who are completely responsible for all content.

The purpose of the Communicator is to inform and entertain SFCC students, faculty, and staff while providing a space for multiple points of view from all members of the campus community. We believe that the freedom of speech and expression is vital to intellectual pursuits, and we fully expect that you will find opinions expressed in our pages with which you agree and some with which you disagree. If this is the case, it means we have done our jobs.

We strive to publish news stories that are accurate, impartial, fair, and relevant to the entire campus community. On our editorial pages, readers will find individual opinions from students, faculty, staff, and members from the outside community when relevant. Staff editorials represent the majority view of the student editorial staff and do not necessarily represent SFCC administration, student government, faculty, or staff.

When we make a mistake, we will make every effort to correct the mistake in the next issue as well as on our website (www. communicatoronline.org).

We value your input. Please send all story ideas and feedback to communicator.eic@gmail.com.

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ENROLLMENT UPDATE

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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THE SEEKING PLACE THE MAGIC LANTERN NEW ART BUILDING

FEATURES 8 BEST CAMPUS STUDY SPOTS 9 SFCC PLANETARIUM 10 SFCC'S CARBON FOOTPRINT

SPORTS 11 SPORTS ANNEX 12 ATHLETE PROFILE: KILEY POWER

The first issue of The Communicator is free. Additional copies are 50 cents each.

Newspaper theft is a form of censorship and removal of copies may result in criminal charges.

Class sets are available free of charge upon request: jason.nix@sfcc.spokane.edu.

Join the Communicator staff Choose which skills you want to develop: leadership, reporting/editing, design, photography

All majors welcome No experience necessary We'll teach you everything you need to know Sign up for JOURN 101 for Winter 2023: Item 19230 For more informsation, contact out faculty adviser at jason.nix@sfcc. spokane.edu

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No previous experience is required. All students are encouraged to participate.

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CAMPUS ENROLLMENT AT SFCC Post Covid campus looks a lot different Mattingly Kreider COMMUNICATOR The last few years colleges across the country have seen a decrease in enrollment.

Though undergraduate enrollment has been on the decline even before Covid-19, the pandemic has stopped potential students in their tracks, making them ask the question if college is the right move for them. Since the pandemic Spokane Falls Community College has been different. Even now, Covid cases are down, vaccinations have rolled out but the atmosphere around campus seems to be at a standstill.

“Compared to two years ago, the college is down on enrollment about 10-11%” Jim Brady, Vice President of Learning said. “25% lower compared to three years ago.”

Three years ago was just before the pandemic hit. Slowly, enrollment is creeping up, when the school will get back to the numbers it once was is a bit of a mystery.

“The numbers we are at now, which certainly have gone up in the last quarter, might be the schools normal.”

Brady said “returning students and potential first time students had to stop and think what was going to be best for them in the current world we all are living in.”

Right now SFCC has 4,055 students enrolled for fall 2022. Fall 2021, 3,950 students. Fall 2020, 4,260 students. Fall 2019, 5,352 students. Numbers provided by Brian Frederiksen, Institutional Research and Data Assistant.

“It is pretty quiet around here, but it was way quieter last year” said second year student Justefanie Strachan-Goodner “Walking around campus seems disconnected from other students, but the SUB and game room always have people in it hanging out.”

Many class courses

are running online or hybrid now. “¼- about ⅓ of classes are on ground. About ¼ are hybrid and a little less than half are fully online” Brady said. “Some of the best parts of teaching are the person to person relationships that occur in a classroom” Jim Brady called it his “Organic approach” when deciding which classes are online or in person.

“From our perspective, we want to make sure there is a balance of choice. We don’t want to drive students online because we are more comfortable online. We don’t want to force students on ground because we have buildings to fill.

We want to let student demand and student desire help drive what we offer.” Brady said.

The benefits that online classes allow for many students make getting a college degree easier and more accessible.

“You don’t have to be in a class at 9:30 AM on a Tuesday with an online course.” Brady said “There are certain conveniences, a student

SCHOLARSHIP SEASON TIPS Planning ahead and doing your research pays huge dividends when trying to secure that extra funding.

Fiona Whitver COMMUNICATOR The CCS Scholarship Foundation enables students to comfortably cover the costs of their education. Fall 23’ funding opens in January. Annually giving students $266,000 for books, tuition, and other associated costs of college, the Scholarship Foundation has opportunities open and often left sitting idle.

Christine DeGeare serves as Scholarship & Alumni Relations Manager for CCS Scholarship Foundation, guiding students to scholarship success.

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“We have scholarships that cover smaller things such as bus passes,” DeGeare said, “ and others that help with tuition and books. That amount can range anywhere from $22.00 up to $5,000.00 per year, with various amounts in between.”

Just after winter break, the application for Fall of 2023 funding opens.

“Right now we run two rounds a year, cycles,” said DeGeare, “the next round will be January 17, to March 17, 2023. For this cycle, students will be applying for funding for the Fall of 2023.”

With a new round just about to begin, there are plenty of scholarship opportunities.

“I will have around 120 to 125 different scholarships that are available.

