May 18, 2017 (48.8)

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The

ommunicator

Volume 48 Issue 8 May 18 - June 7

SPOKANE FALLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

CTCLINK’S CIBER SUES WASHINGTON

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POLLY MCMAHON NAMED FACULTY MEMBER OF THE YEAR

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TOP PAYING TWO YEAR DEGREES

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A&E: WARHAMMER

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CONTENTS

The Communicator · 05.18.2017 · Chloe Rowles

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MISSION STATEMENT

Our job as student journalists is to inform our readers, follow up, report and present to all.

This newspaper is comprised of a diverse group of voices that are all welcoming.

Contact/Follow: Follow us on Instagram at: @TheFalls_Communicator Follow us on Twitter at: @SFCCcomm Find us on Facebook at: fb.com/TheFallsCommunicator Contact staff at: SFCC.first.last@gmail.com Visit out website at communicatoronline.org

Athletes clear hurdles at a regional track meet held at SFCC on April 8, 2017.

OUR STAFF

Chloe Rowles | The Communicator

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nicolas Zerbe

NEWS EDITOR John Chilberg

FEATURES EDITOR Chandler Pedersen

MANAGING EDITOR Chloe Rowles

SIDELINES EDITOR Blake Herrod

A&E EDITOR Jared Grebe

PHOTO EDITOR Leigh Ann Bryan

WEB EDITOR Andrew Mark Mariano

ADVISER Jason Nix

Nicolas Zerbe

Chloe Rowles

Jason Nix

John Chilberg

Chandler Pedersen

Blake Herrod

Jared Grebe

Andrew Mark Mariano

Leigh Ann Bryan

Christina Kruse

Harrison Baldwin

Mia Wambold

Riley Osborn

Kristina Fix

Jay DeLeo

WANT TO JOIN THE COMMUNICATOR STAFF? Any SFCC student is welcome to join our staff by enrolling in College Newspaper Production I (JOURN 101). No previous is experience required.

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NEWS

The Communicator · 05.18.2017 · John Chilberg

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Leigh Ann Bryan | The Communicator

CIBER SUES WASHINGTON OVER CTCLINK CTCLINK DEVELOPER, CIBER, FILES $13 MILLION LAWSUIT

BY MIA WAMBOLD sfcc.mia.wambold@gmail.com

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iber, the company in charge of ctcLink’s design, has filed for bankruptcy and is suing Washington State and the Board of Education for $13 million.

In 2016, the Colorado based consulting firm Ciber, contracted by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, filed for bankruptcy and is now suing the State of Washington. According to Ciber, the ongoing issues regarding the implementation of ctcLink and the cost to fix these issues are the reasons behind the $13 million lawsuit. These additional costs, according to Ciber, hinder their ability to bring ctcLink to other

colleges in the system.

“The ctcLink vendor, Ciber, declared bankruptcy and filed a lawsuit against the State of Washington and the State Board for Community and Technological Colleges,” said Assistant Attorney General Jason D. Brown in a letter to Christine Johnson, SFCC chancellor.

According to Johnson, the state Attorney General’s office will file a response to the complaint which is believed to include defenses and counterclaims.

Due to the current state of the litigation process, information regarding the lawsuit is scarce. “ The State Board has reassured

us that it remains committed to fixing remaining ctcLink issues with TCC and CCS and is dedicated to making the ctcLink project a success going forward ,” said CCS Chancellor Christine Johnson in a letter to CCS faculty, staff and administration.

In 2013, Ciber signed a contract with the Washington Board of Education to install their system which helps students enroll in classes and view financial aid status, quarterly schedules, and unofficial transcripts.

Instead of installing the program at all colleges at once, Community Colleges of Spokane and Tacoma Community College were selected

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to test the system in order to work out problems that the system produced. Other schools in the state are to be connected into this system within a five year period.

In an interview with the Spokesman-Review, Laura McDowell, director of communications for the state board of community and technical colleges said, “we remain committed to making this project a success for the three pilot colleges - Tacoma, Spokane and Spokane Falls - and the rest of our colleges.”

More information will be released as we receive updates on the situation, which will be printed in an upcoming article.

