Vikings barely miss state finals See Sports on Page 8
Follow @ lbccvikingnews Volume 87, Issue 12
March 13, 2014
Published Since 1927
Food choices at the PCC are few Truck and Campus Store are only options. By Madison Salter Staff Writer
Liliana Duarte/Viking AMBIDEXTROUS ARITHMETIC: Kevin Ryan, an LBCC math professor, was recently awarded the Exceptional Student Success Award by the college. Ryan, who is ambidextrous, was nominated by his students for the award.
Math prof awarded again By Liliana Duarte Staff Writer
Math professor Kevin Ryan has won the Exceptional Student Success Award, an honor created especially for him to recognize his second Student Success Award. The awards celebrate LBCC employees nominated by students. Each year, students are encouraged to nominate one staff member and one faculty member who have contributed to their success. Ryan’s students shared positive things about him and his teaching skills. Claudia Limas, 20, an anthropology major, said she is taking Ryan’s calculus 2 course “for fun. “He’s awesome as a math professor. He’s really cool. You can
ask him anything and he encour- med psychology major, said, ages you not to be shy.” “I really like him. He’s very apOther students have taken all proachable, cheerful and supportthe courses Ryan has to offer. ive. He always has a good attitude Bryan Tomlin is one of those when he comes to class and a very students. Tomlin, 41, a nursing willing attitude to help and slow major, has taken four of Ryan’s down for the class if need be.” courses. Talking about how long he To m planned lin said, “He’s very approachable, cheerful on teach“He’ll take and supportive. He always has a ing, Ryan extra time, smiled he’ll stay good attitude.” and said, late and he -Faviolanny Rath “Until the comes on Pre-med psychology major day I die. Sundays I don’t for test reviews for like four or five know, until I retire for sure. I hope hours. He structures his lectures I never give it up. really well. He challenges us.” “I was Academic Senate presA few of his students said he ident here at LBCC for a year and doesn’t just teach, he cares about a half and it took me partly out the students’ success. of the classroom. I learned a lot Faviolanny Rath, 19, a pre- doing that, but I didn’t like that it
took me out of the classroom.” He also said that he has “no desire to be an administrator, ever.” Regarding his students, Ryan said, “When I see in the students’ eyes that they’ve always hated math and when they actually get it and smile. That sort of change in attitude, I absolutely love them smiling.” He said he learns from his students a lot. “I learn something new all the time. Not just about students, but about myself and better ways to teach, techniques that work, techniques that don’t work. I experiment all the time in class. I’m always trying to get better. “Being a part of this education career is a huge privilege,” he added.
gives them a chance to elect people with similar ideologies.” Ramirez also said he thinks LBCC should inform students more about upcoming elections. He said on his recent trip to Santa Monica Community College, various posters around campus encouraged students to vote. The Community Engagement Club will sponsor a candidate forum on Monday, March 17 from 5:30-8 p.m. at the LAC in T1200. Students and communi-
opposed by Virginia Baxter, executive director of the LBCC Foundation, for seat 5. Amber Gonzalez, 18, an herbology major, said, “I really don’t feel like my vote would make a difference, but people should vote if they want more out of the college.” Current Trustee Doug Otto is running for mayor of Long Beach. Otto was elected to the Board in 2004.
Voters to decide Board, city posts on April 8 By Madison Salter Staff Writer Elections for the LBCC Board of Trustees, mayor, city attorney, city auditor, city prosecutor, council seats and the Long Beach Unified School District Board will be Tuesday, April 8. LBCC Board seats 1, 3, and 5 are all up for election. Brandon Ramirez, 19, a health care administration major, said, “People should vote because it
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ty members will be able to hear candidates for the LBCC Board of Trustees and the school board answer questions about plans for the future of Long Beach. Current Trustee and Board President Jeffrey Kellogg is opposed by Marshall Blesofsky, a retired LBCC allied health professor. Stella Ursua, a business owner, is opposed by Sunny Zia, a civil engineer, for seat 3. Gregory Slaughter, a retired LBCC administration of justice teacher, is
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Hungry PCC students must continue to seek relief from the bright green Ideal Foods Truck parked by the trailers as the campus will continue without a Food Court until Spring 2015. The Campus Store sells premade sandwiches, but the truck may provide a fresh-cooked meal option. Celsa Penaloca, 22, an animal health science major, said, “Sometimes I wish there were more food resources on campus. It’s hard when you’re in a hurry between classes.” Sherif Saleh, vice president of operations for Ideal Foods Trucks, said the company has been serving students at the PCC for about two years. The trucks are subject to food inspections at random, Saleh said. The most recent inspection was in January. Saleh said no critical findings were discovered and all trucks are up to proper codes. Kim Sysawang, 20, a psychology major, said, “I never have cash to buy food from the truck. It’s sad. I’ve been here for two years and I hate having to buy sandwiches from the bookstore.” The trucks are not always able to accept debit or credit cards. Students are urged to pay with cash to avoid any conflicts. The Ideal Foods Truck does not have set operating hours. However, if students are looking for a more reliable food source, the Campus Store is open Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. and Fridays 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
No classes on March 18
LBCC classes will not meet on Flex Day on Tuesday, March 18. No services will be available on either campus, college officials said.
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