Some of those scholarships offer five or 10 different ones,” DeGeare said, “It could be 200 to 300 individual scholarships, so I definitely don’t want to just leave that on the table.”

Mattingly Kreider | PHOTO Students A, B, and C playing pool in the SUB’s game room

doesn’t have to interrupt their job or their life to be in class.

They can do the work on their time.”

It is important to note that online doesn’t work for everyone. For those who see learning from home as beneficial, others find online difficult and hindersome.

“We have got to be careful because if we start to depend on online, we start to

The vacancy of scholarship applications is seen annually by the foundation.

Unapplied for scholarships remain within the CCS fund, and will hopefully be awarded in the next academic cycle.

“We start one [cycle] in the winter,” DeGeare said, “Then we run a second cycle in the summer.”

The CCS foundation is understanding towards unforeseen circumstances and the chaos that comes with collegiate life.

“You can apply every year,” DeGeare said, “I would encourage students to apply both [cycles].”

Attesting to the assistance that the CCS Scholarship Foundation offers to its students, recipient Brandi Pinette was awarded the Krumble Scholarship for second-year students enrolled in the Business AAS program. Pinette is one of over a hundred students that will recieve the $4,000 scholarship over the next five years.

“My scholarship experience has been fairly easy,” said Pinette, “ … writing an essay has been the most tedious task I have had to accomplish, and some of them did not even require that. The most difficult part was trying to figure out what to write.”

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assume everyone has access to online.” Brady said Spokane Falls Community College has taken a hit over the last few years and though the impact has changed the way the campus runs and the environment students engage in, one thing is certain, students are back and ready to restart this once lively campus.

Pinette offers advice for prospective scholarship applicants, guiding future applicants towards success.

“Apply for everything you qualify for.” said Pinette, “Take the time to apply for the scholarships that require more effort, be yourself in your essay, letter, the biggest thing in applying for scholarships is to set yourself apart and stand out. The best way to do that is to be authentic.”

Sign up for the CCS Foundation newsletter at ccsfoundation.org to stay updated on scholarship opportunities, application deadlines and email reminders.

Essay Anxiety?

“It doesn’t need to be an intimidating process,” said DeGeare, “ I tell students to not think of it as a major paper. That’s not what the foundation is looking at.

What we’re looking for is for you to answer the question thoroughly and thoughtfully, and be genuine.”

Christine asks students to keep the scholarship committee at mind and consider: *Career goals, *Post-grad plans, *Personal stories that contribute to what has shaped you,

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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SEEKING SOLACE IN DOWNTOWN Riverfront Park scuplture combines expression, nature Shahn Smith

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pokane has always prided itself on its culture, the biggest way being through its artwork. From the many murals that are scattered around the town to the sculptures from local artists, there’s plenty of art to see and love. One of the biggest cultural hotbeds in the city is Riverfront Park. Home to many different sculptures and pieces from different artists, Riverfront is a local cultural icon for the city of Spokane, always looking to add more to its repertoire. The newest piece to join its roster? The Seeking Place.

The Seeking Place is a sculpture designed to encompass Spokane’s melting pot of culture and artistic expression. Resting on the top of a hill just below the iconic Pavillion, The Seeking Place is Riverfront’s newest spectacle.

A professional artist for 15 years, Coeur d’Alene artist Sarah Moore designed this piece to relate to the Spokane region.

“I’ve always been intrigued by the geology of our region,” Moore said. “I’ve always liked the geology, so the Seeking Place is really based off of that inspiration, specifically the columnar basalt formations.”

True to her word, the Seeking Place does the region justice, as the sculpture itself resembles a geological structure. Creatively shaped rocks lay inside the structure, while the holes in the metal create unique shadows when hit by the sun’s light, creating a unique experience almost every time one enters.

“With my work, it’s a deeper exploration of myself,” Moore said, smiling.

“The piece is meant to be explored. For me it’s exploring the ideas around creating works that pertain to the environment. For the people of Spokane, I

Fiona Whitver | PHOTOS Coeur d’Alene-based artist Sarah Moore created her work “The Seeking Place” at RFP to reflect Spokane’s unique geographical features, specifically the basalt columns that dot the landscape.

hope it becomes a spot that people want to return to, becomes emblematic of Spokane, and something that over time develops its own layers and meaning.”

“The piece is meant to be explored ... something that over time takes on layers of meaning.”

Sarah Moore

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The Seeking Place is a work that took two and a half years to complete. The start of the project was Moore entering her name and

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portfolio to the city of Spokane in early 2020.

“They took those entries and narrowed it down to four or five artists,” Moore said. “Then those artists create and submit a design. I was selected as a finalist and I submitted my design for The Seeking Place later that year.”

The city took a liking to Moore’s work and she was chosen to create and showcase her piece in Riverfront. Through the selection progress and COVID delays, Moore’s sculpture is now cemented into the legacy of the city.

“I’m very proud of it,” Moore said in regards to her sculpture. “I

feel like the feedback has been really great as well. You get so bogged into the nuts and bolts that you never know until the very end how it’s actually going to be. I’m very pleased with how it turned out.”