NEWS

The Communicator · 05.18.2017 · John Chilberg

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FIRE ON CAMPUS

BY KRISTINA FIX sfcc.kristina.fix@gmail.com

O Christina Kruse | The Communicator

FACULTY MEMBER OF THE YEAR POLLY MCMAHON TO RECEIVE FACULTY MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD

BY JAY DELEO sfcc.jay.deleo@gmail.com

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pokane Falls Community College’s Social Services and Gerontology Instructor, Polly McMahon, is set to receive the faculty of the year award.

McMahon has been an educator in the technical department at SFCC for over 21 years, this year she is being named “faculty of the year”. This award is given by the Washington State Association of College Trustees and the award ceremony will take place at Big Bend Community College on May 25.

“I’m thrilled for Polly, she is so deserving of this award,” said Senior Secretary of Human Services Bonnie Dean. “She’s encouraging, motivating and always available for ‘chats and chocolate’ to keep her students on track. It’s an honor to work with someone so incredibly amazing.”

According to McMahon, her motivation and inspiration to continue educating comes

from her students and other staff members and learning the obstacles that they have overcome.

“To have a job that you come to everyday will have something that will transform my life, how lucky can you be," said McMahon.

McMahon was also on the board of directors for the CCS Foundation and helped start a scholarship for gerontology and social service students.

“Doc Polly is a flawless example of what community college educators should be— not just here in Washington, but in our country as well,” said Janet Gullickson, SFCC president. “She is bright, compassionate, resilient and an expert in her field and profession. She is passionate about students and colleagues and it is that passion that makes her a deserving winner of this award.

She is the heart of SFCC.”

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n Monday, Apr. 25 a small fire involving a vending machine broke out in the sn'wey'nm building on the SFCC campus. The machine sparked and smoked, resulting in the evacuation of building 24, lasting until 12:30 p.m.

Students were barred from entry until the building was deemed safe to enter.

"As soon as I was walking up to class the fire alarm went off and we were being told to evacuate," said Pavlo Pogoriliy, SFCC student. "I thought it was only a drill at first."

The Spokane Fire Department responded quickly to contain the fire, and there were no injuries.

Kristina Fix | The Communicator

Features

The Communicator · 05.18.2017 · Chandler Pedersen

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SFCC'S PAST LIFE

THE HISTORY OF FORT GEORGE WRIGHT

BY MIA WAMBOLD sfcc.mia.wambold@gmail.com

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he history of SFCC’s grounds is a long and storied one, from public park to military base, and finally the campus it is today.

Fort George Wright, the site on which both SFCC and Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute sit today was first established 121 years ago.

The structures name comes from General George Wright, an officer during both the Civil and Indian Wars in the Washington territory.

The fort itself was built to replace three others: Fort Spokane in Davenport, Fort Walla Walla in Walla Walla, and Fort Sherman in Coeur d’Alene due to building decay.

In 1895, residents of Spokane purchased the area known as Twickenham Park and then deeded it to the city, this land would later become Fort George Wright.

Fort George Wright was used for military purposes until 1957 when the city declared it surplus and gave educational facilities priority to purchase the property.

“The Army had never expanded the fort as much as the community of Spokane had hoped,” said Larry Cebula, professor of history at Eastern Washington University, assistant digital archivist at Washington State Archives .

Fort George Wright has gone through many hands in its history, first as a military base, then a small local college, japanese academy, and finally SFCC. “Spokanites had imaged the fort would contain 1/25th of the entire US Army, it only ever managed to house about half a regiment (roughly 500 men),” said Lee Nilsson, open source intelligence

analyst at US Department of State and professor at EWU, in his article Welcome to Historic Fort George Wright.

Some of the land was used for Spokane Falls Community College in 1960 while the Sisters of the Holy Names purchased a portion for the relocation of their Holy Names College. In 1963 Holy Names College was renamed Fort Wright College and operated until 1982 when it closed its doors. In 1968, St. Michael's Mission, a building dating from 1882, was moved to the Fort Wright Campus.

Finally, in 1990, during serious financial difficulties, Mukogawa Women’s Academy, a Japanese girls’ college purchased the land.

Mukogawa still manages a majority of the historical military base.

Spokane Falls Community College later purchased a large section of the former post, leveling all of the original structures.

“Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute was granted a total agency exemption from the Washington Degree Authorization Act in March 1990, and in September 1994, MFWI became a branch campus for Mukogawa Women's University,” per the Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute website.