Moore’s sculpture will now forever be ingrained into the city’s culture and artistic landscape. Sitting on its hill for all to admire, The Seeking Place is a unique spectacle in a city full of unique spectacles.

Make sure to check out Sarah’s magnificent sculpture next time you find yourself at Riverfront Park, and share your own exploration.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SPOKANE’S ARTHOUSE CINEMA Throughout the decades, Magic Lantern has kept alive the dream of alternative small-scale screenings

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Taryn Eastwood COMMUNICATOR

miles and the aroma of popcorn in the air bring a warm welcome upon walking up to the Magic Lantern theater in Spokane.

It brings a cozy vibe of alcoholic refreshments, candy, comfortable seats, and helpful, bright eyes that welcome you with a feeling of appreciation for community and art.

“I have been going to the Magic Lantern for over 10 years; I work a shift every week and absolutely love the menu, and the environment there is awesome,” Javi Sparks, manager at the Saranac Public House.

It has deep roots in the commuTaryn Eastwood | PHOTOS nity as a small, independent, family-run arthouse theater located with- The Magic Lantern’s current llocation in the Saranac Building in Spokane is just the latest in its long and varied history. in the Saranac building in downtown Spokane off Main Ave. Jim Sheehan is the founder of the Community accomplish. Joe Sheehan was the unique movies that are shown here Building campus and its ethic. And building manager at the time and at the Magic Lantern. Senior days his daughter, Katy Sheehan, helps would help with the theater often. are Wednesdays with ticket prices run the building itself. While Joe When this didn’t happen acdiscounted at $7.50, and booklets Sheehan, his son, and Jonathan cording to plan, the theater closed are offered with 10 movie tickets Abramsom, a long-time colleague, its doors again. But in 2016, Sheediscounted at $80. took over running the theater. han came back to help with the art The Spokane International Jim Sheehan writes in “Onehouse.

Film Festival, or SPIFF, has been Block Revolution,” edited by SumUntil COVID-19 shutdown, the with the Magic Lantern for years. mer Hess, that “our project is just theater had seen its highest success This remains the busiest week of one of many ways to ground money rate since it moved into the Saranac the year and is set to begin in Febin place to co-create spaces that Building in 2007. Abramsom would ruary, 2023. The arthouse frequentnurture our book the ly works with its neighbors in the communities.” movies, Saranac building, including 350 It began handle all Spokane, KYRS Thin Air Radio, in the early the shipThe Lands Council, Blueprints for 1970s, beping details, Learning, Save Our Wild Salmon, fore Spokane build the Peace and Justice Action League of hosted its 1974 shows on Spokane, and more!

World’s Fair. the soft“We turn to our relationships After a few different owners opened ware, and make the film schedule to guide us toward life inside a and closed the doors, the theater was according to “One-Block Revolulegacy of love, but not perfection,” dormant for nearly 30 years until tion.” Sheehan would handle venue The exposed-brick lobby of the Magic Katy Sheehan said in “One-Block it was brought to life within the bookings, community outreach, Lanter feels more speakeasy than Revolution.”

Saranac building. Many renovations negotiations, and would take turns corporate chain movie palace.

Sandy Williams, who ran The had to be done in order to make the running the front.

Black Lens, has hosted numerous theater profitable.

“I really enjoy getting excited fundraisers for her independent It was a struggle for the theater about upcoming movies and getting newspaper and the Carl Maxey to really get profit margins to livable the chance to be one of the first silent auction, and all proceeds will Center; coming up on December levels due to a non-profit setup that people in the city to see them,” Joe go to the Carl Maxey Center of 1st will be a movie night of rememthe current owner from 2008–2010, Sheehan said.

Spokane. brance. Come celebrate her memJoe Davis, a doctor completing his Many customers are regulars, “We love to have as many ory with a showing of The Woman residency program at Sacred Heart while students, film buffs, and com- King. The event will include a people come through as possible,” Medical Center, had wished to munity members come to enjoy the Sheehan said.

“The environment there is really awesome.”

Javi Sparks

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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GOODBYE, BUILDING 06

AFTER 56 YEARS HOUSING CREATIVES ON CAMPUS, LIMITED TIME LEFT FOR THIS ORIGINAL STRUCTURE Fiona Whitver On track to be creative programs, indemolished late cluding interior design, COMMUNICATOR in 2023, Fine Arts photography, and fine Building 06 has arts. limited days left on the SFCC campus.

Professor Carl Richardson has The vintage structure is one of the last taught his creative courses in Building two remaining original buildings first 06 for nearly 27 years. built as part of the original campus in “It started as a music building first,” 1967. Building 05, The Spartan TheRichardson said, “then once music got atre (Playhouse) is the other. their building, art and photography and Monitoring the Fine Arts overhaul interior design was in here. Eventually transition is CCS Capital Projects photography moved out, photography Construction Coordinator, Teresa moved out and interior & graphic deLumberg. sign moved out. When I started here in “The current Fine Arts Building ‘95 there were still a couple of graphic 06 demo project, bid pack 04,” says design instructors who were in this Lumberg, “will go out to bid for the space because that building was just demolition work after we get the curnew. So, it was around the early 90’s rent folks all moved out of the buildwhen it became exclusively Fine Arts.” ing. Work may start late 2023 to early In addition to its educational 2024. We work with the state Departcourses, the Fine Arts Building is wellment of Enterprise Services (DES), known for its gallery, hosting a plethfor bids and contracting, so with this ora of art installations from numerous project still a way out, we don’t have artists with a variety of mediums over set dates yet.” the years.

Since its start in 1967, Building 06 Also serving as art faculty and has been home to various factions of dually as the Gallery Program Director is professor Cozette Phillips.

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TOP: Fall scenery outside Building 06.

MIDDLE: Art Club mural representing variety of famous artists.

BOTTOM: Groundbreaking ceremony of orginal campus, 1967.

“We have about roughly two shows per quarter.” said Phillips, “and I research in-person by traveling to different museums and galleries, but I like to represent a broad range of artists in terms of cultural, social differences and interests that reflect the students and the community of Spokane and their interests. I also look towards the gallery as a teaching tool, to reflect the disciplines that the artists and faculty members are working towards here.”

While the current Fine Arts Gallery will always hold a special place in many artists’ hearts, the transition to a modernized and updated gallery will both mirror and magnify the legacy of arts and culture that Building 06 is leaving behind.

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ALSC Architects | PHOTO

HELLO, BUILDING 32

Coming soon: Fine Arts, Photography Arts Fiona Whitver COMMUNICATOR

ALSC Architects | PHOTO TOP: Rendering, outside Future FAA Building 32 BOTTOM: Rendering, inside Future FAA Building 32

SFCC BUILDING LEGEND 18 Computing, Mathematics, 02 Library Business Technology 05 Humanities (Spartan Play19 Technical Arts house) 23 Storage 06 Fine Arts 24 sn-w’ey’-mn (Business, 07 Student Athletic Center Social Science) 09 Lodge 25 Baseball 10 Maintenance 26 Drama Storage 11 Photography 27 Magnuson 13 Physical Education Annex/ 28 Science Stadium 29 Early Learning Center 15 Music/Performing Arts 30 Falls Gateway 16 Human Services 31 Future Softball 17 Student Union Building (Stu32 Future FAA dent Services)

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Expecting to open in time for the quarter of Fall 2023, the new Fine & Applied Arts Building (32) will house Photography and all programs encompassed under the Fine Arts umbrella.

CCS Capital Projects Construction Coordinator Teresa Lumberg is overseeing the sizable job.

“We are working with the local architectural firm of ALSC Architects,” stated Lumberg. “ Our lead architect is Iren Teran. HGA Architecture out of St Paul Minnesota worked with ALSC to design the new art building. HGA worked on the interior theme that is leading all of the furniture for the new building.”

The interior design features unique bird-themed study areas as well as a distinctive art display built into the glass-face of the building.

Alongside the aesthetics, Building 32 will also house the new and upscaled Fine Arts Gallery, as well as a Photography Gallery.

Fine Arts Gallery Program

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Director, Cozette Phillips will be transitioning Building 06’s Gallery to meet the space of the gallery in Building 32.

“There will be two floors, the [Fine Arts] Gallery will be on the first floor. The photo gallery will be right next to us. So there’s two great reasons to come see art, beyond and addition to the student art we hang on the walls, that tradition will carry forwards as well.”

A plethora of murals, sculpture, canvas, and so much more will be transferred to the new gallery to preserve student art history.

“It’s going to be a beautiful space,” said Phillips. “that really serves the art department but also reflects nature and connection to the land with the big windows and lobby. I see it as a place that the college campus community might like to come to.”

Building 32 has many expectations to meet and uphold in terms of serving artists and preserving the curations that Building 06 has been home to over the past 56 years.

This fresh and advanced setting will undoubtedly serve to inspire future artists, students and the Spokane Falls community.

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STUDY SPOTS AROUND CAMPUS Cool, unique locations to do work around SFCC Mattingly Kreider COMMUNICATOR There are many places to sit down, unwind, and get some work done around campus at SFCC. Many of these locations provide solitude for those students seeking a quiet place to study. While other spots display views of campus that are unmatched compared to sitting in a room with four walls and a window. Whether it is a group or solo study session SFCC has the perfect place for everyone, some you may not even know about. Not to say that any of these are hidden, all are in plain sight. But whether or not they are being used to their fullest potential by students, that’s a different story.

Located in building 7, the recently renovated Student Athletic Center is home to the “Bigfoot Lounge”. The brightly lit, large room has several tables and benches ready for hours of work. The perfect spot to kill time and work on an assignment.

Building 28, the Science building comes equipped with your choice of tables, couches, even tall barstool type seating. The tall ceilings, natural light, and several sit down spots throughout the building make getting comfortable and down to work easy and peaceful. “ I love this building. It is usually pretty quiet, not too many people

Mattingly Kreider | PHOTO Students Sydney Burke and Kiler Borg doing homework in the newly renovated Bigfoot Lounge

taking up too much space to where I feel I can’t get any work done.” student Kennedy Seymour said. “I like the two story set up they’ve got going on. It is super cool.”