In the years between 1990 and 2000, the existing buildings have been restored and renovated and in 1994 a new library was constructed.

The SFCC campus is now a site of learning and cultural exchange, as well as a popular venue for meetings, weddings, and other functions for the community of Spokane.

Mia Wambold | The Communicator The entrance to the Fort George Wright Cemetery, which is close to SFCC campus.

LUCRATIVE DEGREES WATCH THEM FLY

The Center for Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota (UND) now allows SFCC students to complete the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree through SFCC before transferring to a BA program.

In 2016 the median salary for an air traffic controller: $122,410.

HEALTH CARE BUSINESS

Healthcare occupations are projected to have the highest growth, with a job openings for registered nurses expected to increase by 1.2 million from 2010 to 2020.

In 2010 the median salary for registered nurses was Radiation therapists’ median salary is

$74,980.

$66,640.

WATCH THEM BUILD

Construction managers oversee contractors and other personnel. Each manager oversees and different area, such as laying of foundation, plumbing, and electrical work.

The median salary for a construction manager is

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$83,860.

Compiled by Harrison Baldwin

FEATURES

The Communicator · 05.18.2017 · Chandler Pedersen

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LOCAL TABLETOP GAMING: WARHAMMER

BY CHRISTINA KRUSE sfcc.christina.kruse@gmail.com

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Christina Kruse | The Communicator Christian Silver, pictured above, performs movement in Warhammer.

arhammer is a game where wars are waged at your fingertips.

A tabletop game of science fiction and fantasy, fought on landscape of the players design, participants are made to use strategy and tactics to defeat the opponent across the table. Wars can take place in the living room or local hobbyshop, taking up no more than three hours of your free time. Models for the game don’t come pre-painted, so it’s up to you to put your creativity to the test with the paint schemes and paint the miniatures.

Spokane has 16 gaming stores, meaning that somewhere around you, someone either knows about this game, sells the models and paint or its dice and tools. One such store is Hobbytown USA, located on Newport highway. Hobbytown is currently in the middle of what’s called a campaign. Campaigns are sets of adventures where players are sent out with different objectives or end goals for the time of play. The current campaign, Shadow Wars, was built to highlight the science fiction side of the Warhammer franchise, 40k.

“The community is mainly comprised of extremely endearing and passionate people who really just want to have fun and roll

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dice and have a good time,” said Jacob Poutre, an SFCC student and Warhammer enthusiast. “You have a few of them who really take things to the next level in terms of organizing events.”

Tournaments for Warhammer typically happen once a month, giving players time to paint, buy new models to add to their army, or refine their skills so that they feel confident going into play. In the past, tournaments have been hosted at Gamer’s Haven, a space big enough for players, those who just want to paint and build or spectators of the game itself.

“Look into what support you have,” Jase Resen, tournament organizer and Warhammer player.

“For Warhammer, for example, you can actually get prize support from the company that makes the models, or look and see if there are apps for running the tournaments.”

According to Bob Kelly over Gamers Haven, the gaming world is changing. While shops like Gamers Haven were once the most convenient option for tabletop gamers, online retailers are quickly taking over the space.

“I believe that 15 years from now the only retail businesses that are going to exist are the ones who provide a service,” said Kelly.

A&E

The Communicator · 05.18.2017 · Jared Grebe

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CREATING THE COMIC

Preston Smith | Contributed

Yo for f u can SPLOTCH COMICS RELEASES FIRST STORYLINE: CROSSFIRE upc ree as downlo omi a ng n PDF, c ad Cro s at h o ttps ew cha ntact t sfire is

BY BLAKE HERROD s ://w h r a ww. cters e staff ue one splo at th , or sfcc.blake.herrod@gmail.com se everything out of pocket and used With all the heroes that tchc e omi ir web e school resources,“ said Powell.

“But have come from Marvel, s cs.c rossfire, Blazergirl, Shifto, om ite DC, and the many indie comic now we have the Kickstarter for

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Black Beetle, and Radioactive companies it can be hard to create are the newest heroes to an original idea. Conner Monroe, wage war against crime. a local cosplayer and comic fan, SFCC and SCC’s own Preston thinks that they already have a way Smith and Charlie Powell, creators to stand out. of Splotch comics, present their “I think it's impossible to be first comic storyline in Crossfire. one hundred percent original The story, written by Andrew J these days,” said Monroe. “However Lucas and drawn by David Jaxon these guys are taking their favorite features a newly formed superhero elements of their favorite comics team fighting gangsters and thugs and creating their own piece of art in Chicago all to share with while learning to the world.