In building 15, Music and Performing Arts, if you’re lucky you just might find yourself working on an assignment while listening to peaceful songs from the choir room, or even gentle chords coming from the piano lab. There are a lot worse things to be surrounded by while trying to focus but SFCC’s music building is not one of them.

The Library in building 2 is quite literally one of the perfect places to hunker down, layout every notebook, textbook, and highlighter you have and for hours, or more if needed, study your heart away, or at least until the brain fog kicks in.

Called the “Study Rooms” on the upstairs level of the library houses six individual rooms equipped with all new technology.

Beautifully set up stations with large TV monitors Mattingly Kreider| PHOTO turned to computer screens. You Bldg 15, perfect place to read a book. can link up your computer or tablet

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to the monitor allowing everyone in the room to see the same thing on a larger scale. The monitors also have cameras, making zoom calls easy.

“The rooms are convenient” said student Andy Prochnow “The general benefits [of the rooms] are solitude and privacy.”

Each room also comes stocked with large white boards. “A lot of students use these rooms, you’d be surprised.

“Katie Peterson, Library staff & Technology specialist said.

“Just by looking at the schedule you can see how busy we are.

The “Huddle” tables on the first floor of the library work almost the same way as the study rooms. No need to schedule time to use them, just find an open table and get to work.

“First sit first served.” as Peterson put it.

These tables also have large monitors and plug in stations for phones, tablets, and computers.

“I like these tables.”

Ayden Franklin said. “It is just like using a computer with a bigger monitor.”

To check out a mouse and a key-

board for one of these study rooms and huddle tables Katie Peterson over at the Technology table will help you. You will need an up to date student ID. If you don’t have one, luckily in the same building just downstairs of the library you can get one.

Mattingly Kreider| PHOTO

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PLANETARIUM New film: Dark Universe, astronomy installation on campus Taryn Eastwood COMMUNICATOR After being in the dark for the last two years due to COVID-19, the universe can be seen in full color once again, as the Planetarium opened back up to the public this November.

Renovations have been in the works while the Planetarium was shut down to the public. These included updates to online ticketing and information, a new projector which provides a more clear and precise picture, and a solar system walk on campus. Anyone interested in learning more can

Taryn Eastwood | PHOTO Outsisde, frontal view of Building 28: Planetarium.

take a walk behind the planetarium to see a scale model of our solar system.

“We are proud to have had the support of the student body and ASG to secure funding for this new projector,” said Michele Moore, Astronomy Faculty Planetarium Co-director.

The scale model is 1 to 1 Billion, running east/west from the northeast corner of Building 28 to the end of the walkway along Elliot Drive. Each scale provides information about the model and which way to proceed forward.

The planetarium is a unique feature in the Eastern WA area, not many community colleges have such a resource. Each presentation will feature a night sky tour and a dome feature movie.

The movies include various topics like black holes, dark matter, dark energy, and star formation.

“We have a brand

Taryn Eastwood | PHOTO Lecture hall seating within the Planetarium.

new movie called Dark Universe, it’s a very beautiful and visually effective movie,” Moore said. “Dark matter and dark energy are very immersive topics and this movie helps us to visualize that it is very beautiful.”

SFCC offers captivating classes in Astronomy in which the use of the planetarium and solar walk are a huge help with daily visualization and understanding of our solar

system and constellations.

“I took the Astronomy class here last quarter, it was really fun,” Trevor Weberg, 21, an aspiring education major said. “I think it is interesting that we know so much about the creation of stars, more than I thought we knew.”

More information and how to schedule ticketing can be found at: https://sfcc.spokane.edu/For-Our-Students/ Around-Campus/Planetarium

SCENES FROM AN UNDERPASS

Fiona Whitver COMMUNICATOR Artist Caitie Sellers’ Scenes from an Underpass is the SFCC Fine Art Gallery’s most recent resident.

The collection features drawings and sketchbooks, as well as mixed-medium metal sculpture.

“Scenes from an underpass is an ode to a small area in the very heart

Most recent Fine Arts Gallery Display

of Richmond, Virginia,” says Sellers.

“This span of four city blocks is home to the city’s oldest architecture, a rare triple railroad crossing, and the towering interchange of Interstate 95, all stacked upon itself. I can’t help but be awed by the overwhelming layers of human development. Stubborn vegetation, sprawl, guts, growth, and decay.”

The art collection is representative of the common underpass urban

scenery found throughout Spokane.

Sellers’ collection was brought to campus by Gallery PRogram Director and art professor, Cozette Phillips.

“What’s great about our gallery,” says Phillips, “is that one-hundred percent of the sales go to the artist, we are an educational gallery that supports artists. That’s what’s really special about where we work.”

Fiona Whitver | PHOTO

Fiona Whitver | PHOTO

Excerpt from Scenes from an Underpass.

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“It’s a come as you are gallery,” says Phillips.

Students are encouraged to walk through the gallery and experience the current exhibit. The SFCC Fine Arts Gallery can be found straight-ahead from entering the main entrance of Building 06, entrance to the gallery is at no cost.

Scenes from an Underpass in the Art Gallery.

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A SUSTAINABLE STATE OF MIND Recent eco-friedly initiatives on campus

of the vending machines to have only glass or aluminum - no plastic bottles.”

Anders Johnson, the Student Fiona Whitver Lead Representative for EnvironCOMMUNICATOR mental Club adds, “or possibly compostable plastic, and providAchieving a sustainable caming compostable bins on campus.” pus is reliant upon a community Johnson has taken on a role of aware and active with its envistudent leadership within Environmental practices and care. It ronmental Club and ASG, productakes a collective effort to achieve ing sustainable activism. and maintain eco-friendly perfor“As my position as the finance mance. Among state legislation, and legislative director,” Johnson student activism and resource says, “one of the biggest things conservation, sasquatch sustainI’m hoping to do this year is to ability is on the rise. address the Sustainability Action As per their mission statement, Plan that was made last year and The SFCC Environmental Club see what other changes we can do aims to promote and educate to make the campus more susthe campus community on the tainable. It is one of our goals to core concepts of responsible and address the trash that we produce innovative resource use, political both a group and as a campus.” action to achieve ecologically The Environmental Club is beneficial and productive legisla- curating eco-friendly practices tion, as well as daily environmen- on campus, but striding towards tally-sound practices. sustainable action also occurs on a Advising the Environmental legislative level.

Club, professor and founder of In 2020, Washington State SFCC’s Sustainability Center, updated its State Agency Climate Monica Stenzel tasks herself in Leadership Act, requiring colleges leading students towards making and universities to make moves sustainable change and promoting towards sustainability in reducing activism. their greenhouse gas emissions to “One of our best drivers for the following standards: making change on campus comes 15% below 2005 baseline by from student leadership,” said 2020, Stenzel. “If the students want 45% below 2005 by 2030, things, often that’s the best way to 70% below 2005 by 2040, make it happen. Not all students 95% below 2005 by 2050. know what they can do or what The Clean Buildings Law other options they get. We go to requires buildings over 50,000sq. what’s familiar and convenient.” ft.to be tracked in energy usage.

Familiarity and convenience 16 buildings between both CCS are traits often favored by college campuses require individual students immersed in their chaot- metering to track each source of ic lives, but with small efforts of independent energy. individual action across campus, To help with this, CCS emchange is possible. ployed a duo of Resource Conser“Something I would love to vation Managers (RCM), Andrew see,” says Stenzel, “is getting all Lemberg and Reed Williams to

Environmental Club’s Holiday Guide:

Environmental Club encourages students to shop green, to save green this holiday season. From gift shopping to gift wrapping, consider eco-friendly options: - Make, bake, or thrift gifts - Reuse gift bags, ribbons, and decorations - Maps, dish towels, & calendar pages make great wrapping paper - Give experiences such as lift tickets, movie cards, muse um memberships, and concert tickets - Give a plant! – with care instructions!

- Buy from local stores and makers

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12.09.2022

Melody Adrian | PHOTO

overlook the eco-conOne of CCS Facilities’ new electrical vehicles. cerned umbrella covering HVAC scheduling, acall the lights from fluorescent quiring electrical vehiand incandescent, basically old cles, waste overhaul, instillation lightbulbs to new light bulbs, of smart irrigation, and Greendecreases electrical usage by 30 house Gasses Emissions (GHG) percent.” annual reporting.

Over the summer, the Re“I’ve always thought of sussource Conservation Managers tainability as meeting the needs installed electrical and natural of the present,” said Williams, gas meters in every building “ensuring you can also meet the measuring over 50,000 sq. ft., needs of future humans, generand have begun the process of ations and life forms. Promotslowly transitioning Facilities’ ing eco-friendliness on campus campus vehicles from gas to creates a more long-term and electric. Electric vehicles are a sustainable environment.” recent eco-initiative with intenSustainability on campus focuses on often overlooked areas tions to go a long way in terms of energy conservation. where waste is present, to ex“The plan is,” Williams states, amining larger more identifiable “that anytime we need a new forms of waste. The waste overvehicle in facilities that need to haul project launched at the end be replaced, we’ll get an E.V. of 2018, fully deployed by 2019.

(Electric Vehicle).”

Within this project, the RCM’s There are currently three universalized the campus trash Electric Facilities Vehicles on the system.

SFCC campus since the transi“Different styles, different tion began in May 2021. One sizes [of trash cans] required difassigned to each: groundworks, ferent types of liners,” said Williams. “Decreasing the variety of custodial, and painting. Governor Inslee’s Executive Order 21-04, trash cans saves $15,000 a year it is mandated to have specific in plastic liners alone, increasing portions of campus vehicles be the waste diversion rate. In 2018, electric fleets by the following it was about 7 percent, so only 7 dates: percent of our waste was getting 40% by 2025, recycled or composted, and now 75% by 2030, it has increased above 70 perAnd 100% by 2035. cent. Things have totally flipped Between Resource Conservain the world of waste.” tion, state legislation and EnviWhile physical waste is often ronmental Club’s student activmore recognizable, there are less ism, Spokane Falls is constantly tangible aspects of waste reducgrowing in its eco-friendly tion that we might not realize practices, and laying a foundaneed to be acted upon. tion for students to think with a “Another one is LED retrosustainable mindset. fits,” stated Williams. “Changing www.communicatoronline.org

SPORTS

sfcc.fiona.whitver@gmail.com

SPORTS ANNEX: STABLE? Building 13 closed in Spring 2022 due to water damage.