"I feel like I want to keep work as a team, That's what it small, I love small indie led by Crossfire. makes them They group have comic business," different and published issue one Charlie Powell that's what and are currently makes it working on the cool.” second.

To afford the production of their “Crossfire is an ex mercenary to comics, Smith and Powell pay out vigilante, and now the leader of of pocket and take in support from a superhero team that is fighting their Kickstarter. organized crime in Chicago and “In the beginning we paid for Detroit,” said Smith.

issue two, but Preston paid for issue one all out of pocket, and it turned out awesome.”

According to the duo, their goal isn’t to take the hobby and make it as big as a Marvel or DC; they prefer to stay small.

“I feel like I want to keep it small, I love small indie comic business,” said Powell. “I think a lot of true passion comes through, and a lot of good work comes through.

The current goal for Splotch comics is to reach 3,000 followers so that they can continue with their hobby.

“I just want to tell the stories I had in my head for awhile, but I would like for it to pay for itself,” said Smith. “If we had around 3,000 active followers buying our books it would be a hobby that Preston Smith and Conner Monroe at pays for itself.” the emerald city comic con

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A&E

The Communicator · 05.18.2017 · Jared Grebe

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

BENJAMIN GIACHETTI GIVES INSIGHT ON WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME AN ARTIST

Ben Giachetti practices patiently on his artwork

Riley Osborn | The Communicator

BY RILEY OSBORN sfcc.riley.osborn@gmail.com

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harcoal, pastel and pencil are the mediums in which one young artist uses to bring his art to life.

19-year-old SFCC student Benjamin Giachetti was born and raised in Spokane, WA. Despite his family's lack of personal interest in the arts Giachetti became captivated by the subject in grade seven. His drawing capabilities significantly improved during his sophomore year of high school when attending an art class taught by a Central Valley High School teacher Jenne Hatcher.

“I think Ben developed more than any student I’ve ever had,” said Hatcher. “Every semester, he would shock me with his growth as an artist”.

His creations consist of sci-fi

associate degree through the themed sketches and drawings, college Giachetti plans to transfer several resembling characters seen in the video game “Halo”, to Eastern Washington University. with others inspired by Marvel film The exact major Giachetti plans to pursue is currently undecided. characters.

However, he is sure of one thing; a “It helps me get away with the degree in stress that’s been going art will be "He is fearless about improving on in my pursued in his future. life. Plus, his art; you can tell he is passionArt it helps ate about what he does," educators me open my world who have - Megan Haworth taught a little bit, Giachetti ‘inside in in the here’,” said Giachetti. “It helps me ‘to show’ past speak highly in regard to his ambition and classroom attitude. what I think or what I feel when I “He listens to constructive watch a movie, or play something”. feedback,” said Megan Haworth, art Giachetti began attending SFCC as a higher education instructor at SFCC. “He is fearless starting point. After earning his about improving his art; you can

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tell he is passionate about what he does”.

During his art course with Haworth, the class was instructed to create a colored pencil surrealist collage similar to pieces created by the well known Belgian artist, Rene Magritte.

“He had a really awesome concept, his idea was incredibly strong,” said Haworth. “He made one of the better drawings in the class”.

Giachetti’s current work is comprised mainly of charcoal and colored pastels that come together to form intricate landscapes and fantasy illustrations.

“The thing about art is that it’s very time consuming” said Giachetti “I’ve learned from the past that I just need to be patient and take my time, don’t rush it".

SIDELINES

The Communicator · 05.18.2017 · Blake Herrod

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50,000 CLIMB DOOMSDAY HILL

Riley Osborn | The Communicator

50,000 FINISH THE 7.46 MILE BLOOMSDAY RACE

BY RILEY OSBORN sfcc.riley.osborn@gmail.com

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ystanders fill the streets with the sound of cheers while the echo of sneakers on the pavement can be heard from any direction.

The Lilac Bloomsday run is a community race first established in 1977 by olympian Don Kardong. The race is held annually, taking place on the first Sunday of every May. The race begins in Downtown Spokane and ends at the Monroe Street Bridge, a 7.46 mile distance. 40 years later, Spokane is hosting the 41st annual Bloomsday run. Although many aspects of the race have changed, it is clear that the culture and welcoming attitudes of the community associated with the race still remain.

Mother-daughter duo Denette and Bonnie Mauck have been participating in Bloomsday for a total of nine years. Denette travels all the way from Virginia

while Bonnie travels from Cocolalla, Idaho to participate in the Bloomsday race together.

The biggest improvements to the race itself has been in the functionality of it all, according to the Maucks.

“It’s smoother now,” said Denette Mauck. “The t-shirt pickup went a lot better this year”.

Along with these improvements, Bloomsday has evolved into an event that can more accurately hold runners accountable in regards to fully completing the race.

Stacy Nichols, an SCC student in the criminal justice program has been participating in the Bloomsday run for 20 years.

Over the last five she has begun running the race with her children as well.

“When I was 12 and I first started doing bloomsday, they used rows and didn't have ways

of tracking us,” said Nichols. “I noticed a lot of people would come in the middle racing because they weren't being tracked”.

In the 2006 Bloomsday run “a new timing system using transponder chips was implemented” according to bloomsdayrun.org. “The chips allowed all participants to start on Riverside Avenue and to be recorded based on net time from start to finish”.

Nichols explains that Bloomsday has created a positive impact in the community since it began.

“Bloomsday gives back to the community,” said Nichols. “It brings people out who wouldn't normally be out and getting involved”.

Few people have attended the annual Bloomsday run longer than Denese Masters.

Masters, a citizen of Newport,

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Washington, who has traveled to Spokane every year since the early 80’s. Each year Masters travels to downtown Spokane to observe the races and join in on the festivities.

“Gosh, I can’t even count how many years I’ve been coming,” said Masters.

Although Denise has since lost track of her years on the Bloomsday sidelines, she has no plans to end her tradition any time soon.

“I travel to Spokane every year to watch the race,” said Masters.

“My oldest daughter Sandi ran Bloomsday and now I come every year for her”.

Over the many years that Masters has come to observe Bloomsday, members from all walks of life have continued to gather.

“I come because of the people,” said Renne Masters, daughter of Denise.

RESOURCES

The Communicator · 05.18.2017 · Nicolas Zerbe

FREE RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

BY HARRISON BALDWIN sfcc.harrison.baldwin@gmail.com

TECH

The library offers students the option of checking out computers overnight, including 20 Macs and 60 Dells for rent on a first come first serve basis. To check out a computer, a student has to be 18, have a student ID, and be willing to sign an agreement form. The library also has fifteen hot spots available to students.

“Come to the library for any educational support such as research and electronic devices,” said Karen Waite, library circulation supervisor.

STUDY

To rent conference rooms in the SUB you can call 533-4195. Renting rooms in Building 30 are available as well. Call 5333535 to reserve a room.

PHOTO

“The Cage” in Building 11 is an office which allows photography and journalism students to check out photo, video and audio equipment for extended periods of time. Equipment that’s available includes Canon 5D Mark II DSLRs, Rode Video-Mics, and a range of lenses and camera accessories.

“We have a check-out program for photography students,” said Tom Duncan, lab tech.

Collin Masteller | The Communicator communicatoronline.org

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PICKS

The Communicator · 05.18.2017 · Blake Herrod

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SPRING WELCOME WEEK

SPOKANE RIVER RAFTING

All From 11:30-1:00 PM

With Wiley E. Waters June 2nd 1:30 PM- 5:30 PM

Monday May 22nd This day will have a Dunk Tank, Snow cones and knocker ball.

This event includes River Rafting, Dinner, and Transportation. $2 per student Sign up at ASG office, Starts on May 8th.

45 students maximum

Tuesday May 23rd This day will have Satori Dance Studio and Tacos Camargos.

Wednesday May 24th This day will include Club Day, Musical Artist Andy Rumsey, and Air Brush Art.

JUNETEENTH May 18th 2017

Thursday May 25th This day will have Northwest Hula Company, and Free food.

12:30-1:30 PM Student Union Building 17 Lounge 102-A Celebration for the ending of slavery.

Friday May 26th This day will have River City Roots Band and Jamaican Jerk Pan.

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