Fiona Whitver COMMUNICATOR If you’ve ever rooted on your Bigfoot Soccer at a home game, or ventured to the edge of campus far enough to notice the stadium bleachers, congratulations! You’ve found Building 13. Often overlooked, Building 13 is seldom just a set of bleachers. The structure is home to a few classrooms, offices, and the Bigfoot Soccer locker rooms.

Built in 1969, the Sports Annex has stood tall on campus for fifty-three years - but not without complication.

Although it underwent a remodel in 2012, the building has been closed off to students and faculty on the inside this Spring due to a leaking ceiling and excessive water damage.

Responding to this issue, Jason Foraker from Community Colleges of Spokane’s (CCS) Facilities/Maintenance and Operation (MNO) oversees all CCS capital projects - including this rather emergent one.

“The SFCC Leadership and Facilities took prudent measures to ensure safety of students and staff when water was reported to be coming down through the changing rooms last winter.” Foraker said, “it was assessed that these areas needed to be restricted due to impacted overhead lighting and drywall damage. There was also rainwater that was accumulating in the ceiling and floor tiles.”

With the incurred current damage, CCS sought out outside help to formulate a solution to this situation.

“CCS reached out to industry professionals to gain information on the reason for the water infiltration” Foraker said, “It was learned that the water stops, sitting atop the bleachers are being impacted from expansion and contraction, allowing rainwater to seep past during larger rainfalls. A structural study was also performed on the upper cast bleachers to gain insight on deteriorated concrete surfaces. It was found that the building structure is not compromised from this.”

While Building 13 has officially been deemed structurally sound, the invasive rainfall still remains an urgent issue.

“Our next step is we hired an ar-

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Fiona Whitver | PHOTO A view from the top of Building 13, featuring the SFCC logo on the sports media hut.

chitect,” Foraker said. “They are called ALSC, they are a local architecture company, and they did an assessment, advising CCS on how to proceed.

We have a plan to seal the top of the stadium and that’s still in the works.

What typically goes on with that is that a contract is put together, and then it’s put out to bid.”

Spring Quarter was timely for this structural surprise, as construction work is much more difficult in the Spring due to the PNW’s temperamental weather patterns.

“That’s still in the works and you really can’t start that work until we get to the summertime.” Foraker reminds, “so that’s kind of why the project’s on hold. You couldn’t go up there and start sealing and then this big May rain dumps on it. Down below [within the building], there’s containers to catch water to prevent any more damage.”

With limited access to the building and upper bleacher section, SFCC facilities have made it a priority to take action in mitigating rainfall to prevent further damage, and restore the Sports Stadium to a structure that can be enjoyed by students, athletes, faculty and the Bigfoot community, as it has been for fifty-three years. Until then, “We have some pretty impressive buckets,” states Foraker.

Additionally impacted by the closure of Building 13, Professor and retired Spokane Falls Soccer Coach, Kenny Krestian’s office is located in the Sports Annex and his Stress Management class was set to be taught

there as well. Luckily, the re-adjustment for Spring quarter wasn’t too extensive.

“Just this Stress Management class was moved.” said Krestian, “I’m currently the only full time faculty member with an office in the stadium, but there are two adjunct faculty offices as well.”

Stress Management was moved into the Student Athletic Center (SAC) last minute before Spring Quarter ‘22 started, with no estimate for the span of the closure.

“Roughly in early to mid-March, a week or two before Spring Quarter started they told me to grab anything I might need because they didn’t know when we would be able to get back in.” said Krestian, “but we got the allclear at the beginning of May.” Regardless of a location switchup, Krestian explained there wasn’t much difference between the two settings, the Sports Annex classrooms even had SmartBoards, as opposed to the SAC classrooms equipped with the classic whiteboards.

“There’s not much of a difference in terms of the classroom,” Krestian stated, “however, the computer that is in my office in Building 13 is much better than the one in my temporary office in Building 7.”

Also learning to readjust this quarter, the Bigfoot Soccer teams were forced to sacrifice their locker rooms at the risk of the leaky structure.

Miguel Covarrubias, a first-year and Men’s Soccer athlete delves into

12.09.2022

both the positive and negative aspects the closure of Building 13 has had on his team.

“Our temporary locker room was moved to the bathrooms behind the stadium.” Covarrubias said, “the one benefit to this was probably that it was still in the stadium, so we didn’t have to move far. The main struggle with that was that it was a bathroom so all of us just had to sit on the floor.”

Without a doubt, this was seemingly a stressful adaptation, but Bigfoot Soccer was able to wrap up their season with a return to their original home base.

“We were able to return to the locker rooms for our last game of the spring season.” Covarrubias said, “not having the locker room affected us because being in the bathroom felt kind of like a joke and made it hard for us to take the game seriously. I would say being in the actual locker room helps us focus and get mentally prepared for games better.”

Overall, the temporary closure of the Sports Annex affects a multitude of individuals within the Bigfoot community. Fortunately, the damages are not detrimental to the building’s structural quality, and come Summer, the building will soon begin to return to its original quality moving forwards for access to students, faculty and athletes as it has been for over fifty years.

This article was orgingally published online in Spring 2022.

COMMUNICATOR 11

SPORTS

sfcc.mattingly.kreider@gmail.com

ATHLETE PROFILE- KILEY POWER Volleyball player talks about being a student athlete.

Mattingly Kreider COMMUNICATOR Kiley Power is a student and athlete playing volleyball at SFCC. She primarily is a setter but sometimes can be found in the back row as the teams libero Kiley grew up in the small town of Colville Washington, later moving to Cheney Washington her senior year of high school. Going to school in Spokane has been a change “I’m definitely more of a rural, small town kind of person. I do love all the things that you can do here.” she said.

Kiley got an early start on her volleyball career.

“I basically popped out and was playing volleyball.

My mom played, and guided me the whole way. We played the same position. It has been nice to have her as the one person I could turn to for support when I wasn’t understanding what I was doing.” she said.

Kiley discussed the opportunities that she found beneficial playing for a community college.

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“I would highly recommend it for anyone who has the opportunity to play after highschool, It is freeing in a sense. . . At a university there is a lot of competition and not a lot of court time, at junior college there is so much court time, and a lot of opportunity to grow and learn with that.”

She said.

“I don’t know what it is about Junior colleges, but it feels like home. It is more personal. It is a great stepping stone into the real world.”

The dynamic of the volleyball team is uplifting and encouraging.

“We only have 12 girls, there is a lot of one-on-one time with the coaches, it is encouraging to play here.” she said.

“The environment is awesome. I don’t want to say perfect, but it is really close!”

Student athletes do it all.

From work, friends, family and school, finding an even balance is crucial for success.

“Time management is a huge responsibility in student athletes. You have to learn how to prioritize.” she said.

Kiley expressed her need

and had a moment of stillness.

Those little moments allow me to reset myself and reset my priorities.” she stated.

“Mentally, psychologically, you have to do what makes you happy. In the end it will make you a better person, student, and athlete if you can find time to prioritize your well-being.”

Student athletes are young, vulnerable, hard workers who on a daily basis are striving for the best when it comes to their athletic life and academic life.

“With our generation we are known to just shove our thoughts and feelings under the rug, especially as a student athlete. We juggle so many things and are supposed to be okay and ready to perform 24/7.” she continued “I think it is important for student athletes to know that your feelings are valid. As athletes many feel like they have to mask their emotions.

Our sports are almost always our comfort space.”

She goes on to talk about personal experience.

“For me when I see that ball nothing else matters, all worries go away, which can honestly be a bad thing because we then are not dealing with our issues in a way that is always a healthy manner.” she stated.

The impact volleyball has had on her life is unlike anything she could have imagined.

“Volleyball has made me an all around more versatile person. It has helped my character, my coping mechanism.

My eyes have been opened to so many different perspectives. . .I didn’t fully realize how big mental health was and how effective it was going to be on my playing ability. Mental health is so important and made me realize that I want to work in a field centered around it.” she said.

“Volleyball has also allowed a lot of genuine relationships. That has helped me be more open to others and to find time to focus on herself. their different perspectives.

“I love solitude. Recent- Being diverse is important, our ly I went up to a sunset lookout team on the Falls brought a lot spot on the south hill, I sat and of girls from many different listened to my worship music places.” She continued,

COMMUNICATOR

12.09.2022

Jeff Gregory | PHOTOS

Kiley waves to the crowd at sophmore night “I honestly could say that if I didn’t do volleyball, I wouldn’t be the same person I am today.”

As far as the team goes for next year, expectations of a fun, lively group of girls ready to leave it all out on the court and win is high. “ Last year the sophomores gave us a really good foundation to be leaders. This year the 3 of us sophomores were able to find a good flow with our freshmen. It allowed them to see the way we should treat and respect girls younger.

A lot of the time with sports there is a toxic, entitlement, seniority way of thinking but we did our best to make the team one. ” she said.

Teammate Sydney Kinch, who is a freshman on the team this year had many positive words to say about one of her captains Kiley. “ Kiley was an amazing role model for us all. She is the kind of person who leads

by example, and she did that very well this season. I remember thinking wow, this girl means business” she said.

Kiley made it clear she couldn’t have done this alone.

“My mom and my family have helped me and supported me for years.

They don’t miss a game. My high school coaches, And of course my coaches this year and trainer Travis, have helped me mature a lot, in every mental and physical aspect” she said.

Head coach Taylor Stewart had many kind words to say about Kiley.

“It was a pleasure to see her grow with all the roles that were thrown at her this year. . . She is one of the hardest working athletes that I’ve had the opportunity to be around and coach, possessing that incredible growth mindset, and is an even better human who always leads from her heart.” she said.

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